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diff --git a/11406-h/11406-h.htm b/11406-h/11406-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c92fa17 --- /dev/null +++ b/11406-h/11406-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2726 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 12, Issue 340, Supplementary Number (1828), by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + + .figure {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img {border: none;} + .figure p + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11406 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 12, Issue 340, Supplementary Number (1828), by Various</h1> +<br /> +<br /> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Michael Hermen, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page305" name="page305"></a>[pg + 305]</span> + <h1> + THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + </h1> + <hr class="full" /> + <table width="100%" summary="Banner"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + <b>VOL. XII, NO. 340.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SUPPLEMENTARY NUMBER.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Vicenza. + </h2> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/340-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/340-1.png" alt="Vicenza." /></a> + </div> + <h3> + SPIRIT OF THE "ANNUALS," FOR 1829. + </h3> + <p> + For some days past our table has been glittering with these + caskets of song and tale in their gay attire of silken sheen + and burnished gold—till their splendour has fairly put + out the light of our <i>sinumbra</i>, and the drabs, blues, + and yellows of sober, business-like quartos and octavos. + Seven out of nine of these elegant little books are in + "watered" silk bindings; and an ingenious lady-friend has + favoured us with the calculation that the silk used in + covering the presumed number sold (70,000) would extend five + miles, or from Hyde Park Corner to Turnham Green. + </p> + <p> + Brilliant as may be their exteriors, their contents are, as + Miss Jane Porter says of her heroines, "transcendently + beautiful." But of these we shall present our readers with + some exquisite specimens. Our only trouble in this task is + the <i>embarras du richesses</i> with which we are + surrounded; otherwise it is to us an exhaustless source of + delight, especially when we consider the "gentle feelings and + affections" which this annual distribution will cherish, and + the innumerable intertwinings of hands and hearts which this + shower of <i>bon-bons</i> will produce; and such warm friends + are we to this social scheme, that our presentation + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page306" name="page306"></a>[pg + 306]</span> copies are already in the fair hands whither we + had destined them. + </p> + <p> + We begin with the parent-stock, + </p> + <h3> + The Forget-Me-Not. + </h3> + <center> + <i>Edited by Frederic Shoberl</i>, Esq. + </center> + <p> + The present volume, in its graphic and literary attractions + is decidedly superior to that of last year, an improvement + which makes us credit what the Ettrick Shepherd says of the + proprietor—"There's no a mair just, nay, generous man + in his dealings wi' his authors, in a' the tredd, than Mr. + Ackermann." + </p> + <p> + This beautiful Annual contains the original of our ENGRAVING, + from a plate by A. Freebairn, after an admirable picture by + S. Prout, of which the following story is + illustrative:— + </p> + <h3> + THE MAGICIAN OF VICENZA. + </h3> + <p> + In the year 1796, on one of the finest evenings of an Italian + autumn, when the whole population of the handsome city of + Vicenza were pouring into the streets to enjoy the fresh air, + that comes so deliciously along the currents of its three + rivers; when the Campo Marzo was crowded with the opulent + citizens and Venetian nobles; and the whole ascent, from the + gates to the Madonna who sits enthroned on the summit of + Monte Berrico, was a line of the gayest pilgrims that ever + wandered up the vine-covered side of an Alpine hill; the ears + of all were caught by the sound of successive explosions from + a boat running down the bright waters of the Bachiglione. + Vicenza was at peace, under the wing of the lion of St. Mark, + but the French were lying round the ramparts of Mantua. They + had not yet moved on Venice; yet her troops were known to be + without arms, experience, or a general, and the sound of a + cracker would have startled her whole dominions. + </p> + <p> + The boat itself was of a singular make; and the rapidity with + which this little chaloupe, glittering with gilding and hung + with streamers, made its way along the sparkling stream, + struck the observers as something extraordinary. It flew by + every thing on the river, yet no one was visible on board. It + had no sail up, no steersman, no rower; yet it plunged and + rushed along with the swiftness of a bird. The Vicentine + populace are behind none of their brethren in superstition, + and at the sight of the flying chaloupe, the groups came + running from the Campo Marzo. The Monte Berrico was speedily + left without a pilgrim, and the banks of the Bachiglione + were, for the first time since the creation, honoured with + the presence of the Venetian authorities, and even of the + sublime podesta [the governor, a Venetian noble.] himself. + </p> + <p> + But it was fortunate for them that the flying phenomenon had + reached the open space formed by the conflux of the three + rivers, before the crowd became excessive; for, just as it + had darted out from the narrow channel, lined on both sides + with the whole thirty thousand old, middle-aged, and young, + men, maids, and matrons of the city, a thick smoke was seen + rising from its poop, its frame quivered, and, with a + tremendous explosion, the chaloupe rose into the air in ten + thousand fragments of fire. + </p> + <p> + The multitude were seized with consternation; and the whole + fell on their knees, from the sublime podesta himself, to the + humblest saffron-gatherer. Never was there such a mixture of + devotion. Never was there such a concert of exclamations, + sighs, callings on the saints, and rattling of beads. The + whole concourse lay for some minutes with their very noses + rubbing to the ground, until they were all roused at once by + a loud burst of laughter. Thirty thousand pair of eyes were + lifted up at the instant, and all fixed in astonishment on a + human figure, seen calmly sitting on the water, in the very + track of the explosion, and still half hidden in the heavy + mass of smoke that curled in a huge globe over the remnants. + The laugh had proceeded from him, and the nearer he + approached the multitude, the louder he laughed. At length, + stopping in front of the spot where the sublime podesta, a + little ashamed of his prostration, was getting the dust + shaken out of his gold-embroidered robe of office, and + bathing his burning visage in orange-flower water, the + stranger began a sort of complimentary song to the famous + city of Vicenza. + </p> + <p> + The stranger found a willing audience; for his first stanza + was in honour of the "most magnificent city of Vicenza;" its + "twenty palaces by the matchless Palladio;" much more "its + sixty churches;" and much more than all "its breed of + Dominicans, unrivalled throughout the earth for the fervour + of their piety and the capacity of their stomachs." The last + touch made the grand-prior of the cathedral wince a little, + but it was welcomed with a roar from the multitude. The song + proceeded; but if the prior had frowned at the first stanza, + the podesta was doubly angry at the second, which sneered at + Venetian pomposity in incomparable style. But the prior and + podesta were equally outvoted, for the roar of the multitude + was twice as loud as before. Then came other touches on the + <i>cavalieri serventi</i>, the ladies, the + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page307" name="page307"></a>[pg + 307]</span> nuns, and the husbands, till every class had its + share: but the satire was so witty, that, keen as it was, the + shouts of the people silenced all disapprobation. He finished + by a brilliant stanza, in which he said, that "having been + sent by Neptune from the depths of the ocean to visit the + earth, he had chosen for his landing-place its most renowned + spot, the birthplace of the gayest men and the handsomest + women—the exquisite Vicenza." With these words he + ascended from the shore, and was received with thunders of + applause. + </p> + <p> + His figure was tall and elegant. He wore a loose, scarlet + cloak thrown over his fine limbs, Greek sandals, and a cap + like that of the Italian princes of three centuries before, a + kind of low circle of green and vermilion striped silk, + clasped by a large rose of topaz. The men universally said, + that there was an atrocious expression in his countenance; + but the women, the true judges after all, said, without + exception, that this was envy in the men, and that the + stranger was the most "delightful looking <i>Diavolo</i>" + they had ever set eyes on. + </p> + <p> + The stranger, on his landing, desired to be led to the + principal hotel; but he had not gone a dozen steps from the + water-side, when he exclaimed that he had lost his purse. + Such an imputation was never heard before in an Italian city; + at least so swore the multitude; and the stranger was on the + point of falling several fathoms deep in his popularity. But + he answered the murmur by a laugh; and stopping in front of a + beggar, who lay at the corner of an hospital roaring out for + alms, demanded the instant loan of fifty sequins. The beggar + lifted up his hands and eyes in speechless wonder, and then + shook out his rags, which, whatever else they might show, + certainly showed no sequins, "The sequins, or death!" was the + demand, in a tremendous voice. The beggar fell on the ground + convulsed, and from his withered hand, which every one had + seen empty the moment before, out flew fifty sequins, bright + as if they had come that moment from St. Mark's mint. The + stranger took them from the ground, and, with a smile, flung + them up in a golden shower through the crowd. The shouts were + immense, and the mob insisted on carrying him to the door of + his hotel. + </p> + <p> + But the Venetian vigilance was by this time a little + awakened, and a patrol of the troops was ordered to bring + this singular stranger before the sublime podesta. The crowd + instantly dropped him at the sight of the bayonets, and + knowing the value of life in the most delicious climate of + the world, took to their heels. The guard took possession of + their prisoner, and were leading him rather roughly to the + governor's house, when he requested them to stop for a moment + beside a convent gate, that he might get a cup of wine. But + the Dominicans would not give the satirist of their + illustrious order a cup of water. + </p> + <p> + "If you will not give me refreshment," exclaimed he, in an + angry tone, "give me wherewithal to buy it. I demand a + hundred sequins." + </p> + <p> + The prior himself was at the window above his head; and the + only answer was a sneer, which was loyally echoed through + every cloister. + </p> + <p> + "Let me have your bayonet for a moment," said the stranger to + one of his guard. He received it; and striking away a + projecting stone in the wall, out rushed the hundred sequins. + The prior clasped his hands in agony, that so much money + should have been so near, and yet have escaped his pious + purposes, The soldiers took off their caps for the + discoverer, and bowed them still lower when he threw every + sequin of it into the shakos of those polite warriors. The + officer, to whom he had given a double share, showed his + gratitude by a whisper, offering to assist his escape for as + much more. But the stranger declined the civility, and walked + boldly into the presence-chamber of the sublime podesta. + </p> + <p> + The Signer Dominico Castello-Grande Tremamondo was a little + Venetian noble, descended in a right line from Aeneas, with a + palazzo on the Canale Regio of Venice, which he let for a + coffee-house; and living in the pomp and pride of a + <i>magnifico</i> on something more than the wages of an + English groom. The intelligence of this extraordinary + stranger's discoveries had flown like a spark through a + magazine, and the <i>illustrissimo</i> longed to be a + partaker in the secret. He interrogated the prisoner with + official fierceness, but could obtain no other reply than the + general declaration, that he was a traveller come to see the + captivations of Italy. In the course of the inquiry the + podesta dropped a significant hint about money. + </p> + <p> + "As to money," was the reply, "I seldom carry any about me; + it is so likely to tempt <i>rascals</i> to dip deeper in + roguery. I have it whenever I choose to call for it." + </p> + <p> + "I should like to see the experiment made, merely for its + curiosity," said the governor. + </p> + <p> + "You shall be obeyed," was the answer; "but I never ask for + more than a sum for present expenses. Here, you + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page308" name="page308"></a>[pg + 308]</span> fellow!" said he, turning to one of the + half-naked soldiery, "lend me five hundred sequins!" + </p> + <p> + The whole guard burst into laughter. The sum would have been + a severe demand on the military chest of the army. The + handsome stranger advanced to him, and, seizing his musket, + said, loftily, "Fellow, if you won't give the money, this + must." He struck the butt-end of the musket thrice upon the + floor. At the third blow a burst of gold poured out, and + sequins ran in every direction. The soldiery and the officers + of the court were in utter astonishment. All wondered, many + began to cross themselves, and several of the most celebrated + swearers in the regiment dropped upon their knees. But their + devotions were not long, for the sublime podesta ordered the + hall to be cleared, and himself, the stranger, and the + sequins, left alone. + </p> + <p> + For three days nothing more was heard of any of the three, + and the Vicenzese scarcely ate, drank, or slept, through + anxiety to know what was become of the man in the scarlet + cloak, and cap striped green and vermilion. Jealousy, + politics, and piety, at length put their heads together, and, + by the evening of the third day, the <i>cavalieri</i> had + agreed that he was some rambling actor, or Alpine thief, the + statesmen, that he was a spy; and the Dominicans that he was + Satan in person. The women, partly through the contradiction + natural to the lovely sex, and partly through the novelty of + not having the world in their own way, were silent; a + phenomenon which the Italian philosophers still consider the + true wonder of the whole affair. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of the third day a new Venetian governor, with + a stately <i>cortege</i>, was seen entering at the Water + Gate, full gallop, from Venice: he drove straight to the + podesta's house, and, after an audience, was provided with + apartments in the town-house, one of the finest in Italy, and + looking out upon the <i>Piazza Grande</i>, in which are the + two famous columns, one then surmounted by the winged lion of + St. Mark, as the other still is by a statue of the founder of + our faith. + </p> + <p> + The night was furiously stormy, and the torrents of rain and + perpetual roaring of the thunder drove the people out of the + streets. But between the tempest and curiosity not an eye was + closed that night in the city. Towards morning the tempest + lulled, and in the intervals of the wind, strange sounds were + heard, like the rushing of horses and rattling of carriages. + At length the sounds grew so loud that curiosity could be + restrained no longer, and the crowd gathered towards the + entrance of the <i>Piazza</i>. The night was dark beyond + description, and the first knowledge of the hazard that they + were incurring was communicated to the shivering mob by the + kicks of several platoons of French soldiery, who let them + pass within their lines, but prohibited escape. The square + was filled with cavalry, escorting wagons loaded with the + archives, plate, and pictures, of the government. The old + podesta was seen entering a carriage, into which his very + handsome daughter, the betrothed of the proudest of the proud + Venetian senators, was handed by the stranger. The procession + then moved, and last, and most surprising of all, the + stranger, mounting a charger, put himself at the head of the + cavalry, and, making a profound adieu to the new governor, + who stood shivering at the window in care of a file of + grenadiers, dashed forward on the road to Milan. + </p> + <p> + Day rose, and the multitude rushed out to see what was become + of the city. Every thing was as it had been, but the column + of the lion: its famous emblem of the Venetian republic was + gone, wings and all. They exclaimed that the world had come + to an end. But the wheel of fortune is round, let politicians + say what they will. In twelve months from that day the old + podesta was again sitting in the government-house—yet a + podesta no more, but a French prefect; the Signora Maria, his + lovely daughter, was sitting beside him, with an infant, the + image of her own beauty, and beside her the stranger, no + longer the man of magic in the scarlet cloak and green and + vermilion striped cap with a topaz clasp, but a French + general of division, in blue and silver, her husband, as + handsome as ever, and, if not altogether a professed + <i>Diavolo</i>, quite as successful in finding money whenever + he wanted it. His first <i>entree</i> into Vicenza had been a + little theatrical, for such is the genius of his country. The + blowing-up of his little steam-boat, which had nearly + furnished his drama with a tragic catastrophe, added to its + effect; and his discovery of the sequins was managed by three + of his countrymen. As an inquirer into the nakedness of the + land, he might have been shot as a spy. As half-charlatan and + half-madman, he was sure of national sympathy. During the + three days of his stay the old podesta had found himself + accessible to reason, the podesta's daughter to the tender + passion, and the treasures of the state to the locomotive + skill of the French detachment, that waited in the mountains + the result of their officer's + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page309" name="page309"></a>[pg + 309]</span> diplomacy. The lion of St. Mark, having nothing + else to do, probably disdained to remain, and in the same + night took wing from the column, to which he has never + returned. + </p> + <p> + As we love to "march in good order," we begin with the + plates, the most striking of which is the Frontispiece, + <i>Marcus Curtius</i>, by Le Keux, from a design by Martin, + which we are at a loss to describe. It requires a microscopic + eye to fully appreciate all its beauties—yet the + thousands of figures and the architectural background, are so + clear and intelligible as to make our optic nerve sympathize + with the labour of the artist. The next is a <i>View on the + Ganges</i>, by Finden, after Daniell; <i>Constancy</i>, by + Portbury, after Stephanoff, in which the female figure is + loveliness personified; <i>Eddystone during a Storm</i>; the + <i>Proposal</i>, a beautiful family group; the <i>Cottage + Kitchen</i>, by Romney, after Witherington; and the <i>Blind + Piper</i>, from a painting by Clennell, who, from too great + anxiety in the pursuit of his profession, was some years + since deprived of reason, which he has never recovered. + </p> + <p> + In the <i>poetical</i> department we notice the Retreat, some + beautiful lines by J. Montgomery; Ellen Strathallan, a + pathetic legend, by Mrs. Pickersgill; St. Mary of the Lows, + by the Ettrick Shepherd; Xerxes, a beautiful composition, by + C. Swain, Esq.; the Banks of the Ganges, a descriptive poem, + by Capt. McNaghten; Lydford Bridge, a fearful incident, by + the author of Dartmoor; Alice, a tale of merrie England, by + W.H. Harrison; and two pleasing pieces by the talented + editor. Our extract is + </p> + <h3> + LANGSYNE. + </h3> + <h4> + BY DELTA. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Langsyne!—how doth the word come back + </p> + <p> + With magic meaning to the heart, + </p> + <p> + As Memory roams the sunny track, + </p> + <p> + From which Hope's dreams were loath to part! + </p> + <p> + No joy like by-past joy appears; + </p> + <p> + For what is gone we peak and pine. + </p> + <p> + Were life spun out a thousand years, + </p> + <p> + It could not match Langsyne! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Langsyne!—the days of childhood warm, + </p> + <p> + When, tottering by a mother's knee, + </p> + <p> + Each sight and sound had power to charm, + </p> + <p> + And hope was high, and thought was free. + </p> + <p> + Langsyne!—the merry schoolboy days— + </p> + <p> + How sweetly then life's sun did shine! + </p> + <p> + Oh! for the glorious pranks and plays, + </p> + <p> + The raptures of Langsyne! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Langsyne!—yes, In the sound, I hear + </p> + <p> + The rustling of the summer grove, + </p> + <p> + And view those angel features near, + </p> + <p> + Which first awoke the heart to love. + </p> + <p> + How sweet it is, in pensive mood, + </p> + <p> + At windless midnight to recline, + </p> + <p> + And fill the mental solitude + </p> + <p> + With spectres from Langsyne! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Langsyne!—ah, where are they who shared + </p> + <p> + With us its pleasures bright and blithe? + </p> + <p> + Kindly with some hath fortune fared; + </p> + <p> + And some have bowed beneath the scythe + </p> + <p> + Of death; while others, scattered far, + </p> + <p> + O'er foreign lands at fate repine, + </p> + <p> + Oft wandering forth, 'neath twilight's star, + </p> + <p> + To muse on dear Langsyne! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Langsyne!—the heart can never be + </p> + <p> + Again so full of guileless truth— + </p> + <p> + Langsyne! the eyes no more shall see, + </p> + <p> + Ah, no! the rainbow hopes of youth. + </p> + <p> + Langsyne! with thee resides a spell + </p> + <p> + To raise the spirit, and refine + </p> + <p> + Farewell!—there can be no farewell + </p> + <p> + To thee, loved, lost Langsyne! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Of the <i>prose</i> articles, we have already given some + specimens—The Hour Too Many, a fortnight since; and + Vicenza, just quoted. The next we notice is Recollections of + Pere la Chaise, for the graphic accuracy of which we can + answer; Eliza Carthago, an African anecdote, by Mrs. + Bowditch; Terence O'Flaherty, a humorous story, by the Modern + Pythagorean of Blackwood; two interesting stories of Modern + Greece; a highly-wrought Persian Tale, by the late Henry + Neele; Miss Mitford's charming Cricketing Sketch; the Maid of + the Beryl, by Mrs. Hofland; a Chapter of Eastern Apologues, + by the Ettrick Shepherd; the Goldsmith of Westcheap, a story + of the olden time—rather too long; and a characteristic + Naval Sketch. + </p> + <p> + As we have already drawn somewhat freely on the present + volume, we may adduce that as the best proof of the high + opinion we entertain of its merits. The editor has only two + or three pieces; but the excellent taste and judgment + displayed in the editorship of the "Forget-me-not" entitle it + to a foremost place among the "Annuals for 1829." + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Literary Souvenir, + </h2> + <center> + <i>Edited by Alaric A. Watts, Esq</i>. + </center> + <p> + If the present were the first volume of the Literary + Souvenir, the name of the editor would be a passport to + popularity; but as this is the fifth year of its publication, + any recommendation of ours would be supererogatory. + </p> + <p> + But the Souvenir for 1829, realizes that delightful union of + painting, engraving, and literature, (at whose beneficial + influence we have glanced in our accompanying number) even + more fully than its predecessors. Ten out of the twelve + embellishments are from celebrated pictures, and the whole + are by first-rate engravers. Of their cost we spoke cursorily + in a recent number; so that we shall only particularize a few + of the most striking. + </p> + <p> + The engravings are of larger size than heretofore, and, for + the most part, more brilliant in design and execution than + any previous year. We can only notice <i>the Sisters</i>, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page310" name="page310"></a>[pg + 310]</span> (frontispiece) full of graceful and pleasing + effect, by J.H. Robinson, after Stephanoff; <i>Cleopatra, on + the Cydnus</i>, a splendid aquatic pageant, by E. Goodall, + after Danby; the <i>Proposal</i>, consisting of two of the + most striking figures in Leslie's exquisite painting of May + Day in Queen Elizabeth's time; a <i>Portrait of Sir Walter + Scott</i>, from Leslie's painting, and considered the best + likeness; this is from the burin of an American artist of + high promise. We must not, however, forget + <i>Ehrenbreitstein, on the Rhine</i>, by John Pye, from a + drawing by J.M.W. Turner, which is one of the most delightful + prints in the whole series. + </p> + <p> + In the <i>poetry</i> are Cleopatra, well according with the + splendid scene it is intended to illustrate—and I think + of Thee, a tender lament—both by Mr. T.K. Hervey; Mrs. + Hemans has contributed four exquisite pieces: Night, the Ship + at Sea, and the Mariner's Grave, by Mr. John Malcolm, only + make us regret that we have not room for either in our + columns; Mary Queen of Scots, by H.G. Bell, Esq., is one of + the most interesting historical ballads we have lately met + with; the Epistle from Abbotsford, is a piece of pleasantry, + which would have formed an excellent pendent to Sir Walter's + Study, in our last; Zadig and Astarte, by Delta, are in the + writer's most plaintive strain; the recollections of our + happiest years, are harmoniously told in "Boyhood;" a ballad + entitled "The Captive of Alhama," dated from Woburn Abbey, + and signed R——, is a soul-stirring production, + attributed to Lord John Russel; and the Pixies of Devon has + the masterly impress of the author of Dartmoor. And last in + our enumeration, though first in our liking, are the + following by the editor:—Invocation to the Echo of a + Sea Shell; King Pedro's Revenge, with a well written + historiette; the Youngling of the Flock, full of tenderness + and parental affection; and some Stanzas, for our admiration + of which we have not an epithet at hand, so we give the + original. + </p> + <h3> + ON BURNING A PACKET OF LETTERS. + </h3> + <center> + <i>By A.A. Watts, Esq.</i> + </center> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Relics of love, and life's enchanted spring, + </p> + <p> + Of hopes born, rainbow-like, of smiles and tears:— + </p> + <p> + With trembling hand do I unloose the string, + </p> + <p> + Twined round the records of my youthful years. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Yet why preserve memorials of a dream, + </p> + <p> + Too bitter-sweet to breathe of aught but pain! + </p> + <p> + Why court fond memory for a fitful gleam + </p> + <p> + Of faded bliss, that cannot bloom again! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The thoughts and feelings these sad relics bring + </p> + <p> + Back on my heart, I would not now recall:— + </p> + <p> + Since gentler ties around its pulses cling, + </p> + <p> + Shall spells less hallowed hold them still in thrall! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Can withered hopes that never came to flower + </p> + <p> + Match with affections long and dearly tried + </p> + <p> + Love, that has lived through many a stormy hour, + </p> + <p> + Through good and ill,—and time and change defied! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Perish each record that might wake a thought + </p> + <p> + That would be treason to a faith like this!— + </p> + <p> + Why should the spectres of past joys be brought + </p> + <p> + To fling their shadows o'er my present bliss! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Yet,—ere we part for ever,—let me pay + </p> + <p> + A last, fond tribute to the sainted dead: + </p> + <p> + Mourn o'er these wrecks of passion's earlier day, + </p> + <p> + With tears as wild as once I used to shed. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + What gentle words are flashing on my eye! + </p> + <p> + What tender truths in every line I trace! + </p> + <p> + Confessions—penned with many a deep drawn + sigh.— + </p> + <p> + Hopes—like the dove—with but one resting + place! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + How many a feeling, long—too long—represt, + </p> + <p> + Like autumn flowers, here opened out at last! + </p> + <p> + How many a vision of the lonely breast + </p> + <p> + Its cherish'd radiance on these leaves hath cast? + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And ye, pale violets, whose sweet breath hath driven + </p> + <p> + Back on my soul the dreams I fain would quell; + </p> + <p> + To whose faint perfume such wild power is given, + </p> + <p> + To call up visions—only loved too well;— + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Ye too must perish!—Wherefore now divide + </p> + <p> + Tributes of love—first offerings of the + heart;— + </p> + <p> + Gifts—that so long have slumbered side by side; + </p> + <p> + Tokens of feeling—never meant to part! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + A long farewell:—sweet flowers, sad scrolls, adieu! + </p> + <p> + Yes, ye shall be companions to the last:— + </p> + <p> + So perish all that would revive anew + </p> + <p> + The fruitless memories of the faded past! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + But, lo! the flames are curling swiftly round + </p> + <p> + Each fairer vestige of my youthful years; + </p> + <p> + Page after page that searching blaze hath found, + </p> + <p> + Even whilst I strive to trace them through my tears. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The Hindoo widow, in affection strong, + </p> + <p> + Dies by her lord, and keeps her faith unbroken; + </p> + <p> + Thus perish all which to those wrecks belong, + </p> + <p> + The living memory—with the lifeless token! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Barry Cornwall has contributed several minor pieces, though + we fear his poetical reputation will not be increased by + either of them. + </p> + <p> + Some of the minor pieces are gems in their way, and one of + the most beautiful will be found appended to our current + Number. + </p> + <p> + To the <i>prose</i>:—The first in the volume is "the + Sisters," a pathetic tale of about thirty pages, which a + little of the fashionable affectation of some literary + coxcombs might fine-draw over a brace of small octavos. As it + stands, the story is gracefully, yet energetically told, and + is entitled to the place it occupies. The author of Pelham + (<i>vide</i> the newspapers) has a pleasant conceit in the + shape of a whole-length of fashion, which, being the best and + shortest in its line that we have met with, will serve to + enliven our extracts:— + </p> + <h3> + TOO HANDSOME FOR ANY THING! + </h3> + <p> + Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy was one of those models of perfection + of which a human father and mother can produce + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page311" name="page311"></a>[pg + 311]</span> but a single example,—Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy + was therefore an only son. He was such an amazing favourite + with both his parents that they resolved to ruin him; + accordingly, he was exceedingly spoiled, never annoyed by the + sight of a book, and had as much plum-cake as he could eat. + Happy would it have been for Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy could he + always have eaten plum-cake, and remained a child. "Never," + says the Greek Tragedian, "reckon a mortal happy till you + have witnessed his end." A most beautiful creature was Mr. + Ferdinand Fitzroy! Such eyes—such hair—such + teeth—such a figure—such manners, too,—and + such an irresistible way of tying his neckcloth! When he was + about sixteen, a crabbed old uncle represented to his parents + the propriety of teaching Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy to read and + write. Though not without some difficulty, he convinced + them,—for he was exceedingly rich, and riches in an + uncle are wonderful arguments respecting the nurture of a + nephew whose parents have nothing to leave him. So our hero + was sent to school. He was naturally (I am not joking now) a + very sharp, clever boy; and he came on surprisingly in his + learning. The schoolmaster's wife liked handsome + children.—"What a genius will Master Ferdinand Fitzroy + be, if you take pains with him!" said she, to her husband. + </p> + <p> + "Pooh, my dear, it is of no use to take pains with + <i>him</i>." + </p> + <p> + "And why, love?" + </p> + <p> + "Because he is a great deal too handsome ever to be a + scholar." + </p> + <p> + "And that's true enough, my dear!" said the schoolmaster's + wife. + </p> + <p> + So, because he was too handsome to be a scholar, Mr. + Ferdinand Fitzroy remained the lag of the fourth form! + </p> + <p> + They took our hero from school.—"What profession shall + he follow?" said his mother. + </p> + <p> + "My first cousin is the Lord Chancellor," said his father, + "let him go to the bar." + </p> + <p> + The Lord Chancellor dined there that day: Mr. Ferdinand + Fitzroy was introduced to him; his lordship was a little, + rough-faced, beetle-browed, hard-featured man, who thought + beauty and idleness the same thing—and a parchment skin + the legitimate complexion for a lawyer. + </p> + <p> + "Send him to the bar!" said he, "no, no, that will never + do!—Send him into the army; he is much too handsome to + become a lawyer." + </p> + <p> + "And that's true enough, my lord!" said the mother. So they + bought Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy a cornetcy in the —— + regiment of dragoons. + </p> + <p> + Things are not learned by inspiration. Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy + had never ridden at school, except when he was hoisted; he + was, therefore, a very indifferent horseman; they sent him to + the riding-school, and everybody laughed at him. + </p> + <p> + "He is a d—d ass!" said Cornet Horsephiz, who was very + ugly; "a horrid puppy!" said Lieutenant St. Squintem, who was + still uglier; "if he does not ride better he will disgrace + the regiment," said Captain Rivalhate, who was very + good-looking; "if he does not ride better, we will cut him!" + said Colonel Everdrill, who was a wonderful martinet; "I say, + Mr. Bumpemwell (to the riding-master,) make that youngster + ride less like a miller's sack." + </p> + <p> + "Pooh, sir, <i>he</i> will never ride better." + </p> + <p> + "And why the d—-l will he not?" + </p> + <p> + "Bless you, colonel, he is a great deal too handsome for a + cavalry officer!" + </p> + <p> + "True!" said Cornet Horsephiz. + </p> + <p> + "Very true," said Lieutenant St. Squintem. + </p> + <p> + "We must cut him!" said the Colonel. + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy was accordingly cut. + </p> + <p> + Out hero was a youth of susceptibility—he quitted the + —— regiment, and challenged the colonel. The + colonel was killed! + </p> + <p> + "What a terrible blackguard is Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy!" said + the colonel's relations. + </p> + <p> + "Very true!" said the world. + </p> + <p> + The parents were in despair!—They were not rich; but + our hero was an only son, and they sponged hard upon the + crabbed old uncle! "he is very clever," said they both, "and + may do yet." + </p> + <p> + So they borrowed some thousands from the uncle, and bought + his beautiful nephew a seat in parliament. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy was ambitious, and desirous of + retrieving his character. He fagged like a + dragon—conned pamphlets and reviews—got Ricardo + by heart—and made notes on the English constitution. + </p> + <p> + He rose to speak. + </p> + <p> + "What a handsome fellow!" whispered one member. + </p> + <p> + "Ah, a coxcomb!" said another. + </p> + <p> + "Never do for a speaker!" said a third, very audibly. + </p> + <p> + And the gentlemen on the opposite benches sneered and + <i>heard!</i>—Impudence is only indigenous in Milesia, + and an orator is not made in a day. Discouraged by his + reception, Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy grew a little embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + "Told you so!" said one of his neighbours. + </p> + <p> + "Fairly broke down!" said another. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page312" name="page312"></a>[pg + 312]</span> "Too fond of his hair to have any thing in his + head," said a third, who was considered a wit. + </p> + <p> + "Hear, hear!" cried the gentlemen on the opposite benches, + </p> + <p> + Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy sat down—he had not shone; but, + in justice, he had not failed. Many a first-rate speaker had + began worse; and many a country member had been declared a + phoenix of promise upon half his merit. + </p> + <p> + Not so, thought the heroes of corn-laws. + </p> + <p> + "Your Adonises never make orators!" said a crack speaker with + a wry nose. + </p> + <p> + "Nor men of business either," added the chairman of a + committee, with a face like a kangaroo's. + </p> + <p> + "Poor devil!" said the civilest of the set. "He's a deuced + deal too handsome for a speaker! By Jove, he is going to + speak again—this will never do; we must cough him + down!" + </p> + <p> + And Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy was accordingly coughed down. + </p> + <p> + Our hero was now seven or eight and twenty, handsomer than + ever, and the adoration of the young ladies at Almack's. + </p> + <p> + "We have nothing to leave you," said the parents, who had + long spent their fortune, and now lived on the credit of + having once enjoyed it.—"You are the handsomest man in + London; you must marry an heiress." + </p> + <p> + "I will," said Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy. + </p> + <p> + Miss Helen Convolvulus was a charming young lady, with a + hare-lip and six thousand a-year. To Miss Helen Convolvulus + then our hero paid his addresses. + </p> + <p> + Heavens! what an uproar her relations made about the matter. + "Easy to see his intentions," said one: "a handsome + fortune-hunter, who wants to make the best of his + person!"—"handsome is that handsome does," says + another; "he was turned out of the army, and murdered his + colonel;"—"never marry a beauty," said a + third;—"he can admire none but himself;"—"will + have so many mistresses," said a fourth;—"make you + perpetually jealous," said a fifth;—"spend your + fortune," said a sixth;—"and break your heart," said a + seventh. + </p> + <p> + Miss Helen Convolvulus was prudent and wary. She saw a great + deal of justice in what was said; and was sufficiently + contented with liberty and six thousand a-year, not to be + highly impatient for a husband; but our heroine had no + aversion to a lover; especially to so handsome a lover as Mr. + Ferdinand Fitzroy. Accordingly she neither accepted nor + discarded him; but kept him on hope, and suffered him to get + into debt with his tailor, and his coach-maker. On the + strength of becoming Mr. Fitzroy Convolvulus. Time went on, + and excuses and delays were easily found; however, our hero + was sanguine, and so were his parents. A breakfast at + Chiswick, and a putrid fever carried off the latter, within + one week of each other; but not till they had blessed Mr. + Ferdinand Fitzroy, and rejoiced that they had left him so + well provided for. + </p> + <p> + Now, then, our hero depended solely upon the crabbed old + uncle and Miss Helen Convolvulus; the former, though a + baronet and a satirist was a banker and a man of + business:—he looked very distastefully at the Hyperian + curls and white teeth of Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy. + </p> + <p> + "If I make you my heir," said he—"I expect you will + continue the bank." + </p> + <p> + "Certainly, sir!" said the nephew. + </p> + <p> + "Humph!" grunted the uncle, "a pretty fellow for a banker!" + </p> + <p> + Debtors grew pressing to Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy, and Mr. + Ferdinand Fitzroy grew pressing to Miss Helen Convolvulus. + "It is a dangerous thing," said she, timidly, "to marry a man + so admired,—will you always be faithful?" + </p> + <p> + "By heaven!" cried the lover. + </p> + <p> + "Heigho!" sighed Miss Helen Convolvulus, and Lord Rufus + Pumilion entering, the conversation was changed. + </p> + <p> + But the day of the marriage was fixed; and Mr. Ferdinand + Fitzroy bought a new curricle. By Apollo, how handsome he + looked in it! A month before the wedding day the uncle died. + Miss Helen Convolvulus was quite tender in her + condolences—"Cheer up, my Ferdinand," said she, "for + your sake, I have discarded Lord Rufus Pumilion!" "Adorable + condescension!" cried our hero;—"but Lord Rufus + Pumilion is only four feet two, and has hair like a peony." + </p> + <p> + "All men are not so handsome as Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy!" was + the reply. + </p> + <p> + Away goes our hero, to be present at the opening of his + uncle's will. + </p> + <p> + "I leave," said the testator (who I have before said was a + bit of a satirist,) "my share of the bank, and the whole or + my fortune, legacies excepted, to"—(here Mr. Ferdinand + Fitzroy wiped his beautiful eyes with a cambric handkerchief, + exquisitely <i>brode</i>) "my natural son, John Spriggs, an + industrious, pains-taking youth, who will do credit to the + bank. I did once intend to have made my nephew Ferdinand my + heir; but so curling a head can have no talent for accounts. + I want my successor to be a man of business, not beauty; and + Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy is a great deal too handsome for a + banker; his good looks will, no doubt, win him any heiress in + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page313" name="page313"></a>[pg + 313]</span> town. Meanwhile, I leave him, to buy a + dressing-case, a thousand pounds." + </p> + <p> + "A thousand devils!" said Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy, banging out + of the room. He flew to his mistress. She was not at home. + "Lies," says the Italian proverb, "have short legs;" but + truths, if they are unpleasant, have terrible long ones! The + next day Mr. Ferdinand Fitzroy received a most obliging note + of dismissal. + </p> + <p> + "I wish you every happiness," said Miss Helen Convolvulus, in + conclusion—"but my friends are right; you are much too + handsome for a husband!" + </p> + <p> + And the week after, Miss Helen Convolvulus became Lady Rufus + Pumilion. + </p> + <p> + "Alas! sir," said the bailiff, as a day or two after the + dissolution of parliament, he was jogging along with Mr. + Ferdinand Fitzroy, in a hackney coach bound to the King's + Bench,—"Alas! sir, what a pity it is to take so + handsome a gentleman to prison!" + </p> + <p> + The MS. found in a Madhouse, by the same author, is perhaps + too horrific for this terror-loving age; but it is by no + means less clever on that account; <i>toute en huile</i> + would not do. Among the other tales are the Rock of the + Candle, Irish, by the author of Holland-Tide,—nearly + forty pages; and the Queen of May and Bridget + Plantagenet,—of the olden time—which would be + spoiled by abridgment for our present purpose. The same + reason prevents our giving more than our commendation of Miss + Mitford's General and his Lady, who, we think are new company + for our fair authoress. + </p> + <p> + In the Vision of Purgatory, by Dr. Maginn, (Irish, of + course,) the serious and ludicrous are mixed up with an + abundance of skill and humour; this piece should be read + after the Madhouse sketch. + </p> + <p> + The Souvenir is opportunely dedicated to Mr. Peel; and + whether as a work of art, or elegant literature, it is + decidedly worthy of such distinguished notice. If the + argument of the fine arts contributing to virtue hold good, + then the patronage of a minister will be patriotically + bestowed on such works as the Literary Souvenir. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Amulet. + </h2> + <center> + <i>Edited by S.C. Hall, Esq.</i> + </center> + <p> + It would be difficult and somewhat egotistical for us to + describe the pleasure we felt on our receiving this + interesting volume for notice in our pages. The amiable + spirit which breathes throughout its pages, and the good + taste which uniformly dictates its editorship have secured + the <i>Amulet</i> an extensive, and we are disposed to think, + a more permanent, popularity than is attached to other works + of similar form.<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + </p> + <p> + The present volume contains Fourteen Plates, among which are + <i>Murillo's Spanish Flower Girl; Etty's Guardian Angels</i>, + by Finden; a copy of Sir Thomas Lawrence's portrait of + <i>Lady Georgiana Fane</i>, from Colnaghi's print; Eastlake's + <i>Italian Mother;</i> one of Collins's last pictures, <i>The + Fisherman Leaving Home; The Temple of Victory</i>, from + Gandy,—all which are first-rate works of art. + </p> + <p> + There are eighty contributions, as the bookmakers say, "in + prose and verse," with a predominance of the former. The + first of the <i>prose</i> is a Strange Story of every day, by + William Kennedy—well told, but too long for extract. + The Mountain Daisy, a village sketch, by the Editor's lady, + is gracefully written; and with the Fisherman, by the Editor, + is a fair characteristic of the amiable spirit to which we + have already alluded; and in the same tone of good feeling is + the Rose of Fennock Dale, a true story by the fair authoress + of the Mountain Daisy; and the Wandering Minstrels, by the + Rev. F.A. Cox, L.L.D. Miss Mitford has contributed one of her + inimitable sketches, Little Moses; but the most staple + articles in the volume are The Battle of Bunaania, one of the + Georgian Islands, by Mr. Ellis, the missionary; Notices of + the Canadian Indians, by Dr. Walsh; a Journey over the + Brocken, by Mr. Coleridge; and a Fragment, by Miss Jane + Porter. Our prose selection is from the last of these + articles; but we intend transferring a portion of Dr. Walsh's + "Notices" to our next "Manners and Customs." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE SOUTH SEA CHIEF. + </h3> + <center> + <i>By Miss Jane Porter</i>. + </center> + <p> + While in the north of Europe, I met with a rather + extraordinary person, whose account of himself might afford a + subject for a pretty romance; a sort of new Paul and + Virginia; but with what different catastrophe, it is not fair + to presage. He described himself as a Frenchman, a native of + Bourdeaux; where, at an early age, he was put on board a + merchant ship, to learn the profession of a seaman. About + that time war broke out between Great Britain, and the lately + proclaimed <span class="pagenum"><a id="page314" + name="page314"></a>[pg 314]</span> Republic of France; and + the vessel he was in, being attacked, and taken by an English + man-of-war, he was carried a prisoner into England. When + there, his naturally enterprising character would not submit + itself to a state of captivity; and, soon making his wishes + understood, he entered on board a British sloop, bound to New + Holland. While gazing with rapt astonishment on the seeming + new heavens which canopied that, to him, also, new portion of + the globe; while the stars of the Cross were exciting his + youthful wonder; and he could no where find the + constellations of the Great, or Little Bear in the midnight + firmament, the sky was suddenly overcast with a cloud, like + the pall of nature, and a fearful tempest burst from it. The + scene was dreadful on that wide waste of waters; and the + vessel being driven at last into the rocky labyrinths of the + Society Isles, was finally wrecked on one not many leagues + from the celebrated Otaheite. Laonce, the young Frenchman, + and one seaman of the sloop, an honest north Briton, were the + only persons who escaped; for when morning broke, they found + themselves, restored from insensibility, lying on the shore, + and not a trace of the ship, or of those who had navigated + her, was to be discerned. The inhabitants of the island, + apparently wild savages by their almost naked state, instead + of seizing them as a prey, took them to their huts, fed, and + cherished them. Hope for awhile flattered them that some + other vessel, bound for New Holland, might also be driven + upon those islands, though not with the same hard fate, and + that by her means they might be released, and conveyed back + to Europe. But days, and weeks, and months, wearing away + without any such arrival, they began to regard the + expectation less, and to turn their minds to take a more + intimate interest in objects around them. Time, indeed, + accustomed them to what might be called barbarous, in the + manners of the people; by degrees, even themselves laid aside + their European habits; they exchanged their clothing for the + half-exposed fashion of the native chiefs; and, adopting + their pursuits and pleasures, became hunters, and bold + fishers in the light canoe. Finally, they learnt to speak the + language, as if they had been born in the island; and, at + length, sealed their insular destiny by marrying native + women. Laonce was hardly eighteen when he was first cast + ashore amongst them; but having a handsome person, and those + engaging manners, from a naturally amiable disposition added + to a gentleman's breeding, which never fail agreeably + impressing even the rudest minds, the eye of female + tenderness soon found him out; and the maiden, being the + daughter of the king, and beautiful withal, had only to hint + her wishes to her royal sire; and the king naming them to + their distinguished object, she immediately became his happy + bride. Laonce, becoming thus royally allied, and in the line + of the throne, instantly received publicly the investiture of + the highest order of Otaheitan nobility, namely, a species of + tattooing appropriated to chiefs alone. The limbs of the body + thus distinguished, are traversed all over with a damasked + sort of pattern, while the particular royal insignia is + marked on the left side of the forehead, and below the eye, + like a thick mass of dark tattooing. + </p> + <p> + But the young Frenchman, and his north Briton companion, had + reserved to themselves means of increasing their consequence, + still more than by their mere personal merits, with their new + fellow-countrymen. A few days after the wreck, the subsiding + elements had cast up certain articles of the ship, which they + managed to turn to good account: the most valuable of them + were fire-arms and some gunpowder, and a few other + implements, both of defence, and use in household, or ship's + repairs. The fire-arms seemed to endow the new young chief, + just engrafted into the reigning stock, with a kind of + preternatural authority; and, by the aid of his old messmate, + and new bosom-coadjutor, he exerted all his influence over + their awed minds, to prevent their recurrence to the + frightful practice he had seen on his first landing, of + devouring the prisoners they took in war. His marriage had + invested him with the power of a natively born son of the + king; and, having made himself master of their language, his + persuasions were so conclusive with the leading warriors, + that, in the course of a very little time, it was rare to + hear that so dreadful a species of vengeance was ever tasted, + even in stealth. However, so addicted were some few of the + fiercer sort, to this ancient triumph of their ancestors, + that he found it necessary to add commands to persuasions, + and then threats to commands; and having expressed in the + strongest terms his abhorrence of so cowardly and brutal a + practice, he told them, that the first man he saw attempt to + touch the flesh of a prisoner to devour it, he would + instantly put the offender to death. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this warning, a fray took place between the + natives of his father-in-law's dominions, and their enemies + from a hostile island. A number of captives were taken; and + all under his command held his former orders in such + reverence, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page315" + name="page315"></a>[pg 315]</span> that none, excepting two + (and they had before shown refractory dispositions,) presumed + to disobey his edict of mercy. But these men, in derision of + his lenity, particularly to the female sex, selected a woman + prisoner to be their victim; and slaying her, as they would + have done a beast, they commenced their horrible repast upon + her body. Laonce descried the scene at a distance just as + they had prepared their hideous banquet, and, going + resolutely towards them, levelled his musket at the + cannibals. One of the wretches was killed with the horrid + morsel in his mouth, and a second shot, brought down his + voracious accomplice in the act. This bold example so awed + all within ken of the fact, that from that hour, until the + day he quitted the island, a period of fourteen years, no + captive ever met with the interdicted fate. Though the old + sovereign continued in life, he consigned the power to his + new son, and Laonce became virtually king of the place. + Indeed, so reconciled was he and his friend the north Briton + (who also married) to the spot which had first sheltered + them, and then adopted them even as its legitimate offspring, + that although many ships of different nations touched there, + no inducements could prevail on them to quit their sea-girt + home of simple nature, for all the blandishments which + civilized life could produce. Yet Laonce took a hospitable + delight in showing every act of friendship in his power to + the captains of the vessels; refitting them with food and + fresh water; and rendering them much essential service, in + pointing out how to manage with safety the difficult + navigation round the several islands. + </p> + <p> + The animation with which he recited these circumstances, + after he was far from the spot where they took place, + strongly portrayed the fearless independence of his former + life. He spoke with the decision of one whose commands had + been unappealable, and all the barbarian chief lightened in + his eyes. But when he recalled his home there, his family + happiness, his countenance fell, his eyes clouded, and he + spoke in half-stifled words. He described his palace-hut; his + arms, his hunting spear, his canoe; his return to his hut, + with the fruits of the chase; the graceful, delicate person + of his wife; her clinging fondness on his entrance; his + tenderness for her, and for his children—for she bore + to him a son and a daughter; and, while he spoke, he burst + into tears, and sobbed like a child. "I was then beloved," + said he, "Honoured!—master of all around me; Now, I am + nothing:—no home—no wife—no friend! I am an + outcast here!—when there! Oh, Berea! wilt thou have + forgotten me?" His tears, and wild agonies, prevented him + proceeding; and my eyes could not remain dry, when seeing + such genuine grief, such real suffering. + </p> + <p> + But the cause of his being separated from his South-Sea home, + and his beloved Berea and her babes, remains to be told. It + appears, that about three years before the period I met him, + a Russian ship, sent on a voyage of discoveries, touched at + the island where Laonce had become naturalized. The captain + was received with royal hospitality by the king; and the + <i>Prince Laonce</i> became the glad interpreter between the + Europeans and his august father-in-law—for the captain + spoke French. And, besides procuring the crew all they wanted + for common comforts, the young chief loaded the commander and + his officers with useful presents. One night it blew a + violent gale, and the Russian captain, deeming it impossible + to keep his anchorage in a bay so full of unseen dangers, + made signals to the land, in hopes of exciting some native, + experienced in the navigation, to come off, and direct him + how to steer. Every moment increased his jeopardy; the storm + augmented; and, at each growing blast, he expected to be torn + from his cables, and dashed to atoms against the rocks. No + one moved from the shore. Again the signals were repeated: + Laonce had risen from his bed on hearing the first. Who was + there amongst all in that island, excepting his British + comrade, who would have known how to move <i>a ship</i> + through those boiling waves? The light canoe, and a vessel of + heavy burthen, were different objects! His comrade was then + watching by the side of an almost dying wife, who had just + made him the father of his first-born son. Could Laonce + summon him from that spot of his heart's tenderest duties, to + attend to the roaring guns of distress from a stranger + vessel? Impossible! He rose, and looked out on the night. He + listened to the second signal, he wrung his hands, and, + sighing, was returning to his couch again. His wife had then + risen also. She clasped her arms round him, and a big tear + stood in both her eyes, "You tell me," said she, "that your + people do not make those thunders to heaven, and to earth, + till they are drowning. You know you can save them all. Go, + Lao,"—and she smiled; "go; and the foreign chief, after + you have saved him, will give you something for + me—either a looking-glass, or a silk handkerchief. Go, + Lao." + </p> + <p> + He wound his arms round the gentle pleader; and, almost + ashamed that the father and the husband in his heart, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page316" name="page316"></a>[pg + 316]</span> should make him calculate between his own life + and that of the gallant crew, he told her, that the tempest + raged too tremendously for him to dare stemming it. But she + laughingly repulsed his caresses, accusing his fondness for + her as the inducement of his assumed apprehensions; and being + too long accustomed to the rashness of her own people, in + braving every weather, to believe any plea of positive + danger, she still persisted; saying she must have a silk + handkerchief that night from yon ship, or she should think he + loved his sound sleep better than he did his fond Berea. + </p> + <p> + The enthusiastic love which still warmed the faithful + husband's breast, and a third signal of distress from the + struggling vessel, mastered his better judgment, and, seizing + his canoe, he dashed into the foaming waves and boldly + stemmed their fury to the object of his mission. The + overjoyed crew, as they heard his voice hailing them through + the storm, cast out a rope, by which they hoisted him into + their cracking ship. The most rapturous acknowledgments from + the captain, greeted him as soon as he jumped on the deck; + and the eager seamen called him their deliverer. He was + happy! he said, he was happy in the achievement of what he + had done; he had obeyed the wish of his beloved Berea, and he + had survived the lashing surge. He was happy, in the + confidence that he should rescue the gallant vessel he came + to take under his control. But that hour of happiness was his + last. He took the helm in his hands; he gave the requisite + directions to the seamen, for the management of the ship; and + he soon steered her out of the dangers of the bay, till she + rode in safety on the main ocean. He then asked for a boat to + carry him on shore, for his canoe had been crushed by an + accident. But the wind still blowing hurricanes, they would + not venture the loss of one of their boats: and during the + hot contentions between him, and the ungrateful chief of the + vessel he had preserved, they were driven out far to sea; + whence his swimming arm, had he plunged into the boisterous + deep, could have been of no use to him. Indignation, despair, + overwhelmed him. None appeared to understand the nature of + his feelings; all pretending to wonder that a European born, + should not be grateful to any occasion that would carry him + away from a savage country like that. In vain Laonce + remonstrated; in vain he talked of his wife and children; the + captain and his sailors laughed, promised him better of both + sorts among his kindred whites; and when he cursed their + hardened hearts and cruel treachery, they laughed again, and + left him to his misery. At last, when the protracted + hurricane subsided, and the vessel's log-book proved that she + had been driven several degrees leeward of the Society Isles, + abandoned to a sullen despair, he ceased to accuse or to + reproach; he ceased even to speak on any subject, but cast + himself into his lonely berth during the day, that he might + not be irritated to continued unavailing madness, by the + sight of the ingrates who had betrayed him. To his straining + eyes, nothing but the silvery line of the starlit sea was on + that distant horizon; but his heart's vision pierced farther, + and he beheld the sleepers in that home;—no, not the + sleepers! His disconsolate, his despairing wife, tearing her + bright locks, and beating the tender bosom he must no longer + clasp to his own. His children—"Oh! my babes!" cried + he, and the cry of a father's heart for once pierced the + obdurate bosom of the captain, who, in that moment, had + happened to come upon the deck to examine the night. To ease + his Otaheitan benefactor, he declared he had thus carried him + off, to share in the honour of his expected discoveries. The + unhappy chief, in then answering him, begged, that if he had, + indeed, any spark of honesty towards him, he would prove it, + by obeying his wish in one thing at least; and that was, to + set him on shore on the first European settlement they should + fall in with. "Do this," said he, "and I may yet believe you + have honour. For honour is a man's own act; a discovery is + fortune's; and for its advantages, did I stay, I should not + have to thank you. But I want none such. Set me on shore, and + there I will follow my own destiny." + </p> + <p> + To this poor request, the iron-souled commander of the + vessel, at last consented; and in the course of some weeks + after, Laonce was landed on the coast of Kamschatka. His + secret intent was to lie in wait for the possibility of some + ship touching at the port where he was set ashore, that might + be bound to the track of his beloved islands; but not + uttering a word of this, to the reprobate wretch who had torn + him thence, he simply bade him "farewell! and to use his next + pilot better;" so saying, they parted for ever. But weeks and + months passed away, and no vessel bound for the South Seas, + showed itself in that distant latitude; and its gloomy fogs, + and chilling atmosphere, its pale sky, where the sun never + shone for more than three or four hours in the day, seemed to + wither up his life with his waning hopes! In no way did it + resemble the land he had left; + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page317" name="page317"></a>[pg + 317]</span> the warm, and the genial heavens of the home he + was yet bent to find again;—and he left Kamschatka for + some more propitious port; but, like <i>Sinbad the + Sailor</i>, he wandered in vain. A cruel spell seemed set on + him, or on the spirit of adventure; for in no place could he + hear of a vessel going the way of his prayers. At last he + arrived, by a most tedious and circuitous journey at Moscow, + with a design to lay his case before the young and ardent + Alexander, the then Emperor of Russia; with the hope that his + benevolence, and a sense of what he had done for the vessel + which had betrayed him, would incline his majesty to make + some effort to return him to his island, and his family. + </p> + <p> + That this hope was not vain, the character of the good + Alexander, since proved by a life of undeviating promptness + to all acts of humanity, may be a sufficient voucher. But + whether the homeward-bound chief, found, on his setting his + foot again upon the ground whence he had been so cruelly + rifled; and whence, indeed, the innocent confidence, the + playful bravery of his fond wife, had urged him; whether he + found his cherishly-remembered home, yet standing as he left + it; and her, still the tender and the true to his + never-wandered heart; and whether his children sprang to his + knee, to share the parental caress; and the people around, + raised the <i>haloo</i> of joy to the returned <i>son of + their king!</i>—whether these fondly-expected greetings + hailed his arrival, cannot be absolutely told; for the vessel + that took him out, was to make the circuit of the globe, ere + it returned; hence, from that, and other circumstances, the + facts have never reached the narrator of this little history, + of what was really the meeting between Laonce and his Berea; + of the young chief, and the natives he had devotedly served! + But can the faithful hearts of wedded love, doubt the one; or + manly attachment suspect the other? For the honour of human + nature, we will believe that all was right; and, in the faith + of a humble Christian, we will believe, that "he who shewed + mercy, found mercy!"; That he is now restored to his + island-home, and to his happy, grateful family! + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + Among the <i>poetical</i> contributions are The Angels' Call, + and Woman and Fame, by Mrs. Hemans; Carthage, and Stanzas, by + T.K. Hervey; the Chapel on the Cliff, by W. Kennedy; all + entitled to high praise. A Christian's Day, by Miss A.M. + Porter, is a sweet devotional composition. The extract from + one of Mr. Atherstone's unpublished books of the Fall of + Nineveh, maintains the high opinion already formed of the + published part. Mr. C. Swain has two beautiful pieces. We + have only room to name those <i>gems</i> of the poetry, viz. + Wearie's Well, and another beautiful ballad, by W. + Motherwell; and some exquisite lines by the Rev. G. Croly; + and to quote the following:— + </p> + <h3> + CHANGE. + </h3> + <h4> + BY L.E.L. + </h4> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The wind is sweeping o'er the hill; + </p> + <p> + It hath a mournful sound, + </p> + <p> + As if it felt the difference + </p> + <p> + Its weary wing hath found. + </p> + <p> + A little while that wandering wind + </p> + <p> + Swept over leaf and flower; + </p> + <p> + For there was green for every tree, + </p> + <p> + And bloom for every hour. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + It wandered through the pleasant wood, + </p> + <p> + And caught the dove's lone song; + </p> + <p> + And by the garden-beds, and bore + </p> + <p> + The rose's breath along. + </p> + <p> + But hoarse and sullenly it sweeps; + </p> + <p> + No rose is opening now— + </p> + <p> + No music, for the wood-dove's nest + </p> + <p> + Is vacant on the bough. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Oh, human heart and wandering wind, + </p> + <p> + Go look upon the past; + </p> + <p> + The likeness is the same with each— + </p> + <p> + Their summer did not last. + </p> + <p> + Each mourns above the things it loved— + </p> + <p> + One o'er a flower and leaf; + </p> + <p> + The other over hopes and joys, + </p> + <p> + Whose beauty was as brief. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + We congratulate the editor and the public on the past success + of the <i>Amulet</i>, especially as it proves that a pious + feeling co-exists with a taste for refined amusement, and + that advantageously. There is nothing austere in any page of + the <i>Amulet</i>, nor anything so frivolous and light as to + be objectionable; but it steers in the medium, and + consequently must be acceptable to every well-regulated mind. + Indeed, many of the pieces in the present volume may be read + and re-read with increased advantage; whilst two only are + unequal to the names attached to them. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE GEM. + </h3> + <center> + <i>Edited by Thomas Hood, Esq.</i> + </center> + <p> + The present is the first year of the <i>Gem</i>, which, as a + work of art or literature, fully comes within the import of + its title. It is likewise the first appearance of Mr. Hood as + the editor of an "annual," who, with becoming diffidence, + appears to rely on the "literary giants" of his muster-roll, + rather than on his individual talent. Notwithstanding such an + editorship must have resembled the perplexity of Sinbad in + the Valley of Diamonds, Mr. Hood's volume is almost + unexceptionably good, whatever he may have rejected; and one + of the best, if not <i>the best</i>, article in the whole + work, has been contributed by the editor himself. Associated + as Mr. Hood's <span class="pagenum"><a id="page318" + name="page318"></a>[pg 318]</span> name is with "whim and + oddity," we, however, looked for more quips, quirks, and + quiddities than he has given us, which we should have hailed + as specially suited to the approaching festive season, and + from their contrast with the contents of similar works, as + more likely to attract by their novelty and humour. + </p> + <p> + The embellishments of the <i>Gem</i>, fifteen in number, have + been selected by A. Cooper, Esq. R.A. <i>The Death of + Keeldar</i> is a beautiful composition by Mr. Cooper, and is + worthy of association with Sir Walter Scott's pathetic + ballad. <i>The Widow</i>, by S. Davenport, from a picture by + R. Leslie, R.A. is one of the most touching prints we have + yet seen, and every one is capable of estimating its + beauties, since its expression will be sure to fasten on the + affections of the beholder. <i>May Talbot</i>, by J.C. + Edwards, from a painting by A. Cooper, is admirable in design + and execution. Of the <i>Temptation on the Mount</i>, + engraved by W.R. Smith, after Martin, we have spoken in our + accompanying Number; but as often as we look at the plate, we + discover new beauties. It is a just idea of "all the kingdoms + of the earth;" the distant effect is excellent, and the + "exceeding high mountain" is ably represented. The faces in + the <i>Painter's Study</i> are decidedly superior to the rest + of the print. The <i>Fisherman's Daughter</i>, from a + painting by Bone, is pleasing; and <i>Venice, with the + Embarkation of the Doge</i>, is a stirring scene of pageantry + and triumph. + </p> + <p> + Among the <i>poetry</i> is the Painter's Song, a pleasing + composition, by Barry Cornwall, who has also The Victim, a + dramatic sketch of twenty pages. Stanzas by Horace Smith, + Esq. are a pleasant satire upon the little vanities of great + people. We give the <i>Dream of Eugene Aram</i> in full, + although it consists of nearly two pages of small + type.:— + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE DREAM OF EUGENE ARAM. + </h3> + <h4> + BY T. HOOD, ESQ. + </h4> + <p> + [The late Admiral Burney went to school at an establishment + where the unhappy Eugene Aram was usher subsequent to his + crime. The admiral stated, that Aram was generally liked by + the boys; and that he used to discourse to them about + <i>murder</i> in somewhat of the spirit which is attributed + to him in this poem.] + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + 'Twas in the prime of summer time, + </p> + <p> + An evening calm and cool, + </p> + <p> + And four-and-twenty happy boys + </p> + <p> + Came bounding out of school: + </p> + <p> + There were some that ran and some that leapt, + </p> + <p> + Like troutlets in a pool. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Away they sped with gamesome minds, + </p> + <p> + And souls untouch'd by sin: + </p> + <p> + To a level mead they came, and there + </p> + <p> + They drave the wickets in: + </p> + <p> + Pleasantly shone the setting sun + </p> + <p> + Over the town of Lynn. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Like sportive deer they coursed about, + </p> + <p> + And shouted as they ran,— + </p> + <p> + Turning to mirth all things of earth, + </p> + <p> + As only boyhood can; + </p> + <p> + But the Usher sat remote from all— + </p> + <p> + A melancholy man! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + His hat was off, his vest apart, + </p> + <p> + To catch heaven's blessed breeze— + </p> + <p> + For a burning thought was in his brow, + </p> + <p> + And his bosom ill at ease: + </p> + <p> + So he lean'd his head on his hands, and read + </p> + <p> + The book between his knees! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Leaf after leaf he turn'd it o'er, + </p> + <p> + Nor ever glanc'd aside— + </p> + <p> + For the peace of his soul he read that book + </p> + <p> + In the golden eventide: + </p> + <p> + Much study had made him very lean, + </p> + <p> + And pale, and leaden-eyed. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + At last, he shut the ponderous tome; + </p> + <p> + With a fast and fervent grasp + </p> + <p> + He strain'd the dusky covers close, + </p> + <p> + And fixed the brazen hasp; + </p> + <p> + "O God, could I so close my mind, + </p> + <p> + And clasp it with a clasp!" + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Then leaping on his feet upright, + </p> + <p> + Some moody turns he took,— + </p> + <p> + Now up the mead, then down the mead, + </p> + <p> + And past a shady nook,— + </p> + <p> + And, lo! he saw a little boy + </p> + <p> + That pored upon a book! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "My gentle lad, what is't you read— + </p> + <p> + Romance or fairy fable? + </p> + <p> + Or is it some historic page, + </p> + <p> + Of kings and crowns unstable?" + </p> + <p> + The young boy gave an upward glance,— + </p> + <p> + "It is <i>The Death of Abel</i>." + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + The Usher took six hasty strides, + </p> + <p> + As smit with sudden pain,— + </p> + <p> + Six hasty strides beyond the place, + </p> + <p> + Then slowly back again; + </p> + <p> + And down he sat beside the lad, + </p> + <p> + And talk'd with him of Cain; + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And, long since then, of bloody men, + </p> + <p> + Whose deeds tradition saves; + </p> + <p> + Of lonely folk cut off unseen, + </p> + <p> + And hid in sudden graves; + </p> + <p> + Of horrid stabs, in groves forlorn, + </p> + <p> + And murders done in caves. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + And how the sprites of injured men + </p> + <p> + Shriek upward from the sod,— + </p> + <p> + Ay, how the ghostly hand will point + </p> + <p> + To show the burial clod; + </p> + <p> + And unknown facts of guilty acts + </p> + <p> + Are seen in dreams from God! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + He told how murderers walk the earth + </p> + <p> + Beneath the curse of Cain,— + </p> + <p> + With crimson clouds before their eyes, + </p> + <p> + And flames about their brain: + </p> + <p> + For blood has left upon their souls + </p> + <p> + Its everlasting stain! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And well," quoth he, "I know, for truth, + </p> + <p> + Their pangs must be extreme,— + </p> + <p> + Wo, wo, unutterable wo,— + </p> + <p> + Who spill life's sacred stream! + </p> + <p> + For why? Methought, last night, I wrought + </p> + <p> + A murder in a dream! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "One that had never done me wrong— + </p> + <p> + A feeble man, and old: + </p> + <p> + I led him to a lonely field, + </p> + <p> + The moon shone clear and cold: + </p> + <p> + Now here, said I, this man shall die, + </p> + <p> + And I will have his gold! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Two sudden blows with a ragged stick, + </p> + <p> + And one with a heavy stone, + </p> + <p> + One hurried gash with a hasty knife— + </p> + <p> + And then the deed was done: + </p> + <p> + There was nothing lying at my foot, + </p> + <p> + But lifeless flesh and bone! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Nothing but lifeless flesh and bone, + </p> + <p> + That could not do me ill; + </p> + <p> + And yet I fear'd him all the more, + </p> + <p> + For lying there so still: + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page319" + name="page319"></a>[pg 319]</span> + <p> + There was a manhood in his look, + </p> + <p> + That murder could not kill! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And, lo! the universal air + </p> + <p> + Seem'd lit with ghastly flame,— + </p> + <p> + Ten thousand thousand dreadful eyes + </p> + <p> + Were looking down in blame: + </p> + <p> + I took the dead man by the hand, + </p> + <p> + And call'd upon his name! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Oh, God, it made me quake to see + </p> + <p> + Such sense within the slain! + </p> + <p> + But when I touch'd the lifeless clay, + </p> + <p> + The blood gush'd out amain! + </p> + <p> + For every clot, a burning spot, + </p> + <p> + Was scorching in my brain! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "My head was like an ardent coal, + </p> + <p> + My heart as solid ice; + </p> + <p> + My wretched, wretched soul I knew + </p> + <p> + Was at the Devil's price: + </p> + <p> + A dozen times I groaned—the dead + </p> + <p> + Had never groan'd but twice! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And now from forth the frowning sky, + </p> + <p> + From the heaven's topmost height, + </p> + <p> + I heard a voice—the awful voice + </p> + <p> + Of the blood-avenging sprite:— + </p> + <p> + 'Thou guilty man! take up thy dead, + </p> + <p> + And hide it from my sight!' + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "I took the dreary body up, + </p> + <p> + And cast it in a stream,— + </p> + <p> + A sluggish water, black as ink. + </p> + <p> + The depth was so extreme + </p> + <p> + My gentle boy, remember this + </p> + <p> + Is nothing but a dream! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Down went the corse with a hollow plunge, + </p> + <p> + And vanish'd in the pool— + </p> + <p> + Anon I cleansed my bloody hands + </p> + <p> + And wash'd my forehead cool, + </p> + <p> + And sat among the urchins young + </p> + <p> + That evening in the school! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Oh, heaven, to think of their white souls, + </p> + <p> + And mine so black and grim! + </p> + <p> + I could not share in childish prayer. + </p> + <p> + Nor join in evening hymn: + </p> + <p> + Like a devil of the pit I seem'd, + </p> + <p> + 'Mid holy cherubim! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And peace went with them one and all, + </p> + <p> + And each calm pillow spread— + </p> + <p> + But Guilt was my grim chamberlain + </p> + <p> + That lighted me to bed, + </p> + <p> + And drew my midnight curtains round, + </p> + <p> + With fingers bloody red! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "All night I lay in agony, + </p> + <p> + In anguish dark and deep— + </p> + <p> + My fever'd eyes I dared not close, + </p> + <p> + But stared aghast at Sleep; + </p> + <p> + For Sin had render'd unto her + </p> + <p> + The keys of hell to keep! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "All night I lay in agony, + </p> + <p> + From weary chime to chime, + </p> + <p> + With one besetting horrid hint, + </p> + <p> + That rack'd me all the time,— + </p> + <p> + A mighty yearning, like the first + </p> + <p> + Fierce impulse unto crime! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "One stern, tyrannic thought, that made + </p> + <p> + All other thoughts its slave; + </p> + <p> + Stronger and stronger every pulse + </p> + <p> + Did that temptation crave,— + </p> + <p> + Still urging me to go and see + </p> + <p> + The dead man in his grave! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Heavily I rose up,—as soon + </p> + <p> + As light was in the sky.— + </p> + <p> + And sought the black, accursed pool + </p> + <p> + With a wild, misgiving eye; + </p> + <p> + And I saw the dead in the river bed, + </p> + <p> + For the faithless stream was dry! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Merrily rose the lark, and shook + </p> + <p> + The dewdrop from its wing; + </p> + <p> + But I never mark'd its morning flight, + </p> + <p> + I never heard it sing; + </p> + <p> + For I was stooping once again + </p> + <p> + Under the horrid thing. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "With breathless speed, like a soul in chase, + </p> + <p> + I took him up and ran,— + </p> + <p> + There was no time to dig a grave + </p> + <p> + Before the day began: + </p> + <p> + In a lonesome wood, with heaps of leaves, + </p> + <p> + I hid the murdered man. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And all that day I read in school, + </p> + <p> + But my thought was other where: + </p> + <p> + As soon as the mid-day task was done, + </p> + <p> + In secret I was there; + </p> + <p> + And a mighty wind had swept the leaves, + </p> + <p> + And still the corse was bare! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Then down I cast me on my face, + </p> + <p> + And first began to weep, + </p> + <p> + For I knew my secret then was one + </p> + <p> + That earth refused to keep; + </p> + <p> + Or land or sea, though he should be + </p> + <p> + Ten thousand fathoms deep! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "So wills the fierce avenging sprite, + </p> + <p> + Till blood for blood atones! + </p> + <p> + Ay, though he's buried in a cave, + </p> + <p> + And trodden down with stones, + </p> + <p> + And years have rotted off his flesh— + </p> + <p> + The world shall see his bones! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Oh God, that horrid, horrid dream + </p> + <p> + Besets me now awake! + </p> + <p> + Again—again, with a dizzy brain, + </p> + <p> + The human life I take; + </p> + <p> + And my red right hand grows raging hot, + </p> + <p> + Like Cranmer's at the stake. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "And still no peace for the restless clay + </p> + <p> + Will wave or mould allow; + </p> + <p> + The horrid thing pursues my soul,— + </p> + <p> + It stands before me now!" + </p> + <p> + The fearful boy looked up, and saw + </p> + <p> + Huge drops upon his brow! + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + That very night, while gentle sleep + </p> + <p> + The urchin eyelids kiss'd, + </p> + <p> + Two stern-fac'd men set out from Lynn, + </p> + <p> + Through the cold and heavy mist; + </p> + <p> + And Eugene Aram walked between, + </p> + <p> + With gyves upon his wrist. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + Mr. Planché's versification of the homely + proverb—Poverty parts good company—will create + many good-natured smiles, and run counter with Mr. Kenney's + To-morrow. Some of the minor pieces are very pleasing, + especially two by Hartley Coleridge, Esq. + </p> + <p> + We confess we do not admire the taste which dictated Mr. C. + Lamb's Widow; it is in every respect unworthy of the plate, + and the feelings created by the two are very discordant. We + love a joke, but to call a widow's sables a perpetual "black + joke," disgusts rather than pleases us. The Funeral of + General Crawford, by the author of The Subaltern is an + affecting incident; and Nina St. Morin, by the author of May + You Like It, is of the same character. Catching a Tartar, by + Mansie Wauch, and the Station, an Irish Story, are full of + humour; and May Day, by the editor, abounds with oddities. + Thus, "the golden age is not to be regilt; pastoral is gone + out, and Pan extinct—pans will not last for ever;" + "horticultural hose, <i>pruned</i> so often at top to + <i>graft</i> at bottom, that from long stockings they had + dwindled into short socks;" "the contrast of a large marquee + in canvass with the long lawn;" "Pan's sister, Patty, the + wags called <i>Patty Pan</i>," &c. + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page320" name="page320"></a>[pg + 320]</span> One of the finest stories in the <i>Gem</i> is + the Rival Dreamers, by Mr. Banim; and curious enough, this is + the third Annual in which we have met with the same legend. + The present version is, however, the best narrative, which + such of our readers as know the O'Hara Family will readily + believe. We could abridge it for our present space; but it + would be injustice to the author to pare down his beautiful + descriptions; and we will endeavour to give place to the tale + in a future Number. The Last Embarkation of the Doge of + Venice is interesting; almost every incident connected with + that huge pleasure-house is attractive, but one of the + present, the Marriage of the Sea, is well told. The + Shearmen's Miracle Play smacks pleasantly of "the good old + times" of merry England. Miss Mitford has contributed two of + her inimitable sketches—Harry Lewington and his Dog, + and Tom Hopkins—the latter an excellent portrait of + "the loudest, if not the greatest man" in the little town of + Cranley. We must give the village lion, in little:— + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + TOM HOPKINS. + </h3> + <p> + At the time of which I speak, Tom Hopkins was of an age + somewhat equivocal; public fame called him fifty, whilst he + himself stuck obstinately at thirty-five; of a stout active + figure, rather manly than gentlemanly, and a bold, jovial + visage, in excellent keeping with his person, distinguished + by round, bright, stupid black eyes, an aquiline nose, a + knowing smile, and a general comely vulgarity of aspect. His + voice was hoarse and deep, his manner bluff and blunt, and + his conversation loud and boisterous. With all these natural + impediments to good company, the lowness of his origin, + recent in their memories, and the flagrant fact of his + residence in a country town, staring them in the face, Mr. + Tom Hopkins made his way into almost every family of + consideration in the neighbourhood. Sportsmanship, sheer + sportsmanship, the qualification that, more than any other, + commands the respect of your great English landholder, + surmounted every obstacle. + </p> + <p> + With the ladies, he made his way by different qualities; in + the first place he was a character, an oddity, and the + audacity of his vulgarity was tolerated, where a man only + half as boisterous would have been scouted; then he was + gallant in his way, affected, perhaps felt, a great devotion + to the sex, and they were half amused, half pleased, with the + rough flattery which seemed, and probably was, so sincere. + </p> + <p> + His house was an ugly brick dwelling of his own erection, + situate in the principal street of Cranley, and adorned with + a green door and a brass knocker, giving entrance into a + stone passage, which, there being no other way to the stable, + served both for himself, and that very dear part of himself, + his horses, whose dwelling was certainly by far more + commodious than their master's. His accommodations were + simple enough. The dining-parlour, which might pass for his + only sitting-room,—for the little dark den which he + called his drawing-room was not entered three times a year; + the dining-room was a small square room, coloured pea-green + with a gold moulding, adorned with a series of four prints on + shooting, and four on hunting, together with two or three + portraits of eminent racers, riders, hunters, and grooms. + Guns and fishing-rods were suspended over the mantelpiece; + powder-horns, shot-belts, and game-bags scattered about; a + choice collection of flies for angling lay in one corner, + whips and bridles in another, and a pile of books and + papers,—Colonel Thornton's Tour, Daniel's Rural Sports, + and a heap of Racing Calendars, occupied a third; Ponto and + Carlo lay basking on the hearth-rug, and a famous little + cocking spaniel, Flora by name, a conscious favourite, was + generally stretched in state on an arm-chair. + </p> + <p> + Here, except when the owner was absent on a sporting + expedition, which, between fishing, shooting, hunting, and + racing, did, it must be confessed, happen pretty often; here + his friends were sure to find a hearty welcome, a good + beef-steak,—his old housekeeper was famous for + cookery!—and as much excellent Port and super-excellent + Madeira—Tom, like most of his school, eschewed claret + and other thin potations—as their host could prevail on + them to swallow. Many a good fellow hath heard the chimes at + midnight in this little room. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + In the present sheet we are only able to include Notices of + <i>four</i> of the <i>nine</i> Annuals, exclusive of the + <i>Juvenile Presents</i>, which we reserve for a "select + party." Our notice of the <i>Winter's Wreath</i> is in type, + but must stand over for the present, as well as those of the + <i>Keepsake, Anniversary, Bijou</i>, and <i>Friendship's + Offering</i>, which will freight another Supplementary Sheet, + to follow very shortly. We prefer this method to passing over + the merits of these works with mere commendatory + generalities. It does not require a microscopic or a critical + eye to distinguish their beauties; but we hope the means we + have adopted for the present gratification of our readers + will be such as to induce them to look for the appearance of + our SECOND SUPPLEMENT, as well as to prove ourselves worthy + of the <i>encore</i>. Like some comic singers, we will + endeavour to keep up the entertainment by "variations." + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p> + In a few words, the <i>Amulet</i> reached us in an early + stage of convalescence, when we began to feel that "no + medicine is better for the weakness of the body than that + which soothes and tranquillizes the soul." We are not + suiting the action to the word; on the contrary, we would + desire to wear such truths as the <i>Amulet</i> + enjoins—in our "heart of hearts," as well in + returning health and vigour as in the above moments. + </p> + </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 11406 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11406-h/images/340-1.png b/11406-h/images/340-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a44dbb2 --- /dev/null +++ b/11406-h/images/340-1.png |
