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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:45 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:36:45 -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/11370-0.txt b/11370-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c888c4b --- /dev/null +++ b/11370-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1483 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11370 *** + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +NO. 329.] SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1828. [PRICE 2d. + + + + +NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES. + +[Illustration: NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES.] + + +Who has journeyed on the Exeter road without noticing the town of STAINES, +with its host of antiquarian associations--as the _Stana_ (Saxon) or +London Stone,[1] its ancient bridge, for the repair of which three oaks +out of Windsor Forest were granted by the crown in the year 1262, besides +_pontage_ or temporary tolls previous to the year 1600.--Dr. Stukeley's +conjectures respecting the _Via Trinobantica_ passing here--and the _old_ +parish church, the situation of which appeared to denote the site of the +more ancient town of Staines. It is here too, that the tourist begins to +imagine himself _in rure_, after he has been whirled through the brick and +mortar avenues of _Kensington_, and _Hammersmith_, and the unsightly +lane-street of _Brentford_,[2] with all its cockney reminiscences of +equestrianism and election squabbles; _Hounslow_ and its by-gone days of +highway notoriety and powder-mill and posting celebrity, and _Bedfont_, +with its yew trees tortured into peacock shapes, and the date 1704. Then, +who does not recollect and venerate the convivial celebrity of this route, +its luxurious inns, and their "thrones of human felicity;" along which +Quin, Dr. Johnson or Shenstone could scarcely have accomplished a stage a +day! + +In our days, hundreds of London tourists breakfast at the _Bush_, although, +after sixteen miles' ride, their appetites do not require this stimulant +any more than do the glories of the _Bush_ cellars after dinner. + +But we must pass on to the church. The _old_ building was in the Gothic or +pointed style, with lancet windows, &c., but much disfigured by +churchwardens' repairs, although the great Inigo Jones is said to have +built its square, brick tower. At length, a considerable portion of this +ancient structure fell in one Sunday morning, during the service, but, as +the newspapers say, "fortunately no lives were lost." The inhabitants then +resolved to rebuild nearly the whole, and the design of Mr. J.B. Watson +was adopted. The foundation stone was laid March 31, in the present year, +and the building is to be completed by Christmas next. The church is +intended to contain 1,100 persons. The length of the interior, 65 feet; +width, 47 feet; height to ceiling, 25 feet. The chancel is to be rebuilt +at the expense of the impropriators. The lower part of Inigo Jones's tower +is to remain, and the whole is to be raised 23 feet. These repairs, with +the enclosure of the churchyard, will not exceed 4,000_l_.; and the +progress of the undertaking is highly creditable to the taste and +execution of all the parties concerned. + +As one act of public spirit generally leads to another, the erection of a +new stone bridge is projected at Staines; it is to be nearer the church +than the present bridge, and will afford a better view of the new +structure. An elegant stone bridge was erected here in 1796, but two of +the piers sinking, the bridge was taken down, and an iron one substituted; +this failed, and has since been supported by wooden piles and frame-work. + + +[1] This is a boundary stone which marks the extent of the jurisdiction + possessed by the City of London over the western part of the River + Thames. It stands on the margin of the river, in the vicinity of + Staines church, and bears the date of 1280. On a moulding round the + upper part is inscribed "GOD preserve the City of London, A.D. 1280." + +[2] George II. used to say when riding through Brentford, with his heavy + guards, "I do like dis place, 'tis so like Yarmany." + + + + * * * * * + + +THE SPECTRE'S VOYAGE. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + + "There is a part of the river Wye, between the city of Hereford and + the town of Moss, which was distinguished and well known for upwards + of two centuries, by the appellation of the Spectre's Voyage; across + which, so long as it retained that name, neither entreaty nor + remuneration could induce any boatman to convey passengers after a + certain hour of the night. The superstitious ideas current amongst the + lower orders of people were, that on every evening about the hour of + eight, a beautiful female figure was seen in a small vessel, sailing + from Hereford to Northrigg, (a small village about three miles + distant,) with the utmost rapidity, against wind and tide, or even in + a dead calm--landed at the little village, returned, and vanished, + when arrived at a certain part of the river, where the current is + remarkably strong, about half a mile from the city of Hereford." + + --_Neele's Romance of History._ See MIRROR, vol. x, page 352. + + + Bright shines the silver queen of night, + Upon fair Wye's soft stream; + Which throws a ray of heavenly light + Reflected from her beam. + Yet this smooth water, wide and clear, + This scene of sweet repose; + Erst filled the villagers with fear + As ancient story goes. + + 'Tis told us that in dead of night, + (In days of yore long past) + A skiff was seen compact and light, + With sail, and oars, and mast. + And in it sat the spectral form, + Of a most beauteous maid; + Who heeded neither wind nor storm, + As she this voyage made. + + Nor heeded she the pelting rain, + Nor winter's blinding snows; + But to the destin'd spot amain, + The scudding vessel goes; + Or if so calm, the placid Wye, + No wave was on its face, + Yet onward did that light bark fly + To reach the fated place. + + When on the deck she was espied, + Each trembled to behold; + As on she sail'd 'gainst wind and tide, + ('Tis scarce believ'd when told) + Then sail and oar were both applied, + And swift the vessel flew; + But where the man--who could abide + That vessel to pursue? + + Ah! who could dare approach the spot + Where Isabel did steer? + That mariner existeth not, + But did that phantom fear. + Or where's the man whose courage bold, + Could lend him strength one hour, + To gaze upon that form so cold, + Or place him in her power. + + And when the spectral sail was spread, + That flutter'd to and fro; + The hair would bristle on each head, + Which awful fear did show. + And when the moon-beam seem'd to kiss, + That dreaded maiden's brow; + Something each knew would go amiss, + Nor judg'd such wrong, I trow. + + For tho' the form was wond'rous fair, + 'Twas terrible to view; + And to avoid it was the care + Of every vessel's crew. + Full many a dismal tale was told, + Of that fam'd spectre ship; + And none were ever known so bold + To watch this nightly trip. + + Why did that troubled shade proceed + Along that watery way? + Or what the purpose, or the deed, + Which caus'd her thus to stray? + For good, or bad, did Isabel, + Forsake her dreary grave? + Or was't because she lov'd to sail + On Wye's pellucid wave? + + The spectre came to meet her dear, + Lord Hugh--the young and brave; + When dreadful tidings met her ear, + "He'd found a traitor's grave." + When second Edward rul'd this land, + (A wretched prince was he,) + Of favourites he'd a numerous band, + As worthless as could be. + + Two noblemen amongst this set + Were hated above all; + And many were the lords who met, + To work the Spencer's fall. + Success attends these foe-men's strife, + Lord Hugh is doom'd to die; + And in his happiest hours of life, + That precious life did fly. + + His manly form did never more, + Bless Isabel's fond eyes; + With him--the joys of life were o'er, + For him--the maiden dies. + Yet still the spirit fondly clings, + To what in life has been, + Thus Isabel, it nightly brings + To this beloved scene. + + But when her feet have touch'd the ground, + With silent, noiseless tread; + No tender lover there is found, + He's number'd with the dead. + No more of love the tender strain, + Falls on her list'ning ear, + In life--her joy, was turn'd to pain, + Her hope--gave place to fear. + + 'Tis then, that dread laments they hear, + Who pass by night that way; + Which the scar'd traveller, so clear, + Hears till returning day; + When re-embarks sad Isabel, + That spectre shade so fair; + Then dashing in the water's swell, + She vanishes in air. + + No trace remains in Sol's bright ray, + Of boat or awful spright; + For grief--or guilt conceived by day, + Conspicuous is at night. + Thus Isabel's unearthly woe, + Remain'd for many years; + But as our superstitions go, + So go unfounded fears + +CAROLINE MAXWELL. + + + * * * * * + +HARVEST HOME. + +_(To the Editor of the Mirror.)_ + + +Sir,--Wishing to add to your numerous accounts of our local customs, I +send you a description of the manner of celebrating harvest home in +Westmoreland. + +The farmers of Appleby, Kirby, Thore, and many of the neighbouring and low +towns thereabout, devote the last day of the harvest to mirth and +festivity. The men generally endeavour to get the corn all in pretty early +in the day; and at the last cart-load the horses are decked by the men +with ears of corn and flowers and ribands; and then the lasses' straw- +bonnets, who, in return, perform the same compliments on them. Thus they +move on through the lanes and roads, till they reach the farm-yard, +shouting, "Harvest Home," and singing songs in their way. When they reach +the farm-yard, they set up an exulting shout, and ale is distributed to +them by their master. About nine o'clock, a supper is prepared for them in +their master's house. A wheat-sheaf is brought, and placed in the middle of +the room, decorated with ribands and flowers, and corn is hung in various +parts of the room. The supper mostly consists of some good old English +dish, (of which there is plenty,) and the jolly farmer presides at the +head of the table. After the cloth is cleared, liquor in abundance is +brought forward, and the "president" sings, (not a _Non Nobis Domine_,) +but a good, true, mirth-stirring song, and then the _fun_ commences; +singing and dancing alternately occupy the evening, and the bottle +circulates speedily, and the festival generally breaks up about midnight. + +Thus, Mr. Editor, is harvest home spent in that county, and I send you the +only account I can furnish of the harvest merriments, hoping some of your +correspondents will add to my little mite. + +W.H.H. + + + * * * * * + +STANZAS TO, AND IN ILLUSTRATION OF, A LANDSCAPE BY CLAUDE. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + + Young land of beauty, and divine repose! + Art thou a dream? a vision from on high + Unveiling Paradise? uncurt'ning those + Supernal glories, Eden doth supply + To glad immortals? o'er thee, ev'ning glows, + Brilliant, as seraph's blush--pure as his breath-- + Smiling an antidote to tears and death! + + Young land of beauty! (fancy could not dwell + In lovelier, albeit her rainbow wings + Fold, but in fairy-spheres) a living well + Of sylvan joy art thou, whose thousand springs + Gush, sinless, gladness, peace ineffable, + And that luxuriousness of being, which + Mocks eloquence: warm, holy, ruby, rich. + + Young land of beauty! 'neath thy sun-ting'd shades, + Beside thy lake, crystal in roseate light, + Enam'ring music breathes: there, raptur'd maids + In dances, with adoring youths unite; + There, magic voices sigh in song; and glades + With birds and blossoms, all but vital, seem + Entranc'd, like hermit in divinest dream! + + Young land of beauty! art thou but a ray + Of intellect, emerg'd from one? and shrin'd, + That thine immortal light may dim the day, + Faint struggling thro' some lowlier, cloudier, mind: + Dream of the painter-poet! oh! we'll say, + Lur'd to ethereal musings by thy thrall, + Tho' dream in part, no dream art thou in all! + +M.L.B + + + * * * * * + +MARCH OF "IMPROVEMENT." + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + +An old Subscriber has sent us the following _questions_ on the improvement +of the metropolis, which we insert as a castle-building _jeu d'esprit_ +rather than as a serious matter. They will, however, serve for the +_committee of taste_ to crack after dinner, and give a zest for their +_magna bona_. + +Ought not the new palace to have been built in the richest Gothic +style, so as to have deviated in appearance from every other edifice +in the metropolis; and to have been erected on the north bank of the +Serpentine?--And, if the _dome_ of the present erection is not to be +removed, cannot it be ornamented?--Or could not the pediment, fronting +the park, be raised another story, so as to hide it (the dome) from +that side?--Indeed, would not the palace be much improved by such an +alteration? I think if it be left as it is, when the wings are raised +to the height of the body of the palace, (though they are a wonderful +improvement upon those first erected) the whole will have a very flat +appearance.--Are not the statues of Neptune, &c., much too small, and +the other ornaments, consisting of representations of warlike implements, +&c., much too heavy to look well? + +Is not the Borough a very improper place for the king's, or any other, +college?--Is it not the very mart of trade, and consequently ever noisy +and in confusion?--And what a magnificent improvement would its erection +near Westminster Abbey be to that ancient and very sumptuous pile. Could +it not be erected from Tothill Street, and extend towards Storey's +Gate?--And should it not be built in the Gothic style to correspond with +the abbey? The seat of learning and wisdom is in that neighbourhood +(Westminster School, Houses of Parliament, Courts of Justice, &c.); +therefore it is the place best adapted for the erection of a college. +Ought not also those disgraceful erections close to the abbey's western +front, to be instantly removed?--And ought not the house of the dean, &c. +to be also rebuilt in the Gothic style, and extend from Tothill Street +towards St. John's church? I never see this abbey (the glory of London) +without feeling utterly disgusted at the surrounding objects. The great +tower, also, should be erected in the same style as the other two. But +should not the council office, and Somerset House, be finished before +other works are begun?--Should not the interior of the dome of St. Paul's +be repainted and gilt, and the windows (particularly the three over the +altar) be of stained glass?--And should not the railing on the top of the +dome on the outside (which is much decayed) be replaced by railing made of +the new metal lately invented, which imitates brass, and does not +tarnish?--Would not the entrance for the public, from Piccadilly into St. +James's Park, be much better two or three yards from the new royal archway, +as it will be very likely to be injured by people passing so near it? + +Would not a Swiss cottage and a Chinese temple very materially improve the +appearance of the islands in St. James's Park; and two or three vessels +upon that water, and the Serpentine in Hyde Park, also add very much to +the effect?--Would a tower, surrounded by a railing, as the monument, and +surmounted by a statue of George III. (looking with surprise to see what +his son had done), or Canning, or Byron, be a proper sort of monument as a +tribute to their memories; and to be erected in the centre of the Regent's +Park? Oh! what a prospect would its summit command! Would not +magnificent baths for males and females, erected on either side of +Waterloo Place, and to be supplied from the new fountain, be a great +addition to the beauty and comfort of this great city. + +These additions, alterations, and improvements, ought to be made now; and +I doubt not, in the course of time, all warehouses will be removed from +the banks of the Thames, above Blackfriars' Bridge, and that streets will +run by the waterside as at Dublin. Also the time will come when the houses +round St. Paul's will be pulled down and rebuilt in the Grecian style of +architecture to correspond with the cathedral (the wonder of England), and +be re-erected at a much greater distance from it. + +I would also ask, "should not the chimney pots upon the palaces in Regent +Street, &c. be of a slate colour?--Should not all tiles be painted of the +same colour? (slate.)--Should not the names of streets be more +particularly attended to?" + + + * * * * * + +INTRODUCTION OF SILK INTO EUROPE. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + +The frequency of open hostilities between the Emperor of Constantinople +and the monarchs of Persia, together with the increasing rivalry of their +subjects in the trade with India, gave rise to an event which produced a +considerable change in the silk trade. As the use of that article, both in +dress and furniture, became more general in the court of the Greek +emperors, who imitated and surpassed the sovereigns of Asia in splendour +and magnificence; and as China, in which, according to the concurring +testimony of oriental writers, the culture of silk was originally known, +_(Herlelot. Biblioth. Orient.)_, still continued to be the only country +which produced that valuable commodity; the Persians improving the +advantages which their situation gave them over the merchants from the +Arabian Gulf, supplanted them in all the marts of India, to which silk was +brought by sea from the east. Having it likewise in their power to molest +or to cut off the caravans, which, in order to procure a supply for the +Greek empire, travelled by land to China through the northern provinces of +their kingdom, they entirely engrossed that branch of commerce. +Constantinople was obliged to depend on the rival power for an article +which luxury reserved and desired as essential to elegance. The Persians, +with the usual rapacity of monopolists, raised the price of silk to such +an exorbitant height, that the Emperor Justinian eager, not only to obtain +a full and certain supply of a commodity which was become of indispensible +use, but solicitous to deliver the commerce of his subjects from the +exactions of his enemies, endeavoured, by means of his ally, the christian +monarch of Abyssinia, to wrest some portion of the silk trade from the +Persians. In this attempt he failed; but when he least expected it, he, by +an unforeseen event, attained in some measure (A.D. 55.) the object which +he had in view. Two Persian monks having been employed as missionaries to +some christian churches which were established (as we are informed by +Cosmas) in different parts of India, had penetrated into the country of +the Seres, or China. There they observed the labours of the silk-worm, and +became acquainted with all the arts of men in working up its productions +into such a variety of elegant fabrics. The prospect of gain, or perhaps +an indignant zeal excited by seeing this lucrative branch of commerce +engrossed by unbelieving nations, prompted them to repair to +Constantinople. There they explained to the emperor the origin of silk, +as well as the various modes of preparing and manufacturing it--mysteries +hitherto unknown, or very imperfectly understood in Europe, and encouraged +by his liberal promises, they undertook to bring to the capital a +sufficient number of those wonderful insects to whose labours man is so +much indebted. This they accomplished by conveying the eggs of the +silk-worm in a hollow cane. They were hatched by the heat of a dunghill; +fed with the leaves of a wild mulberry-tree, and they multiplied and worked +in the same manner as in those climates where they first became objects of +human attention and care. Vast numbers of these insects were soon reared +in different parts of Greece, particularly in the Peloponnesus. Sicily +afterwards undertook to breed silk-worms with equal success, and was +imitated from time to time in several towns of Italy. In all these places +extensive manufactures were established and carried on with silk of +domestic production. The demand for silk from the East diminished, of +course. The subjects of the Greek emperors were no longer obliged to have +recourse to their enemies, the Persians, for a supply of it; and a +considerable change took place in the nature of the commercial intercourse +between Europe and India. + +Before the introduction of the silk-worm into Europe, and as often as its +production is mentioned by the Greek and Roman authors, they had not, for +several centuries after the use of it became common, any certain knowledge +either of the countries to which they were indebted for this favourite +article of elegance, or the manner in which it was produced, By some, silk +was supposed to be a fine down adhering to the leaves of trees or flowers; +others imagined it to be a delicate species of wool or cotton; and even +those who had learned that it was the work of an insect, show by their +description that they had no distinct idea of the manner in which it was +formed. A circumstance concerning the traffic of silk among the Romans +merits observation. Contrary to what usually takes place in the operations +of trade, the more general use of that commodity seems not to have +increased the quantity imported in such proportion as to answer the +growing demand for it; and the price of silk was not reduced during the +course of 250 years from the time of its being first known in Rome. In the +reign of Aurelian it still continued to be valued at its weight in gold. +(See Robertson's _History of India_.) + +It is a singular circumstance in the history of silk, that, on account of +its being an exertion of a worm, the Mahomedans consider it as an unclean +dress, and it has been decided with the unanimous assent of all their +doctors, that a person wearing a garment made entirely of silk cannot +lawfully offer up the daily prayers enjoined by the Koran. _(Herbel. Bibl. +Orient.)_ C.V. + + + * * * * * + +LADIES' FASHIONS. + +_(To the Editor of the Mirror.)_ + + +If you think the following observations conformable to the plan of your +useful and entertaining publication, perhaps you may be induced to give +them a place, or notice the subject I have in view, in some other way. + +Notwithstanding the host of publications periodically issuing from the +press, independent of the incalculable list of newspapers and reviews; and +though the rage for periodicals is so great, that a single event will give +rise to one, yet there does not appear to me to be any thing like those +works which used to amuse and instruct our great grandfathers. I mean the +"Spectator," "Tatler," and others, whose influence extends to the present +day, and which are continually affording pleasure to cultivated minds by +the soundness of their doctrines, aided by the extensive knowledge of +human nature that the authors display throughout. But as they are now +become standard works, they are not so capable of "shooting folly as it +flies," and being as it were aged in the service, can only have a proper +effect when folly will stand still to listen to them; but as that is, in +most instances, out of the question, we want something more active, or in +other words, something new; and novelty being the order of the day, +attention is thereby excited, and the follies and extravagances of the +"age," may possibly have some advantageous pruning. + +Caricatures, whether exhibited in pantomimes or print shops, (though often +got up for any other purpose than instruction) are not sufficient; they +are too ridiculous, though sometimes not devoid of humour, instance the +picture of a lady striving ineffectually to make a way through Temple Bar, +but is prevented by the enormous size of her bonnet, which shows likewise +that this extravagance in dress is not confined to the west end. But as +these things are only laughed at, some other means ought to be adopted; +and I should think myself extremely fortunate if I could be the humble +means of inducing you, or your correspondents, to take the matter in hand. + +Certainly not the least to be deprecated are the "ladies' present dresses;" +the extravagances of which are not confined to the head, but are exhibited +also all down the arm (not unaptly likened to series of balloons) and are +also, in most instances, by some unusual "bustling," equally absurd. I +wonder what would be said by Mr. Addison, were he to witness the present +fashions. He would certainly think that all the care he took to keep the +fair sex in order was in vain; and though enormous head dresses were not +in vogue in his time, he seems to have anticipated that they would be, by +his recommending the perusal of his 98th paper of the "Spectator" to his +female readers by way of prevention, but which, alas! has not been studied +with the attention it merits. Probably the transcription of one passage +will not be misapplied here:-- + +He says, "I would desire the fair sex to consider how impossible it is for +them to add any thing that can be ornamental to what is already the +masterpiece of nature. The head has the most beautiful appearance, as well +as the highest station, in a human figure. Nature has laid out all her art +in beautifying the face; she has touched it with vermilion, planted in it +a double row of ivory, made it the seat of smiles and blushes, lighted it +up and enlivened it with the brightness of the eyes, hung it on each side +with curious organs of sense, given it airs and graces that cannot be +described, and surrounded it with such a flowing shade of hair as sets all +its beauties in the most agreeable light. In short she seems to have +designed the head as the cupola to the most glorious of her works; and +when we load it with such a pile of supernumerary ornaments, we destroy +the symmetry of the human figure, and foolishly contrive to call off the +eye from great and real beauties to childish gew-gaws, ribbons, and +bone-lace." + +Womankind, Mr. Editor, I do not believe, are naturally vain; but as they +were made for us and for our comfort, it is natural that they should +endeavour to gain our esteem; but they carry their endeavours too far; by +straining to excite attention they overstep the mark, become vain and +coquetish, one strives to outdo another, others say they must do as other +women do, and they thus make themselves ridiculous unknowingly. It is +really painful to see a woman of sense and education become a slave to the +tyranny of fashion--and injuring both body and mind--and it is, I think, +an insult to a man of understanding to endeavour to excite his attention +by any such peculiarities. + +Having now generally stated the subject that I should wish to be taken up +by abler hands than mine, I will conclude by recommending all your +town-bred, and coquetish ladies to study and restudy a letter signed "Mary +Home," in No. 254 of the excellent work before alluded to, "The Spectator." +--H. M--._Great Surrey Street, Aug. 1828_. + + + + * * * * * + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS + + * * * * * + + +HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF SMITHFIELD. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + +Stowe, in his "Survey of London," 1633, says, "Then is Smithfield Pond, +which of (old time) in records was called Horsepoole, for that men watered +horses there, and was a great water. In the 6th of Henry V. a new building +was made in the west part of Smithfield, betwixt the said poole and the +river of Wels, or Turne-mill-brooke, in a place then called the Elms, for +that there grew many elme-trees, and this had been the place of execution +for offenders. Since the which time, the building there hath been so +increased, that now remaineth not one tree growing. In the yeere 1357, the +31st of Edward III., great and royall justs were then holden in Smithfield, +there being present the kings of England, France, and Scotland, with many +other nobles, and great estates of divers lands. In the yeere 1362, the +36th of Edward III., on the first five daies of May, in Smithfield, were +justs holden, the king and queene being present, with the most part of the +chivalry of England and of France and of other nations; to which came +Spaniards, Cyprians, and Armenians, knightly requesting ayde of the king +of England against the Pagans, that invaded their confines. The 48th of +Edward III., Dame Alice Perrers, or Pierce, (the king's concubine,) as +lady of the Sunne, rode from the Tower of London through Cheape, +accompanied of many lords and ladies, every lady leading a lord by his +horse bridle, till they came into West Smithfield, and then began a great +just, which endured seven daies after.--In the 14th of Richard II., royal +justs and turnements were proclaimed to be done in Smithfield, to begin on +Sunday next, after the feast of Saint Michael; many strangers came forth +of other countries, namely, Valarian, Earle of St. Paul, that had married +King Richard's sister, the Lady Maud Courtney; and William, the young +Earle of Ostervant, son to Albert of Baviere, Earle of Holland and Henault. +At the day appointed, there issued forth at the Tower, about the third +houre of the day, 60 coursers, apparelled for the justs, upon every one an +esquire of honour riding a soft pace; then came forth 60 ladies of honour, +mounted upon palfraies, riding on the one side, richly apparelled, and +every lady led a knight with a chain of gold; those knights, being on the +king's party, had their armour and apparell garnished with white harts, +and crownes of gold about the harts' neckes; and so they came riding +through the streets of London to Smithfield, with a great number of +trumpets, &c. The kinge and the queene, who were lodged in the bishop's +palace of London, were come from thence, with many great estates, and +placed in chambers, to see the justs. The ladies that led the knights were +taken down from their palfraies, and went up to chambers prepared for them. +Then alighted the esquires of honour from their coursers, and the knights +in good order mounted upon them; and after their helmets were set on their +heads, and being ready in all points, proclamation made by the heralds, +the justs began, and many commendable courses were runne, to the great +pleasure of the beholders. The justs continued many days with great +feastings, as ye may reade in _Froisard_," &c. &c. + +Smithfield, says Pennant, "was also the spot on which accusations were +decided by duel, derived from the Kamp-fight ordeal of the Saxons. I will +only (says Mr. P.) mention an instance. It was when the unfortunate +armourer entered into the lists, on account of a false accusation of +treason, brought against him by his apprentice, in the reign of Henry VI. +The friends of the defendant had so plied him with liquor, that he fell an +easy conquest to his accuser. Shakspeare has worked this piece of history +into a scene, in the second part of _Henry VI_., but has made the poor +armourer confess his treasons in his dying moments; for in the time in +which this custom prevailed, it never was even suspected but that guilt +must have been the portion of the vanquished. When people of rank fought +with sword and lance, plebeian combatants were only allowed a pole, armed +with a heavy sand-bag, with which they were to decide their guilt or +innocence. In Smithfield were also held our autos-de-fee; but to the +credit of our English monarchs, none were ever known to attend the +ceremony. Even Philip II. of Spain never honoured any, of the many which +were celebrated by permission of his gentle queen, with his presence, +notwithstanding he could behold the roasting of his own subjects with +infinite self-applause and _sang-froid_. The stone marks the spot, in this +area, on which those cruel exhibitions were executed. Here our martyr +_Latimer_ preached patience to friar _Forest_, agonizing under the torture +of a slow fire, for denying the king's supremacy; and to this place our +martyr _Cranmer_ compelled the amiable _Edward_, by forcing his reluctant +hand to the warrant, to send _Joan Bocher_, a silly woman, to the stake. +Yet _Latimer_ never thought of his own conduct in his last moments; nor +did _Cranmer_ thrust his hand into the fire for a real crime, but for one +which was venial, through the frailty of human nature. Our gracious +Elizabeth could likewise burn people for religion. Two Dutchmen, +Anabaptists, suffered in this place in 1675, and died, as Holinshed sagely +remarks, with "roring and crieing." But let me say, (says Pennant,) that +this was the only instance we have of her exerting the blessed prerogative +of the writ _De Haeretico comburendo_. Her highness preferred the halter; +her sullen sister faggot and fire. Not that we will deny but Elizabeth +made a very free use of the terrible act of her 27th year. One hundred and +sixty-eight suffered in her reign, at London, York, in Lancashire, and +several other parts of the kingdom, convicted of being priests, of +harbouring priests, or of becoming converts. But still there is a balance +of 109 against us in the article persecution, and that by the agonizing +death of fire; for the smallest number estimated to have suffered under +the savage Mary, amounts, in her short reign, to 277. The last person who +suffered at the stake in England was Bartholomew Logatt, who was burnt +here in 1611, as a blasphemous heretic, according to the sentence +pronounced by John King, bishop of London. The bishop consigned him to the +secular of our monarch James, who took care to give the sentence full +effect. This place, as well as Tybourn, was called _The Elms_, and used +for the execution of malefactors even before the year 1219. In the year +1530, there was a most severe and singular punishment inflicted here on +one John Roose, a cook, who had poisoned 17 persons of the Bishop of +Rochester's family, two of whom died, and the rest never recovered their +health. His design was against the pious prelate Fisher, who at that time +resided at Rochesterplace, Lambeth. The villain was acquainted with the +cook, and, coming into the bishop's kitchen, took an opportunity, while +the cook's back was turned to fetch him some drink, to fling a great +quantity of poison into the gruel, which was prepared for dinner for the +bishop's family, and the poor of the parish. The good bishop escaped. +Fortunately, he that day abstained from food. The humility and temperance +of that good man are strongly marked in this relation, for he partook of +the same ordinary food with the most wretched pauper. By a retrospective +law, Roose was sentenced to be boiled to death, which was done accordingly. +In Smithfield, the arch-rebel, Wat Tyler, met with, in 1381, the reward of +his treason and insolence." + +Smithfield[1] is at present celebrated, and long since, for being the +great market for cattle of all kinds, and likewise for being the place +where Bartholomew fair is held, alias the _Cockneys' Saturnalia_, which +was granted by Henry II. to the neighbouring priory. + +P.T.W. + + [1] After the Great Fire, many Londoners resided here in huts. + + + + * * * * * + +THE ANECDOTE GALLERY. + + * * * * * + + +THE ANDALUSIAN ASS. + + +A gay lieutenant of the Spanish Royal Guards, known by the name of Alonzo +Beldia, became violently enamoured of the beautiful Carlotta Pena, the +eldest daughter of a reputable gunsmith, whose humble habitation adjoined +the vast cemetery of Valencia, and whom Beldia had casually seen at a +public entertainment given in that good city. + +Alonzo was affable and extremely complaisant, though an egotist and +somewhat loquacious; but nature had, nevertheless, bestowed upon him a +prepossessing exterior with an enviable pair of jet black whiskers, and +the most expressive eyes; he could sing a _tonadilla_ divinely; dance the +_fandango_ with inimitable grace; and "strike the light guitar" with +unparalleled mastery. He was, in truth, an accomplished man of pleasure, +and by his gallantry he subdued the tender hearts of many fair daughters +of Ferdinand's domains. + +On a dark night in the month of December, just as Alonzo had played one of +his bewitching airs, with his wonted execution, and was engaged, in +converse sweet, with the enraptured Carlotta, an extraordinary and +seemingly supernatural noise suddenly proceeded from a distant part of the +hallowed ground where Alonzo sacrificed at the shrine of love. Jesu Maria! +exclaimed the terrified damsel, what, in the name of heaven, can it be? +ere the silvery tones of her sweet voice had reached the ears of the +petrified Alonzo, the "iron tongue" of the cathedral clock announced the +hour of midnight, and the solemn intonation of its prodigious bell +instilled new horrors into the confused minds of the affrighted lovers. +The brave, the royal Alonzo heard not the voice of his enchanting dulcinea; +he, poor fellow, with difficulty supported his trembling frame against an +ancient _memento mori_, which reared its tristful crest within a whisper +of the lattice of the lovely Carlotta. Large globules of transparent +liquid adorned his pallid brow, and his convulsed knees sought each other +with mechanical solicitude. It was a moment pregnant with the gravest +misery to poor Alonzo; not a star was seen to enliven the murky night, and +the wind whistled most lugubriously. He was in a state of insensibility, +and would have fallen to the cold earth, but luckily for the valiant youth, +the melodious voice of the enchanting girl again breathed the tenderest +hopes for the safety of her adored Alonzo. He sprang upon his legs and +drew a pistol from his girdle, which he discharged with unerring aim at +the dreaded goblin. A horrible groan followed this murderous act, which +was succeeded by a confused noise, and a solemn silence ensued! "It's +vanished, Carlotta! I have hurried the intruding demon to the nether +world!" exclaimed the valorous guardsman. "Heavens be praised," cried the +superstitious girl, "but hasten, my love--quit this spot directly--my +father has alarmed his people--away, away!" + +The worthy maker of guns approached the scene of carnage, accompanied by +the inmates of his dwelling, with rueful countenances, illumined by tapers, +when the cause of their disquietude was soon discovered. No apparition or +sprite forsooth, but a full grown _donkey_ of the Andalusian breed, lay +weltering in gore, yet warm with partial life! By timely liberality the +valorous Alonzo escaped detection, though the heroic deed is still +remembered in merry Valencia, and often cited as an instance of glorious +(?) _chivalry_. + +GRADIVUS. + + + + * * * * * + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + * * * * * + + +IMPROVED SAFETY LAMP. + +[Illustration] + + +Mr. Dillon has lately introduced to the notice of the scientific world, an +improvement upon the _Safety Lamp_ of Sir Humphry Davy, which appears to +us of sufficient interest for illustration in our columns. As the _Davy +Lamp_ is too well known to need special description here, it will be +merely necessary to allude to the principle of the invention, in order to +point out Mr. Dillon's improvement. + +He maintains, in opposition to Sir Humphry Davy, that the Davy lamp acts +by its heat and rarefaction, and not from Sir H. Davy's theory, that flame +is cooled by a wire-gauze covering. He shows, by a simple experiment, that +the Davy lamp is not safe in a current of hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen +gas, and that many lives may have been lost from the confidence of miners +in its perfect safety. A current of hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas +steadily directed on the flame of the lamp from a bladder and stopcock, +_by cooling the wire gauze_, brings the flame of the lamp through the +gauze to the mouth of the stopcock, (even should there be six folds of +gauze intervening.) He shows also, by immersing the lamp, when cold and +newly lighted, into a jar of dense hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas, +or an explosive mixture with atmospheric air, that explosion takes place +inside and outside of the lamp; whereas, when the lamp has burnt +sufficiently long to heat the wire gauze, no explosion takes place on the +outside of the lamp. These experiments appear incontrovertible in support +of his theory, which is, "_that the wire gauze is merely the rapid +receiver and the retainer of heat, and that it is the caloric in its +meshes which prevents the flame of the lamp from being fed by the oxygen +of the atmosphere on the outside_." + +The experiments of Libri, showing that flame is inflected by metallic rods, +and that "when two flames are made to approach each other, there is a +mutual repulsion, although their proximity increases the temperature of +each, instead of diminishing it," support Mr. Dillon's theory--the +inflection being occasioned by the rarefaction of the air between the rod +and the flame, the latter seeking for oxygen to support it in a denser +medium, the two flames repelling each other for the same reason, and not +from any mysterious and "repulsive effect of the wires of the gauze +tissue." Mr. Dillon increases the heat of the lamp, and places on it a +shield of talc to protect it from a current, and, upon his theory, the +shafts or workings of iron and coal mines may be lighted with gas with +perfect safety, protecting the flame with wire gauze and a circular shield +of talc. + + + * * * * * + +EPITAPH ON A FRENCH SCOLD. + + Ci git ma femme; ah! qu'il est bien + Pour son repos et pour le mien. + + + + * * * * * + +THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_. + + * * * * * + + +PENELOPE, OR LOVE'S LABOUR LOST. + + +This is one of the most deservedly attractive novels of the past season; +and the good sense with which it abounds, ought to insure it extensive +circulation. It has none of the affectation or presumptuousness of +"fashionable" literature; but is at once a rational picture of that order +of society to which its characters belong, and a just satire on the +_superior_ vices of the wealthy and the great. The author is evidently no +servile respecter of either of the latter classes, for which reason, his +work is the more estimable, and is a picture of _real_ life, whereas +fashion at best lends but a disguise, or artificial colouring to the +actions of men, and thus renders them the less important to the world, and +less to be depended on as scenes and portraitures of human character. The +former will, however, stand as lasting records of the men and manners of +the age in which they were drawn, whilst the latter, being in their own +day but caricatures of life, will, in course of time, fade and lose their +interest, and at length become levelled with the mere ephemera, or +day-flies of literature. It is true that novel-writing has, within the last +sixteen, or eighteen years, attained a much higher rank than it hitherto +enjoyed; but it should be remembered that this superiority has not been +grounded in mawkish records of the fashionable follies of high life, such +as my Lord Duke, or my Lady Bab, might indite below stairs, for the +amusement of those in the drawing-room; on the contrary, it was founded in +portraits and pictures of human nature, strengthened by historical, or +matter-of-fact interest, and stripped of the trickery of fancy and romance; +whereas, the chronicles of fashion are little better than the vagaries of +an eccentric few, who bear the same proportion to the general mass of +society, that the princes, heroes, and statesmen of history do to the +whole world. This is a fallacy of which thousands of Bath and Cheltenham +novel-readers are not yet aware, and which the listless _Dangles_ of +Brighton and Margate have yet to learn, ere they can hope to arrive at a +correct estimate of human nature; but to such readers we cordially +recommend _Penelope_ as the best corrective we can prescribe for the bile +of fashionable prejudice, or the nausea arising from overstrained fiction, +modified as it is to the romance of real life. + +_Penelope_ has, however, one of the failings common to fashionable novels. +Its plot is weak and meagre--but it is still simple and natural, and has +not borrowed any of those adventitious aids to which we have alluded above. +It bears throughout an air of probability, untinctured by romance, and has +the strong impress of truth and fidelity to nature. Sketchy and vivacious, +always humorous and sometimes witty; it has many scenes and portraits, +which in terseness and energy, will compare with any of its predecessors; +and occasionally there are touches of genuine sentiment which seize on the +sympathies of the reader with more than common effect. The incidents of +the narrative do not present many opportunities for these displays of the +writer's talent, and we cannot refrain from thinking that their more +frequent introduction would have increased the success of the work--that +is, if we may be allowed to judge from the specimens with which the author +has here favoured us. + +But we are getting somewhat too critical, and consequently as much out of +our element as modern aeronauts, who are no sooner in the air than they +seem to think of their descent. We shall not, however, impair the pleasure +of the reader by giving him a foretaste of the whole plot of _Penelope_; +but we shall rather confine ourselves to a few portrait-specimens of +characters, whose _drawing_ will, we hope, _attract_ the general reader; +presuming, as we do, that its claims to his attention will be found to +outweigh dozens of the scandalous chronicles of high fashion. We are not +told whether the parties ate with silver or steel forks, or burned wax or +tallow; but those characters must be indeed poorly drawn which do not +enable the reader to satisfy himself about such trifles, allowing that he +thinks them worth his study. + +An outline of the characters may not be unacceptable. The scene lies +principally in the villages of Neverden and Smatterton; and between their +rectors Dr. Greendale and Mr. Darnley, and their families; the Earl of +Smatterton, of Smatterton Hall; Lord Spoonbill, his son; Sir George +Aimwell, of Neverden Hall; _Penelope Primrose_, the heroine, who is placed +by her father under the care of Dr. Greendale, whilst Mr. Primrose seeks +to repair his fortune in the Indies; and Robert Darnley, Penelope's suitor, +also for sometime in the Indies, who is thwarted in his views by Lord +Spoonbill, and a creature named colonel Crop, &c. + +In the early part of the narrative, Dr. Greendale dies, and Penelope is +removed from Smatterton to London, where she is to be brought out as a +singer, under the patronage of the Countess of Smatterton, and Spoonbill +is first struck with her charms, and resolves to frustrate his absent +rival. + +The roguery of a postboy named Nick Muggins, who is employed by the noble +suitor to intercept letters, and the aid of Crop, who acts as a sort of +go-between, are put in requisition for this purpose; but the villany of the +latter is finely defeated in his mistaking a silly, forward girl, Miss +Glossop, for Penelope, and accordingly prevailing on her to elope with him +to Lord Spoonbill's villa, where the blunder is soon discovered by his +lordship, who in return is horsewhipped by the father of Miss Glossop; +and Darnley and Penelope are eventually married. + +There are two or three adjuncts, as Peter Kipperson, a "march of intellect" +man, Erpingham, one of Spoonbill's companions in debauchery, Ellen +Fitzpatrick, one of his victims, Dr. Greendale's successor, Charles +Pringle; and Zephaniah Pringle, a literary coxcomb of the first order. + +The portrait of Dr. Greendale is of high finish--full of the truth and +amiability of the Christian character--one who regarded the false +distinctions of society in their proper light, and knew how to set a right +value upon the influence of good example, and who was "loved and respected +for the steadiness and respectability of his character; for the integrity, +purity, simplicity, and sincerity of his life." At the same time, the +doctor is finely contrasted with his wife, who possessed the common +failing of paying homage to her illustrious neighbours to obtain their +notice and patronage, and who felt flattered by a collateral branch of the +Smattertons accepting an invitation to her table. Of the _heroine_, we +quote the author's outline:-- + +_Penelope Primrose_ exceeded the middle stature, that her dark blue eyes +were shaded by a deep and graceful fringe, that her complexion was +somewhat too pale for beauty, but that its paleness was not perceptible as +a defect whenever a smile illumined her countenance, and developed the +dimples that lurked in her cheek and underlip. Her features were regular, +her gait exceedingly graceful, and her voice musical in the highest degree. +Seldom, indeed, would she indulge in the pleasure of vocal music, but when +she did, as was sometimes the case to please the Countess of Smatterton, +her ladyship, who was a most excellent judge, used invariably to pronounce +Miss Primrose as the finest and purest singer that she had ever heard. + +The character of Lord Spoonbill is struck out with singular felicity and +spirit:-- + +Lord Spoonbill was not one of those careless young men who lose at the +university what they have gained at school; one reason was, that he had +little or nothing to lose; nor was his lordship one of those foolish +people who go to a university and study hard to acquire languages which +they never use, and sciences which they never apply in after-life. His +lordship had sense enough to conclude that, as the nobility do not talk +Greek, he had no occasion to learn it; and as hereditary legislators have +nothing to do with the exact sciences, it would be a piece of idle +impertinence in him to study mathematics. But his lordship had heard that +hereditary legislators did occasionally indulge in other pursuits, and for +those pursuits he took especial care to qualify himself. In his lordship's +cranium, the organ of exclusiveness was strongly developed. We do not mean +that his head was so constructed internally, as to exclude all useful +furniture, but that he had a strong sense of the grandeur of nobility and +the inseparable dignity which attaches itself to the privileged orders. +The only instances in which he condescended to persons in inferior rank, +were when he was engaged at the race-course at Newmarket, or when he found +that condescension might enable him to fleece some play-loving plebeian, +or when affairs of gallantry were concerned. In these matters no one could +be more condescending than Lord Spoonbill. We should leave but an +imperfect impression on the minds of our readers if we should omit to +speak of his lordship's outward and visible form. This was an essential +part of himself which he never neglected or forgot; and it should not be +neglected or forgotten by his historian. He was tall and slender, his face +was long, pale and thin, his forehead was narrow, his eyes large and dull, +his nose aquiline, his mouth wide, his teeth beautifully white and well +formed, and displayed far more liberally than many exhibitions in the +metropolis which are only "open from ten till dusk." His lips were thin, +but his whiskers were tremendously thick. Of his person he was naturally +and justly proud. Who ever possessed such a person and was not proud of it? + +_Colonel Crop_ was only Colonel Crop; he enjoyed the rank of colonel, and +that was all the rank that he could boast; he was tolerated at the castle; +he dined occasionally with his lordship; and occasionally partook of the +pleasure of shooting the birds which were cultivated on his lordship's +estate. In town, he patronised the countess' routs, and in the country he +was a companion for the earl, when not otherwise engaged. He was proud of +the earl's acquaintance, though he was not weak enough to suppose that he +was more than tolerated. The haughtiest of the great do sometimes pick up +such acquaintances as Colonel Crop, and they cannot easily get rid of them. + +We must pass over Peter Kipperson, an excellent whole-length portrait of a +man who makes a noise in these marching times, and show in _Sir George +Aimwell_, of Neverden Hall, Bart., who was descended from a long line of +illustrious ancestry, and was a wholesale poulterer, and one of the great +unpaid. Not that we mean by this expression to insinuate that the retail +poulterers did not pay him for what they had: we merely mean to say, that +the preserve-worshiping, springgun-setting, poacher-committing baronet +administered justice for nothing; and with reverence be it spoken, that +was quite as much as it was worth. The worthy baronet was a most active +magistrate, peculiarly acute in matters of summary conviction; and +thinking it a great pity that any rogue should escape, or that any accused, +but honest man, should lose an opportunity of clearing his character by +means of a jury of his fellow-countrymen, he never failed to commit all +that were brought before him. + +Sir George professed Whig politics; these were hereditary in his family, +but by no means constitutional in him as an individual. Therefore he +passed for a very moderate Whig; for one who would not clog the wheels of +government. In short, he was no more a Whig than a game preserver ought to +be; and that, as our readers know, is not much. He took especial pains to +keep the parish clear of vagrants and paupers; and by his great activity +he kept down the poor-rates to a moderate sum. Sir George, though a +professed Whig, was not very partial to the education of the lower orders, +and he always expressed himself well pleased when he met with a country +booby who could neither read nor write. For this reason Nick Muggins, the +postboy, was a great favourite with him. Our worthy baronet could not see +the use of reading, and he thought it a great piece of affectation for +country gentlemen to have libraries. His own books, for he had a few, were +huddled together in a light closet, where he kept his guns and sporting +tackle. There was a Lady Aimwell, wife to Sir George; but this lady was a +piece of still life, of whom the neighbours knew nothing, and for whom her +husband cared nothing. + +Everybody in the neighbourhood remembers the impressive admonition which +Sir George gave to an old man who was convicted at the quarter sessions of +having a bit of string in his pocket, and therefore strongly suspected of +a design of a malicious nature against the game. + +"John Carter," said the worthy baronet, "let me address to you a few +words on the sin of poaching. Poaching, John Carter--is--is a sin of which +too many are guilty, owing to the lenity of our most excellent laws. I +think that if everybody thought, as I think, of the moral heinousness of +this offence, nobody would be guilty of it. Poaching is not yet made +felony; but there is no saying how soon it may be made so, if the crime be +persisted in. It is a moral offence of the greatest enormity, and is one +of those crying, national sins, which may one day or other bring down the +vengeance of heaven on our guilty country. Now, John Carter, if you go to +gaol for six months, I hope the tread-mill and the chaplain will work a +thorough reformation in your morals." + +Of course the contact of Sir George with such a man as Kipperson, affords +great merriment: _ex. gr._ part of a dinner scene at Neverden Hall:-- + +Now Peter was a very literary man, who thought there was nothing worth +living for but science and literature; and having somewhere read that it +was impossible to take shelter in a shower of rain with such a man as +Burke, without discovering him to be a man of genius, Peter was desirous +of continually showing off, and was instant in season and out of season. +Therefore when sitting at the table of the worthy baronet, he assailed the +magistrate with various scientific subjects, but all to no purpose; there +was no response from his worthy host. Endeavouring to adapt himself to the +moderate talents and circumscribed reading of the baronet, he next started +the subject of novels and novel reading, taking care to insinuate that, +though Sir George might not read the trash of circulating libraries, he +might be acquainted with some of our best novels. To this at last the +baronet replied--"Oh, yes; I remember many years ago reading a novel +called Tom Jones, written by a Bow Street officer. I recollect something +about it--it was very low stuff--I forget the particulars, but it was +written in the manner of servants." + +Hereupon Mr. Peter Kipperson set it down as an indisputable fact that +baronets and magistrates were the most ignorant creatures on the face of +the earth, and he congratulated himself that neither he nor Sir Isaac +Newton were baronets. + +A scene between Lord Spoonbill and one of his victims, whom he meets in +his father's park, has some fine touches of remorse:-- + +Agitated by distracting thoughts, he stood at the park gate, gazing +alternately in different directions; and by the intensity of his feelings +was at last rivetted in an almost unconscious state of mind to the spot on +which he was standing. Suddenly his pulse beat quicker, and his heart +seemed to swell within him, when at a little distance he saw the dreaded +one approaching him. Had he seen her anywhere else his first impulse would +have been to avoid her; but here his truest and best policy was to submit +to an interview, however painful. Shall he meet her with kindness?-- +Shall he meet her with reproaches?--Shall he meet her with coldness? These +were inquiries rapidly passing through his mind as she drew nearer and +nearer. It was difficult for him to decide between cruelty and hypocrisy; +but the last was the most natural to him, so far as custom is a second +nature. + +The afflicted one moved slowly with her eyes fixed on the ground, and she +saw not her enemy till so near to him, that on lifting up her face and +recognising his well-known features, the sudden shock produced a slight +hysteric shriek. + +Lord Spoonbill was not so lost to all feeling of humanity as to be +insensible to the anguish of mind which she now suffered, who had once +regarded him as a friend, and had loved him, "not wisely, but too well." +He held out his hand to her with an unpremeditated look of kindness and +affection; and which, being unpremeditated, bore the aspect of sincerity. +The stranger at first hesitated, and seemed not disposed to accept the +offered hand; but she looked up in his face, and the blood mounted to her +cheeks and the tears stood in her eyes, and she gave him her hand, and +covered her face and wept bitterly. + +There are moments in which shameless profligates look foolish and feel +that they are contemptible. This was such a moment to Lord Spoonbill. He +was moved, and he was mortified that he was moved; and there was a general +feeling of confusion and perplexity in his mind. What could he say? or how +could he act? He began to stammer out something like gentleness, and +something like reproof. But she who stood before him was as an accusing +spirit, to whom apology was mockery, and repentance too late. + +In the first volume too, there is a successful satire on the changes of +sixteen years in the condition of the people of England--between Mr. +Primrose, who had been absent for that period, and the egregious Peter +Kipperson. It is quite in the _forte_ of the writer, and we regret that we +have not room to quote it at full length. + +Such are the only specimens which our limits enable us to present to the +reader; but we hope they will be sufficient to induce him to turn to the +work itself--and we doubt not--for his further gratification. Digressions +occur too frequently to suit the pioneering taste of a certain class of +readers; they may serve as resting-places in an intricate plot, but they +were not, on that account, wanted here. At the same time, they are +recommended by plain sense, knowledge of the world, shrewdness, and +harmless satire on the weak sides of our nature, and are therefore +_useful_; whilst their terseness and vivacity will free them from the +charge of dulness, or the sin of prosing. + + + * * * * * + +DIALOGUES ON FLY FISHING. + +_By Sir Humphry Davy._ + + +We continue our extracts from this "philosophical angler's" delightful +little book. The present will serve such as are unacquainted with the +mysteries of fly-fishing, and interest all who are fond of inquiries in +natural history. + + +_Management of Flies._ + +_Hal_--Whilst you are preparing I will mention a circumstance which every +accomplished fly-fisher ought to know. You changed your flies on Saturday +with the change of weather, putting the dark flies on for the bright +gleams of the sun, and the gaudy flies when the dark clouds appeared. Now +I will tell you of another principle which it is as necessary to know as +the change of flies for change of weather; I allude to the different kinds +of fly to be used in particular pools, and even for particular parts of +pools. You have fished in this deep pool; and if you were to change it for +a shallower one, such as that above, it would be proper to use smaller +flies of the same colour; and in a pool still deeper, larger flies; +likewise in the rough rapid at the top, a larger fly may be used than +below at the tail of the water; and in the Tweed, or Tay, I have often +changed my fly thrice in the same pool, and sometimes with success--using +three different flies for the top, middle, and bottom. I remember when I +first saw Lord Somerville adopt this fashion, I thought there was fancy in +it; but experience soon proved to me how accomplished a salmon-fisher was +my excellent and lamented friend, and I adopted the lesson he taught me, +and with good results, in all bright waters. + + +_Hooks._ + +_Hal_--I never use any hooks for salmon-fishing, except those which I am +sure have been made by O'Shaughnessy, of Limerick; for even the hooks made +in Dublin, though they seldom break, yet they now and then bend; and the +English hooks made of cast steel in imitation of Irish ones are the worst +of all. _There_ is a fly nearly of the same colour as that which is +destroyed; and I can tell you that I saw it made at Limerick by +O'Shaughnessy himself, and tied on one of his own hooks. Should you catch +with it a fish even of 30 lbs., I will answer for its strength and temper; +it will neither break nor bend.--We should have such hooks in England, but +the object of the fishing-tackle makers is to obtain them cheap, and most +of their hooks are made to sell, and good hooks cannot be sold but at a +good price.--The early Fellows of the Royal Society, who attended to all +the useful and common arts, even improved fish-hooks; and Prince Rupert, +an active member of that illustrious body, taught the art of tempering +hooks to a person of the name of Kirby, under whose name, for more than a +century, very good hooks were sold. + + +_Variety in Trout._ + +_Phys._--Tell us why they are so different from the river-trout, or why +there should be two species or varieties in the same water.--_Hal._ Your +question is a difficult one, and it has already been referred to in a +former conversation; but I shall repeat what I stated before, that +qualities occasioned by food, peculiarities of water, &c. are transmitted +to the offspring, and produce varieties which retain their characters as +long as they are exposed to the same circumstances, and only slowly lose +them. Plenty of good food gives a silvery colour and round form to fish, +and the offspring retain these characters. Feeding on shell-fish thickens +the stomach, and in many generations, probably, the gillaroo trout becomes +so distinct a variety, as to render it doubtful if it be not a distinct +species. Even these smallest salmon trout have green backs, _only_ black +spots, and silvery bellies; from which it is evident that they are the +offspring of lake trout, or _lachs forelle_, as it is called by the +Germans; whilst the river trout, even when 4 or 5 lbs., as we see in one +of these fish, though in excellent season, have red spots. + + +_Char._ + +_Phys._ The char[1] is a most beautiful and excellent fish, and is, of +course, a fish of prey. Is he not an object of sport to the angler?--_Hal. +_ They generally haunt deep, cool lakes, and are seldom found at the +surface till late in the autumn. When they are at the surface they will, +however, take either fly or minnow. I have known some caught in both these +ways; and have myself taken a char, even in summer, in one of those +beautiful, small, deep lakes in the Upper Tyrol, near Nazereit; but it was +where a cool stream entered from the mountain; and the fish did not rise, +but swallowed the artificial fly under water. I have fished for them in +many lakes, without success, both in England and Scotland, and also +amongst the Alps; and I am told the only sure way of taking them is by +sinking a line with a bullet, and a hook having a live minnow attached to +it, in the deep water which they usually haunt; and in this way, likewise, +I have no doubt the _umbla_, or _ombre chevalier_, might be taken. + + [1] _Sabling_ of the Germans. + + +_Naturalization of Fish._ + +_Hal._ At Lintz, on the Danube, I could have given you a fish dinner of a +different description, which you might have liked as a variety. The four +kinds of perch, the _spiegil carpfen_, and the _siluris glanis_; all good +fish, and which I am sorry we have not in England, where I doubt not they +might be easily naturalized, and where they would form an admirable +addition to the table in inland counties. Since England has become +Protestant, the cultivation of fresh water fish has been much neglected. +The _burbot_, or _lotte_, which already exists in some of the streams +tributary to the Trent, and which is a most admirable fish, might be +diffused without much difficulty; and nothing could be more easy than to +naturalize the _spiegil carpfen_ and _siluris_; and I see no reason why +the _perca lucio perca_ and _zingil_ should not succeed in some of our +clear lakes and ponds, which abound in coarse fish. The new Zoological +Society, I hope, will attempt something of this kind; and it will be a +better object than introducing birds and beasts of prey--though I have no +objection to any sources of rational amusement or philosophical curiosity. + + +_Conveying Fish._ + +_Phys._--In Austria, the art of carrying and keeping fish is better +understood than in England. Every inn has a box containing grayling, trout, +carp, or char, into which water from a spring runs; and no one thinks of +carrying or sending _dead_ fish for a dinner. A fish-barrel full of cool +water, which is replenished at every fresh source amongst these mountains, +is carried on the shoulders of the fisherman. And the fish, when confined +in wells, are fed with bullock's liver, cut into fine pieces, so that they +are often in better season in the tank or stew than when they were taken. +I have seen trout, grayling, and char even, feed voraciously, and take +their food almost from the hand. These methods of carrying and preserving +fish have, I believe, been adopted from the monastic establishments. At +Admondt, in Styria, attached to the magnificent monastery of that name, +are abundant ponds and reservoirs for every species of fresh water fish; +and the char, grayling, and trout are preserved in different waters-- +covered, enclosed, and under lock and key. + + + + * * * * * + +SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + * * * * * + + +PAROCHIAL HISTORIES. + + +We wonder why clergymen do not oftener write accounts of their parishes; +not mere statistical accounts, though these are most valuable, as witness +the contributions of the Scottish Clergy to the truly patriotic Sir John +Sinclair's work; but accounts comprehending every thing interesting to all +human beings, whatever be their political or religious creed. A +description of a church that has principally ceased to exist, is in +general very, very, very dry; inscriptions on tombstones, without comment, +or moral, are hard reading; an old pan dug up among rubbish proves a sore +affliction in the hands of the antiquary, and twenty pages quarto, with +plates, about a rusty spur without a rowel, is, in our humble opinion, an +abuse of the art of printing. But how easy--how pleasant, to mix up +together all sorts of information in due proportions into one whole, in +the shape of an octavo--epitomizing every kind of history belonging to the +parish, from peer's palace to peasant's hut! What are clergymen +perpetually about? Not always preaching and praying; or marrying, +christening, and burying people. They ought to tell us all about it; to +moralize, to poetize, to philosophize; to paint the manners living as they +rise, or dead as they fall; to take Time by the forelock, and measure the +marks of his footsteps; to show us the smoke curling up from embowered +chimneys; or, since woods must go down, to record the conquests of the +biting axe; to celebrate the raising of every considerable roof-tree, to +lament all dilapidations and crumbling away of ivied walls; to inform us +how many fathoms deep is the lake with its abbeyed island--why the pool +below the aged bridge gets shallower and shallower every year, so that it +can no more shelter a salmon--what are the sports, and games, and pastimes +of the parishioners--what books they read, if any--if the punishment of +the stocks be obsolete--or the stang--or the jougs--if the bowels of the +people yearn after strange doctrine--if the parish has produced any good +or great murderer, incendiary, or other criminal. In short, why might not +the history of each of the twenty or thirty thousand parishes of Great +Britain--we speak at random--be each a history of human nature, at once +entertaining and instructive? How infinitely better such books than +pamphlets on political economy, for example, now encumbering the whole +land! Nay, even than single sermons, or bundles of sermons, all like so +many sticks--strong when tied all together, but when taken separately, +weak and frush. We have no great opinion of county histories in general, +though we believe there are some goodish ones, from which we purpose, ere +long, to construct some superior articles. A county history, to be worth +much, should run from sixty to six hundred volumes. No library could well +stand that for many years. But a judicious selection might be made from +the thirty thousand parish histories--that would afford charming reading +to the largest family during the longest nights--in the intervals between +the Scotch Novels. Form the circle round the fire--when winter crimps and +freezes--or round the open bow-window, now that summer roasts and broils, +and get her whose voice is like a silver bell to read it up, right on from +beginning to end, only skipping a few lists of names now and then, and we +pledge our credit on the prediction, that you will be delighted as on a +summer ramble, now in sunlight and now in moonlight, over hill and dale, +adorned with towers, turrets, pinnacles of halls and churches, and the low +roofs,--blue or brown, slated or strawed.-- + + "Of huts where poor men lie!" + +_Blackwood's Magazine._ + + + + * * * * * + +THE GATHERER. + + "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + +IAMBICS. + + +Iambe was a servant-maid of Metanira, wife of Celeus, king of Eleusis, who +tried to exhilarate Ceres when she travelled over Attica in quest of her +daughter Proserpine. From the jokes and stories which she made use of, +free and satirical verses have been called _iambics_.--_Apollod_, i._c_. 5. +HALBERT. + + + * * * * * + +BISHOP AND NEGUS. + + +Two dustmen were lately disputing the difference between _bishop_ and +_negus_. "Don't you know?" said one of them; "I vonders at your ignorance-- +vy bishop is made all vine vithout no vater vatsomever; vereas negus is +made with vine and vater mixed--that's the difference, to be sure." + + + * * * * * + +POLITE EVIDENCE. + + +At the Wells assizes, the other day, a butcher's wife, in giving her +evidence, repeatedly turned towards the prisoner at the bar, and +designated him as "that gentleman!" The judge at last lost all patience, +and exclaimed, "Old woman, you are become quite offensive." This +exemplifies Steele's speaking of "sin as a fine gentleman." + + + * * * * * + + +Baron Garrow lately observed at Monmouth, that a respected friend of his, +in the city of London, would sign his name on the outside of letters, in +such a way as to defy the skill of every man in the court, even if +assisted by the greater sagacity of the other sex, in finding out what his +signature could possibly be meant for. The post-offices indeed, knew that +a certain number of straight strokes, up and down, meant W. Curtis; but +probably that was not because they could read the signature, but because +nothing else at all like it ever came there. + + + * * * * * + + +Dr. Solo, on hearing of the glorious victory obtained by Bolivar, was +determined that every bird and beast that he possessed should get drunk on +this glorious occasion. For this purpose he gave the horses, cows, pigs, +and poultry and birds as much juice of the sugar-cane as they could drink; +and it was very amusing to see the pigs jump about in the most frolicsome +manner.--_Hutchinson's Travels in Colombia._ + + + * * * * * + +BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE. + +In the _Album_ at the Bell Rock Light-House are the following lines by Sir +Walter Scott:-- + + +_Pharos Loquitur._ + + Far in the bosom of the deep, + O'er these wild shelves my watch I keep; + A ruddy gem of changeful light, + Bound on the dusky brow of night; + The seaman bids my lustre hail, + And scorns to strike his timorous sail. + +WALTER SCOTT. + + + * * * * * + +NEWSPAPER WONDERS. + + +Flights of wild ducks and geese, in numbers _sufficiently multitudinous to +darken the air_, have already migrated to the moors--a circumstance +scarcely existing in the memory of the oldest inhabitant at this period of +the year.--_Hereford Journal._ + + + * * * * * + + +A countryman, who was cutting wood near the falls of Niagara, on the 10th +of July, was attacked by a rattle-snake; in his terror he leaped across a +tremendous gulf, sixty-seven feet wide, and escaped unhurt!--_Charleston +Paper._ + + + * * * * * + + +The _Weedsport Advertiser_ (an American Journal) relates an incident which +had just occurred in the town of Cato, Cross Lake. A young man named +Stockwell, son of a widow woman of that name, living in the town, after +repeated threats to kill a favourite cat belonging to the house, in order +to vex his mother, at length undertook to carry them into execution. In +the morning he took the cat and started with her into the woods, telling +his youngest sister that he was going to destroy her. They were absent +until the afternoon, when the cat came home, _apparently looking_ as +though she had been in the water. The next morning the young man's clothes +were seen on the bank of Cross Lake, and in the water was found his body, +the face and shoulder dreadfully scratched, evidently by the cat in +struggling, so that little doubt existed that he was drowned in attempting +to destroy puss. All speculation on the matter, however, was set at rest +on the body being brought home, for the cat flew at the corpse, and could +with difficulty be kept off. + + + * * * * * + +IMPROMPTU ON RELIEVING A BEGGAR. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + + Take this, old man, thy looks bespeak thy need, + And pity never questions want and woe; + A bright-hair'd angel registers the deed + In heaven--the meed of charity below! + +H.M.L. + + + * * * * * + + +Rosamond's Labyrinth--We shall feel obliged by a call from the gentleman +who favoured us with the original of this engraving; or, if more +convenient, by a note enclosing his address. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11370 *** diff --git a/11370-h/11370-h.htm b/11370-h/11370-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..70b8000 --- /dev/null +++ b/11370-h/11370-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1596 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> + <head> + <meta name="generator" + content="HTML Tidy for Linux/x86 (vers 1st November 2002), see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>The Mirror of Literature, Issue 329.</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%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + .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;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 5em;} + .poem p.i14 {margin-left: 5em;} + .poem p.i16 {margin-left: 5em;} + .poem p.i18 {margin-left: 5em;} + + .figure + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img + {border: none;} + .figure p + .side { float:right; + font-size: 75%; + width: 25%; + padding-left:10px; + border-left: dashed thin; + margin-left: 10px; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + font-style: italic;} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> + </head> + + <body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11370 ***</div> + + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page129" name="page129"></a>[pg 129]</span> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" summary="Volume, Number, and Date"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 12. No. 329.</b></td> + + <td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1828.</b></td> + + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES.</h2> + + <div class="figure" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/329-001.png"><img width="100%" src="images/329-001.png" + alt="NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES." /></a> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>Who has journeyed on the Exeter road without noticing the town of STAINES, with + its host of antiquarian associations—as the <i>Stana</i> (Saxon) or London + Stone,<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a + href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> its ancient bridge, for the repair of which three + oaks out of Windsor Forest were granted by the crown in the year 1262, besides + <i>pontage</i> or temporary tolls previous to the year 1600.—Dr. Stukeley's + conjectures respecting the <i>Via Trinobantica</i> passing here—and the + <i>old</i> parish church, the situation of which appeared to denote the site of the + more ancient town of Staines. It is here too, that the tourist begins to imagine + himself <i>in rure</i>, after he has been whirled through the brick and mortar + avenues of <i>Kensington</i>, and <i>Hammersmith</i>, and the unsightly lane-street + of <i>Brentford</i>,<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a + href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> with all its cockney reminiscences of + equestrianism and election squabbles; <i>Hounslow</i> and its by-gone days of highway + notoriety and powder-mill and posting celebrity, and <i>Bedfont</i>, with its yew + trees tortured into peacock shapes, and the date 1704. Then, who does not recollect + and venerate the convivial celebrity of this route, its luxurious inns, and their + "thrones of human felicity;" along which Quin, Dr. Johnson or Shenstone could + scarcely have accomplished a stage a day!</p> + + <p>In our days, hundreds of London tourists breakfast at the <i>Bush</i>, although, + after sixteen miles' ride, their appetites do not require this stimulant any more + than do the glories of the <i>Bush</i> cellars after dinner.</p> + + <p>But we must pass on to the church. The <i>old</i> building was in the Gothic or + pointed style, with lancet windows, &c., but much disfigured by churchwardens' + repairs, although the great Inigo Jones is said to have built its square, brick + tower. At length, a considerable portion of this ancient structure fell in one Sunday + morning, during the service, but, as the newspapers say, "fortunately no lives were + lost." The inhabitants then resolved to rebuild nearly the whole, and the design of + Mr. J.B. Watson was adopted. The foundation stone was laid March 31, in the present + year, and the building is to be completed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page130" + name="page130"></a>[pg 130]</span> by Christmas next. The church is intended to + contain 1,100 persons. The length of the interior, 65 feet; width, 47 feet; height to + ceiling, 25 feet. The chancel is to be rebuilt at the expense of the impropriators. + The lower part of Inigo Jones's tower is to remain, and the whole is to be raised 23 + feet. These repairs, with the enclosure of the churchyard, will not exceed + 4,000<i>l</i>.; and the progress of the undertaking is highly creditable to the taste + and execution of all the parties concerned.</p> + + <p>As one act of public spirit generally leads to another, the erection of a new + stone bridge is projected at Staines; it is to be nearer the church than the present + bridge, and will afford a better view of the new structure. An elegant stone bridge + was erected here in 1796, but two of the piers sinking, the bridge was taken down, + and an iron one substituted; this failed, and has since been supported by wooden + piles and frame-work.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE SPECTRE'S VOYAGE.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>"There is a part of the river Wye, between the city of Hereford and the town of + Moss, which was distinguished and well known for upwards of two centuries, by the + appellation of the Spectre's Voyage; across which, so long as it retained that name, + neither entreaty nor remuneration could induce any boatman to convey passengers after + a certain hour of the night. The superstitious ideas current amongst the lower orders + of people were, that on every evening about the hour of eight, a beautiful female + figure was seen in a small vessel, sailing from Hereford to Northrigg, (a small + village about three miles distant,) with the utmost rapidity, against wind and tide, + or even in a dead calm—landed at the little village, returned, and vanished, + when arrived at a certain part of the river, where the current is remarkably strong, + about half a mile from the city of Hereford."</p> + + <p>—<i>Neele's Romance of History.</i> See MIRROR, vol. x, page 352.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bright shines the silver queen of night,</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon fair Wye's soft stream;</p> + + <p>Which throws a ray of heavenly light</p> + + <p class="i2">Reflected from her beam.</p> + + <p>Yet this smooth water, wide and clear,</p> + + <p class="i2">This scene of sweet repose;</p> + + <p>Erst filled the villagers with fear</p> + + <p class="i2">As ancient story goes.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Tis told us that in dead of night,</p> + + <p class="i2">(In days of yore long past)</p> + + <p>A skiff was seen compact and light,</p> + + <p class="i2">With sail, and oars, and mast.</p> + + <p>And in it sat the spectral form,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of a most beauteous maid;</p> + + <p>Who heeded neither wind nor storm,</p> + + <p class="i2">As she this voyage made.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nor heeded she the pelting rain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor winter's blinding snows;</p> + + <p>But to the destin'd spot amain,</p> + + <p class="i2">The scudding vessel goes;</p> + + <p>Or if so calm, the placid Wye,</p> + + <p class="i2">No wave was on its face,</p> + + <p>Yet onward did that light bark fly</p> + + <p class="i2">To reach the fated place.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When on the deck she was espied,</p> + + <p class="i2">Each trembled to behold;</p> + + <p>As on she sail'd 'gainst wind and tide,</p> + + <p class="i2">('Tis scarce believ'd when told)</p> + + <p>Then sail and oar were both applied,</p> + + <p class="i2">And swift the vessel flew;</p> + + <p>But where the man—who could abide</p> + + <p class="i2">That vessel to pursue?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ah! who could dare approach the spot</p> + + <p class="i2">Where Isabel did steer?</p> + + <p>That mariner existeth not,</p> + + <p class="i2">But did that phantom fear.</p> + + <p>Or where's the man whose courage bold,</p> + + <p class="i2">Could lend him strength one hour,</p> + + <p>To gaze upon that form so cold,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or place him in her power.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And when the spectral sail was spread,</p> + + <p class="i2">That flutter'd to and fro;</p> + + <p>The hair would bristle on each head,</p> + + <p class="i2">Which awful fear did show.</p> + + <p>And when the moon-beam seem'd to kiss,</p> + + <p class="i2">That dreaded maiden's brow;</p> + + <p>Something each knew would go amiss,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor judg'd such wrong, I trow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For tho' the form was wond'rous fair,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Twas terrible to view;</p> + + <p>And to avoid it was the care</p> + + <p class="i2">Of every vessel's crew.</p> + + <p>Full many a dismal tale was told,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of that fam'd spectre ship;</p> + + <p>And none were ever known so bold</p> + + <p class="i2">To watch this nightly trip.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Why did that troubled shade proceed</p> + + <p class="i2">Along that watery way?</p> + + <p>Or what the purpose, or the deed,</p> + + <p class="i2">Which caus'd her thus to stray?</p> + + <p>For good, or bad, did Isabel,</p> + + <p class="i2">Forsake her dreary grave?</p> + + <p>Or was't because she lov'd to sail</p> + + <p class="i2">On Wye's pellucid wave?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The spectre came to meet her dear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lord Hugh—the young and brave;</p> + + <p>When dreadful tidings met her ear,</p> + + <p class="i2">"He'd found a traitor's grave."</p> + + <p>When second Edward rul'd this land,</p> + + <p class="i2">(A wretched prince was he,)</p> + + <p>Of favourites he'd a numerous band,</p> + + <p class="i2">As worthless as could be.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Two noblemen amongst this set</p> + + <p class="i2">Were hated above all;</p> + + <p>And many were the lords who met,</p> + + <p class="i2">To work the Spencer's fall.</p> + + <p>Success attends these foe-men's strife,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lord Hugh is doom'd to die;</p> + + <p>And in his happiest hours of life,</p> + + <p class="i2">That precious life did fly.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>His manly form did never more,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bless Isabel's fond eyes;</p> + + <p>With him—the joys of life were o'er,</p> + + <p class="i2">For him—the maiden dies.</p> + + <p>Yet still the spirit fondly clings,</p> + + <p class="i2">To what in life has been,</p> + + <p>Thus Isabel, it nightly brings</p> + + <p class="i2">To this beloved scene.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page131" name="page131"></a>[pg 131]</span> + + <p>But when her feet have touch'd the ground,</p> + + <p class="i2">With silent, noiseless tread;</p> + + <p>No tender lover there is found,</p> + + <p class="i2">He's number'd with the dead.</p> + + <p>No more of love the tender strain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Falls on her list'ning ear,</p> + + <p>In life—her joy, was turn'd to pain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Her hope—gave place to fear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Tis then, that dread laments they hear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who pass by night that way;</p> + + <p>Which the scar'd traveller, so clear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hears till returning day;</p> + + <p>When re-embarks sad Isabel,</p> + + <p class="i2">That spectre shade so fair;</p> + + <p>Then dashing in the water's swell,</p> + + <p class="i2">She vanishes in air.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No trace remains in Sol's bright ray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of boat or awful spright;</p> + + <p>For grief—or guilt conceived by day,</p> + + <p class="i2">Conspicuous is at night.</p> + + <p>Thus Isabel's unearthly woe,</p> + + <p class="i2">Remain'd for many years;</p> + + <p>But as our superstitions go,</p> + + <p class="i2">So go unfounded fears</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>CAROLINE MAXWELL.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>HARVEST HOME.</h3> + + <h4><i>(To the Editor of the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>Sir,—Wishing to add to your numerous accounts of our local customs, I send + you a description of the manner of celebrating harvest home in Westmoreland.</p> + + <p>The farmers of Appleby, Kirby, Thore, and many of the neighbouring and low towns + thereabout, devote the last day of the harvest to mirth and festivity. The men + generally endeavour to get the corn all in pretty early in the day; and at the last + cart-load the horses are decked by the men with ears of corn and flowers and ribands; + and then the lasses' straw- bonnets, who, in return, perform the same compliments on + them. Thus they move on through the lanes and roads, till they reach the farm-yard, + shouting, "Harvest Home," and singing songs in their way. When they reach the + farm-yard, they set up an exulting shout, and ale is distributed to them by their + master. About nine o'clock, a supper is prepared for them in their master's house. A + wheat-sheaf is brought, and placed in the middle of the room, decorated with ribands + and flowers, and corn is hung in various parts of the room. The supper mostly + consists of some good old English dish, (of which there is plenty,) and the jolly + farmer presides at the head of the table. After the cloth is cleared, liquor in + abundance is brought forward, and the "president" sings, (not a <i>Non Nobis + Domine</i>,) but a good, true, mirth-stirring song, and then the <i>fun</i> + commences; singing and dancing alternately occupy the evening, and the bottle + circulates speedily, and the festival generally breaks up about midnight.</p> + + <p>Thus, Mr. Editor, is harvest home spent in that county, and I send you the only + account I can furnish of the harvest merriments, hoping some of your correspondents + will add to my little mite.</p> + + <p>W.H.H.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>STANZAS TO, AND IN ILLUSTRATION OF, A LANDSCAPE BY CLAUDE.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty, and divine repose!</p> + + <p>Art thou a dream? a vision from on high</p> + + <p>Unveiling Paradise? uncurt'ning those</p> + + <p>Supernal glories, Eden doth supply</p> + + <p>To glad immortals? o'er thee, ev'ning glows,</p> + + <p>Brilliant, as seraph's blush—pure as his breath—</p> + + <p>Smiling an antidote to tears and death!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty! (fancy could not dwell</p> + + <p>In lovelier, albeit her rainbow wings</p> + + <p>Fold, but in fairy-spheres) a living well</p> + + <p>Of sylvan joy art thou, whose thousand springs</p> + + <p>Gush, sinless, gladness, peace ineffable,</p> + + <p>And that luxuriousness of being, which</p> + + <p>Mocks eloquence: warm, holy, ruby, rich.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty! 'neath thy sun-ting'd shades,</p> + + <p>Beside thy lake, crystal in roseate light,</p> + + <p>Enam'ring music breathes: there, raptur'd maids</p> + + <p>In dances, with adoring youths unite;</p> + + <p>There, magic voices sigh in song; and glades</p> + + <p>With birds and blossoms, all but vital, seem</p> + + <p>Entranc'd, like hermit in divinest dream!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty! art thou but a ray</p> + + <p>Of intellect, emerg'd from one? and shrin'd,</p> + + <p>That thine immortal light may dim the day,</p> + + <p>Faint struggling thro' some lowlier, cloudier, mind:</p> + + <p>Dream of the painter-poet! oh! we'll say,</p> + + <p>Lur'd to ethereal musings by thy thrall,</p> + + <p>Tho' dream in part, no dream art thou in all!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>M.L.B</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>MARCH OF "IMPROVEMENT."</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>An old Subscriber has sent us the following <i>questions</i> on the improvement of + the metropolis, which we insert as a castle-building <i>jeu d'esprit</i> rather than + as a serious matter. They will, however, serve for the <i>committee of taste</i> to + crack after dinner, and give a zest for their <i>magna bona</i>.</p> + + <p>Ought not the new palace to have been built in the richest Gothic style, so as to + have deviated in appearance from every other edifice in the metropolis; and to have + been erected on the north bank of the Serpentine?—And, if the <i>dome</i> of + the present erection is not to be removed, cannot it be ornamented?—Or could + not the pediment, fronting the park, be raised another story, so as to hide it (the + dome) <span class="pagenum"><a id="page132" name="page132"></a>[pg 132]</span> from + that side?—Indeed, would not the palace be much improved by such an alteration? + I think if it be left as it is, when the wings are raised to the height of the body + of the palace, (though they are a wonderful improvement upon those first erected) the + whole will have a very flat appearance.—Are not the statues of Neptune, + &c., much too small, and the other ornaments, consisting of representations of + warlike implements, &c., much too heavy to look well?</p> + + <p>Is not the Borough a very improper place for the king's, or any other, + college?—Is it not the very mart of trade, and consequently ever noisy and in + confusion?—And what a magnificent improvement would its erection near + Westminster Abbey be to that ancient and very sumptuous pile. Could it not be erected + from Tothill Street, and extend towards Storey's Gate?—And should it not be + built in the Gothic style to correspond with the abbey? The seat of learning and + wisdom is in that neighbourhood (Westminster School, Houses of Parliament, Courts of + Justice, &c.); therefore it is the place best adapted for the erection of a + college. Ought not also those disgraceful erections close to the abbey's western + front, to be instantly removed?—And ought not the house of the dean, &c. to + be also rebuilt in the Gothic style, and extend from Tothill Street towards St. + John's church? I never see this abbey (the glory of London) without feeling utterly + disgusted at the surrounding objects. The great tower, also, should be erected in the + same style as the other two. But should not the council office, and Somerset House, + be finished before other works are begun?—Should not the interior of the dome + of St. Paul's be repainted and gilt, and the windows (particularly the three over the + altar) be of stained glass?—And should not the railing on the top of the dome + on the outside (which is much decayed) be replaced by railing made of the new metal + lately invented, which imitates brass, and does not tarnish?—Would not the + entrance for the public, from Piccadilly into St. James's Park, be much better two or + three yards from the new royal archway, as it will be very likely to be injured by + people passing so near it?</p> + + <p>Would not a Swiss cottage and a Chinese temple very materially improve the + appearance of the islands in St. James's Park; and two or three vessels upon that + water, and the Serpentine in Hyde Park, also add very much to the effect?—Would + a tower, surrounded by a railing, as the monument, and surmounted by a statue of + George III. (looking with surprise to see what his son had done), or Canning, or + Byron, be a proper sort of monument as a tribute to their memories; and to be erected + in the centre of the Regent's Park? Oh! what a prospect would its summit command! + Would not magnificent baths for males and females, erected on either side of Waterloo + Place, and to be supplied from the new fountain, be a great addition to the beauty + and comfort of this great city.</p> + + <p>These additions, alterations, and improvements, ought to be made now; and I doubt + not, in the course of time, all warehouses will be removed from the banks of the + Thames, above Blackfriars' Bridge, and that streets will run by the waterside as at + Dublin. Also the time will come when the houses round St. Paul's will be pulled down + and rebuilt in the Grecian style of architecture to correspond with the cathedral + (the wonder of England), and be re-erected at a much greater distance from it.</p> + + <p>I would also ask, "should not the chimney pots upon the palaces in Regent Street, + &c. be of a slate colour?—Should not all tiles be painted of the same + colour? (slate.)—Should not the names of streets be more particularly attended + to?"</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>INTRODUCTION OF SILK INTO EUROPE.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>The frequency of open hostilities between the Emperor of Constantinople and the + monarchs of Persia, together with the increasing rivalry of their subjects in the + trade with India, gave rise to an event which produced a considerable change in the + silk trade. As the use of that article, both in dress and furniture, became more + general in the court of the Greek emperors, who imitated and surpassed the sovereigns + of Asia in splendour and magnificence; and as China, in which, according to the + concurring testimony of oriental writers, the culture of silk was originally known, + <i>(Herlelot. Biblioth. Orient.)</i>, still continued to be the only country which + produced that valuable commodity; the Persians improving the advantages which their + situation gave them over the merchants from the Arabian Gulf, supplanted them in all + the marts of India, to which silk was brought by sea from the east. Having it + likewise in their power to molest or to cut off the caravans, which, in order to + procure a supply for the Greek empire, travelled by land to China through the + northern provinces of their kingdom, they entirely engrossed that branch of commerce. + Constantinople was obliged to depend on the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page133" + name="page133"></a>[pg 133]</span> rival power for an article which luxury reserved + and desired as essential to elegance. The Persians, with the usual rapacity of + monopolists, raised the price of silk to such an exorbitant height, that the Emperor + Justinian eager, not only to obtain a full and certain supply of a commodity which + was become of indispensible use, but solicitous to deliver the commerce of his + subjects from the exactions of his enemies, endeavoured, by means of his ally, the + christian monarch of Abyssinia, to wrest some portion of the silk trade from the + Persians. In this attempt he failed; but when he least expected it, he, by an + unforeseen event, attained in some measure (A.D. 55.) the object which he had in + view. Two Persian monks having been employed as missionaries to some christian + churches which were established (as we are informed by Cosmas) in different parts of + India, had penetrated into the country of the Seres, or China. There they observed + the labours of the silk-worm, and became acquainted with all the arts of men in + working up its productions into such a variety of elegant fabrics. The prospect of + gain, or perhaps an indignant zeal excited by seeing this lucrative branch of + commerce engrossed by unbelieving nations, prompted them to repair to Constantinople. + There they explained to the emperor the origin of silk, as well as the various modes + of preparing and manufacturing it—mysteries hitherto unknown, or very + imperfectly understood in Europe, and encouraged by his liberal promises, they + undertook to bring to the capital a sufficient number of those wonderful insects to + whose labours man is so much indebted. This they accomplished by conveying the eggs + of the silk-worm in a hollow cane. They were hatched by the heat of a dunghill; fed + with the leaves of a wild mulberry-tree, and they multiplied and worked in the same + manner as in those climates where they first became objects of human attention and + care. Vast numbers of these insects were soon reared in different parts of Greece, + particularly in the Peloponnesus. Sicily afterwards undertook to breed silk-worms + with equal success, and was imitated from time to time in several towns of Italy. In + all these places extensive manufactures were established and carried on with silk of + domestic production. The demand for silk from the East diminished, of course. The + subjects of the Greek emperors were no longer obliged to have recourse to their + enemies, the Persians, for a supply of it; and a considerable change took place in + the nature of the commercial intercourse between Europe and India.</p> + + <p>Before the introduction of the silk-worm into Europe, and as often as its + production is mentioned by the Greek and Roman authors, they had not, for several + centuries after the use of it became common, any certain knowledge either of the + countries to which they were indebted for this favourite article of elegance, or the + manner in which it was produced, By some, silk was supposed to be a fine down + adhering to the leaves of trees or flowers; others imagined it to be a delicate + species of wool or cotton; and even those who had learned that it was the work of an + insect, show by their description that they had no distinct idea of the manner in + which it was formed. A circumstance concerning the traffic of silk among the Romans + merits observation. Contrary to what usually takes place in the operations of trade, + the more general use of that commodity seems not to have increased the quantity + imported in such proportion as to answer the growing demand for it; and the price of + silk was not reduced during the course of 250 years from the time of its being first + known in Rome. In the reign of Aurelian it still continued to be valued at its weight + in gold. (See Robertson's <i>History of India</i>.)</p> + + <p>It is a singular circumstance in the history of silk, that, on account of its + being an exertion of a worm, the Mahomedans consider it as an unclean dress, and it + has been decided with the unanimous assent of all their doctors, that a person + wearing a garment made entirely of silk cannot lawfully offer up the daily prayers + enjoined by the Koran. <i>(Herbel. Bibl. Orient.)</i> C.V.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>LADIES' FASHIONS.</h3> + + <h4><i>(To the Editor of the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>If you think the following observations conformable to the plan of your useful and + entertaining publication, perhaps you may be induced to give them a place, or notice + the subject I have in view, in some other way.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the host of publications periodically issuing from the press, + independent of the incalculable list of newspapers and reviews; and though the rage + for periodicals is so great, that a single event will give rise to one, yet there + does not appear to me to be any thing like those works which used to amuse and + instruct our great grandfathers. I mean the "Spectator," "Tatler," and others, whose + influence extends to the present day, and which are continually affording pleasure to + cultivated minds by the soundness of their doctrines, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page134" name="page134"></a>[pg 134]</span> aided by the extensive knowledge of + human nature that the authors display throughout. But as they are now become standard + works, they are not so capable of "shooting folly as it flies," and being as it were + aged in the service, can only have a proper effect when folly will stand still to + listen to them; but as that is, in most instances, out of the question, we want + something more active, or in other words, something new; and novelty being the order + of the day, attention is thereby excited, and the follies and extravagances of the + "age," may possibly have some advantageous pruning.</p> + + <p>Caricatures, whether exhibited in pantomimes or print shops, (though often got up + for any other purpose than instruction) are not sufficient; they are too ridiculous, + though sometimes not devoid of humour, instance the picture of a lady striving + ineffectually to make a way through Temple Bar, but is prevented by the enormous size + of her bonnet, which shows likewise that this extravagance in dress is not confined + to the west end. But as these things are only laughed at, some other means ought to + be adopted; and I should think myself extremely fortunate if I could be the humble + means of inducing you, or your correspondents, to take the matter in hand.</p> + + <p>Certainly not the least to be deprecated are the "ladies' present dresses;" the + extravagances of which are not confined to the head, but are exhibited also all down + the arm (not unaptly likened to series of balloons) and are also, in most instances, + by some unusual "bustling," equally absurd. I wonder what would be said by Mr. + Addison, were he to witness the present fashions. He would certainly think that all + the care he took to keep the fair sex in order was in vain; and though enormous head + dresses were not in vogue in his time, he seems to have anticipated that they would + be, by his recommending the perusal of his 98th paper of the "Spectator" to his + female readers by way of prevention, but which, alas! has not been studied with the + attention it merits. Probably the transcription of one passage will not be misapplied + here:—</p> + + <p>He says, "I would desire the fair sex to consider how impossible it is for them to + add any thing that can be ornamental to what is already the masterpiece of nature. + The head has the most beautiful appearance, as well as the highest station, in a + human figure. Nature has laid out all her art in beautifying the face; she has + touched it with vermilion, planted in it a double row of ivory, made it the seat of + smiles and blushes, lighted it up and enlivened it with the brightness of the eyes, + hung it on each side with curious organs of sense, given it airs and graces that + cannot be described, and surrounded it with such a flowing shade of hair as sets all + its beauties in the most agreeable light. In short she seems to have designed the + head as the cupola to the most glorious of her works; and when we load it with such a + pile of supernumerary ornaments, we destroy the symmetry of the human figure, and + foolishly contrive to call off the eye from great and real beauties to childish + gew-gaws, ribbons, and bone-lace."</p> + + <p>Womankind, Mr. Editor, I do not believe, are naturally vain; but as they were made + for us and for our comfort, it is natural that they should endeavour to gain our + esteem; but they carry their endeavours too far; by straining to excite attention + they overstep the mark, become vain and coquetish, one strives to outdo another, + others say they must do as other women do, and they thus make themselves ridiculous + unknowingly. It is really painful to see a woman of sense and education become a + slave to the tyranny of fashion—and injuring both body and mind—and it + is, I think, an insult to a man of understanding to endeavour to excite his attention + by any such peculiarities.</p> + + <p>Having now generally stated the subject that I should wish to be taken up by abler + hands than mine, I will conclude by recommending all your town-bred, and coquetish + ladies to study and restudy a letter signed "Mary Home," in No. 254 of the excellent + work before alluded to, "The Spectator." —H.M—. <i>Great Surrey Street, + Aug. 1828</i>.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF SMITHFIELD.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>Stowe, in his "Survey of London," 1633, says, "Then is Smithfield Pond, which of + (old time) in records was called Horsepoole, for that men watered horses there, and + was a great water. In the 6th of Henry V. a new building was made in the west part of + Smithfield, betwixt the said poole and the river of Wels, or Turne-mill-brooke, in a + place then called the Elms, for that there grew many elme-trees, and this had been + the place of execution for offenders. Since the which time, the building there hath + been so increased, that now remaineth not one tree growing. In the yeere 1357, the + 31st of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page135" name="page135"></a>[pg 135]</span> + Edward III., great and royall justs were then holden in Smithfield, there being + present the kings of England, France, and Scotland, with many other nobles, and great + estates of divers lands. In the yeere 1362, the 36th of Edward III., on the first + five daies of May, in Smithfield, were justs holden, the king and queene being + present, with the most part of the chivalry of England and of France and of other + nations; to which came Spaniards, Cyprians, and Armenians, knightly requesting ayde + of the king of England against the Pagans, that invaded their confines. The 48th of + Edward III., Dame Alice Perrers, or Pierce, (the king's concubine,) as lady of the + Sunne, rode from the Tower of London through Cheape, accompanied of many lords and + ladies, every lady leading a lord by his horse bridle, till they came into West + Smithfield, and then began a great just, which endured seven daies after.—In + the 14th of Richard II., royal justs and turnements were proclaimed to be done in + Smithfield, to begin on Sunday next, after the feast of Saint Michael; many strangers + came forth of other countries, namely, Valarian, Earle of St. Paul, that had married + King Richard's sister, the Lady Maud Courtney; and William, the young Earle of + Ostervant, son to Albert of Baviere, Earle of Holland and Henault. At the day + appointed, there issued forth at the Tower, about the third houre of the day, 60 + coursers, apparelled for the justs, upon every one an esquire of honour riding a soft + pace; then came forth 60 ladies of honour, mounted upon palfraies, riding on the one + side, richly apparelled, and every lady led a knight with a chain of gold; those + knights, being on the king's party, had their armour and apparell garnished with + white harts, and crownes of gold about the harts' neckes; and so they came riding + through the streets of London to Smithfield, with a great number of trumpets, &c. + The kinge and the queene, who were lodged in the bishop's palace of London, were come + from thence, with many great estates, and placed in chambers, to see the justs. The + ladies that led the knights were taken down from their palfraies, and went up to + chambers prepared for them. Then alighted the esquires of honour from their coursers, + and the knights in good order mounted upon them; and after their helmets were set on + their heads, and being ready in all points, proclamation made by the heralds, the + justs began, and many commendable courses were runne, to the great pleasure of the + beholders. The justs continued many days with great feastings, as ye may reade in + <i>Froisard</i>," &c. &c.</p> + + <p>Smithfield, says Pennant, "was also the spot on which accusations were decided by + duel, derived from the Kamp-fight ordeal of the Saxons. I will only (says Mr. P.) + mention an instance. It was when the unfortunate armourer entered into the lists, on + account of a false accusation of treason, brought against him by his apprentice, in + the reign of Henry VI. The friends of the defendant had so plied him with liquor, + that he fell an easy conquest to his accuser. Shakspeare has worked this piece of + history into a scene, in the second part of <i>Henry VI</i>., but has made the poor + armourer confess his treasons in his dying moments; for in the time in which this + custom prevailed, it never was even suspected but that guilt must have been the + portion of the vanquished. When people of rank fought with sword and lance, plebeian + combatants were only allowed a pole, armed with a heavy sand-bag, with which they + were to decide their guilt or innocence. In Smithfield were also held our + autos-de-fee; but to the credit of our English monarchs, none were ever known to + attend the ceremony. Even Philip II. of Spain never honoured any, of the many which + were celebrated by permission of his gentle queen, with his presence, notwithstanding + he could behold the roasting of his own subjects with infinite self-applause and + <i>sang-froid</i>. The stone marks the spot, in this area, on which those cruel + exhibitions were executed. Here our martyr <i>Latimer</i> preached patience to friar + <i>Forest</i>, agonizing under the torture of a slow fire, for denying the king's + supremacy; and to this place our martyr <i>Cranmer</i> compelled the amiable + <i>Edward</i>, by forcing his reluctant hand to the warrant, to send <i>Joan + Bocher</i>, a silly woman, to the stake. Yet <i>Latimer</i> never thought of his own + conduct in his last moments; nor did <i>Cranmer</i> thrust his hand into the fire for + a real crime, but for one which was venial, through the frailty of human nature. Our + gracious Elizabeth could likewise burn people for religion. Two Dutchmen, + Anabaptists, suffered in this place in 1675, and died, as Holinshed sagely remarks, + with "roring and crieing." But let me say, (says Pennant,) that this was the only + instance we have of her exerting the blessed prerogative of the writ <i>De Haeretico + comburendo</i>. Her highness preferred the halter; her sullen sister faggot and fire. + Not that we will deny but Elizabeth made a very free use of the terrible act of her + 27th year. One hundred and sixty-eight suffered in her reign, at London, York, in + Lancashire, and several other parts of the kingdom, convicted of being priests, <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page136" name="page136"></a>[pg 136]</span> of harbouring + priests, or of becoming converts. But still there is a balance of 109 against us in + the article persecution, and that by the agonizing death of fire; for the smallest + number estimated to have suffered under the savage Mary, amounts, in her short reign, + to 277. The last person who suffered at the stake in England was Bartholomew Logatt, + who was burnt here in 1611, as a blasphemous heretic, according to the sentence + pronounced by John King, bishop of London. The bishop consigned him to the secular of + our monarch James, who took care to give the sentence full effect. This place, as + well as Tybourn, was called <i>The Elms</i>, and used for the execution of + malefactors even before the year 1219. In the year 1530, there was a most severe and + singular punishment inflicted here on one John Roose, a cook, who had poisoned 17 + persons of the Bishop of Rochester's family, two of whom died, and the rest never + recovered their health. His design was against the pious prelate Fisher, who at that + time resided at Rochesterplace, Lambeth. The villain was acquainted with the cook, + and, coming into the bishop's kitchen, took an opportunity, while the cook's back was + turned to fetch him some drink, to fling a great quantity of poison into the gruel, + which was prepared for dinner for the bishop's family, and the poor of the parish. + The good bishop escaped. Fortunately, he that day abstained from food. The humility + and temperance of that good man are strongly marked in this relation, for he partook + of the same ordinary food with the most wretched pauper. By a retrospective law, + Roose was sentenced to be boiled to death, which was done accordingly. In Smithfield, + the arch-rebel, Wat Tyler, met with, in 1381, the reward of his treason and + insolence."</p> + + <p>Smithfield<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a + href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> is at present celebrated, and long since, for + being the great market for cattle of all kinds, and likewise for being the place + where Bartholomew fair is held, alias the <i>Cockneys' Saturnalia</i>, which was + granted by Henry II. to the neighbouring priory.</p> + + <p>P.T.W.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE ANECDOTE GALLERY.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE ANDALUSIAN ASS.</h3> + + <p>A gay lieutenant of the Spanish Royal Guards, known by the name of Alonzo Beldia, + became violently enamoured of the beautiful Carlotta Pena, the eldest daughter of a + reputable gunsmith, whose humble habitation adjoined the vast cemetery of Valencia, + and whom Beldia had casually seen at a public entertainment given in that good + city.</p> + + <p>Alonzo was affable and extremely complaisant, though an egotist and somewhat + loquacious; but nature had, nevertheless, bestowed upon him a prepossessing exterior + with an enviable pair of jet black whiskers, and the most expressive eyes; he could + sing a <i>tonadilla</i> divinely; dance the <i>fandango</i> with inimitable grace; + and "strike the light guitar" with unparalleled mastery. He was, in truth, an + accomplished man of pleasure, and by his gallantry he subdued the tender hearts of + many fair daughters of Ferdinand's domains.</p> + + <p>On a dark night in the month of December, just as Alonzo had played one of his + bewitching airs, with his wonted execution, and was engaged, in converse sweet, with + the enraptured Carlotta, an extraordinary and seemingly supernatural noise suddenly + proceeded from a distant part of the hallowed ground where Alonzo sacrificed at the + shrine of love. Jesu Maria! exclaimed the terrified damsel, what, in the name of + heaven, can it be? ere the silvery tones of her sweet voice had reached the ears of + the petrified Alonzo, the "iron tongue" of the cathedral clock announced the hour of + midnight, and the solemn intonation of its prodigious bell instilled new horrors into + the confused minds of the affrighted lovers. The brave, the royal Alonzo heard not + the voice of his enchanting dulcinea; he, poor fellow, with difficulty supported his + trembling frame against an ancient <i>memento mori</i>, which reared its tristful + crest within a whisper of the lattice of the lovely Carlotta. Large globules of + transparent liquid adorned his pallid brow, and his convulsed knees sought each other + with mechanical solicitude. It was a moment pregnant with the gravest misery to poor + Alonzo; not a star was seen to enliven the murky night, and the wind whistled most + lugubriously. He was in a state of insensibility, and would have fallen to the cold + earth, but luckily for the valiant youth, the melodious voice of the enchanting girl + again breathed the tenderest hopes for the safety of her adored Alonzo. He sprang + upon his legs and drew a pistol from his girdle, which he discharged with unerring + aim at the dreaded goblin. A horrible groan followed this murderous act, which was + succeeded by a confused noise, and a solemn silence ensued! "It's vanished, Carlotta! + I have hurried the intruding demon to the nether world!" exclaimed the valorous + guardsman. "Heavens be praised," cried the superstitious girl, <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page137" name="page137"></a>[pg 137]</span> "but hasten, my + love—quit this spot directly—my father has alarmed his people—away, + away!"</p> + + <p>The worthy maker of guns approached the scene of carnage, accompanied by the + inmates of his dwelling, with rueful countenances, illumined by tapers, when the + cause of their disquietude was soon discovered. No apparition or sprite forsooth, but + a full grown <i>donkey</i> of the Andalusian breed, lay weltering in gore, yet warm + with partial life! By timely liberality the valorous Alonzo escaped detection, though + the heroic deed is still remembered in merry Valencia, and often cited as an instance + of glorious (?) <i>chivalry</i>.</p> + + <p>GRADIVUS.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>IMPROVED SAFETY LAMP.</h3> + + <div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/329-009.png"><img width="50%" src="images/329-009.png" + alt="IMPROVED SAFETY LAMP." /></a> + </div> + + <p>Mr. Dillon has lately introduced to the notice of the scientific world, an + improvement upon the <i>Safety Lamp</i> of Sir Humphry Davy, which appears to us of + sufficient interest for illustration in our columns. As the <i>Davy Lamp</i> is too + well known to need special description here, it will be merely necessary to allude to + the principle of the invention, in order to point out Mr. Dillon's improvement.</p> + + <p>He maintains, in opposition to Sir Humphry Davy, that the Davy lamp acts by its + heat and rarefaction, and not from Sir H. Davy's theory, that flame is cooled by a + wire-gauze covering. He shows, by a simple experiment, that the Davy lamp is not safe + in a current of hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas, and that many lives may have + been lost from the confidence of miners in its perfect safety. A current of hydrogen + or carburetted hydrogen gas steadily directed on the flame of the lamp from a bladder + and stopcock, <i>by cooling the wire gauze</i>, brings the flame of the lamp through + the gauze to the mouth of the stopcock, (even should there be six folds of gauze + intervening.) He shows also, by immersing the lamp, when cold and newly lighted, into + a jar of dense hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas, or an explosive mixture with + atmospheric air, that explosion takes place inside and outside of the lamp; whereas, + when the lamp has burnt sufficiently long to heat the wire gauze, no explosion takes + place on the outside of the lamp. These experiments appear incontrovertible in + support of his theory, which is, "<i>that the wire gauze is merely the rapid receiver + and the retainer of heat, and that it is the caloric in its meshes which prevents the + flame of the lamp from being fed by the oxygen of the atmosphere on the + outside</i>."</p> + + <p>The experiments of Libri, showing that flame is inflected by metallic rods, and + that "when two flames are made to approach each other, there is a mutual repulsion, + although their proximity increases the temperature of each, instead of diminishing + it," support Mr. Dillon's theory—the inflection being occasioned by the + rarefaction of the air between the rod and the flame, the latter seeking for oxygen + to support it in a denser medium, the two flames repelling each other for the same + reason, and not from any mysterious and "repulsive effect of the wires of the gauze + tissue." Mr. Dillon increases the heat of the lamp, and places on it a shield of talc + to protect it from a current, and, upon his theory, the shafts or workings of iron + and coal mines may be lighted with gas with perfect safety, protecting the flame with + wire gauze and a circular shield of talc.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>EPITAPH ON A FRENCH SCOLD.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ci git ma femme; ah! qu'il est bien</p> + + <p>Pour son repos et pour le mien.</p> + </div> + </div> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page138" name="page138"></a>[pg 138]</span> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF <i>NEW WORKS</i>.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h4>PENELOPE, OR LOVE'S LABOUR LOST.</h4> + + <p>This is one of the most deservedly attractive novels of the past season; and the + good sense with which it abounds, ought to insure it extensive circulation. It has + none of the affectation or presumptuousness of "fashionable" literature; but is at + once a rational picture of that order of society to which its characters belong, and + a just satire on the <i>superior</i> vices of the wealthy and the great. The author + is evidently no servile respecter of either of the latter classes, for which reason, + his work is the more estimable, and is a picture of <i>real</i> life, whereas fashion + at best lends but a disguise, or artificial colouring to the actions of men, and thus + renders them the less important to the world, and less to be depended on as scenes + and portraitures of human character. The former will, however, stand as lasting + records of the men and manners of the age in which they were drawn, whilst the + latter, being in their own day but caricatures of life, will, in course of time, fade + and lose their interest, and at length become levelled with the mere ephemera, or + day-flies of literature. It is true that novel-writing has, within the last sixteen, + or eighteen years, attained a much higher rank than it hitherto enjoyed; but it + should be remembered that this superiority has not been grounded in mawkish records + of the fashionable follies of high life, such as my Lord Duke, or my Lady Bab, might + indite below stairs, for the amusement of those in the drawing-room; on the contrary, + it was founded in portraits and pictures of human nature, strengthened by historical, + or matter-of-fact interest, and stripped of the trickery of fancy and romance; + whereas, the chronicles of fashion are little better than the vagaries of an + eccentric few, who bear the same proportion to the general mass of society, that the + princes, heroes, and statesmen of history do to the whole world. This is a fallacy of + which thousands of Bath and Cheltenham novel-readers are not yet aware, and which the + listless <i>Dangles</i> of Brighton and Margate have yet to learn, ere they can hope + to arrive at a correct estimate of human nature; but to such readers we cordially + recommend <i>Penelope</i> as the best corrective we can prescribe for the bile of + fashionable prejudice, or the nausea arising from overstrained fiction, modified as + it is to the romance of real life.</p> + + <p><i>Penelope</i> has, however, one of the failings common to fashionable novels. + Its plot is weak and meagre—but it is still simple and natural, and has not + borrowed any of those adventitious aids to which we have alluded above. It bears + throughout an air of probability, untinctured by romance, and has the strong impress + of truth and fidelity to nature. Sketchy and vivacious, always humorous and sometimes + witty; it has many scenes and portraits, which in terseness and energy, will compare + with any of its predecessors; and occasionally there are touches of genuine sentiment + which seize on the sympathies of the reader with more than common effect. The + incidents of the narrative do not present many opportunities for these displays of + the writer's talent, and we cannot refrain from thinking that their more frequent + introduction would have increased the success of the work—that is, if we may be + allowed to judge from the specimens with which the author has here favoured us.</p> + + <p>But we are getting somewhat too critical, and consequently as much out of our + element as modern aeronauts, who are no sooner in the air than they seem to think of + their descent. We shall not, however, impair the pleasure of the reader by giving him + a foretaste of the whole plot of <i>Penelope</i>; but we shall rather confine + ourselves to a few portrait-specimens of characters, whose <i>drawing</i> will, we + hope, <i>attract</i> the general reader; presuming, as we do, that its claims to his + attention will be found to outweigh dozens of the scandalous chronicles of high + fashion. We are not told whether the parties ate with silver or steel forks, or + burned wax or tallow; but those characters must be indeed poorly drawn which do not + enable the reader to satisfy himself about such trifles, allowing that he thinks them + worth his study.</p> + + <p>An outline of the characters may not be unacceptable. The scene lies principally + in the villages of Neverden and Smatterton; and between their rectors Dr. Greendale + and Mr. Darnley, and their families; the Earl of Smatterton, of Smatterton Hall; Lord + Spoonbill, his son; Sir George Aimwell, of Neverden Hall; <i>Penelope Primrose</i>, + the heroine, who is placed by her father under the care of Dr. Greendale, whilst Mr. + Primrose seeks to repair his fortune in the Indies; and Robert Darnley, Penelope's + suitor, also for sometime in the Indies, who is thwarted in his views by Lord + Spoonbill, and a creature named colonel Crop, &c.</p> + + <p>In the early part of the narrative, Dr. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page139" + name="page139"></a>[pg 139]</span> Greendale dies, and Penelope is removed from + Smatterton to London, where she is to be brought out as a singer, under the patronage + of the Countess of Smatterton, and Spoonbill is first struck with her charms, and + resolves to frustrate his absent rival.</p> + + <p>The roguery of a postboy named Nick Muggins, who is employed by the noble suitor + to intercept letters, and the aid of Crop, who acts as a sort of go-between, are put + in requisition for this purpose; but the villany of the latter is finely defeated in + his mistaking a silly, forward girl, Miss Glossop, for Penelope, and accordingly + prevailing on her to elope with him to Lord Spoonbill's villa, where the blunder is + soon discovered by his lordship, who in return is horsewhipped by the father of Miss + Glossop; and Darnley and Penelope are eventually married.</p> + + <p>There are two or three adjuncts, as Peter Kipperson, a "march of intellect" man, + Erpingham, one of Spoonbill's companions in debauchery, Ellen Fitzpatrick, one of his + victims, Dr. Greendale's successor, Charles Pringle; and Zephaniah Pringle, a + literary coxcomb of the first order.</p> + + <p>The portrait of Dr. Greendale is of high finish—full of the truth and + amiability of the Christian character—one who regarded the false distinctions + of society in their proper light, and knew how to set a right value upon the + influence of good example, and who was "loved and respected for the steadiness and + respectability of his character; for the integrity, purity, simplicity, and sincerity + of his life." At the same time, the doctor is finely contrasted with his wife, who + possessed the common failing of paying homage to her illustrious neighbours to obtain + their notice and patronage, and who felt flattered by a collateral branch of the + Smattertons accepting an invitation to her table. Of the <i>heroine</i>, we quote the + author's outline:—</p> + + <p><i>Penelope Primrose</i> exceeded the middle stature, that her dark blue eyes were + shaded by a deep and graceful fringe, that her complexion was somewhat too pale for + beauty, but that its paleness was not perceptible as a defect whenever a smile + illumined her countenance, and developed the dimples that lurked in her cheek and + underlip. Her features were regular, her gait exceedingly graceful, and her voice + musical in the highest degree. Seldom, indeed, would she indulge in the pleasure of + vocal music, but when she did, as was sometimes the case to please the Countess of + Smatterton, her ladyship, who was a most excellent judge, used invariably to + pronounce Miss Primrose as the finest and purest singer that she had ever heard.</p> + + <p>The character of Lord Spoonbill is struck out with singular felicity and + spirit:—</p> + + <p>Lord Spoonbill was not one of those careless young men who lose at the university + what they have gained at school; one reason was, that he had little or nothing to + lose; nor was his lordship one of those foolish people who go to a university and + study hard to acquire languages which they never use, and sciences which they never + apply in after-life. His lordship had sense enough to conclude that, as the nobility + do not talk Greek, he had no occasion to learn it; and as hereditary legislators have + nothing to do with the exact sciences, it would be a piece of idle impertinence in + him to study mathematics. But his lordship had heard that hereditary legislators did + occasionally indulge in other pursuits, and for those pursuits he took especial care + to qualify himself. In his lordship's cranium, the organ of exclusiveness was + strongly developed. We do not mean that his head was so constructed internally, as to + exclude all useful furniture, but that he had a strong sense of the grandeur of + nobility and the inseparable dignity which attaches itself to the privileged orders. + The only instances in which he condescended to persons in inferior rank, were when he + was engaged at the race-course at Newmarket, or when he found that condescension + might enable him to fleece some play-loving plebeian, or when affairs of gallantry + were concerned. In these matters no one could be more condescending than Lord + Spoonbill. We should leave but an imperfect impression on the minds of our readers if + we should omit to speak of his lordship's outward and visible form. This was an + essential part of himself which he never neglected or forgot; and it should not be + neglected or forgotten by his historian. He was tall and slender, his face was long, + pale and thin, his forehead was narrow, his eyes large and dull, his nose aquiline, + his mouth wide, his teeth beautifully white and well formed, and displayed far more + liberally than many exhibitions in the metropolis which are only "open from ten till + dusk." His lips were thin, but his whiskers were tremendously thick. Of his person he + was naturally and justly proud. Who ever possessed such a person and was not proud of + it?</p> + + <p><i>Colonel Crop</i> was only Colonel Crop; he enjoyed the rank of colonel, and + that was all the rank that he could boast; he was tolerated at the castle; he dined + occasionally with his lordship; and occasionally <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page140" name="page140"></a>[pg 140]</span> partook of the pleasure of shooting + the birds which were cultivated on his lordship's estate. In town, he patronised the + countess' routs, and in the country he was a companion for the earl, when not + otherwise engaged. He was proud of the earl's acquaintance, though he was not weak + enough to suppose that he was more than tolerated. The haughtiest of the great do + sometimes pick up such acquaintances as Colonel Crop, and they cannot easily get rid + of them.</p> + + <p>We must pass over Peter Kipperson, an excellent whole-length portrait of a man who + makes a noise in these marching times, and show in <i>Sir George Aimwell</i>, of + Neverden Hall, Bart., who was descended from a long line of illustrious ancestry, and + was a wholesale poulterer, and one of the great unpaid. Not that we mean by this + expression to insinuate that the retail poulterers did not pay him for what they had: + we merely mean to say, that the preserve-worshiping, springgun-setting, + poacher-committing baronet administered justice for nothing; and with reverence be it + spoken, that was quite as much as it was worth. The worthy baronet was a most active + magistrate, peculiarly acute in matters of summary conviction; and thinking it a + great pity that any rogue should escape, or that any accused, but honest man, should + lose an opportunity of clearing his character by means of a jury of his + fellow-countrymen, he never failed to commit all that were brought before him.</p> + + <p>Sir George professed Whig politics; these were hereditary in his family, but by no + means constitutional in him as an individual. Therefore he passed for a very moderate + Whig; for one who would not clog the wheels of government. In short, he was no more a + Whig than a game preserver ought to be; and that, as our readers know, is not much. + He took especial pains to keep the parish clear of vagrants and paupers; and by his + great activity he kept down the poor-rates to a moderate sum. Sir George, though a + professed Whig, was not very partial to the education of the lower orders, and he + always expressed himself well pleased when he met with a country booby who could + neither read nor write. For this reason Nick Muggins, the postboy, was a great + favourite with him. Our worthy baronet could not see the use of reading, and he + thought it a great piece of affectation for country gentlemen to have libraries. His + own books, for he had a few, were huddled together in a light closet, where he kept + his guns and sporting tackle. There was a Lady Aimwell, wife to Sir George; but this + lady was a piece of still life, of whom the neighbours knew nothing, and for whom her + husband cared nothing.</p> + + <p>Everybody in the neighbourhood remembers the impressive admonition which Sir + George gave to an old man who was convicted at the quarter sessions of having a bit + of string in his pocket, and therefore strongly suspected of a design of a malicious + nature against the game.</p> + + <p>"John Carter," said the worthy baronet, "let me address to you a few words on the + sin of poaching. Poaching, John Carter—is—is a sin of which too many are + guilty, owing to the lenity of our most excellent laws. I think that if everybody + thought, as I think, of the moral heinousness of this offence, nobody would be guilty + of it. Poaching is not yet made felony; but there is no saying how soon it may be + made so, if the crime be persisted in. It is a moral offence of the greatest + enormity, and is one of those crying, national sins, which may one day or other bring + down the vengeance of heaven on our guilty country. Now, John Carter, if you go to + gaol for six months, I hope the tread-mill and the chaplain will work a thorough + reformation in your morals."</p> + + <p>Of course the contact of Sir George with such a man as Kipperson, affords great + merriment: <i>ex. gr.</i> part of a dinner scene at Neverden Hall:—</p> + + <p>Now Peter was a very literary man, who thought there was nothing worth living for + but science and literature; and having somewhere read that it was impossible to take + shelter in a shower of rain with such a man as Burke, without discovering him to be a + man of genius, Peter was desirous of continually showing off, and was instant in + season and out of season. Therefore when sitting at the table of the worthy baronet, + he assailed the magistrate with various scientific subjects, but all to no purpose; + there was no response from his worthy host. Endeavouring to adapt himself to the + moderate talents and circumscribed reading of the baronet, he next started the + subject of novels and novel reading, taking care to insinuate that, though Sir George + might not read the trash of circulating libraries, he might be acquainted with some + of our best novels. To this at last the baronet replied—"Oh, yes; I remember + many years ago reading a novel called Tom Jones, written by a Bow Street officer. I + recollect something about it—it was very low stuff—I forget the + particulars, but it was written in the manner of servants."</p> + + <p>Hereupon Mr. Peter Kipperson set it down as an indisputable fact that baronets and + magistrates were the most ignorant creatures on the face of the earth, and he <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page141" name="page141"></a>[pg 141]</span> congratulated + himself that neither he nor Sir Isaac Newton were baronets.</p> + + <p>A scene between Lord Spoonbill and one of his victims, whom he meets in his + father's park, has some fine touches of remorse:—</p> + + <p>Agitated by distracting thoughts, he stood at the park gate, gazing alternately in + different directions; and by the intensity of his feelings was at last rivetted in an + almost unconscious state of mind to the spot on which he was standing. Suddenly his + pulse beat quicker, and his heart seemed to swell within him, when at a little + distance he saw the dreaded one approaching him. Had he seen her anywhere else his + first impulse would have been to avoid her; but here his truest and best policy was + to submit to an interview, however painful. Shall he meet her with kindness?— + Shall he meet her with reproaches?—Shall he meet her with coldness? These were + inquiries rapidly passing through his mind as she drew nearer and nearer. It was + difficult for him to decide between cruelty and hypocrisy; but the last was the most + natural to him, so far as custom is a second nature.</p> + + <p>The afflicted one moved slowly with her eyes fixed on the ground, and she saw not + her enemy till so near to him, that on lifting up her face and recognising his + well-known features, the sudden shock produced a slight hysteric shriek.</p> + + <p>Lord Spoonbill was not so lost to all feeling of humanity as to be insensible to + the anguish of mind which she now suffered, who had once regarded him as a friend, + and had loved him, "not wisely, but too well." He held out his hand to her with an + unpremeditated look of kindness and affection; and which, being unpremeditated, bore + the aspect of sincerity. The stranger at first hesitated, and seemed not disposed to + accept the offered hand; but she looked up in his face, and the blood mounted to her + cheeks and the tears stood in her eyes, and she gave him her hand, and covered her + face and wept bitterly.</p> + + <p>There are moments in which shameless profligates look foolish and feel that they + are contemptible. This was such a moment to Lord Spoonbill. He was moved, and he was + mortified that he was moved; and there was a general feeling of confusion and + perplexity in his mind. What could he say? or how could he act? He began to stammer + out something like gentleness, and something like reproof. But she who stood before + him was as an accusing spirit, to whom apology was mockery, and repentance too + late.</p> + + <p>In the first volume too, there is a successful satire on the changes of sixteen + years in the condition of the people of England—between Mr. Primrose, who had + been absent for that period, and the egregious Peter Kipperson. It is quite in the + <i>forte</i> of the writer, and we regret that we have not room to quote it at full + length.</p> + + <p>Such are the only specimens which our limits enable us to present to the reader; + but we hope they will be sufficient to induce him to turn to the work + itself—and we doubt not—for his further gratification. Digressions occur + too frequently to suit the pioneering taste of a certain class of readers; they may + serve as resting-places in an intricate plot, but they were not, on that account, + wanted here. At the same time, they are recommended by plain sense, knowledge of the + world, shrewdness, and harmless satire on the weak sides of our nature, and are + therefore <i>useful</i>; whilst their terseness and vivacity will free them from the + charge of dulness, or the sin of prosing.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>DIALOGUES ON FLY FISHING.</h3> + + <h4><i>By Sir Humphry Davy.</i></h4> + + <p>We continue our extracts from this "philosophical angler's" delightful little + book. The present will serve such as are unacquainted with the mysteries of + fly-fishing, and interest all who are fond of inquiries in natural history.</p> + + <h4><i>Management of Flies.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Hal</i>—Whilst you are preparing I will mention a circumstance which + every accomplished fly-fisher ought to know. You changed your flies on Saturday with + the change of weather, putting the dark flies on for the bright gleams of the sun, + and the gaudy flies when the dark clouds appeared. Now I will tell you of another + principle which it is as necessary to know as the change of flies for change of + weather; I allude to the different kinds of fly to be used in particular pools, and + even for particular parts of pools. You have fished in this deep pool; and if you + were to change it for a shallower one, such as that above, it would be proper to use + smaller flies of the same colour; and in a pool still deeper, larger flies; likewise + in the rough rapid at the top, a larger fly may be used than below at the tail of the + water; and in the Tweed, or Tay, I have often changed my fly thrice in the same pool, + and sometimes with success—using three different flies for the top, middle, and + bottom. I remember when I first saw Lord Somerville adopt this fashion, I thought + there was fancy in it; but experience <span class="pagenum"><a id="page142" + name="page142"></a>[pg 142]</span> soon proved to me how accomplished a salmon-fisher + was my excellent and lamented friend, and I adopted the lesson he taught me, and with + good results, in all bright waters.</p> + + <h4><i>Hooks.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Hal</i>—I never use any hooks for salmon-fishing, except those which I am + sure have been made by O'Shaughnessy, of Limerick; for even the hooks made in Dublin, + though they seldom break, yet they now and then bend; and the English hooks made of + cast steel in imitation of Irish ones are the worst of all. <i>There</i> is a fly + nearly of the same colour as that which is destroyed; and I can tell you that I saw + it made at Limerick by O'Shaughnessy himself, and tied on one of his own hooks. + Should you catch with it a fish even of 30 lbs., I will answer for its strength and + temper; it will neither break nor bend.—We should have such hooks in England, + but the object of the fishing-tackle makers is to obtain them cheap, and most of + their hooks are made to sell, and good hooks cannot be sold but at a good + price.—The early Fellows of the Royal Society, who attended to all the useful + and common arts, even improved fish-hooks; and Prince Rupert, an active member of + that illustrious body, taught the art of tempering hooks to a person of the name of + Kirby, under whose name, for more than a century, very good hooks were sold.</p> + + <h4><i>Variety in Trout.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Phys.</i>—Tell us why they are so different from the river-trout, or why + there should be two species or varieties in the same water.—<i>Hal.</i> Your + question is a difficult one, and it has already been referred to in a former + conversation; but I shall repeat what I stated before, that qualities occasioned by + food, peculiarities of water, &c. are transmitted to the offspring, and produce + varieties which retain their characters as long as they are exposed to the same + circumstances, and only slowly lose them. Plenty of good food gives a silvery colour + and round form to fish, and the offspring retain these characters. Feeding on + shell-fish thickens the stomach, and in many generations, probably, the gillaroo + trout becomes so distinct a variety, as to render it doubtful if it be not a distinct + species. Even these smallest salmon trout have green backs, <i>only</i> black spots, + and silvery bellies; from which it is evident that they are the offspring of lake + trout, or <i>lachs forelle</i>, as it is called by the Germans; whilst the river + trout, even when 4 or 5 lbs., as we see in one of these fish, though in excellent + season, have red spots.</p> + + <h4><i>Char.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Phys.</i> The char<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a + href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> is a most beautiful and excellent fish, and is, of + course, a fish of prey. Is he not an object of sport to the angler?—<i>Hal.</i> + They generally haunt deep, cool lakes, and are seldom found at the surface till late + in the autumn. When they are at the surface they will, however, take either fly or + minnow. I have known some caught in both these ways; and have myself taken a char, + even in summer, in one of those beautiful, small, deep lakes in the Upper Tyrol, near + Nazereit; but it was where a cool stream entered from the mountain; and the fish did + not rise, but swallowed the artificial fly under water. I have fished for them in + many lakes, without success, both in England and Scotland, and also amongst the Alps; + and I am told the only sure way of taking them is by sinking a line with a bullet, + and a hook having a live minnow attached to it, in the deep water which they usually + haunt; and in this way, likewise, I have no doubt the <i>umbla</i>, or <i>ombre + chevalier</i>, might be taken.</p> + + <h4><i>Naturalization of Fish.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Hal.</i> At Lintz, on the Danube, I could have given you a fish dinner of a + different description, which you might have liked as a variety. The four kinds of + perch, the <i>spiegil carpfen</i>, and the <i>siluris glanis</i>; all good fish, and + which I am sorry we have not in England, where I doubt not they might be easily + naturalized, and where they would form an admirable addition to the table in inland + counties. Since England has become Protestant, the cultivation of fresh water fish + has been much neglected. The <i>burbot</i>, or <i>lotte</i>, which already exists in + some of the streams tributary to the Trent, and which is a most admirable fish, might + be diffused without much difficulty; and nothing could be more easy than to + naturalize the <i>spiegil carpfen</i> and <i>siluris</i>; and I see no reason why the + <i>perca lucio perca</i> and <i>zingil</i> should not succeed in some of our clear + lakes and ponds, which abound in coarse fish. The new Zoological Society, I hope, + will attempt something of this kind; and it will be a better object than introducing + birds and beasts of prey—though I have no objection to any sources of rational + amusement or philosophical curiosity.</p> + + <h4><i>Conveying Fish.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Phys.</i>—In Austria, the art of carrying and keeping fish is better + understood than in England. Every inn has a box containing grayling, trout, carp, or + char, into which water from a spring runs; and no <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page143" name="page143"></a>[pg 143]</span> one thinks of carrying or sending + <i>dead</i> fish for a dinner. A fish-barrel full of cool water, which is replenished + at every fresh source amongst these mountains, is carried on the shoulders of the + fisherman. And the fish, when confined in wells, are fed with bullock's liver, cut + into fine pieces, so that they are often in better season in the tank or stew than + when they were taken. I have seen trout, grayling, and char even, feed voraciously, + and take their food almost from the hand. These methods of carrying and preserving + fish have, I believe, been adopted from the monastic establishments. At Admondt, in + Styria, attached to the magnificent monastery of that name, are abundant ponds and + reservoirs for every species of fresh water fish; and the char, grayling, and trout + are preserved in different waters— covered, enclosed, and under lock and + key.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>PAROCHIAL HISTORIES.</h3> + + <p>We wonder why clergymen do not oftener write accounts of their parishes; not mere + statistical accounts, though these are most valuable, as witness the contributions of + the Scottish Clergy to the truly patriotic Sir John Sinclair's work; but accounts + comprehending every thing interesting to all human beings, whatever be their + political or religious creed. A description of a church that has principally ceased + to exist, is in general very, very, very dry; inscriptions on tombstones, without + comment, or moral, are hard reading; an old pan dug up among rubbish proves a sore + affliction in the hands of the antiquary, and twenty pages quarto, with plates, about + a rusty spur without a rowel, is, in our humble opinion, an abuse of the art of + printing. But how easy—how pleasant, to mix up together all sorts of + information in due proportions into one whole, in the shape of an + octavo—epitomizing every kind of history belonging to the parish, from peer's + palace to peasant's hut! What are clergymen perpetually about? Not always preaching + and praying; or marrying, christening, and burying people. They ought to tell us all + about it; to moralize, to poetize, to philosophize; to paint the manners living as + they rise, or dead as they fall; to take Time by the forelock, and measure the marks + of his footsteps; to show us the smoke curling up from embowered chimneys; or, since + woods must go down, to record the conquests of the biting axe; to celebrate the + raising of every considerable roof-tree, to lament all dilapidations and crumbling + away of ivied walls; to inform us how many fathoms deep is the lake with its abbeyed + island—why the pool below the aged bridge gets shallower and shallower every + year, so that it can no more shelter a salmon—what are the sports, and games, + and pastimes of the parishioners—what books they read, if any—if the + punishment of the stocks be obsolete—or the stang—or the jougs—if + the bowels of the people yearn after strange doctrine—if the parish has + produced any good or great murderer, incendiary, or other criminal. In short, why + might not the history of each of the twenty or thirty thousand parishes of Great + Britain—we speak at random—be each a history of human nature, at once + entertaining and instructive? How infinitely better such books than pamphlets on + political economy, for example, now encumbering the whole land! Nay, even than single + sermons, or bundles of sermons, all like so many sticks—strong when tied all + together, but when taken separately, weak and frush. We have no great opinion of + county histories in general, though we believe there are some goodish ones, from + which we purpose, ere long, to construct some superior articles. A county history, to + be worth much, should run from sixty to six hundred volumes. No library could well + stand that for many years. But a judicious selection might be made from the thirty + thousand parish histories—that would afford charming reading to the largest + family during the longest nights—in the intervals between the Scotch Novels. + Form the circle round the fire—when winter crimps and freezes—or round + the open bow-window, now that summer roasts and broils, and get her whose voice is + like a silver bell to read it up, right on from beginning to end, only skipping a few + lists of names now and then, and we pledge our credit on the prediction, that you + will be delighted as on a summer ramble, now in sunlight and now in moonlight, over + hill and dale, adorned with towers, turrets, pinnacles of halls and churches, and the + low roofs,—blue or brown, slated or strawed.—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Of huts where poor men lie!"</p> + + <p class="i10"><i>Blackwood's Magazine.</i></p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE GATHERER.</h2> + + <center> + "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + </center> + + <center> + SHAKSPEARE. + </center> + <hr /> + + <h3>IAMBICS.</h3> + Iambe was a servant-maid of Metanira, wife of Celeus, king of Eleusis, who tried to + exhilarate Ceres when she travelled over Attica in quest of her daughter <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page144" name="page144"></a>[pg 144]</span> Proserpine. From + the jokes and stories which she made use of, free and satirical verses have been + called <i>iambics</i>.—<i>Apollod</i>, i.<i>c</i>. 5. HALBERT.<br /> + <br /> + + <hr /> + + <h3>BISHOP AND NEGUS.</h3> + + <p>Two dustmen were lately disputing the difference between <i>bishop</i> and + <i>negus</i>. "Don't you know?" said one of them; "I vonders at your ignorance— + vy bishop is made all vine vithout no vater vatsomever; vereas negus is made with + vine and vater mixed—that's the difference, to be sure."</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>POLITE EVIDENCE.</h3> + + <p>At the Wells assizes, the other day, a butcher's wife, in giving her evidence, + repeatedly turned towards the prisoner at the bar, and designated him as "that + gentleman!" The judge at last lost all patience, and exclaimed, "Old woman, you are + become quite offensive." This exemplifies Steele's speaking of "sin as a fine + gentleman."</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Baron Garrow lately observed at Monmouth, that a respected friend of his, in the + city of London, would sign his name on the outside of letters, in such a way as to + defy the skill of every man in the court, even if assisted by the greater sagacity of + the other sex, in finding out what his signature could possibly be meant for. The + post-offices indeed, knew that a certain number of straight strokes, up and down, + meant W. Curtis; but probably that was not because they could read the signature, but + because nothing else at all like it ever came there.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Dr. Solo, on hearing of the glorious victory obtained by Bolivar, was determined + that every bird and beast that he possessed should get drunk on this glorious + occasion. For this purpose he gave the horses, cows, pigs, and poultry and birds as + much juice of the sugar-cane as they could drink; and it was very amusing to see the + pigs jump about in the most frolicsome manner.—<i>Hutchinson's Travels in + Colombia.</i></p> + <hr /> + + <h3>BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE.</h3> + + <p>In the <i>Album</i> at the Bell Rock Light-House are the following lines by Sir + Walter Scott:—</p> + + <h4><i>Pharos Loquitur.</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Far in the bosom of the deep,</p> + + <p>O'er these wild shelves my watch I keep;</p> + + <p>A ruddy gem of changeful light,</p> + + <p>Bound on the dusky brow of night;</p> + + <p>The seaman bids my lustre hail,</p> + + <p>And scorns to strike his timorous sail.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>WALTER SCOTT.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>NEWSPAPER WONDERS.</h3> + + <p>Flights of wild ducks and geese, in numbers <i>sufficiently multitudinous to + darken the air</i>, have already migrated to the moors—a circumstance scarcely + existing in the memory of the oldest inhabitant at this period of the + year.—<i>Hereford Journal.</i></p> + <hr /> + + <p>A countryman, who was cutting wood near the falls of Niagara, on the 10th of July, + was attacked by a rattle-snake; in his terror he leaped across a tremendous gulf, + sixty-seven feet wide, and escaped unhurt!—<i>Charleston Paper.</i></p> + <hr /> + + <p>The <i>Weedsport Advertiser</i> (an American Journal) relates an incident which + had just occurred in the town of Cato, Cross Lake. A young man named Stockwell, son + of a widow woman of that name, living in the town, after repeated threats to kill a + favourite cat belonging to the house, in order to vex his mother, at length undertook + to carry them into execution. In the morning he took the cat and started with her + into the woods, telling his youngest sister that he was going to destroy her. They + were absent until the afternoon, when the cat came home, <i>apparently looking</i> as + though she had been in the water. The next morning the young man's clothes were seen + on the bank of Cross Lake, and in the water was found his body, the face and shoulder + dreadfully scratched, evidently by the cat in struggling, so that little doubt + existed that he was drowned in attempting to destroy puss. All speculation on the + matter, however, was set at rest on the body being brought home, for the cat flew at + the corpse, and could with difficulty be kept off.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>IMPROMPTU ON RELIEVING A BEGGAR.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Take this, old man, thy looks bespeak thy need,</p> + + <p class="i2">And pity never questions want and woe;</p> + A bright-hair'd angel registers the deed<br /> + <br /> + + <p class="i2">In heaven—the meed of charity below!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>H.M.L.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Rosamond's Labyrinth—We shall feel obliged by a call from the gentleman who + favoured us with the original of this engraving; or, if more convenient, by a note + enclosing his address.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <hr class="full" /> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a><br /> + This is a boundary stone which marks the extent of the jurisdiction possessed by + the City of London over the western part of the River Thames. It stands on the + margin of the river, in the vicinity of Staines church, and bears the date of 1280. + On a moulding round the upper part is inscribed "GOD preserve the City of London, + A.D. 1280." + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a><br /> + George II. used to say when riding through Brentford, with his heavy guards, "I do + like dis place, 'tis so like Yarmany." + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a><br /> + After the Great Fire, many Londoners resided here in huts. + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a><br /> + <i>Sabling</i> of the Germans. + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <p><i>Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset-House). London: + Sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; and by all Newsmen and + Booksellers.</i></p> + + <div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11370 ***</div> +</body> +</html> + + + + diff --git a/11370-h/images/329-001.png b/11370-h/images/329-001.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3ffdb7e --- /dev/null +++ b/11370-h/images/329-001.png diff --git a/11370-h/images/329-009.png b/11370-h/images/329-009.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a1c4280 --- /dev/null +++ b/11370-h/images/329-009.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. 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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, + Volume 12, No. 329, Saturday, August 30, 1828 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 29, 2004 [EBook #11370] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 329 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Allen Siddle and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + + +</pre> + + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page129" name="page129"></a>[pg 129]</span> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" summary="Volume, Number, and Date"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 12. No. 329.</b></td> + + <td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1828.</b></td> + + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES.</h2> + + <div class="figure" style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/329-001.png"><img width="100%" src="images/329-001.png" + alt="NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES." /></a> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>Who has journeyed on the Exeter road without noticing the town of STAINES, with + its host of antiquarian associations—as the <i>Stana</i> (Saxon) or London + Stone,<a id="footnotetag1" name="footnotetag1"></a><a + href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> its ancient bridge, for the repair of which three + oaks out of Windsor Forest were granted by the crown in the year 1262, besides + <i>pontage</i> or temporary tolls previous to the year 1600.—Dr. Stukeley's + conjectures respecting the <i>Via Trinobantica</i> passing here—and the + <i>old</i> parish church, the situation of which appeared to denote the site of the + more ancient town of Staines. It is here too, that the tourist begins to imagine + himself <i>in rure</i>, after he has been whirled through the brick and mortar + avenues of <i>Kensington</i>, and <i>Hammersmith</i>, and the unsightly lane-street + of <i>Brentford</i>,<a id="footnotetag2" name="footnotetag2"></a><a + href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> with all its cockney reminiscences of + equestrianism and election squabbles; <i>Hounslow</i> and its by-gone days of highway + notoriety and powder-mill and posting celebrity, and <i>Bedfont</i>, with its yew + trees tortured into peacock shapes, and the date 1704. Then, who does not recollect + and venerate the convivial celebrity of this route, its luxurious inns, and their + "thrones of human felicity;" along which Quin, Dr. Johnson or Shenstone could + scarcely have accomplished a stage a day!</p> + + <p>In our days, hundreds of London tourists breakfast at the <i>Bush</i>, although, + after sixteen miles' ride, their appetites do not require this stimulant any more + than do the glories of the <i>Bush</i> cellars after dinner.</p> + + <p>But we must pass on to the church. The <i>old</i> building was in the Gothic or + pointed style, with lancet windows, &c., but much disfigured by churchwardens' + repairs, although the great Inigo Jones is said to have built its square, brick + tower. At length, a considerable portion of this ancient structure fell in one Sunday + morning, during the service, but, as the newspapers say, "fortunately no lives were + lost." The inhabitants then resolved to rebuild nearly the whole, and the design of + Mr. J.B. Watson was adopted. The foundation stone was laid March 31, in the present + year, and the building is to be completed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page130" + name="page130"></a>[pg 130]</span> by Christmas next. The church is intended to + contain 1,100 persons. The length of the interior, 65 feet; width, 47 feet; height to + ceiling, 25 feet. The chancel is to be rebuilt at the expense of the impropriators. + The lower part of Inigo Jones's tower is to remain, and the whole is to be raised 23 + feet. These repairs, with the enclosure of the churchyard, will not exceed + 4,000<i>l</i>.; and the progress of the undertaking is highly creditable to the taste + and execution of all the parties concerned.</p> + + <p>As one act of public spirit generally leads to another, the erection of a new + stone bridge is projected at Staines; it is to be nearer the church than the present + bridge, and will afford a better view of the new structure. An elegant stone bridge + was erected here in 1796, but two of the piers sinking, the bridge was taken down, + and an iron one substituted; this failed, and has since been supported by wooden + piles and frame-work.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE SPECTRE'S VOYAGE.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>"There is a part of the river Wye, between the city of Hereford and the town of + Moss, which was distinguished and well known for upwards of two centuries, by the + appellation of the Spectre's Voyage; across which, so long as it retained that name, + neither entreaty nor remuneration could induce any boatman to convey passengers after + a certain hour of the night. The superstitious ideas current amongst the lower orders + of people were, that on every evening about the hour of eight, a beautiful female + figure was seen in a small vessel, sailing from Hereford to Northrigg, (a small + village about three miles distant,) with the utmost rapidity, against wind and tide, + or even in a dead calm—landed at the little village, returned, and vanished, + when arrived at a certain part of the river, where the current is remarkably strong, + about half a mile from the city of Hereford."</p> + + <p>—<i>Neele's Romance of History.</i> See MIRROR, vol. x, page 352.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Bright shines the silver queen of night,</p> + + <p class="i2">Upon fair Wye's soft stream;</p> + + <p>Which throws a ray of heavenly light</p> + + <p class="i2">Reflected from her beam.</p> + + <p>Yet this smooth water, wide and clear,</p> + + <p class="i2">This scene of sweet repose;</p> + + <p>Erst filled the villagers with fear</p> + + <p class="i2">As ancient story goes.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Tis told us that in dead of night,</p> + + <p class="i2">(In days of yore long past)</p> + + <p>A skiff was seen compact and light,</p> + + <p class="i2">With sail, and oars, and mast.</p> + + <p>And in it sat the spectral form,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of a most beauteous maid;</p> + + <p>Who heeded neither wind nor storm,</p> + + <p class="i2">As she this voyage made.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nor heeded she the pelting rain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor winter's blinding snows;</p> + + <p>But to the destin'd spot amain,</p> + + <p class="i2">The scudding vessel goes;</p> + + <p>Or if so calm, the placid Wye,</p> + + <p class="i2">No wave was on its face,</p> + + <p>Yet onward did that light bark fly</p> + + <p class="i2">To reach the fated place.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When on the deck she was espied,</p> + + <p class="i2">Each trembled to behold;</p> + + <p>As on she sail'd 'gainst wind and tide,</p> + + <p class="i2">('Tis scarce believ'd when told)</p> + + <p>Then sail and oar were both applied,</p> + + <p class="i2">And swift the vessel flew;</p> + + <p>But where the man—who could abide</p> + + <p class="i2">That vessel to pursue?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ah! who could dare approach the spot</p> + + <p class="i2">Where Isabel did steer?</p> + + <p>That mariner existeth not,</p> + + <p class="i2">But did that phantom fear.</p> + + <p>Or where's the man whose courage bold,</p> + + <p class="i2">Could lend him strength one hour,</p> + + <p>To gaze upon that form so cold,</p> + + <p class="i2">Or place him in her power.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And when the spectral sail was spread,</p> + + <p class="i2">That flutter'd to and fro;</p> + + <p>The hair would bristle on each head,</p> + + <p class="i2">Which awful fear did show.</p> + + <p>And when the moon-beam seem'd to kiss,</p> + + <p class="i2">That dreaded maiden's brow;</p> + + <p>Something each knew would go amiss,</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor judg'd such wrong, I trow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For tho' the form was wond'rous fair,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Twas terrible to view;</p> + + <p>And to avoid it was the care</p> + + <p class="i2">Of every vessel's crew.</p> + + <p>Full many a dismal tale was told,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of that fam'd spectre ship;</p> + + <p>And none were ever known so bold</p> + + <p class="i2">To watch this nightly trip.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Why did that troubled shade proceed</p> + + <p class="i2">Along that watery way?</p> + + <p>Or what the purpose, or the deed,</p> + + <p class="i2">Which caus'd her thus to stray?</p> + + <p>For good, or bad, did Isabel,</p> + + <p class="i2">Forsake her dreary grave?</p> + + <p>Or was't because she lov'd to sail</p> + + <p class="i2">On Wye's pellucid wave?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The spectre came to meet her dear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lord Hugh—the young and brave;</p> + + <p>When dreadful tidings met her ear,</p> + + <p class="i2">"He'd found a traitor's grave."</p> + + <p>When second Edward rul'd this land,</p> + + <p class="i2">(A wretched prince was he,)</p> + + <p>Of favourites he'd a numerous band,</p> + + <p class="i2">As worthless as could be.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Two noblemen amongst this set</p> + + <p class="i2">Were hated above all;</p> + + <p>And many were the lords who met,</p> + + <p class="i2">To work the Spencer's fall.</p> + + <p>Success attends these foe-men's strife,</p> + + <p class="i2">Lord Hugh is doom'd to die;</p> + + <p>And in his happiest hours of life,</p> + + <p class="i2">That precious life did fly.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>His manly form did never more,</p> + + <p class="i2">Bless Isabel's fond eyes;</p> + + <p>With him—the joys of life were o'er,</p> + + <p class="i2">For him—the maiden dies.</p> + + <p>Yet still the spirit fondly clings,</p> + + <p class="i2">To what in life has been,</p> + + <p>Thus Isabel, it nightly brings</p> + + <p class="i2">To this beloved scene.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page131" name="page131"></a>[pg 131]</span> + + <p>But when her feet have touch'd the ground,</p> + + <p class="i2">With silent, noiseless tread;</p> + + <p>No tender lover there is found,</p> + + <p class="i2">He's number'd with the dead.</p> + + <p>No more of love the tender strain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Falls on her list'ning ear,</p> + + <p>In life—her joy, was turn'd to pain,</p> + + <p class="i2">Her hope—gave place to fear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>'Tis then, that dread laments they hear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Who pass by night that way;</p> + + <p>Which the scar'd traveller, so clear,</p> + + <p class="i2">Hears till returning day;</p> + + <p>When re-embarks sad Isabel,</p> + + <p class="i2">That spectre shade so fair;</p> + + <p>Then dashing in the water's swell,</p> + + <p class="i2">She vanishes in air.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No trace remains in Sol's bright ray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of boat or awful spright;</p> + + <p>For grief—or guilt conceived by day,</p> + + <p class="i2">Conspicuous is at night.</p> + + <p>Thus Isabel's unearthly woe,</p> + + <p class="i2">Remain'd for many years;</p> + + <p>But as our superstitions go,</p> + + <p class="i2">So go unfounded fears</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>CAROLINE MAXWELL.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>HARVEST HOME.</h3> + + <h4><i>(To the Editor of the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>Sir,—Wishing to add to your numerous accounts of our local customs, I send + you a description of the manner of celebrating harvest home in Westmoreland.</p> + + <p>The farmers of Appleby, Kirby, Thore, and many of the neighbouring and low towns + thereabout, devote the last day of the harvest to mirth and festivity. The men + generally endeavour to get the corn all in pretty early in the day; and at the last + cart-load the horses are decked by the men with ears of corn and flowers and ribands; + and then the lasses' straw- bonnets, who, in return, perform the same compliments on + them. Thus they move on through the lanes and roads, till they reach the farm-yard, + shouting, "Harvest Home," and singing songs in their way. When they reach the + farm-yard, they set up an exulting shout, and ale is distributed to them by their + master. About nine o'clock, a supper is prepared for them in their master's house. A + wheat-sheaf is brought, and placed in the middle of the room, decorated with ribands + and flowers, and corn is hung in various parts of the room. The supper mostly + consists of some good old English dish, (of which there is plenty,) and the jolly + farmer presides at the head of the table. After the cloth is cleared, liquor in + abundance is brought forward, and the "president" sings, (not a <i>Non Nobis + Domine</i>,) but a good, true, mirth-stirring song, and then the <i>fun</i> + commences; singing and dancing alternately occupy the evening, and the bottle + circulates speedily, and the festival generally breaks up about midnight.</p> + + <p>Thus, Mr. Editor, is harvest home spent in that county, and I send you the only + account I can furnish of the harvest merriments, hoping some of your correspondents + will add to my little mite.</p> + + <p>W.H.H.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>STANZAS TO, AND IN ILLUSTRATION OF, A LANDSCAPE BY CLAUDE.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty, and divine repose!</p> + + <p>Art thou a dream? a vision from on high</p> + + <p>Unveiling Paradise? uncurt'ning those</p> + + <p>Supernal glories, Eden doth supply</p> + + <p>To glad immortals? o'er thee, ev'ning glows,</p> + + <p>Brilliant, as seraph's blush—pure as his breath—</p> + + <p>Smiling an antidote to tears and death!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty! (fancy could not dwell</p> + + <p>In lovelier, albeit her rainbow wings</p> + + <p>Fold, but in fairy-spheres) a living well</p> + + <p>Of sylvan joy art thou, whose thousand springs</p> + + <p>Gush, sinless, gladness, peace ineffable,</p> + + <p>And that luxuriousness of being, which</p> + + <p>Mocks eloquence: warm, holy, ruby, rich.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty! 'neath thy sun-ting'd shades,</p> + + <p>Beside thy lake, crystal in roseate light,</p> + + <p>Enam'ring music breathes: there, raptur'd maids</p> + + <p>In dances, with adoring youths unite;</p> + + <p>There, magic voices sigh in song; and glades</p> + + <p>With birds and blossoms, all but vital, seem</p> + + <p>Entranc'd, like hermit in divinest dream!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Young land of beauty! art thou but a ray</p> + + <p>Of intellect, emerg'd from one? and shrin'd,</p> + + <p>That thine immortal light may dim the day,</p> + + <p>Faint struggling thro' some lowlier, cloudier, mind:</p> + + <p>Dream of the painter-poet! oh! we'll say,</p> + + <p>Lur'd to ethereal musings by thy thrall,</p> + + <p>Tho' dream in part, no dream art thou in all!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>M.L.B</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>MARCH OF "IMPROVEMENT."</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>An old Subscriber has sent us the following <i>questions</i> on the improvement of + the metropolis, which we insert as a castle-building <i>jeu d'esprit</i> rather than + as a serious matter. They will, however, serve for the <i>committee of taste</i> to + crack after dinner, and give a zest for their <i>magna bona</i>.</p> + + <p>Ought not the new palace to have been built in the richest Gothic style, so as to + have deviated in appearance from every other edifice in the metropolis; and to have + been erected on the north bank of the Serpentine?—And, if the <i>dome</i> of + the present erection is not to be removed, cannot it be ornamented?—Or could + not the pediment, fronting the park, be raised another story, so as to hide it (the + dome) <span class="pagenum"><a id="page132" name="page132"></a>[pg 132]</span> from + that side?—Indeed, would not the palace be much improved by such an alteration? + I think if it be left as it is, when the wings are raised to the height of the body + of the palace, (though they are a wonderful improvement upon those first erected) the + whole will have a very flat appearance.—Are not the statues of Neptune, + &c., much too small, and the other ornaments, consisting of representations of + warlike implements, &c., much too heavy to look well?</p> + + <p>Is not the Borough a very improper place for the king's, or any other, + college?—Is it not the very mart of trade, and consequently ever noisy and in + confusion?—And what a magnificent improvement would its erection near + Westminster Abbey be to that ancient and very sumptuous pile. Could it not be erected + from Tothill Street, and extend towards Storey's Gate?—And should it not be + built in the Gothic style to correspond with the abbey? The seat of learning and + wisdom is in that neighbourhood (Westminster School, Houses of Parliament, Courts of + Justice, &c.); therefore it is the place best adapted for the erection of a + college. Ought not also those disgraceful erections close to the abbey's western + front, to be instantly removed?—And ought not the house of the dean, &c. to + be also rebuilt in the Gothic style, and extend from Tothill Street towards St. + John's church? I never see this abbey (the glory of London) without feeling utterly + disgusted at the surrounding objects. The great tower, also, should be erected in the + same style as the other two. But should not the council office, and Somerset House, + be finished before other works are begun?—Should not the interior of the dome + of St. Paul's be repainted and gilt, and the windows (particularly the three over the + altar) be of stained glass?—And should not the railing on the top of the dome + on the outside (which is much decayed) be replaced by railing made of the new metal + lately invented, which imitates brass, and does not tarnish?—Would not the + entrance for the public, from Piccadilly into St. James's Park, be much better two or + three yards from the new royal archway, as it will be very likely to be injured by + people passing so near it?</p> + + <p>Would not a Swiss cottage and a Chinese temple very materially improve the + appearance of the islands in St. James's Park; and two or three vessels upon that + water, and the Serpentine in Hyde Park, also add very much to the effect?—Would + a tower, surrounded by a railing, as the monument, and surmounted by a statue of + George III. (looking with surprise to see what his son had done), or Canning, or + Byron, be a proper sort of monument as a tribute to their memories; and to be erected + in the centre of the Regent's Park? Oh! what a prospect would its summit command! + Would not magnificent baths for males and females, erected on either side of Waterloo + Place, and to be supplied from the new fountain, be a great addition to the beauty + and comfort of this great city.</p> + + <p>These additions, alterations, and improvements, ought to be made now; and I doubt + not, in the course of time, all warehouses will be removed from the banks of the + Thames, above Blackfriars' Bridge, and that streets will run by the waterside as at + Dublin. Also the time will come when the houses round St. Paul's will be pulled down + and rebuilt in the Grecian style of architecture to correspond with the cathedral + (the wonder of England), and be re-erected at a much greater distance from it.</p> + + <p>I would also ask, "should not the chimney pots upon the palaces in Regent Street, + &c. be of a slate colour?—Should not all tiles be painted of the same + colour? (slate.)—Should not the names of streets be more particularly attended + to?"</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>INTRODUCTION OF SILK INTO EUROPE.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>The frequency of open hostilities between the Emperor of Constantinople and the + monarchs of Persia, together with the increasing rivalry of their subjects in the + trade with India, gave rise to an event which produced a considerable change in the + silk trade. As the use of that article, both in dress and furniture, became more + general in the court of the Greek emperors, who imitated and surpassed the sovereigns + of Asia in splendour and magnificence; and as China, in which, according to the + concurring testimony of oriental writers, the culture of silk was originally known, + <i>(Herlelot. Biblioth. Orient.)</i>, still continued to be the only country which + produced that valuable commodity; the Persians improving the advantages which their + situation gave them over the merchants from the Arabian Gulf, supplanted them in all + the marts of India, to which silk was brought by sea from the east. Having it + likewise in their power to molest or to cut off the caravans, which, in order to + procure a supply for the Greek empire, travelled by land to China through the + northern provinces of their kingdom, they entirely engrossed that branch of commerce. + Constantinople was obliged to depend on the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page133" + name="page133"></a>[pg 133]</span> rival power for an article which luxury reserved + and desired as essential to elegance. The Persians, with the usual rapacity of + monopolists, raised the price of silk to such an exorbitant height, that the Emperor + Justinian eager, not only to obtain a full and certain supply of a commodity which + was become of indispensible use, but solicitous to deliver the commerce of his + subjects from the exactions of his enemies, endeavoured, by means of his ally, the + christian monarch of Abyssinia, to wrest some portion of the silk trade from the + Persians. In this attempt he failed; but when he least expected it, he, by an + unforeseen event, attained in some measure (A.D. 55.) the object which he had in + view. Two Persian monks having been employed as missionaries to some christian + churches which were established (as we are informed by Cosmas) in different parts of + India, had penetrated into the country of the Seres, or China. There they observed + the labours of the silk-worm, and became acquainted with all the arts of men in + working up its productions into such a variety of elegant fabrics. The prospect of + gain, or perhaps an indignant zeal excited by seeing this lucrative branch of + commerce engrossed by unbelieving nations, prompted them to repair to Constantinople. + There they explained to the emperor the origin of silk, as well as the various modes + of preparing and manufacturing it—mysteries hitherto unknown, or very + imperfectly understood in Europe, and encouraged by his liberal promises, they + undertook to bring to the capital a sufficient number of those wonderful insects to + whose labours man is so much indebted. This they accomplished by conveying the eggs + of the silk-worm in a hollow cane. They were hatched by the heat of a dunghill; fed + with the leaves of a wild mulberry-tree, and they multiplied and worked in the same + manner as in those climates where they first became objects of human attention and + care. Vast numbers of these insects were soon reared in different parts of Greece, + particularly in the Peloponnesus. Sicily afterwards undertook to breed silk-worms + with equal success, and was imitated from time to time in several towns of Italy. In + all these places extensive manufactures were established and carried on with silk of + domestic production. The demand for silk from the East diminished, of course. The + subjects of the Greek emperors were no longer obliged to have recourse to their + enemies, the Persians, for a supply of it; and a considerable change took place in + the nature of the commercial intercourse between Europe and India.</p> + + <p>Before the introduction of the silk-worm into Europe, and as often as its + production is mentioned by the Greek and Roman authors, they had not, for several + centuries after the use of it became common, any certain knowledge either of the + countries to which they were indebted for this favourite article of elegance, or the + manner in which it was produced, By some, silk was supposed to be a fine down + adhering to the leaves of trees or flowers; others imagined it to be a delicate + species of wool or cotton; and even those who had learned that it was the work of an + insect, show by their description that they had no distinct idea of the manner in + which it was formed. A circumstance concerning the traffic of silk among the Romans + merits observation. Contrary to what usually takes place in the operations of trade, + the more general use of that commodity seems not to have increased the quantity + imported in such proportion as to answer the growing demand for it; and the price of + silk was not reduced during the course of 250 years from the time of its being first + known in Rome. In the reign of Aurelian it still continued to be valued at its weight + in gold. (See Robertson's <i>History of India</i>.)</p> + + <p>It is a singular circumstance in the history of silk, that, on account of its + being an exertion of a worm, the Mahomedans consider it as an unclean dress, and it + has been decided with the unanimous assent of all their doctors, that a person + wearing a garment made entirely of silk cannot lawfully offer up the daily prayers + enjoined by the Koran. <i>(Herbel. Bibl. Orient.)</i> C.V.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>LADIES' FASHIONS.</h3> + + <h4><i>(To the Editor of the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>If you think the following observations conformable to the plan of your useful and + entertaining publication, perhaps you may be induced to give them a place, or notice + the subject I have in view, in some other way.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the host of publications periodically issuing from the press, + independent of the incalculable list of newspapers and reviews; and though the rage + for periodicals is so great, that a single event will give rise to one, yet there + does not appear to me to be any thing like those works which used to amuse and + instruct our great grandfathers. I mean the "Spectator," "Tatler," and others, whose + influence extends to the present day, and which are continually affording pleasure to + cultivated minds by the soundness of their doctrines, <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page134" name="page134"></a>[pg 134]</span> aided by the extensive knowledge of + human nature that the authors display throughout. But as they are now become standard + works, they are not so capable of "shooting folly as it flies," and being as it were + aged in the service, can only have a proper effect when folly will stand still to + listen to them; but as that is, in most instances, out of the question, we want + something more active, or in other words, something new; and novelty being the order + of the day, attention is thereby excited, and the follies and extravagances of the + "age," may possibly have some advantageous pruning.</p> + + <p>Caricatures, whether exhibited in pantomimes or print shops, (though often got up + for any other purpose than instruction) are not sufficient; they are too ridiculous, + though sometimes not devoid of humour, instance the picture of a lady striving + ineffectually to make a way through Temple Bar, but is prevented by the enormous size + of her bonnet, which shows likewise that this extravagance in dress is not confined + to the west end. But as these things are only laughed at, some other means ought to + be adopted; and I should think myself extremely fortunate if I could be the humble + means of inducing you, or your correspondents, to take the matter in hand.</p> + + <p>Certainly not the least to be deprecated are the "ladies' present dresses;" the + extravagances of which are not confined to the head, but are exhibited also all down + the arm (not unaptly likened to series of balloons) and are also, in most instances, + by some unusual "bustling," equally absurd. I wonder what would be said by Mr. + Addison, were he to witness the present fashions. He would certainly think that all + the care he took to keep the fair sex in order was in vain; and though enormous head + dresses were not in vogue in his time, he seems to have anticipated that they would + be, by his recommending the perusal of his 98th paper of the "Spectator" to his + female readers by way of prevention, but which, alas! has not been studied with the + attention it merits. Probably the transcription of one passage will not be misapplied + here:—</p> + + <p>He says, "I would desire the fair sex to consider how impossible it is for them to + add any thing that can be ornamental to what is already the masterpiece of nature. + The head has the most beautiful appearance, as well as the highest station, in a + human figure. Nature has laid out all her art in beautifying the face; she has + touched it with vermilion, planted in it a double row of ivory, made it the seat of + smiles and blushes, lighted it up and enlivened it with the brightness of the eyes, + hung it on each side with curious organs of sense, given it airs and graces that + cannot be described, and surrounded it with such a flowing shade of hair as sets all + its beauties in the most agreeable light. In short she seems to have designed the + head as the cupola to the most glorious of her works; and when we load it with such a + pile of supernumerary ornaments, we destroy the symmetry of the human figure, and + foolishly contrive to call off the eye from great and real beauties to childish + gew-gaws, ribbons, and bone-lace."</p> + + <p>Womankind, Mr. Editor, I do not believe, are naturally vain; but as they were made + for us and for our comfort, it is natural that they should endeavour to gain our + esteem; but they carry their endeavours too far; by straining to excite attention + they overstep the mark, become vain and coquetish, one strives to outdo another, + others say they must do as other women do, and they thus make themselves ridiculous + unknowingly. It is really painful to see a woman of sense and education become a + slave to the tyranny of fashion—and injuring both body and mind—and it + is, I think, an insult to a man of understanding to endeavour to excite his attention + by any such peculiarities.</p> + + <p>Having now generally stated the subject that I should wish to be taken up by abler + hands than mine, I will conclude by recommending all your town-bred, and coquetish + ladies to study and restudy a letter signed "Mary Home," in No. 254 of the excellent + work before alluded to, "The Spectator." —H.M—. <i>Great Surrey Street, + Aug. 1828</i>.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF SMITHFIELD.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <p>Stowe, in his "Survey of London," 1633, says, "Then is Smithfield Pond, which of + (old time) in records was called Horsepoole, for that men watered horses there, and + was a great water. In the 6th of Henry V. a new building was made in the west part of + Smithfield, betwixt the said poole and the river of Wels, or Turne-mill-brooke, in a + place then called the Elms, for that there grew many elme-trees, and this had been + the place of execution for offenders. Since the which time, the building there hath + been so increased, that now remaineth not one tree growing. In the yeere 1357, the + 31st of <span class="pagenum"><a id="page135" name="page135"></a>[pg 135]</span> + Edward III., great and royall justs were then holden in Smithfield, there being + present the kings of England, France, and Scotland, with many other nobles, and great + estates of divers lands. In the yeere 1362, the 36th of Edward III., on the first + five daies of May, in Smithfield, were justs holden, the king and queene being + present, with the most part of the chivalry of England and of France and of other + nations; to which came Spaniards, Cyprians, and Armenians, knightly requesting ayde + of the king of England against the Pagans, that invaded their confines. The 48th of + Edward III., Dame Alice Perrers, or Pierce, (the king's concubine,) as lady of the + Sunne, rode from the Tower of London through Cheape, accompanied of many lords and + ladies, every lady leading a lord by his horse bridle, till they came into West + Smithfield, and then began a great just, which endured seven daies after.—In + the 14th of Richard II., royal justs and turnements were proclaimed to be done in + Smithfield, to begin on Sunday next, after the feast of Saint Michael; many strangers + came forth of other countries, namely, Valarian, Earle of St. Paul, that had married + King Richard's sister, the Lady Maud Courtney; and William, the young Earle of + Ostervant, son to Albert of Baviere, Earle of Holland and Henault. At the day + appointed, there issued forth at the Tower, about the third houre of the day, 60 + coursers, apparelled for the justs, upon every one an esquire of honour riding a soft + pace; then came forth 60 ladies of honour, mounted upon palfraies, riding on the one + side, richly apparelled, and every lady led a knight with a chain of gold; those + knights, being on the king's party, had their armour and apparell garnished with + white harts, and crownes of gold about the harts' neckes; and so they came riding + through the streets of London to Smithfield, with a great number of trumpets, &c. + The kinge and the queene, who were lodged in the bishop's palace of London, were come + from thence, with many great estates, and placed in chambers, to see the justs. The + ladies that led the knights were taken down from their palfraies, and went up to + chambers prepared for them. Then alighted the esquires of honour from their coursers, + and the knights in good order mounted upon them; and after their helmets were set on + their heads, and being ready in all points, proclamation made by the heralds, the + justs began, and many commendable courses were runne, to the great pleasure of the + beholders. The justs continued many days with great feastings, as ye may reade in + <i>Froisard</i>," &c. &c.</p> + + <p>Smithfield, says Pennant, "was also the spot on which accusations were decided by + duel, derived from the Kamp-fight ordeal of the Saxons. I will only (says Mr. P.) + mention an instance. It was when the unfortunate armourer entered into the lists, on + account of a false accusation of treason, brought against him by his apprentice, in + the reign of Henry VI. The friends of the defendant had so plied him with liquor, + that he fell an easy conquest to his accuser. Shakspeare has worked this piece of + history into a scene, in the second part of <i>Henry VI</i>., but has made the poor + armourer confess his treasons in his dying moments; for in the time in which this + custom prevailed, it never was even suspected but that guilt must have been the + portion of the vanquished. When people of rank fought with sword and lance, plebeian + combatants were only allowed a pole, armed with a heavy sand-bag, with which they + were to decide their guilt or innocence. In Smithfield were also held our + autos-de-fee; but to the credit of our English monarchs, none were ever known to + attend the ceremony. Even Philip II. of Spain never honoured any, of the many which + were celebrated by permission of his gentle queen, with his presence, notwithstanding + he could behold the roasting of his own subjects with infinite self-applause and + <i>sang-froid</i>. The stone marks the spot, in this area, on which those cruel + exhibitions were executed. Here our martyr <i>Latimer</i> preached patience to friar + <i>Forest</i>, agonizing under the torture of a slow fire, for denying the king's + supremacy; and to this place our martyr <i>Cranmer</i> compelled the amiable + <i>Edward</i>, by forcing his reluctant hand to the warrant, to send <i>Joan + Bocher</i>, a silly woman, to the stake. Yet <i>Latimer</i> never thought of his own + conduct in his last moments; nor did <i>Cranmer</i> thrust his hand into the fire for + a real crime, but for one which was venial, through the frailty of human nature. Our + gracious Elizabeth could likewise burn people for religion. Two Dutchmen, + Anabaptists, suffered in this place in 1675, and died, as Holinshed sagely remarks, + with "roring and crieing." But let me say, (says Pennant,) that this was the only + instance we have of her exerting the blessed prerogative of the writ <i>De Haeretico + comburendo</i>. Her highness preferred the halter; her sullen sister faggot and fire. + Not that we will deny but Elizabeth made a very free use of the terrible act of her + 27th year. One hundred and sixty-eight suffered in her reign, at London, York, in + Lancashire, and several other parts of the kingdom, convicted of being priests, <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page136" name="page136"></a>[pg 136]</span> of harbouring + priests, or of becoming converts. But still there is a balance of 109 against us in + the article persecution, and that by the agonizing death of fire; for the smallest + number estimated to have suffered under the savage Mary, amounts, in her short reign, + to 277. The last person who suffered at the stake in England was Bartholomew Logatt, + who was burnt here in 1611, as a blasphemous heretic, according to the sentence + pronounced by John King, bishop of London. The bishop consigned him to the secular of + our monarch James, who took care to give the sentence full effect. This place, as + well as Tybourn, was called <i>The Elms</i>, and used for the execution of + malefactors even before the year 1219. In the year 1530, there was a most severe and + singular punishment inflicted here on one John Roose, a cook, who had poisoned 17 + persons of the Bishop of Rochester's family, two of whom died, and the rest never + recovered their health. His design was against the pious prelate Fisher, who at that + time resided at Rochesterplace, Lambeth. The villain was acquainted with the cook, + and, coming into the bishop's kitchen, took an opportunity, while the cook's back was + turned to fetch him some drink, to fling a great quantity of poison into the gruel, + which was prepared for dinner for the bishop's family, and the poor of the parish. + The good bishop escaped. Fortunately, he that day abstained from food. The humility + and temperance of that good man are strongly marked in this relation, for he partook + of the same ordinary food with the most wretched pauper. By a retrospective law, + Roose was sentenced to be boiled to death, which was done accordingly. In Smithfield, + the arch-rebel, Wat Tyler, met with, in 1381, the reward of his treason and + insolence."</p> + + <p>Smithfield<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a + href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> is at present celebrated, and long since, for + being the great market for cattle of all kinds, and likewise for being the place + where Bartholomew fair is held, alias the <i>Cockneys' Saturnalia</i>, which was + granted by Henry II. to the neighbouring priory.</p> + + <p>P.T.W.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE ANECDOTE GALLERY.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE ANDALUSIAN ASS.</h3> + + <p>A gay lieutenant of the Spanish Royal Guards, known by the name of Alonzo Beldia, + became violently enamoured of the beautiful Carlotta Pena, the eldest daughter of a + reputable gunsmith, whose humble habitation adjoined the vast cemetery of Valencia, + and whom Beldia had casually seen at a public entertainment given in that good + city.</p> + + <p>Alonzo was affable and extremely complaisant, though an egotist and somewhat + loquacious; but nature had, nevertheless, bestowed upon him a prepossessing exterior + with an enviable pair of jet black whiskers, and the most expressive eyes; he could + sing a <i>tonadilla</i> divinely; dance the <i>fandango</i> with inimitable grace; + and "strike the light guitar" with unparalleled mastery. He was, in truth, an + accomplished man of pleasure, and by his gallantry he subdued the tender hearts of + many fair daughters of Ferdinand's domains.</p> + + <p>On a dark night in the month of December, just as Alonzo had played one of his + bewitching airs, with his wonted execution, and was engaged, in converse sweet, with + the enraptured Carlotta, an extraordinary and seemingly supernatural noise suddenly + proceeded from a distant part of the hallowed ground where Alonzo sacrificed at the + shrine of love. Jesu Maria! exclaimed the terrified damsel, what, in the name of + heaven, can it be? ere the silvery tones of her sweet voice had reached the ears of + the petrified Alonzo, the "iron tongue" of the cathedral clock announced the hour of + midnight, and the solemn intonation of its prodigious bell instilled new horrors into + the confused minds of the affrighted lovers. The brave, the royal Alonzo heard not + the voice of his enchanting dulcinea; he, poor fellow, with difficulty supported his + trembling frame against an ancient <i>memento mori</i>, which reared its tristful + crest within a whisper of the lattice of the lovely Carlotta. Large globules of + transparent liquid adorned his pallid brow, and his convulsed knees sought each other + with mechanical solicitude. It was a moment pregnant with the gravest misery to poor + Alonzo; not a star was seen to enliven the murky night, and the wind whistled most + lugubriously. He was in a state of insensibility, and would have fallen to the cold + earth, but luckily for the valiant youth, the melodious voice of the enchanting girl + again breathed the tenderest hopes for the safety of her adored Alonzo. He sprang + upon his legs and drew a pistol from his girdle, which he discharged with unerring + aim at the dreaded goblin. A horrible groan followed this murderous act, which was + succeeded by a confused noise, and a solemn silence ensued! "It's vanished, Carlotta! + I have hurried the intruding demon to the nether world!" exclaimed the valorous + guardsman. "Heavens be praised," cried the superstitious girl, <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page137" name="page137"></a>[pg 137]</span> "but hasten, my + love—quit this spot directly—my father has alarmed his people—away, + away!"</p> + + <p>The worthy maker of guns approached the scene of carnage, accompanied by the + inmates of his dwelling, with rueful countenances, illumined by tapers, when the + cause of their disquietude was soon discovered. No apparition or sprite forsooth, but + a full grown <i>donkey</i> of the Andalusian breed, lay weltering in gore, yet warm + with partial life! By timely liberality the valorous Alonzo escaped detection, though + the heroic deed is still remembered in merry Valencia, and often cited as an instance + of glorious (?) <i>chivalry</i>.</p> + + <p>GRADIVUS.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>IMPROVED SAFETY LAMP.</h3> + + <div class="figure" style="width:50%;"> + <a href="images/329-009.png"><img width="50%" src="images/329-009.png" + alt="IMPROVED SAFETY LAMP." /></a> + </div> + + <p>Mr. Dillon has lately introduced to the notice of the scientific world, an + improvement upon the <i>Safety Lamp</i> of Sir Humphry Davy, which appears to us of + sufficient interest for illustration in our columns. As the <i>Davy Lamp</i> is too + well known to need special description here, it will be merely necessary to allude to + the principle of the invention, in order to point out Mr. Dillon's improvement.</p> + + <p>He maintains, in opposition to Sir Humphry Davy, that the Davy lamp acts by its + heat and rarefaction, and not from Sir H. Davy's theory, that flame is cooled by a + wire-gauze covering. He shows, by a simple experiment, that the Davy lamp is not safe + in a current of hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas, and that many lives may have + been lost from the confidence of miners in its perfect safety. A current of hydrogen + or carburetted hydrogen gas steadily directed on the flame of the lamp from a bladder + and stopcock, <i>by cooling the wire gauze</i>, brings the flame of the lamp through + the gauze to the mouth of the stopcock, (even should there be six folds of gauze + intervening.) He shows also, by immersing the lamp, when cold and newly lighted, into + a jar of dense hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas, or an explosive mixture with + atmospheric air, that explosion takes place inside and outside of the lamp; whereas, + when the lamp has burnt sufficiently long to heat the wire gauze, no explosion takes + place on the outside of the lamp. These experiments appear incontrovertible in + support of his theory, which is, "<i>that the wire gauze is merely the rapid receiver + and the retainer of heat, and that it is the caloric in its meshes which prevents the + flame of the lamp from being fed by the oxygen of the atmosphere on the + outside</i>."</p> + + <p>The experiments of Libri, showing that flame is inflected by metallic rods, and + that "when two flames are made to approach each other, there is a mutual repulsion, + although their proximity increases the temperature of each, instead of diminishing + it," support Mr. Dillon's theory—the inflection being occasioned by the + rarefaction of the air between the rod and the flame, the latter seeking for oxygen + to support it in a denser medium, the two flames repelling each other for the same + reason, and not from any mysterious and "repulsive effect of the wires of the gauze + tissue." Mr. Dillon increases the heat of the lamp, and places on it a shield of talc + to protect it from a current, and, upon his theory, the shafts or workings of iron + and coal mines may be lighted with gas with perfect safety, protecting the flame with + wire gauze and a circular shield of talc.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>EPITAPH ON A FRENCH SCOLD.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ci git ma femme; ah! qu'il est bien</p> + + <p>Pour son repos et pour le mien.</p> + </div> + </div> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page138" name="page138"></a>[pg 138]</span> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF <i>NEW WORKS</i>.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h4>PENELOPE, OR LOVE'S LABOUR LOST.</h4> + + <p>This is one of the most deservedly attractive novels of the past season; and the + good sense with which it abounds, ought to insure it extensive circulation. It has + none of the affectation or presumptuousness of "fashionable" literature; but is at + once a rational picture of that order of society to which its characters belong, and + a just satire on the <i>superior</i> vices of the wealthy and the great. The author + is evidently no servile respecter of either of the latter classes, for which reason, + his work is the more estimable, and is a picture of <i>real</i> life, whereas fashion + at best lends but a disguise, or artificial colouring to the actions of men, and thus + renders them the less important to the world, and less to be depended on as scenes + and portraitures of human character. The former will, however, stand as lasting + records of the men and manners of the age in which they were drawn, whilst the + latter, being in their own day but caricatures of life, will, in course of time, fade + and lose their interest, and at length become levelled with the mere ephemera, or + day-flies of literature. It is true that novel-writing has, within the last sixteen, + or eighteen years, attained a much higher rank than it hitherto enjoyed; but it + should be remembered that this superiority has not been grounded in mawkish records + of the fashionable follies of high life, such as my Lord Duke, or my Lady Bab, might + indite below stairs, for the amusement of those in the drawing-room; on the contrary, + it was founded in portraits and pictures of human nature, strengthened by historical, + or matter-of-fact interest, and stripped of the trickery of fancy and romance; + whereas, the chronicles of fashion are little better than the vagaries of an + eccentric few, who bear the same proportion to the general mass of society, that the + princes, heroes, and statesmen of history do to the whole world. This is a fallacy of + which thousands of Bath and Cheltenham novel-readers are not yet aware, and which the + listless <i>Dangles</i> of Brighton and Margate have yet to learn, ere they can hope + to arrive at a correct estimate of human nature; but to such readers we cordially + recommend <i>Penelope</i> as the best corrective we can prescribe for the bile of + fashionable prejudice, or the nausea arising from overstrained fiction, modified as + it is to the romance of real life.</p> + + <p><i>Penelope</i> has, however, one of the failings common to fashionable novels. + Its plot is weak and meagre—but it is still simple and natural, and has not + borrowed any of those adventitious aids to which we have alluded above. It bears + throughout an air of probability, untinctured by romance, and has the strong impress + of truth and fidelity to nature. Sketchy and vivacious, always humorous and sometimes + witty; it has many scenes and portraits, which in terseness and energy, will compare + with any of its predecessors; and occasionally there are touches of genuine sentiment + which seize on the sympathies of the reader with more than common effect. The + incidents of the narrative do not present many opportunities for these displays of + the writer's talent, and we cannot refrain from thinking that their more frequent + introduction would have increased the success of the work—that is, if we may be + allowed to judge from the specimens with which the author has here favoured us.</p> + + <p>But we are getting somewhat too critical, and consequently as much out of our + element as modern aeronauts, who are no sooner in the air than they seem to think of + their descent. We shall not, however, impair the pleasure of the reader by giving him + a foretaste of the whole plot of <i>Penelope</i>; but we shall rather confine + ourselves to a few portrait-specimens of characters, whose <i>drawing</i> will, we + hope, <i>attract</i> the general reader; presuming, as we do, that its claims to his + attention will be found to outweigh dozens of the scandalous chronicles of high + fashion. We are not told whether the parties ate with silver or steel forks, or + burned wax or tallow; but those characters must be indeed poorly drawn which do not + enable the reader to satisfy himself about such trifles, allowing that he thinks them + worth his study.</p> + + <p>An outline of the characters may not be unacceptable. The scene lies principally + in the villages of Neverden and Smatterton; and between their rectors Dr. Greendale + and Mr. Darnley, and their families; the Earl of Smatterton, of Smatterton Hall; Lord + Spoonbill, his son; Sir George Aimwell, of Neverden Hall; <i>Penelope Primrose</i>, + the heroine, who is placed by her father under the care of Dr. Greendale, whilst Mr. + Primrose seeks to repair his fortune in the Indies; and Robert Darnley, Penelope's + suitor, also for sometime in the Indies, who is thwarted in his views by Lord + Spoonbill, and a creature named colonel Crop, &c.</p> + + <p>In the early part of the narrative, Dr. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page139" + name="page139"></a>[pg 139]</span> Greendale dies, and Penelope is removed from + Smatterton to London, where she is to be brought out as a singer, under the patronage + of the Countess of Smatterton, and Spoonbill is first struck with her charms, and + resolves to frustrate his absent rival.</p> + + <p>The roguery of a postboy named Nick Muggins, who is employed by the noble suitor + to intercept letters, and the aid of Crop, who acts as a sort of go-between, are put + in requisition for this purpose; but the villany of the latter is finely defeated in + his mistaking a silly, forward girl, Miss Glossop, for Penelope, and accordingly + prevailing on her to elope with him to Lord Spoonbill's villa, where the blunder is + soon discovered by his lordship, who in return is horsewhipped by the father of Miss + Glossop; and Darnley and Penelope are eventually married.</p> + + <p>There are two or three adjuncts, as Peter Kipperson, a "march of intellect" man, + Erpingham, one of Spoonbill's companions in debauchery, Ellen Fitzpatrick, one of his + victims, Dr. Greendale's successor, Charles Pringle; and Zephaniah Pringle, a + literary coxcomb of the first order.</p> + + <p>The portrait of Dr. Greendale is of high finish—full of the truth and + amiability of the Christian character—one who regarded the false distinctions + of society in their proper light, and knew how to set a right value upon the + influence of good example, and who was "loved and respected for the steadiness and + respectability of his character; for the integrity, purity, simplicity, and sincerity + of his life." At the same time, the doctor is finely contrasted with his wife, who + possessed the common failing of paying homage to her illustrious neighbours to obtain + their notice and patronage, and who felt flattered by a collateral branch of the + Smattertons accepting an invitation to her table. Of the <i>heroine</i>, we quote the + author's outline:—</p> + + <p><i>Penelope Primrose</i> exceeded the middle stature, that her dark blue eyes were + shaded by a deep and graceful fringe, that her complexion was somewhat too pale for + beauty, but that its paleness was not perceptible as a defect whenever a smile + illumined her countenance, and developed the dimples that lurked in her cheek and + underlip. Her features were regular, her gait exceedingly graceful, and her voice + musical in the highest degree. Seldom, indeed, would she indulge in the pleasure of + vocal music, but when she did, as was sometimes the case to please the Countess of + Smatterton, her ladyship, who was a most excellent judge, used invariably to + pronounce Miss Primrose as the finest and purest singer that she had ever heard.</p> + + <p>The character of Lord Spoonbill is struck out with singular felicity and + spirit:—</p> + + <p>Lord Spoonbill was not one of those careless young men who lose at the university + what they have gained at school; one reason was, that he had little or nothing to + lose; nor was his lordship one of those foolish people who go to a university and + study hard to acquire languages which they never use, and sciences which they never + apply in after-life. His lordship had sense enough to conclude that, as the nobility + do not talk Greek, he had no occasion to learn it; and as hereditary legislators have + nothing to do with the exact sciences, it would be a piece of idle impertinence in + him to study mathematics. But his lordship had heard that hereditary legislators did + occasionally indulge in other pursuits, and for those pursuits he took especial care + to qualify himself. In his lordship's cranium, the organ of exclusiveness was + strongly developed. We do not mean that his head was so constructed internally, as to + exclude all useful furniture, but that he had a strong sense of the grandeur of + nobility and the inseparable dignity which attaches itself to the privileged orders. + The only instances in which he condescended to persons in inferior rank, were when he + was engaged at the race-course at Newmarket, or when he found that condescension + might enable him to fleece some play-loving plebeian, or when affairs of gallantry + were concerned. In these matters no one could be more condescending than Lord + Spoonbill. We should leave but an imperfect impression on the minds of our readers if + we should omit to speak of his lordship's outward and visible form. This was an + essential part of himself which he never neglected or forgot; and it should not be + neglected or forgotten by his historian. He was tall and slender, his face was long, + pale and thin, his forehead was narrow, his eyes large and dull, his nose aquiline, + his mouth wide, his teeth beautifully white and well formed, and displayed far more + liberally than many exhibitions in the metropolis which are only "open from ten till + dusk." His lips were thin, but his whiskers were tremendously thick. Of his person he + was naturally and justly proud. Who ever possessed such a person and was not proud of + it?</p> + + <p><i>Colonel Crop</i> was only Colonel Crop; he enjoyed the rank of colonel, and + that was all the rank that he could boast; he was tolerated at the castle; he dined + occasionally with his lordship; and occasionally <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page140" name="page140"></a>[pg 140]</span> partook of the pleasure of shooting + the birds which were cultivated on his lordship's estate. In town, he patronised the + countess' routs, and in the country he was a companion for the earl, when not + otherwise engaged. He was proud of the earl's acquaintance, though he was not weak + enough to suppose that he was more than tolerated. The haughtiest of the great do + sometimes pick up such acquaintances as Colonel Crop, and they cannot easily get rid + of them.</p> + + <p>We must pass over Peter Kipperson, an excellent whole-length portrait of a man who + makes a noise in these marching times, and show in <i>Sir George Aimwell</i>, of + Neverden Hall, Bart., who was descended from a long line of illustrious ancestry, and + was a wholesale poulterer, and one of the great unpaid. Not that we mean by this + expression to insinuate that the retail poulterers did not pay him for what they had: + we merely mean to say, that the preserve-worshiping, springgun-setting, + poacher-committing baronet administered justice for nothing; and with reverence be it + spoken, that was quite as much as it was worth. The worthy baronet was a most active + magistrate, peculiarly acute in matters of summary conviction; and thinking it a + great pity that any rogue should escape, or that any accused, but honest man, should + lose an opportunity of clearing his character by means of a jury of his + fellow-countrymen, he never failed to commit all that were brought before him.</p> + + <p>Sir George professed Whig politics; these were hereditary in his family, but by no + means constitutional in him as an individual. Therefore he passed for a very moderate + Whig; for one who would not clog the wheels of government. In short, he was no more a + Whig than a game preserver ought to be; and that, as our readers know, is not much. + He took especial pains to keep the parish clear of vagrants and paupers; and by his + great activity he kept down the poor-rates to a moderate sum. Sir George, though a + professed Whig, was not very partial to the education of the lower orders, and he + always expressed himself well pleased when he met with a country booby who could + neither read nor write. For this reason Nick Muggins, the postboy, was a great + favourite with him. Our worthy baronet could not see the use of reading, and he + thought it a great piece of affectation for country gentlemen to have libraries. His + own books, for he had a few, were huddled together in a light closet, where he kept + his guns and sporting tackle. There was a Lady Aimwell, wife to Sir George; but this + lady was a piece of still life, of whom the neighbours knew nothing, and for whom her + husband cared nothing.</p> + + <p>Everybody in the neighbourhood remembers the impressive admonition which Sir + George gave to an old man who was convicted at the quarter sessions of having a bit + of string in his pocket, and therefore strongly suspected of a design of a malicious + nature against the game.</p> + + <p>"John Carter," said the worthy baronet, "let me address to you a few words on the + sin of poaching. Poaching, John Carter—is—is a sin of which too many are + guilty, owing to the lenity of our most excellent laws. I think that if everybody + thought, as I think, of the moral heinousness of this offence, nobody would be guilty + of it. Poaching is not yet made felony; but there is no saying how soon it may be + made so, if the crime be persisted in. It is a moral offence of the greatest + enormity, and is one of those crying, national sins, which may one day or other bring + down the vengeance of heaven on our guilty country. Now, John Carter, if you go to + gaol for six months, I hope the tread-mill and the chaplain will work a thorough + reformation in your morals."</p> + + <p>Of course the contact of Sir George with such a man as Kipperson, affords great + merriment: <i>ex. gr.</i> part of a dinner scene at Neverden Hall:—</p> + + <p>Now Peter was a very literary man, who thought there was nothing worth living for + but science and literature; and having somewhere read that it was impossible to take + shelter in a shower of rain with such a man as Burke, without discovering him to be a + man of genius, Peter was desirous of continually showing off, and was instant in + season and out of season. Therefore when sitting at the table of the worthy baronet, + he assailed the magistrate with various scientific subjects, but all to no purpose; + there was no response from his worthy host. Endeavouring to adapt himself to the + moderate talents and circumscribed reading of the baronet, he next started the + subject of novels and novel reading, taking care to insinuate that, though Sir George + might not read the trash of circulating libraries, he might be acquainted with some + of our best novels. To this at last the baronet replied—"Oh, yes; I remember + many years ago reading a novel called Tom Jones, written by a Bow Street officer. I + recollect something about it—it was very low stuff—I forget the + particulars, but it was written in the manner of servants."</p> + + <p>Hereupon Mr. Peter Kipperson set it down as an indisputable fact that baronets and + magistrates were the most ignorant creatures on the face of the earth, and he <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page141" name="page141"></a>[pg 141]</span> congratulated + himself that neither he nor Sir Isaac Newton were baronets.</p> + + <p>A scene between Lord Spoonbill and one of his victims, whom he meets in his + father's park, has some fine touches of remorse:—</p> + + <p>Agitated by distracting thoughts, he stood at the park gate, gazing alternately in + different directions; and by the intensity of his feelings was at last rivetted in an + almost unconscious state of mind to the spot on which he was standing. Suddenly his + pulse beat quicker, and his heart seemed to swell within him, when at a little + distance he saw the dreaded one approaching him. Had he seen her anywhere else his + first impulse would have been to avoid her; but here his truest and best policy was + to submit to an interview, however painful. Shall he meet her with kindness?— + Shall he meet her with reproaches?—Shall he meet her with coldness? These were + inquiries rapidly passing through his mind as she drew nearer and nearer. It was + difficult for him to decide between cruelty and hypocrisy; but the last was the most + natural to him, so far as custom is a second nature.</p> + + <p>The afflicted one moved slowly with her eyes fixed on the ground, and she saw not + her enemy till so near to him, that on lifting up her face and recognising his + well-known features, the sudden shock produced a slight hysteric shriek.</p> + + <p>Lord Spoonbill was not so lost to all feeling of humanity as to be insensible to + the anguish of mind which she now suffered, who had once regarded him as a friend, + and had loved him, "not wisely, but too well." He held out his hand to her with an + unpremeditated look of kindness and affection; and which, being unpremeditated, bore + the aspect of sincerity. The stranger at first hesitated, and seemed not disposed to + accept the offered hand; but she looked up in his face, and the blood mounted to her + cheeks and the tears stood in her eyes, and she gave him her hand, and covered her + face and wept bitterly.</p> + + <p>There are moments in which shameless profligates look foolish and feel that they + are contemptible. This was such a moment to Lord Spoonbill. He was moved, and he was + mortified that he was moved; and there was a general feeling of confusion and + perplexity in his mind. What could he say? or how could he act? He began to stammer + out something like gentleness, and something like reproof. But she who stood before + him was as an accusing spirit, to whom apology was mockery, and repentance too + late.</p> + + <p>In the first volume too, there is a successful satire on the changes of sixteen + years in the condition of the people of England—between Mr. Primrose, who had + been absent for that period, and the egregious Peter Kipperson. It is quite in the + <i>forte</i> of the writer, and we regret that we have not room to quote it at full + length.</p> + + <p>Such are the only specimens which our limits enable us to present to the reader; + but we hope they will be sufficient to induce him to turn to the work + itself—and we doubt not—for his further gratification. Digressions occur + too frequently to suit the pioneering taste of a certain class of readers; they may + serve as resting-places in an intricate plot, but they were not, on that account, + wanted here. At the same time, they are recommended by plain sense, knowledge of the + world, shrewdness, and harmless satire on the weak sides of our nature, and are + therefore <i>useful</i>; whilst their terseness and vivacity will free them from the + charge of dulness, or the sin of prosing.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>DIALOGUES ON FLY FISHING.</h3> + + <h4><i>By Sir Humphry Davy.</i></h4> + + <p>We continue our extracts from this "philosophical angler's" delightful little + book. The present will serve such as are unacquainted with the mysteries of + fly-fishing, and interest all who are fond of inquiries in natural history.</p> + + <h4><i>Management of Flies.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Hal</i>—Whilst you are preparing I will mention a circumstance which + every accomplished fly-fisher ought to know. You changed your flies on Saturday with + the change of weather, putting the dark flies on for the bright gleams of the sun, + and the gaudy flies when the dark clouds appeared. Now I will tell you of another + principle which it is as necessary to know as the change of flies for change of + weather; I allude to the different kinds of fly to be used in particular pools, and + even for particular parts of pools. You have fished in this deep pool; and if you + were to change it for a shallower one, such as that above, it would be proper to use + smaller flies of the same colour; and in a pool still deeper, larger flies; likewise + in the rough rapid at the top, a larger fly may be used than below at the tail of the + water; and in the Tweed, or Tay, I have often changed my fly thrice in the same pool, + and sometimes with success—using three different flies for the top, middle, and + bottom. I remember when I first saw Lord Somerville adopt this fashion, I thought + there was fancy in it; but experience <span class="pagenum"><a id="page142" + name="page142"></a>[pg 142]</span> soon proved to me how accomplished a salmon-fisher + was my excellent and lamented friend, and I adopted the lesson he taught me, and with + good results, in all bright waters.</p> + + <h4><i>Hooks.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Hal</i>—I never use any hooks for salmon-fishing, except those which I am + sure have been made by O'Shaughnessy, of Limerick; for even the hooks made in Dublin, + though they seldom break, yet they now and then bend; and the English hooks made of + cast steel in imitation of Irish ones are the worst of all. <i>There</i> is a fly + nearly of the same colour as that which is destroyed; and I can tell you that I saw + it made at Limerick by O'Shaughnessy himself, and tied on one of his own hooks. + Should you catch with it a fish even of 30 lbs., I will answer for its strength and + temper; it will neither break nor bend.—We should have such hooks in England, + but the object of the fishing-tackle makers is to obtain them cheap, and most of + their hooks are made to sell, and good hooks cannot be sold but at a good + price.—The early Fellows of the Royal Society, who attended to all the useful + and common arts, even improved fish-hooks; and Prince Rupert, an active member of + that illustrious body, taught the art of tempering hooks to a person of the name of + Kirby, under whose name, for more than a century, very good hooks were sold.</p> + + <h4><i>Variety in Trout.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Phys.</i>—Tell us why they are so different from the river-trout, or why + there should be two species or varieties in the same water.—<i>Hal.</i> Your + question is a difficult one, and it has already been referred to in a former + conversation; but I shall repeat what I stated before, that qualities occasioned by + food, peculiarities of water, &c. are transmitted to the offspring, and produce + varieties which retain their characters as long as they are exposed to the same + circumstances, and only slowly lose them. Plenty of good food gives a silvery colour + and round form to fish, and the offspring retain these characters. Feeding on + shell-fish thickens the stomach, and in many generations, probably, the gillaroo + trout becomes so distinct a variety, as to render it doubtful if it be not a distinct + species. Even these smallest salmon trout have green backs, <i>only</i> black spots, + and silvery bellies; from which it is evident that they are the offspring of lake + trout, or <i>lachs forelle</i>, as it is called by the Germans; whilst the river + trout, even when 4 or 5 lbs., as we see in one of these fish, though in excellent + season, have red spots.</p> + + <h4><i>Char.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Phys.</i> The char<a id="footnotetag4" name="footnotetag4"></a><a + href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> is a most beautiful and excellent fish, and is, of + course, a fish of prey. Is he not an object of sport to the angler?—<i>Hal.</i> + They generally haunt deep, cool lakes, and are seldom found at the surface till late + in the autumn. When they are at the surface they will, however, take either fly or + minnow. I have known some caught in both these ways; and have myself taken a char, + even in summer, in one of those beautiful, small, deep lakes in the Upper Tyrol, near + Nazereit; but it was where a cool stream entered from the mountain; and the fish did + not rise, but swallowed the artificial fly under water. I have fished for them in + many lakes, without success, both in England and Scotland, and also amongst the Alps; + and I am told the only sure way of taking them is by sinking a line with a bullet, + and a hook having a live minnow attached to it, in the deep water which they usually + haunt; and in this way, likewise, I have no doubt the <i>umbla</i>, or <i>ombre + chevalier</i>, might be taken.</p> + + <h4><i>Naturalization of Fish.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Hal.</i> At Lintz, on the Danube, I could have given you a fish dinner of a + different description, which you might have liked as a variety. The four kinds of + perch, the <i>spiegil carpfen</i>, and the <i>siluris glanis</i>; all good fish, and + which I am sorry we have not in England, where I doubt not they might be easily + naturalized, and where they would form an admirable addition to the table in inland + counties. Since England has become Protestant, the cultivation of fresh water fish + has been much neglected. The <i>burbot</i>, or <i>lotte</i>, which already exists in + some of the streams tributary to the Trent, and which is a most admirable fish, might + be diffused without much difficulty; and nothing could be more easy than to + naturalize the <i>spiegil carpfen</i> and <i>siluris</i>; and I see no reason why the + <i>perca lucio perca</i> and <i>zingil</i> should not succeed in some of our clear + lakes and ponds, which abound in coarse fish. The new Zoological Society, I hope, + will attempt something of this kind; and it will be a better object than introducing + birds and beasts of prey—though I have no objection to any sources of rational + amusement or philosophical curiosity.</p> + + <h4><i>Conveying Fish.</i></h4> + + <p><i>Phys.</i>—In Austria, the art of carrying and keeping fish is better + understood than in England. Every inn has a box containing grayling, trout, carp, or + char, into which water from a spring runs; and no <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page143" name="page143"></a>[pg 143]</span> one thinks of carrying or sending + <i>dead</i> fish for a dinner. A fish-barrel full of cool water, which is replenished + at every fresh source amongst these mountains, is carried on the shoulders of the + fisherman. And the fish, when confined in wells, are fed with bullock's liver, cut + into fine pieces, so that they are often in better season in the tank or stew than + when they were taken. I have seen trout, grayling, and char even, feed voraciously, + and take their food almost from the hand. These methods of carrying and preserving + fish have, I believe, been adopted from the monastic establishments. At Admondt, in + Styria, attached to the magnificent monastery of that name, are abundant ponds and + reservoirs for every species of fresh water fish; and the char, grayling, and trout + are preserved in different waters— covered, enclosed, and under lock and + key.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>PAROCHIAL HISTORIES.</h3> + + <p>We wonder why clergymen do not oftener write accounts of their parishes; not mere + statistical accounts, though these are most valuable, as witness the contributions of + the Scottish Clergy to the truly patriotic Sir John Sinclair's work; but accounts + comprehending every thing interesting to all human beings, whatever be their + political or religious creed. A description of a church that has principally ceased + to exist, is in general very, very, very dry; inscriptions on tombstones, without + comment, or moral, are hard reading; an old pan dug up among rubbish proves a sore + affliction in the hands of the antiquary, and twenty pages quarto, with plates, about + a rusty spur without a rowel, is, in our humble opinion, an abuse of the art of + printing. But how easy—how pleasant, to mix up together all sorts of + information in due proportions into one whole, in the shape of an + octavo—epitomizing every kind of history belonging to the parish, from peer's + palace to peasant's hut! What are clergymen perpetually about? Not always preaching + and praying; or marrying, christening, and burying people. They ought to tell us all + about it; to moralize, to poetize, to philosophize; to paint the manners living as + they rise, or dead as they fall; to take Time by the forelock, and measure the marks + of his footsteps; to show us the smoke curling up from embowered chimneys; or, since + woods must go down, to record the conquests of the biting axe; to celebrate the + raising of every considerable roof-tree, to lament all dilapidations and crumbling + away of ivied walls; to inform us how many fathoms deep is the lake with its abbeyed + island—why the pool below the aged bridge gets shallower and shallower every + year, so that it can no more shelter a salmon—what are the sports, and games, + and pastimes of the parishioners—what books they read, if any—if the + punishment of the stocks be obsolete—or the stang—or the jougs—if + the bowels of the people yearn after strange doctrine—if the parish has + produced any good or great murderer, incendiary, or other criminal. In short, why + might not the history of each of the twenty or thirty thousand parishes of Great + Britain—we speak at random—be each a history of human nature, at once + entertaining and instructive? How infinitely better such books than pamphlets on + political economy, for example, now encumbering the whole land! Nay, even than single + sermons, or bundles of sermons, all like so many sticks—strong when tied all + together, but when taken separately, weak and frush. We have no great opinion of + county histories in general, though we believe there are some goodish ones, from + which we purpose, ere long, to construct some superior articles. A county history, to + be worth much, should run from sixty to six hundred volumes. No library could well + stand that for many years. But a judicious selection might be made from the thirty + thousand parish histories—that would afford charming reading to the largest + family during the longest nights—in the intervals between the Scotch Novels. + Form the circle round the fire—when winter crimps and freezes—or round + the open bow-window, now that summer roasts and broils, and get her whose voice is + like a silver bell to read it up, right on from beginning to end, only skipping a few + lists of names now and then, and we pledge our credit on the prediction, that you + will be delighted as on a summer ramble, now in sunlight and now in moonlight, over + hill and dale, adorned with towers, turrets, pinnacles of halls and churches, and the + low roofs,—blue or brown, slated or strawed.—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Of huts where poor men lie!"</p> + + <p class="i10"><i>Blackwood's Magazine.</i></p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>THE GATHERER.</h2> + + <center> + "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + </center> + + <center> + SHAKSPEARE. + </center> + <hr /> + + <h3>IAMBICS.</h3> + Iambe was a servant-maid of Metanira, wife of Celeus, king of Eleusis, who tried to + exhilarate Ceres when she travelled over Attica in quest of her daughter <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page144" name="page144"></a>[pg 144]</span> Proserpine. From + the jokes and stories which she made use of, free and satirical verses have been + called <i>iambics</i>.—<i>Apollod</i>, i.<i>c</i>. 5. HALBERT.<br /> + <br /> + + <hr /> + + <h3>BISHOP AND NEGUS.</h3> + + <p>Two dustmen were lately disputing the difference between <i>bishop</i> and + <i>negus</i>. "Don't you know?" said one of them; "I vonders at your ignorance— + vy bishop is made all vine vithout no vater vatsomever; vereas negus is made with + vine and vater mixed—that's the difference, to be sure."</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>POLITE EVIDENCE.</h3> + + <p>At the Wells assizes, the other day, a butcher's wife, in giving her evidence, + repeatedly turned towards the prisoner at the bar, and designated him as "that + gentleman!" The judge at last lost all patience, and exclaimed, "Old woman, you are + become quite offensive." This exemplifies Steele's speaking of "sin as a fine + gentleman."</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Baron Garrow lately observed at Monmouth, that a respected friend of his, in the + city of London, would sign his name on the outside of letters, in such a way as to + defy the skill of every man in the court, even if assisted by the greater sagacity of + the other sex, in finding out what his signature could possibly be meant for. The + post-offices indeed, knew that a certain number of straight strokes, up and down, + meant W. Curtis; but probably that was not because they could read the signature, but + because nothing else at all like it ever came there.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Dr. Solo, on hearing of the glorious victory obtained by Bolivar, was determined + that every bird and beast that he possessed should get drunk on this glorious + occasion. For this purpose he gave the horses, cows, pigs, and poultry and birds as + much juice of the sugar-cane as they could drink; and it was very amusing to see the + pigs jump about in the most frolicsome manner.—<i>Hutchinson's Travels in + Colombia.</i></p> + <hr /> + + <h3>BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE.</h3> + + <p>In the <i>Album</i> at the Bell Rock Light-House are the following lines by Sir + Walter Scott:—</p> + + <h4><i>Pharos Loquitur.</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Far in the bosom of the deep,</p> + + <p>O'er these wild shelves my watch I keep;</p> + + <p>A ruddy gem of changeful light,</p> + + <p>Bound on the dusky brow of night;</p> + + <p>The seaman bids my lustre hail,</p> + + <p>And scorns to strike his timorous sail.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>WALTER SCOTT.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>NEWSPAPER WONDERS.</h3> + + <p>Flights of wild ducks and geese, in numbers <i>sufficiently multitudinous to + darken the air</i>, have already migrated to the moors—a circumstance scarcely + existing in the memory of the oldest inhabitant at this period of the + year.—<i>Hereford Journal.</i></p> + <hr /> + + <p>A countryman, who was cutting wood near the falls of Niagara, on the 10th of July, + was attacked by a rattle-snake; in his terror he leaped across a tremendous gulf, + sixty-seven feet wide, and escaped unhurt!—<i>Charleston Paper.</i></p> + <hr /> + + <p>The <i>Weedsport Advertiser</i> (an American Journal) relates an incident which + had just occurred in the town of Cato, Cross Lake. A young man named Stockwell, son + of a widow woman of that name, living in the town, after repeated threats to kill a + favourite cat belonging to the house, in order to vex his mother, at length undertook + to carry them into execution. In the morning he took the cat and started with her + into the woods, telling his youngest sister that he was going to destroy her. They + were absent until the afternoon, when the cat came home, <i>apparently looking</i> as + though she had been in the water. The next morning the young man's clothes were seen + on the bank of Cross Lake, and in the water was found his body, the face and shoulder + dreadfully scratched, evidently by the cat in struggling, so that little doubt + existed that he was drowned in attempting to destroy puss. All speculation on the + matter, however, was set at rest on the body being brought home, for the cat flew at + the corpse, and could with difficulty be kept off.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>IMPROMPTU ON RELIEVING A BEGGAR.</h3> + + <h4><i>(For the Mirror.)</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Take this, old man, thy looks bespeak thy need,</p> + + <p class="i2">And pity never questions want and woe;</p> + A bright-hair'd angel registers the deed<br /> + <br /> + + <p class="i2">In heaven—the meed of charity below!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>H.M.L.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>Rosamond's Labyrinth—We shall feel obliged by a call from the gentleman who + favoured us with the original of this engraving; or, if more convenient, by a note + enclosing his address.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <hr class="full" /> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a><br /> + This is a boundary stone which marks the extent of the jurisdiction possessed by + the City of London over the western part of the River Thames. It stands on the + margin of the river, in the vicinity of Staines church, and bears the date of 1280. + On a moulding round the upper part is inscribed "GOD preserve the City of London, + A.D. 1280." + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a><br /> + George II. used to say when riding through Brentford, with his heavy guards, "I do + like dis place, 'tis so like Yarmany." + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a><br /> + After the Great Fire, many Londoners resided here in huts. + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a><br /> + <i>Sabling</i> of the Germans. + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <p><i>Printed and Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset-House). London: + Sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; and by all Newsmen and + Booksellers.</i></p> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 329 *** + +***** This file should be named 11370-h.htm or 11370-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/7/11370/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Allen Siddle and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +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, + Volume 12, No. 329, Saturday, August 30, 1828 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February 29, 2004 [EBook #11370] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: US-ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 329 *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Allen Siddle and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +NO. 329.] SATURDAY, AUGUST 30, 1828. [PRICE 2d. + + + + +NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES. + +[Illustration: NEW CHURCH, BUILDING AT STAINES.] + + +Who has journeyed on the Exeter road without noticing the town of STAINES, +with its host of antiquarian associations--as the _Stana_ (Saxon) or +London Stone,[1] its ancient bridge, for the repair of which three oaks +out of Windsor Forest were granted by the crown in the year 1262, besides +_pontage_ or temporary tolls previous to the year 1600.--Dr. Stukeley's +conjectures respecting the _Via Trinobantica_ passing here--and the _old_ +parish church, the situation of which appeared to denote the site of the +more ancient town of Staines. It is here too, that the tourist begins to +imagine himself _in rure_, after he has been whirled through the brick and +mortar avenues of _Kensington_, and _Hammersmith_, and the unsightly +lane-street of _Brentford_,[2] with all its cockney reminiscences of +equestrianism and election squabbles; _Hounslow_ and its by-gone days of +highway notoriety and powder-mill and posting celebrity, and _Bedfont_, +with its yew trees tortured into peacock shapes, and the date 1704. Then, +who does not recollect and venerate the convivial celebrity of this route, +its luxurious inns, and their "thrones of human felicity;" along which +Quin, Dr. Johnson or Shenstone could scarcely have accomplished a stage a +day! + +In our days, hundreds of London tourists breakfast at the _Bush_, although, +after sixteen miles' ride, their appetites do not require this stimulant +any more than do the glories of the _Bush_ cellars after dinner. + +But we must pass on to the church. The _old_ building was in the Gothic or +pointed style, with lancet windows, &c., but much disfigured by +churchwardens' repairs, although the great Inigo Jones is said to have +built its square, brick tower. At length, a considerable portion of this +ancient structure fell in one Sunday morning, during the service, but, as +the newspapers say, "fortunately no lives were lost." The inhabitants then +resolved to rebuild nearly the whole, and the design of Mr. J.B. Watson +was adopted. The foundation stone was laid March 31, in the present year, +and the building is to be completed by Christmas next. The church is +intended to contain 1,100 persons. The length of the interior, 65 feet; +width, 47 feet; height to ceiling, 25 feet. The chancel is to be rebuilt +at the expense of the impropriators. The lower part of Inigo Jones's tower +is to remain, and the whole is to be raised 23 feet. These repairs, with +the enclosure of the churchyard, will not exceed 4,000_l_.; and the +progress of the undertaking is highly creditable to the taste and +execution of all the parties concerned. + +As one act of public spirit generally leads to another, the erection of a +new stone bridge is projected at Staines; it is to be nearer the church +than the present bridge, and will afford a better view of the new +structure. An elegant stone bridge was erected here in 1796, but two of +the piers sinking, the bridge was taken down, and an iron one substituted; +this failed, and has since been supported by wooden piles and frame-work. + + +[1] This is a boundary stone which marks the extent of the jurisdiction + possessed by the City of London over the western part of the River + Thames. It stands on the margin of the river, in the vicinity of + Staines church, and bears the date of 1280. On a moulding round the + upper part is inscribed "GOD preserve the City of London, A.D. 1280." + +[2] George II. used to say when riding through Brentford, with his heavy + guards, "I do like dis place, 'tis so like Yarmany." + + + + * * * * * + + +THE SPECTRE'S VOYAGE. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + + "There is a part of the river Wye, between the city of Hereford and + the town of Moss, which was distinguished and well known for upwards + of two centuries, by the appellation of the Spectre's Voyage; across + which, so long as it retained that name, neither entreaty nor + remuneration could induce any boatman to convey passengers after a + certain hour of the night. The superstitious ideas current amongst the + lower orders of people were, that on every evening about the hour of + eight, a beautiful female figure was seen in a small vessel, sailing + from Hereford to Northrigg, (a small village about three miles + distant,) with the utmost rapidity, against wind and tide, or even in + a dead calm--landed at the little village, returned, and vanished, + when arrived at a certain part of the river, where the current is + remarkably strong, about half a mile from the city of Hereford." + + --_Neele's Romance of History._ See MIRROR, vol. x, page 352. + + + Bright shines the silver queen of night, + Upon fair Wye's soft stream; + Which throws a ray of heavenly light + Reflected from her beam. + Yet this smooth water, wide and clear, + This scene of sweet repose; + Erst filled the villagers with fear + As ancient story goes. + + 'Tis told us that in dead of night, + (In days of yore long past) + A skiff was seen compact and light, + With sail, and oars, and mast. + And in it sat the spectral form, + Of a most beauteous maid; + Who heeded neither wind nor storm, + As she this voyage made. + + Nor heeded she the pelting rain, + Nor winter's blinding snows; + But to the destin'd spot amain, + The scudding vessel goes; + Or if so calm, the placid Wye, + No wave was on its face, + Yet onward did that light bark fly + To reach the fated place. + + When on the deck she was espied, + Each trembled to behold; + As on she sail'd 'gainst wind and tide, + ('Tis scarce believ'd when told) + Then sail and oar were both applied, + And swift the vessel flew; + But where the man--who could abide + That vessel to pursue? + + Ah! who could dare approach the spot + Where Isabel did steer? + That mariner existeth not, + But did that phantom fear. + Or where's the man whose courage bold, + Could lend him strength one hour, + To gaze upon that form so cold, + Or place him in her power. + + And when the spectral sail was spread, + That flutter'd to and fro; + The hair would bristle on each head, + Which awful fear did show. + And when the moon-beam seem'd to kiss, + That dreaded maiden's brow; + Something each knew would go amiss, + Nor judg'd such wrong, I trow. + + For tho' the form was wond'rous fair, + 'Twas terrible to view; + And to avoid it was the care + Of every vessel's crew. + Full many a dismal tale was told, + Of that fam'd spectre ship; + And none were ever known so bold + To watch this nightly trip. + + Why did that troubled shade proceed + Along that watery way? + Or what the purpose, or the deed, + Which caus'd her thus to stray? + For good, or bad, did Isabel, + Forsake her dreary grave? + Or was't because she lov'd to sail + On Wye's pellucid wave? + + The spectre came to meet her dear, + Lord Hugh--the young and brave; + When dreadful tidings met her ear, + "He'd found a traitor's grave." + When second Edward rul'd this land, + (A wretched prince was he,) + Of favourites he'd a numerous band, + As worthless as could be. + + Two noblemen amongst this set + Were hated above all; + And many were the lords who met, + To work the Spencer's fall. + Success attends these foe-men's strife, + Lord Hugh is doom'd to die; + And in his happiest hours of life, + That precious life did fly. + + His manly form did never more, + Bless Isabel's fond eyes; + With him--the joys of life were o'er, + For him--the maiden dies. + Yet still the spirit fondly clings, + To what in life has been, + Thus Isabel, it nightly brings + To this beloved scene. + + But when her feet have touch'd the ground, + With silent, noiseless tread; + No tender lover there is found, + He's number'd with the dead. + No more of love the tender strain, + Falls on her list'ning ear, + In life--her joy, was turn'd to pain, + Her hope--gave place to fear. + + 'Tis then, that dread laments they hear, + Who pass by night that way; + Which the scar'd traveller, so clear, + Hears till returning day; + When re-embarks sad Isabel, + That spectre shade so fair; + Then dashing in the water's swell, + She vanishes in air. + + No trace remains in Sol's bright ray, + Of boat or awful spright; + For grief--or guilt conceived by day, + Conspicuous is at night. + Thus Isabel's unearthly woe, + Remain'd for many years; + But as our superstitions go, + So go unfounded fears + +CAROLINE MAXWELL. + + + * * * * * + +HARVEST HOME. + +_(To the Editor of the Mirror.)_ + + +Sir,--Wishing to add to your numerous accounts of our local customs, I +send you a description of the manner of celebrating harvest home in +Westmoreland. + +The farmers of Appleby, Kirby, Thore, and many of the neighbouring and low +towns thereabout, devote the last day of the harvest to mirth and +festivity. The men generally endeavour to get the corn all in pretty early +in the day; and at the last cart-load the horses are decked by the men +with ears of corn and flowers and ribands; and then the lasses' straw- +bonnets, who, in return, perform the same compliments on them. Thus they +move on through the lanes and roads, till they reach the farm-yard, +shouting, "Harvest Home," and singing songs in their way. When they reach +the farm-yard, they set up an exulting shout, and ale is distributed to +them by their master. About nine o'clock, a supper is prepared for them in +their master's house. A wheat-sheaf is brought, and placed in the middle of +the room, decorated with ribands and flowers, and corn is hung in various +parts of the room. The supper mostly consists of some good old English +dish, (of which there is plenty,) and the jolly farmer presides at the +head of the table. After the cloth is cleared, liquor in abundance is +brought forward, and the "president" sings, (not a _Non Nobis Domine_,) +but a good, true, mirth-stirring song, and then the _fun_ commences; +singing and dancing alternately occupy the evening, and the bottle +circulates speedily, and the festival generally breaks up about midnight. + +Thus, Mr. Editor, is harvest home spent in that county, and I send you the +only account I can furnish of the harvest merriments, hoping some of your +correspondents will add to my little mite. + +W.H.H. + + + * * * * * + +STANZAS TO, AND IN ILLUSTRATION OF, A LANDSCAPE BY CLAUDE. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + + Young land of beauty, and divine repose! + Art thou a dream? a vision from on high + Unveiling Paradise? uncurt'ning those + Supernal glories, Eden doth supply + To glad immortals? o'er thee, ev'ning glows, + Brilliant, as seraph's blush--pure as his breath-- + Smiling an antidote to tears and death! + + Young land of beauty! (fancy could not dwell + In lovelier, albeit her rainbow wings + Fold, but in fairy-spheres) a living well + Of sylvan joy art thou, whose thousand springs + Gush, sinless, gladness, peace ineffable, + And that luxuriousness of being, which + Mocks eloquence: warm, holy, ruby, rich. + + Young land of beauty! 'neath thy sun-ting'd shades, + Beside thy lake, crystal in roseate light, + Enam'ring music breathes: there, raptur'd maids + In dances, with adoring youths unite; + There, magic voices sigh in song; and glades + With birds and blossoms, all but vital, seem + Entranc'd, like hermit in divinest dream! + + Young land of beauty! art thou but a ray + Of intellect, emerg'd from one? and shrin'd, + That thine immortal light may dim the day, + Faint struggling thro' some lowlier, cloudier, mind: + Dream of the painter-poet! oh! we'll say, + Lur'd to ethereal musings by thy thrall, + Tho' dream in part, no dream art thou in all! + +M.L.B + + + * * * * * + +MARCH OF "IMPROVEMENT." + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + +An old Subscriber has sent us the following _questions_ on the improvement +of the metropolis, which we insert as a castle-building _jeu d'esprit_ +rather than as a serious matter. They will, however, serve for the +_committee of taste_ to crack after dinner, and give a zest for their +_magna bona_. + +Ought not the new palace to have been built in the richest Gothic +style, so as to have deviated in appearance from every other edifice +in the metropolis; and to have been erected on the north bank of the +Serpentine?--And, if the _dome_ of the present erection is not to be +removed, cannot it be ornamented?--Or could not the pediment, fronting +the park, be raised another story, so as to hide it (the dome) from +that side?--Indeed, would not the palace be much improved by such an +alteration? I think if it be left as it is, when the wings are raised +to the height of the body of the palace, (though they are a wonderful +improvement upon those first erected) the whole will have a very flat +appearance.--Are not the statues of Neptune, &c., much too small, and +the other ornaments, consisting of representations of warlike implements, +&c., much too heavy to look well? + +Is not the Borough a very improper place for the king's, or any other, +college?--Is it not the very mart of trade, and consequently ever noisy +and in confusion?--And what a magnificent improvement would its erection +near Westminster Abbey be to that ancient and very sumptuous pile. Could +it not be erected from Tothill Street, and extend towards Storey's +Gate?--And should it not be built in the Gothic style to correspond with +the abbey? The seat of learning and wisdom is in that neighbourhood +(Westminster School, Houses of Parliament, Courts of Justice, &c.); +therefore it is the place best adapted for the erection of a college. +Ought not also those disgraceful erections close to the abbey's western +front, to be instantly removed?--And ought not the house of the dean, &c. +to be also rebuilt in the Gothic style, and extend from Tothill Street +towards St. John's church? I never see this abbey (the glory of London) +without feeling utterly disgusted at the surrounding objects. The great +tower, also, should be erected in the same style as the other two. But +should not the council office, and Somerset House, be finished before +other works are begun?--Should not the interior of the dome of St. Paul's +be repainted and gilt, and the windows (particularly the three over the +altar) be of stained glass?--And should not the railing on the top of the +dome on the outside (which is much decayed) be replaced by railing made of +the new metal lately invented, which imitates brass, and does not +tarnish?--Would not the entrance for the public, from Piccadilly into St. +James's Park, be much better two or three yards from the new royal archway, +as it will be very likely to be injured by people passing so near it? + +Would not a Swiss cottage and a Chinese temple very materially improve the +appearance of the islands in St. James's Park; and two or three vessels +upon that water, and the Serpentine in Hyde Park, also add very much to +the effect?--Would a tower, surrounded by a railing, as the monument, and +surmounted by a statue of George III. (looking with surprise to see what +his son had done), or Canning, or Byron, be a proper sort of monument as a +tribute to their memories; and to be erected in the centre of the Regent's +Park? Oh! what a prospect would its summit command! Would not +magnificent baths for males and females, erected on either side of +Waterloo Place, and to be supplied from the new fountain, be a great +addition to the beauty and comfort of this great city. + +These additions, alterations, and improvements, ought to be made now; and +I doubt not, in the course of time, all warehouses will be removed from +the banks of the Thames, above Blackfriars' Bridge, and that streets will +run by the waterside as at Dublin. Also the time will come when the houses +round St. Paul's will be pulled down and rebuilt in the Grecian style of +architecture to correspond with the cathedral (the wonder of England), and +be re-erected at a much greater distance from it. + +I would also ask, "should not the chimney pots upon the palaces in Regent +Street, &c. be of a slate colour?--Should not all tiles be painted of the +same colour? (slate.)--Should not the names of streets be more +particularly attended to?" + + + * * * * * + +INTRODUCTION OF SILK INTO EUROPE. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + +The frequency of open hostilities between the Emperor of Constantinople +and the monarchs of Persia, together with the increasing rivalry of their +subjects in the trade with India, gave rise to an event which produced a +considerable change in the silk trade. As the use of that article, both in +dress and furniture, became more general in the court of the Greek +emperors, who imitated and surpassed the sovereigns of Asia in splendour +and magnificence; and as China, in which, according to the concurring +testimony of oriental writers, the culture of silk was originally known, +_(Herlelot. Biblioth. Orient.)_, still continued to be the only country +which produced that valuable commodity; the Persians improving the +advantages which their situation gave them over the merchants from the +Arabian Gulf, supplanted them in all the marts of India, to which silk was +brought by sea from the east. Having it likewise in their power to molest +or to cut off the caravans, which, in order to procure a supply for the +Greek empire, travelled by land to China through the northern provinces of +their kingdom, they entirely engrossed that branch of commerce. +Constantinople was obliged to depend on the rival power for an article +which luxury reserved and desired as essential to elegance. The Persians, +with the usual rapacity of monopolists, raised the price of silk to such +an exorbitant height, that the Emperor Justinian eager, not only to obtain +a full and certain supply of a commodity which was become of indispensible +use, but solicitous to deliver the commerce of his subjects from the +exactions of his enemies, endeavoured, by means of his ally, the christian +monarch of Abyssinia, to wrest some portion of the silk trade from the +Persians. In this attempt he failed; but when he least expected it, he, by +an unforeseen event, attained in some measure (A.D. 55.) the object which +he had in view. Two Persian monks having been employed as missionaries to +some christian churches which were established (as we are informed by +Cosmas) in different parts of India, had penetrated into the country of +the Seres, or China. There they observed the labours of the silk-worm, and +became acquainted with all the arts of men in working up its productions +into such a variety of elegant fabrics. The prospect of gain, or perhaps +an indignant zeal excited by seeing this lucrative branch of commerce +engrossed by unbelieving nations, prompted them to repair to +Constantinople. There they explained to the emperor the origin of silk, +as well as the various modes of preparing and manufacturing it--mysteries +hitherto unknown, or very imperfectly understood in Europe, and encouraged +by his liberal promises, they undertook to bring to the capital a +sufficient number of those wonderful insects to whose labours man is so +much indebted. This they accomplished by conveying the eggs of the +silk-worm in a hollow cane. They were hatched by the heat of a dunghill; +fed with the leaves of a wild mulberry-tree, and they multiplied and worked +in the same manner as in those climates where they first became objects of +human attention and care. Vast numbers of these insects were soon reared +in different parts of Greece, particularly in the Peloponnesus. Sicily +afterwards undertook to breed silk-worms with equal success, and was +imitated from time to time in several towns of Italy. In all these places +extensive manufactures were established and carried on with silk of +domestic production. The demand for silk from the East diminished, of +course. The subjects of the Greek emperors were no longer obliged to have +recourse to their enemies, the Persians, for a supply of it; and a +considerable change took place in the nature of the commercial intercourse +between Europe and India. + +Before the introduction of the silk-worm into Europe, and as often as its +production is mentioned by the Greek and Roman authors, they had not, for +several centuries after the use of it became common, any certain knowledge +either of the countries to which they were indebted for this favourite +article of elegance, or the manner in which it was produced, By some, silk +was supposed to be a fine down adhering to the leaves of trees or flowers; +others imagined it to be a delicate species of wool or cotton; and even +those who had learned that it was the work of an insect, show by their +description that they had no distinct idea of the manner in which it was +formed. A circumstance concerning the traffic of silk among the Romans +merits observation. Contrary to what usually takes place in the operations +of trade, the more general use of that commodity seems not to have +increased the quantity imported in such proportion as to answer the +growing demand for it; and the price of silk was not reduced during the +course of 250 years from the time of its being first known in Rome. In the +reign of Aurelian it still continued to be valued at its weight in gold. +(See Robertson's _History of India_.) + +It is a singular circumstance in the history of silk, that, on account of +its being an exertion of a worm, the Mahomedans consider it as an unclean +dress, and it has been decided with the unanimous assent of all their +doctors, that a person wearing a garment made entirely of silk cannot +lawfully offer up the daily prayers enjoined by the Koran. _(Herbel. Bibl. +Orient.)_ C.V. + + + * * * * * + +LADIES' FASHIONS. + +_(To the Editor of the Mirror.)_ + + +If you think the following observations conformable to the plan of your +useful and entertaining publication, perhaps you may be induced to give +them a place, or notice the subject I have in view, in some other way. + +Notwithstanding the host of publications periodically issuing from the +press, independent of the incalculable list of newspapers and reviews; and +though the rage for periodicals is so great, that a single event will give +rise to one, yet there does not appear to me to be any thing like those +works which used to amuse and instruct our great grandfathers. I mean the +"Spectator," "Tatler," and others, whose influence extends to the present +day, and which are continually affording pleasure to cultivated minds by +the soundness of their doctrines, aided by the extensive knowledge of +human nature that the authors display throughout. But as they are now +become standard works, they are not so capable of "shooting folly as it +flies," and being as it were aged in the service, can only have a proper +effect when folly will stand still to listen to them; but as that is, in +most instances, out of the question, we want something more active, or in +other words, something new; and novelty being the order of the day, +attention is thereby excited, and the follies and extravagances of the +"age," may possibly have some advantageous pruning. + +Caricatures, whether exhibited in pantomimes or print shops, (though often +got up for any other purpose than instruction) are not sufficient; they +are too ridiculous, though sometimes not devoid of humour, instance the +picture of a lady striving ineffectually to make a way through Temple Bar, +but is prevented by the enormous size of her bonnet, which shows likewise +that this extravagance in dress is not confined to the west end. But as +these things are only laughed at, some other means ought to be adopted; +and I should think myself extremely fortunate if I could be the humble +means of inducing you, or your correspondents, to take the matter in hand. + +Certainly not the least to be deprecated are the "ladies' present dresses;" +the extravagances of which are not confined to the head, but are exhibited +also all down the arm (not unaptly likened to series of balloons) and are +also, in most instances, by some unusual "bustling," equally absurd. I +wonder what would be said by Mr. Addison, were he to witness the present +fashions. He would certainly think that all the care he took to keep the +fair sex in order was in vain; and though enormous head dresses were not +in vogue in his time, he seems to have anticipated that they would be, by +his recommending the perusal of his 98th paper of the "Spectator" to his +female readers by way of prevention, but which, alas! has not been studied +with the attention it merits. Probably the transcription of one passage +will not be misapplied here:-- + +He says, "I would desire the fair sex to consider how impossible it is for +them to add any thing that can be ornamental to what is already the +masterpiece of nature. The head has the most beautiful appearance, as well +as the highest station, in a human figure. Nature has laid out all her art +in beautifying the face; she has touched it with vermilion, planted in it +a double row of ivory, made it the seat of smiles and blushes, lighted it +up and enlivened it with the brightness of the eyes, hung it on each side +with curious organs of sense, given it airs and graces that cannot be +described, and surrounded it with such a flowing shade of hair as sets all +its beauties in the most agreeable light. In short she seems to have +designed the head as the cupola to the most glorious of her works; and +when we load it with such a pile of supernumerary ornaments, we destroy +the symmetry of the human figure, and foolishly contrive to call off the +eye from great and real beauties to childish gew-gaws, ribbons, and +bone-lace." + +Womankind, Mr. Editor, I do not believe, are naturally vain; but as they +were made for us and for our comfort, it is natural that they should +endeavour to gain our esteem; but they carry their endeavours too far; by +straining to excite attention they overstep the mark, become vain and +coquetish, one strives to outdo another, others say they must do as other +women do, and they thus make themselves ridiculous unknowingly. It is +really painful to see a woman of sense and education become a slave to the +tyranny of fashion--and injuring both body and mind--and it is, I think, +an insult to a man of understanding to endeavour to excite his attention +by any such peculiarities. + +Having now generally stated the subject that I should wish to be taken up +by abler hands than mine, I will conclude by recommending all your +town-bred, and coquetish ladies to study and restudy a letter signed "Mary +Home," in No. 254 of the excellent work before alluded to, "The Spectator." +--H. M--._Great Surrey Street, Aug. 1828_. + + + + * * * * * + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS + + * * * * * + + +HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF SMITHFIELD. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + +Stowe, in his "Survey of London," 1633, says, "Then is Smithfield Pond, +which of (old time) in records was called Horsepoole, for that men watered +horses there, and was a great water. In the 6th of Henry V. a new building +was made in the west part of Smithfield, betwixt the said poole and the +river of Wels, or Turne-mill-brooke, in a place then called the Elms, for +that there grew many elme-trees, and this had been the place of execution +for offenders. Since the which time, the building there hath been so +increased, that now remaineth not one tree growing. In the yeere 1357, the +31st of Edward III., great and royall justs were then holden in Smithfield, +there being present the kings of England, France, and Scotland, with many +other nobles, and great estates of divers lands. In the yeere 1362, the +36th of Edward III., on the first five daies of May, in Smithfield, were +justs holden, the king and queene being present, with the most part of the +chivalry of England and of France and of other nations; to which came +Spaniards, Cyprians, and Armenians, knightly requesting ayde of the king +of England against the Pagans, that invaded their confines. The 48th of +Edward III., Dame Alice Perrers, or Pierce, (the king's concubine,) as +lady of the Sunne, rode from the Tower of London through Cheape, +accompanied of many lords and ladies, every lady leading a lord by his +horse bridle, till they came into West Smithfield, and then began a great +just, which endured seven daies after.--In the 14th of Richard II., royal +justs and turnements were proclaimed to be done in Smithfield, to begin on +Sunday next, after the feast of Saint Michael; many strangers came forth +of other countries, namely, Valarian, Earle of St. Paul, that had married +King Richard's sister, the Lady Maud Courtney; and William, the young +Earle of Ostervant, son to Albert of Baviere, Earle of Holland and Henault. +At the day appointed, there issued forth at the Tower, about the third +houre of the day, 60 coursers, apparelled for the justs, upon every one an +esquire of honour riding a soft pace; then came forth 60 ladies of honour, +mounted upon palfraies, riding on the one side, richly apparelled, and +every lady led a knight with a chain of gold; those knights, being on the +king's party, had their armour and apparell garnished with white harts, +and crownes of gold about the harts' neckes; and so they came riding +through the streets of London to Smithfield, with a great number of +trumpets, &c. The kinge and the queene, who were lodged in the bishop's +palace of London, were come from thence, with many great estates, and +placed in chambers, to see the justs. The ladies that led the knights were +taken down from their palfraies, and went up to chambers prepared for them. +Then alighted the esquires of honour from their coursers, and the knights +in good order mounted upon them; and after their helmets were set on their +heads, and being ready in all points, proclamation made by the heralds, +the justs began, and many commendable courses were runne, to the great +pleasure of the beholders. The justs continued many days with great +feastings, as ye may reade in _Froisard_," &c. &c. + +Smithfield, says Pennant, "was also the spot on which accusations were +decided by duel, derived from the Kamp-fight ordeal of the Saxons. I will +only (says Mr. P.) mention an instance. It was when the unfortunate +armourer entered into the lists, on account of a false accusation of +treason, brought against him by his apprentice, in the reign of Henry VI. +The friends of the defendant had so plied him with liquor, that he fell an +easy conquest to his accuser. Shakspeare has worked this piece of history +into a scene, in the second part of _Henry VI_., but has made the poor +armourer confess his treasons in his dying moments; for in the time in +which this custom prevailed, it never was even suspected but that guilt +must have been the portion of the vanquished. When people of rank fought +with sword and lance, plebeian combatants were only allowed a pole, armed +with a heavy sand-bag, with which they were to decide their guilt or +innocence. In Smithfield were also held our autos-de-fee; but to the +credit of our English monarchs, none were ever known to attend the +ceremony. Even Philip II. of Spain never honoured any, of the many which +were celebrated by permission of his gentle queen, with his presence, +notwithstanding he could behold the roasting of his own subjects with +infinite self-applause and _sang-froid_. The stone marks the spot, in this +area, on which those cruel exhibitions were executed. Here our martyr +_Latimer_ preached patience to friar _Forest_, agonizing under the torture +of a slow fire, for denying the king's supremacy; and to this place our +martyr _Cranmer_ compelled the amiable _Edward_, by forcing his reluctant +hand to the warrant, to send _Joan Bocher_, a silly woman, to the stake. +Yet _Latimer_ never thought of his own conduct in his last moments; nor +did _Cranmer_ thrust his hand into the fire for a real crime, but for one +which was venial, through the frailty of human nature. Our gracious +Elizabeth could likewise burn people for religion. Two Dutchmen, +Anabaptists, suffered in this place in 1675, and died, as Holinshed sagely +remarks, with "roring and crieing." But let me say, (says Pennant,) that +this was the only instance we have of her exerting the blessed prerogative +of the writ _De Haeretico comburendo_. Her highness preferred the halter; +her sullen sister faggot and fire. Not that we will deny but Elizabeth +made a very free use of the terrible act of her 27th year. One hundred and +sixty-eight suffered in her reign, at London, York, in Lancashire, and +several other parts of the kingdom, convicted of being priests, of +harbouring priests, or of becoming converts. But still there is a balance +of 109 against us in the article persecution, and that by the agonizing +death of fire; for the smallest number estimated to have suffered under +the savage Mary, amounts, in her short reign, to 277. The last person who +suffered at the stake in England was Bartholomew Logatt, who was burnt +here in 1611, as a blasphemous heretic, according to the sentence +pronounced by John King, bishop of London. The bishop consigned him to the +secular of our monarch James, who took care to give the sentence full +effect. This place, as well as Tybourn, was called _The Elms_, and used +for the execution of malefactors even before the year 1219. In the year +1530, there was a most severe and singular punishment inflicted here on +one John Roose, a cook, who had poisoned 17 persons of the Bishop of +Rochester's family, two of whom died, and the rest never recovered their +health. His design was against the pious prelate Fisher, who at that time +resided at Rochesterplace, Lambeth. The villain was acquainted with the +cook, and, coming into the bishop's kitchen, took an opportunity, while +the cook's back was turned to fetch him some drink, to fling a great +quantity of poison into the gruel, which was prepared for dinner for the +bishop's family, and the poor of the parish. The good bishop escaped. +Fortunately, he that day abstained from food. The humility and temperance +of that good man are strongly marked in this relation, for he partook of +the same ordinary food with the most wretched pauper. By a retrospective +law, Roose was sentenced to be boiled to death, which was done accordingly. +In Smithfield, the arch-rebel, Wat Tyler, met with, in 1381, the reward of +his treason and insolence." + +Smithfield[1] is at present celebrated, and long since, for being the +great market for cattle of all kinds, and likewise for being the place +where Bartholomew fair is held, alias the _Cockneys' Saturnalia_, which +was granted by Henry II. to the neighbouring priory. + +P.T.W. + + [1] After the Great Fire, many Londoners resided here in huts. + + + + * * * * * + +THE ANECDOTE GALLERY. + + * * * * * + + +THE ANDALUSIAN ASS. + + +A gay lieutenant of the Spanish Royal Guards, known by the name of Alonzo +Beldia, became violently enamoured of the beautiful Carlotta Pena, the +eldest daughter of a reputable gunsmith, whose humble habitation adjoined +the vast cemetery of Valencia, and whom Beldia had casually seen at a +public entertainment given in that good city. + +Alonzo was affable and extremely complaisant, though an egotist and +somewhat loquacious; but nature had, nevertheless, bestowed upon him a +prepossessing exterior with an enviable pair of jet black whiskers, and +the most expressive eyes; he could sing a _tonadilla_ divinely; dance the +_fandango_ with inimitable grace; and "strike the light guitar" with +unparalleled mastery. He was, in truth, an accomplished man of pleasure, +and by his gallantry he subdued the tender hearts of many fair daughters +of Ferdinand's domains. + +On a dark night in the month of December, just as Alonzo had played one of +his bewitching airs, with his wonted execution, and was engaged, in +converse sweet, with the enraptured Carlotta, an extraordinary and +seemingly supernatural noise suddenly proceeded from a distant part of the +hallowed ground where Alonzo sacrificed at the shrine of love. Jesu Maria! +exclaimed the terrified damsel, what, in the name of heaven, can it be? +ere the silvery tones of her sweet voice had reached the ears of the +petrified Alonzo, the "iron tongue" of the cathedral clock announced the +hour of midnight, and the solemn intonation of its prodigious bell +instilled new horrors into the confused minds of the affrighted lovers. +The brave, the royal Alonzo heard not the voice of his enchanting dulcinea; +he, poor fellow, with difficulty supported his trembling frame against an +ancient _memento mori_, which reared its tristful crest within a whisper +of the lattice of the lovely Carlotta. Large globules of transparent +liquid adorned his pallid brow, and his convulsed knees sought each other +with mechanical solicitude. It was a moment pregnant with the gravest +misery to poor Alonzo; not a star was seen to enliven the murky night, and +the wind whistled most lugubriously. He was in a state of insensibility, +and would have fallen to the cold earth, but luckily for the valiant youth, +the melodious voice of the enchanting girl again breathed the tenderest +hopes for the safety of her adored Alonzo. He sprang upon his legs and +drew a pistol from his girdle, which he discharged with unerring aim at +the dreaded goblin. A horrible groan followed this murderous act, which +was succeeded by a confused noise, and a solemn silence ensued! "It's +vanished, Carlotta! I have hurried the intruding demon to the nether +world!" exclaimed the valorous guardsman. "Heavens be praised," cried the +superstitious girl, "but hasten, my love--quit this spot directly--my +father has alarmed his people--away, away!" + +The worthy maker of guns approached the scene of carnage, accompanied by +the inmates of his dwelling, with rueful countenances, illumined by tapers, +when the cause of their disquietude was soon discovered. No apparition or +sprite forsooth, but a full grown _donkey_ of the Andalusian breed, lay +weltering in gore, yet warm with partial life! By timely liberality the +valorous Alonzo escaped detection, though the heroic deed is still +remembered in merry Valencia, and often cited as an instance of glorious +(?) _chivalry_. + +GRADIVUS. + + + + * * * * * + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + * * * * * + + +IMPROVED SAFETY LAMP. + +[Illustration] + + +Mr. Dillon has lately introduced to the notice of the scientific world, an +improvement upon the _Safety Lamp_ of Sir Humphry Davy, which appears to +us of sufficient interest for illustration in our columns. As the _Davy +Lamp_ is too well known to need special description here, it will be +merely necessary to allude to the principle of the invention, in order to +point out Mr. Dillon's improvement. + +He maintains, in opposition to Sir Humphry Davy, that the Davy lamp acts +by its heat and rarefaction, and not from Sir H. Davy's theory, that flame +is cooled by a wire-gauze covering. He shows, by a simple experiment, that +the Davy lamp is not safe in a current of hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen +gas, and that many lives may have been lost from the confidence of miners +in its perfect safety. A current of hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas +steadily directed on the flame of the lamp from a bladder and stopcock, +_by cooling the wire gauze_, brings the flame of the lamp through the +gauze to the mouth of the stopcock, (even should there be six folds of +gauze intervening.) He shows also, by immersing the lamp, when cold and +newly lighted, into a jar of dense hydrogen or carburetted hydrogen gas, +or an explosive mixture with atmospheric air, that explosion takes place +inside and outside of the lamp; whereas, when the lamp has burnt +sufficiently long to heat the wire gauze, no explosion takes place on the +outside of the lamp. These experiments appear incontrovertible in support +of his theory, which is, "_that the wire gauze is merely the rapid +receiver and the retainer of heat, and that it is the caloric in its +meshes which prevents the flame of the lamp from being fed by the oxygen +of the atmosphere on the outside_." + +The experiments of Libri, showing that flame is inflected by metallic rods, +and that "when two flames are made to approach each other, there is a +mutual repulsion, although their proximity increases the temperature of +each, instead of diminishing it," support Mr. Dillon's theory--the +inflection being occasioned by the rarefaction of the air between the rod +and the flame, the latter seeking for oxygen to support it in a denser +medium, the two flames repelling each other for the same reason, and not +from any mysterious and "repulsive effect of the wires of the gauze +tissue." Mr. Dillon increases the heat of the lamp, and places on it a +shield of talc to protect it from a current, and, upon his theory, the +shafts or workings of iron and coal mines may be lighted with gas with +perfect safety, protecting the flame with wire gauze and a circular shield +of talc. + + + * * * * * + +EPITAPH ON A FRENCH SCOLD. + + Ci git ma femme; ah! qu'il est bien + Pour son repos et pour le mien. + + + + * * * * * + +THE SELECTOR; AND LITERARY NOTICES OF _NEW WORKS_. + + * * * * * + + +PENELOPE, OR LOVE'S LABOUR LOST. + + +This is one of the most deservedly attractive novels of the past season; +and the good sense with which it abounds, ought to insure it extensive +circulation. It has none of the affectation or presumptuousness of +"fashionable" literature; but is at once a rational picture of that order +of society to which its characters belong, and a just satire on the +_superior_ vices of the wealthy and the great. The author is evidently no +servile respecter of either of the latter classes, for which reason, his +work is the more estimable, and is a picture of _real_ life, whereas +fashion at best lends but a disguise, or artificial colouring to the +actions of men, and thus renders them the less important to the world, and +less to be depended on as scenes and portraitures of human character. The +former will, however, stand as lasting records of the men and manners of +the age in which they were drawn, whilst the latter, being in their own +day but caricatures of life, will, in course of time, fade and lose their +interest, and at length become levelled with the mere ephemera, or +day-flies of literature. It is true that novel-writing has, within the last +sixteen, or eighteen years, attained a much higher rank than it hitherto +enjoyed; but it should be remembered that this superiority has not been +grounded in mawkish records of the fashionable follies of high life, such +as my Lord Duke, or my Lady Bab, might indite below stairs, for the +amusement of those in the drawing-room; on the contrary, it was founded in +portraits and pictures of human nature, strengthened by historical, or +matter-of-fact interest, and stripped of the trickery of fancy and romance; +whereas, the chronicles of fashion are little better than the vagaries of +an eccentric few, who bear the same proportion to the general mass of +society, that the princes, heroes, and statesmen of history do to the +whole world. This is a fallacy of which thousands of Bath and Cheltenham +novel-readers are not yet aware, and which the listless _Dangles_ of +Brighton and Margate have yet to learn, ere they can hope to arrive at a +correct estimate of human nature; but to such readers we cordially +recommend _Penelope_ as the best corrective we can prescribe for the bile +of fashionable prejudice, or the nausea arising from overstrained fiction, +modified as it is to the romance of real life. + +_Penelope_ has, however, one of the failings common to fashionable novels. +Its plot is weak and meagre--but it is still simple and natural, and has +not borrowed any of those adventitious aids to which we have alluded above. +It bears throughout an air of probability, untinctured by romance, and has +the strong impress of truth and fidelity to nature. Sketchy and vivacious, +always humorous and sometimes witty; it has many scenes and portraits, +which in terseness and energy, will compare with any of its predecessors; +and occasionally there are touches of genuine sentiment which seize on the +sympathies of the reader with more than common effect. The incidents of +the narrative do not present many opportunities for these displays of the +writer's talent, and we cannot refrain from thinking that their more +frequent introduction would have increased the success of the work--that +is, if we may be allowed to judge from the specimens with which the author +has here favoured us. + +But we are getting somewhat too critical, and consequently as much out of +our element as modern aeronauts, who are no sooner in the air than they +seem to think of their descent. We shall not, however, impair the pleasure +of the reader by giving him a foretaste of the whole plot of _Penelope_; +but we shall rather confine ourselves to a few portrait-specimens of +characters, whose _drawing_ will, we hope, _attract_ the general reader; +presuming, as we do, that its claims to his attention will be found to +outweigh dozens of the scandalous chronicles of high fashion. We are not +told whether the parties ate with silver or steel forks, or burned wax or +tallow; but those characters must be indeed poorly drawn which do not +enable the reader to satisfy himself about such trifles, allowing that he +thinks them worth his study. + +An outline of the characters may not be unacceptable. The scene lies +principally in the villages of Neverden and Smatterton; and between their +rectors Dr. Greendale and Mr. Darnley, and their families; the Earl of +Smatterton, of Smatterton Hall; Lord Spoonbill, his son; Sir George +Aimwell, of Neverden Hall; _Penelope Primrose_, the heroine, who is placed +by her father under the care of Dr. Greendale, whilst Mr. Primrose seeks +to repair his fortune in the Indies; and Robert Darnley, Penelope's suitor, +also for sometime in the Indies, who is thwarted in his views by Lord +Spoonbill, and a creature named colonel Crop, &c. + +In the early part of the narrative, Dr. Greendale dies, and Penelope is +removed from Smatterton to London, where she is to be brought out as a +singer, under the patronage of the Countess of Smatterton, and Spoonbill +is first struck with her charms, and resolves to frustrate his absent +rival. + +The roguery of a postboy named Nick Muggins, who is employed by the noble +suitor to intercept letters, and the aid of Crop, who acts as a sort of +go-between, are put in requisition for this purpose; but the villany of the +latter is finely defeated in his mistaking a silly, forward girl, Miss +Glossop, for Penelope, and accordingly prevailing on her to elope with him +to Lord Spoonbill's villa, where the blunder is soon discovered by his +lordship, who in return is horsewhipped by the father of Miss Glossop; +and Darnley and Penelope are eventually married. + +There are two or three adjuncts, as Peter Kipperson, a "march of intellect" +man, Erpingham, one of Spoonbill's companions in debauchery, Ellen +Fitzpatrick, one of his victims, Dr. Greendale's successor, Charles +Pringle; and Zephaniah Pringle, a literary coxcomb of the first order. + +The portrait of Dr. Greendale is of high finish--full of the truth and +amiability of the Christian character--one who regarded the false +distinctions of society in their proper light, and knew how to set a right +value upon the influence of good example, and who was "loved and respected +for the steadiness and respectability of his character; for the integrity, +purity, simplicity, and sincerity of his life." At the same time, the +doctor is finely contrasted with his wife, who possessed the common +failing of paying homage to her illustrious neighbours to obtain their +notice and patronage, and who felt flattered by a collateral branch of the +Smattertons accepting an invitation to her table. Of the _heroine_, we +quote the author's outline:-- + +_Penelope Primrose_ exceeded the middle stature, that her dark blue eyes +were shaded by a deep and graceful fringe, that her complexion was +somewhat too pale for beauty, but that its paleness was not perceptible as +a defect whenever a smile illumined her countenance, and developed the +dimples that lurked in her cheek and underlip. Her features were regular, +her gait exceedingly graceful, and her voice musical in the highest degree. +Seldom, indeed, would she indulge in the pleasure of vocal music, but when +she did, as was sometimes the case to please the Countess of Smatterton, +her ladyship, who was a most excellent judge, used invariably to pronounce +Miss Primrose as the finest and purest singer that she had ever heard. + +The character of Lord Spoonbill is struck out with singular felicity and +spirit:-- + +Lord Spoonbill was not one of those careless young men who lose at the +university what they have gained at school; one reason was, that he had +little or nothing to lose; nor was his lordship one of those foolish +people who go to a university and study hard to acquire languages which +they never use, and sciences which they never apply in after-life. His +lordship had sense enough to conclude that, as the nobility do not talk +Greek, he had no occasion to learn it; and as hereditary legislators have +nothing to do with the exact sciences, it would be a piece of idle +impertinence in him to study mathematics. But his lordship had heard that +hereditary legislators did occasionally indulge in other pursuits, and for +those pursuits he took especial care to qualify himself. In his lordship's +cranium, the organ of exclusiveness was strongly developed. We do not mean +that his head was so constructed internally, as to exclude all useful +furniture, but that he had a strong sense of the grandeur of nobility and +the inseparable dignity which attaches itself to the privileged orders. +The only instances in which he condescended to persons in inferior rank, +were when he was engaged at the race-course at Newmarket, or when he found +that condescension might enable him to fleece some play-loving plebeian, +or when affairs of gallantry were concerned. In these matters no one could +be more condescending than Lord Spoonbill. We should leave but an +imperfect impression on the minds of our readers if we should omit to +speak of his lordship's outward and visible form. This was an essential +part of himself which he never neglected or forgot; and it should not be +neglected or forgotten by his historian. He was tall and slender, his face +was long, pale and thin, his forehead was narrow, his eyes large and dull, +his nose aquiline, his mouth wide, his teeth beautifully white and well +formed, and displayed far more liberally than many exhibitions in the +metropolis which are only "open from ten till dusk." His lips were thin, +but his whiskers were tremendously thick. Of his person he was naturally +and justly proud. Who ever possessed such a person and was not proud of it? + +_Colonel Crop_ was only Colonel Crop; he enjoyed the rank of colonel, and +that was all the rank that he could boast; he was tolerated at the castle; +he dined occasionally with his lordship; and occasionally partook of the +pleasure of shooting the birds which were cultivated on his lordship's +estate. In town, he patronised the countess' routs, and in the country he +was a companion for the earl, when not otherwise engaged. He was proud of +the earl's acquaintance, though he was not weak enough to suppose that he +was more than tolerated. The haughtiest of the great do sometimes pick up +such acquaintances as Colonel Crop, and they cannot easily get rid of them. + +We must pass over Peter Kipperson, an excellent whole-length portrait of a +man who makes a noise in these marching times, and show in _Sir George +Aimwell_, of Neverden Hall, Bart., who was descended from a long line of +illustrious ancestry, and was a wholesale poulterer, and one of the great +unpaid. Not that we mean by this expression to insinuate that the retail +poulterers did not pay him for what they had: we merely mean to say, that +the preserve-worshiping, springgun-setting, poacher-committing baronet +administered justice for nothing; and with reverence be it spoken, that +was quite as much as it was worth. The worthy baronet was a most active +magistrate, peculiarly acute in matters of summary conviction; and +thinking it a great pity that any rogue should escape, or that any accused, +but honest man, should lose an opportunity of clearing his character by +means of a jury of his fellow-countrymen, he never failed to commit all +that were brought before him. + +Sir George professed Whig politics; these were hereditary in his family, +but by no means constitutional in him as an individual. Therefore he +passed for a very moderate Whig; for one who would not clog the wheels of +government. In short, he was no more a Whig than a game preserver ought to +be; and that, as our readers know, is not much. He took especial pains to +keep the parish clear of vagrants and paupers; and by his great activity +he kept down the poor-rates to a moderate sum. Sir George, though a +professed Whig, was not very partial to the education of the lower orders, +and he always expressed himself well pleased when he met with a country +booby who could neither read nor write. For this reason Nick Muggins, the +postboy, was a great favourite with him. Our worthy baronet could not see +the use of reading, and he thought it a great piece of affectation for +country gentlemen to have libraries. His own books, for he had a few, were +huddled together in a light closet, where he kept his guns and sporting +tackle. There was a Lady Aimwell, wife to Sir George; but this lady was a +piece of still life, of whom the neighbours knew nothing, and for whom her +husband cared nothing. + +Everybody in the neighbourhood remembers the impressive admonition which +Sir George gave to an old man who was convicted at the quarter sessions of +having a bit of string in his pocket, and therefore strongly suspected of +a design of a malicious nature against the game. + +"John Carter," said the worthy baronet, "let me address to you a few +words on the sin of poaching. Poaching, John Carter--is--is a sin of which +too many are guilty, owing to the lenity of our most excellent laws. I +think that if everybody thought, as I think, of the moral heinousness of +this offence, nobody would be guilty of it. Poaching is not yet made +felony; but there is no saying how soon it may be made so, if the crime be +persisted in. It is a moral offence of the greatest enormity, and is one +of those crying, national sins, which may one day or other bring down the +vengeance of heaven on our guilty country. Now, John Carter, if you go to +gaol for six months, I hope the tread-mill and the chaplain will work a +thorough reformation in your morals." + +Of course the contact of Sir George with such a man as Kipperson, affords +great merriment: _ex. gr._ part of a dinner scene at Neverden Hall:-- + +Now Peter was a very literary man, who thought there was nothing worth +living for but science and literature; and having somewhere read that it +was impossible to take shelter in a shower of rain with such a man as +Burke, without discovering him to be a man of genius, Peter was desirous +of continually showing off, and was instant in season and out of season. +Therefore when sitting at the table of the worthy baronet, he assailed the +magistrate with various scientific subjects, but all to no purpose; there +was no response from his worthy host. Endeavouring to adapt himself to the +moderate talents and circumscribed reading of the baronet, he next started +the subject of novels and novel reading, taking care to insinuate that, +though Sir George might not read the trash of circulating libraries, he +might be acquainted with some of our best novels. To this at last the +baronet replied--"Oh, yes; I remember many years ago reading a novel +called Tom Jones, written by a Bow Street officer. I recollect something +about it--it was very low stuff--I forget the particulars, but it was +written in the manner of servants." + +Hereupon Mr. Peter Kipperson set it down as an indisputable fact that +baronets and magistrates were the most ignorant creatures on the face of +the earth, and he congratulated himself that neither he nor Sir Isaac +Newton were baronets. + +A scene between Lord Spoonbill and one of his victims, whom he meets in +his father's park, has some fine touches of remorse:-- + +Agitated by distracting thoughts, he stood at the park gate, gazing +alternately in different directions; and by the intensity of his feelings +was at last rivetted in an almost unconscious state of mind to the spot on +which he was standing. Suddenly his pulse beat quicker, and his heart +seemed to swell within him, when at a little distance he saw the dreaded +one approaching him. Had he seen her anywhere else his first impulse would +have been to avoid her; but here his truest and best policy was to submit +to an interview, however painful. Shall he meet her with kindness?-- +Shall he meet her with reproaches?--Shall he meet her with coldness? These +were inquiries rapidly passing through his mind as she drew nearer and +nearer. It was difficult for him to decide between cruelty and hypocrisy; +but the last was the most natural to him, so far as custom is a second +nature. + +The afflicted one moved slowly with her eyes fixed on the ground, and she +saw not her enemy till so near to him, that on lifting up her face and +recognising his well-known features, the sudden shock produced a slight +hysteric shriek. + +Lord Spoonbill was not so lost to all feeling of humanity as to be +insensible to the anguish of mind which she now suffered, who had once +regarded him as a friend, and had loved him, "not wisely, but too well." +He held out his hand to her with an unpremeditated look of kindness and +affection; and which, being unpremeditated, bore the aspect of sincerity. +The stranger at first hesitated, and seemed not disposed to accept the +offered hand; but she looked up in his face, and the blood mounted to her +cheeks and the tears stood in her eyes, and she gave him her hand, and +covered her face and wept bitterly. + +There are moments in which shameless profligates look foolish and feel +that they are contemptible. This was such a moment to Lord Spoonbill. He +was moved, and he was mortified that he was moved; and there was a general +feeling of confusion and perplexity in his mind. What could he say? or how +could he act? He began to stammer out something like gentleness, and +something like reproof. But she who stood before him was as an accusing +spirit, to whom apology was mockery, and repentance too late. + +In the first volume too, there is a successful satire on the changes of +sixteen years in the condition of the people of England--between Mr. +Primrose, who had been absent for that period, and the egregious Peter +Kipperson. It is quite in the _forte_ of the writer, and we regret that we +have not room to quote it at full length. + +Such are the only specimens which our limits enable us to present to the +reader; but we hope they will be sufficient to induce him to turn to the +work itself--and we doubt not--for his further gratification. Digressions +occur too frequently to suit the pioneering taste of a certain class of +readers; they may serve as resting-places in an intricate plot, but they +were not, on that account, wanted here. At the same time, they are +recommended by plain sense, knowledge of the world, shrewdness, and +harmless satire on the weak sides of our nature, and are therefore +_useful_; whilst their terseness and vivacity will free them from the +charge of dulness, or the sin of prosing. + + + * * * * * + +DIALOGUES ON FLY FISHING. + +_By Sir Humphry Davy._ + + +We continue our extracts from this "philosophical angler's" delightful +little book. The present will serve such as are unacquainted with the +mysteries of fly-fishing, and interest all who are fond of inquiries in +natural history. + + +_Management of Flies._ + +_Hal_--Whilst you are preparing I will mention a circumstance which every +accomplished fly-fisher ought to know. You changed your flies on Saturday +with the change of weather, putting the dark flies on for the bright +gleams of the sun, and the gaudy flies when the dark clouds appeared. Now +I will tell you of another principle which it is as necessary to know as +the change of flies for change of weather; I allude to the different kinds +of fly to be used in particular pools, and even for particular parts of +pools. You have fished in this deep pool; and if you were to change it for +a shallower one, such as that above, it would be proper to use smaller +flies of the same colour; and in a pool still deeper, larger flies; +likewise in the rough rapid at the top, a larger fly may be used than +below at the tail of the water; and in the Tweed, or Tay, I have often +changed my fly thrice in the same pool, and sometimes with success--using +three different flies for the top, middle, and bottom. I remember when I +first saw Lord Somerville adopt this fashion, I thought there was fancy in +it; but experience soon proved to me how accomplished a salmon-fisher was +my excellent and lamented friend, and I adopted the lesson he taught me, +and with good results, in all bright waters. + + +_Hooks._ + +_Hal_--I never use any hooks for salmon-fishing, except those which I am +sure have been made by O'Shaughnessy, of Limerick; for even the hooks made +in Dublin, though they seldom break, yet they now and then bend; and the +English hooks made of cast steel in imitation of Irish ones are the worst +of all. _There_ is a fly nearly of the same colour as that which is +destroyed; and I can tell you that I saw it made at Limerick by +O'Shaughnessy himself, and tied on one of his own hooks. Should you catch +with it a fish even of 30 lbs., I will answer for its strength and temper; +it will neither break nor bend.--We should have such hooks in England, but +the object of the fishing-tackle makers is to obtain them cheap, and most +of their hooks are made to sell, and good hooks cannot be sold but at a +good price.--The early Fellows of the Royal Society, who attended to all +the useful and common arts, even improved fish-hooks; and Prince Rupert, +an active member of that illustrious body, taught the art of tempering +hooks to a person of the name of Kirby, under whose name, for more than a +century, very good hooks were sold. + + +_Variety in Trout._ + +_Phys._--Tell us why they are so different from the river-trout, or why +there should be two species or varieties in the same water.--_Hal._ Your +question is a difficult one, and it has already been referred to in a +former conversation; but I shall repeat what I stated before, that +qualities occasioned by food, peculiarities of water, &c. are transmitted +to the offspring, and produce varieties which retain their characters as +long as they are exposed to the same circumstances, and only slowly lose +them. Plenty of good food gives a silvery colour and round form to fish, +and the offspring retain these characters. Feeding on shell-fish thickens +the stomach, and in many generations, probably, the gillaroo trout becomes +so distinct a variety, as to render it doubtful if it be not a distinct +species. Even these smallest salmon trout have green backs, _only_ black +spots, and silvery bellies; from which it is evident that they are the +offspring of lake trout, or _lachs forelle_, as it is called by the +Germans; whilst the river trout, even when 4 or 5 lbs., as we see in one +of these fish, though in excellent season, have red spots. + + +_Char._ + +_Phys._ The char[1] is a most beautiful and excellent fish, and is, of +course, a fish of prey. Is he not an object of sport to the angler?--_Hal. +_ They generally haunt deep, cool lakes, and are seldom found at the +surface till late in the autumn. When they are at the surface they will, +however, take either fly or minnow. I have known some caught in both these +ways; and have myself taken a char, even in summer, in one of those +beautiful, small, deep lakes in the Upper Tyrol, near Nazereit; but it was +where a cool stream entered from the mountain; and the fish did not rise, +but swallowed the artificial fly under water. I have fished for them in +many lakes, without success, both in England and Scotland, and also +amongst the Alps; and I am told the only sure way of taking them is by +sinking a line with a bullet, and a hook having a live minnow attached to +it, in the deep water which they usually haunt; and in this way, likewise, +I have no doubt the _umbla_, or _ombre chevalier_, might be taken. + + [1] _Sabling_ of the Germans. + + +_Naturalization of Fish._ + +_Hal._ At Lintz, on the Danube, I could have given you a fish dinner of a +different description, which you might have liked as a variety. The four +kinds of perch, the _spiegil carpfen_, and the _siluris glanis_; all good +fish, and which I am sorry we have not in England, where I doubt not they +might be easily naturalized, and where they would form an admirable +addition to the table in inland counties. Since England has become +Protestant, the cultivation of fresh water fish has been much neglected. +The _burbot_, or _lotte_, which already exists in some of the streams +tributary to the Trent, and which is a most admirable fish, might be +diffused without much difficulty; and nothing could be more easy than to +naturalize the _spiegil carpfen_ and _siluris_; and I see no reason why +the _perca lucio perca_ and _zingil_ should not succeed in some of our +clear lakes and ponds, which abound in coarse fish. The new Zoological +Society, I hope, will attempt something of this kind; and it will be a +better object than introducing birds and beasts of prey--though I have no +objection to any sources of rational amusement or philosophical curiosity. + + +_Conveying Fish._ + +_Phys._--In Austria, the art of carrying and keeping fish is better +understood than in England. Every inn has a box containing grayling, trout, +carp, or char, into which water from a spring runs; and no one thinks of +carrying or sending _dead_ fish for a dinner. A fish-barrel full of cool +water, which is replenished at every fresh source amongst these mountains, +is carried on the shoulders of the fisherman. And the fish, when confined +in wells, are fed with bullock's liver, cut into fine pieces, so that they +are often in better season in the tank or stew than when they were taken. +I have seen trout, grayling, and char even, feed voraciously, and take +their food almost from the hand. These methods of carrying and preserving +fish have, I believe, been adopted from the monastic establishments. At +Admondt, in Styria, attached to the magnificent monastery of that name, +are abundant ponds and reservoirs for every species of fresh water fish; +and the char, grayling, and trout are preserved in different waters-- +covered, enclosed, and under lock and key. + + + + * * * * * + +SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + * * * * * + + +PAROCHIAL HISTORIES. + + +We wonder why clergymen do not oftener write accounts of their parishes; +not mere statistical accounts, though these are most valuable, as witness +the contributions of the Scottish Clergy to the truly patriotic Sir John +Sinclair's work; but accounts comprehending every thing interesting to all +human beings, whatever be their political or religious creed. A +description of a church that has principally ceased to exist, is in +general very, very, very dry; inscriptions on tombstones, without comment, +or moral, are hard reading; an old pan dug up among rubbish proves a sore +affliction in the hands of the antiquary, and twenty pages quarto, with +plates, about a rusty spur without a rowel, is, in our humble opinion, an +abuse of the art of printing. But how easy--how pleasant, to mix up +together all sorts of information in due proportions into one whole, in +the shape of an octavo--epitomizing every kind of history belonging to the +parish, from peer's palace to peasant's hut! What are clergymen +perpetually about? Not always preaching and praying; or marrying, +christening, and burying people. They ought to tell us all about it; to +moralize, to poetize, to philosophize; to paint the manners living as they +rise, or dead as they fall; to take Time by the forelock, and measure the +marks of his footsteps; to show us the smoke curling up from embowered +chimneys; or, since woods must go down, to record the conquests of the +biting axe; to celebrate the raising of every considerable roof-tree, to +lament all dilapidations and crumbling away of ivied walls; to inform us +how many fathoms deep is the lake with its abbeyed island--why the pool +below the aged bridge gets shallower and shallower every year, so that it +can no more shelter a salmon--what are the sports, and games, and pastimes +of the parishioners--what books they read, if any--if the punishment of +the stocks be obsolete--or the stang--or the jougs--if the bowels of the +people yearn after strange doctrine--if the parish has produced any good +or great murderer, incendiary, or other criminal. In short, why might not +the history of each of the twenty or thirty thousand parishes of Great +Britain--we speak at random--be each a history of human nature, at once +entertaining and instructive? How infinitely better such books than +pamphlets on political economy, for example, now encumbering the whole +land! Nay, even than single sermons, or bundles of sermons, all like so +many sticks--strong when tied all together, but when taken separately, +weak and frush. We have no great opinion of county histories in general, +though we believe there are some goodish ones, from which we purpose, ere +long, to construct some superior articles. A county history, to be worth +much, should run from sixty to six hundred volumes. No library could well +stand that for many years. But a judicious selection might be made from +the thirty thousand parish histories--that would afford charming reading +to the largest family during the longest nights--in the intervals between +the Scotch Novels. Form the circle round the fire--when winter crimps and +freezes--or round the open bow-window, now that summer roasts and broils, +and get her whose voice is like a silver bell to read it up, right on from +beginning to end, only skipping a few lists of names now and then, and we +pledge our credit on the prediction, that you will be delighted as on a +summer ramble, now in sunlight and now in moonlight, over hill and dale, +adorned with towers, turrets, pinnacles of halls and churches, and the low +roofs,--blue or brown, slated or strawed.-- + + "Of huts where poor men lie!" + +_Blackwood's Magazine._ + + + + * * * * * + +THE GATHERER. + + "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles." + SHAKSPEARE. + + * * * * * + + +IAMBICS. + + +Iambe was a servant-maid of Metanira, wife of Celeus, king of Eleusis, who +tried to exhilarate Ceres when she travelled over Attica in quest of her +daughter Proserpine. From the jokes and stories which she made use of, +free and satirical verses have been called _iambics_.--_Apollod_, i._c_. 5. +HALBERT. + + + * * * * * + +BISHOP AND NEGUS. + + +Two dustmen were lately disputing the difference between _bishop_ and +_negus_. "Don't you know?" said one of them; "I vonders at your ignorance-- +vy bishop is made all vine vithout no vater vatsomever; vereas negus is +made with vine and vater mixed--that's the difference, to be sure." + + + * * * * * + +POLITE EVIDENCE. + + +At the Wells assizes, the other day, a butcher's wife, in giving her +evidence, repeatedly turned towards the prisoner at the bar, and +designated him as "that gentleman!" The judge at last lost all patience, +and exclaimed, "Old woman, you are become quite offensive." This +exemplifies Steele's speaking of "sin as a fine gentleman." + + + * * * * * + + +Baron Garrow lately observed at Monmouth, that a respected friend of his, +in the city of London, would sign his name on the outside of letters, in +such a way as to defy the skill of every man in the court, even if +assisted by the greater sagacity of the other sex, in finding out what his +signature could possibly be meant for. The post-offices indeed, knew that +a certain number of straight strokes, up and down, meant W. Curtis; but +probably that was not because they could read the signature, but because +nothing else at all like it ever came there. + + + * * * * * + + +Dr. Solo, on hearing of the glorious victory obtained by Bolivar, was +determined that every bird and beast that he possessed should get drunk on +this glorious occasion. For this purpose he gave the horses, cows, pigs, +and poultry and birds as much juice of the sugar-cane as they could drink; +and it was very amusing to see the pigs jump about in the most frolicsome +manner.--_Hutchinson's Travels in Colombia._ + + + * * * * * + +BELL ROCK LIGHT-HOUSE. + +In the _Album_ at the Bell Rock Light-House are the following lines by Sir +Walter Scott:-- + + +_Pharos Loquitur._ + + Far in the bosom of the deep, + O'er these wild shelves my watch I keep; + A ruddy gem of changeful light, + Bound on the dusky brow of night; + The seaman bids my lustre hail, + And scorns to strike his timorous sail. + +WALTER SCOTT. + + + * * * * * + +NEWSPAPER WONDERS. + + +Flights of wild ducks and geese, in numbers _sufficiently multitudinous to +darken the air_, have already migrated to the moors--a circumstance +scarcely existing in the memory of the oldest inhabitant at this period of +the year.--_Hereford Journal._ + + + * * * * * + + +A countryman, who was cutting wood near the falls of Niagara, on the 10th +of July, was attacked by a rattle-snake; in his terror he leaped across a +tremendous gulf, sixty-seven feet wide, and escaped unhurt!--_Charleston +Paper._ + + + * * * * * + + +The _Weedsport Advertiser_ (an American Journal) relates an incident which +had just occurred in the town of Cato, Cross Lake. A young man named +Stockwell, son of a widow woman of that name, living in the town, after +repeated threats to kill a favourite cat belonging to the house, in order +to vex his mother, at length undertook to carry them into execution. In +the morning he took the cat and started with her into the woods, telling +his youngest sister that he was going to destroy her. They were absent +until the afternoon, when the cat came home, _apparently looking_ as +though she had been in the water. The next morning the young man's clothes +were seen on the bank of Cross Lake, and in the water was found his body, +the face and shoulder dreadfully scratched, evidently by the cat in +struggling, so that little doubt existed that he was drowned in attempting +to destroy puss. All speculation on the matter, however, was set at rest +on the body being brought home, for the cat flew at the corpse, and could +with difficulty be kept off. + + + * * * * * + +IMPROMPTU ON RELIEVING A BEGGAR. + +_(For the Mirror.)_ + + + Take this, old man, thy looks bespeak thy need, + And pity never questions want and woe; + A bright-hair'd angel registers the deed + In heaven--the meed of charity below! + +H.M.L. + + + * * * * * + + +Rosamond's Labyrinth--We shall feel obliged by a call from the gentleman +who favoured us with the original of this engraving; or, if more +convenient, by a note enclosing his address. + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MIRROR OF LITERATURE, NO. 329 *** + +***** This file should be named 11370.txt or 11370.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/3/7/11370/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Allen Siddle and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team. + + +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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