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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:38 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:38 -0700 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11326-0.txt b/11326-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..04a7c4a --- /dev/null +++ b/11326-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1750 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11326 *** + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 11326-h.htm or 11326-h.zip: + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/2/11326/11326-h/11326-h.htm) + or + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/2/11326/11326-h.zip) + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. 10, No. 288.] SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + + +The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City. + + +[Illustration: The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City.] + + +SPIRIT OF "THE ANNUALS" FOR 1828. + + +Our readers have annually anticipated a high treat from this splendid +intellectual banquet, served up by some of the master[1] spirits of +the age. + + [1] We hope this epithet will not be considered ungallant--for, to + say the truth, the _ladies_ have contributed the best poetical + portion of the feast. This display of female talent has + increased in brilliancy year after year: and the _Lords_ should + look to it. + +We doubt whether the comparison is refined enough for the fair +authoresses; but our fancy has led us to class their contributions to +the present feast as follow:-- + + +_Hock--Champagne_, (_Still and Sparkling_.) + +L.E.L. +Hood. + +_Bucellas._ + +Miss Mitford. +Bernard Barton. + +_Lacrymae Christi._ + +Mrs. Hemans. +Watts. +Delta. + +_Port._ + +Coleridge. +Southey. + +_Claret._ + +Montgomery, + + +with a due proportion of _vin ordinaire_. This comparison may be +pleasant enough as after-dinner chat, but we fear our readers will +think it like cooks circulating the Bills of Fare on the morning of +Lord Mayor's Day; and lest we should incur their displeasure, we +shall proceed with our select _course_: but we are mere disposers. + + * * * * * + + +THE LITERARY SOUVENIR. + + +In literary talent, as well as in graphic beauty, this elegant volume +stands first; and from it we have selected the subject of the above +engraving, accompanied by the following + + +ANCIENT SONG OF VICTORY. + +BY MRS. HEMANS. + + +Fill high the bowl, with Samian wine, +Our virgins dance beneath the shade. + +BYRON. + + + Lo! they come, they come! + Garlands for every shrine! + Strike lyres to greet them home; + Bring roses, pour ye wine! + + Swell, swell the Dorian flute + Thro' the blue, triumphal sky! + Let the Cittern's tone salute + The Sons of Victory! + + With the offering of bright blood, + They have ransomed earth and tomb, + Vineyard, and field, and flood;-- + Lo! they come, they come! + + Sing it where olives wave, + And by the glittering sea, + And o'er each hero's grave,-- + Sing, sing, the land is free! + + Mark ye the flashing oars, + And the spears that light the deep! + How the festal sunshine pours + Where the lords of battle sweep! + + Each hath brought back his shield,-- + Maid, greet thy lover home! + Mother, from that proud field, + Lo! thy son is come! + + Who murmured of the dead? + Hush, boding voice! we know + That many a shining head + Lies in its glory low. + + Breathe not those names to-day! + They shall have their praise ere long, + And a power all hearts to sway + In ever-burning song. + + But now shed flowers, pour wine, + To hail the conquerors home! + Bring wreaths for every shrine-- + Lo! they come, they come! + + +The original engraving is by Edward Goodall, from a painting by William +Linton, Esq. It is altogether a rich and glorious composition, at +this moment too, glowing with more than pictorial interest; and the +_carmen triumphale_ of the poetess is a worthy accompaniment. Among +the other engravings the frontispiece and opposite page of this work +are extremely rich and beautiful: _Psyche borne by the Zephyrs to the +Island of Pleasure_, is full of languishing beauty; _Medora_, painted +by Pickersgill and engraved by Rolls, is a delightfully placid +moonlight scene; the _Declaration_, easy and graceful: there are, +however, in our opinion, two decided failures in the volume, which, +for the credit of the artists, had better been omitted. Our present +notices of the _literary_ department must be confined to the following +selection: + + +THE CITY OF THE DEMONS. + +_By William Maginn, Esq._ + + +In days of yore, there lived in the flourishing city of Cairo, a Hebrew +Rabbi, by name Jochorian, who was the most learned of his nation. His +fame went over the East, and the most distant people sent their young +men to imbibe wisdom from his lips. He was deeply skilled in the +traditions of the fathers, and his word on a disputed point was decisive. +He was pious, just, temperate, and strict; but he had one vice--a love +of gold had seized upon his heart, and he opened not his hand to the +poor. Yet he was wealthy above most, his wisdom being to him the +source of riches. The Hebrews of the city were grieved at this blemish +on the wisest of their people; but though the elders of the tribes +continued to reverence him for his fame, the women and children of +Cairo called him by no other name than that of Rabbi Jochonan the miser. + +None knew, so well as he, the ceremonies necessary for initiation +into the religion of Moses; and, consequently, the exercise of those +solemn offices was to him another source of gain. One day, as he walked +in the fields about Cairo, conversing with a youth on the interpretation +of the law, it so happened, that the angel of death smote the young man +suddenly, and he fell dead before the feet of the Rabbi, even while he +was yet speaking. When the Rabbi found that the youth was dead, he rent +his garments, and glorified the Lord. But his heart was touched, and +the thoughts of death troubled him in the visions of the night. He +felt uneasy when he reflected on his hardness to the poor, and he +said, "Blessed be the name of the Lord! The first good thing that +I am asked to do in that holy name, will I perform."--But he sighed, +for he feared that some one might ask of him a portion of his gold. + +While yet he thought upon these things, there came a loud cry at his gate. + +"Awake, thou sleeper!" said the voice; "Awake! A child is in danger of +death, and the mother hath sent me for thee that thou may'st do thine +office." + +"The night is dark and gloomy," said the Rabbi, coming to his casement, +"and mine age is great; are there not younger men than I in Cairo?" + +"For thee only, Rabbi Jochonan, whom some call the wise, but whom others +call Rabbi Jochonan the miser, was I sent. Here is gold," said he, taking +out a purse of sequins--"I want not thy labour for nothing. I adjure thee +to come, in the name of the living God." + +So the Rabbi thought upon the vow he had just made, and he groaned in +spirit, for the purse sounded heavy. + +"As thou hast adjured me by that name, I go with thee," said he to the +man, "but I hope the distance is not far. Put up thy gold." + +"The place is at hand," said the stranger, who was a gallant youth, +in magnificent attire. "Be speedy, for time presses." + +Jochonan arose, dressed himself, and accompanied the stranger, after +having carefully locked up all the doors of his house, and deposited +his keys in a secret place--at which the stranger smiled. + +"I never remember," said the Rabbi, "so dark a night. Be thou to me as a +guide, for I can hardly see the way." + +"I know it well," replied the stranger with a sigh, "it is a way much +frequented, and travelled hourly by many; lean upon mine arm and fear +not." + +They journeyed on; and though the darkness was great, yet the Rabbi could +see, when it occasionally brightened, that he was in a place strange to +him. "I thought," said he, "I knew all the country for leagues about +Cairo, yet I know not where I am. I hope, young man," said he to his +companion, "that thou hast not missed the way;" and his heart misgave +him. + +"Fear not," returned the stranger. "Your journey is even now done," and, +as he spoke, the feet of the Rabbi slipped from under him, and he +rolled down a great height. When he recovered, he found that his +companion had fallen also, and stood by his side. + +"Nay, young man," said the Rabbi, "if thus thou sportest with the grey +hairs of age, thy days are numbered. Wo unto him who insults the hoary +head!" + +The stranger made an excuse, and they journeyed on some little further +in silence. The darkness grew less, and the astonished Rabbi, lifting +up his eyes, found that they had come to the gates of a city which he +had never before seen. Yet he knew all the cities of the land of Egypt, +and he had walked but half an hour from his dwelling in Cairo. So he +knew not what to think, but followed the man with trembling. + +They soon entered the gates of the city, which was lighted up as if +there were a festival in every house. The streets were full of +revellers, and nothing but a sound of joy could be heard. But when +Jochonan looked upon their faces--they were the faces of men pained +within; and he saw, by the marks they bore, that they were Mazikin +[demons]. He was terrified in his soul; and, by the light of the +torches, he looked also upon the face of his companion, and, behold! +he saw upon him too, the mark that shewed him to be a Demon. The Rabbi +feared excessively--almost to fainting; but he thought it better to be +silent; and sadly he followed his guide, who brought him to a splendid +house, in the most magnificent quarter of the city. + +"Enter here?" said the Demon to Jochonan, "for this house is mine. +The lady and the child are in the upper chamber;" and, accordingly, +the sorrowful Rabbi ascended the stair to find them. + +The lady, whose dazzling beauty was shrouded by melancholy beyond hope, +lay in bed; the child, in rich raiment, slumbered on the lap of the +nurse, by her side. + +"I have brought to thee, light of my eyes!" said the Demon, "Rebecca, +beloved of my soul! I have brought thee Rabbi Jochonan the wise, for +whom thou didst desire. Let him, then, speedily begin his office; I +shall fetch all things necessary, for he is in haste to depart." + +He smiled bitterly as he said these words, looking at the Rabbi; and left +the room, followed by the nurse. + +When Jochonan and the lady were alone, she turned in the bed towards him, +and said:-- + +"Unhappy man that thou art! knowest thou where thou hast been brought?" + +"I do," said he, with a heavy groan; I know that I am in a city of the +Mazikin." + +"Know, then, further," said she, and the tears gushed from eyes brighter +than the diamond, "know then, further, that no one is ever brought here, +unless he hath sinned before the Lord. What my sin hath been imports +not to thee--and I seek not to know thine. But here thou remainest +for ever--lost, even as I am lost." And she wept again. + +The Rabbi dashed his turban on the ground, and tearing his hair, +exclaimed, "Wo is me! Who art thou, woman! that speakest to me thus?" + +"I am a Hebrew woman," said she, "the daughter of a Doctor of the Laws +in the city of Bagdad; and being brought hither, it matters not how, +I am married to a prince among the Mazikin, even him who was sent for +thee. And that child, whom thou sawest, is our first-born, and I could +not bear the thought that the soul of our innocent babe should perish. +I therefore besought my husband to try to bring hither a priest, that +the law of Moses (blessed be his memory!) should be done; and thy fame, +which has spread to Bagdad, and lands further towards the rising of +the sun, made me think of thee. Now my husband, though great among +the Mazikin, is more just than the other Demons; and he loves me, +whom he hath ruined, with a love of despair. So he said, that the +name of Jochonan the wise was familiar unto him, and that he knew +thou wouldst not be able to refuse. What thou hast done, to give +him power over thee, is known to thyself." + +"I swear, before Heaven!" said the Rabbi, "that I have ever diligently +kept the law, and walked stedfastly according to the traditions of +our fathers, from the day of my youth upward. I have wronged no man +in word or deed, and I have daily worshipped the Lord; minutely +performing all the ceremonies thereto needful." + +"Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and more, +and yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, for I hear +the foot of my husband mounting the stair. There is one chance of thine +escape." + +"What is that? O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi. + +"Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here; and as long as +thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over thee, dead or alive. +Have courage, and persevere." + +As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, followed by the +nurse, who bore all things requisite for the ministration of the Rabbi. +With a heavy heart he performed his duty, and the child was numbered +among the faithful. But when, as usual, at the conclusion of the ceremony, +the wine was handed round to be tasted by the child, the mother, and the +Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying:-- + +"Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this day; and I will +not eat, neither will I drink." + +"Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon, "I will not that thou shouldst +break thy vow;" and he laughed aloud. + +So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber, looking into a garden, where +he passed the remainder of the night and the day weeping, and praying +to the Lord that he would deliver him from the city of Demons. But when +the twelfth hour came, and the sun was set, the Prince of the Mazikin +came again unto him, and said:-- + +"Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past;" and he set +meat before him. + +"Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this thing. I have +another vow for this day also. I pray thee be not angry with thy servant." + +"I am not angry," said the Demon, "be it as thou pleasest; I respect thy +vow;" and he laughed louder than before. + +So the Rabbi sat another day in his chamber by the garden, weeping and +praying. And when the sun had gone behind the hills, the Prince of the +Mazikin again stood before him, and said:-- + +"Eat now, for thou must be an hungered. It was a sore vow of thine;" and +he offered him daintier meats. + +And Jochonan felt a strong desire to eat, but he prayed inwardly to the +Lord, and the temptation passed, and he answered:-- + +"Excuse thy servant yet a third time, my lord, that I eat not. I have +renewed my vow." + +"Be it so, then," said the other; "arise, and follow me." + +The Demon took a torch in his hand, and led the Rabbi through winding +passages of his palace, to the door of a lofty chamber, which he +opened with a key that he took from a niche in the wall. On entering +the room, Jochonan saw that it was of solid silver--floor, ceiling, +walls, even to the threshold and the door-posts. And the curiously +carved roof, and borders of the ceiling, shone, in the torch-light, +as if they were the fanciful work of frost. In the midst were heaps +of silver money, piled up in immense urns of the same metal, even over +the brim. + +"Thou hast done me a serviceable act, Rabbi," said the Demon--"take of +these what thou pleasest; ay, were it the whole." + +"I cannot, my lord," said Jochonan. "I was adjured by thee to come hither +in the name of God; and in that name I came, not for fee or for reward." + +"Follow me," said the prince of the Mazikin; and Jochonan did so, into an +inner chamber. + +It was of gold, as the other was of silver. Its golden roof was supported +by pillars and pilasters of gold, resting upon a golden floor. The +treasures of the kings of the earth would not purchase one of the +four-and-twenty vessels of golden coins, which were disposed in six +rows along the room. No wonder! for they were filled by the constant +labours of the Demons of the mine. The heart of Jochonan was moved +by avarice, when he saw them shining in yellow light, like the autumnal +sun, as they reflected the beams of the torch. But God enabled him to +persevere. + +"These are thine," said the Demon; "one of the vessels which thou +beholdest would make thee richest of the sons of men--and I give thee +them all." + +But Jochonan refused again; and the Prince of the Mazikin opened the +door of a third chamber, which was called the Hall of Diamonds. When +the Rabbi entered, he screamed aloud, and put his hands over his eyes; +for the lustre of the jewels dazzled him, as if he had looked upon the +noon-day sun. In vases of agate were heaped diamonds beyond enumeration, +the smallest of which was larger than a pigeon's egg. On alabaster +tables lay amethysts, topazes, rubies, beryls, and all other precious +stones, wrought by the hands of skilful artists, beyond power of +computation. The room was lighted by a carbuncle, which, from the end +of the hall, poured its ever-living light, brighter than the rays of +noontide, but cooler than the gentle radiance of the dewy moon. This +was a sore trial on the Rabbi; but he was strengthened from above, and +he refused again. + +"Thou knowest me then, I perceive, O Jochonan, son of Ben-David," said +the Prince of the Mazikin; "I am a Demon who would tempt thee to +destruction. As thou hast withstood so far, I tempt thee no more. Thou +hast done a service which, though I value it not, is acceptable in the +sight of her whose love is dearer to me than the light of life. Sad has +been that love to thee, my Rebecca! Why should I do that which would make +thy cureless grief more grievous? You have yet another chamber to see," +said he to Jochonan, who had closed his eyes, and was praying fervently +to the Lord, beating his breast. + +Far different from the other chambers, the one into which the Rabbi was +next introduced, was a mean and paltry apartment, without furniture. +On its filthy walls hung innumerable bunches of rusty keys, of all sizes, +disposed without order. Among them, to the astonishment of Jochonan, +hung the keys of his own house, those which he had put to hide when +he came on this miserable journey, and he gazed upon them intently. + +"What dost thou see," said the Demon, "that makes thee look so eagerly? +Can he who has refused silver, and gold, and diamonds, be moved by a +paltry bunch of rusty iron?" + +"They are mine own, my lord," said the Rabbi, "them will I take, if they +be offered me." + +"Take them, then," said the Demon, putting them into his hand;--"thou +may'st depart. But, Rabbi, open not thy house only, when thou returnest +to Cairo, but thy heart also. That thou didst not open it before, was +that which gave me power over thee. It was well that thou didst one +act of charity in coming with me without reward, for it has been thy +salvation. Be no more Rabbi Jochonan the miser." + +The Rabbi bowed to the ground, and blessed the Lord for his escape. "But +how," said he, "am I to return, for I know not the way?" + +"Close thine eyes," said the Demon. He did so, and in the space of a +moment, heard the voice of the Prince of Mazikin ordering him to open +them again. And, behold, when he opened them, he stood in the centre of +his own chamber, in his house at Cairo, with the keys in his hand. + +When he recovered from his surprise, and had offered thanksgivings to +God, he opened his house, and his heart also. He gave alms to the poor, +he cheered the heart of the widow, and lightened the destitution of +the orphan. His hospitable board was open to the stranger, and his +purse was at the service of all who needed to share it. His life was +a perpetual act of benevolence; and the blessings showered upon him +by all, were returned bountifully upon him by the hand of God. + +But people wondered, and said, "Is not this the man who was called Rabbi +Jochonan the miser? What hath made the change?" And it became a saying +in Cairo. When it came to the ears of the Rabbi, he called his friends +together, and he avowed his former love of gold, and the danger to which +it had exposed him; relating all which has been above told, in the +hall of the new palace that he built by the side of the river, on the +left hand, as thou goest down by the course of the great stream. And +wise men, who were scribes, wrote it down from his mouth, for the +memory of mankind, that they might profit thereby. And a venerable man, +with a beard of snow, who had read it in these books, and at whose feet +I sat, that I might learn the wisdom of the old time, told it to me. +And I write it in the tongue of England, the merry and the free, on +the tenth day of the month Nisan, in the year, according to the lesser +computation, five hundred ninety and seven, that thou may'st learn good +thereof. If not, the fault be upon thee. + + * * * * * + + +STANZAS + + +_Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War, hanging in a Country +Church._ + +BY ALARIC A. WATTS. + + + Oh! why amid this hallowed scene. + Should signs of mortal feud be found; + Why seek with such vain gauds to wean + Our thoughts from holier relics 'round? + More fitting emblems here abound + Of glory's bright, unfading wreath;-- + Conquests, with purer triumphs crowned;-- + Proud victories over Sin and Death! + + Of these how many records rise + Before my chastened spirit now; + Memorials, pointing to the skies, + Of Christian battles fought below. + What need of yon stern things to shew + That darker deeds have oft been done?-- + Is't not enough for Man to know + He lives but through the blood of ONE! + + And thou, mild delegate of God, + Whose words of balm, and guiding light. + Would lead us, from earth's drear abode, + To worlds with bliss for ever bright,-- + What have the spoils of mortal fight + To do with themes 'tis thine to teach? + Faith's saving grace--each sacred rite + Thou know'st to practice as to preach! + + The blessings of the contrite heart, + Thy bloodless conquests best proclaim; + The tears from sinners' eyes that start, + Are meetest records of thy fame. + The glory that may grace thy name + From loftier triumphs sure must spring;-- + The grateful thoughts thy worth may claim, + Trophies like these can never bring! + + Then, wherefore on this sainted spot, + With peace and love, and hope imbued,-- + Some vision calm of bliss to blot, + And turn our thoughts on deeds of blood,-- + Should signs of battle-fields intrude:-- + Man wants no trophies here of strife; + His Oriflamme--Faith unsubdued;-- + His Panoply--a spotless life! + + * * * * * + + +THE BRITISH SAILOR'S SONG. + +BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. + + + Away with bayonet and with lance, + With corslet, casque and sword; + Our island king no war-horse needs, + For on the sea he's lord. + His throne's the war-ship's lofty deck, + His sceptre is the mast; + His kingdom is the rolling wave, + His servant is the blast. + His anchor's up, fair Freedom's flag + Proud to the mast he nails; + Tyrants and conquerors bow your heads, + For there your terror sails. + + I saw fierce Prussia's chargers stand, + Her children's sharp swords out;-- + Proud Austria's bright spurs streaming red, + When rose the closing shout. + But soon the steeds rushed masterless, + By tower and town and wood; + For lordly France her fiery youth + Poured o'er them like a flood. + Go, hew the gold spurs from your heels, + And let your steeds run free; + Then come to our unconquered decks, + And learn to reign at sea. + + Behold you black and battered hulk + That slumbers on the tide, + There is no sound from stem to stern, + For peace has plucked her pride. + The masts are down, the cannon mute, + She shews nor sheet nor sail; + Nor starts forth with the seaward breeze, + Nor answers shout nor hail. + Her merry men with all their mirth, + Have sought some other shore; + And she with all her glory on, + Shall rule the sea no more. + + So landsmen speak.--Lo! her top-masts + Are quivering in the sky + Her sails are spread, her anchor's raised, + There sweeps she gallant by. + A thousand warriors fill her decks; + Within her painted side + The thunder sleeps--man's might has nought + Can match or mar her pride. + In victor glory goes she forth, + Her stainless flag flies free, + Kings of the earth come and behold + How Britain reigns on sea! + + When on your necks the armed foot + Of fierce Napoleon trod; + And all was his save the wide sea, + Where we triumphant rode: + He launched his terror and his strength, + Our sea-born pride to tame; + They came--they got the Nelson-touch, + And vanished as they came. + Go, hang your bridles in your halls, + And set your war-steels free: + The world has one unconquer'd king, + And he reigns on the sea! + + +Mr. Watts, the editor, besides the stanzas we have quoted, has +contributed indeed less than other editors, in similar works, and much +less than we could wish, for we are sincere admirers of his plaintive +muse. His preface should be read with due attention, for it is +calculated to set the public right on the _fate and merit_ of numberless +works. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE FORGET ME NOT. + + +The _avant-courier_ of the "Annuals" is of equal literary merit with +its precursors; but not quite equal in its engravings--The _Sisters' +Dream_, by Davenport, from a drawing by Corbould, is, however, placidly +interesting; the _Bridal Morning_, by Finden, is also a pleasing +scene; and the _Seventh Plague of Egypt_, by Le Keux, from a design by +Martin, though in miniature, is terrific and sublime. In the literary +department we especially notice the _Sun-Dial_, a pensive tale, by Delta, +but too long for extract; and the _Sky-Lark_ by the Ettrick Shepherd, +soaring with all the freshness and fancy of that extraordinary genius. +The _Sword_, a beautiful picture of martial woe, by Miss Landon, is +subjoined:-- + + + 'Twas the battle field, and the cold pale moon + Look'd down on the dead and dying, + And the wind pass'd o'er with a dirge and a wail, + Where the young and the brave were lying. + + With his father's sword in his red right hand. + And the hostile dead around him, + Lay a youthful chief: but his bed was the ground, + And the grave's icy sleep had bound him. + + A reckless Rover, 'mid death and doom, + Pass'd a soldier, his plunder seeking: + Careless he stept where friend and foe + Lay alike in their life-blood reeking. + + Drawn by the shine of the warrior's sword, + The soldier paused beside it: + He wrench'd the hand with a giant's strength, + But the grasp of the dead defied it. + + He loosed his hold, and his English heart + Took part with the dead before him, + And he honour'd the brave who died sword in hand, + As with soften'd brow he leant o'er him. + + "A soldier's death thou hast boldly died, + A soldier's grave won by it: + Before I would take that sword from thine hand, + My own life's blood should dye it. + + "Thou shalt not be left for the carrion crow, + Or the wolf to batten o'er thee: + Or the coward insult the gallant dead, + Who in life had trembled before thee." + + Then dug he a grave in the crimson earth + Where his warrior foe was sleeping, + And he laid him there in honour and rest, + With his sword in his own brave keeping. + + + * * * * * + +As a relief, we quote the following characteristic sketch by Miss +Mitford:-- + + +A COUNTRY APOTHECARY. + + +One of the most important personages in a small country town is the +apothecary. He takes rank next after the rector and the attorney, and +before the curate; and could be much less easily dispensed with than +either of those worthies, not merely as holding "fate and physic" in his +hand, but as the general, and as it were official, associate, adviser, +comforter, and friend, of all ranks and all ages, of high and low, rich +and poor, sick and well. I am no despiser of dignities; but twenty +emperors shall be less intensely missed in their wide dominions, than +such a man as my friend John Hallett in his own small sphere. + +The spot which was favoured with the residence of this excellent person +was the small town of Hazelby, in Dorsetshire; a pretty little place, +where every thing seems at a stand-still. It was originally built in +the shape of the letter T; a long broad market-place (still so called, +although the market be gone) serving for the perpendicular stem, traversed +by a straight, narrow, horizontal street, to answer for the top line. +Not one addition has occurred to interrupt this architectural regularity, +since, fifty years ago, a rich London tradesman built, at the west end +of the horizontal street, a wide-fronted single house, with two low +wings, iron palisades before, and a fish-pond opposite, which still +goes by the name of New Place, and is balanced, at the east end of +the street, by an erection of nearly the same date, a large square +dingy mansion enclosed within high walls, inhabited by three maiden +sisters, and called, probably by way of nickname, the Nunnery. New Place +being on the left of the road, and the Nunnery on the right, the T has +now something of the air of the italic capital T, turned up at one end +and down at the other. The latest improvements are the bow-window in the +market-place, commanding the pavement both ways, which the late brewer, +Andrews, threw out in his snug parlour some twenty years back, and where +he used to sit smoking, with the sash up, in summer afternoons, enjoying +himself, good man; and the great room, at the Swan, originally built by +the speculative publican, Joseph Allwright, for an assembly-room. That +speculation did not answer. The assembly, in spite of canvassing and +patronage, and the active exertions of all the young ladies in the +neighbourhood, dwindled away, and died at the end of two winters: +then it became a club-room for the hunt; but the hunt quarrelled with +Joseph's cookery: then a market-room for the farmers; but the farmers +(it was in the high-price time) quarrelled with Joseph's wine: then it +was converted into the magistrate's room--the bench; but the bench and +the market went away together, and there was an end of justicing: then +Joseph tried the novel attraction (to borrow a theatrical phrase) of a +billiard-table; but, alas! that novelty succeeded as ill as if it had +been theatrical; there were not customers enough to pay the marker: at +last, it has merged finally in that unconscious receptacle of pleasure +and pain, a post-office; although Hazelby has so little to do with +traffic of any sort--even the traffic of correspondence--that a saucy +mail-coach will often carry on its small bag, and as often forget to +call for the London bag in return. + +In short, Hazelby is an insignificant place;--my readers will look +for it in vain in the map of Dorsetshire;--it is omitted, poor dear +town!--left out by the map-maker with as little remorse as a dropped +letter!--and it is also an old-fashioned place. It has not even a cheap +shop for female gear. Every thing in the one store which it boasts, +kept by Martha Deane, linen-draper and haberdasher, is dear and good, +as things were wont to be. You may actually get there thread made of +flax, from the gouty, uneven, clumsy, shiny fabric, ycleped whited-brown, +to the delicate commodity of Lisle, used for darning muslin. I think +I was never more astonished, from the mere force of habit, than when, +on asking for thread, I was presented, instead of the pretty lattice-wound +balls, or snowy reels of cotton, with which that demand is usually +answered, with a whole drawerful of skeins peeping from their blue papers +--such skeins as in my youth a thrifty maiden would draw into the +nicely-stitched compartments of that silken repository, a housewife, or +fold into a congeries of graduated thread-papers, "fine by degrees, and +beautifully less." The very literature of Hazelby is doled out at the +pastry cook's, in a little one-windowed shop kept by Matthew Wise. Tarts +occupy one end of the counter, and reviews the other; whilst the shelves +are parcelled out between books, and dolls, and ginger, bread. It is a +question, by which of his trades poor Matthew gains least; he is so +shabby, so threadbare, and so starved. + +Such a town would hardly have known what to do with a highly informed and +educated surgeon, such as one now generally sees in that most liberal +profession. My friend, John Hallett, suited it exactly. His predecessor, +Mr. Simon Saunders, had been a small, wrinkled, spare old gentleman, +with a short cough and a thin voice, who always seemed as if he needed +an apothecary himself. He wore generally a full suit of drab, a flaxen +wig of the sort called a Bob Jerom, and a very tight muslin stock; a +costume which he had adopted in his younger days in imitation of the +most eminent physician of the next city, and continued to the time of +his death. Perhaps the cough might have been originally an imitation +also, ingrafted on the system by habit. It had a most unsatisfactory +sound, and seemed more like a trick than a real effort of nature. His +talk was civil, prosy, and fidgetty: much addicted to small scandal, +and that kind of news which passes under the denomination of +tittle-tattle, he was sure to tell one half of the town where the +other drank tea, and recollected the blancmanges and jellies on a +supper-table, or described a new gown, with as much science and +unction as if he had been used to make jellies and wear gowns in +his own person. Certain professional peculiarities might have +favoured the supposition. His mode of practice was exactly that +popularly attributed to old women. He delighted in innocent +remedies--manna, magnesia, and camphor julep; never put on a +blister in his life; and would sooner, from pure complaisance, +let a patient die, than administer an unpalatable prescription. + +So qualified, to say nothing of his gifts in tea-drinking, cassino, +and quadrille (whist was too many for him), his popularity could not +be questioned. When he expired, all Hazelby mourned. The lamentation +was general. The women of every degree (to borrow a phrase from that +great phrase-monger, Horace Walpole) "cried quarts;" and the procession +to the churchyard--that very churchyard to which he had himself attended +so many of his patients--was now followed by all of them that remained +alive. + +It was felt that the successor of Mr. Simon Saunders would have many +difficulties to encounter. My friend, John Hallett, "came, and saw, and +overcame." John was what is usually called a rough diamond. Imagine a +short, clumsy, stout-built figure, almost as broad as it is long, +crowned by a bullet head, covered with shaggy brown hair, sticking out +in every direction; the face round and solid, with a complexion originally +fair, but dyed one red by exposure to all sorts of weather; open +good-humoured eyes, of a greenish cast, his admirers called them hazel; +a wide mouth, full of large white teeth; a cocked-up nose, and a double +chin; bearing altogether a strong resemblance to a print which I once +saw hanging up in an alehouse parlour, of "the celebrated divine (to use +the identical words of the legend) Dr. Martin Luther." + +The condition of a country apothecary being peculiarly liable to the +inclemency of the season, John's dress was generally such as might bid +defiance to wind, or rain, or snow, or hail. If any thing, he wrapt up +most in the summer, having a theory that people were never so apt to +take cold as in hot weather. He usually wore a bearskin great-coat, a +silk handkerchief over his cravat, top boots on those sturdy pillars his +legs, a huge pair of overalls, and a hat, which, from, the day in which +it first came into his possession to that in which it was thrown aside, +never knew the comfort of being freed from its oilskin--never was allowed +to display the glossy freshness of its sable youth. Poor dear hat! how its +vanity (if hats have vanity) must have suffered! For certain its owner +had none, unless a lurking pride in his own bluffness and bluntness +may be termed such. He piqued himself on being a plain downright +Englishman, and on a voice and address pretty much like his apparel, +rough, strong, and warm, fit for all weathers. A heartier person never +lived. + +In his profession he was eminently skilful, bold, confident, and +successful. The neighbouring physicians liked to come after Mr. Hallett; +they were sure to find nothing to undo. And blunt and abrupt as was +his general manner, he was kind and gentle in a sick-room; only nervous +disorders, the pet diseases of Mr. Simon Saunders, he could not abide. +He made short work with them; frightened them away as one does by +children when they have the hiccough; or if the malady were pertinacious +and would not go, he fairly turned off the patient. Once or twice, +indeed, on such occasions, the patient got the start, and turned him +off; Mrs. Emery, for instance, the lady's maid at New Place, most +delicate and mincing of waiting-gentlewomen, motioned him from her +presence; and Miss Deane, daughter of Martha Deane, haberdasher, +who, after completing her education at a boarding-school, kept a closet +full of millinery in a little den behind her mamma's shop, and was by +many degrees the finest lady in Hazelby, was so provoked at being told +by him that nothing ailed her, that, to prove her weakly condition, she +pushed him by main force out of doors. + +With these exceptions Mr. Hallett was the delight of the whole town, as +well as of all the farm-houses within six miles round. He just suited +the rich yeomanry, cured their diseases, and partook of their feasts; +was constant at christenings, and a man of prime importance at weddings. +A country merry-making was nothing without "the Doctor." He was "the +very prince of good fellows;" had a touch of epicurism, which, without +causing any distaste of his own homely fare, made dainties acceptable +when they fell in his way; was a most absolute carver; prided himself +upon a sauce of his own invention, for fish and game--"Hazelby sauce" +he called it; and was universally admitted to be the best compounder +of a bowl of punch in the county. + +Besides these rare convivial accomplishments, his gay and jovial temper +rendered him the life of the table. There was no resisting his droll +faces, his droll stories, his jokes, his tricks, or his laugh--the most +contagious cachination that ever was heard. Nothing in the shape of fun +came amiss to him. He would join in a catch or roar out a solo, which +might be heard a mile off; would play at hunt the slipper or blind man's +buff; was a great man in a country dance, and upon very extraordinary +occasions would treat the company to a certain remarkable hornpipe, +which put the walls in danger of tumbling about their ears, and belonged +to him as exclusively as the Hazelby sauce. It was a sort of parody on a +pas seul which he had once seen at the Opera-house, in which his face, +his figure, his costume, his rich humour, and his strange, awkward, +unexpected activity, told amazingly. "The force of _frolic_ could no +farther go" than "the Doctor's hornpipe," It was the climax of jollity. + + * * * * * + +In his shop and his household he had no need either of partner or of +wife: the one was excellently managed by an old rheumatic journeyman, +slow in speech, and of vinegar aspect, who had been a pedagogue in +his youth, and now used to limp about with his Livy in his pocket, +and growl as he compounded the medicines over the bad latinity of the +prescriptions; the other was equally well conducted by an equally +ancient housekeeper and a cherry-cheeked niece, the orphan-daughter of +his only sister, who kept every thing within doors in the bright and +shining order in which he delighted. John Hallett, notwithstanding the +roughness of his aspect, was rather knick-knacky in his tastes; a great +patron of small inventions, such as the _improved_ ne plus ultra +cork-screw, and the latest patent snuffers. He also trifled with +horticulture, dabbled in tulips, was a connoisseur in pinks, and had +gained a prize for polyanthuses. The garden was under the especial care +of his pretty niece, Miss Susan, a grateful warm-hearted girl, who +thought she never could do enough to please her good uncle, and prove +her sense of his kindness. He was indeed as fond of her as if he had +been her father, and as kind. + +Perhaps there was nothing very extraordinary in his goodness to the +gentle and cheerful little girl who kept his walks so trim and his +parlour so neat, who always met him with a smile, and who (last and +strongest tie to a generous mind) was wholly dependent on him--had no +friend on earth but himself. There was nothing very uncommon in that. +But John Hallett was kind to every one, even where the sturdy old English +prejudices, which he cherished as virtues, might seem most likely to +counteract his gentler feelings. + + * * * * * + + +"_The Evening Song of the Tyrolese Peasants_" by Mrs. Hemans, must close +our extracts from the present volume:-- + + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone; + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + The twilight-star to Heaven, + And the summer-dew to flowers, + And rest to us is given + By the cool soft evening hours. + + Sweet is the hour of rest! + Pleasant the wind's low sigh, + And the gleaming of the west, + And the turf whereon we lie. + + When the burden and the heat + Of labour's task are o'er, + And kindly voices greet + The tired one at his door. + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone; + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + Yes: tuneful is the sound + That dwells in whispering boughs: + Welcome the freshness round, + And the gale that fans our brows. + + But rest more sweet and still + Than ever night-fall gave, + Our longing hearts shall fill, + In the world beyond the grave. + + There shall no tempest blow, + No scorching noon-tide heat; + There shall be no more snow, + No weary wandering feet. + + And we lift our trusting eyes, + From the hills our fathers trod. + To the quiet of the skies, + To the sabbath of our God. + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone: + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + +We have only room to particularize the _Boroom Slave_, by Mrs. Bowditch; +the _Magician's Visiter_, by Neele; and _Scenes in the Life of a +Favourite_; all which possess very powerful interest. Mr. Hood, too, +has two oddities--_Death in the Kitchen_, after Sterne, and the +_Logicians_, accompanied by engravings. Indeed, the literary variety +of the present _Forget Me Not_ is highly creditable to the editor, Mr. +Shoberl. + + * * * * * + + + + +_Friendship's Offering_. + +To begin with the exterior, which is somewhat novel in taste, the +proprietors seem to have united the _utile cum dulci,_ by substituting +for the usual paper covering, an elegantly embossed leather binding. +This is altogether an improvement on the original plan, since the slight +coverings of silk or paper is scarcely safe out of the drawing-room or +boudoir, and some of the contributions to the "annuals" entitle them to +a higher stand. The presentation plate of the present _Offering_ is a +chaste and classical specimen of a kind of gold enamel engraving; +_The Sylph_, engraved by Humphreys, is a pleasing picture; _Virginia +Water_, from a picture by Daniell, is a delightful scene of rural +repose; a _Sculpture Group_, by Fry; a _View of Bombay_; and the +_Captive Slave_, by Finden; among the embellishments, are entitled +to our commendatory notice. + +The present editor is Mr. Charles Knight, who, according to his preface, +succeeded "at an advanced period of the year to the duties which had +previously been performed by a gentleman of acknowledged taste and +ability." This may account for the imperfect state of some of the +engravings; but the apology is not so requisite for the execution of the +literary portion of the present volume. Our extracts must be short, for +we have other claimants to our attention. The _Housekeepers_, a Shandean +extract, is from one of the best prose contributors:-- + +There were two heavy, middle-aged merchants; they were either Dutch or +German, I know not which, but their name was Vanderclump. Most decided +old bachelors they were, with large, leathern, hanging cheeks, sleepy +grey eyes, and round shoulders. They were men not given to much speech, +but great feeders; and, when waited upon, would point clumsily to what +they wanted, and make a sort of low growl, rather than be at the trouble +to speak. These Messrs. Vanderclump were served by two tall, smooth-faced +dawdles; I never could discover which held the superior station in +the _ménage_. Each has been seen trotting home from market with a basket +on her arm; each might be observed to shake a duster out of the upper +windows; each would, occasionally, carry a huge bunch of keys, or wait at +table during dinner; and, in the summer evenings, when it was not post-day, +both of them would appear, dressed alike, sitting at work at the lower +counting-house window, with the blinds thrown wide open. Both, I suppose, + were housekeepers. + +It happened, one cold, foggy spring, that the younger brother, Mr. Peter +Vanderclump, left London to transact some business of importance with a +correspondent at Hamburgh, leaving his brother Anthony to the loneliness +of their gloomy house in St. Mary Axe. Week after week passed away, and +Mr. Peter was still detained at Hamburgh. Who would have supposed that +his society could have been missed? that the parlour could have seemed +more dismally dull by the absence of one of those from whom it chiefly +derived its character of dulness? Mr. Anthony took up his largest +meerchaum, and enveloped himself in its smoke by the hour; but the +volumes of smoke cleared away, and no Peter Vanderclump appeared emerging +from the mist. Mr. Anthony brought some of his heavy folios from below; +and, in their pages of interest, (no common, but often compound, interest,) +lost, for awhile, the dreary sense of loneliness. But, a question +was to be asked! Peter's solemn "yah" or "nien" was waited for in +vain. Forgetful, and almost impatient, Anthony looked up--the chair +was unoccupied which his brother had constantly filled. + +Mr. Anthony began to sigh--he got into a habit of sighing. Betty and +Molly (they were soft-hearted baggages) felt for their master--pitied +their poor master! Betty was placing the supper on the table one evening, +when her master sighed very heavily. Betty sighed also, and the corners +of her mouth fell--their eyes met--something like a blush crimsoned +Betty's sleek, shining cheek, when, on raising her eyes again, her master +was still staring at her. Betty simpered, and, in her very soft, very +demure voice ventured to say, "Was there any thing she could do?" Mr. +Vanderclump rose up from his chair. Betty, for the first time, felt +awed by his approach. "Batee!" he said, "my poor Batee! Hah! you are +a goot girl!" He chucked her under the chin with his large hand. Betty +looked meek, and blushed, and simpered again. There was a pause--Mr. +Vanderclump was the first to disturb it. "Hah! hah!" he exclaimed, +gruffly, as if suddenly recollecting himself; and, thrusting both hands +into his capacious breeches-pockets, he sat down to supper, and took no +further notice of Betty that night. + +The next morning, the sun seemed to have made a successful struggle with +the dense London atmosphere, and shone full in Mr. Vanderclump's face +while he was at breakfast, and set a piping bullfinch singing a tune, +which his master loved rather for the sake of old associations, than +from any delight in music. Then Lloyd's List was full of arrivals, +and the Price Current had that morning some unusual charm about it, +which I cannot even guess at. Mr. Vanderclump looked upon the bright +and blazing fire; his eye rested, with a calm and musing satisfaction, +on the light volumes of steam rising from the spout of the tea-kettle, +as it stood, rather murmuring drowsily, than hissing, upon the hob. There +was, he might have felt, a sympathy between them. They were both placidly +puffing out the warm and wreathing smoke. + +He laid down his pipe, and took half a well-buttered muffin into his +capacious mouth at a bite; he washed the mouthful down, with a large +dish of tea, and he felt in better spirits. That morning he entered the +counting-house rubbing his hands. + +Within an hour a crowd of huge, dusky clouds shut out the merry sunshine, +and the Hamburgh mail brought no tidings whatever of Mr. Peter. Mr. +Anthony worked himself up into a thorough ill-humour again, and swore +at his clerks, because they asked him questions. When he entered his +apartment that evening he felt more desolate than ever. Betty placed +a barrel of oysters on the table--he heeded her not;--a large German +sausage--his eyes were fixed on the ground;--a piece of Hamburgh beef +--Mr. Vanderclump looked up for an instant, and, Europa-like, his +thoughts crossed the sea, upon that beef, to Hamburgh. Gradually, +however, a genial warmth spread throughout the room, for Betty stirred +up the fire, and let down the curtains, and snuffed the dim candles; +while Molly loaded the table with bottles of divers shapes and sizes, +a basin of snow-white sugar, and a little basket of limes, of well-known +and exquisite flavour; placing, at the same time, a very small kettle of +boiling water on the fire.--"Why, Mollee! my goot girl!" said Mr. +Vanderclump, in a low and somewhat melancholy tone, (his eyes had +mechanically followed these latter proceedings,) "Mollee! that is ponch!" +--"La, sir! and why not?" replied the damsel, almost playfully. "Why +not be comfortable and cheery? I am sure"--and here she meant to look +encouraging, her usual simper spreading to a smile--"I am sure Betty and +I would do our best to make you so." + +"Goot girls, goot girls!" said Mr. Vanderclump, his eyes fixed all the +while upon the supper-table--he sat down to it. "My goot girls!" said +he, soon after, "you may go down; I do not want you; you need not wait." +The two timid, gentle creatures instantly obeyed. More than an hour +elapsed, and then Mr. Vanderclump's bell rang. The two matronly maidens +were very busily employed in making a new cap. Betty rose at once; but +suddenly recollecting that she had been trying on her new and unfinished +cap, and had then only a small brown cotton skull-cap on her head, she +raised both her hands to her head to be certain of this, and then said, +"Do, Molly, there's a dear! answer the bell; for such a figure as I am, +I could not go before master, no how. See, I have unpicked this old cap +for a little bit of French edging at the back." Molly looked a little +peevish; but _her_ cap was on her head, and up stairs she went. Mr. +Vanderclump was sitting before the fire, puffing lustily from his +eternal pipe. "Take away," he said abruptly, "and put the leetle table +here." He pointed and growled, and the sagacious Molly understood. She +placed the table beside him, and upon it the punch, which he had been +drinking. "Batee, my poor Batee!" said Mr. Vanderclump, who had not yet +noticed that Betty was absent. "It is not Betty, but Molly, sir!" +replied the latter damsel, in a voice of childlike simplicity. "Hah!" +said he, apparently considering for a moment, "Hah! Batee, Mollee, all +the same! Mollee, my poor Mollee, you are a goot girl! Get up to-morrow +morning, my poor Mollee, and put on your best gown, and I will marry +you!" Molly, was, as she afterwards declared, struck all of a heap. She +gaped, and gasped with astonishment; and then a power of words were +rushing and racing up her throat to her tongue's end: a glance at her +master stopped their explosion. His hands were in his pockets, his face +towards the fire, his pipe in his mouth. "Yes, sir," she replied, humbly +and distinctly. A few tears trickled down her cheeks, as she curtseyed +low at the door, and disappeared. She knew his ways, she thought within +herself, as she walked very slowly down the stairs, and she +congratulated herself that she had not risked another word in reply. +"And now, Betty," she said, as she entered the kitchen, "I'll put the +finishing stitch to my cap, and go to bed, for master will want nothing +more to-night." She sat down quietly to work, and conversed quietly with +Betty, not disclosing a word of her new prospects, Betty, however, +observed that she took off the trimming with which her new cap had been +already half-adorned. "Why, bless me, Molly!" she cried, "you are not +going to put on that handsome white satin bow, are you?"--"Why, yes! I +think I shall," replied Molly, "for now I look at your cap, with that +there yellow riband upon it, mine seems to me quite old-maidish." + +The next morning, Molly got up before her sister, and put on her best +gown and her new cap. The morning was dark and dull, and Betty was +sleepy, and Molly kept the window-curtain and the bed-curtains closely +drawn. Unsuspected, she slipped out of the chamber, her shawl and her +bonnet in her hand. + +As the clock struck eight, Molly was standing beside her master before the +rails of the marriage-altar; and, not long after, she burst upon the +astonished eyes of her sister, as Mrs. Vanderclump. + + * * * * * + +_La Villegiatura_ is a pleasant article; but we do not think there is +much of the "love of pastoral associations" left in the English character, +and we are sorry for it. The _Rustic Wreath_, by Miss Mitford, is very +sweet; the _Cacadore_, a story of the peninsular war, is a soul-stirring +narrative; there is much pleasantry in Mrs. Hofland's _Comforts of +Conceitedness; Virginia Water_, by the editor, could hardly be written +by his fireside--it has too much local inspiration in every line; +_Auguste de Valcour_, by the author of _Gilbert Earle_, is in his usual +felicitous vein of philosophic melancholy; Miss Roberts has a glittering +_Tale of Normandy_; the _Orphans_, by the editor, is simple and pathetic; +_Palinodia_ we subjoin:-- + + + There was a time when I could feel + All passion's hopes and fears, + And tell what tongues can ne'er reveal, + By smiles, and sighs, and tears. + The days are gone! no more, no more, + The cruel fates allow; + And, though I'm hardly twenty-four, + I'm not a lover now. + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + The chill is on my brow; + My day is night, my bloom is blight-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I never talk about the clouds, + I laugh at girls and boys, + I'm growing rather fond of crowds, + And very fond of noise; + I never wander forth alone + Upon the mountain's brow; + I weighed, last winter, sixteen stone,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I never wish to raise a veil, + I never raise a sigh; + I never tell a tender tale, + I never tell a lie; + I cannot kneel as once I did; + I've quite forgot my bow; + I never do as I am bid,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I make strange blunders every day, + If I would be gallant, + Take smiles for wrinkles, black for grey. + And nieces for their aunt; + I fly from folly, though it flows + From lips of loveliest glow; + I don't object to length of nose,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + The muse's steed is very fleet-- + I'd rather ride my mare; + The poet hunts a quaint conceit-- + I'd rather hunt a hare; + I've learnt to utter yours and you + Instead of thine and thou; + And oh! I can't endure a Blue!-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I find my Ovid dry, + My Petrarch quite a pill, + Cut Fancy for Philosophy, + Tom Moore for Mr. Mill; + And belles may read, and beaux may write, + I care not who or how; + I burnt my album Sunday night,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I don't encourage idle dreams + Of poison or of ropes, + I cannot dine on airy schemes, + I cannot sup on hopes: + New milk, I own is very fine, + Just foaming from the cow; + But yet I want my pint of wine,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + When Laura sings young hearts away, + I'm deafer than the deep; + When Leonora goes to play, + I sometimes go to sleep; + When Mary draws her white gloves out, + I never dance, I vow: + "Too hot to kick one's heels about!"-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I'm busy now with state affairs, + I prate of Pitt and Fox; + I ask the price of rail-road shares, + I watch the turns of stocks: + And this is life! no verdure blooms + Upon the withered bough. + I save a fortune in perfumes,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I may be yet what others are, + A boudoir's babbling fool; + The flattered star of bench or har, + A party's chief or tool: + Come shower or sunshine, hope or fear, + The palace or the plough-- + My heart and lute are broken here,-- + I'm not a lover now! + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + The chill is on my brow; + My day is night, my bloom is blight,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + +_The First Ball_, by L.E.L. is rife and gay; which, with Mr. Croker's +_Three Advices_, are all we can spare room to point out to our readers. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Amulet. + + +Of this volume we have already availed ourselves. Some of the engravings +are in a vigorous and first-rate style of excellence; the binding, too, +is somewhat gay for so grave a title--being crimson silk. Our favourites +are a _Voyage Round the World_, by Montgomery, one of the best poems of +the year; _Faustus, with a Visit to Goethe; Angel Visits_, by Mrs. Hemans; +_The Departed_, by L.E.L.; and some pieces by the editor, Mr. Hall. Our +present extract is + + +THE LAST VOYAGE. A TRUE STORY. + +_By Mrs. Opie._ + + +We cannot fail to observe, as we advance in life, how vividly our earliest +recollections recur to us, and this consciousness is accompanied by a +melancholy pleasure, when we are deprived of those who are most tenderly +associated with such remembrances, because they bring the beloved dead +"before our mind's eye;" and beguile the loneliness of the _present_ hour, +by visions of the _past_. In such visions I now often love to indulge, +and in one of them, a journey to Y---- was recently brought before me, in +which my ever-indulgent father permitted me to accompany him, when I +was yet but a child. + +As we drove through C----r, a village within three miles of Y----, he +directed my attention to a remarkable _rising_, or _conical mound of +earth_, on the top of the tower of C----r church. He then kindly +explained the cause of this singular, and _distinguishing_ appearance, +and told me the traditionary anecdote connected with it; which now, in +my own words, I am going to communicate to my readers. + +It is generally supposed, that great grief makes the heart so selfishly +absorbed in its own sufferings, as to render it regardless of the +sufferings of others; but the conduct of her, who is the heroine of +the following tale, will prove to this general rule an honourable +exception. + +I know nothing of her birth, and parentage, nor am I acquainted even with +her name--but I shall call her Birtha--the story goes, that she lived at +C----r, a village three miles from Y---- in N----, and was betrothed to +the mate of a trading vessel, with the expectation of marrying him, when +he had gained money sufficient, by repeated voyages, to make their union +consistent with prudence. + +In the meanwhile, there is reason to believe that Birtha was not idle, +but contrived to earn money herself, in order to expedite the hour of +her marriage; and at length, her lover (whom I shall call William) thought +that there was no reason for him to continue his sea-faring life, but at +the end of one voyage more, he should be able to marry the woman of his +choice, and engage in some less dangerous employment, in his native +village. + +Accordingly, the next time that he bade farewell to Birtha, the sorrow of +their parting hour was soothed by William's declaring, that, as the next +voyage would be his last, he should expect, when he returned, to find +every thing ready for their marriage. + +This was a pleasant expectation, and Birtha eagerly prepared to fulfil it. + +By the time that Birtha was beginning to believe that William was on his +voyage home, her neighbours would often help her to count the days which +would probably elapse before the ship could arrive; but when they were +not in her presence, some of the experienced amongst the men used to +express a _hope_, the result of _fear_, that William would return time +enough to avoid _certain winds_, which made one part of the navigation +on that coast particularly dangerous. + +Birtha herself, had, no doubt, her _fears_, as well as her _hopes_; but +there are _some_ fears which the lip of affection dares not utter, and +this was one of them. + +Birtha dreaded to have her inquiries respecting that dangerous passage, +answered by "Yes, we know that it is a difficult navigation;" she also +dreaded to be told by some kind, but ill-judging friends, to "trust in +Providence;" as, by such advice, the reality of the danger would be still +more powerfully confirmed to her. This recommendation would to her have +been needless, as well as alarming; for she had, doubtless, always relied +on Him who is alone able to save, and she knew that the same "Almighty +arm was underneath" her lover still, which had hitherto preserved him +in the time of need. + +Well--time went on, and we will imagine the little garden before the door +of the house which Birtha had hired, new gravelled, fresh flowers sown +and planted there; the curtains ready to be put up; the shelves bright +with polished utensils; table linen, white as the driven snow, enclosed +in the newly-purchased chest of drawers; and the neat, well chosen +wedding-clothes, ready for the approaching occasion: we will also picture +to ourselves, the trembling joy of Birtha, when her eager and sympathizing +neighbours rushed into her cottage, disturbing her early breakfast, with +the glad tidings, that William's ship had been seen approaching the +dangerous passage with a fair wind, and that there was no doubt but +that he would get over it safe, and in day-light! How sweet is it to +be the messenger and the bearer of good news, but it is still sweeter +to know that one has friends who have pleasure in communicating pleasure +to us! + +But Birtha's joy was still mingled with anxiety, and she probably passed +that day in alternate restlessness and prayer. + +Towards night the wind rose high, blowing from a quarter unfavourable to +the safety of the ship, and it still continued to blow in this direction +when night and darkness had closed on all around. + +Darkness at that moment seemed to close also upon the prospects of Birtha! +for she knew that there was no beacon, no landmark to warn the vessel of +its danger, and inform the pilot what coast they were approaching, and +what perils they were to avoid; and, it is probable, that the almost +despairing girl was, with her anxious friends, that livelong night a +restless wanderer on the nearest shore. + +With the return of morning came the awful confirmation of their worst +fears! + +There was no remaining vestige of William's vessel, save the top of the +mast, which shewed where it had sunk beneath the waves, and proved that +the hearts which in the morning had throbbed high with tender hopes and +joyful expectations were then cold and still "beneath the mighty waters!" +How different now was the scene in Birtha's cottage, to that which it +exhibited during the preceding morning. + +That changed dwelling was not indeed deserted, for sympathizing neighbours +came to it as before; but though many may be admitted with readiness +when it is a time for congratulation, it is only the few who can be +welcome in a season of sorrow; and Birtha's sorrow, though _quiet_, was +_deep_--while neither her nearest relative, nor dearest friend, could +do any thing to assist her, save, by removing from her sight the new +furniture, or the new dresses, which had been prepared for those happy +hours that now could never be hers. + +At length, however, Birtha, who had always appeared calm and resigned, +seemed cheerful also! still she remained pale, as in the first moments +of her trial, save when a feverish flush occasionally increased the +brightness of her eyes; but she grew thinner and thinner, and her impeded +breath made her affectionate friends suspect that she was going into a +rapid decline. + +Medical aid was immediately called in, and Birtha's pleased conviction +that her end was near, was soon, though reluctantly confirmed to her, +at her own request. + +It is afflicting to see an invalid rejoice in knowing that the hour of +death is certainly approaching; because it proves the depth and poignancy +of the previous sufferings: but then the sight is comforting and edifying +also. It is _comforting_, because it proves that the dying person is +supported by the only "help that faileth not;" and it is edifying, because +it invites those who behold it to endeavour to _believe_, that they +also may live and _die_ like the departing Christian. + +But it was not alone the wish "to die and be with Christ," nor the sweet +expectation of being united in another world to him whom she had lost, +that was the cause of Birtha's increasing cheerfulness, as the hour of +her dissolution drew nigh. No-- + +Her generous heart was rejoicing in a project which she had conceived, and +which would, if realized, be the source of benefit to numbers yet unborn. +She knew from authority which she could not doubt, that had there been +a _proper landmark_ on the shore, her lover and his ship would not, in +all human probability, have perished. + +"Then," said Birtha, "henceforth there shall be a land-mark on this coast! +and I will furnish it! Here at least, no fond and faithful girl shall +again have to lament over her blighted prospects, and pine, and suffer +as I have done." + +She sent immediately for the clergyman of the parish, made her will, +and had a clause inserted to the following effect: "I desire that I +may be buried on the top of the tower of C----r church! and that my +grave may be made very high, and pointed, in order to render it a +perpetual land-mark to all ships approaching that dangerous navigation +where he whom I loved was wrecked. I am assured, that, had there been a +land-mark on the tower of C---- church, his ship might have escaped; and +I humbly trust, that my grave will always be kept up, according to my +will, to prevent affectionate hearts, in future, from being afflicted as +mine has been; and I leave a portion of my little property in the hands of +trustees, for ever, to pay for the preservation of the above-mentioned +grave, in all its usefulness!" + +Before she died, the judicious and benevolent sufferer had the +satisfaction of being assured, that her intentions would be carried into +effect. + +Her last moments were therefore cheered by the belief, that she would +be graciously permitted to be, even after death, a benefit to others, +and that her grave might be the means of preserving some of her +fellow-creatures from shipwreck and affliction. + +Nor was her belief a delusive one---The conical grave in question gives so +remarkable an appearance to the tower of C----r church, when it is seen at +sea, even at a distance, that if once observed it can never be forgotten, +even by those to whom the anecdote connected with it is unknown +--therefore, as soon as it appears in sight, pilots know that they are +approaching a dangerous coast, and take measures to avoid its perils. + +But if the navigation on that coast is no longer as perilous as it was, +when the heroine of this story was buried, and the tower of C----r church +is no longer a necessary land-mark, still her grave remains a pleasing +memorial of one, whose active benevolence rose superior to the selfishness +both of sorrow and of sickness; and enabled her, even on the bed of death, +to _contrive_ and _will_ for the benefit of posterity. + +It is strange, but true, that the name of this humble, but privileged +being, is not on record; but many whose names are forgotten on earth, +have been, I doubt not, received and rewarded in heaven. + + + * * * * * + + + + +The Bijou + + +Is a new adventurer in the "annual" field, and deserves a foremost rank +as a work of art. Thus, the _Child with Flowers_, by Humphreys, after +Sir Thomas Laurence, is really fit company for the president's beautiful +picture; the _Boy and Dog_, by the same painter and engraver, is also very +fine; but the selection of both of the pictures for one volume is hardly +judicious. With _Haddon Hall_ our readers are already familiar. _Sans +Souci_, after Stothard, is a delightful scene. In the literature, almost +the only very striking composition is Sir Walter Scott's illustration of +Wilkie's painting of the baronet's own family, which, having been copied +into every newspaper, we do not reprint. For our part, we do not admire +the painting; there is too much _rank and file_ for a family group. Mr. +Hood has a _Lament of Chivalry_, in his best style; and a few _Verses +for an Album_, by Charles Lamb, are to our taste. + + +A LAMENT FOR THE DECLINE OF CHIVALRY. + +BY THOMAS HOOD, ESQ. + + + Well hast thou cried, departed Burke, + All chivalrous romantic work, + Is ended now and past!-- + That iron age--which some have thought + Of metal rather overwrought-- + Is now all over-cast! + + Ay,--where are those heroic knights + Of old--those armadillo wights + Who wore the plated vest,-- + Great Charlemagne, and all his peers + Are cold--enjoying with their spears + An everlasting rest!-- + + The bold King Arthur sleepeth sound, + So sleep his knights who gave that Round + Old Table such eclat! + Oh Time has pluck'd the plumy brow! + And none engage at turneys now + But those who go to law! + + Grim John o' Gaunt is quite gone by, + And Guy is nothing but a Guy, + Orlando lies forlorn!-- + Bold Sidney, and his kidney--nay, + Those "early champions"--what are they + But _Knights_ without a morn! + + No Percy branch now perseveres + Like those of old in breaking spears-- + The name is now a lie!-- + Surgeons, alone, by any chance, + Are all that ever couch a lance + To couch a body's eye! + + Alas! for Lion-Hearted Dick, + That cut the Moslem to the quick, + His weapon lies in peace,-- + Oh, it would warm them in a trice, + If they could only have a spice + Of his old mace in Greece! + + The fam'd Rinaldo lies a-cold, + And Tancred too, and Godfrey bold, + That scal'd the holy wall! + No Saracen meets Paladin, + We hear of no great _Saladin_, + But only grow the small! + + Our Cressys too have dwindled since + To penny things--at our Black Prince + Historic pens would scoff-- + The only one we moderns had + Was nothing but a Sandwich lad, + And measles took him off:-- + + Where are those old and feudal clans, + Their pikes, and bills, and partizans! + Their hauberks--jerkins--buffs? + A battle was a battle then, + A breathing piece of work--but men + Fight now with powder puffs! + + The curtal-axe is out of date! + The good old cross-bow bends to Fate, + 'Tis gone--the archer's craft! + No tough arm bends the springing yew. + And jolly draymen ride, in lieu + Of Death, upon the shaft.-- + + The spear--the gallant tilter's pride + The rusty spear is laid aside, + Oh spits now domineer!-- + The coat of mail is left alone,-- + And where is all chain armour gone? + Go ask at Brighton Pier. + + We fight in ropes and not in lists, + Bestowing hand-cuffs with our fists, + A low and vulgar art!-- + No mounted man is overthrown-- + A tilt!--It is a thing unknown-- + Except upon a cart. + + Methinks I see the bounding barb, + Clad like his Chief in steely garb, + For warding steel's appliance!-- + Methinks I hear the trumpet stir! + 'Tis but the guard to Exeter, + That bugles the "Defiance!" + + In cavils when will cavaliers + Set ringing helmets by the ears, + And scatter plumes about? + Or blood--if they are in the vein? + That tap will never run again-- + Alas the _Casque_ is out! + + No iron-crackling now is scor'd + By dint of battle-axe or sword, + To find a vital place-- + Though certain Doctors still pretend + Awhile, before they kill a friend, + To labour through his case. + + Farewell, then, ancient men of might! + Crusader! errant squire, and knight! + Our coats and customs soften,-- + To rise would only make ye weep-- + Sleep on, in rusty iron sleep, + As in a safety-coffin! + + + * * * * * + + +VERSES FOR AN ALBUM. + + + Fresh clad from Heaven in robes of white + A young probationer of light. + Thou wert, my soul, an Album bright. + + A spotless leaf but thought, and care-- + And friends, and foes, in foul or fair, + Have "written strange defeature" there. + + And Time, with heaviest hand of all, + Like that fierce writing on the wall, + Hath stamp'd sad dates--he can't recall. + + And error gilding worst designs-- + Like speckled snake that strays and shines-- + Betrays his path by crooked lines. + + And vice hath left his ugly blot-- + And good resolves, a moment hot, + Fairly began--but finish'd not. + + And fruitless late remorse doth trace-- + Like Hebrew lore, a backward pace-- + Her irrecoverable race. + + Disjointed numbers--sense unknit-- + Huge reams of folly--shreds of wit-- + Compose the mingled mass of it. + + My scalded eyes no longer brook, + Upon this ink-blurr'd thing to look, + Go--shut the leaves--and clasp the book!-- + + * * * * * + + + + +THE LITERARY POCKET-BOOK. + + +Is this year resumed, but we think it is not so successful as, were its +previous _fasciculi_. The "_literary_" is a good epithet for its sale +among would-be authors, like the "_Gentleman's_" Magazine among a certain +class of worthies. But of what use are such articles as the following +to literary men:--_The Seasons_, by a Man of _Taste_, (like the _carte_ +of a restaurateur;) _Sayings of a Man about Town; Remonstrance with J.F. +Newton; Lines on Crockford's &c._--all amusing enough in their way, but, +in a literary pocket-book, out of place, and not in good taste. The +"lists," too, the only useful portion of the volume, are, in many +instances, very incorrect. Apropos, how long has Morris Birbeck been dead? +Our Illinois friend might be alive when the editor published his last +pocket-book; but if he stands still, time does not. There is, too, an +affectation of fashion about the work which does not suit our sober taste; +but as a seasonable Christmas extract, we are induced to quote _Winter_ +from the _Seasons_:-- + +Now is the high season of beef; beef, which Prometheus killed for us at +first, ere he filched the fire from heaven, with which to constitute it a +beef-steak--that foundation of the most delightful of clubs, and origin +of the most delightful of all memoirs of them. Nor be the sirloin, boast +of Englishmen, forgot! nor its vaunted origin; which proves that the age +of chivalry, despite of Burke, is not yet gone! Stewed beef too, and ample +round, and _filet de boeuf saute dans sa glace_, and stewed rump-steaks, +and ox-tail soup. + +"Spirits of beef, where are ye? are ye all fled?" +_Henry the Eighth_. + +No--when beef flies the English shores, then you may, as the immortal bard +exquisitely expresses it, "make a silken purse out of a sow's ear." But +mutton, too, invites my Muse. It is calculated that fifteen hundred +thousand sheep are annually sacrificed in London to the carnivorous taste +of John Bull. "Of roast mutton (as Dr. Johnson says) what remains for me +to say? It will be found sometimes succous, and sometimes defective of +moisture; but what palate has ever failed to be pleased with a haunch +which has been duly suspended? what appetite has not been awakened by the +fermentation that glitters on its surface, when it has been reposing for +the requisite number of hours before a fire equal in its fervency?" + +We quite agree with Dr. Johnson; but a boiled leg of mutton, its whiteness +transparent through the verdant capers that decorate its candour, is not +to be despised; nor is a hash, whether celebrated as an Irish stew, or a +_hachis de mouton_, most relishing of _rifacciamenti_! Chops and garlic +_à la Francaise_ are exquisite; and the saddle, cut learnedly, is the +Elysium of a gourmand. + +Now also is the time of house-lamb and of doe-venison. Now is the time of +Christmas come, and the voice of the turkey is heard in our land! This is +the period of their annual massacre--a new slaughter of the innocents! +The Norwich coaches are now laden with mortals; that, while alive, shared +with their equally intelligent townsmen, _fruges consumere nati_, the +riches of their agricultural county. + +Let others talk as they will about the Greek and the Ottoman!--in cookery, +I abhor Greece, and love Turkey. And yet how inconsistent I am in my +politics! for I sometimes regard the partition of Turkey as a thing well +purchased by the sacrifice of every Ottoman in the world--would they +were all _under my feet_!--especially when I have the gout. I confess, +the dismemberment of Poland did not affect me much. A man who is much +accustomed to dismember fowls, will not care much about that of kingdoms. + +Nor be the cod (a blessing on his head--and shoulders!) forgotten. +Beautifully candid, his laminae separate readily before the tranchant +silver, and each flake, covered with a creamy curd, lies ready to +receive the affusion of molten (not oiled) butter, which, with its +floating oyster-islands, seems in impatient agitation for the moment +of overflowing the alluring "white creature," as a modern poet styles it. + + * * * * * + + + + +TIMES TELESCOPE. + + +Having _transported_ the public for the term of _fourteen years_, our +readers need not be told that the present is the fifteenth volume. We +should say more in its praise had it said less in our own. In richness +and variety it is quite equal to any of its predecessors; and we promise +our readers an occasional sip of its original sweets. + + * * * * * + + +The _Keepsake_ and the _Christmas-Box_ (the latter a _juvenile_ annual) +must stand over for an early number. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset +House,) and sold by all Newsmen and Booksellers._ + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11326 *** diff --git a/11326-h/11326-h.htm b/11326-h/11326-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..bdfb1f5 --- /dev/null +++ b/11326-h/11326-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,3062 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, No. 288, Supplementary Number, by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + + .figure {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img {border: none;} + .figure p + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11326 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 10, No. 288, Supplementary Number, by Various</h1> +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, NO. 288, SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER*** + + +</pre> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Terry Gilliland, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> +<hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page409" name="page409"></a>[pg + 409]</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. X, NO. 288.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h3> + The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City. + </h3> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/288-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/288-1.png" + alt="The Return of a Victorious Armament to A Greek City." /> + </a> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + SPIRIT OF "THE ANNUALS" FOR 1828. + </h2> + <p> + Our readers have annually anticipated a high treat from this + splendid intellectual banquet, served up by some of the + master<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + spirits of the age. + </p> + <p> + We doubt whether the comparison is refined enough for the + fair authoresses; but our fancy has led us to class their + contributions to the present feast as follow:— + </p> + <center> + <i>Hock—Champagne</i>, (<i>Still and Sparkling</i>.) + </center> + <center> + L.E.L.<br /> + Hood. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Bucellas.</i> + </center> + <center> + Miss Mitford.<br /> + Bernard Barton. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Lacrymae Christi.</i> + </center> + <center> + Mrs. Hemans.<br /> + Watts.<br /> + Delta. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Port.</i> + </center> + <center> + Coleridge.<br /> + Southey. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Claret.</i> + </center> + <center> + Montgomery, + </center> + <p> + with a due proportion of <i>vin ordinaire</i>. This + comparison may be pleasant enough as after-dinner chat, but + we fear our readers will think it like cooks circulating the + Bills of Fare on the morning of Lord Mayor's Day; and lest we + should incur their displeasure, we shall proceed with our + select <i>course</i>: but we are mere disposers. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LITERARY SOUVENIR. + </h3> + <p> + In literary talent, as well as in graphic beauty, this + elegant volume stands first; and from it we have selected the + subject of the above engraving, accompanied by the following + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page410" name="page410"></a>[pg + 410]</span> + </p> + <h3> + ANCIENT SONG OF VICTORY. + </h3> + <h4> + <b>BY MRS. HEMANS.</b> + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Fill high the bowl, with Samian wine, + </p> + <p> + Our virgins dance beneath the shade. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + BYRON. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Lo! they come, they come! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Garlands for every shrine! + </p> + <p> + Strike lyres to greet them home; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Bring roses, pour ye wine! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Swell, swell the Dorian flute + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Thro' the blue, triumphal sky! + </p> + <p> + Let the Cittern's tone salute + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The Sons of Victory! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + With the offering of bright blood, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + They have ransomed earth and tomb, + </p> + <p> + Vineyard, and field, and flood;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lo! they come, they come! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sing it where olives wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And by the glittering sea, + </p> + <p> + And o'er each hero's grave,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sing, sing, the land is free! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Mark ye the flashing oars, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the spears that light the deep! + </p> + <p> + How the festal sunshine pours + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the lords of battle sweep! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Each hath brought back his shield,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Maid, greet thy lover home! + </p> + <p> + Mother, from that proud field, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lo! thy son is come! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Who murmured of the dead? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Hush, boding voice! we know + </p> + <p> + That many a shining head + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lies in its glory low. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Breathe not those names to-day! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + They shall have their praise ere long, + </p> + <p> + And a power all hearts to sway + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In ever-burning song. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But now shed flowers, pour wine, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To hail the conquerors home! + </p> + <p> + Bring wreaths for every shrine— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lo! they come, they come! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The original engraving is by Edward Goodall, from a painting + by William Linton, Esq. It is altogether a rich and glorious + composition, at this moment too, glowing with more than + pictorial interest; and the <i>carmen triumphale</i> of the + poetess is a worthy accompaniment. Among the other engravings + the frontispiece and opposite page of this work are extremely + rich and beautiful: <i>Psyche borne by the Zephyrs to the + Island of Pleasure</i>, is full of languishing beauty; + <i>Medora</i>, painted by Pickersgill and engraved by Rolls, + is a delightfully placid moonlight scene; the + <i>Declaration</i>, easy and graceful: there are, however, in + our opinion, two decided failures in the volume, which, for + the credit of the artists, had better been omitted. Our + present notices of the <i>literary</i> department must be + confined to the following selection: + </p> + <h3> + THE CITY OF THE DEMONS. + </h3> + <p> + <i>By William Maginn, Esq.</i> + </p> + <p> + In days of yore, there lived in the flourishing city of + Cairo, a Hebrew Rabbi, by name Jochorian, who was the most + learned of his nation. His fame went over the East, and the + most distant people sent their young men to imbibe wisdom + from his lips. He was deeply skilled in the traditions of the + fathers, and his word on a disputed point was decisive. He + was pious, just, temperate, and strict; but he had one + vice—a love of gold had seized upon his heart, and he + opened not his hand to the poor. Yet he was wealthy above + most, his wisdom being to him the source of riches. The + Hebrews of the city were grieved at this blemish on the + wisest of their people; but though the elders of the tribes + continued to reverence him for his fame, the women and + children of Cairo called him by no other name than that of + Rabbi Jochonan the miser. + </p> + <p> + None knew, so well as he, the ceremonies necessary for + initiation into the religion of Moses; and, consequently, the + exercise of those solemn offices was to him another source of + gain. One day, as he walked in the fields about Cairo, + conversing with a youth on the interpretation of the law, it + so happened, that the angel of death smote the young man + suddenly, and he fell dead before the feet of the Rabbi, even + while he was yet speaking. When the Rabbi found that the + youth was dead, he rent his garments, and glorified the Lord. + But his heart was touched, and the thoughts of death troubled + him in the visions of the night. He felt uneasy when he + reflected on his hardness to the poor, and he said, "Blessed + be the name of the Lord! The first good thing that I am asked + to do in that holy name, will I perform."—But he + sighed, for he feared that some one might ask of him a + portion of his gold. + </p> + <p> + While yet he thought upon these things, there came a loud cry + at his gate. + </p> + <p> + "Awake, thou sleeper!" said the voice; "Awake! A child is in + danger of death, and the mother hath sent me for thee that + thou may'st do thine office." + </p> + <p> + "The night is dark and gloomy," said the Rabbi, coming to his + casement, "and mine age is great; are there not younger men + than I in Cairo?" + </p> + <p> + "For thee only, Rabbi Jochonan, whom some call the wise, but + whom others call Rabbi Jochonan the miser, was I sent. Here + is gold," said he, taking out a purse of sequins—"I + want not thy labour for nothing. I adjure thee to come, in + the name of the living God." + </p> + <p> + So the Rabbi thought upon the vow he had just made, and he + groaned in spirit, for the purse sounded heavy. + </p> + <p> + "As thou hast adjured me by that name, I go with thee," said + he to the man, "but I hope the distance is not far. Put up + thy gold." + </p> + <p> + "The place is at hand," said the stranger, who was a gallant + youth, in magnificent attire. "Be speedy, for time presses." + </p> + <p> + Jochonan arose, dressed himself, and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page411" name="page411"></a>[pg + 411]</span> accompanied the stranger, after having carefully + locked up all the doors of his house, and deposited his keys + in a secret place—at which the stranger smiled. + </p> + <p> + "I never remember," said the Rabbi, "so dark a night. Be thou + to me as a guide, for I can hardly see the way." + </p> + <p> + "I know it well," replied the stranger with a sigh, "it is a + way much frequented, and travelled hourly by many; lean upon + mine arm and fear not." + </p> + <p> + They journeyed on; and though the darkness was great, yet the + Rabbi could see, when it occasionally brightened, that he was + in a place strange to him. "I thought," said he, "I knew all + the country for leagues about Cairo, yet I know not where I + am. I hope, young man," said he to his companion, "that thou + hast not missed the way;" and his heart misgave him. + </p> + <p> + "Fear not," returned the stranger. "Your journey is even now + done," and, as he spoke, the feet of the Rabbi slipped from + under him, and he rolled down a great height. When he + recovered, he found that his companion had fallen also, and + stood by his side. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, young man," said the Rabbi, "if thus thou sportest with + the grey hairs of age, thy days are numbered. Wo unto him who + insults the hoary head!" + </p> + <p> + The stranger made an excuse, and they journeyed on some + little further in silence. The darkness grew less, and the + astonished Rabbi, lifting up his eyes, found that they had + come to the gates of a city which he had never before seen. + Yet he knew all the cities of the land of Egypt, and he had + walked but half an hour from his dwelling in Cairo. So he + knew not what to think, but followed the man with trembling. + </p> + <p> + They soon entered the gates of the city, which was lighted up + as if there were a festival in every house. The streets were + full of revellers, and nothing but a sound of joy could be + heard. But when Jochonan looked upon their faces—they + were the faces of men pained within; and he saw, by the marks + they bore, that they were Mazikin [demons]. He was terrified + in his soul; and, by the light of the torches, he looked also + upon the face of his companion, and, behold! he saw upon him + too, the mark that shewed him to be a Demon. The Rabbi feared + excessively—almost to fainting; but he thought it + better to be silent; and sadly he followed his guide, who + brought him to a splendid house, in the most magnificent + quarter of the city. + </p> + <p> + "Enter here?" said the Demon to Jochonan, "for this house is + mine. The lady and the child are in the upper chamber;" and, + accordingly, the sorrowful Rabbi ascended the stair to find + them. + </p> + <p> + The lady, whose dazzling beauty was shrouded by melancholy + beyond hope, lay in bed; the child, in rich raiment, + slumbered on the lap of the nurse, by her side. + </p> + <p> + "I have brought to thee, light of my eyes!" said the Demon, + "Rebecca, beloved of my soul! I have brought thee Rabbi + Jochonan the wise, for whom thou didst desire. Let him, then, + speedily begin his office; I shall fetch all things + necessary, for he is in haste to depart." + </p> + <p> + He smiled bitterly as he said these words, looking at the + Rabbi; and left the room, followed by the nurse. + </p> + <p> + When Jochonan and the lady were alone, she turned in the bed + towards him, and said:— + </p> + <p> + "Unhappy man that thou art! knowest thou where thou hast been + brought?" + </p> + <p> + "I do," said he, with a heavy groan; I know that I am in a + city of the Mazikin." + </p> + <p> + "Know, then, further," said she, and the tears gushed from + eyes brighter than the diamond, "know then, further, that no + one is ever brought here, unless he hath sinned before the + Lord. What my sin hath been imports not to thee—and I + seek not to know thine. But here thou remainest for + ever—lost, even as I am lost." And she wept again. + </p> + <p> + The Rabbi dashed his turban on the ground, and tearing his + hair, exclaimed, "Wo is me! Who art thou, woman! that + speakest to me thus?" + </p> + <p> + "I am a Hebrew woman," said she, "the daughter of a Doctor of + the Laws in the city of Bagdad; and being brought hither, it + matters not how, I am married to a prince among the Mazikin, + even him who was sent for thee. And that child, whom thou + sawest, is our first-born, and I could not bear the thought + that the soul of our innocent babe should perish. I therefore + besought my husband to try to bring hither a priest, that the + law of Moses (blessed be his memory!) should be done; and thy + fame, which has spread to Bagdad, and lands further towards + the rising of the sun, made me think of thee. Now my husband, + though great among the Mazikin, is more just than the other + Demons; and he loves me, whom he hath ruined, with a love of + despair. So he said, that the name of Jochonan the wise was + familiar unto him, and that he knew thou wouldst not be able + to refuse. What thou hast done, to give him power over thee, + is known to thyself." + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page412" name="page412"></a>[pg + 412]</span> "I swear, before Heaven!" said the Rabbi, "that I + have ever diligently kept the law, and walked stedfastly + according to the traditions of our fathers, from the day of + my youth upward. I have wronged no man in word or deed, and I + have daily worshipped the Lord; minutely performing all the + ceremonies thereto needful." + </p> + <p> + "Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and + more, and yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, + for I hear the foot of my husband mounting the stair. There + is one chance of thine escape." + </p> + <p> + "What is that? O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi. + </p> + <p> + "Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here; and + as long as thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over + thee, dead or alive. Have courage, and persevere." + </p> + <p> + As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, + followed by the nurse, who bore all things requisite for the + ministration of the Rabbi. With a heavy heart he performed + his duty, and the child was numbered among the faithful. But + when, as usual, at the conclusion of the ceremony, the wine + was handed round to be tasted by the child, the mother, and + the Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying:— + </p> + <p> + "Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this + day; and I will not eat, neither will I drink." + </p> + <p> + "Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon, "I will not that + thou shouldst break thy vow;" and he laughed aloud. + </p> + <p> + So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber, looking into a + garden, where he passed the remainder of the night and the + day weeping, and praying to the Lord that he would deliver + him from the city of Demons. But when the twelfth hour came, + and the sun was set, the Prince of the Mazikin came again + unto him, and said:— + </p> + <p> + "Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past;" and + he set meat before him. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this + thing. I have another vow for this day also. I pray thee be + not angry with thy servant." + </p> + <p> + "I am not angry," said the Demon, "be it as thou pleasest; I + respect thy vow;" and he laughed louder than before. + </p> + <p> + So the Rabbi sat another day in his chamber by the garden, + weeping and praying. And when the sun had gone behind the + hills, the Prince of the Mazikin again stood before him, and + said:— + </p> + <p> + "Eat now, for thou must be an hungered. It was a sore vow of + thine;" and he offered him daintier meats. + </p> + <p> + And Jochonan felt a strong desire to eat, but he prayed + inwardly to the Lord, and the temptation passed, and he + answered:— + </p> + <p> + "Excuse thy servant yet a third time, my lord, that I eat + not. I have renewed my vow." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, then," said the other; "arise, and follow me." + </p> + <p> + The Demon took a torch in his hand, and led the Rabbi through + winding passages of his palace, to the door of a lofty + chamber, which he opened with a key that he took from a niche + in the wall. On entering the room, Jochonan saw that it was + of solid silver—floor, ceiling, walls, even to the + threshold and the door-posts. And the curiously carved roof, + and borders of the ceiling, shone, in the torch-light, as if + they were the fanciful work of frost. In the midst were heaps + of silver money, piled up in immense urns of the same metal, + even over the brim. + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast done me a serviceable act, Rabbi," said the + Demon—"take of these what thou pleasest; ay, were it + the whole." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot, my lord," said Jochonan. "I was adjured by thee to + come hither in the name of God; and in that name I came, not + for fee or for reward." + </p> + <p> + "Follow me," said the prince of the Mazikin; and Jochonan did + so, into an inner chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was of gold, as the other was of silver. Its golden roof + was supported by pillars and pilasters of gold, resting upon + a golden floor. The treasures of the kings of the earth would + not purchase one of the four-and-twenty vessels of golden + coins, which were disposed in six rows along the room. No + wonder! for they were filled by the constant labours of the + Demons of the mine. The heart of Jochonan was moved by + avarice, when he saw them shining in yellow light, like the + autumnal sun, as they reflected the beams of the torch. But + God enabled him to persevere. + </p> + <p> + "These are thine," said the Demon; "one of the vessels which + thou beholdest would make thee richest of the sons of + men—and I give thee them all." + </p> + <p> + But Jochonan refused again; and the Prince of the Mazikin + opened the door of a third chamber, which was called the Hall + of Diamonds. When the Rabbi entered, he screamed aloud, and + put his hands over his eyes; for the lustre of the jewels + dazzled him, as if he had looked upon the noon-day sun. In + vases of agate were heaped diamonds beyond enumeration, the + smallest of which was larger + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page413" name="page413"></a>[pg + 413]</span> than a pigeon's egg. On alabaster tables lay + amethysts, topazes, rubies, beryls, and all other precious + stones, wrought by the hands of skilful artists, beyond power + of computation. The room was lighted by a carbuncle, which, + from the end of the hall, poured its ever-living light, + brighter than the rays of noontide, but cooler than the + gentle radiance of the dewy moon. This was a sore trial on + the Rabbi; but he was strengthened from above, and he refused + again. + </p> + <p> + "Thou knowest me then, I perceive, O Jochonan, son of + Ben-David," said the Prince of the Mazikin; "I am a Demon who + would tempt thee to destruction. As thou hast withstood so + far, I tempt thee no more. Thou hast done a service which, + though I value it not, is acceptable in the sight of her + whose love is dearer to me than the light of life. Sad has + been that love to thee, my Rebecca! Why should I do that + which would make thy cureless grief more grievous? You have + yet another chamber to see," said he to Jochonan, who had + closed his eyes, and was praying fervently to the Lord, + beating his breast. + </p> + <p> + Far different from the other chambers, the one into which the + Rabbi was next introduced, was a mean and paltry apartment, + without furniture. On its filthy walls hung innumerable + bunches of rusty keys, of all sizes, disposed without order. + Among them, to the astonishment of Jochonan, hung the keys of + his own house, those which he had put to hide when he came on + this miserable journey, and he gazed upon them intently. + </p> + <p> + "What dost thou see," said the Demon, "that makes thee look + so eagerly? Can he who has refused silver, and gold, and + diamonds, be moved by a paltry bunch of rusty iron?" + </p> + <p> + "They are mine own, my lord," said the Rabbi, "them will I + take, if they be offered me." + </p> + <p> + "Take them, then," said the Demon, putting them into his + hand;—"thou may'st depart. But, Rabbi, open not thy + house only, when thou returnest to Cairo, but thy heart also. + That thou didst not open it before, was that which gave me + power over thee. It was well that thou didst one act of + charity in coming with me without reward, for it has been thy + salvation. Be no more Rabbi Jochonan the miser." + </p> + <p> + The Rabbi bowed to the ground, and blessed the Lord for his + escape. "But how," said he, "am I to return, for I know not + the way?" + </p> + <p> + "Close thine eyes," said the Demon. He did so, and in the + space of a moment, heard the voice of the Prince of Mazikin + ordering him to open them again. And, behold, when he opened + them, he stood in the centre of his own chamber, in his house + at Cairo, with the keys in his hand. + </p> + <p> + When he recovered from his surprise, and had offered + thanksgivings to God, he opened his house, and his heart + also. He gave alms to the poor, he cheered the heart of the + widow, and lightened the destitution of the orphan. His + hospitable board was open to the stranger, and his purse was + at the service of all who needed to share it. His life was a + perpetual act of benevolence; and the blessings showered upon + him by all, were returned bountifully upon him by the hand of + God. + </p> + <p> + But people wondered, and said, "Is not this the man who was + called Rabbi Jochonan the miser? What hath made the change?" + And it became a saying in Cairo. When it came to the ears of + the Rabbi, he called his friends together, and he avowed his + former love of gold, and the danger to which it had exposed + him; relating all which has been above told, in the hall of + the new palace that he built by the side of the river, on the + left hand, as thou goest down by the course of the great + stream. And wise men, who were scribes, wrote it down from + his mouth, for the memory of mankind, that they might profit + thereby. And a venerable man, with a beard of snow, who had + read it in these books, and at whose feet I sat, that I might + learn the wisdom of the old time, told it to me. And I write + it in the tongue of England, the merry and the free, on the + tenth day of the month Nisan, in the year, according to the + lesser computation, five hundred ninety and seven, that thou + may'st learn good thereof. If not, the fault be upon thee. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + STANZAS + </h3> + <center> + <i>Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War, hanging + in a Country Church.</i> + </center> + <h4> + BY ALARIC A. WATTS. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh! why amid this hallowed scene. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Should signs of mortal feud be found; + </p> + <p> + Why seek with such vain gauds to wean + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Our thoughts from holier relics 'round? + </p> + <p> + More fitting emblems here abound + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of glory's bright, unfading wreath;— + </p> + <p> + Conquests, with purer triumphs crowned;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Proud victories over Sin and Death! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Of these how many records rise + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Before my chastened spirit now; + </p> + <p> + Memorials, pointing to the skies, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of Christian battles fought below. + </p> + <p> + What need of yon stern things to shew + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That darker deeds have oft been done?— + </p> + <p> + Is't not enough for Man to know + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He lives but through the blood of ONE! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And thou, mild delegate of God, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Whose words of balm, and guiding light. + </p> + <p> + Would lead us, from earth's drear abode, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To worlds with bliss for ever bright,— + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page414" + name="page414"></a>[pg 414]</span> + <p> + What have the spoils of mortal fight + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To do with themes 'tis thine to teach? + </p> + <p> + Faith's saving grace—each sacred rite + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Thou know'st to practice as to preach! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The blessings of the contrite heart, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Thy bloodless conquests best proclaim; + </p> + <p> + The tears from sinners' eyes that start, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are meetest records of thy fame. + </p> + <p> + The glory that may grace thy name + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From loftier triumphs sure must spring;— + </p> + <p> + The grateful thoughts thy worth may claim, + </p> + <p> + Trophies like these can never bring! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Then, wherefore on this sainted spot, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With peace and love, and hope imbued,— + </p> + <p> + Some vision calm of bliss to blot, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And turn our thoughts on deeds of blood,— + </p> + <p> + Should signs of battle-fields intrude:— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Man wants no trophies here of strife; + </p> + <p> + His Oriflamme—Faith unsubdued;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His Panoply—a spotless life! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"></div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE BRITISH SAILOR'S SONG. + </h3> + <h4> + BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Away with bayonet and with lance, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With corslet, casque and sword; + </p> + <p> + Our island king no war-horse needs, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For on the sea he's lord. + </p> + <p> + His throne's the war-ship's lofty deck, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His sceptre is the mast; + </p> + <p> + His kingdom is the rolling wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His servant is the blast. + </p> + <p> + His anchor's up, fair Freedom's flag + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Proud to the mast he nails; + </p> + <p> + Tyrants and conquerors bow your heads, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For there your terror sails. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I saw fierce Prussia's chargers stand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Her children's sharp swords out;— + </p> + <p> + Proud Austria's bright spurs streaming red, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + When rose the closing shout. + </p> + <p> + But soon the steeds rushed masterless, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By tower and town and wood; + </p> + <p> + For lordly France her fiery youth + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Poured o'er them like a flood. + </p> + <p> + Go, hew the gold spurs from your heels, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And let your steeds run free; + </p> + <p> + Then come to our unconquered decks, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And learn to reign at sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Behold you black and battered hulk + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That slumbers on the tide, + </p> + <p> + There is no sound from stem to stern, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For peace has plucked her pride. + </p> + <p> + The masts are down, the cannon mute, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + She shews nor sheet nor sail; + </p> + <p> + Nor starts forth with the seaward breeze, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Nor answers shout nor hail. + </p> + <p> + Her merry men with all their mirth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Have sought some other shore; + </p> + <p> + And she with all her glory on, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Shall rule the sea no more. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + So landsmen speak.—Lo! her top-masts + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are quivering in the sky + </p> + <p> + Her sails are spread, her anchor's raised, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There sweeps she gallant by. + </p> + <p> + A thousand warriors fill her decks; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Within her painted side + </p> + <p> + The thunder sleeps—man's might has nought + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Can match or mar her pride. + </p> + <p> + In victor glory goes she forth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Her stainless flag flies free, + </p> + <p> + Kings of the earth come and behold + </p> + <p class="i2"> + How Britain reigns on sea! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When on your necks the armed foot + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of fierce Napoleon trod; + </p> + <p> + And all was his save the wide sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where we triumphant rode: + </p> + <p> + He launched his terror and his strength, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Our sea-born pride to tame; + </p> + <p> + They came—they got the Nelson-touch, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And vanished as they came. + </p> + <p> + Go, hang your bridles in your halls, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And set your war-steels free: + </p> + <p> + The world has one unconquer'd king, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he reigns on the sea! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Watts, the editor, besides the stanzas we have quoted, + has contributed indeed less than other editors, in similar + works, and much less than we could wish, for we are sincere + admirers of his plaintive muse. His preface should be read + with due attention, for it is calculated to set the public + right on the <i>fate and merit</i> of numberless works. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE FORGET ME NOT. + </h2> + <p> + The <i>avant-courier</i> of the "Annuals" is of equal + literary merit with its precursors; but not quite equal in + its engravings—The <i>Sisters' Dream</i>, by Davenport, + from a drawing by Corbould, is, however, placidly + interesting; the <i>Bridal Morning</i>, by Finden, is also a + pleasing scene; and the <i>Seventh Plague of Egypt</i>, by Le + Keux, from a design by Martin, though in miniature, is + terrific and sublime. In the literary department we + especially notice the <i>Sun-Dial</i>, a pensive tale, by + Delta, but too long for extract; and the <i>Sky-Lark</i> by + the Ettrick Shepherd, soaring with all the freshness and + fancy of that extraordinary genius. The <i>Sword</i>, a + beautiful picture of martial woe, by Miss Landon, is + subjoined:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas the battle field, and the cold pale moon + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Look'd down on the dead and dying, + </p> + <p> + And the wind pass'd o'er with a dirge and a wail, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the young and the brave were lying. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + With his father's sword in his red right hand. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the hostile dead around him, + </p> + <p> + Lay a youthful chief: but his bed was the ground, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the grave's icy sleep had bound him. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A reckless Rover, 'mid death and doom, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Pass'd a soldier, his plunder seeking: + </p> + <p> + Careless he stept where friend and foe + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lay alike in their life-blood reeking. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Drawn by the shine of the warrior's sword, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The soldier paused beside it: + </p> + <p> + He wrench'd the hand with a giant's strength, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But the grasp of the dead defied it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + He loosed his hold, and his English heart + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Took part with the dead before him, + </p> + <p> + And he honour'd the brave who died sword in hand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As with soften'd brow he leant o'er him. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "A soldier's death thou hast boldly died, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A soldier's grave won by it: + </p> + <p> + Before I would take that sword from thine hand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + My own life's blood should dye it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Thou shalt not be left for the carrion crow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or the wolf to batten o'er thee: + </p> + <p> + Or the coward insult the gallant dead, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Who in life had trembled before thee." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Then dug he a grave in the crimson earth + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where his warrior foe was sleeping, + </p> + <p> + And he laid him there in honour and rest, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With his sword in his own brave keeping. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <p> + As a relief, we quote the following characteristic sketch by + Miss Mitford:— + </p> + <h3> + A COUNTRY APOTHECARY. + </h3> + <p> + One of the most important personages in a small country town + is the apothecary. He takes rank next after the rector and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page415" name="page415"></a>[pg + 415]</span> the attorney, and before the curate; and could be + much less easily dispensed with than either of those + worthies, not merely as holding "fate and physic" in his + hand, but as the general, and as it were official, associate, + adviser, comforter, and friend, of all ranks and all ages, of + high and low, rich and poor, sick and well. I am no despiser + of dignities; but twenty emperors shall be less intensely + missed in their wide dominions, than such a man as my friend + John Hallett in his own small sphere. + </p> + <p> + The spot which was favoured with the residence of this + excellent person was the small town of Hazelby, in + Dorsetshire; a pretty little place, where every thing seems + at a stand-still. It was originally built in the shape of the + letter T; a long broad market-place (still so called, + although the market be gone) serving for the perpendicular + stem, traversed by a straight, narrow, horizontal street, to + answer for the top line. Not one addition has occurred to + interrupt this architectural regularity, since, fifty years + ago, a rich London tradesman built, at the west end of the + horizontal street, a wide-fronted single house, with two low + wings, iron palisades before, and a fish-pond opposite, which + still goes by the name of New Place, and is balanced, at the + east end of the street, by an erection of nearly the same + date, a large square dingy mansion enclosed within high + walls, inhabited by three maiden sisters, and called, + probably by way of nickname, the Nunnery. New Place being on + the left of the road, and the Nunnery on the right, the T has + now something of the air of the italic capital T, turned up + at one end and down at the other. The latest improvements are + the bow-window in the market-place, commanding the pavement + both ways, which the late brewer, Andrews, threw out in his + snug parlour some twenty years back, and where he used to sit + smoking, with the sash up, in summer afternoons, enjoying + himself, good man; and the great room, at the Swan, + originally built by the speculative publican, Joseph + Allwright, for an assembly-room. That speculation did not + answer. The assembly, in spite of canvassing and patronage, + and the active exertions of all the young ladies in the + neighbourhood, dwindled away, and died at the end of two + winters: then it became a club-room for the hunt; but the + hunt quarrelled with Joseph's cookery: then a market-room for + the farmers; but the farmers (it was in the high-price time) + quarrelled with Joseph's wine: then it was converted into the + magistrate's room—the bench; but the bench and the + market went away together, and there was an end of justicing: + then Joseph tried the novel attraction (to borrow a + theatrical phrase) of a billiard-table; but, alas! that + novelty succeeded as ill as if it had been theatrical; there + were not customers enough to pay the marker: at last, it has + merged finally in that unconscious receptacle of pleasure and + pain, a post-office; although Hazelby has so little to do + with traffic of any sort—even the traffic of + correspondence—that a saucy mail-coach will often carry + on its small bag, and as often forget to call for the London + bag in return. + </p> + <p> + In short, Hazelby is an insignificant place;—my readers + will look for it in vain in the map of Dorsetshire;—it + is omitted, poor dear town!—left out by the map-maker + with as little remorse as a dropped letter!—and it is + also an old-fashioned place. It has not even a cheap shop for + female gear. Every thing in the one store which it boasts, + kept by Martha Deane, linen-draper and haberdasher, is dear + and good, as things were wont to be. You may actually get + there thread made of flax, from the gouty, uneven, clumsy, + shiny fabric, ycleped whited-brown, to the delicate commodity + of Lisle, used for darning muslin. I think I was never more + astonished, from the mere force of habit, than when, on + asking for thread, I was presented, instead of the pretty + lattice-wound balls, or snowy reels of cotton, with which + that demand is usually answered, with a whole drawerful of + skeins peeping from their blue papers —such skeins as + in my youth a thrifty maiden would draw into the + nicely-stitched compartments of that silken repository, a + housewife, or fold into a congeries of graduated + thread-papers, "fine by degrees, and beautifully less." The + very literature of Hazelby is doled out at the pastry cook's, + in a little one-windowed shop kept by Matthew Wise. Tarts + occupy one end of the counter, and reviews the other; whilst + the shelves are parcelled out between books, and dolls, and + ginger, bread. It is a question, by which of his trades poor + Matthew gains least; he is so shabby, so threadbare, and so + starved. + </p> + <p> + Such a town would hardly have known what to do with a highly + informed and educated surgeon, such as one now generally sees + in that most liberal profession. My friend, John Hallett, + suited it exactly. His predecessor, Mr. Simon Saunders, had + been a small, wrinkled, spare old gentleman, with a short + cough and a thin voice, who always seemed as if he needed an + apothecary himself. He wore generally a full suit of drab, a + flaxen wig of the sort called a Bob Jerom, and a very tight + muslin stock; a costume which he + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page416" name="page416"></a>[pg + 416]</span> had adopted in his younger days in imitation of + the most eminent physician of the next city, and continued to + the time of his death. Perhaps the cough might have been + originally an imitation also, ingrafted on the system by + habit. It had a most unsatisfactory sound, and seemed more + like a trick than a real effort of nature. His talk was + civil, prosy, and fidgetty: much addicted to small scandal, + and that kind of news which passes under the denomination of + tittle-tattle, he was sure to tell one half of the town where + the other drank tea, and recollected the blancmanges and + jellies on a supper-table, or described a new gown, with as + much science and unction as if he had been used to make + jellies and wear gowns in his own person. Certain + professional peculiarities might have favoured the + supposition. His mode of practice was exactly that popularly + attributed to old women. He delighted in innocent + remedies—manna, magnesia, and camphor julep; never put + on a blister in his life; and would sooner, from pure + complaisance, let a patient die, than administer an + unpalatable prescription. + </p> + <p> + So qualified, to say nothing of his gifts in tea-drinking, + cassino, and quadrille (whist was too many for him), his + popularity could not be questioned. When he expired, all + Hazelby mourned. The lamentation was general. The women of + every degree (to borrow a phrase from that great + phrase-monger, Horace Walpole) "cried quarts;" and the + procession to the churchyard—that very churchyard to + which he had himself attended so many of his + patients—was now followed by all of them that remained + alive. + </p> + <p> + It was felt that the successor of Mr. Simon Saunders would + have many difficulties to encounter. My friend, John Hallett, + "came, and saw, and overcame." John was what is usually + called a rough diamond. Imagine a short, clumsy, stout-built + figure, almost as broad as it is long, crowned by a bullet + head, covered with shaggy brown hair, sticking out in every + direction; the face round and solid, with a complexion + originally fair, but dyed one red by exposure to all sorts of + weather; open good-humoured eyes, of a greenish cast, his + admirers called them hazel; a wide mouth, full of large white + teeth; a cocked-up nose, and a double chin; bearing + altogether a strong resemblance to a print which I once saw + hanging up in an alehouse parlour, of "the celebrated divine + (to use the identical words of the legend) Dr. Martin + Luther." + </p> + <p> + The condition of a country apothecary being peculiarly liable + to the inclemency of the season, John's dress was generally + such as might bid defiance to wind, or rain, or snow, or + hail. If any thing, he wrapt up most in the summer, having a + theory that people were never so apt to take cold as in hot + weather. He usually wore a bearskin great-coat, a silk + handkerchief over his cravat, top boots on those sturdy + pillars his legs, a huge pair of overalls, and a hat, which, + from, the day in which it first came into his possession to + that in which it was thrown aside, never knew the comfort of + being freed from its oilskin—never was allowed to + display the glossy freshness of its sable youth. Poor dear + hat! how its vanity (if hats have vanity) must have suffered! + For certain its owner had none, unless a lurking pride in his + own bluffness and bluntness may be termed such. He piqued + himself on being a plain downright Englishman, and on a voice + and address pretty much like his apparel, rough, strong, and + warm, fit for all weathers. A heartier person never lived. + </p> + <p> + In his profession he was eminently skilful, bold, confident, + and successful. The neighbouring physicians liked to come + after Mr. Hallett; they were sure to find nothing to undo. + And blunt and abrupt as was his general manner, he was kind + and gentle in a sick-room; only nervous disorders, the pet + diseases of Mr. Simon Saunders, he could not abide. He made + short work with them; frightened them away as one does by + children when they have the hiccough; or if the malady were + pertinacious and would not go, he fairly turned off the + patient. Once or twice, indeed, on such occasions, the + patient got the start, and turned him off; Mrs. Emery, for + instance, the lady's maid at New Place, most delicate and + mincing of waiting-gentlewomen, motioned him from her + presence; and Miss Deane, daughter of Martha Deane, + haberdasher, who, after completing her education at a + boarding-school, kept a closet full of millinery in a little + den behind her mamma's shop, and was by many degrees the + finest lady in Hazelby, was so provoked at being told by him + that nothing ailed her, that, to prove her weakly condition, + she pushed him by main force out of doors. + </p> + <p> + With these exceptions Mr. Hallett was the delight of the + whole town, as well as of all the farm-houses within six + miles round. He just suited the rich yeomanry, cured their + diseases, and partook of their feasts; was constant at + christenings, and a man of prime importance at weddings. A + country merry-making was nothing without "the Doctor." He was + "the very prince of good fellows;" had + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page417" name="page417"></a>[pg + 417]</span> a touch of epicurism, which, without causing any + distaste of his own homely fare, made dainties acceptable + when they fell in his way; was a most absolute carver; prided + himself upon a sauce of his own invention, for fish and + game—"Hazelby sauce" he called it; and was universally + admitted to be the best compounder of a bowl of punch in the + county. + </p> + <p> + Besides these rare convivial accomplishments, his gay and + jovial temper rendered him the life of the table. There was + no resisting his droll faces, his droll stories, his jokes, + his tricks, or his laugh—the most contagious + cachination that ever was heard. Nothing in the shape of fun + came amiss to him. He would join in a catch or roar out a + solo, which might be heard a mile off; would play at hunt the + slipper or blind man's buff; was a great man in a country + dance, and upon very extraordinary occasions would treat the + company to a certain remarkable hornpipe, which put the walls + in danger of tumbling about their ears, and belonged to him + as exclusively as the Hazelby sauce. It was a sort of parody + on a pas seul which he had once seen at the Opera-house, in + which his face, his figure, his costume, his rich humour, and + his strange, awkward, unexpected activity, told amazingly. + "The force of <i>frolic</i> could no farther go" than "the + Doctor's hornpipe," It was the climax of jollity. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In his shop and his household he had no need either of + partner or of wife: the one was excellently managed by an old + rheumatic journeyman, slow in speech, and of vinegar aspect, + who had been a pedagogue in his youth, and now used to limp + about with his Livy in his pocket, and growl as he compounded + the medicines over the bad latinity of the prescriptions; the + other was equally well conducted by an equally ancient + housekeeper and a cherry-cheeked niece, the orphan-daughter + of his only sister, who kept every thing within doors in the + bright and shining order in which he delighted. John Hallett, + notwithstanding the roughness of his aspect, was rather + knick-knacky in his tastes; a great patron of small + inventions, such as the <i>improved</i> ne plus ultra + cork-screw, and the latest patent snuffers. He also trifled + with horticulture, dabbled in tulips, was a connoisseur in + pinks, and had gained a prize for polyanthuses. The garden + was under the especial care of his pretty niece, Miss Susan, + a grateful warm-hearted girl, who thought she never could do + enough to please her good uncle, and prove her sense of his + kindness. He was indeed as fond of her as if he had been her + father, and as kind. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps there was nothing very extraordinary in his goodness + to the gentle and cheerful little girl who kept his walks so + trim and his parlour so neat, who always met him with a + smile, and who (last and strongest tie to a generous mind) + was wholly dependent on him—had no friend on earth but + himself. There was nothing very uncommon in that. But John + Hallett was kind to every one, even where the sturdy old + English prejudices, which he cherished as virtues, might seem + most likely to counteract his gentler feelings. + </p> + <hr /> + <center> + "<i>The Evening Song of the Tyrolese Peasants</i>" by Mrs. + Hemans, must close our extracts from the present + volume:— + </center> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The day is past and gone; + </p> + <p> + The woodman's axe lies free, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the reaper's work is done. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The twilight-star to Heaven, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the summer-dew to flowers, + </p> + <p> + And rest to us is given + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By the cool soft evening hours. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sweet is the hour of rest! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Pleasant the wind's low sigh, + </p> + <p> + And the gleaming of the west, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the turf whereon we lie. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When the burden and the heat + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of labour's task are o'er, + </p> + <p> + And kindly voices greet + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The tired one at his door. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The day is past and gone; + </p> + <p> + The woodman's axe lies free, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the reaper's work is done. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Yes: tuneful is the sound + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That dwells in whispering boughs: + </p> + <p> + Welcome the freshness round, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the gale that fans our brows. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But rest more sweet and still + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Than ever night-fall gave, + </p> + <p> + Our longing hearts shall fill, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In the world beyond the grave. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There shall no tempest blow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No scorching noon-tide heat; + </p> + <p> + There shall be no more snow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No weary wandering feet. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And we lift our trusting eyes, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From the hills our fathers trod. + </p> + <p> + To the quiet of the skies, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To the sabbath of our God. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The day is past and gone: + </p> + <p> + The woodman's axe lies free, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the reaper's work is done. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + We have only room to particularize the <i>Boroom Slave</i>, + by Mrs. Bowditch; the <i>Magician's Visiter</i>, by Neele; + and <i>Scenes in the Life of a Favourite</i>; all which + possess very powerful interest. Mr. Hood, too, has two + oddities—<i>Death in the Kitchen</i>, after Sterne, and + the <i>Logicians</i>, accompanied by engravings. Indeed, the + literary variety of the present <i>Forget Me Not</i> is + highly creditable to the editor, Mr. Shoberl. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page418" name="page418"></a>[pg + 418]</span> + </p> + <h2> + FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING. + </h2> + <p> + To begin with the exterior, which is somewhat novel in taste, + the proprietors seem to have united the <i>utile cum + dulci,</i> by substituting for the usual paper covering, an + elegantly embossed leather binding. This is altogether an + improvement on the original plan, since the slight coverings + of silk or paper is scarcely safe out of the drawing-room or + boudoir, and some of the contributions to the "annuals" + entitle them to a higher stand. The presentation plate of the + present <i>Offering</i> is a chaste and classical specimen of + a kind of gold enamel engraving; <i>The Sylph</i>, engraved + by Humphreys, is a pleasing picture; <i>Virginia Water</i>, + from a picture by Daniell, is a delightful scene of rural + repose; a <i>Sculpture Group</i>, by Fry; a <i>View of + Bombay</i>; and the <i>Captive Slave</i>, by Finden; among + the embellishments, are entitled to our commendatory notice. + </p> + <p> + The present editor is Mr. Charles Knight, who, according to + his preface, succeeded "at an advanced period of the year to + the duties which had previously been performed by a gentleman + of acknowledged taste and ability." This may account for the + imperfect state of some of the engravings; but the apology is + not so requisite for the execution of the literary portion of + the present volume. Our extracts must be short, for we have + other claimants to our attention. The <i>Housekeepers</i>, a + Shandean extract, is from one of the best prose + contributors:— + </p> + <p> + There were two heavy, middle-aged merchants; they were either + Dutch or German, I know not which, but their name was + Vanderclump. Most decided old bachelors they were, with + large, leathern, hanging cheeks, sleepy grey eyes, and round + shoulders. They were men not given to much speech, but great + feeders; and, when waited upon, would point clumsily to what + they wanted, and make a sort of low growl, rather than be at + the trouble to speak. These Messrs. Vanderclump were served + by two tall, smooth-faced dawdles; I never could discover + which held the superior station in the <i>ménage</i>. + Each has been seen trotting home from market with a basket on + her arm; each might be observed to shake a duster out of the + upper windows; each would, occasionally, carry a huge bunch + of keys, or wait at table during dinner; and, in the summer + evenings, when it was not post-day, both of them would + appear, dressed alike, sitting at work at the lower + counting-house window, with the blinds thrown wide open. + Both, I suppose, were housekeepers. + </p> + <p> + It happened, one cold, foggy spring, that the younger + brother, Mr. Peter Vanderclump, left London to transact some + business of importance with a correspondent at Hamburgh, + leaving his brother Anthony to the loneliness of their gloomy + house in St. Mary Axe. Week after week passed away, and Mr. + Peter was still detained at Hamburgh. Who would have supposed + that his society could have been missed? that the parlour + could have seemed more dismally dull by the absence of one of + those from whom it chiefly derived its character of dulness? + Mr. Anthony took up his largest meerchaum, and enveloped + himself in its smoke by the hour; but the volumes of smoke + cleared away, and no Peter Vanderclump appeared emerging from + the mist. Mr. Anthony brought some of his heavy folios from + below; and, in their pages of interest, (no common, but often + compound, interest,) lost, for awhile, the dreary sense of + loneliness. But, a question was to be asked! Peter's solemn + "yah" or "nien" was waited for in vain. Forgetful, and almost + impatient, Anthony looked up—the chair was unoccupied + which his brother had constantly filled. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Anthony began to sigh—he got into a habit of + sighing. Betty and Molly (they were soft-hearted baggages) + felt for their master—pitied their poor master! Betty + was placing the supper on the table one evening, when her + master sighed very heavily. Betty sighed also, and the + corners of her mouth fell—their eyes + met—something like a blush crimsoned Betty's sleek, + shining cheek, when, on raising her eyes again, her master + was still staring at her. Betty simpered, and, in her very + soft, very demure voice ventured to say, "Was there any thing + she could do?" Mr. Vanderclump rose up from his chair. Betty, + for the first time, felt awed by his approach. "Batee!" he + said, "my poor Batee! Hah! you are a goot girl!" He chucked + her under the chin with his large hand. Betty looked meek, + and blushed, and simpered again. There was a pause—Mr. + Vanderclump was the first to disturb it. "Hah! hah!" he + exclaimed, gruffly, as if suddenly recollecting himself; and, + thrusting both hands into his capacious breeches-pockets, he + sat down to supper, and took no further notice of Betty that + night. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, the sun seemed to have made a successful + struggle with the dense London atmosphere, and shone full in + Mr. Vanderclump's face while he was at breakfast, and set a + piping bullfinch singing a tune, which his master loved + rather for the sake of old associations, than from any + delight in music. Then Lloyd's + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page419" name="page419"></a>[pg + 419]</span> List was full of arrivals, and the Price Current + had that morning some unusual charm about it, which I cannot + even guess at. Mr. Vanderclump looked upon the bright and + blazing fire; his eye rested, with a calm and musing + satisfaction, on the light volumes of steam rising from the + spout of the tea-kettle, as it stood, rather murmuring + drowsily, than hissing, upon the hob. There was, he might + have felt, a sympathy between them. They were both placidly + puffing out the warm and wreathing smoke. + </p> + <p> + He laid down his pipe, and took half a well-buttered muffin + into his capacious mouth at a bite; he washed the mouthful + down, with a large dish of tea, and he felt in better + spirits. That morning he entered the counting-house rubbing + his hands. + </p> + <p> + Within an hour a crowd of huge, dusky clouds shut out the + merry sunshine, and the Hamburgh mail brought no tidings + whatever of Mr. Peter. Mr. Anthony worked himself up into a + thorough ill-humour again, and swore at his clerks, because + they asked him questions. When he entered his apartment that + evening he felt more desolate than ever. Betty placed a + barrel of oysters on the table—he heeded her + not;—a large German sausage—his eyes were fixed + on the ground;—a piece of Hamburgh beef —Mr. + Vanderclump looked up for an instant, and, Europa-like, his + thoughts crossed the sea, upon that beef, to Hamburgh. + Gradually, however, a genial warmth spread throughout the + room, for Betty stirred up the fire, and let down the + curtains, and snuffed the dim candles; while Molly loaded the + table with bottles of divers shapes and sizes, a basin of + snow-white sugar, and a little basket of limes, of well-known + and exquisite flavour; placing, at the same time, a very + small kettle of boiling water on the fire.—"Why, + Mollee! my goot girl!" said Mr. Vanderclump, in a low and + somewhat melancholy tone, (his eyes had mechanically followed + these latter proceedings,) "Mollee! that is ponch!" + —"La, sir! and why not?" replied the damsel, almost + playfully. "Why not be comfortable and cheery? I am + sure"—and here she meant to look encouraging, her usual + simper spreading to a smile—"I am sure Betty and I + would do our best to make you so." + </p> + <p> + "Goot girls, goot girls!" said Mr. Vanderclump, his eyes + fixed all the while upon the supper-table—he sat down + to it. "My goot girls!" said he, soon after, "you may go + down; I do not want you; you need not wait." The two timid, + gentle creatures instantly obeyed. More than an hour elapsed, + and then Mr. Vanderclump's bell rang. The two matronly + maidens were very busily employed in making a new cap. Betty + rose at once; but suddenly recollecting that she had been + trying on her new and unfinished cap, and had then only a + small brown cotton skull-cap on her head, she raised both her + hands to her head to be certain of this, and then said, "Do, + Molly, there's a dear! answer the bell; for such a figure as + I am, I could not go before master, no how. See, I have + unpicked this old cap for a little bit of French edging at + the back." Molly looked a little peevish; but <i>her</i> cap + was on her head, and up stairs she went. Mr. Vanderclump was + sitting before the fire, puffing lustily from his eternal + pipe. "Take away," he said abruptly, "and put the leetle + table here." He pointed and growled, and the sagacious Molly + understood. She placed the table beside him, and upon it the + punch, which he had been drinking. "Batee, my poor Batee!" + said Mr. Vanderclump, who had not yet noticed that Betty was + absent. "It is not Betty, but Molly, sir!" replied the latter + damsel, in a voice of childlike simplicity. "Hah!" said he, + apparently considering for a moment, "Hah! Batee, Mollee, all + the same! Mollee, my poor Mollee, you are a goot girl! Get up + to-morrow morning, my poor Mollee, and put on your best gown, + and I will marry you!" Molly, was, as she afterwards + declared, struck all of a heap. She gaped, and gasped with + astonishment; and then a power of words were rushing and + racing up her throat to her tongue's end: a glance at her + master stopped their explosion. His hands were in his + pockets, his face towards the fire, his pipe in his mouth. + "Yes, sir," she replied, humbly and distinctly. A few tears + trickled down her cheeks, as she curtseyed low at the door, + and disappeared. She knew his ways, she thought within + herself, as she walked very slowly down the stairs, and she + congratulated herself that she had not risked another word in + reply. "And now, Betty," she said, as she entered the + kitchen, "I'll put the finishing stitch to my cap, and go to + bed, for master will want nothing more to-night." She sat + down quietly to work, and conversed quietly with Betty, not + disclosing a word of her new prospects, Betty, however, + observed that she took off the trimming with which her new + cap had been already half-adorned. "Why, bless me, Molly!" + she cried, "you are not going to put on that handsome white + satin bow, are you?"—"Why, yes! I think I shall," + replied Molly, "for now I look at your cap, with that there + yellow riband upon it, mine seems to me quite old-maidish." + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page420" name="page420"></a>[pg + 420]</span> The next morning, Molly got up before her sister, + and put on her best gown and her new cap. The morning was + dark and dull, and Betty was sleepy, and Molly kept the + window-curtain and the bed-curtains closely drawn. + Unsuspected, she slipped out of the chamber, her shawl and + her bonnet in her hand. + </p> + <p> + As the clock struck eight, Molly was standing beside her + master before the rails of the marriage-altar; and, not long + after, she burst upon the astonished eyes of her sister, as + Mrs. Vanderclump. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <i>La Villegiatura</i> is a pleasant article; but we do not + think there is much of the "love of pastoral associations" + left in the English character, and we are sorry for it. The + <i>Rustic Wreath</i>, by Miss Mitford, is very sweet; the + <i>Cacadore</i>, a story of the peninsular war, is a + soul-stirring narrative; there is much pleasantry in Mrs. + Hofland's <i>Comforts of Conceitedness; Virginia Water</i>, + by the editor, could hardly be written by his + fireside—it has too much local inspiration in every + line; <i>Auguste de Valcour</i>, by the author of <i>Gilbert + Earle</i>, is in his usual felicitous vein of philosophic + melancholy; Miss Roberts has a glittering <i>Tale of + Normandy</i>; the <i>Orphans</i>, by the editor, is simple + and pathetic; <i>Palinodia</i> we subjoin:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was a time when I could feel + </p> + <p class="i2"> + All passion's hopes and fears, + </p> + <p> + And tell what tongues can ne'er reveal, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By smiles, and sighs, and tears. + </p> + <p> + The days are gone! no more, no more, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The cruel fates allow; + </p> + <p> + And, though I'm hardly twenty-four, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now. + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + </p> + <p class="i6"> + The chill is on my brow; + </p> + <p class="i4"> + My day is night, my bloom is blight— + </p> + <p class="i6"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I never talk about the clouds, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I laugh at girls and boys, + </p> + <p> + I'm growing rather fond of crowds, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And very fond of noise; + </p> + <p> + I never wander forth alone + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon the mountain's brow; + </p> + <p> + I weighed, last winter, sixteen stone,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I never wish to raise a veil, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I never raise a sigh; + </p> + <p> + I never tell a tender tale, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I never tell a lie; + </p> + <p> + I cannot kneel as once I did; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I've quite forgot my bow; + </p> + <p> + I never do as I am bid,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I make strange blunders every day, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + If I would be gallant, + </p> + <p> + Take smiles for wrinkles, black for grey. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And nieces for their aunt; + </p> + <p> + I fly from folly, though it flows + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From lips of loveliest glow; + </p> + <p> + I don't object to length of nose,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The muse's steed is very fleet— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'd rather ride my mare; + </p> + <p> + The poet hunts a quaint conceit— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'd rather hunt a hare; + </p> + <p> + I've learnt to utter yours and you + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Instead of thine and thou; + </p> + <p> + And oh! I can't endure a Blue!— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I find my Ovid dry, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + My Petrarch quite a pill, + </p> + <p> + Cut Fancy for Philosophy, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Tom Moore for Mr. Mill; + </p> + <p> + And belles may read, and beaux may write, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I care not who or how; + </p> + <p> + I burnt my album Sunday night,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I don't encourage idle dreams + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of poison or of ropes, + </p> + <p> + I cannot dine on airy schemes, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I cannot sup on hopes: + </p> + <p> + New milk, I own is very fine, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Just foaming from the cow; + </p> + <p> + But yet I want my pint of wine,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When Laura sings young hearts away, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm deafer than the deep; + </p> + <p> + When Leonora goes to play, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sometimes go to sleep; + </p> + <p> + When Mary draws her white gloves out, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I never dance, I vow: + </p> + <p> + "Too hot to kick one's heels about!"— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I'm busy now with state affairs, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I prate of Pitt and Fox; + </p> + <p> + I ask the price of rail-road shares, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I watch the turns of stocks: + </p> + <p> + And this is life! no verdure blooms + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon the withered bough. + </p> + <p> + I save a fortune in perfumes,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I may be yet what others are, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A boudoir's babbling fool; + </p> + <p> + The flattered star of bench or har, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A party's chief or tool: + </p> + <p> + Come shower or sunshine, hope or fear, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The palace or the plough— + </p> + <p> + My heart and lute are broken here,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + </p> + <p class="i6"> + The chill is on my brow; + </p> + <p class="i4"> + My day is night, my bloom is blight,— + </p> + <p class="i6"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>The First Ball</i>, by L.E.L. is rife and gay; which, with + Mr. Croker's <i>Three Advices</i>, are all we can spare room + to point out to our readers. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Amulet. + </h2> + <p> + Of this volume we have already availed ourselves. Some of the + engravings are in a vigorous and first-rate style of + excellence; the binding, too, is somewhat gay for so grave a + title—being crimson silk. Our favourites are a + <i>Voyage Round the World</i>, by Montgomery, one of the best + poems of the year; <i>Faustus, with a Visit to Goethe; Angel + Visits</i>, by Mrs. Hemans; <i>The Departed</i>, by L.E.L.; + and some pieces by the editor, Mr. Hall. Our present extract + is + </p> + <h3> + THE LAST VOYAGE. A TRUE STORY. + </h3> + <p> + <i>By Mrs. Opie.</i> + </p> + <p> + We cannot fail to observe, as we advance in life, how vividly + our earliest recollections recur to us, and this + consciousness is accompanied by a melancholy pleasure, when + we are deprived of those + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page421" name="page421"></a>[pg + 421]</span> who are most tenderly associated with such + remembrances, because they bring the beloved dead "before our + mind's eye;" and beguile the loneliness of the <i>present</i> + hour, by visions of the <i>past</i>. In such visions I now + often love to indulge, and in one of them, a journey to + Y—— was recently brought before me, in which my + ever-indulgent father permitted me to accompany him, when I + was yet but a child. + </p> + <p> + As we drove through C——r, a village within three + miles of Y——, he directed my attention to a + remarkable <i>rising</i>, or <i>conical mound of earth</i>, + on the top of the tower of C——r church. He then + kindly explained the cause of this singular, and + <i>distinguishing</i> appearance, and told me the + traditionary anecdote connected with it; which now, in my own + words, I am going to communicate to my readers. + </p> + <p> + It is generally supposed, that great grief makes the heart so + selfishly absorbed in its own sufferings, as to render it + regardless of the sufferings of others; but the conduct of + her, who is the heroine of the following tale, will prove to + this general rule an honourable exception. + </p> + <p> + I know nothing of her birth, and parentage, nor am I + acquainted even with her name—but I shall call her + Birtha—the story goes, that she lived at + C——r, a village three miles from Y—— + in N——, and was betrothed to the mate of a + trading vessel, with the expectation of marrying him, when he + had gained money sufficient, by repeated voyages, to make + their union consistent with prudence. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, there is reason to believe that Birtha was + not idle, but contrived to earn money herself, in order to + expedite the hour of her marriage; and at length, her lover + (whom I shall call William) thought that there was no reason + for him to continue his sea-faring life, but at the end of + one voyage more, he should be able to marry the woman of his + choice, and engage in some less dangerous employment, in his + native village. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the next time that he bade farewell to Birtha, + the sorrow of their parting hour was soothed by William's + declaring, that, as the next voyage would be his last, he + should expect, when he returned, to find every thing ready + for their marriage. + </p> + <p> + This was a pleasant expectation, and Birtha eagerly prepared + to fulfil it. + </p> + <p> + By the time that Birtha was beginning to believe that William + was on his voyage home, her neighbours would often help her + to count the days which would probably elapse before the ship + could arrive; but when they were not in her presence, some of + the experienced amongst the men used to express a + <i>hope</i>, the result of <i>fear</i>, that William would + return time enough to avoid <i>certain winds</i>, which made + one part of the navigation on that coast particularly + dangerous. + </p> + <p> + Birtha herself, had, no doubt, her <i>fears</i>, as well as + her <i>hopes</i>; but there are <i>some</i> fears which the + lip of affection dares not utter, and this was one of them. + </p> + <p> + Birtha dreaded to have her inquiries respecting that + dangerous passage, answered by "Yes, we know that it is a + difficult navigation;" she also dreaded to be told by some + kind, but ill-judging friends, to "trust in Providence;" as, + by such advice, the reality of the danger would be still more + powerfully confirmed to her. This recommendation would to her + have been needless, as well as alarming; for she had, + doubtless, always relied on Him who is alone able to save, + and she knew that the same "Almighty arm was underneath" her + lover still, which had hitherto preserved him in the time of + need. + </p> + <p> + Well—time went on, and we will imagine the little + garden before the door of the house which Birtha had hired, + new gravelled, fresh flowers sown and planted there; the + curtains ready to be put up; the shelves bright with polished + utensils; table linen, white as the driven snow, enclosed in + the newly-purchased chest of drawers; and the neat, well + chosen wedding-clothes, ready for the approaching occasion: + we will also picture to ourselves, the trembling joy of + Birtha, when her eager and sympathizing neighbours rushed + into her cottage, disturbing her early breakfast, with the + glad tidings, that William's ship had been seen approaching + the dangerous passage with a fair wind, and that there was no + doubt but that he would get over it safe, and in day-light! + How sweet is it to be the messenger and the bearer of good + news, but it is still sweeter to know that one has friends + who have pleasure in communicating pleasure to us! + </p> + <p> + But Birtha's joy was still mingled with anxiety, and she + probably passed that day in alternate restlessness and + prayer. + </p> + <p> + Towards night the wind rose high, blowing from a quarter + unfavourable to the safety of the ship, and it still + continued to blow in this direction when night and darkness + had closed on all around. + </p> + <p> + Darkness at that moment seemed to close also upon the + prospects of Birtha! for she knew that there was no beacon, + no landmark to warn the vessel of its danger, and inform the + pilot what coast they were approaching, and what perils they + were to avoid; and, it is probable, that the almost + despairing girl was, with + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page422" name="page422"></a>[pg + 422]</span> her anxious friends, that livelong night a + restless wanderer on the nearest shore. + </p> + <p> + With the return of morning came the awful confirmation of + their worst fears! + </p> + <p> + There was no remaining vestige of William's vessel, save the + top of the mast, which shewed where it had sunk beneath the + waves, and proved that the hearts which in the morning had + throbbed high with tender hopes and joyful expectations were + then cold and still "beneath the mighty waters!" How + different now was the scene in Birtha's cottage, to that + which it exhibited during the preceding morning. + </p> + <p> + That changed dwelling was not indeed deserted, for + sympathizing neighbours came to it as before; but though many + may be admitted with readiness when it is a time for + congratulation, it is only the few who can be welcome in a + season of sorrow; and Birtha's sorrow, though <i>quiet</i>, + was <i>deep</i>—while neither her nearest relative, nor + dearest friend, could do any thing to assist her, save, by + removing from her sight the new furniture, or the new + dresses, which had been prepared for those happy hours that + now could never be hers. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, Birtha, who had always appeared calm and + resigned, seemed cheerful also! still she remained pale, as + in the first moments of her trial, save when a feverish flush + occasionally increased the brightness of her eyes; but she + grew thinner and thinner, and her impeded breath made her + affectionate friends suspect that she was going into a rapid + decline. + </p> + <p> + Medical aid was immediately called in, and Birtha's pleased + conviction that her end was near, was soon, though + reluctantly confirmed to her, at her own request. + </p> + <p> + It is afflicting to see an invalid rejoice in knowing that + the hour of death is certainly approaching; because it proves + the depth and poignancy of the previous sufferings: but then + the sight is comforting and edifying also. It is + <i>comforting</i>, because it proves that the dying person is + supported by the only "help that faileth not;" and it is + edifying, because it invites those who behold it to endeavour + to <i>believe</i>, that they also may live and <i>die</i> + like the departing Christian. + </p> + <p> + But it was not alone the wish "to die and be with Christ," + nor the sweet expectation of being united in another world to + him whom she had lost, that was the cause of Birtha's + increasing cheerfulness, as the hour of her dissolution drew + nigh. No— + </p> + <p> + Her generous heart was rejoicing in a project which she had + conceived, and which would, if realized, be the source of + benefit to numbers yet unborn. She knew from authority which + she could not doubt, that had there been a <i>proper + landmark</i> on the shore, her lover and his ship would not, + in all human probability, have perished. + </p> + <p> + "Then," said Birtha, "henceforth there shall be a land-mark + on this coast! and I will furnish it! Here at least, no fond + and faithful girl shall again have to lament over her + blighted prospects, and pine, and suffer as I have done." + </p> + <p> + She sent immediately for the clergyman of the parish, made + her will, and had a clause inserted to the following effect: + "I desire that I may be buried on the top of the tower of + C——r church! and that my grave may be made very + high, and pointed, in order to render it a perpetual + land-mark to all ships approaching that dangerous navigation + where he whom I loved was wrecked. I am assured, that, had + there been a land-mark on the tower of C—— + church, his ship might have escaped; and I humbly trust, that + my grave will always be kept up, according to my will, to + prevent affectionate hearts, in future, from being afflicted + as mine has been; and I leave a portion of my little property + in the hands of trustees, for ever, to pay for the + preservation of the above-mentioned grave, in all its + usefulness!" + </p> + <p> + Before she died, the judicious and benevolent sufferer had + the satisfaction of being assured, that her intentions would + be carried into effect. + </p> + <p> + Her last moments were therefore cheered by the belief, that + she would be graciously permitted to be, even after death, a + benefit to others, and that her grave might be the means of + preserving some of her fellow-creatures from shipwreck and + affliction. + </p> + <p> + Nor was her belief a delusive one—-The conical grave in + question gives so remarkable an appearance to the tower of + C——r church, when it is seen at sea, even at a + distance, that if once observed it can never be forgotten, + even by those to whom the anecdote connected with it is + unknown —therefore, as soon as it appears in sight, + pilots know that they are approaching a dangerous coast, and + take measures to avoid its perils. + </p> + <p> + But if the navigation on that coast is no longer as perilous + as it was, when the heroine of this story was buried, and the + tower of C——r church is no longer a necessary + land-mark, still her grave remains a pleasing memorial of + one, whose active benevolence rose superior to the + selfishness both of sorrow and of sickness; and enabled her, + even on the bed of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page423" + name="page423"></a>[pg 423]</span> death, to <i>contrive</i> + and <i>will</i> for the benefit of posterity. + </p> + <p> + It is strange, but true, that the name of this humble, but + privileged being, is not on record; but many whose names are + forgotten on earth, have been, I doubt not, received and + rewarded in heaven. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Bijou + </h2> + <p> + Is a new adventurer in the "annual" field, and deserves a + foremost rank as a work of art. Thus, the <i>Child with + Flowers</i>, by Humphreys, after Sir Thomas Laurence, is + really fit company for the president's beautiful picture; the + <i>Boy and Dog</i>, by the same painter and engraver, is also + very fine; but the selection of both of the pictures for one + volume is hardly judicious. With <i>Haddon Hall</i> our + readers are already familiar. <i>Sans Souci</i>, after + Stothard, is a delightful scene. In the literature, almost + the only very striking composition is Sir Walter Scott's + illustration of Wilkie's painting of the baronet's own + family, which, having been copied into every newspaper, we do + not reprint. For our part, we do not admire the painting; + there is too much <i>rank and file</i> for a family group. + Mr. Hood has a <i>Lament of Chivalry</i>, in his best style; + and a few <i>Verses for an Album</i>, by Charles Lamb, are to + our taste. + </p> + <h3> + A LAMENT FOR THE DECLINE OF CHIVALRY. + </h3> + <h4> + BY THOMAS HOOD, ESQ. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Well hast thou cried, departed Burke, + </p> + <p> + All chivalrous romantic work, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Is ended now and past!— + </p> + <p> + That iron age—which some have thought + </p> + <p> + Of metal rather overwrought— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Is now all over-cast! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Ay,—where are those heroic knights + </p> + <p> + Of old—those armadillo wights + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Who wore the plated vest,— + </p> + <p> + Great Charlemagne, and all his peers + </p> + <p> + Are cold—enjoying with their spears + </p> + <p class="i2"> + An everlasting rest!— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The bold King Arthur sleepeth sound, + </p> + <p> + So sleep his knights who gave that Round + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Old Table such eclat! + </p> + <p> + Oh Time has pluck'd the plumy brow! + </p> + <p> + And none engage at turneys now + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But those who go to law! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Grim John o' Gaunt is quite gone by, + </p> + <p> + And Guy is nothing but a Guy, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Orlando lies forlorn!— + </p> + <p> + Bold Sidney, and his kidney—nay, + </p> + <p> + Those "early champions"—what are they + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But <i>Knights</i> without a morn! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + No Percy branch now perseveres + </p> + <p> + Like those of old in breaking spears— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The name is now a lie!— + </p> + <p> + Surgeons, alone, by any chance, + </p> + <p> + Are all that ever couch a lance + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To couch a body's eye! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Alas! for Lion-Hearted Dick, + </p> + <p> + That cut the Moslem to the quick, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His weapon lies in peace,— + </p> + <p> + Oh, it would warm them in a trice, + </p> + <p> + If they could only have a spice + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of his old mace in Greece! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The fam'd Rinaldo lies a-cold, + </p> + <p> + And Tancred too, and Godfrey bold, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That scal'd the holy wall! + </p> + <p> + No Saracen meets Paladin, + </p> + <p> + We hear of no great <i>Saladin</i>, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But only grow the small! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Our Cressys too have dwindled since + </p> + <p> + To penny things—at our Black Prince + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Historic pens would scoff— + </p> + <p> + The only one we moderns had + </p> + <p> + Was nothing but a Sandwich lad, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And measles took him off:— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Where are those old and feudal clans, + </p> + <p> + Their pikes, and bills, and partizans! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their hauberks—jerkins—buffs? + </p> + <p> + A battle was a battle then, + </p> + <p> + A breathing piece of work—but men + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Fight now with powder puffs! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The curtal-axe is out of date! + </p> + <p> + The good old cross-bow bends to Fate, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'Tis gone—the archer's craft! + </p> + <p> + No tough arm bends the springing yew. + </p> + <p> + And jolly draymen ride, in lieu + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of Death, upon the shaft.— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The spear—the gallant tilter's pride + </p> + <p> + The rusty spear is laid aside, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Oh spits now domineer!— + </p> + <p> + The coat of mail is left alone,— + </p> + <p> + And where is all chain armour gone? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Go ask at Brighton Pier. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + We fight in ropes and not in lists, + </p> + <p> + Bestowing hand-cuffs with our fists, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A low and vulgar art!— + </p> + <p> + No mounted man is overthrown— + </p> + <p> + A tilt!—It is a thing unknown— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Except upon a cart. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Methinks I see the bounding barb, + </p> + <p> + Clad like his Chief in steely garb, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For warding steel's appliance!— + </p> + <p> + Methinks I hear the trumpet stir! + </p> + <p> + 'Tis but the guard to Exeter, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That bugles the "Defiance!" + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + In cavils when will cavaliers + </p> + <p> + Set ringing helmets by the ears, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And scatter plumes about? + </p> + <p> + Or blood—if they are in the vein? + </p> + <p> + That tap will never run again— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Alas the <i>Casque</i> is out! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + No iron-crackling now is scor'd + </p> + <p> + By dint of battle-axe or sword, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To find a vital place— + </p> + <p> + Though certain Doctors still pretend + </p> + <p> + Awhile, before they kill a friend, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To labour through his case. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Farewell, then, ancient men of might! + </p> + <p> + Crusader! errant squire, and knight! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Our coats and customs soften,— + </p> + <p> + To rise would only make ye weep— + </p> + <p> + Sleep on, in rusty iron sleep, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As in a safety-coffin! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + VERSES FOR AN ALBUM. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Fresh clad from Heaven in robes of white + </p> + <p> + A young probationer of light. + </p> + <p> + Thou wert, my soul, an Album bright. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A spotless leaf but thought, and care— + </p> + <p> + And friends, and foes, in foul or fair, + </p> + <p> + Have "written strange defeature" there. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And Time, with heaviest hand of all, + </p> + <p> + Like that fierce writing on the wall, + </p> + <p> + Hath stamp'd sad dates—he can't recall. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And error gilding worst designs— + </p> + <p> + Like speckled snake that strays and shines— + </p> + <p> + Betrays his path by crooked lines. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And vice hath left his ugly blot— + </p> + <p> + And good resolves, a moment hot, + </p> + <p> + Fairly began—but finish'd not. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And fruitless late remorse doth trace— + </p> + <p> + Like Hebrew lore, a backward pace— + </p> + <p> + Her irrecoverable race. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page424" + name="page424"></a>[pg 424]</span> + <p> + Disjointed numbers—sense unknit— + </p> + <p> + Huge reams of folly—shreds of wit— + </p> + <p> + Compose the mingled mass of it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + My scalded eyes no longer brook, + </p> + <p> + Upon this ink-blurr'd thing to look, + </p> + <p> + Go—shut the leaves—and clasp the book!— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"></div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE LITERARY POCKET-BOOK. + </h2> + <p> + Is this year resumed, but we think it is not so successful + as, were its previous <i>fasciculi</i>. The "<i>literary</i>" + is a good epithet for its sale among would-be authors, like + the "<i>Gentleman's</i>" Magazine among a certain class of + worthies. But of what use are such articles as the following + to literary men:—<i>The Seasons</i>, by a Man of + <i>Taste</i>, (like the <i>carte</i> of a restaurateur;) + <i>Sayings of a Man about Town; Remonstrance with J.F. + Newton; Lines on Crockford's &c.</i>—all amusing + enough in their way, but, in a literary pocket-book, out of + place, and not in good taste. The "lists," too, the only + useful portion of the volume, are, in many instances, very + incorrect. Apropos, how long has Morris Birbeck been dead? + Our Illinois friend might be alive when the editor published + his last pocket-book; but if he stands still, time does not. + There is, too, an affectation of fashion about the work which + does not suit our sober taste; but as a seasonable Christmas + extract, we are induced to quote <i>Winter</i> from the + <i>Seasons</i>:— + </p> + <p> + Now is the high season of beef; beef, which Prometheus killed + for us at first, ere he filched the fire from heaven, with + which to constitute it a beef-steak—that foundation of + the most delightful of clubs, and origin of the most + delightful of all memoirs of them. Nor be the sirloin, boast + of Englishmen, forgot! nor its vaunted origin; which proves + that the age of chivalry, despite of Burke, is not yet gone! + Stewed beef too, and ample round, and <i>filet de boeuf saute + dans sa glace</i>, and stewed rump-steaks, and ox-tail soup. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Spirits of beef, where are ye? are ye all fled?" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Henry the Eighth</i>. + </p> + <p> + No—when beef flies the English shores, then you may, as + the immortal bard exquisitely expresses it, "make a silken + purse out of a sow's ear." But mutton, too, invites my Muse. + It is calculated that fifteen hundred thousand sheep are + annually sacrificed in London to the carnivorous taste of + John Bull. "Of roast mutton (as Dr. Johnson says) what + remains for me to say? It will be found sometimes succous, + and sometimes defective of moisture; but what palate has ever + failed to be pleased with a haunch which has been duly + suspended? what appetite has not been awakened by the + fermentation that glitters on its surface, when it has been + reposing for the requisite number of hours before a fire + equal in its fervency?" + </p> + <p> + We quite agree with Dr. Johnson; but a boiled leg of mutton, + its whiteness transparent through the verdant capers that + decorate its candour, is not to be despised; nor is a hash, + whether celebrated as an Irish stew, or a <i>hachis de + mouton</i>, most relishing of <i>rifacciamenti</i>! Chops and + garlic <i>à la Francaise</i> are exquisite; and the + saddle, cut learnedly, is the Elysium of a gourmand. + </p> + <p> + Now also is the time of house-lamb and of doe-venison. Now is + the time of Christmas come, and the voice of the turkey is + heard in our land! This is the period of their annual + massacre—a new slaughter of the innocents! The Norwich + coaches are now laden with mortals; that, while alive, shared + with their equally intelligent townsmen, <i>fruges consumere + nati</i>, the riches of their agricultural county. + </p> + <p> + Let others talk as they will about the Greek and the + Ottoman!—in cookery, I abhor Greece, and love Turkey. + And yet how inconsistent I am in my politics! for I sometimes + regard the partition of Turkey as a thing well purchased by + the sacrifice of every Ottoman in the world—would they + were all <i>under my feet</i>!—especially when I have + the gout. I confess, the dismemberment of Poland did not + affect me much. A man who is much accustomed to dismember + fowls, will not care much about that of kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + Nor be the cod (a blessing on his head—and shoulders!) + forgotten. Beautifully candid, his laminae separate readily + before the tranchant silver, and each flake, covered with a + creamy curd, lies ready to receive the affusion of molten + (not oiled) butter, which, with its floating oyster-islands, + seems in impatient agitation for the moment of overflowing + the alluring "white creature," as a modern poet styles it. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + TIMES TELESCOPE. + </h2> + <p> + Having <i>transported</i> the public for the term of + <i>fourteen years</i>, our readers need not be told that the + present is the fifteenth volume. We should say more in its + praise had it said less in our own. In richness and variety + it is quite equal to any of its predecessors; and we promise + our readers an occasional sip of its original sweets. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + The <i>Keepsake</i> and the <i>Christmas-Box</i> (the latter + a <i>juvenile</i> annual) must stand over for an early + number. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p> + We hope this epithet will not be considered + ungallant—for, to say the truth, the <i>ladies</i> + have contributed the best poetical portion of the feast. + This display of female talent has increased in brilliancy + year after year: and the <i>Lords</i> should look to it. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near + Somerset House,) and sold by all Newsmen and Booksellers.</i> + </p> + <hr class="full" /> +<pre> + + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11326 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11326-h/images/288-1.png b/11326-h/images/288-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9a8fd28 --- /dev/null +++ b/11326-h/images/288-1.png diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..44b886c --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11326 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11326) diff --git a/old/11326-8.txt b/old/11326-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a085a16 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11326-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2179 @@ +The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 10, No. 288, Supplementary Number, by Various + + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, No. +288, Supplementary Number + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [eBook #11326] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: iso-8859-1 + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, NO. 288, SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER*** + + +E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Terry Gilliland, David Garcia, and the +Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 11326-h.htm or 11326-h.zip: + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/2/11326/11326-h/11326-h.htm) + or + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/2/11326/11326-h.zip) + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. 10, No. 288.] SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + + +The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City. + + +[Illustration: The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City.] + + +SPIRIT OF "THE ANNUALS" FOR 1828. + + +Our readers have annually anticipated a high treat from this splendid +intellectual banquet, served up by some of the master[1] spirits of +the age. + + [1] We hope this epithet will not be considered ungallant--for, to + say the truth, the _ladies_ have contributed the best poetical + portion of the feast. This display of female talent has + increased in brilliancy year after year: and the _Lords_ should + look to it. + +We doubt whether the comparison is refined enough for the fair +authoresses; but our fancy has led us to class their contributions to +the present feast as follow:-- + + +_Hock--Champagne_, (_Still and Sparkling_.) + +L.E.L. +Hood. + +_Bucellas._ + +Miss Mitford. +Bernard Barton. + +_Lacrymae Christi._ + +Mrs. Hemans. +Watts. +Delta. + +_Port._ + +Coleridge. +Southey. + +_Claret._ + +Montgomery, + + +with a due proportion of _vin ordinaire_. This comparison may be +pleasant enough as after-dinner chat, but we fear our readers will +think it like cooks circulating the Bills of Fare on the morning of +Lord Mayor's Day; and lest we should incur their displeasure, we +shall proceed with our select _course_: but we are mere disposers. + + * * * * * + + +THE LITERARY SOUVENIR. + + +In literary talent, as well as in graphic beauty, this elegant volume +stands first; and from it we have selected the subject of the above +engraving, accompanied by the following + + +ANCIENT SONG OF VICTORY. + +BY MRS. HEMANS. + + +Fill high the bowl, with Samian wine, +Our virgins dance beneath the shade. + +BYRON. + + + Lo! they come, they come! + Garlands for every shrine! + Strike lyres to greet them home; + Bring roses, pour ye wine! + + Swell, swell the Dorian flute + Thro' the blue, triumphal sky! + Let the Cittern's tone salute + The Sons of Victory! + + With the offering of bright blood, + They have ransomed earth and tomb, + Vineyard, and field, and flood;-- + Lo! they come, they come! + + Sing it where olives wave, + And by the glittering sea, + And o'er each hero's grave,-- + Sing, sing, the land is free! + + Mark ye the flashing oars, + And the spears that light the deep! + How the festal sunshine pours + Where the lords of battle sweep! + + Each hath brought back his shield,-- + Maid, greet thy lover home! + Mother, from that proud field, + Lo! thy son is come! + + Who murmured of the dead? + Hush, boding voice! we know + That many a shining head + Lies in its glory low. + + Breathe not those names to-day! + They shall have their praise ere long, + And a power all hearts to sway + In ever-burning song. + + But now shed flowers, pour wine, + To hail the conquerors home! + Bring wreaths for every shrine-- + Lo! they come, they come! + + +The original engraving is by Edward Goodall, from a painting by William +Linton, Esq. It is altogether a rich and glorious composition, at +this moment too, glowing with more than pictorial interest; and the +_carmen triumphale_ of the poetess is a worthy accompaniment. Among +the other engravings the frontispiece and opposite page of this work +are extremely rich and beautiful: _Psyche borne by the Zephyrs to the +Island of Pleasure_, is full of languishing beauty; _Medora_, painted +by Pickersgill and engraved by Rolls, is a delightfully placid +moonlight scene; the _Declaration_, easy and graceful: there are, +however, in our opinion, two decided failures in the volume, which, +for the credit of the artists, had better been omitted. Our present +notices of the _literary_ department must be confined to the following +selection: + + +THE CITY OF THE DEMONS. + +_By William Maginn, Esq._ + + +In days of yore, there lived in the flourishing city of Cairo, a Hebrew +Rabbi, by name Jochorian, who was the most learned of his nation. His +fame went over the East, and the most distant people sent their young +men to imbibe wisdom from his lips. He was deeply skilled in the +traditions of the fathers, and his word on a disputed point was decisive. +He was pious, just, temperate, and strict; but he had one vice--a love +of gold had seized upon his heart, and he opened not his hand to the +poor. Yet he was wealthy above most, his wisdom being to him the +source of riches. The Hebrews of the city were grieved at this blemish +on the wisest of their people; but though the elders of the tribes +continued to reverence him for his fame, the women and children of +Cairo called him by no other name than that of Rabbi Jochonan the miser. + +None knew, so well as he, the ceremonies necessary for initiation +into the religion of Moses; and, consequently, the exercise of those +solemn offices was to him another source of gain. One day, as he walked +in the fields about Cairo, conversing with a youth on the interpretation +of the law, it so happened, that the angel of death smote the young man +suddenly, and he fell dead before the feet of the Rabbi, even while he +was yet speaking. When the Rabbi found that the youth was dead, he rent +his garments, and glorified the Lord. But his heart was touched, and +the thoughts of death troubled him in the visions of the night. He +felt uneasy when he reflected on his hardness to the poor, and he +said, "Blessed be the name of the Lord! The first good thing that +I am asked to do in that holy name, will I perform."--But he sighed, +for he feared that some one might ask of him a portion of his gold. + +While yet he thought upon these things, there came a loud cry at his gate. + +"Awake, thou sleeper!" said the voice; "Awake! A child is in danger of +death, and the mother hath sent me for thee that thou may'st do thine +office." + +"The night is dark and gloomy," said the Rabbi, coming to his casement, +"and mine age is great; are there not younger men than I in Cairo?" + +"For thee only, Rabbi Jochonan, whom some call the wise, but whom others +call Rabbi Jochonan the miser, was I sent. Here is gold," said he, taking +out a purse of sequins--"I want not thy labour for nothing. I adjure thee +to come, in the name of the living God." + +So the Rabbi thought upon the vow he had just made, and he groaned in +spirit, for the purse sounded heavy. + +"As thou hast adjured me by that name, I go with thee," said he to the +man, "but I hope the distance is not far. Put up thy gold." + +"The place is at hand," said the stranger, who was a gallant youth, +in magnificent attire. "Be speedy, for time presses." + +Jochonan arose, dressed himself, and accompanied the stranger, after +having carefully locked up all the doors of his house, and deposited +his keys in a secret place--at which the stranger smiled. + +"I never remember," said the Rabbi, "so dark a night. Be thou to me as a +guide, for I can hardly see the way." + +"I know it well," replied the stranger with a sigh, "it is a way much +frequented, and travelled hourly by many; lean upon mine arm and fear +not." + +They journeyed on; and though the darkness was great, yet the Rabbi could +see, when it occasionally brightened, that he was in a place strange to +him. "I thought," said he, "I knew all the country for leagues about +Cairo, yet I know not where I am. I hope, young man," said he to his +companion, "that thou hast not missed the way;" and his heart misgave +him. + +"Fear not," returned the stranger. "Your journey is even now done," and, +as he spoke, the feet of the Rabbi slipped from under him, and he +rolled down a great height. When he recovered, he found that his +companion had fallen also, and stood by his side. + +"Nay, young man," said the Rabbi, "if thus thou sportest with the grey +hairs of age, thy days are numbered. Wo unto him who insults the hoary +head!" + +The stranger made an excuse, and they journeyed on some little further +in silence. The darkness grew less, and the astonished Rabbi, lifting +up his eyes, found that they had come to the gates of a city which he +had never before seen. Yet he knew all the cities of the land of Egypt, +and he had walked but half an hour from his dwelling in Cairo. So he +knew not what to think, but followed the man with trembling. + +They soon entered the gates of the city, which was lighted up as if +there were a festival in every house. The streets were full of +revellers, and nothing but a sound of joy could be heard. But when +Jochonan looked upon their faces--they were the faces of men pained +within; and he saw, by the marks they bore, that they were Mazikin +[demons]. He was terrified in his soul; and, by the light of the +torches, he looked also upon the face of his companion, and, behold! +he saw upon him too, the mark that shewed him to be a Demon. The Rabbi +feared excessively--almost to fainting; but he thought it better to be +silent; and sadly he followed his guide, who brought him to a splendid +house, in the most magnificent quarter of the city. + +"Enter here?" said the Demon to Jochonan, "for this house is mine. +The lady and the child are in the upper chamber;" and, accordingly, +the sorrowful Rabbi ascended the stair to find them. + +The lady, whose dazzling beauty was shrouded by melancholy beyond hope, +lay in bed; the child, in rich raiment, slumbered on the lap of the +nurse, by her side. + +"I have brought to thee, light of my eyes!" said the Demon, "Rebecca, +beloved of my soul! I have brought thee Rabbi Jochonan the wise, for +whom thou didst desire. Let him, then, speedily begin his office; I +shall fetch all things necessary, for he is in haste to depart." + +He smiled bitterly as he said these words, looking at the Rabbi; and left +the room, followed by the nurse. + +When Jochonan and the lady were alone, she turned in the bed towards him, +and said:-- + +"Unhappy man that thou art! knowest thou where thou hast been brought?" + +"I do," said he, with a heavy groan; I know that I am in a city of the +Mazikin." + +"Know, then, further," said she, and the tears gushed from eyes brighter +than the diamond, "know then, further, that no one is ever brought here, +unless he hath sinned before the Lord. What my sin hath been imports +not to thee--and I seek not to know thine. But here thou remainest +for ever--lost, even as I am lost." And she wept again. + +The Rabbi dashed his turban on the ground, and tearing his hair, +exclaimed, "Wo is me! Who art thou, woman! that speakest to me thus?" + +"I am a Hebrew woman," said she, "the daughter of a Doctor of the Laws +in the city of Bagdad; and being brought hither, it matters not how, +I am married to a prince among the Mazikin, even him who was sent for +thee. And that child, whom thou sawest, is our first-born, and I could +not bear the thought that the soul of our innocent babe should perish. +I therefore besought my husband to try to bring hither a priest, that +the law of Moses (blessed be his memory!) should be done; and thy fame, +which has spread to Bagdad, and lands further towards the rising of +the sun, made me think of thee. Now my husband, though great among +the Mazikin, is more just than the other Demons; and he loves me, +whom he hath ruined, with a love of despair. So he said, that the +name of Jochonan the wise was familiar unto him, and that he knew +thou wouldst not be able to refuse. What thou hast done, to give +him power over thee, is known to thyself." + +"I swear, before Heaven!" said the Rabbi, "that I have ever diligently +kept the law, and walked stedfastly according to the traditions of +our fathers, from the day of my youth upward. I have wronged no man +in word or deed, and I have daily worshipped the Lord; minutely +performing all the ceremonies thereto needful." + +"Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and more, +and yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, for I hear +the foot of my husband mounting the stair. There is one chance of thine +escape." + +"What is that? O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi. + +"Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here; and as long as +thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over thee, dead or alive. +Have courage, and persevere." + +As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, followed by the +nurse, who bore all things requisite for the ministration of the Rabbi. +With a heavy heart he performed his duty, and the child was numbered +among the faithful. But when, as usual, at the conclusion of the ceremony, +the wine was handed round to be tasted by the child, the mother, and the +Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying:-- + +"Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this day; and I will +not eat, neither will I drink." + +"Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon, "I will not that thou shouldst +break thy vow;" and he laughed aloud. + +So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber, looking into a garden, where +he passed the remainder of the night and the day weeping, and praying +to the Lord that he would deliver him from the city of Demons. But when +the twelfth hour came, and the sun was set, the Prince of the Mazikin +came again unto him, and said:-- + +"Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past;" and he set +meat before him. + +"Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this thing. I have +another vow for this day also. I pray thee be not angry with thy servant." + +"I am not angry," said the Demon, "be it as thou pleasest; I respect thy +vow;" and he laughed louder than before. + +So the Rabbi sat another day in his chamber by the garden, weeping and +praying. And when the sun had gone behind the hills, the Prince of the +Mazikin again stood before him, and said:-- + +"Eat now, for thou must be an hungered. It was a sore vow of thine;" and +he offered him daintier meats. + +And Jochonan felt a strong desire to eat, but he prayed inwardly to the +Lord, and the temptation passed, and he answered:-- + +"Excuse thy servant yet a third time, my lord, that I eat not. I have +renewed my vow." + +"Be it so, then," said the other; "arise, and follow me." + +The Demon took a torch in his hand, and led the Rabbi through winding +passages of his palace, to the door of a lofty chamber, which he +opened with a key that he took from a niche in the wall. On entering +the room, Jochonan saw that it was of solid silver--floor, ceiling, +walls, even to the threshold and the door-posts. And the curiously +carved roof, and borders of the ceiling, shone, in the torch-light, +as if they were the fanciful work of frost. In the midst were heaps +of silver money, piled up in immense urns of the same metal, even over +the brim. + +"Thou hast done me a serviceable act, Rabbi," said the Demon--"take of +these what thou pleasest; ay, were it the whole." + +"I cannot, my lord," said Jochonan. "I was adjured by thee to come hither +in the name of God; and in that name I came, not for fee or for reward." + +"Follow me," said the prince of the Mazikin; and Jochonan did so, into an +inner chamber. + +It was of gold, as the other was of silver. Its golden roof was supported +by pillars and pilasters of gold, resting upon a golden floor. The +treasures of the kings of the earth would not purchase one of the +four-and-twenty vessels of golden coins, which were disposed in six +rows along the room. No wonder! for they were filled by the constant +labours of the Demons of the mine. The heart of Jochonan was moved +by avarice, when he saw them shining in yellow light, like the autumnal +sun, as they reflected the beams of the torch. But God enabled him to +persevere. + +"These are thine," said the Demon; "one of the vessels which thou +beholdest would make thee richest of the sons of men--and I give thee +them all." + +But Jochonan refused again; and the Prince of the Mazikin opened the +door of a third chamber, which was called the Hall of Diamonds. When +the Rabbi entered, he screamed aloud, and put his hands over his eyes; +for the lustre of the jewels dazzled him, as if he had looked upon the +noon-day sun. In vases of agate were heaped diamonds beyond enumeration, +the smallest of which was larger than a pigeon's egg. On alabaster +tables lay amethysts, topazes, rubies, beryls, and all other precious +stones, wrought by the hands of skilful artists, beyond power of +computation. The room was lighted by a carbuncle, which, from the end +of the hall, poured its ever-living light, brighter than the rays of +noontide, but cooler than the gentle radiance of the dewy moon. This +was a sore trial on the Rabbi; but he was strengthened from above, and +he refused again. + +"Thou knowest me then, I perceive, O Jochonan, son of Ben-David," said +the Prince of the Mazikin; "I am a Demon who would tempt thee to +destruction. As thou hast withstood so far, I tempt thee no more. Thou +hast done a service which, though I value it not, is acceptable in the +sight of her whose love is dearer to me than the light of life. Sad has +been that love to thee, my Rebecca! Why should I do that which would make +thy cureless grief more grievous? You have yet another chamber to see," +said he to Jochonan, who had closed his eyes, and was praying fervently +to the Lord, beating his breast. + +Far different from the other chambers, the one into which the Rabbi was +next introduced, was a mean and paltry apartment, without furniture. +On its filthy walls hung innumerable bunches of rusty keys, of all sizes, +disposed without order. Among them, to the astonishment of Jochonan, +hung the keys of his own house, those which he had put to hide when +he came on this miserable journey, and he gazed upon them intently. + +"What dost thou see," said the Demon, "that makes thee look so eagerly? +Can he who has refused silver, and gold, and diamonds, be moved by a +paltry bunch of rusty iron?" + +"They are mine own, my lord," said the Rabbi, "them will I take, if they +be offered me." + +"Take them, then," said the Demon, putting them into his hand;--"thou +may'st depart. But, Rabbi, open not thy house only, when thou returnest +to Cairo, but thy heart also. That thou didst not open it before, was +that which gave me power over thee. It was well that thou didst one +act of charity in coming with me without reward, for it has been thy +salvation. Be no more Rabbi Jochonan the miser." + +The Rabbi bowed to the ground, and blessed the Lord for his escape. "But +how," said he, "am I to return, for I know not the way?" + +"Close thine eyes," said the Demon. He did so, and in the space of a +moment, heard the voice of the Prince of Mazikin ordering him to open +them again. And, behold, when he opened them, he stood in the centre of +his own chamber, in his house at Cairo, with the keys in his hand. + +When he recovered from his surprise, and had offered thanksgivings to +God, he opened his house, and his heart also. He gave alms to the poor, +he cheered the heart of the widow, and lightened the destitution of +the orphan. His hospitable board was open to the stranger, and his +purse was at the service of all who needed to share it. His life was +a perpetual act of benevolence; and the blessings showered upon him +by all, were returned bountifully upon him by the hand of God. + +But people wondered, and said, "Is not this the man who was called Rabbi +Jochonan the miser? What hath made the change?" And it became a saying +in Cairo. When it came to the ears of the Rabbi, he called his friends +together, and he avowed his former love of gold, and the danger to which +it had exposed him; relating all which has been above told, in the +hall of the new palace that he built by the side of the river, on the +left hand, as thou goest down by the course of the great stream. And +wise men, who were scribes, wrote it down from his mouth, for the +memory of mankind, that they might profit thereby. And a venerable man, +with a beard of snow, who had read it in these books, and at whose feet +I sat, that I might learn the wisdom of the old time, told it to me. +And I write it in the tongue of England, the merry and the free, on +the tenth day of the month Nisan, in the year, according to the lesser +computation, five hundred ninety and seven, that thou may'st learn good +thereof. If not, the fault be upon thee. + + * * * * * + + +STANZAS + + +_Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War, hanging in a Country +Church._ + +BY ALARIC A. WATTS. + + + Oh! why amid this hallowed scene. + Should signs of mortal feud be found; + Why seek with such vain gauds to wean + Our thoughts from holier relics 'round? + More fitting emblems here abound + Of glory's bright, unfading wreath;-- + Conquests, with purer triumphs crowned;-- + Proud victories over Sin and Death! + + Of these how many records rise + Before my chastened spirit now; + Memorials, pointing to the skies, + Of Christian battles fought below. + What need of yon stern things to shew + That darker deeds have oft been done?-- + Is't not enough for Man to know + He lives but through the blood of ONE! + + And thou, mild delegate of God, + Whose words of balm, and guiding light. + Would lead us, from earth's drear abode, + To worlds with bliss for ever bright,-- + What have the spoils of mortal fight + To do with themes 'tis thine to teach? + Faith's saving grace--each sacred rite + Thou know'st to practice as to preach! + + The blessings of the contrite heart, + Thy bloodless conquests best proclaim; + The tears from sinners' eyes that start, + Are meetest records of thy fame. + The glory that may grace thy name + From loftier triumphs sure must spring;-- + The grateful thoughts thy worth may claim, + Trophies like these can never bring! + + Then, wherefore on this sainted spot, + With peace and love, and hope imbued,-- + Some vision calm of bliss to blot, + And turn our thoughts on deeds of blood,-- + Should signs of battle-fields intrude:-- + Man wants no trophies here of strife; + His Oriflamme--Faith unsubdued;-- + His Panoply--a spotless life! + + * * * * * + + +THE BRITISH SAILOR'S SONG. + +BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. + + + Away with bayonet and with lance, + With corslet, casque and sword; + Our island king no war-horse needs, + For on the sea he's lord. + His throne's the war-ship's lofty deck, + His sceptre is the mast; + His kingdom is the rolling wave, + His servant is the blast. + His anchor's up, fair Freedom's flag + Proud to the mast he nails; + Tyrants and conquerors bow your heads, + For there your terror sails. + + I saw fierce Prussia's chargers stand, + Her children's sharp swords out;-- + Proud Austria's bright spurs streaming red, + When rose the closing shout. + But soon the steeds rushed masterless, + By tower and town and wood; + For lordly France her fiery youth + Poured o'er them like a flood. + Go, hew the gold spurs from your heels, + And let your steeds run free; + Then come to our unconquered decks, + And learn to reign at sea. + + Behold you black and battered hulk + That slumbers on the tide, + There is no sound from stem to stern, + For peace has plucked her pride. + The masts are down, the cannon mute, + She shews nor sheet nor sail; + Nor starts forth with the seaward breeze, + Nor answers shout nor hail. + Her merry men with all their mirth, + Have sought some other shore; + And she with all her glory on, + Shall rule the sea no more. + + So landsmen speak.--Lo! her top-masts + Are quivering in the sky + Her sails are spread, her anchor's raised, + There sweeps she gallant by. + A thousand warriors fill her decks; + Within her painted side + The thunder sleeps--man's might has nought + Can match or mar her pride. + In victor glory goes she forth, + Her stainless flag flies free, + Kings of the earth come and behold + How Britain reigns on sea! + + When on your necks the armed foot + Of fierce Napoleon trod; + And all was his save the wide sea, + Where we triumphant rode: + He launched his terror and his strength, + Our sea-born pride to tame; + They came--they got the Nelson-touch, + And vanished as they came. + Go, hang your bridles in your halls, + And set your war-steels free: + The world has one unconquer'd king, + And he reigns on the sea! + + +Mr. Watts, the editor, besides the stanzas we have quoted, has +contributed indeed less than other editors, in similar works, and much +less than we could wish, for we are sincere admirers of his plaintive +muse. His preface should be read with due attention, for it is +calculated to set the public right on the _fate and merit_ of numberless +works. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE FORGET ME NOT. + + +The _avant-courier_ of the "Annuals" is of equal literary merit with +its precursors; but not quite equal in its engravings--The _Sisters' +Dream_, by Davenport, from a drawing by Corbould, is, however, placidly +interesting; the _Bridal Morning_, by Finden, is also a pleasing +scene; and the _Seventh Plague of Egypt_, by Le Keux, from a design by +Martin, though in miniature, is terrific and sublime. In the literary +department we especially notice the _Sun-Dial_, a pensive tale, by Delta, +but too long for extract; and the _Sky-Lark_ by the Ettrick Shepherd, +soaring with all the freshness and fancy of that extraordinary genius. +The _Sword_, a beautiful picture of martial woe, by Miss Landon, is +subjoined:-- + + + 'Twas the battle field, and the cold pale moon + Look'd down on the dead and dying, + And the wind pass'd o'er with a dirge and a wail, + Where the young and the brave were lying. + + With his father's sword in his red right hand. + And the hostile dead around him, + Lay a youthful chief: but his bed was the ground, + And the grave's icy sleep had bound him. + + A reckless Rover, 'mid death and doom, + Pass'd a soldier, his plunder seeking: + Careless he stept where friend and foe + Lay alike in their life-blood reeking. + + Drawn by the shine of the warrior's sword, + The soldier paused beside it: + He wrench'd the hand with a giant's strength, + But the grasp of the dead defied it. + + He loosed his hold, and his English heart + Took part with the dead before him, + And he honour'd the brave who died sword in hand, + As with soften'd brow he leant o'er him. + + "A soldier's death thou hast boldly died, + A soldier's grave won by it: + Before I would take that sword from thine hand, + My own life's blood should dye it. + + "Thou shalt not be left for the carrion crow, + Or the wolf to batten o'er thee: + Or the coward insult the gallant dead, + Who in life had trembled before thee." + + Then dug he a grave in the crimson earth + Where his warrior foe was sleeping, + And he laid him there in honour and rest, + With his sword in his own brave keeping. + + + * * * * * + +As a relief, we quote the following characteristic sketch by Miss +Mitford:-- + + +A COUNTRY APOTHECARY. + + +One of the most important personages in a small country town is the +apothecary. He takes rank next after the rector and the attorney, and +before the curate; and could be much less easily dispensed with than +either of those worthies, not merely as holding "fate and physic" in his +hand, but as the general, and as it were official, associate, adviser, +comforter, and friend, of all ranks and all ages, of high and low, rich +and poor, sick and well. I am no despiser of dignities; but twenty +emperors shall be less intensely missed in their wide dominions, than +such a man as my friend John Hallett in his own small sphere. + +The spot which was favoured with the residence of this excellent person +was the small town of Hazelby, in Dorsetshire; a pretty little place, +where every thing seems at a stand-still. It was originally built in +the shape of the letter T; a long broad market-place (still so called, +although the market be gone) serving for the perpendicular stem, traversed +by a straight, narrow, horizontal street, to answer for the top line. +Not one addition has occurred to interrupt this architectural regularity, +since, fifty years ago, a rich London tradesman built, at the west end +of the horizontal street, a wide-fronted single house, with two low +wings, iron palisades before, and a fish-pond opposite, which still +goes by the name of New Place, and is balanced, at the east end of +the street, by an erection of nearly the same date, a large square +dingy mansion enclosed within high walls, inhabited by three maiden +sisters, and called, probably by way of nickname, the Nunnery. New Place +being on the left of the road, and the Nunnery on the right, the T has +now something of the air of the italic capital T, turned up at one end +and down at the other. The latest improvements are the bow-window in the +market-place, commanding the pavement both ways, which the late brewer, +Andrews, threw out in his snug parlour some twenty years back, and where +he used to sit smoking, with the sash up, in summer afternoons, enjoying +himself, good man; and the great room, at the Swan, originally built by +the speculative publican, Joseph Allwright, for an assembly-room. That +speculation did not answer. The assembly, in spite of canvassing and +patronage, and the active exertions of all the young ladies in the +neighbourhood, dwindled away, and died at the end of two winters: +then it became a club-room for the hunt; but the hunt quarrelled with +Joseph's cookery: then a market-room for the farmers; but the farmers +(it was in the high-price time) quarrelled with Joseph's wine: then it +was converted into the magistrate's room--the bench; but the bench and +the market went away together, and there was an end of justicing: then +Joseph tried the novel attraction (to borrow a theatrical phrase) of a +billiard-table; but, alas! that novelty succeeded as ill as if it had +been theatrical; there were not customers enough to pay the marker: at +last, it has merged finally in that unconscious receptacle of pleasure +and pain, a post-office; although Hazelby has so little to do with +traffic of any sort--even the traffic of correspondence--that a saucy +mail-coach will often carry on its small bag, and as often forget to +call for the London bag in return. + +In short, Hazelby is an insignificant place;--my readers will look +for it in vain in the map of Dorsetshire;--it is omitted, poor dear +town!--left out by the map-maker with as little remorse as a dropped +letter!--and it is also an old-fashioned place. It has not even a cheap +shop for female gear. Every thing in the one store which it boasts, +kept by Martha Deane, linen-draper and haberdasher, is dear and good, +as things were wont to be. You may actually get there thread made of +flax, from the gouty, uneven, clumsy, shiny fabric, ycleped whited-brown, +to the delicate commodity of Lisle, used for darning muslin. I think +I was never more astonished, from the mere force of habit, than when, +on asking for thread, I was presented, instead of the pretty lattice-wound +balls, or snowy reels of cotton, with which that demand is usually +answered, with a whole drawerful of skeins peeping from their blue papers +--such skeins as in my youth a thrifty maiden would draw into the +nicely-stitched compartments of that silken repository, a housewife, or +fold into a congeries of graduated thread-papers, "fine by degrees, and +beautifully less." The very literature of Hazelby is doled out at the +pastry cook's, in a little one-windowed shop kept by Matthew Wise. Tarts +occupy one end of the counter, and reviews the other; whilst the shelves +are parcelled out between books, and dolls, and ginger, bread. It is a +question, by which of his trades poor Matthew gains least; he is so +shabby, so threadbare, and so starved. + +Such a town would hardly have known what to do with a highly informed and +educated surgeon, such as one now generally sees in that most liberal +profession. My friend, John Hallett, suited it exactly. His predecessor, +Mr. Simon Saunders, had been a small, wrinkled, spare old gentleman, +with a short cough and a thin voice, who always seemed as if he needed +an apothecary himself. He wore generally a full suit of drab, a flaxen +wig of the sort called a Bob Jerom, and a very tight muslin stock; a +costume which he had adopted in his younger days in imitation of the +most eminent physician of the next city, and continued to the time of +his death. Perhaps the cough might have been originally an imitation +also, ingrafted on the system by habit. It had a most unsatisfactory +sound, and seemed more like a trick than a real effort of nature. His +talk was civil, prosy, and fidgetty: much addicted to small scandal, +and that kind of news which passes under the denomination of +tittle-tattle, he was sure to tell one half of the town where the +other drank tea, and recollected the blancmanges and jellies on a +supper-table, or described a new gown, with as much science and +unction as if he had been used to make jellies and wear gowns in +his own person. Certain professional peculiarities might have +favoured the supposition. His mode of practice was exactly that +popularly attributed to old women. He delighted in innocent +remedies--manna, magnesia, and camphor julep; never put on a +blister in his life; and would sooner, from pure complaisance, +let a patient die, than administer an unpalatable prescription. + +So qualified, to say nothing of his gifts in tea-drinking, cassino, +and quadrille (whist was too many for him), his popularity could not +be questioned. When he expired, all Hazelby mourned. The lamentation +was general. The women of every degree (to borrow a phrase from that +great phrase-monger, Horace Walpole) "cried quarts;" and the procession +to the churchyard--that very churchyard to which he had himself attended +so many of his patients--was now followed by all of them that remained +alive. + +It was felt that the successor of Mr. Simon Saunders would have many +difficulties to encounter. My friend, John Hallett, "came, and saw, and +overcame." John was what is usually called a rough diamond. Imagine a +short, clumsy, stout-built figure, almost as broad as it is long, +crowned by a bullet head, covered with shaggy brown hair, sticking out +in every direction; the face round and solid, with a complexion originally +fair, but dyed one red by exposure to all sorts of weather; open +good-humoured eyes, of a greenish cast, his admirers called them hazel; +a wide mouth, full of large white teeth; a cocked-up nose, and a double +chin; bearing altogether a strong resemblance to a print which I once +saw hanging up in an alehouse parlour, of "the celebrated divine (to use +the identical words of the legend) Dr. Martin Luther." + +The condition of a country apothecary being peculiarly liable to the +inclemency of the season, John's dress was generally such as might bid +defiance to wind, or rain, or snow, or hail. If any thing, he wrapt up +most in the summer, having a theory that people were never so apt to +take cold as in hot weather. He usually wore a bearskin great-coat, a +silk handkerchief over his cravat, top boots on those sturdy pillars his +legs, a huge pair of overalls, and a hat, which, from, the day in which +it first came into his possession to that in which it was thrown aside, +never knew the comfort of being freed from its oilskin--never was allowed +to display the glossy freshness of its sable youth. Poor dear hat! how its +vanity (if hats have vanity) must have suffered! For certain its owner +had none, unless a lurking pride in his own bluffness and bluntness +may be termed such. He piqued himself on being a plain downright +Englishman, and on a voice and address pretty much like his apparel, +rough, strong, and warm, fit for all weathers. A heartier person never +lived. + +In his profession he was eminently skilful, bold, confident, and +successful. The neighbouring physicians liked to come after Mr. Hallett; +they were sure to find nothing to undo. And blunt and abrupt as was +his general manner, he was kind and gentle in a sick-room; only nervous +disorders, the pet diseases of Mr. Simon Saunders, he could not abide. +He made short work with them; frightened them away as one does by +children when they have the hiccough; or if the malady were pertinacious +and would not go, he fairly turned off the patient. Once or twice, +indeed, on such occasions, the patient got the start, and turned him +off; Mrs. Emery, for instance, the lady's maid at New Place, most +delicate and mincing of waiting-gentlewomen, motioned him from her +presence; and Miss Deane, daughter of Martha Deane, haberdasher, +who, after completing her education at a boarding-school, kept a closet +full of millinery in a little den behind her mamma's shop, and was by +many degrees the finest lady in Hazelby, was so provoked at being told +by him that nothing ailed her, that, to prove her weakly condition, she +pushed him by main force out of doors. + +With these exceptions Mr. Hallett was the delight of the whole town, as +well as of all the farm-houses within six miles round. He just suited +the rich yeomanry, cured their diseases, and partook of their feasts; +was constant at christenings, and a man of prime importance at weddings. +A country merry-making was nothing without "the Doctor." He was "the +very prince of good fellows;" had a touch of epicurism, which, without +causing any distaste of his own homely fare, made dainties acceptable +when they fell in his way; was a most absolute carver; prided himself +upon a sauce of his own invention, for fish and game--"Hazelby sauce" +he called it; and was universally admitted to be the best compounder +of a bowl of punch in the county. + +Besides these rare convivial accomplishments, his gay and jovial temper +rendered him the life of the table. There was no resisting his droll +faces, his droll stories, his jokes, his tricks, or his laugh--the most +contagious cachination that ever was heard. Nothing in the shape of fun +came amiss to him. He would join in a catch or roar out a solo, which +might be heard a mile off; would play at hunt the slipper or blind man's +buff; was a great man in a country dance, and upon very extraordinary +occasions would treat the company to a certain remarkable hornpipe, +which put the walls in danger of tumbling about their ears, and belonged +to him as exclusively as the Hazelby sauce. It was a sort of parody on a +pas seul which he had once seen at the Opera-house, in which his face, +his figure, his costume, his rich humour, and his strange, awkward, +unexpected activity, told amazingly. "The force of _frolic_ could no +farther go" than "the Doctor's hornpipe," It was the climax of jollity. + + * * * * * + +In his shop and his household he had no need either of partner or of +wife: the one was excellently managed by an old rheumatic journeyman, +slow in speech, and of vinegar aspect, who had been a pedagogue in +his youth, and now used to limp about with his Livy in his pocket, +and growl as he compounded the medicines over the bad latinity of the +prescriptions; the other was equally well conducted by an equally +ancient housekeeper and a cherry-cheeked niece, the orphan-daughter of +his only sister, who kept every thing within doors in the bright and +shining order in which he delighted. John Hallett, notwithstanding the +roughness of his aspect, was rather knick-knacky in his tastes; a great +patron of small inventions, such as the _improved_ ne plus ultra +cork-screw, and the latest patent snuffers. He also trifled with +horticulture, dabbled in tulips, was a connoisseur in pinks, and had +gained a prize for polyanthuses. The garden was under the especial care +of his pretty niece, Miss Susan, a grateful warm-hearted girl, who +thought she never could do enough to please her good uncle, and prove +her sense of his kindness. He was indeed as fond of her as if he had +been her father, and as kind. + +Perhaps there was nothing very extraordinary in his goodness to the +gentle and cheerful little girl who kept his walks so trim and his +parlour so neat, who always met him with a smile, and who (last and +strongest tie to a generous mind) was wholly dependent on him--had no +friend on earth but himself. There was nothing very uncommon in that. +But John Hallett was kind to every one, even where the sturdy old English +prejudices, which he cherished as virtues, might seem most likely to +counteract his gentler feelings. + + * * * * * + + +"_The Evening Song of the Tyrolese Peasants_" by Mrs. Hemans, must close +our extracts from the present volume:-- + + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone; + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + The twilight-star to Heaven, + And the summer-dew to flowers, + And rest to us is given + By the cool soft evening hours. + + Sweet is the hour of rest! + Pleasant the wind's low sigh, + And the gleaming of the west, + And the turf whereon we lie. + + When the burden and the heat + Of labour's task are o'er, + And kindly voices greet + The tired one at his door. + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone; + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + Yes: tuneful is the sound + That dwells in whispering boughs: + Welcome the freshness round, + And the gale that fans our brows. + + But rest more sweet and still + Than ever night-fall gave, + Our longing hearts shall fill, + In the world beyond the grave. + + There shall no tempest blow, + No scorching noon-tide heat; + There shall be no more snow, + No weary wandering feet. + + And we lift our trusting eyes, + From the hills our fathers trod. + To the quiet of the skies, + To the sabbath of our God. + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone: + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + +We have only room to particularize the _Boroom Slave_, by Mrs. Bowditch; +the _Magician's Visiter_, by Neele; and _Scenes in the Life of a +Favourite_; all which possess very powerful interest. Mr. Hood, too, +has two oddities--_Death in the Kitchen_, after Sterne, and the +_Logicians_, accompanied by engravings. Indeed, the literary variety +of the present _Forget Me Not_ is highly creditable to the editor, Mr. +Shoberl. + + * * * * * + + + + +_Friendship's Offering_. + +To begin with the exterior, which is somewhat novel in taste, the +proprietors seem to have united the _utile cum dulci,_ by substituting +for the usual paper covering, an elegantly embossed leather binding. +This is altogether an improvement on the original plan, since the slight +coverings of silk or paper is scarcely safe out of the drawing-room or +boudoir, and some of the contributions to the "annuals" entitle them to +a higher stand. The presentation plate of the present _Offering_ is a +chaste and classical specimen of a kind of gold enamel engraving; +_The Sylph_, engraved by Humphreys, is a pleasing picture; _Virginia +Water_, from a picture by Daniell, is a delightful scene of rural +repose; a _Sculpture Group_, by Fry; a _View of Bombay_; and the +_Captive Slave_, by Finden; among the embellishments, are entitled +to our commendatory notice. + +The present editor is Mr. Charles Knight, who, according to his preface, +succeeded "at an advanced period of the year to the duties which had +previously been performed by a gentleman of acknowledged taste and +ability." This may account for the imperfect state of some of the +engravings; but the apology is not so requisite for the execution of the +literary portion of the present volume. Our extracts must be short, for +we have other claimants to our attention. The _Housekeepers_, a Shandean +extract, is from one of the best prose contributors:-- + +There were two heavy, middle-aged merchants; they were either Dutch or +German, I know not which, but their name was Vanderclump. Most decided +old bachelors they were, with large, leathern, hanging cheeks, sleepy +grey eyes, and round shoulders. They were men not given to much speech, +but great feeders; and, when waited upon, would point clumsily to what +they wanted, and make a sort of low growl, rather than be at the trouble +to speak. These Messrs. Vanderclump were served by two tall, smooth-faced +dawdles; I never could discover which held the superior station in +the _ménage_. Each has been seen trotting home from market with a basket +on her arm; each might be observed to shake a duster out of the upper +windows; each would, occasionally, carry a huge bunch of keys, or wait at +table during dinner; and, in the summer evenings, when it was not post-day, +both of them would appear, dressed alike, sitting at work at the lower +counting-house window, with the blinds thrown wide open. Both, I suppose, + were housekeepers. + +It happened, one cold, foggy spring, that the younger brother, Mr. Peter +Vanderclump, left London to transact some business of importance with a +correspondent at Hamburgh, leaving his brother Anthony to the loneliness +of their gloomy house in St. Mary Axe. Week after week passed away, and +Mr. Peter was still detained at Hamburgh. Who would have supposed that +his society could have been missed? that the parlour could have seemed +more dismally dull by the absence of one of those from whom it chiefly +derived its character of dulness? Mr. Anthony took up his largest +meerchaum, and enveloped himself in its smoke by the hour; but the +volumes of smoke cleared away, and no Peter Vanderclump appeared emerging +from the mist. Mr. Anthony brought some of his heavy folios from below; +and, in their pages of interest, (no common, but often compound, interest,) +lost, for awhile, the dreary sense of loneliness. But, a question +was to be asked! Peter's solemn "yah" or "nien" was waited for in +vain. Forgetful, and almost impatient, Anthony looked up--the chair +was unoccupied which his brother had constantly filled. + +Mr. Anthony began to sigh--he got into a habit of sighing. Betty and +Molly (they were soft-hearted baggages) felt for their master--pitied +their poor master! Betty was placing the supper on the table one evening, +when her master sighed very heavily. Betty sighed also, and the corners +of her mouth fell--their eyes met--something like a blush crimsoned +Betty's sleek, shining cheek, when, on raising her eyes again, her master +was still staring at her. Betty simpered, and, in her very soft, very +demure voice ventured to say, "Was there any thing she could do?" Mr. +Vanderclump rose up from his chair. Betty, for the first time, felt +awed by his approach. "Batee!" he said, "my poor Batee! Hah! you are +a goot girl!" He chucked her under the chin with his large hand. Betty +looked meek, and blushed, and simpered again. There was a pause--Mr. +Vanderclump was the first to disturb it. "Hah! hah!" he exclaimed, +gruffly, as if suddenly recollecting himself; and, thrusting both hands +into his capacious breeches-pockets, he sat down to supper, and took no +further notice of Betty that night. + +The next morning, the sun seemed to have made a successful struggle with +the dense London atmosphere, and shone full in Mr. Vanderclump's face +while he was at breakfast, and set a piping bullfinch singing a tune, +which his master loved rather for the sake of old associations, than +from any delight in music. Then Lloyd's List was full of arrivals, +and the Price Current had that morning some unusual charm about it, +which I cannot even guess at. Mr. Vanderclump looked upon the bright +and blazing fire; his eye rested, with a calm and musing satisfaction, +on the light volumes of steam rising from the spout of the tea-kettle, +as it stood, rather murmuring drowsily, than hissing, upon the hob. There +was, he might have felt, a sympathy between them. They were both placidly +puffing out the warm and wreathing smoke. + +He laid down his pipe, and took half a well-buttered muffin into his +capacious mouth at a bite; he washed the mouthful down, with a large +dish of tea, and he felt in better spirits. That morning he entered the +counting-house rubbing his hands. + +Within an hour a crowd of huge, dusky clouds shut out the merry sunshine, +and the Hamburgh mail brought no tidings whatever of Mr. Peter. Mr. +Anthony worked himself up into a thorough ill-humour again, and swore +at his clerks, because they asked him questions. When he entered his +apartment that evening he felt more desolate than ever. Betty placed +a barrel of oysters on the table--he heeded her not;--a large German +sausage--his eyes were fixed on the ground;--a piece of Hamburgh beef +--Mr. Vanderclump looked up for an instant, and, Europa-like, his +thoughts crossed the sea, upon that beef, to Hamburgh. Gradually, +however, a genial warmth spread throughout the room, for Betty stirred +up the fire, and let down the curtains, and snuffed the dim candles; +while Molly loaded the table with bottles of divers shapes and sizes, +a basin of snow-white sugar, and a little basket of limes, of well-known +and exquisite flavour; placing, at the same time, a very small kettle of +boiling water on the fire.--"Why, Mollee! my goot girl!" said Mr. +Vanderclump, in a low and somewhat melancholy tone, (his eyes had +mechanically followed these latter proceedings,) "Mollee! that is ponch!" +--"La, sir! and why not?" replied the damsel, almost playfully. "Why +not be comfortable and cheery? I am sure"--and here she meant to look +encouraging, her usual simper spreading to a smile--"I am sure Betty and +I would do our best to make you so." + +"Goot girls, goot girls!" said Mr. Vanderclump, his eyes fixed all the +while upon the supper-table--he sat down to it. "My goot girls!" said +he, soon after, "you may go down; I do not want you; you need not wait." +The two timid, gentle creatures instantly obeyed. More than an hour +elapsed, and then Mr. Vanderclump's bell rang. The two matronly maidens +were very busily employed in making a new cap. Betty rose at once; but +suddenly recollecting that she had been trying on her new and unfinished +cap, and had then only a small brown cotton skull-cap on her head, she +raised both her hands to her head to be certain of this, and then said, +"Do, Molly, there's a dear! answer the bell; for such a figure as I am, +I could not go before master, no how. See, I have unpicked this old cap +for a little bit of French edging at the back." Molly looked a little +peevish; but _her_ cap was on her head, and up stairs she went. Mr. +Vanderclump was sitting before the fire, puffing lustily from his +eternal pipe. "Take away," he said abruptly, "and put the leetle table +here." He pointed and growled, and the sagacious Molly understood. She +placed the table beside him, and upon it the punch, which he had been +drinking. "Batee, my poor Batee!" said Mr. Vanderclump, who had not yet +noticed that Betty was absent. "It is not Betty, but Molly, sir!" +replied the latter damsel, in a voice of childlike simplicity. "Hah!" +said he, apparently considering for a moment, "Hah! Batee, Mollee, all +the same! Mollee, my poor Mollee, you are a goot girl! Get up to-morrow +morning, my poor Mollee, and put on your best gown, and I will marry +you!" Molly, was, as she afterwards declared, struck all of a heap. She +gaped, and gasped with astonishment; and then a power of words were +rushing and racing up her throat to her tongue's end: a glance at her +master stopped their explosion. His hands were in his pockets, his face +towards the fire, his pipe in his mouth. "Yes, sir," she replied, humbly +and distinctly. A few tears trickled down her cheeks, as she curtseyed +low at the door, and disappeared. She knew his ways, she thought within +herself, as she walked very slowly down the stairs, and she +congratulated herself that she had not risked another word in reply. +"And now, Betty," she said, as she entered the kitchen, "I'll put the +finishing stitch to my cap, and go to bed, for master will want nothing +more to-night." She sat down quietly to work, and conversed quietly with +Betty, not disclosing a word of her new prospects, Betty, however, +observed that she took off the trimming with which her new cap had been +already half-adorned. "Why, bless me, Molly!" she cried, "you are not +going to put on that handsome white satin bow, are you?"--"Why, yes! I +think I shall," replied Molly, "for now I look at your cap, with that +there yellow riband upon it, mine seems to me quite old-maidish." + +The next morning, Molly got up before her sister, and put on her best +gown and her new cap. The morning was dark and dull, and Betty was +sleepy, and Molly kept the window-curtain and the bed-curtains closely +drawn. Unsuspected, she slipped out of the chamber, her shawl and her +bonnet in her hand. + +As the clock struck eight, Molly was standing beside her master before the +rails of the marriage-altar; and, not long after, she burst upon the +astonished eyes of her sister, as Mrs. Vanderclump. + + * * * * * + +_La Villegiatura_ is a pleasant article; but we do not think there is +much of the "love of pastoral associations" left in the English character, +and we are sorry for it. The _Rustic Wreath_, by Miss Mitford, is very +sweet; the _Cacadore_, a story of the peninsular war, is a soul-stirring +narrative; there is much pleasantry in Mrs. Hofland's _Comforts of +Conceitedness; Virginia Water_, by the editor, could hardly be written +by his fireside--it has too much local inspiration in every line; +_Auguste de Valcour_, by the author of _Gilbert Earle_, is in his usual +felicitous vein of philosophic melancholy; Miss Roberts has a glittering +_Tale of Normandy_; the _Orphans_, by the editor, is simple and pathetic; +_Palinodia_ we subjoin:-- + + + There was a time when I could feel + All passion's hopes and fears, + And tell what tongues can ne'er reveal, + By smiles, and sighs, and tears. + The days are gone! no more, no more, + The cruel fates allow; + And, though I'm hardly twenty-four, + I'm not a lover now. + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + The chill is on my brow; + My day is night, my bloom is blight-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I never talk about the clouds, + I laugh at girls and boys, + I'm growing rather fond of crowds, + And very fond of noise; + I never wander forth alone + Upon the mountain's brow; + I weighed, last winter, sixteen stone,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I never wish to raise a veil, + I never raise a sigh; + I never tell a tender tale, + I never tell a lie; + I cannot kneel as once I did; + I've quite forgot my bow; + I never do as I am bid,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I make strange blunders every day, + If I would be gallant, + Take smiles for wrinkles, black for grey. + And nieces for their aunt; + I fly from folly, though it flows + From lips of loveliest glow; + I don't object to length of nose,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + The muse's steed is very fleet-- + I'd rather ride my mare; + The poet hunts a quaint conceit-- + I'd rather hunt a hare; + I've learnt to utter yours and you + Instead of thine and thou; + And oh! I can't endure a Blue!-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I find my Ovid dry, + My Petrarch quite a pill, + Cut Fancy for Philosophy, + Tom Moore for Mr. Mill; + And belles may read, and beaux may write, + I care not who or how; + I burnt my album Sunday night,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I don't encourage idle dreams + Of poison or of ropes, + I cannot dine on airy schemes, + I cannot sup on hopes: + New milk, I own is very fine, + Just foaming from the cow; + But yet I want my pint of wine,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + When Laura sings young hearts away, + I'm deafer than the deep; + When Leonora goes to play, + I sometimes go to sleep; + When Mary draws her white gloves out, + I never dance, I vow: + "Too hot to kick one's heels about!"-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I'm busy now with state affairs, + I prate of Pitt and Fox; + I ask the price of rail-road shares, + I watch the turns of stocks: + And this is life! no verdure blooms + Upon the withered bough. + I save a fortune in perfumes,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I may be yet what others are, + A boudoir's babbling fool; + The flattered star of bench or har, + A party's chief or tool: + Come shower or sunshine, hope or fear, + The palace or the plough-- + My heart and lute are broken here,-- + I'm not a lover now! + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + The chill is on my brow; + My day is night, my bloom is blight,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + +_The First Ball_, by L.E.L. is rife and gay; which, with Mr. Croker's +_Three Advices_, are all we can spare room to point out to our readers. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Amulet. + + +Of this volume we have already availed ourselves. Some of the engravings +are in a vigorous and first-rate style of excellence; the binding, too, +is somewhat gay for so grave a title--being crimson silk. Our favourites +are a _Voyage Round the World_, by Montgomery, one of the best poems of +the year; _Faustus, with a Visit to Goethe; Angel Visits_, by Mrs. Hemans; +_The Departed_, by L.E.L.; and some pieces by the editor, Mr. Hall. Our +present extract is + + +THE LAST VOYAGE. A TRUE STORY. + +_By Mrs. Opie._ + + +We cannot fail to observe, as we advance in life, how vividly our earliest +recollections recur to us, and this consciousness is accompanied by a +melancholy pleasure, when we are deprived of those who are most tenderly +associated with such remembrances, because they bring the beloved dead +"before our mind's eye;" and beguile the loneliness of the _present_ hour, +by visions of the _past_. In such visions I now often love to indulge, +and in one of them, a journey to Y---- was recently brought before me, in +which my ever-indulgent father permitted me to accompany him, when I +was yet but a child. + +As we drove through C----r, a village within three miles of Y----, he +directed my attention to a remarkable _rising_, or _conical mound of +earth_, on the top of the tower of C----r church. He then kindly +explained the cause of this singular, and _distinguishing_ appearance, +and told me the traditionary anecdote connected with it; which now, in +my own words, I am going to communicate to my readers. + +It is generally supposed, that great grief makes the heart so selfishly +absorbed in its own sufferings, as to render it regardless of the +sufferings of others; but the conduct of her, who is the heroine of +the following tale, will prove to this general rule an honourable +exception. + +I know nothing of her birth, and parentage, nor am I acquainted even with +her name--but I shall call her Birtha--the story goes, that she lived at +C----r, a village three miles from Y---- in N----, and was betrothed to +the mate of a trading vessel, with the expectation of marrying him, when +he had gained money sufficient, by repeated voyages, to make their union +consistent with prudence. + +In the meanwhile, there is reason to believe that Birtha was not idle, +but contrived to earn money herself, in order to expedite the hour of +her marriage; and at length, her lover (whom I shall call William) thought +that there was no reason for him to continue his sea-faring life, but at +the end of one voyage more, he should be able to marry the woman of his +choice, and engage in some less dangerous employment, in his native +village. + +Accordingly, the next time that he bade farewell to Birtha, the sorrow of +their parting hour was soothed by William's declaring, that, as the next +voyage would be his last, he should expect, when he returned, to find +every thing ready for their marriage. + +This was a pleasant expectation, and Birtha eagerly prepared to fulfil it. + +By the time that Birtha was beginning to believe that William was on his +voyage home, her neighbours would often help her to count the days which +would probably elapse before the ship could arrive; but when they were +not in her presence, some of the experienced amongst the men used to +express a _hope_, the result of _fear_, that William would return time +enough to avoid _certain winds_, which made one part of the navigation +on that coast particularly dangerous. + +Birtha herself, had, no doubt, her _fears_, as well as her _hopes_; but +there are _some_ fears which the lip of affection dares not utter, and +this was one of them. + +Birtha dreaded to have her inquiries respecting that dangerous passage, +answered by "Yes, we know that it is a difficult navigation;" she also +dreaded to be told by some kind, but ill-judging friends, to "trust in +Providence;" as, by such advice, the reality of the danger would be still +more powerfully confirmed to her. This recommendation would to her have +been needless, as well as alarming; for she had, doubtless, always relied +on Him who is alone able to save, and she knew that the same "Almighty +arm was underneath" her lover still, which had hitherto preserved him +in the time of need. + +Well--time went on, and we will imagine the little garden before the door +of the house which Birtha had hired, new gravelled, fresh flowers sown +and planted there; the curtains ready to be put up; the shelves bright +with polished utensils; table linen, white as the driven snow, enclosed +in the newly-purchased chest of drawers; and the neat, well chosen +wedding-clothes, ready for the approaching occasion: we will also picture +to ourselves, the trembling joy of Birtha, when her eager and sympathizing +neighbours rushed into her cottage, disturbing her early breakfast, with +the glad tidings, that William's ship had been seen approaching the +dangerous passage with a fair wind, and that there was no doubt but +that he would get over it safe, and in day-light! How sweet is it to +be the messenger and the bearer of good news, but it is still sweeter +to know that one has friends who have pleasure in communicating pleasure +to us! + +But Birtha's joy was still mingled with anxiety, and she probably passed +that day in alternate restlessness and prayer. + +Towards night the wind rose high, blowing from a quarter unfavourable to +the safety of the ship, and it still continued to blow in this direction +when night and darkness had closed on all around. + +Darkness at that moment seemed to close also upon the prospects of Birtha! +for she knew that there was no beacon, no landmark to warn the vessel of +its danger, and inform the pilot what coast they were approaching, and +what perils they were to avoid; and, it is probable, that the almost +despairing girl was, with her anxious friends, that livelong night a +restless wanderer on the nearest shore. + +With the return of morning came the awful confirmation of their worst +fears! + +There was no remaining vestige of William's vessel, save the top of the +mast, which shewed where it had sunk beneath the waves, and proved that +the hearts which in the morning had throbbed high with tender hopes and +joyful expectations were then cold and still "beneath the mighty waters!" +How different now was the scene in Birtha's cottage, to that which it +exhibited during the preceding morning. + +That changed dwelling was not indeed deserted, for sympathizing neighbours +came to it as before; but though many may be admitted with readiness +when it is a time for congratulation, it is only the few who can be +welcome in a season of sorrow; and Birtha's sorrow, though _quiet_, was +_deep_--while neither her nearest relative, nor dearest friend, could +do any thing to assist her, save, by removing from her sight the new +furniture, or the new dresses, which had been prepared for those happy +hours that now could never be hers. + +At length, however, Birtha, who had always appeared calm and resigned, +seemed cheerful also! still she remained pale, as in the first moments +of her trial, save when a feverish flush occasionally increased the +brightness of her eyes; but she grew thinner and thinner, and her impeded +breath made her affectionate friends suspect that she was going into a +rapid decline. + +Medical aid was immediately called in, and Birtha's pleased conviction +that her end was near, was soon, though reluctantly confirmed to her, +at her own request. + +It is afflicting to see an invalid rejoice in knowing that the hour of +death is certainly approaching; because it proves the depth and poignancy +of the previous sufferings: but then the sight is comforting and edifying +also. It is _comforting_, because it proves that the dying person is +supported by the only "help that faileth not;" and it is edifying, because +it invites those who behold it to endeavour to _believe_, that they +also may live and _die_ like the departing Christian. + +But it was not alone the wish "to die and be with Christ," nor the sweet +expectation of being united in another world to him whom she had lost, +that was the cause of Birtha's increasing cheerfulness, as the hour of +her dissolution drew nigh. No-- + +Her generous heart was rejoicing in a project which she had conceived, and +which would, if realized, be the source of benefit to numbers yet unborn. +She knew from authority which she could not doubt, that had there been +a _proper landmark_ on the shore, her lover and his ship would not, in +all human probability, have perished. + +"Then," said Birtha, "henceforth there shall be a land-mark on this coast! +and I will furnish it! Here at least, no fond and faithful girl shall +again have to lament over her blighted prospects, and pine, and suffer +as I have done." + +She sent immediately for the clergyman of the parish, made her will, +and had a clause inserted to the following effect: "I desire that I +may be buried on the top of the tower of C----r church! and that my +grave may be made very high, and pointed, in order to render it a +perpetual land-mark to all ships approaching that dangerous navigation +where he whom I loved was wrecked. I am assured, that, had there been a +land-mark on the tower of C---- church, his ship might have escaped; and +I humbly trust, that my grave will always be kept up, according to my +will, to prevent affectionate hearts, in future, from being afflicted as +mine has been; and I leave a portion of my little property in the hands of +trustees, for ever, to pay for the preservation of the above-mentioned +grave, in all its usefulness!" + +Before she died, the judicious and benevolent sufferer had the +satisfaction of being assured, that her intentions would be carried into +effect. + +Her last moments were therefore cheered by the belief, that she would +be graciously permitted to be, even after death, a benefit to others, +and that her grave might be the means of preserving some of her +fellow-creatures from shipwreck and affliction. + +Nor was her belief a delusive one---The conical grave in question gives so +remarkable an appearance to the tower of C----r church, when it is seen at +sea, even at a distance, that if once observed it can never be forgotten, +even by those to whom the anecdote connected with it is unknown +--therefore, as soon as it appears in sight, pilots know that they are +approaching a dangerous coast, and take measures to avoid its perils. + +But if the navigation on that coast is no longer as perilous as it was, +when the heroine of this story was buried, and the tower of C----r church +is no longer a necessary land-mark, still her grave remains a pleasing +memorial of one, whose active benevolence rose superior to the selfishness +both of sorrow and of sickness; and enabled her, even on the bed of death, +to _contrive_ and _will_ for the benefit of posterity. + +It is strange, but true, that the name of this humble, but privileged +being, is not on record; but many whose names are forgotten on earth, +have been, I doubt not, received and rewarded in heaven. + + + * * * * * + + + + +The Bijou + + +Is a new adventurer in the "annual" field, and deserves a foremost rank +as a work of art. Thus, the _Child with Flowers_, by Humphreys, after +Sir Thomas Laurence, is really fit company for the president's beautiful +picture; the _Boy and Dog_, by the same painter and engraver, is also very +fine; but the selection of both of the pictures for one volume is hardly +judicious. With _Haddon Hall_ our readers are already familiar. _Sans +Souci_, after Stothard, is a delightful scene. In the literature, almost +the only very striking composition is Sir Walter Scott's illustration of +Wilkie's painting of the baronet's own family, which, having been copied +into every newspaper, we do not reprint. For our part, we do not admire +the painting; there is too much _rank and file_ for a family group. Mr. +Hood has a _Lament of Chivalry_, in his best style; and a few _Verses +for an Album_, by Charles Lamb, are to our taste. + + +A LAMENT FOR THE DECLINE OF CHIVALRY. + +BY THOMAS HOOD, ESQ. + + + Well hast thou cried, departed Burke, + All chivalrous romantic work, + Is ended now and past!-- + That iron age--which some have thought + Of metal rather overwrought-- + Is now all over-cast! + + Ay,--where are those heroic knights + Of old--those armadillo wights + Who wore the plated vest,-- + Great Charlemagne, and all his peers + Are cold--enjoying with their spears + An everlasting rest!-- + + The bold King Arthur sleepeth sound, + So sleep his knights who gave that Round + Old Table such eclat! + Oh Time has pluck'd the plumy brow! + And none engage at turneys now + But those who go to law! + + Grim John o' Gaunt is quite gone by, + And Guy is nothing but a Guy, + Orlando lies forlorn!-- + Bold Sidney, and his kidney--nay, + Those "early champions"--what are they + But _Knights_ without a morn! + + No Percy branch now perseveres + Like those of old in breaking spears-- + The name is now a lie!-- + Surgeons, alone, by any chance, + Are all that ever couch a lance + To couch a body's eye! + + Alas! for Lion-Hearted Dick, + That cut the Moslem to the quick, + His weapon lies in peace,-- + Oh, it would warm them in a trice, + If they could only have a spice + Of his old mace in Greece! + + The fam'd Rinaldo lies a-cold, + And Tancred too, and Godfrey bold, + That scal'd the holy wall! + No Saracen meets Paladin, + We hear of no great _Saladin_, + But only grow the small! + + Our Cressys too have dwindled since + To penny things--at our Black Prince + Historic pens would scoff-- + The only one we moderns had + Was nothing but a Sandwich lad, + And measles took him off:-- + + Where are those old and feudal clans, + Their pikes, and bills, and partizans! + Their hauberks--jerkins--buffs? + A battle was a battle then, + A breathing piece of work--but men + Fight now with powder puffs! + + The curtal-axe is out of date! + The good old cross-bow bends to Fate, + 'Tis gone--the archer's craft! + No tough arm bends the springing yew. + And jolly draymen ride, in lieu + Of Death, upon the shaft.-- + + The spear--the gallant tilter's pride + The rusty spear is laid aside, + Oh spits now domineer!-- + The coat of mail is left alone,-- + And where is all chain armour gone? + Go ask at Brighton Pier. + + We fight in ropes and not in lists, + Bestowing hand-cuffs with our fists, + A low and vulgar art!-- + No mounted man is overthrown-- + A tilt!--It is a thing unknown-- + Except upon a cart. + + Methinks I see the bounding barb, + Clad like his Chief in steely garb, + For warding steel's appliance!-- + Methinks I hear the trumpet stir! + 'Tis but the guard to Exeter, + That bugles the "Defiance!" + + In cavils when will cavaliers + Set ringing helmets by the ears, + And scatter plumes about? + Or blood--if they are in the vein? + That tap will never run again-- + Alas the _Casque_ is out! + + No iron-crackling now is scor'd + By dint of battle-axe or sword, + To find a vital place-- + Though certain Doctors still pretend + Awhile, before they kill a friend, + To labour through his case. + + Farewell, then, ancient men of might! + Crusader! errant squire, and knight! + Our coats and customs soften,-- + To rise would only make ye weep-- + Sleep on, in rusty iron sleep, + As in a safety-coffin! + + + * * * * * + + +VERSES FOR AN ALBUM. + + + Fresh clad from Heaven in robes of white + A young probationer of light. + Thou wert, my soul, an Album bright. + + A spotless leaf but thought, and care-- + And friends, and foes, in foul or fair, + Have "written strange defeature" there. + + And Time, with heaviest hand of all, + Like that fierce writing on the wall, + Hath stamp'd sad dates--he can't recall. + + And error gilding worst designs-- + Like speckled snake that strays and shines-- + Betrays his path by crooked lines. + + And vice hath left his ugly blot-- + And good resolves, a moment hot, + Fairly began--but finish'd not. + + And fruitless late remorse doth trace-- + Like Hebrew lore, a backward pace-- + Her irrecoverable race. + + Disjointed numbers--sense unknit-- + Huge reams of folly--shreds of wit-- + Compose the mingled mass of it. + + My scalded eyes no longer brook, + Upon this ink-blurr'd thing to look, + Go--shut the leaves--and clasp the book!-- + + * * * * * + + + + +THE LITERARY POCKET-BOOK. + + +Is this year resumed, but we think it is not so successful as, were its +previous _fasciculi_. The "_literary_" is a good epithet for its sale +among would-be authors, like the "_Gentleman's_" Magazine among a certain +class of worthies. But of what use are such articles as the following +to literary men:--_The Seasons_, by a Man of _Taste_, (like the _carte_ +of a restaurateur;) _Sayings of a Man about Town; Remonstrance with J.F. +Newton; Lines on Crockford's &c._--all amusing enough in their way, but, +in a literary pocket-book, out of place, and not in good taste. The +"lists," too, the only useful portion of the volume, are, in many +instances, very incorrect. Apropos, how long has Morris Birbeck been dead? +Our Illinois friend might be alive when the editor published his last +pocket-book; but if he stands still, time does not. There is, too, an +affectation of fashion about the work which does not suit our sober taste; +but as a seasonable Christmas extract, we are induced to quote _Winter_ +from the _Seasons_:-- + +Now is the high season of beef; beef, which Prometheus killed for us at +first, ere he filched the fire from heaven, with which to constitute it a +beef-steak--that foundation of the most delightful of clubs, and origin +of the most delightful of all memoirs of them. Nor be the sirloin, boast +of Englishmen, forgot! nor its vaunted origin; which proves that the age +of chivalry, despite of Burke, is not yet gone! Stewed beef too, and ample +round, and _filet de boeuf saute dans sa glace_, and stewed rump-steaks, +and ox-tail soup. + +"Spirits of beef, where are ye? are ye all fled?" +_Henry the Eighth_. + +No--when beef flies the English shores, then you may, as the immortal bard +exquisitely expresses it, "make a silken purse out of a sow's ear." But +mutton, too, invites my Muse. It is calculated that fifteen hundred +thousand sheep are annually sacrificed in London to the carnivorous taste +of John Bull. "Of roast mutton (as Dr. Johnson says) what remains for me +to say? It will be found sometimes succous, and sometimes defective of +moisture; but what palate has ever failed to be pleased with a haunch +which has been duly suspended? what appetite has not been awakened by the +fermentation that glitters on its surface, when it has been reposing for +the requisite number of hours before a fire equal in its fervency?" + +We quite agree with Dr. Johnson; but a boiled leg of mutton, its whiteness +transparent through the verdant capers that decorate its candour, is not +to be despised; nor is a hash, whether celebrated as an Irish stew, or a +_hachis de mouton_, most relishing of _rifacciamenti_! Chops and garlic +_à la Francaise_ are exquisite; and the saddle, cut learnedly, is the +Elysium of a gourmand. + +Now also is the time of house-lamb and of doe-venison. Now is the time of +Christmas come, and the voice of the turkey is heard in our land! This is +the period of their annual massacre--a new slaughter of the innocents! +The Norwich coaches are now laden with mortals; that, while alive, shared +with their equally intelligent townsmen, _fruges consumere nati_, the +riches of their agricultural county. + +Let others talk as they will about the Greek and the Ottoman!--in cookery, +I abhor Greece, and love Turkey. And yet how inconsistent I am in my +politics! for I sometimes regard the partition of Turkey as a thing well +purchased by the sacrifice of every Ottoman in the world--would they +were all _under my feet_!--especially when I have the gout. I confess, +the dismemberment of Poland did not affect me much. A man who is much +accustomed to dismember fowls, will not care much about that of kingdoms. + +Nor be the cod (a blessing on his head--and shoulders!) forgotten. +Beautifully candid, his laminae separate readily before the tranchant +silver, and each flake, covered with a creamy curd, lies ready to +receive the affusion of molten (not oiled) butter, which, with its +floating oyster-islands, seems in impatient agitation for the moment +of overflowing the alluring "white creature," as a modern poet styles it. + + * * * * * + + + + +TIMES TELESCOPE. + + +Having _transported_ the public for the term of _fourteen years_, our +readers need not be told that the present is the fifteenth volume. We +should say more in its praise had it said less in our own. In richness +and variety it is quite equal to any of its predecessors; and we promise +our readers an occasional sip of its original sweets. + + * * * * * + + +The _Keepsake_ and the _Christmas-Box_ (the latter a _juvenile_ annual) +must stand over for an early number. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at <a href = "https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a> + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, + Vol. 10, No. 288, Supplementary Number + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [eBook #11326] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: iso-8859-1 + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, NO. 288, SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER*** + + +</pre> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Terry Gilliland, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> +<hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page409" name="page409"></a>[pg + 409]</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. X, NO. 288.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h3> + The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City. + </h3> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/288-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/288-1.png" + alt="The Return of a Victorious Armament to A Greek City." /> + </a> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + SPIRIT OF "THE ANNUALS" FOR 1828. + </h2> + <p> + Our readers have annually anticipated a high treat from this + splendid intellectual banquet, served up by some of the + master<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + spirits of the age. + </p> + <p> + We doubt whether the comparison is refined enough for the + fair authoresses; but our fancy has led us to class their + contributions to the present feast as follow:— + </p> + <center> + <i>Hock—Champagne</i>, (<i>Still and Sparkling</i>.) + </center> + <center> + L.E.L.<br /> + Hood. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Bucellas.</i> + </center> + <center> + Miss Mitford.<br /> + Bernard Barton. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Lacrymae Christi.</i> + </center> + <center> + Mrs. Hemans.<br /> + Watts.<br /> + Delta. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Port.</i> + </center> + <center> + Coleridge.<br /> + Southey. + </center> + <center> + <br /> + <i>Claret.</i> + </center> + <center> + Montgomery, + </center> + <p> + with a due proportion of <i>vin ordinaire</i>. This + comparison may be pleasant enough as after-dinner chat, but + we fear our readers will think it like cooks circulating the + Bills of Fare on the morning of Lord Mayor's Day; and lest we + should incur their displeasure, we shall proceed with our + select <i>course</i>: but we are mere disposers. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE LITERARY SOUVENIR. + </h3> + <p> + In literary talent, as well as in graphic beauty, this + elegant volume stands first; and from it we have selected the + subject of the above engraving, accompanied by the following + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page410" name="page410"></a>[pg + 410]</span> + </p> + <h3> + ANCIENT SONG OF VICTORY. + </h3> + <h4> + <b>BY MRS. HEMANS.</b> + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Fill high the bowl, with Samian wine, + </p> + <p> + Our virgins dance beneath the shade. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <h4> + BYRON. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Lo! they come, they come! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Garlands for every shrine! + </p> + <p> + Strike lyres to greet them home; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Bring roses, pour ye wine! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Swell, swell the Dorian flute + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Thro' the blue, triumphal sky! + </p> + <p> + Let the Cittern's tone salute + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The Sons of Victory! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + With the offering of bright blood, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + They have ransomed earth and tomb, + </p> + <p> + Vineyard, and field, and flood;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lo! they come, they come! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sing it where olives wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And by the glittering sea, + </p> + <p> + And o'er each hero's grave,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Sing, sing, the land is free! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Mark ye the flashing oars, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the spears that light the deep! + </p> + <p> + How the festal sunshine pours + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the lords of battle sweep! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Each hath brought back his shield,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Maid, greet thy lover home! + </p> + <p> + Mother, from that proud field, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lo! thy son is come! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Who murmured of the dead? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Hush, boding voice! we know + </p> + <p> + That many a shining head + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lies in its glory low. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Breathe not those names to-day! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + They shall have their praise ere long, + </p> + <p> + And a power all hearts to sway + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In ever-burning song. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But now shed flowers, pour wine, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To hail the conquerors home! + </p> + <p> + Bring wreaths for every shrine— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lo! they come, they come! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + The original engraving is by Edward Goodall, from a painting + by William Linton, Esq. It is altogether a rich and glorious + composition, at this moment too, glowing with more than + pictorial interest; and the <i>carmen triumphale</i> of the + poetess is a worthy accompaniment. Among the other engravings + the frontispiece and opposite page of this work are extremely + rich and beautiful: <i>Psyche borne by the Zephyrs to the + Island of Pleasure</i>, is full of languishing beauty; + <i>Medora</i>, painted by Pickersgill and engraved by Rolls, + is a delightfully placid moonlight scene; the + <i>Declaration</i>, easy and graceful: there are, however, in + our opinion, two decided failures in the volume, which, for + the credit of the artists, had better been omitted. Our + present notices of the <i>literary</i> department must be + confined to the following selection: + </p> + <h3> + THE CITY OF THE DEMONS. + </h3> + <p> + <i>By William Maginn, Esq.</i> + </p> + <p> + In days of yore, there lived in the flourishing city of + Cairo, a Hebrew Rabbi, by name Jochorian, who was the most + learned of his nation. His fame went over the East, and the + most distant people sent their young men to imbibe wisdom + from his lips. He was deeply skilled in the traditions of the + fathers, and his word on a disputed point was decisive. He + was pious, just, temperate, and strict; but he had one + vice—a love of gold had seized upon his heart, and he + opened not his hand to the poor. Yet he was wealthy above + most, his wisdom being to him the source of riches. The + Hebrews of the city were grieved at this blemish on the + wisest of their people; but though the elders of the tribes + continued to reverence him for his fame, the women and + children of Cairo called him by no other name than that of + Rabbi Jochonan the miser. + </p> + <p> + None knew, so well as he, the ceremonies necessary for + initiation into the religion of Moses; and, consequently, the + exercise of those solemn offices was to him another source of + gain. One day, as he walked in the fields about Cairo, + conversing with a youth on the interpretation of the law, it + so happened, that the angel of death smote the young man + suddenly, and he fell dead before the feet of the Rabbi, even + while he was yet speaking. When the Rabbi found that the + youth was dead, he rent his garments, and glorified the Lord. + But his heart was touched, and the thoughts of death troubled + him in the visions of the night. He felt uneasy when he + reflected on his hardness to the poor, and he said, "Blessed + be the name of the Lord! The first good thing that I am asked + to do in that holy name, will I perform."—But he + sighed, for he feared that some one might ask of him a + portion of his gold. + </p> + <p> + While yet he thought upon these things, there came a loud cry + at his gate. + </p> + <p> + "Awake, thou sleeper!" said the voice; "Awake! A child is in + danger of death, and the mother hath sent me for thee that + thou may'st do thine office." + </p> + <p> + "The night is dark and gloomy," said the Rabbi, coming to his + casement, "and mine age is great; are there not younger men + than I in Cairo?" + </p> + <p> + "For thee only, Rabbi Jochonan, whom some call the wise, but + whom others call Rabbi Jochonan the miser, was I sent. Here + is gold," said he, taking out a purse of sequins—"I + want not thy labour for nothing. I adjure thee to come, in + the name of the living God." + </p> + <p> + So the Rabbi thought upon the vow he had just made, and he + groaned in spirit, for the purse sounded heavy. + </p> + <p> + "As thou hast adjured me by that name, I go with thee," said + he to the man, "but I hope the distance is not far. Put up + thy gold." + </p> + <p> + "The place is at hand," said the stranger, who was a gallant + youth, in magnificent attire. "Be speedy, for time presses." + </p> + <p> + Jochonan arose, dressed himself, and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page411" name="page411"></a>[pg + 411]</span> accompanied the stranger, after having carefully + locked up all the doors of his house, and deposited his keys + in a secret place—at which the stranger smiled. + </p> + <p> + "I never remember," said the Rabbi, "so dark a night. Be thou + to me as a guide, for I can hardly see the way." + </p> + <p> + "I know it well," replied the stranger with a sigh, "it is a + way much frequented, and travelled hourly by many; lean upon + mine arm and fear not." + </p> + <p> + They journeyed on; and though the darkness was great, yet the + Rabbi could see, when it occasionally brightened, that he was + in a place strange to him. "I thought," said he, "I knew all + the country for leagues about Cairo, yet I know not where I + am. I hope, young man," said he to his companion, "that thou + hast not missed the way;" and his heart misgave him. + </p> + <p> + "Fear not," returned the stranger. "Your journey is even now + done," and, as he spoke, the feet of the Rabbi slipped from + under him, and he rolled down a great height. When he + recovered, he found that his companion had fallen also, and + stood by his side. + </p> + <p> + "Nay, young man," said the Rabbi, "if thus thou sportest with + the grey hairs of age, thy days are numbered. Wo unto him who + insults the hoary head!" + </p> + <p> + The stranger made an excuse, and they journeyed on some + little further in silence. The darkness grew less, and the + astonished Rabbi, lifting up his eyes, found that they had + come to the gates of a city which he had never before seen. + Yet he knew all the cities of the land of Egypt, and he had + walked but half an hour from his dwelling in Cairo. So he + knew not what to think, but followed the man with trembling. + </p> + <p> + They soon entered the gates of the city, which was lighted up + as if there were a festival in every house. The streets were + full of revellers, and nothing but a sound of joy could be + heard. But when Jochonan looked upon their faces—they + were the faces of men pained within; and he saw, by the marks + they bore, that they were Mazikin [demons]. He was terrified + in his soul; and, by the light of the torches, he looked also + upon the face of his companion, and, behold! he saw upon him + too, the mark that shewed him to be a Demon. The Rabbi feared + excessively—almost to fainting; but he thought it + better to be silent; and sadly he followed his guide, who + brought him to a splendid house, in the most magnificent + quarter of the city. + </p> + <p> + "Enter here?" said the Demon to Jochonan, "for this house is + mine. The lady and the child are in the upper chamber;" and, + accordingly, the sorrowful Rabbi ascended the stair to find + them. + </p> + <p> + The lady, whose dazzling beauty was shrouded by melancholy + beyond hope, lay in bed; the child, in rich raiment, + slumbered on the lap of the nurse, by her side. + </p> + <p> + "I have brought to thee, light of my eyes!" said the Demon, + "Rebecca, beloved of my soul! I have brought thee Rabbi + Jochonan the wise, for whom thou didst desire. Let him, then, + speedily begin his office; I shall fetch all things + necessary, for he is in haste to depart." + </p> + <p> + He smiled bitterly as he said these words, looking at the + Rabbi; and left the room, followed by the nurse. + </p> + <p> + When Jochonan and the lady were alone, she turned in the bed + towards him, and said:— + </p> + <p> + "Unhappy man that thou art! knowest thou where thou hast been + brought?" + </p> + <p> + "I do," said he, with a heavy groan; I know that I am in a + city of the Mazikin." + </p> + <p> + "Know, then, further," said she, and the tears gushed from + eyes brighter than the diamond, "know then, further, that no + one is ever brought here, unless he hath sinned before the + Lord. What my sin hath been imports not to thee—and I + seek not to know thine. But here thou remainest for + ever—lost, even as I am lost." And she wept again. + </p> + <p> + The Rabbi dashed his turban on the ground, and tearing his + hair, exclaimed, "Wo is me! Who art thou, woman! that + speakest to me thus?" + </p> + <p> + "I am a Hebrew woman," said she, "the daughter of a Doctor of + the Laws in the city of Bagdad; and being brought hither, it + matters not how, I am married to a prince among the Mazikin, + even him who was sent for thee. And that child, whom thou + sawest, is our first-born, and I could not bear the thought + that the soul of our innocent babe should perish. I therefore + besought my husband to try to bring hither a priest, that the + law of Moses (blessed be his memory!) should be done; and thy + fame, which has spread to Bagdad, and lands further towards + the rising of the sun, made me think of thee. Now my husband, + though great among the Mazikin, is more just than the other + Demons; and he loves me, whom he hath ruined, with a love of + despair. So he said, that the name of Jochonan the wise was + familiar unto him, and that he knew thou wouldst not be able + to refuse. What thou hast done, to give him power over thee, + is known to thyself." + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page412" name="page412"></a>[pg + 412]</span> "I swear, before Heaven!" said the Rabbi, "that I + have ever diligently kept the law, and walked stedfastly + according to the traditions of our fathers, from the day of + my youth upward. I have wronged no man in word or deed, and I + have daily worshipped the Lord; minutely performing all the + ceremonies thereto needful." + </p> + <p> + "Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and + more, and yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, + for I hear the foot of my husband mounting the stair. There + is one chance of thine escape." + </p> + <p> + "What is that? O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi. + </p> + <p> + "Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here; and + as long as thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over + thee, dead or alive. Have courage, and persevere." + </p> + <p> + As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, + followed by the nurse, who bore all things requisite for the + ministration of the Rabbi. With a heavy heart he performed + his duty, and the child was numbered among the faithful. But + when, as usual, at the conclusion of the ceremony, the wine + was handed round to be tasted by the child, the mother, and + the Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying:— + </p> + <p> + "Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this + day; and I will not eat, neither will I drink." + </p> + <p> + "Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon, "I will not that + thou shouldst break thy vow;" and he laughed aloud. + </p> + <p> + So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber, looking into a + garden, where he passed the remainder of the night and the + day weeping, and praying to the Lord that he would deliver + him from the city of Demons. But when the twelfth hour came, + and the sun was set, the Prince of the Mazikin came again + unto him, and said:— + </p> + <p> + "Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past;" and + he set meat before him. + </p> + <p> + "Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this + thing. I have another vow for this day also. I pray thee be + not angry with thy servant." + </p> + <p> + "I am not angry," said the Demon, "be it as thou pleasest; I + respect thy vow;" and he laughed louder than before. + </p> + <p> + So the Rabbi sat another day in his chamber by the garden, + weeping and praying. And when the sun had gone behind the + hills, the Prince of the Mazikin again stood before him, and + said:— + </p> + <p> + "Eat now, for thou must be an hungered. It was a sore vow of + thine;" and he offered him daintier meats. + </p> + <p> + And Jochonan felt a strong desire to eat, but he prayed + inwardly to the Lord, and the temptation passed, and he + answered:— + </p> + <p> + "Excuse thy servant yet a third time, my lord, that I eat + not. I have renewed my vow." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so, then," said the other; "arise, and follow me." + </p> + <p> + The Demon took a torch in his hand, and led the Rabbi through + winding passages of his palace, to the door of a lofty + chamber, which he opened with a key that he took from a niche + in the wall. On entering the room, Jochonan saw that it was + of solid silver—floor, ceiling, walls, even to the + threshold and the door-posts. And the curiously carved roof, + and borders of the ceiling, shone, in the torch-light, as if + they were the fanciful work of frost. In the midst were heaps + of silver money, piled up in immense urns of the same metal, + even over the brim. + </p> + <p> + "Thou hast done me a serviceable act, Rabbi," said the + Demon—"take of these what thou pleasest; ay, were it + the whole." + </p> + <p> + "I cannot, my lord," said Jochonan. "I was adjured by thee to + come hither in the name of God; and in that name I came, not + for fee or for reward." + </p> + <p> + "Follow me," said the prince of the Mazikin; and Jochonan did + so, into an inner chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was of gold, as the other was of silver. Its golden roof + was supported by pillars and pilasters of gold, resting upon + a golden floor. The treasures of the kings of the earth would + not purchase one of the four-and-twenty vessels of golden + coins, which were disposed in six rows along the room. No + wonder! for they were filled by the constant labours of the + Demons of the mine. The heart of Jochonan was moved by + avarice, when he saw them shining in yellow light, like the + autumnal sun, as they reflected the beams of the torch. But + God enabled him to persevere. + </p> + <p> + "These are thine," said the Demon; "one of the vessels which + thou beholdest would make thee richest of the sons of + men—and I give thee them all." + </p> + <p> + But Jochonan refused again; and the Prince of the Mazikin + opened the door of a third chamber, which was called the Hall + of Diamonds. When the Rabbi entered, he screamed aloud, and + put his hands over his eyes; for the lustre of the jewels + dazzled him, as if he had looked upon the noon-day sun. In + vases of agate were heaped diamonds beyond enumeration, the + smallest of which was larger + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page413" name="page413"></a>[pg + 413]</span> than a pigeon's egg. On alabaster tables lay + amethysts, topazes, rubies, beryls, and all other precious + stones, wrought by the hands of skilful artists, beyond power + of computation. The room was lighted by a carbuncle, which, + from the end of the hall, poured its ever-living light, + brighter than the rays of noontide, but cooler than the + gentle radiance of the dewy moon. This was a sore trial on + the Rabbi; but he was strengthened from above, and he refused + again. + </p> + <p> + "Thou knowest me then, I perceive, O Jochonan, son of + Ben-David," said the Prince of the Mazikin; "I am a Demon who + would tempt thee to destruction. As thou hast withstood so + far, I tempt thee no more. Thou hast done a service which, + though I value it not, is acceptable in the sight of her + whose love is dearer to me than the light of life. Sad has + been that love to thee, my Rebecca! Why should I do that + which would make thy cureless grief more grievous? You have + yet another chamber to see," said he to Jochonan, who had + closed his eyes, and was praying fervently to the Lord, + beating his breast. + </p> + <p> + Far different from the other chambers, the one into which the + Rabbi was next introduced, was a mean and paltry apartment, + without furniture. On its filthy walls hung innumerable + bunches of rusty keys, of all sizes, disposed without order. + Among them, to the astonishment of Jochonan, hung the keys of + his own house, those which he had put to hide when he came on + this miserable journey, and he gazed upon them intently. + </p> + <p> + "What dost thou see," said the Demon, "that makes thee look + so eagerly? Can he who has refused silver, and gold, and + diamonds, be moved by a paltry bunch of rusty iron?" + </p> + <p> + "They are mine own, my lord," said the Rabbi, "them will I + take, if they be offered me." + </p> + <p> + "Take them, then," said the Demon, putting them into his + hand;—"thou may'st depart. But, Rabbi, open not thy + house only, when thou returnest to Cairo, but thy heart also. + That thou didst not open it before, was that which gave me + power over thee. It was well that thou didst one act of + charity in coming with me without reward, for it has been thy + salvation. Be no more Rabbi Jochonan the miser." + </p> + <p> + The Rabbi bowed to the ground, and blessed the Lord for his + escape. "But how," said he, "am I to return, for I know not + the way?" + </p> + <p> + "Close thine eyes," said the Demon. He did so, and in the + space of a moment, heard the voice of the Prince of Mazikin + ordering him to open them again. And, behold, when he opened + them, he stood in the centre of his own chamber, in his house + at Cairo, with the keys in his hand. + </p> + <p> + When he recovered from his surprise, and had offered + thanksgivings to God, he opened his house, and his heart + also. He gave alms to the poor, he cheered the heart of the + widow, and lightened the destitution of the orphan. His + hospitable board was open to the stranger, and his purse was + at the service of all who needed to share it. His life was a + perpetual act of benevolence; and the blessings showered upon + him by all, were returned bountifully upon him by the hand of + God. + </p> + <p> + But people wondered, and said, "Is not this the man who was + called Rabbi Jochonan the miser? What hath made the change?" + And it became a saying in Cairo. When it came to the ears of + the Rabbi, he called his friends together, and he avowed his + former love of gold, and the danger to which it had exposed + him; relating all which has been above told, in the hall of + the new palace that he built by the side of the river, on the + left hand, as thou goest down by the course of the great + stream. And wise men, who were scribes, wrote it down from + his mouth, for the memory of mankind, that they might profit + thereby. And a venerable man, with a beard of snow, who had + read it in these books, and at whose feet I sat, that I might + learn the wisdom of the old time, told it to me. And I write + it in the tongue of England, the merry and the free, on the + tenth day of the month Nisan, in the year, according to the + lesser computation, five hundred ninety and seven, that thou + may'st learn good thereof. If not, the fault be upon thee. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + STANZAS + </h3> + <center> + <i>Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War, hanging + in a Country Church.</i> + </center> + <h4> + BY ALARIC A. WATTS. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh! why amid this hallowed scene. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Should signs of mortal feud be found; + </p> + <p> + Why seek with such vain gauds to wean + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Our thoughts from holier relics 'round? + </p> + <p> + More fitting emblems here abound + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of glory's bright, unfading wreath;— + </p> + <p> + Conquests, with purer triumphs crowned;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Proud victories over Sin and Death! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Of these how many records rise + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Before my chastened spirit now; + </p> + <p> + Memorials, pointing to the skies, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of Christian battles fought below. + </p> + <p> + What need of yon stern things to shew + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That darker deeds have oft been done?— + </p> + <p> + Is't not enough for Man to know + </p> + <p class="i2"> + He lives but through the blood of ONE! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And thou, mild delegate of God, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Whose words of balm, and guiding light. + </p> + <p> + Would lead us, from earth's drear abode, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To worlds with bliss for ever bright,— + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page414" + name="page414"></a>[pg 414]</span> + <p> + What have the spoils of mortal fight + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To do with themes 'tis thine to teach? + </p> + <p> + Faith's saving grace—each sacred rite + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Thou know'st to practice as to preach! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The blessings of the contrite heart, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Thy bloodless conquests best proclaim; + </p> + <p> + The tears from sinners' eyes that start, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are meetest records of thy fame. + </p> + <p> + The glory that may grace thy name + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From loftier triumphs sure must spring;— + </p> + <p> + The grateful thoughts thy worth may claim, + </p> + <p> + Trophies like these can never bring! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Then, wherefore on this sainted spot, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With peace and love, and hope imbued,— + </p> + <p> + Some vision calm of bliss to blot, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And turn our thoughts on deeds of blood,— + </p> + <p> + Should signs of battle-fields intrude:— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Man wants no trophies here of strife; + </p> + <p> + His Oriflamme—Faith unsubdued;— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His Panoply—a spotless life! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"></div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE BRITISH SAILOR'S SONG. + </h3> + <h4> + BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Away with bayonet and with lance, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With corslet, casque and sword; + </p> + <p> + Our island king no war-horse needs, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For on the sea he's lord. + </p> + <p> + His throne's the war-ship's lofty deck, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His sceptre is the mast; + </p> + <p> + His kingdom is the rolling wave, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His servant is the blast. + </p> + <p> + His anchor's up, fair Freedom's flag + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Proud to the mast he nails; + </p> + <p> + Tyrants and conquerors bow your heads, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For there your terror sails. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I saw fierce Prussia's chargers stand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Her children's sharp swords out;— + </p> + <p> + Proud Austria's bright spurs streaming red, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + When rose the closing shout. + </p> + <p> + But soon the steeds rushed masterless, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By tower and town and wood; + </p> + <p> + For lordly France her fiery youth + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Poured o'er them like a flood. + </p> + <p> + Go, hew the gold spurs from your heels, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And let your steeds run free; + </p> + <p> + Then come to our unconquered decks, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And learn to reign at sea. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Behold you black and battered hulk + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That slumbers on the tide, + </p> + <p> + There is no sound from stem to stern, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For peace has plucked her pride. + </p> + <p> + The masts are down, the cannon mute, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + She shews nor sheet nor sail; + </p> + <p> + Nor starts forth with the seaward breeze, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Nor answers shout nor hail. + </p> + <p> + Her merry men with all their mirth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Have sought some other shore; + </p> + <p> + And she with all her glory on, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Shall rule the sea no more. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + So landsmen speak.—Lo! her top-masts + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Are quivering in the sky + </p> + <p> + Her sails are spread, her anchor's raised, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + There sweeps she gallant by. + </p> + <p> + A thousand warriors fill her decks; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Within her painted side + </p> + <p> + The thunder sleeps—man's might has nought + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Can match or mar her pride. + </p> + <p> + In victor glory goes she forth, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Her stainless flag flies free, + </p> + <p> + Kings of the earth come and behold + </p> + <p class="i2"> + How Britain reigns on sea! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When on your necks the armed foot + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of fierce Napoleon trod; + </p> + <p> + And all was his save the wide sea, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where we triumphant rode: + </p> + <p> + He launched his terror and his strength, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Our sea-born pride to tame; + </p> + <p> + They came—they got the Nelson-touch, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And vanished as they came. + </p> + <p> + Go, hang your bridles in your halls, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And set your war-steels free: + </p> + <p> + The world has one unconquer'd king, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And he reigns on the sea! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Watts, the editor, besides the stanzas we have quoted, + has contributed indeed less than other editors, in similar + works, and much less than we could wish, for we are sincere + admirers of his plaintive muse. His preface should be read + with due attention, for it is calculated to set the public + right on the <i>fate and merit</i> of numberless works. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE FORGET ME NOT. + </h2> + <p> + The <i>avant-courier</i> of the "Annuals" is of equal + literary merit with its precursors; but not quite equal in + its engravings—The <i>Sisters' Dream</i>, by Davenport, + from a drawing by Corbould, is, however, placidly + interesting; the <i>Bridal Morning</i>, by Finden, is also a + pleasing scene; and the <i>Seventh Plague of Egypt</i>, by Le + Keux, from a design by Martin, though in miniature, is + terrific and sublime. In the literary department we + especially notice the <i>Sun-Dial</i>, a pensive tale, by + Delta, but too long for extract; and the <i>Sky-Lark</i> by + the Ettrick Shepherd, soaring with all the freshness and + fancy of that extraordinary genius. The <i>Sword</i>, a + beautiful picture of martial woe, by Miss Landon, is + subjoined:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas the battle field, and the cold pale moon + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Look'd down on the dead and dying, + </p> + <p> + And the wind pass'd o'er with a dirge and a wail, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where the young and the brave were lying. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + With his father's sword in his red right hand. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the hostile dead around him, + </p> + <p> + Lay a youthful chief: but his bed was the ground, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the grave's icy sleep had bound him. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A reckless Rover, 'mid death and doom, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Pass'd a soldier, his plunder seeking: + </p> + <p> + Careless he stept where friend and foe + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Lay alike in their life-blood reeking. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Drawn by the shine of the warrior's sword, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The soldier paused beside it: + </p> + <p> + He wrench'd the hand with a giant's strength, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But the grasp of the dead defied it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + He loosed his hold, and his English heart + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Took part with the dead before him, + </p> + <p> + And he honour'd the brave who died sword in hand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As with soften'd brow he leant o'er him. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "A soldier's death thou hast boldly died, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A soldier's grave won by it: + </p> + <p> + Before I would take that sword from thine hand, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + My own life's blood should dye it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Thou shalt not be left for the carrion crow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Or the wolf to batten o'er thee: + </p> + <p> + Or the coward insult the gallant dead, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Who in life had trembled before thee." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Then dug he a grave in the crimson earth + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Where his warrior foe was sleeping, + </p> + <p> + And he laid him there in honour and rest, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + With his sword in his own brave keeping. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <p> + As a relief, we quote the following characteristic sketch by + Miss Mitford:— + </p> + <h3> + A COUNTRY APOTHECARY. + </h3> + <p> + One of the most important personages in a small country town + is the apothecary. He takes rank next after the rector and + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page415" name="page415"></a>[pg + 415]</span> the attorney, and before the curate; and could be + much less easily dispensed with than either of those + worthies, not merely as holding "fate and physic" in his + hand, but as the general, and as it were official, associate, + adviser, comforter, and friend, of all ranks and all ages, of + high and low, rich and poor, sick and well. I am no despiser + of dignities; but twenty emperors shall be less intensely + missed in their wide dominions, than such a man as my friend + John Hallett in his own small sphere. + </p> + <p> + The spot which was favoured with the residence of this + excellent person was the small town of Hazelby, in + Dorsetshire; a pretty little place, where every thing seems + at a stand-still. It was originally built in the shape of the + letter T; a long broad market-place (still so called, + although the market be gone) serving for the perpendicular + stem, traversed by a straight, narrow, horizontal street, to + answer for the top line. Not one addition has occurred to + interrupt this architectural regularity, since, fifty years + ago, a rich London tradesman built, at the west end of the + horizontal street, a wide-fronted single house, with two low + wings, iron palisades before, and a fish-pond opposite, which + still goes by the name of New Place, and is balanced, at the + east end of the street, by an erection of nearly the same + date, a large square dingy mansion enclosed within high + walls, inhabited by three maiden sisters, and called, + probably by way of nickname, the Nunnery. New Place being on + the left of the road, and the Nunnery on the right, the T has + now something of the air of the italic capital T, turned up + at one end and down at the other. The latest improvements are + the bow-window in the market-place, commanding the pavement + both ways, which the late brewer, Andrews, threw out in his + snug parlour some twenty years back, and where he used to sit + smoking, with the sash up, in summer afternoons, enjoying + himself, good man; and the great room, at the Swan, + originally built by the speculative publican, Joseph + Allwright, for an assembly-room. That speculation did not + answer. The assembly, in spite of canvassing and patronage, + and the active exertions of all the young ladies in the + neighbourhood, dwindled away, and died at the end of two + winters: then it became a club-room for the hunt; but the + hunt quarrelled with Joseph's cookery: then a market-room for + the farmers; but the farmers (it was in the high-price time) + quarrelled with Joseph's wine: then it was converted into the + magistrate's room—the bench; but the bench and the + market went away together, and there was an end of justicing: + then Joseph tried the novel attraction (to borrow a + theatrical phrase) of a billiard-table; but, alas! that + novelty succeeded as ill as if it had been theatrical; there + were not customers enough to pay the marker: at last, it has + merged finally in that unconscious receptacle of pleasure and + pain, a post-office; although Hazelby has so little to do + with traffic of any sort—even the traffic of + correspondence—that a saucy mail-coach will often carry + on its small bag, and as often forget to call for the London + bag in return. + </p> + <p> + In short, Hazelby is an insignificant place;—my readers + will look for it in vain in the map of Dorsetshire;—it + is omitted, poor dear town!—left out by the map-maker + with as little remorse as a dropped letter!—and it is + also an old-fashioned place. It has not even a cheap shop for + female gear. Every thing in the one store which it boasts, + kept by Martha Deane, linen-draper and haberdasher, is dear + and good, as things were wont to be. You may actually get + there thread made of flax, from the gouty, uneven, clumsy, + shiny fabric, ycleped whited-brown, to the delicate commodity + of Lisle, used for darning muslin. I think I was never more + astonished, from the mere force of habit, than when, on + asking for thread, I was presented, instead of the pretty + lattice-wound balls, or snowy reels of cotton, with which + that demand is usually answered, with a whole drawerful of + skeins peeping from their blue papers —such skeins as + in my youth a thrifty maiden would draw into the + nicely-stitched compartments of that silken repository, a + housewife, or fold into a congeries of graduated + thread-papers, "fine by degrees, and beautifully less." The + very literature of Hazelby is doled out at the pastry cook's, + in a little one-windowed shop kept by Matthew Wise. Tarts + occupy one end of the counter, and reviews the other; whilst + the shelves are parcelled out between books, and dolls, and + ginger, bread. It is a question, by which of his trades poor + Matthew gains least; he is so shabby, so threadbare, and so + starved. + </p> + <p> + Such a town would hardly have known what to do with a highly + informed and educated surgeon, such as one now generally sees + in that most liberal profession. My friend, John Hallett, + suited it exactly. His predecessor, Mr. Simon Saunders, had + been a small, wrinkled, spare old gentleman, with a short + cough and a thin voice, who always seemed as if he needed an + apothecary himself. He wore generally a full suit of drab, a + flaxen wig of the sort called a Bob Jerom, and a very tight + muslin stock; a costume which he + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page416" name="page416"></a>[pg + 416]</span> had adopted in his younger days in imitation of + the most eminent physician of the next city, and continued to + the time of his death. Perhaps the cough might have been + originally an imitation also, ingrafted on the system by + habit. It had a most unsatisfactory sound, and seemed more + like a trick than a real effort of nature. His talk was + civil, prosy, and fidgetty: much addicted to small scandal, + and that kind of news which passes under the denomination of + tittle-tattle, he was sure to tell one half of the town where + the other drank tea, and recollected the blancmanges and + jellies on a supper-table, or described a new gown, with as + much science and unction as if he had been used to make + jellies and wear gowns in his own person. Certain + professional peculiarities might have favoured the + supposition. His mode of practice was exactly that popularly + attributed to old women. He delighted in innocent + remedies—manna, magnesia, and camphor julep; never put + on a blister in his life; and would sooner, from pure + complaisance, let a patient die, than administer an + unpalatable prescription. + </p> + <p> + So qualified, to say nothing of his gifts in tea-drinking, + cassino, and quadrille (whist was too many for him), his + popularity could not be questioned. When he expired, all + Hazelby mourned. The lamentation was general. The women of + every degree (to borrow a phrase from that great + phrase-monger, Horace Walpole) "cried quarts;" and the + procession to the churchyard—that very churchyard to + which he had himself attended so many of his + patients—was now followed by all of them that remained + alive. + </p> + <p> + It was felt that the successor of Mr. Simon Saunders would + have many difficulties to encounter. My friend, John Hallett, + "came, and saw, and overcame." John was what is usually + called a rough diamond. Imagine a short, clumsy, stout-built + figure, almost as broad as it is long, crowned by a bullet + head, covered with shaggy brown hair, sticking out in every + direction; the face round and solid, with a complexion + originally fair, but dyed one red by exposure to all sorts of + weather; open good-humoured eyes, of a greenish cast, his + admirers called them hazel; a wide mouth, full of large white + teeth; a cocked-up nose, and a double chin; bearing + altogether a strong resemblance to a print which I once saw + hanging up in an alehouse parlour, of "the celebrated divine + (to use the identical words of the legend) Dr. Martin + Luther." + </p> + <p> + The condition of a country apothecary being peculiarly liable + to the inclemency of the season, John's dress was generally + such as might bid defiance to wind, or rain, or snow, or + hail. If any thing, he wrapt up most in the summer, having a + theory that people were never so apt to take cold as in hot + weather. He usually wore a bearskin great-coat, a silk + handkerchief over his cravat, top boots on those sturdy + pillars his legs, a huge pair of overalls, and a hat, which, + from, the day in which it first came into his possession to + that in which it was thrown aside, never knew the comfort of + being freed from its oilskin—never was allowed to + display the glossy freshness of its sable youth. Poor dear + hat! how its vanity (if hats have vanity) must have suffered! + For certain its owner had none, unless a lurking pride in his + own bluffness and bluntness may be termed such. He piqued + himself on being a plain downright Englishman, and on a voice + and address pretty much like his apparel, rough, strong, and + warm, fit for all weathers. A heartier person never lived. + </p> + <p> + In his profession he was eminently skilful, bold, confident, + and successful. The neighbouring physicians liked to come + after Mr. Hallett; they were sure to find nothing to undo. + And blunt and abrupt as was his general manner, he was kind + and gentle in a sick-room; only nervous disorders, the pet + diseases of Mr. Simon Saunders, he could not abide. He made + short work with them; frightened them away as one does by + children when they have the hiccough; or if the malady were + pertinacious and would not go, he fairly turned off the + patient. Once or twice, indeed, on such occasions, the + patient got the start, and turned him off; Mrs. Emery, for + instance, the lady's maid at New Place, most delicate and + mincing of waiting-gentlewomen, motioned him from her + presence; and Miss Deane, daughter of Martha Deane, + haberdasher, who, after completing her education at a + boarding-school, kept a closet full of millinery in a little + den behind her mamma's shop, and was by many degrees the + finest lady in Hazelby, was so provoked at being told by him + that nothing ailed her, that, to prove her weakly condition, + she pushed him by main force out of doors. + </p> + <p> + With these exceptions Mr. Hallett was the delight of the + whole town, as well as of all the farm-houses within six + miles round. He just suited the rich yeomanry, cured their + diseases, and partook of their feasts; was constant at + christenings, and a man of prime importance at weddings. A + country merry-making was nothing without "the Doctor." He was + "the very prince of good fellows;" had + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page417" name="page417"></a>[pg + 417]</span> a touch of epicurism, which, without causing any + distaste of his own homely fare, made dainties acceptable + when they fell in his way; was a most absolute carver; prided + himself upon a sauce of his own invention, for fish and + game—"Hazelby sauce" he called it; and was universally + admitted to be the best compounder of a bowl of punch in the + county. + </p> + <p> + Besides these rare convivial accomplishments, his gay and + jovial temper rendered him the life of the table. There was + no resisting his droll faces, his droll stories, his jokes, + his tricks, or his laugh—the most contagious + cachination that ever was heard. Nothing in the shape of fun + came amiss to him. He would join in a catch or roar out a + solo, which might be heard a mile off; would play at hunt the + slipper or blind man's buff; was a great man in a country + dance, and upon very extraordinary occasions would treat the + company to a certain remarkable hornpipe, which put the walls + in danger of tumbling about their ears, and belonged to him + as exclusively as the Hazelby sauce. It was a sort of parody + on a pas seul which he had once seen at the Opera-house, in + which his face, his figure, his costume, his rich humour, and + his strange, awkward, unexpected activity, told amazingly. + "The force of <i>frolic</i> could no farther go" than "the + Doctor's hornpipe," It was the climax of jollity. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In his shop and his household he had no need either of + partner or of wife: the one was excellently managed by an old + rheumatic journeyman, slow in speech, and of vinegar aspect, + who had been a pedagogue in his youth, and now used to limp + about with his Livy in his pocket, and growl as he compounded + the medicines over the bad latinity of the prescriptions; the + other was equally well conducted by an equally ancient + housekeeper and a cherry-cheeked niece, the orphan-daughter + of his only sister, who kept every thing within doors in the + bright and shining order in which he delighted. John Hallett, + notwithstanding the roughness of his aspect, was rather + knick-knacky in his tastes; a great patron of small + inventions, such as the <i>improved</i> ne plus ultra + cork-screw, and the latest patent snuffers. He also trifled + with horticulture, dabbled in tulips, was a connoisseur in + pinks, and had gained a prize for polyanthuses. The garden + was under the especial care of his pretty niece, Miss Susan, + a grateful warm-hearted girl, who thought she never could do + enough to please her good uncle, and prove her sense of his + kindness. He was indeed as fond of her as if he had been her + father, and as kind. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps there was nothing very extraordinary in his goodness + to the gentle and cheerful little girl who kept his walks so + trim and his parlour so neat, who always met him with a + smile, and who (last and strongest tie to a generous mind) + was wholly dependent on him—had no friend on earth but + himself. There was nothing very uncommon in that. But John + Hallett was kind to every one, even where the sturdy old + English prejudices, which he cherished as virtues, might seem + most likely to counteract his gentler feelings. + </p> + <hr /> + <center> + "<i>The Evening Song of the Tyrolese Peasants</i>" by Mrs. + Hemans, must close our extracts from the present + volume:— + </center> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The day is past and gone; + </p> + <p> + The woodman's axe lies free, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the reaper's work is done. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The twilight-star to Heaven, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the summer-dew to flowers, + </p> + <p> + And rest to us is given + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By the cool soft evening hours. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sweet is the hour of rest! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Pleasant the wind's low sigh, + </p> + <p> + And the gleaming of the west, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the turf whereon we lie. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When the burden and the heat + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of labour's task are o'er, + </p> + <p> + And kindly voices greet + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The tired one at his door. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The day is past and gone; + </p> + <p> + The woodman's axe lies free, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the reaper's work is done. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Yes: tuneful is the sound + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That dwells in whispering boughs: + </p> + <p> + Welcome the freshness round, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the gale that fans our brows. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But rest more sweet and still + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Than ever night-fall gave, + </p> + <p> + Our longing hearts shall fill, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + In the world beyond the grave. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There shall no tempest blow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No scorching noon-tide heat; + </p> + <p> + There shall be no more snow, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + No weary wandering feet. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And we lift our trusting eyes, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From the hills our fathers trod. + </p> + <p> + To the quiet of the skies, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To the sabbath of our God. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The day is past and gone: + </p> + <p> + The woodman's axe lies free, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And the reaper's work is done. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + We have only room to particularize the <i>Boroom Slave</i>, + by Mrs. Bowditch; the <i>Magician's Visiter</i>, by Neele; + and <i>Scenes in the Life of a Favourite</i>; all which + possess very powerful interest. Mr. Hood, too, has two + oddities—<i>Death in the Kitchen</i>, after Sterne, and + the <i>Logicians</i>, accompanied by engravings. Indeed, the + literary variety of the present <i>Forget Me Not</i> is + highly creditable to the editor, Mr. Shoberl. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page418" name="page418"></a>[pg + 418]</span> + </p> + <h2> + FRIENDSHIP'S OFFERING. + </h2> + <p> + To begin with the exterior, which is somewhat novel in taste, + the proprietors seem to have united the <i>utile cum + dulci,</i> by substituting for the usual paper covering, an + elegantly embossed leather binding. This is altogether an + improvement on the original plan, since the slight coverings + of silk or paper is scarcely safe out of the drawing-room or + boudoir, and some of the contributions to the "annuals" + entitle them to a higher stand. The presentation plate of the + present <i>Offering</i> is a chaste and classical specimen of + a kind of gold enamel engraving; <i>The Sylph</i>, engraved + by Humphreys, is a pleasing picture; <i>Virginia Water</i>, + from a picture by Daniell, is a delightful scene of rural + repose; a <i>Sculpture Group</i>, by Fry; a <i>View of + Bombay</i>; and the <i>Captive Slave</i>, by Finden; among + the embellishments, are entitled to our commendatory notice. + </p> + <p> + The present editor is Mr. Charles Knight, who, according to + his preface, succeeded "at an advanced period of the year to + the duties which had previously been performed by a gentleman + of acknowledged taste and ability." This may account for the + imperfect state of some of the engravings; but the apology is + not so requisite for the execution of the literary portion of + the present volume. Our extracts must be short, for we have + other claimants to our attention. The <i>Housekeepers</i>, a + Shandean extract, is from one of the best prose + contributors:— + </p> + <p> + There were two heavy, middle-aged merchants; they were either + Dutch or German, I know not which, but their name was + Vanderclump. Most decided old bachelors they were, with + large, leathern, hanging cheeks, sleepy grey eyes, and round + shoulders. They were men not given to much speech, but great + feeders; and, when waited upon, would point clumsily to what + they wanted, and make a sort of low growl, rather than be at + the trouble to speak. These Messrs. Vanderclump were served + by two tall, smooth-faced dawdles; I never could discover + which held the superior station in the <i>ménage</i>. + Each has been seen trotting home from market with a basket on + her arm; each might be observed to shake a duster out of the + upper windows; each would, occasionally, carry a huge bunch + of keys, or wait at table during dinner; and, in the summer + evenings, when it was not post-day, both of them would + appear, dressed alike, sitting at work at the lower + counting-house window, with the blinds thrown wide open. + Both, I suppose, were housekeepers. + </p> + <p> + It happened, one cold, foggy spring, that the younger + brother, Mr. Peter Vanderclump, left London to transact some + business of importance with a correspondent at Hamburgh, + leaving his brother Anthony to the loneliness of their gloomy + house in St. Mary Axe. Week after week passed away, and Mr. + Peter was still detained at Hamburgh. Who would have supposed + that his society could have been missed? that the parlour + could have seemed more dismally dull by the absence of one of + those from whom it chiefly derived its character of dulness? + Mr. Anthony took up his largest meerchaum, and enveloped + himself in its smoke by the hour; but the volumes of smoke + cleared away, and no Peter Vanderclump appeared emerging from + the mist. Mr. Anthony brought some of his heavy folios from + below; and, in their pages of interest, (no common, but often + compound, interest,) lost, for awhile, the dreary sense of + loneliness. But, a question was to be asked! Peter's solemn + "yah" or "nien" was waited for in vain. Forgetful, and almost + impatient, Anthony looked up—the chair was unoccupied + which his brother had constantly filled. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Anthony began to sigh—he got into a habit of + sighing. Betty and Molly (they were soft-hearted baggages) + felt for their master—pitied their poor master! Betty + was placing the supper on the table one evening, when her + master sighed very heavily. Betty sighed also, and the + corners of her mouth fell—their eyes + met—something like a blush crimsoned Betty's sleek, + shining cheek, when, on raising her eyes again, her master + was still staring at her. Betty simpered, and, in her very + soft, very demure voice ventured to say, "Was there any thing + she could do?" Mr. Vanderclump rose up from his chair. Betty, + for the first time, felt awed by his approach. "Batee!" he + said, "my poor Batee! Hah! you are a goot girl!" He chucked + her under the chin with his large hand. Betty looked meek, + and blushed, and simpered again. There was a pause—Mr. + Vanderclump was the first to disturb it. "Hah! hah!" he + exclaimed, gruffly, as if suddenly recollecting himself; and, + thrusting both hands into his capacious breeches-pockets, he + sat down to supper, and took no further notice of Betty that + night. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, the sun seemed to have made a successful + struggle with the dense London atmosphere, and shone full in + Mr. Vanderclump's face while he was at breakfast, and set a + piping bullfinch singing a tune, which his master loved + rather for the sake of old associations, than from any + delight in music. Then Lloyd's + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page419" name="page419"></a>[pg + 419]</span> List was full of arrivals, and the Price Current + had that morning some unusual charm about it, which I cannot + even guess at. Mr. Vanderclump looked upon the bright and + blazing fire; his eye rested, with a calm and musing + satisfaction, on the light volumes of steam rising from the + spout of the tea-kettle, as it stood, rather murmuring + drowsily, than hissing, upon the hob. There was, he might + have felt, a sympathy between them. They were both placidly + puffing out the warm and wreathing smoke. + </p> + <p> + He laid down his pipe, and took half a well-buttered muffin + into his capacious mouth at a bite; he washed the mouthful + down, with a large dish of tea, and he felt in better + spirits. That morning he entered the counting-house rubbing + his hands. + </p> + <p> + Within an hour a crowd of huge, dusky clouds shut out the + merry sunshine, and the Hamburgh mail brought no tidings + whatever of Mr. Peter. Mr. Anthony worked himself up into a + thorough ill-humour again, and swore at his clerks, because + they asked him questions. When he entered his apartment that + evening he felt more desolate than ever. Betty placed a + barrel of oysters on the table—he heeded her + not;—a large German sausage—his eyes were fixed + on the ground;—a piece of Hamburgh beef —Mr. + Vanderclump looked up for an instant, and, Europa-like, his + thoughts crossed the sea, upon that beef, to Hamburgh. + Gradually, however, a genial warmth spread throughout the + room, for Betty stirred up the fire, and let down the + curtains, and snuffed the dim candles; while Molly loaded the + table with bottles of divers shapes and sizes, a basin of + snow-white sugar, and a little basket of limes, of well-known + and exquisite flavour; placing, at the same time, a very + small kettle of boiling water on the fire.—"Why, + Mollee! my goot girl!" said Mr. Vanderclump, in a low and + somewhat melancholy tone, (his eyes had mechanically followed + these latter proceedings,) "Mollee! that is ponch!" + —"La, sir! and why not?" replied the damsel, almost + playfully. "Why not be comfortable and cheery? I am + sure"—and here she meant to look encouraging, her usual + simper spreading to a smile—"I am sure Betty and I + would do our best to make you so." + </p> + <p> + "Goot girls, goot girls!" said Mr. Vanderclump, his eyes + fixed all the while upon the supper-table—he sat down + to it. "My goot girls!" said he, soon after, "you may go + down; I do not want you; you need not wait." The two timid, + gentle creatures instantly obeyed. More than an hour elapsed, + and then Mr. Vanderclump's bell rang. The two matronly + maidens were very busily employed in making a new cap. Betty + rose at once; but suddenly recollecting that she had been + trying on her new and unfinished cap, and had then only a + small brown cotton skull-cap on her head, she raised both her + hands to her head to be certain of this, and then said, "Do, + Molly, there's a dear! answer the bell; for such a figure as + I am, I could not go before master, no how. See, I have + unpicked this old cap for a little bit of French edging at + the back." Molly looked a little peevish; but <i>her</i> cap + was on her head, and up stairs she went. Mr. Vanderclump was + sitting before the fire, puffing lustily from his eternal + pipe. "Take away," he said abruptly, "and put the leetle + table here." He pointed and growled, and the sagacious Molly + understood. She placed the table beside him, and upon it the + punch, which he had been drinking. "Batee, my poor Batee!" + said Mr. Vanderclump, who had not yet noticed that Betty was + absent. "It is not Betty, but Molly, sir!" replied the latter + damsel, in a voice of childlike simplicity. "Hah!" said he, + apparently considering for a moment, "Hah! Batee, Mollee, all + the same! Mollee, my poor Mollee, you are a goot girl! Get up + to-morrow morning, my poor Mollee, and put on your best gown, + and I will marry you!" Molly, was, as she afterwards + declared, struck all of a heap. She gaped, and gasped with + astonishment; and then a power of words were rushing and + racing up her throat to her tongue's end: a glance at her + master stopped their explosion. His hands were in his + pockets, his face towards the fire, his pipe in his mouth. + "Yes, sir," she replied, humbly and distinctly. A few tears + trickled down her cheeks, as she curtseyed low at the door, + and disappeared. She knew his ways, she thought within + herself, as she walked very slowly down the stairs, and she + congratulated herself that she had not risked another word in + reply. "And now, Betty," she said, as she entered the + kitchen, "I'll put the finishing stitch to my cap, and go to + bed, for master will want nothing more to-night." She sat + down quietly to work, and conversed quietly with Betty, not + disclosing a word of her new prospects, Betty, however, + observed that she took off the trimming with which her new + cap had been already half-adorned. "Why, bless me, Molly!" + she cried, "you are not going to put on that handsome white + satin bow, are you?"—"Why, yes! I think I shall," + replied Molly, "for now I look at your cap, with that there + yellow riband upon it, mine seems to me quite old-maidish." + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page420" name="page420"></a>[pg + 420]</span> The next morning, Molly got up before her sister, + and put on her best gown and her new cap. The morning was + dark and dull, and Betty was sleepy, and Molly kept the + window-curtain and the bed-curtains closely drawn. + Unsuspected, she slipped out of the chamber, her shawl and + her bonnet in her hand. + </p> + <p> + As the clock struck eight, Molly was standing beside her + master before the rails of the marriage-altar; and, not long + after, she burst upon the astonished eyes of her sister, as + Mrs. Vanderclump. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <i>La Villegiatura</i> is a pleasant article; but we do not + think there is much of the "love of pastoral associations" + left in the English character, and we are sorry for it. The + <i>Rustic Wreath</i>, by Miss Mitford, is very sweet; the + <i>Cacadore</i>, a story of the peninsular war, is a + soul-stirring narrative; there is much pleasantry in Mrs. + Hofland's <i>Comforts of Conceitedness; Virginia Water</i>, + by the editor, could hardly be written by his + fireside—it has too much local inspiration in every + line; <i>Auguste de Valcour</i>, by the author of <i>Gilbert + Earle</i>, is in his usual felicitous vein of philosophic + melancholy; Miss Roberts has a glittering <i>Tale of + Normandy</i>; the <i>Orphans</i>, by the editor, is simple + and pathetic; <i>Palinodia</i> we subjoin:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + There was a time when I could feel + </p> + <p class="i2"> + All passion's hopes and fears, + </p> + <p> + And tell what tongues can ne'er reveal, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + By smiles, and sighs, and tears. + </p> + <p> + The days are gone! no more, no more, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The cruel fates allow; + </p> + <p> + And, though I'm hardly twenty-four, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now. + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + </p> + <p class="i6"> + The chill is on my brow; + </p> + <p class="i4"> + My day is night, my bloom is blight— + </p> + <p class="i6"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I never talk about the clouds, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I laugh at girls and boys, + </p> + <p> + I'm growing rather fond of crowds, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And very fond of noise; + </p> + <p> + I never wander forth alone + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon the mountain's brow; + </p> + <p> + I weighed, last winter, sixteen stone,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I never wish to raise a veil, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I never raise a sigh; + </p> + <p> + I never tell a tender tale, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I never tell a lie; + </p> + <p> + I cannot kneel as once I did; + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I've quite forgot my bow; + </p> + <p> + I never do as I am bid,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I make strange blunders every day, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + If I would be gallant, + </p> + <p> + Take smiles for wrinkles, black for grey. + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And nieces for their aunt; + </p> + <p> + I fly from folly, though it flows + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From lips of loveliest glow; + </p> + <p> + I don't object to length of nose,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The muse's steed is very fleet— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'd rather ride my mare; + </p> + <p> + The poet hunts a quaint conceit— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'd rather hunt a hare; + </p> + <p> + I've learnt to utter yours and you + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Instead of thine and thou; + </p> + <p> + And oh! I can't endure a Blue!— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I find my Ovid dry, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + My Petrarch quite a pill, + </p> + <p> + Cut Fancy for Philosophy, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Tom Moore for Mr. Mill; + </p> + <p> + And belles may read, and beaux may write, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I care not who or how; + </p> + <p> + I burnt my album Sunday night,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I don't encourage idle dreams + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of poison or of ropes, + </p> + <p> + I cannot dine on airy schemes, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I cannot sup on hopes: + </p> + <p> + New milk, I own is very fine, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Just foaming from the cow; + </p> + <p> + But yet I want my pint of wine,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + When Laura sings young hearts away, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm deafer than the deep; + </p> + <p> + When Leonora goes to play, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I sometimes go to sleep; + </p> + <p> + When Mary draws her white gloves out, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I never dance, I vow: + </p> + <p> + "Too hot to kick one's heels about!"— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I'm busy now with state affairs, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I prate of Pitt and Fox; + </p> + <p> + I ask the price of rail-road shares, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I watch the turns of stocks: + </p> + <p> + And this is life! no verdure blooms + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Upon the withered bough. + </p> + <p> + I save a fortune in perfumes,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I may be yet what others are, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A boudoir's babbling fool; + </p> + <p> + The flattered star of bench or har, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A party's chief or tool: + </p> + <p> + Come shower or sunshine, hope or fear, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The palace or the plough— + </p> + <p> + My heart and lute are broken here,— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + <p class="i4"> + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + </p> + <p class="i6"> + The chill is on my brow; + </p> + <p class="i4"> + My day is night, my bloom is blight,— + </p> + <p class="i6"> + I'm not a lover now! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>The First Ball</i>, by L.E.L. is rife and gay; which, with + Mr. Croker's <i>Three Advices</i>, are all we can spare room + to point out to our readers. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Amulet. + </h2> + <p> + Of this volume we have already availed ourselves. Some of the + engravings are in a vigorous and first-rate style of + excellence; the binding, too, is somewhat gay for so grave a + title—being crimson silk. Our favourites are a + <i>Voyage Round the World</i>, by Montgomery, one of the best + poems of the year; <i>Faustus, with a Visit to Goethe; Angel + Visits</i>, by Mrs. Hemans; <i>The Departed</i>, by L.E.L.; + and some pieces by the editor, Mr. Hall. Our present extract + is + </p> + <h3> + THE LAST VOYAGE. A TRUE STORY. + </h3> + <p> + <i>By Mrs. Opie.</i> + </p> + <p> + We cannot fail to observe, as we advance in life, how vividly + our earliest recollections recur to us, and this + consciousness is accompanied by a melancholy pleasure, when + we are deprived of those + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page421" name="page421"></a>[pg + 421]</span> who are most tenderly associated with such + remembrances, because they bring the beloved dead "before our + mind's eye;" and beguile the loneliness of the <i>present</i> + hour, by visions of the <i>past</i>. In such visions I now + often love to indulge, and in one of them, a journey to + Y—— was recently brought before me, in which my + ever-indulgent father permitted me to accompany him, when I + was yet but a child. + </p> + <p> + As we drove through C——r, a village within three + miles of Y——, he directed my attention to a + remarkable <i>rising</i>, or <i>conical mound of earth</i>, + on the top of the tower of C——r church. He then + kindly explained the cause of this singular, and + <i>distinguishing</i> appearance, and told me the + traditionary anecdote connected with it; which now, in my own + words, I am going to communicate to my readers. + </p> + <p> + It is generally supposed, that great grief makes the heart so + selfishly absorbed in its own sufferings, as to render it + regardless of the sufferings of others; but the conduct of + her, who is the heroine of the following tale, will prove to + this general rule an honourable exception. + </p> + <p> + I know nothing of her birth, and parentage, nor am I + acquainted even with her name—but I shall call her + Birtha—the story goes, that she lived at + C——r, a village three miles from Y—— + in N——, and was betrothed to the mate of a + trading vessel, with the expectation of marrying him, when he + had gained money sufficient, by repeated voyages, to make + their union consistent with prudence. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, there is reason to believe that Birtha was + not idle, but contrived to earn money herself, in order to + expedite the hour of her marriage; and at length, her lover + (whom I shall call William) thought that there was no reason + for him to continue his sea-faring life, but at the end of + one voyage more, he should be able to marry the woman of his + choice, and engage in some less dangerous employment, in his + native village. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, the next time that he bade farewell to Birtha, + the sorrow of their parting hour was soothed by William's + declaring, that, as the next voyage would be his last, he + should expect, when he returned, to find every thing ready + for their marriage. + </p> + <p> + This was a pleasant expectation, and Birtha eagerly prepared + to fulfil it. + </p> + <p> + By the time that Birtha was beginning to believe that William + was on his voyage home, her neighbours would often help her + to count the days which would probably elapse before the ship + could arrive; but when they were not in her presence, some of + the experienced amongst the men used to express a + <i>hope</i>, the result of <i>fear</i>, that William would + return time enough to avoid <i>certain winds</i>, which made + one part of the navigation on that coast particularly + dangerous. + </p> + <p> + Birtha herself, had, no doubt, her <i>fears</i>, as well as + her <i>hopes</i>; but there are <i>some</i> fears which the + lip of affection dares not utter, and this was one of them. + </p> + <p> + Birtha dreaded to have her inquiries respecting that + dangerous passage, answered by "Yes, we know that it is a + difficult navigation;" she also dreaded to be told by some + kind, but ill-judging friends, to "trust in Providence;" as, + by such advice, the reality of the danger would be still more + powerfully confirmed to her. This recommendation would to her + have been needless, as well as alarming; for she had, + doubtless, always relied on Him who is alone able to save, + and she knew that the same "Almighty arm was underneath" her + lover still, which had hitherto preserved him in the time of + need. + </p> + <p> + Well—time went on, and we will imagine the little + garden before the door of the house which Birtha had hired, + new gravelled, fresh flowers sown and planted there; the + curtains ready to be put up; the shelves bright with polished + utensils; table linen, white as the driven snow, enclosed in + the newly-purchased chest of drawers; and the neat, well + chosen wedding-clothes, ready for the approaching occasion: + we will also picture to ourselves, the trembling joy of + Birtha, when her eager and sympathizing neighbours rushed + into her cottage, disturbing her early breakfast, with the + glad tidings, that William's ship had been seen approaching + the dangerous passage with a fair wind, and that there was no + doubt but that he would get over it safe, and in day-light! + How sweet is it to be the messenger and the bearer of good + news, but it is still sweeter to know that one has friends + who have pleasure in communicating pleasure to us! + </p> + <p> + But Birtha's joy was still mingled with anxiety, and she + probably passed that day in alternate restlessness and + prayer. + </p> + <p> + Towards night the wind rose high, blowing from a quarter + unfavourable to the safety of the ship, and it still + continued to blow in this direction when night and darkness + had closed on all around. + </p> + <p> + Darkness at that moment seemed to close also upon the + prospects of Birtha! for she knew that there was no beacon, + no landmark to warn the vessel of its danger, and inform the + pilot what coast they were approaching, and what perils they + were to avoid; and, it is probable, that the almost + despairing girl was, with + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page422" name="page422"></a>[pg + 422]</span> her anxious friends, that livelong night a + restless wanderer on the nearest shore. + </p> + <p> + With the return of morning came the awful confirmation of + their worst fears! + </p> + <p> + There was no remaining vestige of William's vessel, save the + top of the mast, which shewed where it had sunk beneath the + waves, and proved that the hearts which in the morning had + throbbed high with tender hopes and joyful expectations were + then cold and still "beneath the mighty waters!" How + different now was the scene in Birtha's cottage, to that + which it exhibited during the preceding morning. + </p> + <p> + That changed dwelling was not indeed deserted, for + sympathizing neighbours came to it as before; but though many + may be admitted with readiness when it is a time for + congratulation, it is only the few who can be welcome in a + season of sorrow; and Birtha's sorrow, though <i>quiet</i>, + was <i>deep</i>—while neither her nearest relative, nor + dearest friend, could do any thing to assist her, save, by + removing from her sight the new furniture, or the new + dresses, which had been prepared for those happy hours that + now could never be hers. + </p> + <p> + At length, however, Birtha, who had always appeared calm and + resigned, seemed cheerful also! still she remained pale, as + in the first moments of her trial, save when a feverish flush + occasionally increased the brightness of her eyes; but she + grew thinner and thinner, and her impeded breath made her + affectionate friends suspect that she was going into a rapid + decline. + </p> + <p> + Medical aid was immediately called in, and Birtha's pleased + conviction that her end was near, was soon, though + reluctantly confirmed to her, at her own request. + </p> + <p> + It is afflicting to see an invalid rejoice in knowing that + the hour of death is certainly approaching; because it proves + the depth and poignancy of the previous sufferings: but then + the sight is comforting and edifying also. It is + <i>comforting</i>, because it proves that the dying person is + supported by the only "help that faileth not;" and it is + edifying, because it invites those who behold it to endeavour + to <i>believe</i>, that they also may live and <i>die</i> + like the departing Christian. + </p> + <p> + But it was not alone the wish "to die and be with Christ," + nor the sweet expectation of being united in another world to + him whom she had lost, that was the cause of Birtha's + increasing cheerfulness, as the hour of her dissolution drew + nigh. No— + </p> + <p> + Her generous heart was rejoicing in a project which she had + conceived, and which would, if realized, be the source of + benefit to numbers yet unborn. She knew from authority which + she could not doubt, that had there been a <i>proper + landmark</i> on the shore, her lover and his ship would not, + in all human probability, have perished. + </p> + <p> + "Then," said Birtha, "henceforth there shall be a land-mark + on this coast! and I will furnish it! Here at least, no fond + and faithful girl shall again have to lament over her + blighted prospects, and pine, and suffer as I have done." + </p> + <p> + She sent immediately for the clergyman of the parish, made + her will, and had a clause inserted to the following effect: + "I desire that I may be buried on the top of the tower of + C——r church! and that my grave may be made very + high, and pointed, in order to render it a perpetual + land-mark to all ships approaching that dangerous navigation + where he whom I loved was wrecked. I am assured, that, had + there been a land-mark on the tower of C—— + church, his ship might have escaped; and I humbly trust, that + my grave will always be kept up, according to my will, to + prevent affectionate hearts, in future, from being afflicted + as mine has been; and I leave a portion of my little property + in the hands of trustees, for ever, to pay for the + preservation of the above-mentioned grave, in all its + usefulness!" + </p> + <p> + Before she died, the judicious and benevolent sufferer had + the satisfaction of being assured, that her intentions would + be carried into effect. + </p> + <p> + Her last moments were therefore cheered by the belief, that + she would be graciously permitted to be, even after death, a + benefit to others, and that her grave might be the means of + preserving some of her fellow-creatures from shipwreck and + affliction. + </p> + <p> + Nor was her belief a delusive one—-The conical grave in + question gives so remarkable an appearance to the tower of + C——r church, when it is seen at sea, even at a + distance, that if once observed it can never be forgotten, + even by those to whom the anecdote connected with it is + unknown —therefore, as soon as it appears in sight, + pilots know that they are approaching a dangerous coast, and + take measures to avoid its perils. + </p> + <p> + But if the navigation on that coast is no longer as perilous + as it was, when the heroine of this story was buried, and the + tower of C——r church is no longer a necessary + land-mark, still her grave remains a pleasing memorial of + one, whose active benevolence rose superior to the + selfishness both of sorrow and of sickness; and enabled her, + even on the bed of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page423" + name="page423"></a>[pg 423]</span> death, to <i>contrive</i> + and <i>will</i> for the benefit of posterity. + </p> + <p> + It is strange, but true, that the name of this humble, but + privileged being, is not on record; but many whose names are + forgotten on earth, have been, I doubt not, received and + rewarded in heaven. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Bijou + </h2> + <p> + Is a new adventurer in the "annual" field, and deserves a + foremost rank as a work of art. Thus, the <i>Child with + Flowers</i>, by Humphreys, after Sir Thomas Laurence, is + really fit company for the president's beautiful picture; the + <i>Boy and Dog</i>, by the same painter and engraver, is also + very fine; but the selection of both of the pictures for one + volume is hardly judicious. With <i>Haddon Hall</i> our + readers are already familiar. <i>Sans Souci</i>, after + Stothard, is a delightful scene. In the literature, almost + the only very striking composition is Sir Walter Scott's + illustration of Wilkie's painting of the baronet's own + family, which, having been copied into every newspaper, we do + not reprint. For our part, we do not admire the painting; + there is too much <i>rank and file</i> for a family group. + Mr. Hood has a <i>Lament of Chivalry</i>, in his best style; + and a few <i>Verses for an Album</i>, by Charles Lamb, are to + our taste. + </p> + <h3> + A LAMENT FOR THE DECLINE OF CHIVALRY. + </h3> + <h4> + BY THOMAS HOOD, ESQ. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Well hast thou cried, departed Burke, + </p> + <p> + All chivalrous romantic work, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Is ended now and past!— + </p> + <p> + That iron age—which some have thought + </p> + <p> + Of metal rather overwrought— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Is now all over-cast! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Ay,—where are those heroic knights + </p> + <p> + Of old—those armadillo wights + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Who wore the plated vest,— + </p> + <p> + Great Charlemagne, and all his peers + </p> + <p> + Are cold—enjoying with their spears + </p> + <p class="i2"> + An everlasting rest!— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The bold King Arthur sleepeth sound, + </p> + <p> + So sleep his knights who gave that Round + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Old Table such eclat! + </p> + <p> + Oh Time has pluck'd the plumy brow! + </p> + <p> + And none engage at turneys now + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But those who go to law! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Grim John o' Gaunt is quite gone by, + </p> + <p> + And Guy is nothing but a Guy, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Orlando lies forlorn!— + </p> + <p> + Bold Sidney, and his kidney—nay, + </p> + <p> + Those "early champions"—what are they + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But <i>Knights</i> without a morn! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + No Percy branch now perseveres + </p> + <p> + Like those of old in breaking spears— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + The name is now a lie!— + </p> + <p> + Surgeons, alone, by any chance, + </p> + <p> + Are all that ever couch a lance + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To couch a body's eye! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Alas! for Lion-Hearted Dick, + </p> + <p> + That cut the Moslem to the quick, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + His weapon lies in peace,— + </p> + <p> + Oh, it would warm them in a trice, + </p> + <p> + If they could only have a spice + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of his old mace in Greece! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The fam'd Rinaldo lies a-cold, + </p> + <p> + And Tancred too, and Godfrey bold, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That scal'd the holy wall! + </p> + <p> + No Saracen meets Paladin, + </p> + <p> + We hear of no great <i>Saladin</i>, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + But only grow the small! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Our Cressys too have dwindled since + </p> + <p> + To penny things—at our Black Prince + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Historic pens would scoff— + </p> + <p> + The only one we moderns had + </p> + <p> + Was nothing but a Sandwich lad, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And measles took him off:— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Where are those old and feudal clans, + </p> + <p> + Their pikes, and bills, and partizans! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Their hauberks—jerkins—buffs? + </p> + <p> + A battle was a battle then, + </p> + <p> + A breathing piece of work—but men + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Fight now with powder puffs! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The curtal-axe is out of date! + </p> + <p> + The good old cross-bow bends to Fate, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + 'Tis gone—the archer's craft! + </p> + <p> + No tough arm bends the springing yew. + </p> + <p> + And jolly draymen ride, in lieu + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Of Death, upon the shaft.— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The spear—the gallant tilter's pride + </p> + <p> + The rusty spear is laid aside, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Oh spits now domineer!— + </p> + <p> + The coat of mail is left alone,— + </p> + <p> + And where is all chain armour gone? + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Go ask at Brighton Pier. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + We fight in ropes and not in lists, + </p> + <p> + Bestowing hand-cuffs with our fists, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + A low and vulgar art!— + </p> + <p> + No mounted man is overthrown— + </p> + <p> + A tilt!—It is a thing unknown— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Except upon a cart. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Methinks I see the bounding barb, + </p> + <p> + Clad like his Chief in steely garb, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + For warding steel's appliance!— + </p> + <p> + Methinks I hear the trumpet stir! + </p> + <p> + 'Tis but the guard to Exeter, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + That bugles the "Defiance!" + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + In cavils when will cavaliers + </p> + <p> + Set ringing helmets by the ears, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And scatter plumes about? + </p> + <p> + Or blood—if they are in the vein? + </p> + <p> + That tap will never run again— + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Alas the <i>Casque</i> is out! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + No iron-crackling now is scor'd + </p> + <p> + By dint of battle-axe or sword, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To find a vital place— + </p> + <p> + Though certain Doctors still pretend + </p> + <p> + Awhile, before they kill a friend, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + To labour through his case. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Farewell, then, ancient men of might! + </p> + <p> + Crusader! errant squire, and knight! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Our coats and customs soften,— + </p> + <p> + To rise would only make ye weep— + </p> + <p> + Sleep on, in rusty iron sleep, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + As in a safety-coffin! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + VERSES FOR AN ALBUM. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Fresh clad from Heaven in robes of white + </p> + <p> + A young probationer of light. + </p> + <p> + Thou wert, my soul, an Album bright. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A spotless leaf but thought, and care— + </p> + <p> + And friends, and foes, in foul or fair, + </p> + <p> + Have "written strange defeature" there. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And Time, with heaviest hand of all, + </p> + <p> + Like that fierce writing on the wall, + </p> + <p> + Hath stamp'd sad dates—he can't recall. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And error gilding worst designs— + </p> + <p> + Like speckled snake that strays and shines— + </p> + <p> + Betrays his path by crooked lines. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And vice hath left his ugly blot— + </p> + <p> + And good resolves, a moment hot, + </p> + <p> + Fairly began—but finish'd not. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And fruitless late remorse doth trace— + </p> + <p> + Like Hebrew lore, a backward pace— + </p> + <p> + Her irrecoverable race. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page424" + name="page424"></a>[pg 424]</span> + <p> + Disjointed numbers—sense unknit— + </p> + <p> + Huge reams of folly—shreds of wit— + </p> + <p> + Compose the mingled mass of it. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + My scalded eyes no longer brook, + </p> + <p> + Upon this ink-blurr'd thing to look, + </p> + <p> + Go—shut the leaves—and clasp the book!— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"></div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE LITERARY POCKET-BOOK. + </h2> + <p> + Is this year resumed, but we think it is not so successful + as, were its previous <i>fasciculi</i>. The "<i>literary</i>" + is a good epithet for its sale among would-be authors, like + the "<i>Gentleman's</i>" Magazine among a certain class of + worthies. But of what use are such articles as the following + to literary men:—<i>The Seasons</i>, by a Man of + <i>Taste</i>, (like the <i>carte</i> of a restaurateur;) + <i>Sayings of a Man about Town; Remonstrance with J.F. + Newton; Lines on Crockford's &c.</i>—all amusing + enough in their way, but, in a literary pocket-book, out of + place, and not in good taste. The "lists," too, the only + useful portion of the volume, are, in many instances, very + incorrect. Apropos, how long has Morris Birbeck been dead? + Our Illinois friend might be alive when the editor published + his last pocket-book; but if he stands still, time does not. + There is, too, an affectation of fashion about the work which + does not suit our sober taste; but as a seasonable Christmas + extract, we are induced to quote <i>Winter</i> from the + <i>Seasons</i>:— + </p> + <p> + Now is the high season of beef; beef, which Prometheus killed + for us at first, ere he filched the fire from heaven, with + which to constitute it a beef-steak—that foundation of + the most delightful of clubs, and origin of the most + delightful of all memoirs of them. Nor be the sirloin, boast + of Englishmen, forgot! nor its vaunted origin; which proves + that the age of chivalry, despite of Burke, is not yet gone! + Stewed beef too, and ample round, and <i>filet de boeuf saute + dans sa glace</i>, and stewed rump-steaks, and ox-tail soup. + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Spirits of beef, where are ye? are ye all fled?" + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Henry the Eighth</i>. + </p> + <p> + No—when beef flies the English shores, then you may, as + the immortal bard exquisitely expresses it, "make a silken + purse out of a sow's ear." But mutton, too, invites my Muse. + It is calculated that fifteen hundred thousand sheep are + annually sacrificed in London to the carnivorous taste of + John Bull. "Of roast mutton (as Dr. Johnson says) what + remains for me to say? It will be found sometimes succous, + and sometimes defective of moisture; but what palate has ever + failed to be pleased with a haunch which has been duly + suspended? what appetite has not been awakened by the + fermentation that glitters on its surface, when it has been + reposing for the requisite number of hours before a fire + equal in its fervency?" + </p> + <p> + We quite agree with Dr. Johnson; but a boiled leg of mutton, + its whiteness transparent through the verdant capers that + decorate its candour, is not to be despised; nor is a hash, + whether celebrated as an Irish stew, or a <i>hachis de + mouton</i>, most relishing of <i>rifacciamenti</i>! Chops and + garlic <i>à la Francaise</i> are exquisite; and the + saddle, cut learnedly, is the Elysium of a gourmand. + </p> + <p> + Now also is the time of house-lamb and of doe-venison. Now is + the time of Christmas come, and the voice of the turkey is + heard in our land! This is the period of their annual + massacre—a new slaughter of the innocents! The Norwich + coaches are now laden with mortals; that, while alive, shared + with their equally intelligent townsmen, <i>fruges consumere + nati</i>, the riches of their agricultural county. + </p> + <p> + Let others talk as they will about the Greek and the + Ottoman!—in cookery, I abhor Greece, and love Turkey. + And yet how inconsistent I am in my politics! for I sometimes + regard the partition of Turkey as a thing well purchased by + the sacrifice of every Ottoman in the world—would they + were all <i>under my feet</i>!—especially when I have + the gout. I confess, the dismemberment of Poland did not + affect me much. A man who is much accustomed to dismember + fowls, will not care much about that of kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + Nor be the cod (a blessing on his head—and shoulders!) + forgotten. Beautifully candid, his laminae separate readily + before the tranchant silver, and each flake, covered with a + creamy curd, lies ready to receive the affusion of molten + (not oiled) butter, which, with its floating oyster-islands, + seems in impatient agitation for the moment of overflowing + the alluring "white creature," as a modern poet styles it. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + TIMES TELESCOPE. + </h2> + <p> + Having <i>transported</i> the public for the term of + <i>fourteen years</i>, our readers need not be told that the + present is the fifteenth volume. We should say more in its + praise had it said less in our own. In richness and variety + it is quite equal to any of its predecessors; and we promise + our readers an occasional sip of its original sweets. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + The <i>Keepsake</i> and the <i>Christmas-Box</i> (the latter + a <i>juvenile</i> annual) must stand over for an early + number. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p> + We hope this epithet will not be considered + ungallant—for, to say the truth, the <i>ladies</i> + have contributed the best poetical portion of the feast. + This display of female talent has increased in brilliancy + year after year: and the <i>Lords</i> should look to it. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near + Somerset House,) and sold by all Newsmen and Booksellers.</i> + </p> + <hr class="full" /> +<pre> + + +***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, NO. 288, SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER*** + +******* This file should be named 11326-h.txt or 11326-h.zip ******* + +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> +<a href="https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/2/11326">https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/2/11326</a> + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + + + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, No. +288, Supplementary Number + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 26, 2004 [eBook #11326] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + + +***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, +AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, NO. 288, SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER*** + + +E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Terry Gilliland, David Garcia, and the +Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team + + + +Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this + file which includes the original illustration. + See 11326-h.htm or 11326-h.zip: + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/2/11326/11326-h/11326-h.htm) + or + (http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/1/1/3/2/11326/11326-h.zip) + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +VOL. 10, No. 288.] SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + + + + +The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City. + + +[Illustration: The Return of a Victorious Armament to a Greek City.] + + +SPIRIT OF "THE ANNUALS" FOR 1828. + + +Our readers have annually anticipated a high treat from this splendid +intellectual banquet, served up by some of the master[1] spirits of +the age. + + [1] We hope this epithet will not be considered ungallant--for, to + say the truth, the _ladies_ have contributed the best poetical + portion of the feast. This display of female talent has + increased in brilliancy year after year: and the _Lords_ should + look to it. + +We doubt whether the comparison is refined enough for the fair +authoresses; but our fancy has led us to class their contributions to +the present feast as follow:-- + + +_Hock--Champagne_, (_Still and Sparkling_.) + +L.E.L. +Hood. + +_Bucellas._ + +Miss Mitford. +Bernard Barton. + +_Lacrymae Christi._ + +Mrs. Hemans. +Watts. +Delta. + +_Port._ + +Coleridge. +Southey. + +_Claret._ + +Montgomery, + + +with a due proportion of _vin ordinaire_. This comparison may be +pleasant enough as after-dinner chat, but we fear our readers will +think it like cooks circulating the Bills of Fare on the morning of +Lord Mayor's Day; and lest we should incur their displeasure, we +shall proceed with our select _course_: but we are mere disposers. + + * * * * * + + +THE LITERARY SOUVENIR. + + +In literary talent, as well as in graphic beauty, this elegant volume +stands first; and from it we have selected the subject of the above +engraving, accompanied by the following + + +ANCIENT SONG OF VICTORY. + +BY MRS. HEMANS. + + +Fill high the bowl, with Samian wine, +Our virgins dance beneath the shade. + +BYRON. + + + Lo! they come, they come! + Garlands for every shrine! + Strike lyres to greet them home; + Bring roses, pour ye wine! + + Swell, swell the Dorian flute + Thro' the blue, triumphal sky! + Let the Cittern's tone salute + The Sons of Victory! + + With the offering of bright blood, + They have ransomed earth and tomb, + Vineyard, and field, and flood;-- + Lo! they come, they come! + + Sing it where olives wave, + And by the glittering sea, + And o'er each hero's grave,-- + Sing, sing, the land is free! + + Mark ye the flashing oars, + And the spears that light the deep! + How the festal sunshine pours + Where the lords of battle sweep! + + Each hath brought back his shield,-- + Maid, greet thy lover home! + Mother, from that proud field, + Lo! thy son is come! + + Who murmured of the dead? + Hush, boding voice! we know + That many a shining head + Lies in its glory low. + + Breathe not those names to-day! + They shall have their praise ere long, + And a power all hearts to sway + In ever-burning song. + + But now shed flowers, pour wine, + To hail the conquerors home! + Bring wreaths for every shrine-- + Lo! they come, they come! + + +The original engraving is by Edward Goodall, from a painting by William +Linton, Esq. It is altogether a rich and glorious composition, at +this moment too, glowing with more than pictorial interest; and the +_carmen triumphale_ of the poetess is a worthy accompaniment. Among +the other engravings the frontispiece and opposite page of this work +are extremely rich and beautiful: _Psyche borne by the Zephyrs to the +Island of Pleasure_, is full of languishing beauty; _Medora_, painted +by Pickersgill and engraved by Rolls, is a delightfully placid +moonlight scene; the _Declaration_, easy and graceful: there are, +however, in our opinion, two decided failures in the volume, which, +for the credit of the artists, had better been omitted. Our present +notices of the _literary_ department must be confined to the following +selection: + + +THE CITY OF THE DEMONS. + +_By William Maginn, Esq._ + + +In days of yore, there lived in the flourishing city of Cairo, a Hebrew +Rabbi, by name Jochorian, who was the most learned of his nation. His +fame went over the East, and the most distant people sent their young +men to imbibe wisdom from his lips. He was deeply skilled in the +traditions of the fathers, and his word on a disputed point was decisive. +He was pious, just, temperate, and strict; but he had one vice--a love +of gold had seized upon his heart, and he opened not his hand to the +poor. Yet he was wealthy above most, his wisdom being to him the +source of riches. The Hebrews of the city were grieved at this blemish +on the wisest of their people; but though the elders of the tribes +continued to reverence him for his fame, the women and children of +Cairo called him by no other name than that of Rabbi Jochonan the miser. + +None knew, so well as he, the ceremonies necessary for initiation +into the religion of Moses; and, consequently, the exercise of those +solemn offices was to him another source of gain. One day, as he walked +in the fields about Cairo, conversing with a youth on the interpretation +of the law, it so happened, that the angel of death smote the young man +suddenly, and he fell dead before the feet of the Rabbi, even while he +was yet speaking. When the Rabbi found that the youth was dead, he rent +his garments, and glorified the Lord. But his heart was touched, and +the thoughts of death troubled him in the visions of the night. He +felt uneasy when he reflected on his hardness to the poor, and he +said, "Blessed be the name of the Lord! The first good thing that +I am asked to do in that holy name, will I perform."--But he sighed, +for he feared that some one might ask of him a portion of his gold. + +While yet he thought upon these things, there came a loud cry at his gate. + +"Awake, thou sleeper!" said the voice; "Awake! A child is in danger of +death, and the mother hath sent me for thee that thou may'st do thine +office." + +"The night is dark and gloomy," said the Rabbi, coming to his casement, +"and mine age is great; are there not younger men than I in Cairo?" + +"For thee only, Rabbi Jochonan, whom some call the wise, but whom others +call Rabbi Jochonan the miser, was I sent. Here is gold," said he, taking +out a purse of sequins--"I want not thy labour for nothing. I adjure thee +to come, in the name of the living God." + +So the Rabbi thought upon the vow he had just made, and he groaned in +spirit, for the purse sounded heavy. + +"As thou hast adjured me by that name, I go with thee," said he to the +man, "but I hope the distance is not far. Put up thy gold." + +"The place is at hand," said the stranger, who was a gallant youth, +in magnificent attire. "Be speedy, for time presses." + +Jochonan arose, dressed himself, and accompanied the stranger, after +having carefully locked up all the doors of his house, and deposited +his keys in a secret place--at which the stranger smiled. + +"I never remember," said the Rabbi, "so dark a night. Be thou to me as a +guide, for I can hardly see the way." + +"I know it well," replied the stranger with a sigh, "it is a way much +frequented, and travelled hourly by many; lean upon mine arm and fear +not." + +They journeyed on; and though the darkness was great, yet the Rabbi could +see, when it occasionally brightened, that he was in a place strange to +him. "I thought," said he, "I knew all the country for leagues about +Cairo, yet I know not where I am. I hope, young man," said he to his +companion, "that thou hast not missed the way;" and his heart misgave +him. + +"Fear not," returned the stranger. "Your journey is even now done," and, +as he spoke, the feet of the Rabbi slipped from under him, and he +rolled down a great height. When he recovered, he found that his +companion had fallen also, and stood by his side. + +"Nay, young man," said the Rabbi, "if thus thou sportest with the grey +hairs of age, thy days are numbered. Wo unto him who insults the hoary +head!" + +The stranger made an excuse, and they journeyed on some little further +in silence. The darkness grew less, and the astonished Rabbi, lifting +up his eyes, found that they had come to the gates of a city which he +had never before seen. Yet he knew all the cities of the land of Egypt, +and he had walked but half an hour from his dwelling in Cairo. So he +knew not what to think, but followed the man with trembling. + +They soon entered the gates of the city, which was lighted up as if +there were a festival in every house. The streets were full of +revellers, and nothing but a sound of joy could be heard. But when +Jochonan looked upon their faces--they were the faces of men pained +within; and he saw, by the marks they bore, that they were Mazikin +[demons]. He was terrified in his soul; and, by the light of the +torches, he looked also upon the face of his companion, and, behold! +he saw upon him too, the mark that shewed him to be a Demon. The Rabbi +feared excessively--almost to fainting; but he thought it better to be +silent; and sadly he followed his guide, who brought him to a splendid +house, in the most magnificent quarter of the city. + +"Enter here?" said the Demon to Jochonan, "for this house is mine. +The lady and the child are in the upper chamber;" and, accordingly, +the sorrowful Rabbi ascended the stair to find them. + +The lady, whose dazzling beauty was shrouded by melancholy beyond hope, +lay in bed; the child, in rich raiment, slumbered on the lap of the +nurse, by her side. + +"I have brought to thee, light of my eyes!" said the Demon, "Rebecca, +beloved of my soul! I have brought thee Rabbi Jochonan the wise, for +whom thou didst desire. Let him, then, speedily begin his office; I +shall fetch all things necessary, for he is in haste to depart." + +He smiled bitterly as he said these words, looking at the Rabbi; and left +the room, followed by the nurse. + +When Jochonan and the lady were alone, she turned in the bed towards him, +and said:-- + +"Unhappy man that thou art! knowest thou where thou hast been brought?" + +"I do," said he, with a heavy groan; I know that I am in a city of the +Mazikin." + +"Know, then, further," said she, and the tears gushed from eyes brighter +than the diamond, "know then, further, that no one is ever brought here, +unless he hath sinned before the Lord. What my sin hath been imports +not to thee--and I seek not to know thine. But here thou remainest +for ever--lost, even as I am lost." And she wept again. + +The Rabbi dashed his turban on the ground, and tearing his hair, +exclaimed, "Wo is me! Who art thou, woman! that speakest to me thus?" + +"I am a Hebrew woman," said she, "the daughter of a Doctor of the Laws +in the city of Bagdad; and being brought hither, it matters not how, +I am married to a prince among the Mazikin, even him who was sent for +thee. And that child, whom thou sawest, is our first-born, and I could +not bear the thought that the soul of our innocent babe should perish. +I therefore besought my husband to try to bring hither a priest, that +the law of Moses (blessed be his memory!) should be done; and thy fame, +which has spread to Bagdad, and lands further towards the rising of +the sun, made me think of thee. Now my husband, though great among +the Mazikin, is more just than the other Demons; and he loves me, +whom he hath ruined, with a love of despair. So he said, that the +name of Jochonan the wise was familiar unto him, and that he knew +thou wouldst not be able to refuse. What thou hast done, to give +him power over thee, is known to thyself." + +"I swear, before Heaven!" said the Rabbi, "that I have ever diligently +kept the law, and walked stedfastly according to the traditions of +our fathers, from the day of my youth upward. I have wronged no man +in word or deed, and I have daily worshipped the Lord; minutely +performing all the ceremonies thereto needful." + +"Nay," said the lady, "all this thou mightest have done, and more, +and yet be in the power of the Demons. But time passes, for I hear +the foot of my husband mounting the stair. There is one chance of thine +escape." + +"What is that? O lady of beauty?" said the agonized Rabbi. + +"Eat not, drink not, nor take fee or reward while here; and as long as +thou canst do thus, the Mazikin have no power over thee, dead or alive. +Have courage, and persevere." + +As she ceased from speaking, her husband entered the room, followed by the +nurse, who bore all things requisite for the ministration of the Rabbi. +With a heavy heart he performed his duty, and the child was numbered +among the faithful. But when, as usual, at the conclusion of the ceremony, +the wine was handed round to be tasted by the child, the mother, and the +Rabbi, he refused it when it came to him, saying:-- + +"Spare me, my lord, for I have made a vow that I fast this day; and I will +not eat, neither will I drink." + +"Be it as thou pleasest," said the Demon, "I will not that thou shouldst +break thy vow;" and he laughed aloud. + +So the poor Rabbi was taken into a chamber, looking into a garden, where +he passed the remainder of the night and the day weeping, and praying +to the Lord that he would deliver him from the city of Demons. But when +the twelfth hour came, and the sun was set, the Prince of the Mazikin +came again unto him, and said:-- + +"Eat now, I pray thee, for the day of thy vow is past;" and he set +meat before him. + +"Pardon again thy servant, my lord," said Jochonan, "in this thing. I have +another vow for this day also. I pray thee be not angry with thy servant." + +"I am not angry," said the Demon, "be it as thou pleasest; I respect thy +vow;" and he laughed louder than before. + +So the Rabbi sat another day in his chamber by the garden, weeping and +praying. And when the sun had gone behind the hills, the Prince of the +Mazikin again stood before him, and said:-- + +"Eat now, for thou must be an hungered. It was a sore vow of thine;" and +he offered him daintier meats. + +And Jochonan felt a strong desire to eat, but he prayed inwardly to the +Lord, and the temptation passed, and he answered:-- + +"Excuse thy servant yet a third time, my lord, that I eat not. I have +renewed my vow." + +"Be it so, then," said the other; "arise, and follow me." + +The Demon took a torch in his hand, and led the Rabbi through winding +passages of his palace, to the door of a lofty chamber, which he +opened with a key that he took from a niche in the wall. On entering +the room, Jochonan saw that it was of solid silver--floor, ceiling, +walls, even to the threshold and the door-posts. And the curiously +carved roof, and borders of the ceiling, shone, in the torch-light, +as if they were the fanciful work of frost. In the midst were heaps +of silver money, piled up in immense urns of the same metal, even over +the brim. + +"Thou hast done me a serviceable act, Rabbi," said the Demon--"take of +these what thou pleasest; ay, were it the whole." + +"I cannot, my lord," said Jochonan. "I was adjured by thee to come hither +in the name of God; and in that name I came, not for fee or for reward." + +"Follow me," said the prince of the Mazikin; and Jochonan did so, into an +inner chamber. + +It was of gold, as the other was of silver. Its golden roof was supported +by pillars and pilasters of gold, resting upon a golden floor. The +treasures of the kings of the earth would not purchase one of the +four-and-twenty vessels of golden coins, which were disposed in six +rows along the room. No wonder! for they were filled by the constant +labours of the Demons of the mine. The heart of Jochonan was moved +by avarice, when he saw them shining in yellow light, like the autumnal +sun, as they reflected the beams of the torch. But God enabled him to +persevere. + +"These are thine," said the Demon; "one of the vessels which thou +beholdest would make thee richest of the sons of men--and I give thee +them all." + +But Jochonan refused again; and the Prince of the Mazikin opened the +door of a third chamber, which was called the Hall of Diamonds. When +the Rabbi entered, he screamed aloud, and put his hands over his eyes; +for the lustre of the jewels dazzled him, as if he had looked upon the +noon-day sun. In vases of agate were heaped diamonds beyond enumeration, +the smallest of which was larger than a pigeon's egg. On alabaster +tables lay amethysts, topazes, rubies, beryls, and all other precious +stones, wrought by the hands of skilful artists, beyond power of +computation. The room was lighted by a carbuncle, which, from the end +of the hall, poured its ever-living light, brighter than the rays of +noontide, but cooler than the gentle radiance of the dewy moon. This +was a sore trial on the Rabbi; but he was strengthened from above, and +he refused again. + +"Thou knowest me then, I perceive, O Jochonan, son of Ben-David," said +the Prince of the Mazikin; "I am a Demon who would tempt thee to +destruction. As thou hast withstood so far, I tempt thee no more. Thou +hast done a service which, though I value it not, is acceptable in the +sight of her whose love is dearer to me than the light of life. Sad has +been that love to thee, my Rebecca! Why should I do that which would make +thy cureless grief more grievous? You have yet another chamber to see," +said he to Jochonan, who had closed his eyes, and was praying fervently +to the Lord, beating his breast. + +Far different from the other chambers, the one into which the Rabbi was +next introduced, was a mean and paltry apartment, without furniture. +On its filthy walls hung innumerable bunches of rusty keys, of all sizes, +disposed without order. Among them, to the astonishment of Jochonan, +hung the keys of his own house, those which he had put to hide when +he came on this miserable journey, and he gazed upon them intently. + +"What dost thou see," said the Demon, "that makes thee look so eagerly? +Can he who has refused silver, and gold, and diamonds, be moved by a +paltry bunch of rusty iron?" + +"They are mine own, my lord," said the Rabbi, "them will I take, if they +be offered me." + +"Take them, then," said the Demon, putting them into his hand;--"thou +may'st depart. But, Rabbi, open not thy house only, when thou returnest +to Cairo, but thy heart also. That thou didst not open it before, was +that which gave me power over thee. It was well that thou didst one +act of charity in coming with me without reward, for it has been thy +salvation. Be no more Rabbi Jochonan the miser." + +The Rabbi bowed to the ground, and blessed the Lord for his escape. "But +how," said he, "am I to return, for I know not the way?" + +"Close thine eyes," said the Demon. He did so, and in the space of a +moment, heard the voice of the Prince of Mazikin ordering him to open +them again. And, behold, when he opened them, he stood in the centre of +his own chamber, in his house at Cairo, with the keys in his hand. + +When he recovered from his surprise, and had offered thanksgivings to +God, he opened his house, and his heart also. He gave alms to the poor, +he cheered the heart of the widow, and lightened the destitution of +the orphan. His hospitable board was open to the stranger, and his +purse was at the service of all who needed to share it. His life was +a perpetual act of benevolence; and the blessings showered upon him +by all, were returned bountifully upon him by the hand of God. + +But people wondered, and said, "Is not this the man who was called Rabbi +Jochonan the miser? What hath made the change?" And it became a saying +in Cairo. When it came to the ears of the Rabbi, he called his friends +together, and he avowed his former love of gold, and the danger to which +it had exposed him; relating all which has been above told, in the +hall of the new palace that he built by the side of the river, on the +left hand, as thou goest down by the course of the great stream. And +wise men, who were scribes, wrote it down from his mouth, for the +memory of mankind, that they might profit thereby. And a venerable man, +with a beard of snow, who had read it in these books, and at whose feet +I sat, that I might learn the wisdom of the old time, told it to me. +And I write it in the tongue of England, the merry and the free, on +the tenth day of the month Nisan, in the year, according to the lesser +computation, five hundred ninety and seven, that thou may'st learn good +thereof. If not, the fault be upon thee. + + * * * * * + + +STANZAS + + +_Written on seeing Flags and other Ensigns of War, hanging in a Country +Church._ + +BY ALARIC A. WATTS. + + + Oh! why amid this hallowed scene. + Should signs of mortal feud be found; + Why seek with such vain gauds to wean + Our thoughts from holier relics 'round? + More fitting emblems here abound + Of glory's bright, unfading wreath;-- + Conquests, with purer triumphs crowned;-- + Proud victories over Sin and Death! + + Of these how many records rise + Before my chastened spirit now; + Memorials, pointing to the skies, + Of Christian battles fought below. + What need of yon stern things to shew + That darker deeds have oft been done?-- + Is't not enough for Man to know + He lives but through the blood of ONE! + + And thou, mild delegate of God, + Whose words of balm, and guiding light. + Would lead us, from earth's drear abode, + To worlds with bliss for ever bright,-- + What have the spoils of mortal fight + To do with themes 'tis thine to teach? + Faith's saving grace--each sacred rite + Thou know'st to practice as to preach! + + The blessings of the contrite heart, + Thy bloodless conquests best proclaim; + The tears from sinners' eyes that start, + Are meetest records of thy fame. + The glory that may grace thy name + From loftier triumphs sure must spring;-- + The grateful thoughts thy worth may claim, + Trophies like these can never bring! + + Then, wherefore on this sainted spot, + With peace and love, and hope imbued,-- + Some vision calm of bliss to blot, + And turn our thoughts on deeds of blood,-- + Should signs of battle-fields intrude:-- + Man wants no trophies here of strife; + His Oriflamme--Faith unsubdued;-- + His Panoply--a spotless life! + + * * * * * + + +THE BRITISH SAILOR'S SONG. + +BY ALLAN CUNNINGHAM. + + + Away with bayonet and with lance, + With corslet, casque and sword; + Our island king no war-horse needs, + For on the sea he's lord. + His throne's the war-ship's lofty deck, + His sceptre is the mast; + His kingdom is the rolling wave, + His servant is the blast. + His anchor's up, fair Freedom's flag + Proud to the mast he nails; + Tyrants and conquerors bow your heads, + For there your terror sails. + + I saw fierce Prussia's chargers stand, + Her children's sharp swords out;-- + Proud Austria's bright spurs streaming red, + When rose the closing shout. + But soon the steeds rushed masterless, + By tower and town and wood; + For lordly France her fiery youth + Poured o'er them like a flood. + Go, hew the gold spurs from your heels, + And let your steeds run free; + Then come to our unconquered decks, + And learn to reign at sea. + + Behold you black and battered hulk + That slumbers on the tide, + There is no sound from stem to stern, + For peace has plucked her pride. + The masts are down, the cannon mute, + She shews nor sheet nor sail; + Nor starts forth with the seaward breeze, + Nor answers shout nor hail. + Her merry men with all their mirth, + Have sought some other shore; + And she with all her glory on, + Shall rule the sea no more. + + So landsmen speak.--Lo! her top-masts + Are quivering in the sky + Her sails are spread, her anchor's raised, + There sweeps she gallant by. + A thousand warriors fill her decks; + Within her painted side + The thunder sleeps--man's might has nought + Can match or mar her pride. + In victor glory goes she forth, + Her stainless flag flies free, + Kings of the earth come and behold + How Britain reigns on sea! + + When on your necks the armed foot + Of fierce Napoleon trod; + And all was his save the wide sea, + Where we triumphant rode: + He launched his terror and his strength, + Our sea-born pride to tame; + They came--they got the Nelson-touch, + And vanished as they came. + Go, hang your bridles in your halls, + And set your war-steels free: + The world has one unconquer'd king, + And he reigns on the sea! + + +Mr. Watts, the editor, besides the stanzas we have quoted, has +contributed indeed less than other editors, in similar works, and much +less than we could wish, for we are sincere admirers of his plaintive +muse. His preface should be read with due attention, for it is +calculated to set the public right on the _fate and merit_ of numberless +works. + + * * * * * + + + + +THE FORGET ME NOT. + + +The _avant-courier_ of the "Annuals" is of equal literary merit with +its precursors; but not quite equal in its engravings--The _Sisters' +Dream_, by Davenport, from a drawing by Corbould, is, however, placidly +interesting; the _Bridal Morning_, by Finden, is also a pleasing +scene; and the _Seventh Plague of Egypt_, by Le Keux, from a design by +Martin, though in miniature, is terrific and sublime. In the literary +department we especially notice the _Sun-Dial_, a pensive tale, by Delta, +but too long for extract; and the _Sky-Lark_ by the Ettrick Shepherd, +soaring with all the freshness and fancy of that extraordinary genius. +The _Sword_, a beautiful picture of martial woe, by Miss Landon, is +subjoined:-- + + + 'Twas the battle field, and the cold pale moon + Look'd down on the dead and dying, + And the wind pass'd o'er with a dirge and a wail, + Where the young and the brave were lying. + + With his father's sword in his red right hand. + And the hostile dead around him, + Lay a youthful chief: but his bed was the ground, + And the grave's icy sleep had bound him. + + A reckless Rover, 'mid death and doom, + Pass'd a soldier, his plunder seeking: + Careless he stept where friend and foe + Lay alike in their life-blood reeking. + + Drawn by the shine of the warrior's sword, + The soldier paused beside it: + He wrench'd the hand with a giant's strength, + But the grasp of the dead defied it. + + He loosed his hold, and his English heart + Took part with the dead before him, + And he honour'd the brave who died sword in hand, + As with soften'd brow he leant o'er him. + + "A soldier's death thou hast boldly died, + A soldier's grave won by it: + Before I would take that sword from thine hand, + My own life's blood should dye it. + + "Thou shalt not be left for the carrion crow, + Or the wolf to batten o'er thee: + Or the coward insult the gallant dead, + Who in life had trembled before thee." + + Then dug he a grave in the crimson earth + Where his warrior foe was sleeping, + And he laid him there in honour and rest, + With his sword in his own brave keeping. + + + * * * * * + +As a relief, we quote the following characteristic sketch by Miss +Mitford:-- + + +A COUNTRY APOTHECARY. + + +One of the most important personages in a small country town is the +apothecary. He takes rank next after the rector and the attorney, and +before the curate; and could be much less easily dispensed with than +either of those worthies, not merely as holding "fate and physic" in his +hand, but as the general, and as it were official, associate, adviser, +comforter, and friend, of all ranks and all ages, of high and low, rich +and poor, sick and well. I am no despiser of dignities; but twenty +emperors shall be less intensely missed in their wide dominions, than +such a man as my friend John Hallett in his own small sphere. + +The spot which was favoured with the residence of this excellent person +was the small town of Hazelby, in Dorsetshire; a pretty little place, +where every thing seems at a stand-still. It was originally built in +the shape of the letter T; a long broad market-place (still so called, +although the market be gone) serving for the perpendicular stem, traversed +by a straight, narrow, horizontal street, to answer for the top line. +Not one addition has occurred to interrupt this architectural regularity, +since, fifty years ago, a rich London tradesman built, at the west end +of the horizontal street, a wide-fronted single house, with two low +wings, iron palisades before, and a fish-pond opposite, which still +goes by the name of New Place, and is balanced, at the east end of +the street, by an erection of nearly the same date, a large square +dingy mansion enclosed within high walls, inhabited by three maiden +sisters, and called, probably by way of nickname, the Nunnery. New Place +being on the left of the road, and the Nunnery on the right, the T has +now something of the air of the italic capital T, turned up at one end +and down at the other. The latest improvements are the bow-window in the +market-place, commanding the pavement both ways, which the late brewer, +Andrews, threw out in his snug parlour some twenty years back, and where +he used to sit smoking, with the sash up, in summer afternoons, enjoying +himself, good man; and the great room, at the Swan, originally built by +the speculative publican, Joseph Allwright, for an assembly-room. That +speculation did not answer. The assembly, in spite of canvassing and +patronage, and the active exertions of all the young ladies in the +neighbourhood, dwindled away, and died at the end of two winters: +then it became a club-room for the hunt; but the hunt quarrelled with +Joseph's cookery: then a market-room for the farmers; but the farmers +(it was in the high-price time) quarrelled with Joseph's wine: then it +was converted into the magistrate's room--the bench; but the bench and +the market went away together, and there was an end of justicing: then +Joseph tried the novel attraction (to borrow a theatrical phrase) of a +billiard-table; but, alas! that novelty succeeded as ill as if it had +been theatrical; there were not customers enough to pay the marker: at +last, it has merged finally in that unconscious receptacle of pleasure +and pain, a post-office; although Hazelby has so little to do with +traffic of any sort--even the traffic of correspondence--that a saucy +mail-coach will often carry on its small bag, and as often forget to +call for the London bag in return. + +In short, Hazelby is an insignificant place;--my readers will look +for it in vain in the map of Dorsetshire;--it is omitted, poor dear +town!--left out by the map-maker with as little remorse as a dropped +letter!--and it is also an old-fashioned place. It has not even a cheap +shop for female gear. Every thing in the one store which it boasts, +kept by Martha Deane, linen-draper and haberdasher, is dear and good, +as things were wont to be. You may actually get there thread made of +flax, from the gouty, uneven, clumsy, shiny fabric, ycleped whited-brown, +to the delicate commodity of Lisle, used for darning muslin. I think +I was never more astonished, from the mere force of habit, than when, +on asking for thread, I was presented, instead of the pretty lattice-wound +balls, or snowy reels of cotton, with which that demand is usually +answered, with a whole drawerful of skeins peeping from their blue papers +--such skeins as in my youth a thrifty maiden would draw into the +nicely-stitched compartments of that silken repository, a housewife, or +fold into a congeries of graduated thread-papers, "fine by degrees, and +beautifully less." The very literature of Hazelby is doled out at the +pastry cook's, in a little one-windowed shop kept by Matthew Wise. Tarts +occupy one end of the counter, and reviews the other; whilst the shelves +are parcelled out between books, and dolls, and ginger, bread. It is a +question, by which of his trades poor Matthew gains least; he is so +shabby, so threadbare, and so starved. + +Such a town would hardly have known what to do with a highly informed and +educated surgeon, such as one now generally sees in that most liberal +profession. My friend, John Hallett, suited it exactly. His predecessor, +Mr. Simon Saunders, had been a small, wrinkled, spare old gentleman, +with a short cough and a thin voice, who always seemed as if he needed +an apothecary himself. He wore generally a full suit of drab, a flaxen +wig of the sort called a Bob Jerom, and a very tight muslin stock; a +costume which he had adopted in his younger days in imitation of the +most eminent physician of the next city, and continued to the time of +his death. Perhaps the cough might have been originally an imitation +also, ingrafted on the system by habit. It had a most unsatisfactory +sound, and seemed more like a trick than a real effort of nature. His +talk was civil, prosy, and fidgetty: much addicted to small scandal, +and that kind of news which passes under the denomination of +tittle-tattle, he was sure to tell one half of the town where the +other drank tea, and recollected the blancmanges and jellies on a +supper-table, or described a new gown, with as much science and +unction as if he had been used to make jellies and wear gowns in +his own person. Certain professional peculiarities might have +favoured the supposition. His mode of practice was exactly that +popularly attributed to old women. He delighted in innocent +remedies--manna, magnesia, and camphor julep; never put on a +blister in his life; and would sooner, from pure complaisance, +let a patient die, than administer an unpalatable prescription. + +So qualified, to say nothing of his gifts in tea-drinking, cassino, +and quadrille (whist was too many for him), his popularity could not +be questioned. When he expired, all Hazelby mourned. The lamentation +was general. The women of every degree (to borrow a phrase from that +great phrase-monger, Horace Walpole) "cried quarts;" and the procession +to the churchyard--that very churchyard to which he had himself attended +so many of his patients--was now followed by all of them that remained +alive. + +It was felt that the successor of Mr. Simon Saunders would have many +difficulties to encounter. My friend, John Hallett, "came, and saw, and +overcame." John was what is usually called a rough diamond. Imagine a +short, clumsy, stout-built figure, almost as broad as it is long, +crowned by a bullet head, covered with shaggy brown hair, sticking out +in every direction; the face round and solid, with a complexion originally +fair, but dyed one red by exposure to all sorts of weather; open +good-humoured eyes, of a greenish cast, his admirers called them hazel; +a wide mouth, full of large white teeth; a cocked-up nose, and a double +chin; bearing altogether a strong resemblance to a print which I once +saw hanging up in an alehouse parlour, of "the celebrated divine (to use +the identical words of the legend) Dr. Martin Luther." + +The condition of a country apothecary being peculiarly liable to the +inclemency of the season, John's dress was generally such as might bid +defiance to wind, or rain, or snow, or hail. If any thing, he wrapt up +most in the summer, having a theory that people were never so apt to +take cold as in hot weather. He usually wore a bearskin great-coat, a +silk handkerchief over his cravat, top boots on those sturdy pillars his +legs, a huge pair of overalls, and a hat, which, from, the day in which +it first came into his possession to that in which it was thrown aside, +never knew the comfort of being freed from its oilskin--never was allowed +to display the glossy freshness of its sable youth. Poor dear hat! how its +vanity (if hats have vanity) must have suffered! For certain its owner +had none, unless a lurking pride in his own bluffness and bluntness +may be termed such. He piqued himself on being a plain downright +Englishman, and on a voice and address pretty much like his apparel, +rough, strong, and warm, fit for all weathers. A heartier person never +lived. + +In his profession he was eminently skilful, bold, confident, and +successful. The neighbouring physicians liked to come after Mr. Hallett; +they were sure to find nothing to undo. And blunt and abrupt as was +his general manner, he was kind and gentle in a sick-room; only nervous +disorders, the pet diseases of Mr. Simon Saunders, he could not abide. +He made short work with them; frightened them away as one does by +children when they have the hiccough; or if the malady were pertinacious +and would not go, he fairly turned off the patient. Once or twice, +indeed, on such occasions, the patient got the start, and turned him +off; Mrs. Emery, for instance, the lady's maid at New Place, most +delicate and mincing of waiting-gentlewomen, motioned him from her +presence; and Miss Deane, daughter of Martha Deane, haberdasher, +who, after completing her education at a boarding-school, kept a closet +full of millinery in a little den behind her mamma's shop, and was by +many degrees the finest lady in Hazelby, was so provoked at being told +by him that nothing ailed her, that, to prove her weakly condition, she +pushed him by main force out of doors. + +With these exceptions Mr. Hallett was the delight of the whole town, as +well as of all the farm-houses within six miles round. He just suited +the rich yeomanry, cured their diseases, and partook of their feasts; +was constant at christenings, and a man of prime importance at weddings. +A country merry-making was nothing without "the Doctor." He was "the +very prince of good fellows;" had a touch of epicurism, which, without +causing any distaste of his own homely fare, made dainties acceptable +when they fell in his way; was a most absolute carver; prided himself +upon a sauce of his own invention, for fish and game--"Hazelby sauce" +he called it; and was universally admitted to be the best compounder +of a bowl of punch in the county. + +Besides these rare convivial accomplishments, his gay and jovial temper +rendered him the life of the table. There was no resisting his droll +faces, his droll stories, his jokes, his tricks, or his laugh--the most +contagious cachination that ever was heard. Nothing in the shape of fun +came amiss to him. He would join in a catch or roar out a solo, which +might be heard a mile off; would play at hunt the slipper or blind man's +buff; was a great man in a country dance, and upon very extraordinary +occasions would treat the company to a certain remarkable hornpipe, +which put the walls in danger of tumbling about their ears, and belonged +to him as exclusively as the Hazelby sauce. It was a sort of parody on a +pas seul which he had once seen at the Opera-house, in which his face, +his figure, his costume, his rich humour, and his strange, awkward, +unexpected activity, told amazingly. "The force of _frolic_ could no +farther go" than "the Doctor's hornpipe," It was the climax of jollity. + + * * * * * + +In his shop and his household he had no need either of partner or of +wife: the one was excellently managed by an old rheumatic journeyman, +slow in speech, and of vinegar aspect, who had been a pedagogue in +his youth, and now used to limp about with his Livy in his pocket, +and growl as he compounded the medicines over the bad latinity of the +prescriptions; the other was equally well conducted by an equally +ancient housekeeper and a cherry-cheeked niece, the orphan-daughter of +his only sister, who kept every thing within doors in the bright and +shining order in which he delighted. John Hallett, notwithstanding the +roughness of his aspect, was rather knick-knacky in his tastes; a great +patron of small inventions, such as the _improved_ ne plus ultra +cork-screw, and the latest patent snuffers. He also trifled with +horticulture, dabbled in tulips, was a connoisseur in pinks, and had +gained a prize for polyanthuses. The garden was under the especial care +of his pretty niece, Miss Susan, a grateful warm-hearted girl, who +thought she never could do enough to please her good uncle, and prove +her sense of his kindness. He was indeed as fond of her as if he had +been her father, and as kind. + +Perhaps there was nothing very extraordinary in his goodness to the +gentle and cheerful little girl who kept his walks so trim and his +parlour so neat, who always met him with a smile, and who (last and +strongest tie to a generous mind) was wholly dependent on him--had no +friend on earth but himself. There was nothing very uncommon in that. +But John Hallett was kind to every one, even where the sturdy old English +prejudices, which he cherished as virtues, might seem most likely to +counteract his gentler feelings. + + * * * * * + + +"_The Evening Song of the Tyrolese Peasants_" by Mrs. Hemans, must close +our extracts from the present volume:-- + + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone; + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + The twilight-star to Heaven, + And the summer-dew to flowers, + And rest to us is given + By the cool soft evening hours. + + Sweet is the hour of rest! + Pleasant the wind's low sigh, + And the gleaming of the west, + And the turf whereon we lie. + + When the burden and the heat + Of labour's task are o'er, + And kindly voices greet + The tired one at his door. + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone; + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + Yes: tuneful is the sound + That dwells in whispering boughs: + Welcome the freshness round, + And the gale that fans our brows. + + But rest more sweet and still + Than ever night-fall gave, + Our longing hearts shall fill, + In the world beyond the grave. + + There shall no tempest blow, + No scorching noon-tide heat; + There shall be no more snow, + No weary wandering feet. + + And we lift our trusting eyes, + From the hills our fathers trod. + To the quiet of the skies, + To the sabbath of our God. + + Come to the Sun-set Tree! + The day is past and gone: + The woodman's axe lies free, + And the reaper's work is done. + + +We have only room to particularize the _Boroom Slave_, by Mrs. Bowditch; +the _Magician's Visiter_, by Neele; and _Scenes in the Life of a +Favourite_; all which possess very powerful interest. Mr. Hood, too, +has two oddities--_Death in the Kitchen_, after Sterne, and the +_Logicians_, accompanied by engravings. Indeed, the literary variety +of the present _Forget Me Not_ is highly creditable to the editor, Mr. +Shoberl. + + * * * * * + + + + +_Friendship's Offering_. + +To begin with the exterior, which is somewhat novel in taste, the +proprietors seem to have united the _utile cum dulci,_ by substituting +for the usual paper covering, an elegantly embossed leather binding. +This is altogether an improvement on the original plan, since the slight +coverings of silk or paper is scarcely safe out of the drawing-room or +boudoir, and some of the contributions to the "annuals" entitle them to +a higher stand. The presentation plate of the present _Offering_ is a +chaste and classical specimen of a kind of gold enamel engraving; +_The Sylph_, engraved by Humphreys, is a pleasing picture; _Virginia +Water_, from a picture by Daniell, is a delightful scene of rural +repose; a _Sculpture Group_, by Fry; a _View of Bombay_; and the +_Captive Slave_, by Finden; among the embellishments, are entitled +to our commendatory notice. + +The present editor is Mr. Charles Knight, who, according to his preface, +succeeded "at an advanced period of the year to the duties which had +previously been performed by a gentleman of acknowledged taste and +ability." This may account for the imperfect state of some of the +engravings; but the apology is not so requisite for the execution of the +literary portion of the present volume. Our extracts must be short, for +we have other claimants to our attention. The _Housekeepers_, a Shandean +extract, is from one of the best prose contributors:-- + +There were two heavy, middle-aged merchants; they were either Dutch or +German, I know not which, but their name was Vanderclump. Most decided +old bachelors they were, with large, leathern, hanging cheeks, sleepy +grey eyes, and round shoulders. They were men not given to much speech, +but great feeders; and, when waited upon, would point clumsily to what +they wanted, and make a sort of low growl, rather than be at the trouble +to speak. These Messrs. Vanderclump were served by two tall, smooth-faced +dawdles; I never could discover which held the superior station in +the _menage_. Each has been seen trotting home from market with a basket +on her arm; each might be observed to shake a duster out of the upper +windows; each would, occasionally, carry a huge bunch of keys, or wait at +table during dinner; and, in the summer evenings, when it was not post-day, +both of them would appear, dressed alike, sitting at work at the lower +counting-house window, with the blinds thrown wide open. Both, I suppose, + were housekeepers. + +It happened, one cold, foggy spring, that the younger brother, Mr. Peter +Vanderclump, left London to transact some business of importance with a +correspondent at Hamburgh, leaving his brother Anthony to the loneliness +of their gloomy house in St. Mary Axe. Week after week passed away, and +Mr. Peter was still detained at Hamburgh. Who would have supposed that +his society could have been missed? that the parlour could have seemed +more dismally dull by the absence of one of those from whom it chiefly +derived its character of dulness? Mr. Anthony took up his largest +meerchaum, and enveloped himself in its smoke by the hour; but the +volumes of smoke cleared away, and no Peter Vanderclump appeared emerging +from the mist. Mr. Anthony brought some of his heavy folios from below; +and, in their pages of interest, (no common, but often compound, interest,) +lost, for awhile, the dreary sense of loneliness. But, a question +was to be asked! Peter's solemn "yah" or "nien" was waited for in +vain. Forgetful, and almost impatient, Anthony looked up--the chair +was unoccupied which his brother had constantly filled. + +Mr. Anthony began to sigh--he got into a habit of sighing. Betty and +Molly (they were soft-hearted baggages) felt for their master--pitied +their poor master! Betty was placing the supper on the table one evening, +when her master sighed very heavily. Betty sighed also, and the corners +of her mouth fell--their eyes met--something like a blush crimsoned +Betty's sleek, shining cheek, when, on raising her eyes again, her master +was still staring at her. Betty simpered, and, in her very soft, very +demure voice ventured to say, "Was there any thing she could do?" Mr. +Vanderclump rose up from his chair. Betty, for the first time, felt +awed by his approach. "Batee!" he said, "my poor Batee! Hah! you are +a goot girl!" He chucked her under the chin with his large hand. Betty +looked meek, and blushed, and simpered again. There was a pause--Mr. +Vanderclump was the first to disturb it. "Hah! hah!" he exclaimed, +gruffly, as if suddenly recollecting himself; and, thrusting both hands +into his capacious breeches-pockets, he sat down to supper, and took no +further notice of Betty that night. + +The next morning, the sun seemed to have made a successful struggle with +the dense London atmosphere, and shone full in Mr. Vanderclump's face +while he was at breakfast, and set a piping bullfinch singing a tune, +which his master loved rather for the sake of old associations, than +from any delight in music. Then Lloyd's List was full of arrivals, +and the Price Current had that morning some unusual charm about it, +which I cannot even guess at. Mr. Vanderclump looked upon the bright +and blazing fire; his eye rested, with a calm and musing satisfaction, +on the light volumes of steam rising from the spout of the tea-kettle, +as it stood, rather murmuring drowsily, than hissing, upon the hob. There +was, he might have felt, a sympathy between them. They were both placidly +puffing out the warm and wreathing smoke. + +He laid down his pipe, and took half a well-buttered muffin into his +capacious mouth at a bite; he washed the mouthful down, with a large +dish of tea, and he felt in better spirits. That morning he entered the +counting-house rubbing his hands. + +Within an hour a crowd of huge, dusky clouds shut out the merry sunshine, +and the Hamburgh mail brought no tidings whatever of Mr. Peter. Mr. +Anthony worked himself up into a thorough ill-humour again, and swore +at his clerks, because they asked him questions. When he entered his +apartment that evening he felt more desolate than ever. Betty placed +a barrel of oysters on the table--he heeded her not;--a large German +sausage--his eyes were fixed on the ground;--a piece of Hamburgh beef +--Mr. Vanderclump looked up for an instant, and, Europa-like, his +thoughts crossed the sea, upon that beef, to Hamburgh. Gradually, +however, a genial warmth spread throughout the room, for Betty stirred +up the fire, and let down the curtains, and snuffed the dim candles; +while Molly loaded the table with bottles of divers shapes and sizes, +a basin of snow-white sugar, and a little basket of limes, of well-known +and exquisite flavour; placing, at the same time, a very small kettle of +boiling water on the fire.--"Why, Mollee! my goot girl!" said Mr. +Vanderclump, in a low and somewhat melancholy tone, (his eyes had +mechanically followed these latter proceedings,) "Mollee! that is ponch!" +--"La, sir! and why not?" replied the damsel, almost playfully. "Why +not be comfortable and cheery? I am sure"--and here she meant to look +encouraging, her usual simper spreading to a smile--"I am sure Betty and +I would do our best to make you so." + +"Goot girls, goot girls!" said Mr. Vanderclump, his eyes fixed all the +while upon the supper-table--he sat down to it. "My goot girls!" said +he, soon after, "you may go down; I do not want you; you need not wait." +The two timid, gentle creatures instantly obeyed. More than an hour +elapsed, and then Mr. Vanderclump's bell rang. The two matronly maidens +were very busily employed in making a new cap. Betty rose at once; but +suddenly recollecting that she had been trying on her new and unfinished +cap, and had then only a small brown cotton skull-cap on her head, she +raised both her hands to her head to be certain of this, and then said, +"Do, Molly, there's a dear! answer the bell; for such a figure as I am, +I could not go before master, no how. See, I have unpicked this old cap +for a little bit of French edging at the back." Molly looked a little +peevish; but _her_ cap was on her head, and up stairs she went. Mr. +Vanderclump was sitting before the fire, puffing lustily from his +eternal pipe. "Take away," he said abruptly, "and put the leetle table +here." He pointed and growled, and the sagacious Molly understood. She +placed the table beside him, and upon it the punch, which he had been +drinking. "Batee, my poor Batee!" said Mr. Vanderclump, who had not yet +noticed that Betty was absent. "It is not Betty, but Molly, sir!" +replied the latter damsel, in a voice of childlike simplicity. "Hah!" +said he, apparently considering for a moment, "Hah! Batee, Mollee, all +the same! Mollee, my poor Mollee, you are a goot girl! Get up to-morrow +morning, my poor Mollee, and put on your best gown, and I will marry +you!" Molly, was, as she afterwards declared, struck all of a heap. She +gaped, and gasped with astonishment; and then a power of words were +rushing and racing up her throat to her tongue's end: a glance at her +master stopped their explosion. His hands were in his pockets, his face +towards the fire, his pipe in his mouth. "Yes, sir," she replied, humbly +and distinctly. A few tears trickled down her cheeks, as she curtseyed +low at the door, and disappeared. She knew his ways, she thought within +herself, as she walked very slowly down the stairs, and she +congratulated herself that she had not risked another word in reply. +"And now, Betty," she said, as she entered the kitchen, "I'll put the +finishing stitch to my cap, and go to bed, for master will want nothing +more to-night." She sat down quietly to work, and conversed quietly with +Betty, not disclosing a word of her new prospects, Betty, however, +observed that she took off the trimming with which her new cap had been +already half-adorned. "Why, bless me, Molly!" she cried, "you are not +going to put on that handsome white satin bow, are you?"--"Why, yes! I +think I shall," replied Molly, "for now I look at your cap, with that +there yellow riband upon it, mine seems to me quite old-maidish." + +The next morning, Molly got up before her sister, and put on her best +gown and her new cap. The morning was dark and dull, and Betty was +sleepy, and Molly kept the window-curtain and the bed-curtains closely +drawn. Unsuspected, she slipped out of the chamber, her shawl and her +bonnet in her hand. + +As the clock struck eight, Molly was standing beside her master before the +rails of the marriage-altar; and, not long after, she burst upon the +astonished eyes of her sister, as Mrs. Vanderclump. + + * * * * * + +_La Villegiatura_ is a pleasant article; but we do not think there is +much of the "love of pastoral associations" left in the English character, +and we are sorry for it. The _Rustic Wreath_, by Miss Mitford, is very +sweet; the _Cacadore_, a story of the peninsular war, is a soul-stirring +narrative; there is much pleasantry in Mrs. Hofland's _Comforts of +Conceitedness; Virginia Water_, by the editor, could hardly be written +by his fireside--it has too much local inspiration in every line; +_Auguste de Valcour_, by the author of _Gilbert Earle_, is in his usual +felicitous vein of philosophic melancholy; Miss Roberts has a glittering +_Tale of Normandy_; the _Orphans_, by the editor, is simple and pathetic; +_Palinodia_ we subjoin:-- + + + There was a time when I could feel + All passion's hopes and fears, + And tell what tongues can ne'er reveal, + By smiles, and sighs, and tears. + The days are gone! no more, no more, + The cruel fates allow; + And, though I'm hardly twenty-four, + I'm not a lover now. + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + The chill is on my brow; + My day is night, my bloom is blight-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I never talk about the clouds, + I laugh at girls and boys, + I'm growing rather fond of crowds, + And very fond of noise; + I never wander forth alone + Upon the mountain's brow; + I weighed, last winter, sixteen stone,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I never wish to raise a veil, + I never raise a sigh; + I never tell a tender tale, + I never tell a lie; + I cannot kneel as once I did; + I've quite forgot my bow; + I never do as I am bid,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I make strange blunders every day, + If I would be gallant, + Take smiles for wrinkles, black for grey. + And nieces for their aunt; + I fly from folly, though it flows + From lips of loveliest glow; + I don't object to length of nose,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + The muse's steed is very fleet-- + I'd rather ride my mare; + The poet hunts a quaint conceit-- + I'd rather hunt a hare; + I've learnt to utter yours and you + Instead of thine and thou; + And oh! I can't endure a Blue!-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I find my Ovid dry, + My Petrarch quite a pill, + Cut Fancy for Philosophy, + Tom Moore for Mr. Mill; + And belles may read, and beaux may write, + I care not who or how; + I burnt my album Sunday night,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I don't encourage idle dreams + Of poison or of ropes, + I cannot dine on airy schemes, + I cannot sup on hopes: + New milk, I own is very fine, + Just foaming from the cow; + But yet I want my pint of wine,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + When Laura sings young hearts away, + I'm deafer than the deep; + When Leonora goes to play, + I sometimes go to sleep; + When Mary draws her white gloves out, + I never dance, I vow: + "Too hot to kick one's heels about!"-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I'm busy now with state affairs, + I prate of Pitt and Fox; + I ask the price of rail-road shares, + I watch the turns of stocks: + And this is life! no verdure blooms + Upon the withered bough. + I save a fortune in perfumes,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + I may be yet what others are, + A boudoir's babbling fool; + The flattered star of bench or har, + A party's chief or tool: + Come shower or sunshine, hope or fear, + The palace or the plough-- + My heart and lute are broken here,-- + I'm not a lover now! + Lady, the mist is on my sight, + The chill is on my brow; + My day is night, my bloom is blight,-- + I'm not a lover now! + + +_The First Ball_, by L.E.L. is rife and gay; which, with Mr. Croker's +_Three Advices_, are all we can spare room to point out to our readers. + + * * * * * + + + + +The Amulet. + + +Of this volume we have already availed ourselves. Some of the engravings +are in a vigorous and first-rate style of excellence; the binding, too, +is somewhat gay for so grave a title--being crimson silk. Our favourites +are a _Voyage Round the World_, by Montgomery, one of the best poems of +the year; _Faustus, with a Visit to Goethe; Angel Visits_, by Mrs. Hemans; +_The Departed_, by L.E.L.; and some pieces by the editor, Mr. Hall. Our +present extract is + + +THE LAST VOYAGE. A TRUE STORY. + +_By Mrs. Opie._ + + +We cannot fail to observe, as we advance in life, how vividly our earliest +recollections recur to us, and this consciousness is accompanied by a +melancholy pleasure, when we are deprived of those who are most tenderly +associated with such remembrances, because they bring the beloved dead +"before our mind's eye;" and beguile the loneliness of the _present_ hour, +by visions of the _past_. In such visions I now often love to indulge, +and in one of them, a journey to Y---- was recently brought before me, in +which my ever-indulgent father permitted me to accompany him, when I +was yet but a child. + +As we drove through C----r, a village within three miles of Y----, he +directed my attention to a remarkable _rising_, or _conical mound of +earth_, on the top of the tower of C----r church. He then kindly +explained the cause of this singular, and _distinguishing_ appearance, +and told me the traditionary anecdote connected with it; which now, in +my own words, I am going to communicate to my readers. + +It is generally supposed, that great grief makes the heart so selfishly +absorbed in its own sufferings, as to render it regardless of the +sufferings of others; but the conduct of her, who is the heroine of +the following tale, will prove to this general rule an honourable +exception. + +I know nothing of her birth, and parentage, nor am I acquainted even with +her name--but I shall call her Birtha--the story goes, that she lived at +C----r, a village three miles from Y---- in N----, and was betrothed to +the mate of a trading vessel, with the expectation of marrying him, when +he had gained money sufficient, by repeated voyages, to make their union +consistent with prudence. + +In the meanwhile, there is reason to believe that Birtha was not idle, +but contrived to earn money herself, in order to expedite the hour of +her marriage; and at length, her lover (whom I shall call William) thought +that there was no reason for him to continue his sea-faring life, but at +the end of one voyage more, he should be able to marry the woman of his +choice, and engage in some less dangerous employment, in his native +village. + +Accordingly, the next time that he bade farewell to Birtha, the sorrow of +their parting hour was soothed by William's declaring, that, as the next +voyage would be his last, he should expect, when he returned, to find +every thing ready for their marriage. + +This was a pleasant expectation, and Birtha eagerly prepared to fulfil it. + +By the time that Birtha was beginning to believe that William was on his +voyage home, her neighbours would often help her to count the days which +would probably elapse before the ship could arrive; but when they were +not in her presence, some of the experienced amongst the men used to +express a _hope_, the result of _fear_, that William would return time +enough to avoid _certain winds_, which made one part of the navigation +on that coast particularly dangerous. + +Birtha herself, had, no doubt, her _fears_, as well as her _hopes_; but +there are _some_ fears which the lip of affection dares not utter, and +this was one of them. + +Birtha dreaded to have her inquiries respecting that dangerous passage, +answered by "Yes, we know that it is a difficult navigation;" she also +dreaded to be told by some kind, but ill-judging friends, to "trust in +Providence;" as, by such advice, the reality of the danger would be still +more powerfully confirmed to her. This recommendation would to her have +been needless, as well as alarming; for she had, doubtless, always relied +on Him who is alone able to save, and she knew that the same "Almighty +arm was underneath" her lover still, which had hitherto preserved him +in the time of need. + +Well--time went on, and we will imagine the little garden before the door +of the house which Birtha had hired, new gravelled, fresh flowers sown +and planted there; the curtains ready to be put up; the shelves bright +with polished utensils; table linen, white as the driven snow, enclosed +in the newly-purchased chest of drawers; and the neat, well chosen +wedding-clothes, ready for the approaching occasion: we will also picture +to ourselves, the trembling joy of Birtha, when her eager and sympathizing +neighbours rushed into her cottage, disturbing her early breakfast, with +the glad tidings, that William's ship had been seen approaching the +dangerous passage with a fair wind, and that there was no doubt but +that he would get over it safe, and in day-light! How sweet is it to +be the messenger and the bearer of good news, but it is still sweeter +to know that one has friends who have pleasure in communicating pleasure +to us! + +But Birtha's joy was still mingled with anxiety, and she probably passed +that day in alternate restlessness and prayer. + +Towards night the wind rose high, blowing from a quarter unfavourable to +the safety of the ship, and it still continued to blow in this direction +when night and darkness had closed on all around. + +Darkness at that moment seemed to close also upon the prospects of Birtha! +for she knew that there was no beacon, no landmark to warn the vessel of +its danger, and inform the pilot what coast they were approaching, and +what perils they were to avoid; and, it is probable, that the almost +despairing girl was, with her anxious friends, that livelong night a +restless wanderer on the nearest shore. + +With the return of morning came the awful confirmation of their worst +fears! + +There was no remaining vestige of William's vessel, save the top of the +mast, which shewed where it had sunk beneath the waves, and proved that +the hearts which in the morning had throbbed high with tender hopes and +joyful expectations were then cold and still "beneath the mighty waters!" +How different now was the scene in Birtha's cottage, to that which it +exhibited during the preceding morning. + +That changed dwelling was not indeed deserted, for sympathizing neighbours +came to it as before; but though many may be admitted with readiness +when it is a time for congratulation, it is only the few who can be +welcome in a season of sorrow; and Birtha's sorrow, though _quiet_, was +_deep_--while neither her nearest relative, nor dearest friend, could +do any thing to assist her, save, by removing from her sight the new +furniture, or the new dresses, which had been prepared for those happy +hours that now could never be hers. + +At length, however, Birtha, who had always appeared calm and resigned, +seemed cheerful also! still she remained pale, as in the first moments +of her trial, save when a feverish flush occasionally increased the +brightness of her eyes; but she grew thinner and thinner, and her impeded +breath made her affectionate friends suspect that she was going into a +rapid decline. + +Medical aid was immediately called in, and Birtha's pleased conviction +that her end was near, was soon, though reluctantly confirmed to her, +at her own request. + +It is afflicting to see an invalid rejoice in knowing that the hour of +death is certainly approaching; because it proves the depth and poignancy +of the previous sufferings: but then the sight is comforting and edifying +also. It is _comforting_, because it proves that the dying person is +supported by the only "help that faileth not;" and it is edifying, because +it invites those who behold it to endeavour to _believe_, that they +also may live and _die_ like the departing Christian. + +But it was not alone the wish "to die and be with Christ," nor the sweet +expectation of being united in another world to him whom she had lost, +that was the cause of Birtha's increasing cheerfulness, as the hour of +her dissolution drew nigh. No-- + +Her generous heart was rejoicing in a project which she had conceived, and +which would, if realized, be the source of benefit to numbers yet unborn. +She knew from authority which she could not doubt, that had there been +a _proper landmark_ on the shore, her lover and his ship would not, in +all human probability, have perished. + +"Then," said Birtha, "henceforth there shall be a land-mark on this coast! +and I will furnish it! Here at least, no fond and faithful girl shall +again have to lament over her blighted prospects, and pine, and suffer +as I have done." + +She sent immediately for the clergyman of the parish, made her will, +and had a clause inserted to the following effect: "I desire that I +may be buried on the top of the tower of C----r church! and that my +grave may be made very high, and pointed, in order to render it a +perpetual land-mark to all ships approaching that dangerous navigation +where he whom I loved was wrecked. I am assured, that, had there been a +land-mark on the tower of C---- church, his ship might have escaped; and +I humbly trust, that my grave will always be kept up, according to my +will, to prevent affectionate hearts, in future, from being afflicted as +mine has been; and I leave a portion of my little property in the hands of +trustees, for ever, to pay for the preservation of the above-mentioned +grave, in all its usefulness!" + +Before she died, the judicious and benevolent sufferer had the +satisfaction of being assured, that her intentions would be carried into +effect. + +Her last moments were therefore cheered by the belief, that she would +be graciously permitted to be, even after death, a benefit to others, +and that her grave might be the means of preserving some of her +fellow-creatures from shipwreck and affliction. + +Nor was her belief a delusive one---The conical grave in question gives so +remarkable an appearance to the tower of C----r church, when it is seen at +sea, even at a distance, that if once observed it can never be forgotten, +even by those to whom the anecdote connected with it is unknown +--therefore, as soon as it appears in sight, pilots know that they are +approaching a dangerous coast, and take measures to avoid its perils. + +But if the navigation on that coast is no longer as perilous as it was, +when the heroine of this story was buried, and the tower of C----r church +is no longer a necessary land-mark, still her grave remains a pleasing +memorial of one, whose active benevolence rose superior to the selfishness +both of sorrow and of sickness; and enabled her, even on the bed of death, +to _contrive_ and _will_ for the benefit of posterity. + +It is strange, but true, that the name of this humble, but privileged +being, is not on record; but many whose names are forgotten on earth, +have been, I doubt not, received and rewarded in heaven. + + + * * * * * + + + + +The Bijou + + +Is a new adventurer in the "annual" field, and deserves a foremost rank +as a work of art. Thus, the _Child with Flowers_, by Humphreys, after +Sir Thomas Laurence, is really fit company for the president's beautiful +picture; the _Boy and Dog_, by the same painter and engraver, is also very +fine; but the selection of both of the pictures for one volume is hardly +judicious. With _Haddon Hall_ our readers are already familiar. _Sans +Souci_, after Stothard, is a delightful scene. In the literature, almost +the only very striking composition is Sir Walter Scott's illustration of +Wilkie's painting of the baronet's own family, which, having been copied +into every newspaper, we do not reprint. For our part, we do not admire +the painting; there is too much _rank and file_ for a family group. Mr. +Hood has a _Lament of Chivalry_, in his best style; and a few _Verses +for an Album_, by Charles Lamb, are to our taste. + + +A LAMENT FOR THE DECLINE OF CHIVALRY. + +BY THOMAS HOOD, ESQ. + + + Well hast thou cried, departed Burke, + All chivalrous romantic work, + Is ended now and past!-- + That iron age--which some have thought + Of metal rather overwrought-- + Is now all over-cast! + + Ay,--where are those heroic knights + Of old--those armadillo wights + Who wore the plated vest,-- + Great Charlemagne, and all his peers + Are cold--enjoying with their spears + An everlasting rest!-- + + The bold King Arthur sleepeth sound, + So sleep his knights who gave that Round + Old Table such eclat! + Oh Time has pluck'd the plumy brow! + And none engage at turneys now + But those who go to law! + + Grim John o' Gaunt is quite gone by, + And Guy is nothing but a Guy, + Orlando lies forlorn!-- + Bold Sidney, and his kidney--nay, + Those "early champions"--what are they + But _Knights_ without a morn! + + No Percy branch now perseveres + Like those of old in breaking spears-- + The name is now a lie!-- + Surgeons, alone, by any chance, + Are all that ever couch a lance + To couch a body's eye! + + Alas! for Lion-Hearted Dick, + That cut the Moslem to the quick, + His weapon lies in peace,-- + Oh, it would warm them in a trice, + If they could only have a spice + Of his old mace in Greece! + + The fam'd Rinaldo lies a-cold, + And Tancred too, and Godfrey bold, + That scal'd the holy wall! + No Saracen meets Paladin, + We hear of no great _Saladin_, + But only grow the small! + + Our Cressys too have dwindled since + To penny things--at our Black Prince + Historic pens would scoff-- + The only one we moderns had + Was nothing but a Sandwich lad, + And measles took him off:-- + + Where are those old and feudal clans, + Their pikes, and bills, and partizans! + Their hauberks--jerkins--buffs? + A battle was a battle then, + A breathing piece of work--but men + Fight now with powder puffs! + + The curtal-axe is out of date! + The good old cross-bow bends to Fate, + 'Tis gone--the archer's craft! + No tough arm bends the springing yew. + And jolly draymen ride, in lieu + Of Death, upon the shaft.-- + + The spear--the gallant tilter's pride + The rusty spear is laid aside, + Oh spits now domineer!-- + The coat of mail is left alone,-- + And where is all chain armour gone? + Go ask at Brighton Pier. + + We fight in ropes and not in lists, + Bestowing hand-cuffs with our fists, + A low and vulgar art!-- + No mounted man is overthrown-- + A tilt!--It is a thing unknown-- + Except upon a cart. + + Methinks I see the bounding barb, + Clad like his Chief in steely garb, + For warding steel's appliance!-- + Methinks I hear the trumpet stir! + 'Tis but the guard to Exeter, + That bugles the "Defiance!" + + In cavils when will cavaliers + Set ringing helmets by the ears, + And scatter plumes about? + Or blood--if they are in the vein? + That tap will never run again-- + Alas the _Casque_ is out! + + No iron-crackling now is scor'd + By dint of battle-axe or sword, + To find a vital place-- + Though certain Doctors still pretend + Awhile, before they kill a friend, + To labour through his case. + + Farewell, then, ancient men of might! + Crusader! errant squire, and knight! + Our coats and customs soften,-- + To rise would only make ye weep-- + Sleep on, in rusty iron sleep, + As in a safety-coffin! + + + * * * * * + + +VERSES FOR AN ALBUM. + + + Fresh clad from Heaven in robes of white + A young probationer of light. + Thou wert, my soul, an Album bright. + + A spotless leaf but thought, and care-- + And friends, and foes, in foul or fair, + Have "written strange defeature" there. + + And Time, with heaviest hand of all, + Like that fierce writing on the wall, + Hath stamp'd sad dates--he can't recall. + + And error gilding worst designs-- + Like speckled snake that strays and shines-- + Betrays his path by crooked lines. + + And vice hath left his ugly blot-- + And good resolves, a moment hot, + Fairly began--but finish'd not. + + And fruitless late remorse doth trace-- + Like Hebrew lore, a backward pace-- + Her irrecoverable race. + + Disjointed numbers--sense unknit-- + Huge reams of folly--shreds of wit-- + Compose the mingled mass of it. + + My scalded eyes no longer brook, + Upon this ink-blurr'd thing to look, + Go--shut the leaves--and clasp the book!-- + + * * * * * + + + + +THE LITERARY POCKET-BOOK. + + +Is this year resumed, but we think it is not so successful as, were its +previous _fasciculi_. The "_literary_" is a good epithet for its sale +among would-be authors, like the "_Gentleman's_" Magazine among a certain +class of worthies. But of what use are such articles as the following +to literary men:--_The Seasons_, by a Man of _Taste_, (like the _carte_ +of a restaurateur;) _Sayings of a Man about Town; Remonstrance with J.F. +Newton; Lines on Crockford's &c._--all amusing enough in their way, but, +in a literary pocket-book, out of place, and not in good taste. The +"lists," too, the only useful portion of the volume, are, in many +instances, very incorrect. Apropos, how long has Morris Birbeck been dead? +Our Illinois friend might be alive when the editor published his last +pocket-book; but if he stands still, time does not. There is, too, an +affectation of fashion about the work which does not suit our sober taste; +but as a seasonable Christmas extract, we are induced to quote _Winter_ +from the _Seasons_:-- + +Now is the high season of beef; beef, which Prometheus killed for us at +first, ere he filched the fire from heaven, with which to constitute it a +beef-steak--that foundation of the most delightful of clubs, and origin +of the most delightful of all memoirs of them. Nor be the sirloin, boast +of Englishmen, forgot! nor its vaunted origin; which proves that the age +of chivalry, despite of Burke, is not yet gone! Stewed beef too, and ample +round, and _filet de boeuf saute dans sa glace_, and stewed rump-steaks, +and ox-tail soup. + +"Spirits of beef, where are ye? are ye all fled?" +_Henry the Eighth_. + +No--when beef flies the English shores, then you may, as the immortal bard +exquisitely expresses it, "make a silken purse out of a sow's ear." But +mutton, too, invites my Muse. It is calculated that fifteen hundred +thousand sheep are annually sacrificed in London to the carnivorous taste +of John Bull. "Of roast mutton (as Dr. Johnson says) what remains for me +to say? It will be found sometimes succous, and sometimes defective of +moisture; but what palate has ever failed to be pleased with a haunch +which has been duly suspended? what appetite has not been awakened by the +fermentation that glitters on its surface, when it has been reposing for +the requisite number of hours before a fire equal in its fervency?" + +We quite agree with Dr. Johnson; but a boiled leg of mutton, its whiteness +transparent through the verdant capers that decorate its candour, is not +to be despised; nor is a hash, whether celebrated as an Irish stew, or a +_hachis de mouton_, most relishing of _rifacciamenti_! Chops and garlic +_a la Francaise_ are exquisite; and the saddle, cut learnedly, is the +Elysium of a gourmand. + +Now also is the time of house-lamb and of doe-venison. Now is the time of +Christmas come, and the voice of the turkey is heard in our land! This is +the period of their annual massacre--a new slaughter of the innocents! +The Norwich coaches are now laden with mortals; that, while alive, shared +with their equally intelligent townsmen, _fruges consumere nati_, the +riches of their agricultural county. + +Let others talk as they will about the Greek and the Ottoman!--in cookery, +I abhor Greece, and love Turkey. And yet how inconsistent I am in my +politics! for I sometimes regard the partition of Turkey as a thing well +purchased by the sacrifice of every Ottoman in the world--would they +were all _under my feet_!--especially when I have the gout. I confess, +the dismemberment of Poland did not affect me much. A man who is much +accustomed to dismember fowls, will not care much about that of kingdoms. + +Nor be the cod (a blessing on his head--and shoulders!) forgotten. +Beautifully candid, his laminae separate readily before the tranchant +silver, and each flake, covered with a creamy curd, lies ready to +receive the affusion of molten (not oiled) butter, which, with its +floating oyster-islands, seems in impatient agitation for the moment +of overflowing the alluring "white creature," as a modern poet styles it. + + * * * * * + + + + +TIMES TELESCOPE. + + +Having _transported_ the public for the term of _fourteen years_, our +readers need not be told that the present is the fifteenth volume. We +should say more in its praise had it said less in our own. In richness +and variety it is quite equal to any of its predecessors; and we promise +our readers an occasional sip of its original sweets. + + * * * * * + + +The _Keepsake_ and the _Christmas-Box_ (the latter a _juvenile_ annual) +must stand over for an early number. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. 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