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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11408 ***
+
+THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION
+
+VOL. 12, No. 346.]    SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1828.    [PRICE 2d.
+
+
+
+OLD COVENT GARDEN.
+
+
+[Illustration: Old Covent Garden. ]
+
+The notoriety of Covent Garden is of too multifarious a description to
+render the above illustration uninteresting to either of our readers. It
+is copied from one of Hollar's prints, and represents the Garden about
+the time of Charles II., before its area had been polluted with filth
+and vegetable odours.
+
+The spot was originally the garden belonging to the abbot of
+Westminster, which extended to St. Martin's church, was called the
+_Convent Garden_, and may be distinctly traced in Ralph Agar's View of
+London, bearing date about 1570. It was granted, after the dissolution,
+by Edward VI. first to the protector Somerset, on whose attainder, in
+1582, it passed into the Bedford family. About the year 1634, Francis,
+Earl of Bedford, began to clear away the old buildings, and to form the
+present handsome square. Its execution was confided to Inigo Jones, but
+unfortunately, only the north, and part of the east side, was completed;
+for, had the piazza been continued on the other this would have been one
+of the noblest quadrangles in the metropolis. Previously to the erection
+of the present mass of huts and sheds, the area was neatly gravelled,
+had a handsome dial in the centre, and was railed in on all sides, at
+the distance of sixty feet from the buildings. The south side was
+bounded by the garden wall of Bedford-House, the town house of the noble
+family of that name; and along this wall only were the market booths.
+But the mansion has long given way to Little Bedford-street.
+
+The most striking object in the engraving is, however, the original
+church of St. Paul, as built by Inigo Jones, connected with which is the
+following anecdote:--When the Earl of Bedford sent for Jones, in 1640,
+he told him he wanted a chapel for the parishioners of Covent Garden;
+but added, he would not go to any considerable expense. "In short," said
+he, "I would not have it much better than a barn."--"Well, then,"
+replied Jones, "you shall have the handsomest barn in England." The
+ceiling was very beautifully painted by Edward Pierce, sen. a pupil of
+Vandyke. In 1795, the church was accidentally destroyed by fire, but it
+was rebuilt by Mr. Hardwick, in imitation of the original design.
+
+In a note at page 236 of vol. x. of the MIRROR, we adverted to the
+disgraceful state of Covent Garden Market, which of late years has been
+little better than a public nuisance. The broom of reform at length
+promises to cleanse this _Augean_ area; and a new market is in the
+course of erection. The design, it will be recollected, was in this
+year's Exhibition at Somerset House, and in an early Number we may
+probably give a view of the Elevation.
+
+The celebrity of Covent Garden as a depot for vegetable produce is of
+considerable antiquity; and it is but reasonable that such an
+improvement should be made, consistent with the increased and increasing
+wants of this overgrown metropolis, and the augmented supplies which are
+poured in from all quarters. When this improvement is completed, it may
+lead to the finishing of the quadrangle. The parish (in extent, not in
+feeling) is, perhaps, one of the most compact in London; but when its
+proximity to the theatres is considered, little surprise can reasonably
+be felt at the immorality of the district. It may not be so easy a
+matter to mend the public morals as to build new markets; but the links
+of popular improvement are too closely connected to make the case
+hopeless.
+
+It would be amusing to compare this emporium of fruits and vegetables in
+ancient and modern times. At the first enclosure of Covent Garden, in
+1635, the supply must have been very scanty. Upon the authority of Hume,
+we learn that when Catherine, queen of Henry VIII., was in want of any
+salads, carrots, or other edible roots, &c. she was obliged to send a
+special messenger to Holland for them. But the mention of water-cresses,
+kales, gooseberries, currants, &c., by old writers, appears to
+invalidate the pursy historian. The garden must, nevertheless, have
+presented a very different appearance to that of our day. Only let the
+_gourmand_ take a walk through the avenues of the present Covent
+Garden--from the imperial pine, to the emerald leaves sprinkled with
+powdered diamonds--_vulgo_, savoys. Then the luscious list of autumnal
+fruits, and the peppers, or capsicums, and tomatas, to tickle the
+appetite of the veriest epicure of east or western London--not to
+mention the exotic fragrance of oranges, which come in just opportunely
+to fill up the chasm in the supply of British fruits.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ANCIENT ROMAN FESTIVALS
+
+DECEMBER.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+The feasts of _Opalia_ were celebrated in honour of the goddess _Ops_;
+they were held on the 9th of December. Saturn and Ops were husband and
+wife, and to them we owe the introduction of corn and fruits; for which
+reason the feast was not held till the harvest and fruit time were over.
+The vows offered to this goddess were made sitting on the ground, to
+show that she was Earth, the mother of all things.
+
+The _Saturnalia_ were festivals in honour of Saturn, celebrated the 16th
+or 17th, or, according to others, the 18th of December. They were
+instituted long before the foundation of Rome, in commemoration of the
+freedom and equality which prevailed on earth in the golden reign of
+Saturn. Some, however, suppose that the Saturnalia were first observed
+at Rome in the reign of Tullus Hostilius, after a victory obtained over
+the Sabines; while others support, that Janus first instituted them in
+gratitude to Saturn, from whom he had learnt agriculture; others suppose
+that they were first celebrated in the year of Rome 257, after a victory
+obtained over the Latins by the dictator, Posthumius. The Saturnalia
+were originally celebrated only for one day, but afterwards the
+solemnity continued for three, four, five, and at last for seven days.
+The celebration was remarkable for the license which universally
+prevailed. The slaves were permitted to ridicule their masters, and to
+speak with freedom upon any subject. It was usual for friends to make
+presents one to another; all animosity ceased; no criminals were
+executed; schools were shut; war was never declared, but all was mirth,
+riot, and debauchery. In the sacrifices the priests made their offerings
+with their heads uncovered,--a custom which was never observed at other
+festivals.
+
+The _Divalia_ was a feast held on the 2lst of December, in honour of the
+goddess _Angerona_, whence it is also called Angeronalia. On the day of
+this festival the pontifices performed sacrifices in the temple of
+Voluptia, or the goddess of joy and pleasure, who, some say, was the
+same with _Angerona_, and supposed to drive away all the sorrow and
+chagrin of life.
+
+The feast of _Laurentinalia_ was held on the 23rd of December, but was
+ordered to be observed twice a year by Augustus; by some supposed to be
+in honour of the _Lares_, a kind of domestic genii, or divinities,
+worshipped in houses, and esteemed the guardians and protectors of
+families, supposed to reside in chimney-corners. Others have attributed
+this feast in honour of Acca Laurentia, the nurse of Romulus and Remus,
+and wife of Faustulus.
+
+P.T.W.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+CELTIC ETYMOLOGIES.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+_Hibernia_.--Ireland is called by the Latin writers, _Hibernia,
+Ivernia--Ierne_[1]--and _Verna_--names differing but little in sound,
+and all, merely Latinizations of the Irish words _Ibh Eirin_--that is,
+the Land of Erié--for _Ibh_, in Irish, signifies a land, or country, and
+_Eirin_ is the genitive case of _Eire_, the name of Ireland in the Irish
+tongue--from _Ibh Eirin_ the Romans formed Hibernia, &c. the termination
+only being Latin--and from _Eire_, by adding _land_, the Saxons formed
+_Eireland_ or _Ireland_. This Eire was a very ancient queen who gave her
+name to the country, as in modern times _Virginia_ was called after
+Queen Elizabeth, _Maryland_ after the queen of Charles I., &c.
+
+    [1] Scotorum cumulos flevit glacialis _Ierne_. CLAUDIAN.
+
+_Tory_.--A robber, an outlaw, literally, _one hunted_--a name originally
+given to the outlawed Irish chiefs of Ulster, in the reign of James I.,
+who after the seizure of their lands, had a price set upon their heads,
+and were _hunted_ by the soldiery like wild beasts; hence the name of
+_Tories_, meaning the _hunted_ people, for _Toriacht_ in Irish signifies
+a pursuit or hunting, and _Torihe_, hunted. In the reign of Charles II.
+it began to be used to designate a party in the state favourable to
+absolute monarchy; many of these "Tories" having followed the fortunes
+of that prince in exile, returned with him, and being his most devoted
+partisans when reseated on his throne.
+
+_Admiral_.--This word, which appears to have sadly puzzled the
+etymologists, having been derived from the Phoenician, the Coptic, and
+half a dozen languages besides, is pure Celtic, but little altered too,
+in its transit from one language to another. _Ard_, high or chief,
+_Muir_, the sea, and _Fear_, (in composition pronounced _ar_) a man, so
+that _Ardmurar_, or _Admiral_, signifies literally the _Chief Seaman_.
+There is nothing of torture in this derivation, as may be seen by
+referring to any Irish dictionary, and it is a curious fact, that the
+Irish seamen in the navy very generally call the Admiral "_the
+Ardmurar_." In Irish it is frequently written in two words, thus--_Ard
+muirfhear_.
+
+_Beltin day_.--The first of May is so called in many places in the North
+of England. It was a custom in the days of Druidism to light large fires
+on the tops of hills on the evening of the first of May, in honour of
+_Bel_ or the Sun, and hence that day is still called in Irish, _La
+Bheltine_, or the day of Bel's fire, from _La_, a day, _Bel_, the god
+Bel, and _teine_, fire. The same ceremony was practised in Britain,
+being a Druidical rite, and the name (_Beltin day_) remains, although
+the custom from which it originated, has in England, at least, been long
+forgotten.
+
+Guthrie, in his "Geographical Grammar," tells us, that the English
+language is a compound of the Saxon, the French, and the _Celtic_. As
+far as this latter is concerned, the assertion appears to me to have
+been made without due consideration; I do not believe that there are
+twenty words of _genuine Celtic_ in the English language; there are, it
+is true, a very few Irish words, which have become as it were, English
+denizens, and of these I have sent you a specimen above; but I do not
+believe it possible to increase their number to twenty, even in broad
+Scotch, in which dialect of the Saxon (from the neighbourhood of the
+Highlanders who use the Irish language) some Celtic words might be
+expected, but very few occur;[2] there is, however, one very curious
+exception to this rule, and for which, I confess, I am unable to
+account, (though perhaps your correspondent, _Rupert C._ in No. 342,
+might,) it is this--that in Grose's _Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, or
+Cant Language_, if the words which are evidently figurative be thrown
+out, nearly the whole of what remain are pure Irish.
+
+    [2] As _Oe_ a grandson--Irish _O_ or _Ux byre_, a
+    cowhouse--Irish boyach (boi-theach.)
+
+H.S.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TURKISH CANNON.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+The Turks use the largest cannon of any people in Europe. In our ships,
+and I believe in our batteries, we seldom use a heavier gun than a
+32-pounder. No man-of-war carries a gun of a larger calibre; but the
+Turks make use of 800-pounders. Mahommed II. is stated to have used at
+the siege of Constantinople, in 1453, cannon of an immense calibre, and
+stone shot. When Sir J. Duckworth passed the Dardanelles to attack
+Constantinople, in 1807, his fleet was dreadfully shattered by the
+immense shot thrown from the batteries. The Royal George (of 110 guns)
+was nearly sunk by only one shot, which carried away her cut-water, and
+another cut the main-mast of the Windsor Castle nearly in two; a shot
+knocked two ports of the Thunderer into one; the Repulse (74) had her
+wheel shot away and twenty-four men killed and wounded by a single shot,
+nor was the ship saved but by the most wonderful exertions. The heaviest
+shot which struck our ships was of granite, and weighed 800 pounds, and
+was two feet two inches in diameter. One of these huge shots, to the
+astonishment of our tars, stove in the whole larboard bow of the Active;
+and having thus crushed this immense mass of timber, the shot rolled
+ponderously aft, and brought up abreast the main hatchway, the crew
+standing aghast at the singular spectacle. One of these guns was cast in
+brass in the reign of Amurath; it was composed of two parts, joined by a
+screw at the chamber, its breach resting against massy stone work; the
+difficulty of charging it would not allow of its being fired more than
+once; but, as a Pacha said, "that single discharge would destroy almost
+the whole fleet of an enemy." The Baron de Trott, to the great terror of
+the Turks, resolved to fire this gun. The shot weighed 1,100 pounds, and
+he loaded it with 330 pounds of powder: he says, "I felt a shock like an
+earthquake, at the distance of eight hundred fathoms. I saw the ball
+divide into three pieces, and these fragments of a rock crossed the
+Strait, and rebounded on the mountain."
+
+W.G.C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+AN ORIGINAL SCOTCH SONG FOR THE ANNIVERSARY OF ST. ANDREW'S DAY.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+Air.--"_The kail brose o' awld Scotland_."
+
+  Ye vintners a' your ingles[3] mak clear,
+  An brew us some punch our hearts a' to cheer,
+  On November the thritie let's meet ilkie year
+  To drink to the memory o' Andrew,
+  To Andrew the auld Scottish saint.
+
+  Peace was his word in the ha' or the fiel'[4]
+  An his creed it was whalsome to those that were leal
+  To mak' the road straight O' he was the cheel,
+  Sae here's to the memory o' Andrew,
+  To Andrew the auld Scottish saint.
+
+  In days o' langsyne as auld chronicles tell,
+  When clans wi' their dirks gaid to it pell mell,
+  O he was sad' that a' fewds cou'd expel,
+  Sae here's to the memory o' Andrew,
+  To Andrew the auld Scottish saint.
+
+  For since at the Spey when M'Duff led the van,
+  He vow'd that the charrians[5] he'd slay every one,
+  But by Andrew's doctren he slew na a man,
+  Sae here's to the memory o' Andrew,
+  To Andrew the auld Scottish saint,
+
+  When he to the Culdees the truth did explain
+  They a' rubb'd their beard, an' looket right fain
+  An' vow'd that his council they'd ever retain,
+  Sae here's to the memory o' Andrew,
+  To Andrew the auld Scottish saint.
+
+  Altho' at fam'd Patres[6] he closed his e'e,
+  Yet Regulus, the monk, brought him far oure the sea,
+  In St. Andrew's he sleeps, an' there let him be.
+  Sae here's to the memory o' Andrew,
+  To Andrew the auld Scottish saint.
+
+C.
+
+    [3] Fires.
+    [4] Field.
+    [5] See Buchanan's History of Scotland, book p. 186.
+    [6] See Cook's Geography, book ii. p. 302.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE WORD BANKRUPT.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+This word is formed from the ancient Latin _bancus_ a _bench_, or
+_table_, and _ruptus, broken_. Bank originally signified a bench, which
+the first bankers had in the public places, in markets, fairs, &c. on
+which they told their money, wrote their bills of exchange, &.c. Hence,
+when a banker failed, they broke his bank, to advertise the public that
+the person to whom the bank belonged was no longer in a condition to
+continue his business. As this practice was very frequent in Italy, it
+is said the term bankrupt is derived from the Italian _banco_ rotto,
+broken bench. Cowel (in his 4th Institute 227) rather chooses to deduce
+the word from the French _banque, table_, and _route, vestigium, trace_,
+by metaphor from the sign left in the ground, of a table once fastened
+to it and now gone. On this principle he traces the origin of bankrupts
+from the ancient Roman _mensarii_ or _argentarii_, who had their
+_tabernae_ or _mensae_ in certain public places; and who, when they
+fled, or made off with the money that had been entrusted to them, left
+only the sign or shadow of their former station behind them.
+
+P.T.W.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ORIGIN OF THE WORD _BROKER_, &c.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+The origin of this word is contested; some derive it from the French
+_broyer, "to grind_;" others from _brocader, to cavil or riggle_; others
+deduce broker from a trader _broken_, and that from the Saxon _broc_,
+"misfortune," which is often the true reason of a man's breaking. In
+which view, a broker is a broken trader, by misfortune; and it is said
+that none but such were formerly admitted to that employment. The Jews,
+Armenians, and Banians are the chief brokers throughout most parts of
+the Levant and the Indies. In Persia, all affairs are transacted by a
+sort of brokers, whom they call "_delal_" i.e. "_great talkers_." Their
+form of contract in buying and selling is remarkable, being done in the
+profoundest silence, only by touching each other's fingers:--The buyer,
+loosening his _pamerin_, or girdle, spreads it on his knee; and both he
+and the seller, having their hands underneath, by the intercourse of the
+fingers, mark the price of pounds, shillings, &c., demanded, offered,
+and at length agreed on. When the seller takes the buyer's whole hand,
+it denotes a thousand, and as many times as he squeezes it, as many
+thousand pagods or roupees, according to the species in question
+demanded; when he only takes the five fingers, it denotes five hundred;
+and when only one, one hundred; taking only half a finger, to the second
+joint, denotes fifty; the small end of the finger, to the first joint,
+stands for ten. This _legerdemain_, or _squeezing system_, would not do
+for the _latitude_ of London.
+
+P.T.W.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+SELECT BIOGRAPHY
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+DR. GALL.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+The loss which the scientific world has lately sustained by the death of
+Dr. Gall, will be longer and more deeply felt than any which it has
+experienced for some years. This celebrated philosopher and physician
+was born in the year 1758, of respectable parents, at a small village in
+the duchy of Baden, where he received the early part of his education.
+He afterwards went to Brucksal, and then to Strasburgh, in which city he
+commenced his medical studies, and became a pupil of the celebrated
+Professor Hermann. From Strasburgh he removed to Vienna, where he
+commenced practice, having taken the degree of M.D. In this capital,
+however, he was not permitted to develope his new system of the
+functions of the brain; and from his lectures being interdicted, and the
+illiberal opposition which he here met with, as well as in other parts
+of Austria, he determined to visit the north of Germany. Here he was
+well received in all the cities through which he passed, as well as in
+Prussia, Sweden, and Denmark, and explained the doctrines he had founded
+on his observations from _nature_ before several sovereigns, who
+honoured him with such marks of approbation and respect as were due to
+his talents. In the course of his travels he likewise visited England,
+and at length, in 1807, settled in Paris, where his reputation had
+already preceded him, and which, from its central situation, he
+considered as the fittest place for disseminating his system. In this
+city, in 1810, he published his elaborate work on the brain, the
+expenses of which were guaranteed by one of his greatest friends and
+patrons, Prince Metternich, at that time Austrian minister at the court
+of France.
+
+It was natural to expect that the system of Dr. Gall, which differed so
+widely from the long confirmed habits of thinking, and having to contend
+with so many prejudices, should encounter a large host of adversaries;
+for if _phrenology_ be true, all other systems of the philosophy of the
+human mind must consequently be false. The brain, which, from the
+earliest periods, has generally been considered as the seat of our
+mental functions, Dr. Gall regards as a congeries of organs, each organ
+having a separate function of its own. This system, first promulgated by
+him, is now rapidly advancing in the estimation of the world; and its
+doctrines, which a few years since were thought too extravagant and
+absurd for investigation, are now discussed in a more liberal and candid
+manner. The _test_ for the science of phrenology, and a test by which
+its validity alone can be tried, consists in an induction of facts and
+observations; and by this mode it is that the disciples of Gall and
+Spurzheim challenge their antagonists.
+
+After a life of the most indefatigable industry and active benevolence,
+Dr. Gall breathed his last at his country house at Montrouge, a short
+distance from Paris, on August the 22nd, 1828, at the age of seventy-
+one. The examination of his body took place forty hours after death, in
+the presence of the following members of the faculty:--Messrs. Fouquier,
+J. Cloquet, Dauncey, Fossati, Cassimir-Broussais, Robouane, Sarlandière,
+Fabre-Palaprat, Londe, Costello, Gaubert, Vimont, Jobert, and Marotti.
+The exterior appearance of the body presented a considerable falling
+away, particularly in the face. The skull was sawed off with the
+greatest precaution; the substance of the brain was consistent, and this
+organ was firm and perfectly regular.
+
+The funeral of Dr. Gall, which was conducted with as much privacy as
+possible, took place at Paris on the 27th of August. He was interred in
+the burial-ground of Père la Chaise, between the tombs of Molière and La
+Fontaine, being attended to the grave by several members of the faculty.
+Three _eloges_, or _oraisons funèbres_, were delivered at the place of
+interment by Professor Broussais, Dr. Fossati, and Dr. Londe.
+
+Broussais informs us, that Dr. Gall possessed most of the social
+virtues, particularly beneficence and good-nature--qualities, he
+observes, precious in all ranks of society, and which ought to make
+amends for many defects; but for Gall, they had only to palliate a
+certain roughness of character, which might wound the susceptibility of
+delicate persons, although the sick and unfortunate never had to
+complain; and, indeed, the doctor ought, in strict justice, to have more
+merit in our ideas, from never having once lost sight, in his writings,
+of either decency or moderation, particularly when it is remembered how
+severely he was attacked in propagating his favourite doctrine.
+
+T.B.
+
+         *        *        *        *        *
+
+
+FROM CATULLUS.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+  My Lydia says, "believe me I speak true,
+  I ne'er will marry any one but you;
+  If Jove himself should mention love to me,
+  Not even Jove would be preferred to thee."
+  She says--but all that women tell
+  Their doting lovers--I, alas! too well
+  Know, should be written on the waves or wind,
+  So little do their words express their mind.
+
+T.C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE NOVELIST
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+GERMAN TRADITIONS.
+
+
+  I have a song of war for knight,
+  Lay of love for lady bright,
+  Faery tale to lull the heir,
+  Goblin grim the maids to scare!
+
+                 SIR WALTER SCOTT.
+
+Germany! land of mystery and of mind! birth-place of Schiller and
+Goëthe, with what emotions does not every lover of romance sit down to
+peruse thy own peculiar, dreamy traditions! Thy very name conjures up
+visions of demons, and imps, and elfs, and all the creations of faery
+land, with their varied legends of _diablerie_, almost incredible in
+number and singular in detail--and romance, in his gloomy mood, seems
+here to have reared his strong hold.
+
+At a time when a taste for the beauties of German literature is becoming
+general throughout this country, we conceive that a few specimens of her
+traditions may not be unacceptable to the reader. Few subjects are more
+interesting than the popular legends of a country, which are the source
+from whence many of our later novelists draw several of their writings:
+they offer a field for reflection to the contemplative observer of man;
+and those of Germany, although some are disfigured with a little too
+much absurdity in their details, are confessedly a mine of wealth to the
+lover of research in such matters. Here Schiller first drew the sources
+of his inspiration; here Goëthe first electrified mankind with his
+writings--works which will render both immortal; it is, indeed, a mine
+which has been and will bear much working.
+
+We have chosen the following tradition, both on account of the merit it
+possesses, and its being the unquestionable origin of Washington
+Irving's inimitable _Rip Von Winkle_. Indeed, the similarity of the
+story is strikingly obvious. We believe there are several legends on
+this subject, which, with the present, probably all refer to the Emperor
+Frederic Barbarossa, whose adventures form the source of many a story
+among the Germans. The original tale is nearly as follows:--It seems the
+emperor was once compelled to conceal himself, with a party of his
+followers, amongst the Kyffhaüsen mountains; there he still lives, but
+is under the influence of magic. He sits with his adherents on a seat
+before a stone table, leaning his head upon his hands, seeming to
+slumber; but apparently his sleep is very restless, and his head nods,
+and seems as if he were going to awake, and his red beard has grown
+through the table down to his feet. He takes pretty long naps, not more
+than a hundred years in length at a stretch: when his slumber is
+interrupted, he is fabled to be very fond of music; and it is said that
+there was a party of musicians, who once gave him a regular serenade in
+his subterranean retreat, doubtless expecting some wonderful token of
+his generosity in return; but they received nothing for their pains but
+a number of green boughs, which so disgusted them, that they all threw
+them away on their return to earth, save one, who, however, had no
+suspicion of its worth, for on showing it to his wife, to his great
+astonishment, each leaf became a golden coin.
+
+An author before us observes, that this tale of the emperor's slumbers
+cannot, perhaps, be deemed original, and is probably a popular version
+of the Seven Sleepers, "not a little disfigured by the peculiar
+superstition of the country." The same writer remarks, with justice,
+that it is surprising how few are the sources, and how scanty the parent
+stock, from whence all the varieties of European legend are derived.
+Indeed, the foundation of a great part of these legendary stories seems
+to have been the heathen mythology of the different countries, and the
+various tales of superstition being handed down from one generation to
+another, have gradually assumed the shape they now bear; from whence may
+be traced most of our popular superstitions.
+
+THE LEGEND OF THE GOATHERD.
+
+  When I behold a football to and fro,
+    Urged by a throng of players equally,
+  Methinks I see, resembled in that show,
+    This round earth poised in the vacant sky.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+  And all we learn whereas the game is o'er,
+  That life is but a dream, and nothing more.
+
+                            AMADIS JANRYN.
+
+  "Know'st thou me not?"----------------
+  "Oh, yes, (I cried,) thou art indeed the same."
+
+                                 GOETHE.
+
+At the peaceful village of Sittendorf dwelt Peter Klaus, the goatherd.
+He daily tended his flocks to pasture in the Kyffhäusen mountains, and
+never failed, as evening approached, to muster them in a little mead,
+surrounded by a stone wall, preparatory to driving them home; for some
+time, however, he had observed, that one of the finest of his herd
+regularly disappeared soon after coming to this nook, and did not join
+her companions till late. One night, watching her attentively, he
+remarked that she slipped through a hole or opening in the wall, on
+which he cautiously crept after the animal, and found she was in a cave,
+busily engaged in gleaning the grains of corn that fell down singly from
+the roof. Peter did not look long before the shower of corn that now
+saluted him made him shake his ears, and inflamed his curiosity the more
+to discover the cause of so singular an occurrence in that out-of-the-
+way place. However, at last he heard the neigh and stamping of horses,
+apparently proceed from above; and it was doubtless from their mangers
+that the oats had fallen.
+
+While standing, still wrapped in amazement at the singularity of the
+adventure, Peter's surprise was not diminished on observing a boy, who,
+without saying a word, silently beckoned him to follow. Peter
+mechanically obeyed the gestures of the lad, and ascended some steps,
+which led over a walled court into a hollow place, completely surrounded
+on all sides by lofty rocks, and crowned by the rich foliage of shrubs,
+through which an imperfect twilight displayed a smooth, well-trimmed
+lawn, that formed the ground he stood upon. Here were twelve knights,
+who, without so much as uttering a syllable, were very gravely playing
+at nine-pins; and as silently was Peter inducted into the office of
+assistant, namely, in setting up these nine-pins. Peter's courage was
+none of the strongest during all this time, and his knees smote each
+other most devoutly as he commenced his duties; while he occasionally
+ventured to steal a glance at the venerable knights, whose long beards
+and antique slashed doublets filled him with profound awe.
+
+His fears, however, began to be on the wane, as he became more
+accustomed to his new employment. Indeed, he went so far as to gaze on
+one of the noble knights straight in the face--nay, even at last
+ventured to sip out of a bowl of wine that stood near him, which
+diffused a most delicious odour around. He found this sip so
+invigorating, that he soon took a somewhat longer pull; and in a short
+time Peter had quite forgotten that such things as Sittendorf, Wife, or
+Goats had ever existed; and on finding himself the least weary, he had
+only to apply to the never-failing goblet. At last he fell fast asleep.
+
+On waking, Peter found he was in the same little enclosure where he was
+wont to count his flocks. He shook himself well, and rubbed his eyes;
+but neither dog nor goats were to be seen; and he was astonished in no
+slight degree to observe that he was nearly surrounded with high grass,
+and trees, and shrubs, which he never before remarked, growing about
+that spot. Lost in perplexity, he followed his way to all the different
+haunts he had frequented with his herds, but no traces of them were to
+be discovered; at last he hastily bent his steps to Sittendorf, which
+lay beneath.
+
+The persons whom he met on his way to the village were all strangers to
+him; they were differently dressed, and did not precisely speak the
+language of his acquaintance; and on inquiring after his goats, all
+stared and touched their chins. At last he mechanically did the same,
+but what was his surprise when he found his beard lengthened at least a
+foot; on which he began to conclude that he and those around him were
+all under the influence of magic or enchantment. Yet the mountain he had
+descended was certainly the Kyffhäusen--the cottages, too, with their
+gardens and enclosures, were all quite familiar to him--and he heard
+some boys reply to the passing questions of a traveller, that it was
+Sittendorf.
+
+His doubt and perplexity now increased every moment, and he quickened
+his steps towards his own dwelling; he hardly knew it, it was so much
+decayed; and before the door lay a strange goatherd's boy, with a dog
+apparently at the last extreme of age, that snarled when he spoke to
+him. He entered the house through an opening, which had formerly been
+closed by a door. All was waste and void within; he staggered out as if
+he had lost his senses, calling on his wife and children by their names;
+but no one heard--none answered. Before long, a crowd of women and
+children had collected around the strange old man, with the long hoary
+beard, and all inquired what it was he was seeking after. This was
+almost too much; to be thus questioned before his own door was more than
+strange, and he felt ashamed to ask after his wife and children, or even
+of himself; but to get rid of his querists he mentioned the first name
+that occurred to him, "Kurt Steffen?" The people looked around in
+silence, till at length an old woman said, "He has been in the
+churchyard these twelve years past, and you'll not go thither to-day."--
+"Velten Meier?"--"Heaven rest his soul!" replied an ancient dame,
+leaning on a crutch. "Heaven rest his soul! he has lain in the house he
+will never leave these fifteen years!"
+
+The goatherd shuddered to recognise in the last speaker his next
+neighbour, who seemed all at once to have grown old; but he had lost all
+desire to inquire further. Suddenly a smart young woman pressed through
+the surrounding gapers, with an infant in her arms, and leading a girl
+about fourteen years old--all three the exact image of his wife. With
+greater surprise than ever he inquired her name. "Maria!"--"And your
+father's name?"--"Peter Klaus! Heaven rest his soul! It is now twenty
+years since his goats returned without him, and we sought for him in
+vain day and night in the Kyffhäusen mountains--I was then hardly seven
+years old."
+
+Our goatherd could no longer contain himself. "I am Peter Klaus!" he
+roared, "I am Peter Klaus, and no one else!" and he caught the child
+from his daughter's arms. Every one, for an instant, stood as if
+petrified, till at length one voice, and another, and then another,
+exclaimed, "Yes, this is, indeed, Peter Klaus! welcome, neighbour!
+welcome, after twenty years!"
+
+VYVYAN.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
+
+
+Since our last visit, many of the tenants have begun to _hybernate_, and
+tasteful erections have been made for their winter quarters in all parts
+of the gardens. Several others are in progress, and a semi-circular
+aviary for British birds is already built. The _season_ is far advanced,
+and there have been but few _arrivals_ of late. The _emus'_ grounds have
+been enclosed with elegant iron-work, and several removals or _changes_
+have taken place. Some of the animals are much affected by the cold
+weather. Thus, the monkeys have left their houses on poles, and retired
+to enclosed cages, where they nestle in groups of threes and fours, and
+amuse themselves by teazing the least of their company; for here, as
+elsewhere, the weakest goes to the wall. Three fine wolves, previously
+shut up in a small den, now enjoy a large cage, where they appear much
+invigorated by the bracing season. Here and there a little animal lies
+curled up in the corner of his cage, in a state of torpidity. Among the
+birds, the macaws were holding an in-door council in their robes of
+state; whilst one fine fellow, in blue coat and yellow waistcoat,
+perched himself outside the aviary, and by his cries, proved that fine
+colours were not weather-proof. The snowy plumage of the storks was
+"tempered to the wind;" but they reminded us of their original
+abode--the wilderness. The eagles and vultures in the circular aviary
+sat on their perches, looking melancholy and disconsolate, but well
+protected from cold. The kangaroos have removed into their new house,
+and their park has been relaid, although they still look unsettled. A
+very pretty beaver-house has been built of mimic rocks.
+
+Among the _introductions_, or new faces, we noticed a pair of fine
+mastiffs from Cuba, and two Thibet watch-dogs. One of the latter stood
+shivering in the cold, with bleared eyes, and crying "like a lubberly
+postmaster's boy." The three bears exhibited as much good-breeding as
+the visiters encouraged,--climbing to the top of the pole when there was
+any thing to climb after, and an Admiralty expedition could do no more.
+
+_Poisoning of Vegetables_.
+
+Several very curious experiments on the poisoning of vegetables, have
+recently been made by M. Marcet, of Geneva.--His experiments on arsenic,
+which is well known to every one as a deadly poison to animals, were
+thus conducted. A vessel containing two or three bean plants, each of
+five or six leaves, was watered with two ounces of water, containing
+twelve grains of oxide of arsenic in solution. At the end of from
+twenty-four to thirty-six hours, the plants had faded, the leaves
+drooped, and had even begun to turn yellow; the roots remained fresh,
+and appeared to be living. Attempts to restore the plants after twelve
+or eighteen hours, by abundant watering, failed to recover them. The
+leaves and stem of the dead plant gave, upon chemical examination,
+traces of arsenic. A branch of a rose-tree, including a flower, was
+gathered just as the rose began to blow; the stem was put into a vessel,
+containing a solution of six grains of oxide of arsenic in an ounce of
+water. The flower and leaves soon showed symptoms of disease, and on the
+fifth day the whole branch was withered and dead, though only one-fifth
+of a grain of arsenic had been absorbed. Similar stems, placed in pure
+water, had, after five days, the roses fully expanded, and the leaves
+fresh and green.
+
+On June 1st, a slit of one inch and a half in length was made in the
+stem of a lilac tree, the branch being about an inch in diameter. The
+slit extended to the pith. Fifteen or twenty grains of moistened arsenic
+were introduced, the cut was closed, and the stem retained in its
+original position by osier ties. On the 8th, the leaves began to roll up
+at the extremity; on the 28th, the branches were dry, and, in the second
+week of July, the whole of the stem was dry, and the tree itself dead.
+In about fifteen days after the first, a tree, which joined the former a
+little above the earth, shared the same fate, in consequence of its
+connexion with that into which the poison had been introduced. Other
+trees similarly cut, but without having been poisoned, suffered no kind
+of injury.
+
+M. Marcet's experiments upon vegetable poisons are no less interesting,
+and still more wonderful, as indicating a degree of irritability in
+plants somewhat similar to that which depends on the nervous system in
+animals. After having ascertained that the bean plants could exist in a
+healthy state for five or six days, if immersed in the same quantity of
+spring water, he tried them with five or six grains of opium dissolved
+in an ounce of water, the consequence of which was, that in the evening
+the leaves had dropped, and, by the middle of next day, they were dead
+beyond recovery. Other vegetable poisons of the narcotic class produced
+a similar effect. Hemlock was equally fatal, and six grains of dry
+powdered foxglove, in an ounce of water, began to operate, by wrinkling
+some of the leaves of the bean in a few moments, which it completely
+killed in twenty-four hours. Oxalic acid or salt of sorrel, though found
+in common and wood sorrel, and a great many plants, proved a very fatal
+poison to others. The absorption of one-tenth of a grain, killed a rose
+branch and flower in forty--eight hours.--
+
+_Quar. Jour. of Agriculture._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NOTES OF A READER
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+KNOWING PEOPLE.
+
+
+How happily do these few lines characterize a certain set of people who
+pick up news from "good authority," and settle the fate of the nation
+over strong potations of brandy and water, or Calvert's porter,
+forgetting that "people who drink beer, think beer." Suppose a question
+of great public interest afloat:--"Reports are abroad, precisely of the
+proper pitch of absurdity, for the greedy swallowing of the great
+grey-goggle-eyed public, who may be seen standing with her mouth wide
+open like a crocodile, with her hands in her breeches-pockets, at the
+crosses of cities on market-days, gluttonously devouring whatever rumour
+flings into her maw--nor in the least aware that she is all the time
+eating wind. People of smallish abilities begin to look wiser and wiser
+every day--their nods seem more significant--in the shaking of their
+heads there is more of Burleigh--and in short sentences--that sound like
+apophthegms--they are apt to impose themselves on their credulous selves
+as so many Solomons."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+NEW CHURCHES.
+
+
+Among the numerous sermons lately preached in pursuance of the King's
+letter for the enlargement and building of churches and chapels, we
+notice one by the vicar of Dorking, in Surrey, from which we extract the
+following:--"In many places of this country it is lamentable to behold
+the ruinous state of churches. If a man's dwelling-house be decayed, he
+will never cease till it be restored; if his barn, where he bestows all
+his fruits and his goods, be out of repair, what diligence doth he use
+to make it perfect? If the stable for his horse, or the sty for his
+swine, be not able to exclude the severity of weather, when the rains
+fall, and the winds blow, how careful is he to incur the necessary cost?
+Shall we then be so mindful of our common houses, deputed to such low
+occupations, and be forgetful toward that house of God, in which are
+expounded the words of our eternal salvation--in which are administered
+the sacraments and mysteries of our redemption?"--The persuasiveness of
+this argument is admirable, and its amiable tone and temper are
+infinitely more suitable than the florid appeal.
+
+We also learn that Parliament has already voted a million and a half of
+money to the sole use of building churches, and that in the diocese in
+which Dorking is situated, thirty-two cases have been aided by the sum
+of 6,230_l_.
+
+But the _church of Dorking_ is in a dilapidated state, and is capable of
+containing only one-fifth of the inhabitants. It was "probably erected
+about the commencement of the twelfth century; and the crumbling walls
+may almost be said to totter under the massive roof." This calls forth
+the following pious exhortation: "Our lot is cast in a pleasant place.
+Let us manifest our thankfulness to the Giver of every good gift by a
+structure dedicated to his service, corresponding with the magnificence
+of private mansions, and the natural beauties of local scenery." We can
+only wonder that, in a neighbourhood abounding with men of rank and
+opulence, such an appeal is necessary.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SHORT-HAND.
+
+
+"Sound is the gauge of short-hand, and connexion the master-key for
+deciphering." Such is one of the axioms in Mr. Harding's eighth edition
+of his very valuable little "System of Short-Hand,"--to which, by way of
+pleasant illustration, he appends, the "Dirge on Miss LN G," copied by
+us from the "New Monthly Magazine;" but we give Mr. H. credit for the
+present application. We could write a whole number of the MIRROR on the
+advantages of short-hand to the community; but as that would not be a
+practical illustration, we desist. Only think of the "Times" newspaper
+being scores of miles from town before half London has risen; and the
+Duke of Bedford, reading the previous night's debates at his breakfast
+table at Woburn Abbey. What would all Mr. Applegath's machinery do
+towards producing the newspaper without the aid of short-hand, which
+makes its expedition second only to thought. Half an hour's delay of
+"the paper" makes us fret and fume and condemn the fair provider of our
+breakfast--for over-roasted coffee and stale eggs--all because the paper
+is not "come;" but when would it come without short-hand? why at
+dinner-time, and that would make short work of a day--for thousands
+cannot set to work till they have consulted it as a mainspring of
+action. People who aim at the short cuts to knowledge should study
+stenography, and for this purpose they will do well to provide
+themselves with Mr. Harding's System, which will be as good as "a cubit
+to a man's height."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LOVE'S MASTERY.
+
+
+  She was his own, his all:--the crowd may prove
+  A transient feeling, and misname it love:--
+  His was a higher impulse; 'twas a part
+  Of the warm blood that circled through his heart,
+  A fervid energy, a spell that bound
+  Thoughts, wishes, feelings, in one hallow'd round.
+
+                         _The Winter's Wreath._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+CRUELTY TO ANIMALS.
+
+
+The second edition of a pamphlet, entitled the Voice of Humanity, has
+just reached us. It contains details of the disgusting cruelties of the
+metropolis--as bear and badger baiting, dog-fighting, slaughtering-
+horses, &c.--and reference to the _abattoirs_, or improved
+slaughter-houses for cattle, which was illustrated in our 296th Number.
+In the appendix are many interesting particulars of Smithfield Market
+and similar nuisances. The pamphlet is dedicated to that enlightened
+friend of humanity, Sir James Mackintosh, and it appears worthy of his
+patronage.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+WOMANKIND.
+
+
+The womankind never looks sae bonnie as in wunter, accepp indeed it may
+be in spring. You auld bachelors ken naething o' womankind--and hoo
+should ye, when they treat you wi' but ae feelin', that o' derision? Oh,
+sirs! but the dear creters do look weel in muffs--whether they haud
+them, wi' their invisible hauns clasped thegither in their beauty within
+the cozy silk linin', close prest to their innicent waists, just aneath
+the glad beatins o' their first love-touched hearts. Or haud them
+hingin' frae their extended richt arms, leavin' a' the feegur visible,
+that seems taller and slimmer as the removed muff reveals the clasps o'
+the pelisse a' the way doon frae neck till feet! Then is there, in a'
+the beautifu' and silent unfauldin's o' natur amang plants and flowers,
+ony thing sae beautifu' as the white, smooth, saft chafts o' a bit
+smilin' maiden o' saxteen, aughteen, or twunty, blossomin' out, like
+some bonnie bud or snaw-white satin frae a coverin' o' rough
+leaves,--blossomin' out, sirs, frae the edge o' the fur-tippet, that
+haply a lover's happy haun had delicately hung ower her gracefu'
+shoothers--oh, the dear, delightfu' little Laplander!--_Noctes--
+Blackwood's Magazine._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+CAPTAIN ROCK.
+
+
+There are few of our readers who need to be informed that Captain Rock's
+Letters to the King are certainly not written by Mr. Moore, to whom,
+while the publication was suspended, they were so positively
+ascribed.--_Q. Rev._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE LIBRARY AT HOLKHAM.
+
+
+The manuscripts of Lord Coke are in the possession of his descendant,
+Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, his representative through the female issue of
+Lord Leicester, the male heir of the chief justice. At this gentleman's
+princely mansion of Holkham, is one of the finest collections, or,
+indeed, libraries of manuscripts anywhere preserved; certainly the
+finest in any private individual's possession. It partly consists of the
+chief justice's papers; the rest, and the bulk of it, was collected by
+that accomplished nobleman who built the mansion, the last male heir of
+the great lawyer. He had spent many years abroad, where his taste was
+improved and his general education perfected. He collected a vast number
+of the most valuable manuscripts. Of these the exquisitely illuminated
+missals, and other writings of a similar description, which would from
+their perfect beauty and great rarity bear the highest price in the
+market, are certainly by far the least precious in the eyes of literary
+men. Many of the finest _codices_ of the Greek, Latin, and old Italian
+classics are to be found in this superb collection. Among others are no
+less than thirteen of Livy, a favourite author of Lord Leicester, whom
+he had made some progress in editing, when he learnt that
+Drakenborchius, the well known German critic, had proceeded further in
+the same task, and generously handed over to him the treasures of his
+library. The excellent edition of that commentator makes constant
+reference to the Holkham manuscripts, under the name of _MSS.
+Lovelliana_, from the title of Lovell; Lord Leicester not having then
+been promoted to the earldom. Mr. Coke, with a becoming respect for the
+valuable collection of his ancestors, was desirous to have the
+manuscripts unfolded, bound, and arranged, both with a view to their
+preservation and to the facility of consulting them. They had lain for
+half a century neglected, and in part verging towards decay, when he
+engaged his valued friend, William Roscoe, to undertake the labour so
+congenial to his taste and habits, of securing these treasures from the
+ravages of time. From the great number of the manuscripts, the state in
+which many of them were, and the distance of Mr. Roscoe's residence,
+this was necessarily a work of time. After above ten years employed on
+it, the task is now finished. Each work is beautifully and classically
+bound; and to each Mr. Roscoe has prefixed, in his own fair hand
+writing, a short account of the particular manuscript, with the
+bibliographical learning appertaining to it.--_Library of Useful
+Knowledge_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PHRENOLOGY.
+
+
+Mr. Crook, of the Phrenological Society, has just published a
+"Compendium of Phrenology," which cannot fail to be acceptable to the
+ingenious inquirers after that very ingenious science. It is a lucid
+little arrangement of principles, and will materially assist them; but,
+for our part, we confess we would sooner take the public opinion of the
+contents of our cranium than that of a whole society of phrenologists;
+and if our head be as full as our sheet, we shall be content. But,
+joking apart, the little synopsis before us cannot be too highly
+recommended; and by way of hint to some friends who send us witty
+articles for "the Gatherer," we take the following:--
+
+"Wit. _Primitive Power._ Perception of the disjunction or incongruity of
+ideas; the analytical faculty. _Uses_: Separation of compound or general
+ideas into those that are elementary or more simple; knowledge of
+characteristic differences and discrepance. _Abuses_: A disposition to
+jest or ridicule; irony, sarcasm, and satire, without respect to truth,
+or the circumstances of person, place, or time. _Organ_, on the other
+side of Causality.
+
+"It is not the definition of Wit, but the function of a particular
+portion of the brain at which I aim. Dr. Spurzheim, in some of his
+works, calls the faculty connected with this organ, 'the feeling of the
+ludicrous;' in his later ones, 'Gayness,' and 'Mirthfulness.' But each
+of these is properly an effect, not a primitive power. The ludicrous
+owes its origin to the contrariety between the parts or means, as
+perceived by this faculty, and the general whole, or purpose, perceived
+by Comparison, or the necessary connexion perceived by Causality; and
+Gaiety, Mirth, and Laughter, arise from the mutual influence and
+reaction of the feelings. Some kinds of contrariety or incongruity
+excite one class of feelings, other kinds altogether different feelings;
+and consequently, according to the faculty or combination of faculties
+affected, the kinds of mirth and laughter are varied from the Sardonic
+grin of Destructiveness to the lover's smile. This view of the origin of
+laughter enables us to give a satisfactory answer to the hitherto
+perplexing question, 'Why is man the only laughing animal?'"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+EPIGRAM
+
+_From the Greek Anthology, (Author unknown.)_
+
+BY THE REV. W. SHEPHERD.
+
+
+  If at the bottom of the cask,
+  Be left of wine a little flask,
+  It soon grows acid:--so when man,
+  Living through Life's most lengthened span.
+  His joys all drain'd or turn'd to tears,
+  Sinks to the lees of fourscore years,
+  And sees approach Death's darksome hour--
+  No wonder if he's somewhat sour!
+
+                _The Winter's Wreath_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PORTRAIT PAINTING.
+
+
+The good portrait painter always flatters; for it is his business, not,
+indeed, to alter and amend features, complexion, or mien, but to select
+and fix (which it demands genius and sense to do) the best appearance
+which these ever do wear. Happy the creature of sense and passion who
+has always with him that self which he could take pleasure in
+contemplating! Happy--to pass graver considerations--the fair one whose
+countenance continues as youthful as her attire! When Queen Elizabeth's
+wrinkles waxed deep and many, it is reported that an unfortunate master
+of the mint incurred disgrace by a too faithful shilling; the die was
+broken, and only one mutilated impression is now in existence. Her maids
+of honour took the hint, and were thenceforth careful that no fragment
+of looking-glass should remain in any room of the palace. In fact, the
+lion-hearted lady had not heart to look herself in the face for the last
+twenty years of her life; but we nowhere learn that she quarrelled with
+Holbein's portraitures of her youth, or those of her stately prime of
+viraginity by De Heere and Zucchero.
+
+He who has "neither done things worthy to be written, nor written things
+worthy to be read," takes the trouble of transmitting his portrait to
+posterity to very little purpose. If the picture be a bad one, it will
+soon find its way to the garret; if good, as a work of art, it will
+perpetuate the fame, probably the name, indeed, of the artist alone.
+These are the _obscurorum virorum imagines_ which, as Walpole said, "are
+christened commonly in galleries, like children at the Foundling
+Hospital, _by chance_"--Q. Rev.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LOSING A SHOE AND A DINNER.
+
+
+As Ozias Linley, Sheridan's brother-in-law, was one morning setting out
+on horseback for his curacy, a few miles from Norwich, his horse threw
+off one of his shoes. A lady, who observed the accident, thought it
+might impede Mr. Linley's journey, and seeing that he himself was
+unconscious of it, politely reminded him that one of his horse's shoes
+had just come off. "Thank you, madam," replied Linley; "will you then
+have the goodness to put it on for me?"
+
+Linley one day received a card to dine with the late archbishop of
+Canterbury, who was then bishop of Norwich. Careless into what hole or
+corner he threw his invitations, he soon lost sight of the card, and
+forgot it altogether. A year revolved, when, on wiping the dust from
+some papers he had stuck on the glass over the chimney, the bishop's
+invitation for a certain day in the month (he did not think of the year
+one instant,) stared him full in the face, and taking it for granted
+that it was a recent one, he dressed himself on the appointed day, and
+proceeded to the palace. But his diocesan was not in London, a
+circumstance of which, though a matter of some notoriety to the clergy
+of the diocese, he was quite unconscious; and he returned dinnerless
+home.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SENTIMENT AND APPETITE.
+
+
+We remember an amiable enthusiast, a worshiper of nature after the
+manner of Rousseau, who, being melted into feelings of universal
+philanthropy by the softness and serenity of a spring morning, resolved,
+that for that day, at least, no injured animal should pollute his board;
+and having recorded his vow, walked six miles to gain a hamlet, famous
+for fish dinners, where, without an idea of breaking his sentimental
+engagement, he regaled himself on a small matter of crimped cod and
+oyster sauce--Q. Rev.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+FORTIFICATION.
+
+
+The walls of Tenchira, in Africa, form one of the most perfect remaining
+specimens of ancient fortification. They are a mile and a half in
+circuit, defended by 26 quadrangular towers, and admitting no entrance
+but by two opposite gates.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MEDIOCRITY, in poetry, is intolerable to gods and to booksellers, and to
+all intermediate beings.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SONNET TO THE CAMELLA JAPONICA.
+
+BY W. ROSCOE, ESQ.
+
+
+  Say, what impels me, pure and spotless flower,
+    To view thee with a secret sympathy?
+    --Is there some living spirit shrined in thee?
+  That, as thou bloom'st within my humble bower,
+  Endows thee with some strange, mysterious
+    power,
+    Waking high thoughts?--As there perchance
+      might be
+    Some angel-form of truth and purity,
+  Whose hallowed presence shared my lonely hour?
+    --Yes, lovely flower, 'tis not thy virgin glow,
+    Thy petals whiter than descending snow,
+  Nor all the charms thy velvet folds display;
+    'Tis the soft image of some beaming mind,
+    By grace adorn'd, by elegance refin'd,
+  That o'er my heart thus holds its silent sway.
+
+                         _The Winter's Wreath._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PIGS.
+
+
+One day when Giotto, the painter, was taking his Sunday walk, in his
+best attire, with a party of friends, at Florence, and was in the midst
+of a long story, some pigs passed suddenly by, and one of them, running
+between the painter's legs, threw him down. When he got on his legs
+again, instead of swearing a terrible oath at the pig on the Lord's day,
+as a graver man might have done, he observed, laughing, "People say
+these beasts are stupid, but they seem to me to have some sense of
+justice, for I have earned several thousands of crowns with their
+bristles, but I never gave one of them even a ladleful of soup in my
+life."--_Lanzi._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TURKISH FIREMEN.
+
+
+The firemen of Constantinople are accused of sometimes discharging oil
+from their engines instead of water.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+FLIES.
+
+
+Cruelty to animals is a subject which has deservedly attracted
+parliamentary investigation. It is not beneath the dignity of a
+Christian legislator to prevent the unnecessary sufferings of the
+meanest of created things; and a law which is dictated by humanity can
+surely be no disgrace to the statute-book. Who that has witnessed the
+barbarous and unmanly sports of the cock-pit and the stake--the
+fiendlike ingenuity displayed by the lord of the creation in teaching
+his dependents to torture, mangle, and destroy each other for his own
+amusement--the cruelties of the greedy and savage task-master towards
+the dumb labourer whose strength has decayed in his service--or the
+sufferings of the helpless brute that drags with pain and difficulty its
+maimed carcass to Smithfield--what reasonable being that has witnessed
+all or any of this, will venture to affirm that interference is
+officious and uncalled for? Yet it is certain that Mr. Martin acted
+properly and wisely in excluding flies from the operation of his
+act--well knowing, as he must have done, that the feeling of the
+majority was decidedly averse from affording parliamentary countenance
+and immunity to those descendants of the victims of Domitian's just
+indignation; although it is understood that such a provision would have
+been cordially supported by the advocates for universal toleration. The
+simple question for consideration would be, whether the conduct and
+principles of the insect species have undergone such a material change
+as to entitle them to new and extraordinary enactments in their favour?
+Have they entirely divested themselves of their licentious and predatory
+habits, and learnt now for the first time to distinguish between right
+and wrong? Do they understand what it is to commit sacrilege? To intrude
+into the sanctum sanctorum of the meat-safe? To rifle and defile the
+half roseate, half lily-white charms of a virgin ham? To touch with
+unhallowed proboscis the immaculate lip of beauty, the unprotected scalp
+of old age, the savoury glories of the kitchen? To invade with the most
+reckless indifference, and the most wanton malice, the siesta of the
+alderman or the philosopher? To this we answer in the eloquent and
+emphatic language of the late Mr. Canning--_No_! Unamiable and
+unconciliating monsters! The wildest and most ferocious inhabitants of
+the desert may be reclaimed from their savage nature, and taught to
+become the peaceful denizens of a menagerie--but ye are altogether
+untractable and untameable. Gratitude and sense of shame, the better
+parts of instinct, have never yet interposed their sacred influence to
+prevent the commission of one treacherous or unbecoming action of yours.
+The holy rites of hospitality are by you abused and set at naught; and
+the very roof which shelters you is desecrated with the marks of your
+irreverential contempt for all things human and divine. Would that--(and
+the wish is expressed more in sorrow than in anger)--would that your
+entire species were condensed into one enormous bluebottle, that we
+might crush you all at a single swoop!
+
+Many, calling themselves philanthropists and Christians, have omitted to
+squash a fly when they had an opportunity of so doing; nay, some of
+these people have even been known to go the length of writing verses on
+the occasion, in which they applaud themselves for their own humane
+disposition, and congratulate the object of their mistaken mercy on its
+narrow escape from impending fate. There is nothing more wanting than to
+propose the establishment of a Royal Humane Society for the
+resuscitation of flies apparently drowned or suffocated. Can it possibly
+be imagined by the man who has succeeded after infinite pains in
+rescuing a greedy and intrusive insect from a gin-and-watery grave in
+his own vile potations, that he has thereby consulted the happiness of
+his fellow creatures, or promoted the cause of decency, cleanliness,
+good order, and domestic comfort? Let him watch the career of the
+mischievous little demon which he has thus been the means of restoring
+to the world, when he might have arrested its progress for ever. Observe
+the stout and respectable gentleman, loved, honoured, and esteemed in
+all the various relations of father, husband, friend, citizen, and
+Christian, who is on cushioned sofa composing himself for his wonted
+nap, after a dinner in substance and quantity of the most satisfactory
+description, and not untempered by a modicum of old port. His amiable
+partner, with that refined delicacy and sense of decorum peculiar to the
+female sex, has already withdrawn with her infant progeny, leaving her
+good man, as she fondly imagines, to enjoy the sweets of uninterrupted
+repose. At one moment we behold him slumbering softly as an infant--"so
+tranquil, helpless, stirless, and unmoved;" in the next, we remark with
+surprise sundry violent twitches and contortions of the limbs, as though
+the sleeper were under the operation of galvanism, or suffering from the
+pangs of a guilty conscience. Of what hidden crime does the memory thus
+agitate him--breaking in upon that rest which should steep the senses in
+forgetfulness of the world and its cares? On a sudden he starts from his
+couch with an appearance of frenzy!--his nostrils dilated, his eyes
+gleaming with immoderate excitation--an incipient curse quivering on his
+lips, and every vein swelling--every muscle tense with fearful and
+passionate energy of purpose. Is he possessed with a devil, or does he
+meditate suicide, that his manner is so wild and hurried? With impetuous
+velocity he rushes to the window, and beneath his vehement but futile
+strokes, aimed at a scarcely visible, and certainly impalpable object,
+the fragile glass flies into fragments, the source of future colds and
+curtain lectures without number. The immediate author of so much
+mischief, it is true, is the diminutive vampire which is now making its
+escape with cold-blooded indifference through a very considerable
+fracture in one of the panes; but surely the person who saved from
+destruction, and may thus be considered to have given existence to the
+cause of all this loss of temper and of property, cannot conscientiously
+affirm that _his_ withers are unwrung! Mercy and forbearance are very
+great virtues when exercised with proper discretion; but man owes a
+paramount duty to society, with which none of the weaknesses, however
+amiable, of his nature should be allowed to interfere. It is no mercy to
+pardon and let loose upon the community one who, having already been
+convicted of manifold delinquencies, only waits a convenient season for
+adding to the catalogue of his crimes; and what is larceny, or felony,
+or even treason, compared with the perpetration of the outrages above
+attempted to be described?--We pause for a reply.
+
+Summer is a most delectable--a most glorious season. We, who are fond of
+basking as a lizard, and whose inward spirit dances and exults like a
+very mote in the sun-beam, always hail its approach with rapture; but
+our anticipations of bright and serene days--of blue, cloudless, and
+transparent skies--of shadows the deeper from intensity of surrounding
+light--of yellow corn-fields, listless rambles, and lassitude rejoicing
+in green and sunny banks--are allayed by this one consideration, that
+
+  Waked by the summer ray, the reptile young
+  Come winged abroad. From every chink
+  And secret corner, where they slept away
+  The wintry storms; by myriads forth at once,
+  Swarming they pour.
+
+Go where you will, it is not possible to escape these "winged reptiles."
+They abound exceedingly in all sunny spots; nor in the shady lane do
+they not haunt every bush, and lie perdu under every leaf, thence
+sallying forth on the luckless wight who presumes to molest their
+"solitary reign;" they hang with deliberate importunity over the path of
+the sauntering pedestrian, and fly with the flying horseman, like the
+black cares (that is to say, blue devils) described by the Roman lyrist.
+Within doors they infest, harpy-like, the dinner-table--
+
+  Diripiuntque dapes, contactuque omnia foedant
+  Immundo--
+
+and hover in impending clouds over the sugar basin at tea; in the pantry
+it is buz; in the dairy it is buz; in the kitchen it is buz; one loud,
+long-continued, and monotonous buz! Having little other occupation than
+that of propagating their species, the natural consequence, as we may
+learn from Mr. Malthus, is that their numbers increase in a frightfully
+progressive ratio from year to year; and it has at length become
+absolutely necessary that some decisive measures should be adopted to
+counteract the growing evil.
+
+Upon the whole, he would not, perhaps, be considered to speak rashly or
+unadvisedly, who should affirm, that no earthly creature, of the same
+insignificant character and pretensions, is the agent of nearly so much
+mischief as the fly.--What a blessed order of things would immediately
+ensue, if every one of them was to be entirely swept away from the face
+of the earth! This most wished-for event, we fear, it will never be our
+lot to witness; but it may be permitted to a sincere patriot, in his
+benevolent and enthusiastic zeal for the well-being of his country, to
+indulge in aspirations that are tinged with a shade of extravagance.
+With respect, however, to the above mentioned vermin, the idea of their
+total annihilation may not be altogether chimerical. We know that the
+extirpation of wolves from England was accomplished by the commutation
+of an annual tribute for a certain number of their heads; and it is well
+worth the consideration of the legislature, whether, by adopting a
+somewhat similar principle, they may not rid the British dominions of an
+equally great and crying nuisance. The noble Duke, now at the head of
+his Majesty's Government, has it in his power to add another ray to his
+illustrious name, to secure the approbation and gratitude of all classes
+of the community, and to render his ministry for ever memorable, by the
+accomplishment of so desirable an object. In the mean time, let the
+Society of Arts offer their next large gold medal to the person who
+shall invent the most ingenious and destructive fly-trap. A certain
+quantity of quassia might be distributed gratis at Apothecaries' Hall,
+as vaccinatory matter is at the Cow-pox Hospital, with very considerable
+effect; and an act of parliament should be passed without delay,
+declaring the wilful destruction of a spider to be felony.--_Blackwood's
+Magazine._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE CORONATION OF INEZ DE CASTRO.[7]
+
+BY MRS. HEMANS.
+
+
+    "Tableau, aú l'Amour fait alliance avec la
+    Tombe; union redoubtable de la mort et de la
+    vie."                   MADAME DE STAEL.
+
+  There was music on the midnight;
+    From a royal fane it roll'd,
+  And a mighty bell, each pause between,
+    Sternly and slowly toll'd.
+  Strange was their mingling in the sky,
+    It hush'd the listener's breath;
+  For the music spoke of triumph high,
+    The lonely bell, of death.
+
+  There was hurrying through the midnight:--
+    A sound of many feet;
+  But they fell with a muffled fearfulness,
+    Along the shadowy street;
+  And softer, fainter, grew their tread,
+    As it near'd the Minster-gate,
+  Whence broad and solemn light was shed
+    From a scene of royal state.
+
+  Full glow'd the strong red radiance
+    In the centre of the nave,
+  Where the folds of a purple canopy
+    Sweep down in many a wave;
+  Loading the marble pavement old
+    With a weight of gorgeous gloom;
+  For something lay 'midst their fretted gold,
+    Like a shadow of the tomb.
+
+  And within that rich pavilion
+    High on a glittering throne,
+  A woman's form sat silently,
+    Midst the glare of light alone.
+  Her Jewell'd robes fell strangely still--
+    The drapery on her breast
+  Seem'd with no pulse beneath to thrill,
+    So stone-like was its rest.
+
+  But a peal of lordly music
+    Shook e'en the dust below,
+  When the burning gold of the diadem
+    Was set on her pallid brow!
+  Then died away that haughty sound,
+    And from th' encircling band,
+  Stept Prince and Chief, 'midst the hush profound,
+    With homage to her hand.
+
+  Why pass'd a faint cold shuddering
+    Over each martial frame,
+  As one by one, to touch that hand,
+    Noble and leader came?
+  Was not the settled aspect fair?
+    Did not a queenly grace,
+  Under the parted ebon hair.
+    Sit on the pale still face?
+
+  Death, Death! canst _thou_ be lovely
+    Unto the eye of Life?
+  Is not each pulse of the quick high breast
+    With thy cold mien at strife?
+  --It was a strange and fearful sight,
+    The crown upon that head,
+  The glorious robes and the blaze of light,
+    All gather'd round the Dead!
+
+  And beside her stood in silence
+    One with a brow as pale,
+  And white lips rigidly compress'd,
+    Lest the strong heart should fail;
+  King Pedro with a jealous eye
+    Watching the homage done
+  By the land's flower and chivalry
+    To her, his martyr'd one.
+
+  But on the face he look'd not
+    Which once his star had been:
+  To every form his glance was turn'd,
+    Save of the breathless queen;
+  Though something, won from the grare's embrace,
+    Of her beauty still was there,
+  Its hues were all of that shadowy place,
+    'Twas not for _him_ to bear.
+
+  Alas! the crown, the sceptre,
+    The treasures of the earth,
+  And the priceless love that pour'd those gifts,
+    Alike of wasted worth!
+  The rites are closed--bear back the Dead
+    Unto the chamber deep,
+  Lay down again the royal head,
+    Dust with the dust to sleep.
+
+  There is music on the midnight--
+    A requiem sad and slow.
+  As the mourners through the sounding aisle
+    In dark procession go,
+  And the ring of state, and the starry crown,
+    And all the rich array,
+  Are borne to the house of silence down,
+    With her, that queen of clay.
+
+  And tearlessly and firmly,
+    King Pedro led the train--
+  But his face was wrapt in his folding robe,
+    When they lower'd the dust again.
+  --'Tis hush'd at last, the tomb above,
+    Hymns die, and steps depart:
+  Who call'd thee strong as Death, O Love?
+    _Mightier_ thou wert and art!
+
+                   _New Monthly Magazine._
+
+    [7] Don Pedro of Portugal, after his accession to the kingdom,
+    had the body of the murdered Inez taken from the grave, solemnly
+    enthroned and crowned.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ART THOU THE MAID?
+
+
+  Art thou the maid from whose blue eye
+    Mine drank such deep delight?
+  Was thine that voice of melody
+  Which charm'd the silent night?
+
+  I fain would think thou art not she
+    Who hung upon mine arm,
+  When love was yet a mystery,
+    A sweet, resistless charm.
+
+  It seemed to me as though the spell
+    On both alike were cast;
+  I prayed but in thy sight to dwell,
+    For thee, to breathe my last.
+
+  Mine inmost secret soul was thine,
+    Thou wert enthroned therein,
+  Like sculptured saint in holy shrine,
+    All free from guile and sin.
+
+  And, heaven forgive! I did adore
+    With more than pilgrim's zeal;
+  And then thy smile----But oh! no more!
+    No more may I reveal.
+
+  Enough--we're parted----Both must own
+    The accursed power of gold.
+  I wander through the world _alone_;
+    _Thou_ hast been bought and sold.
+
+                    _Blackwood's Magazine._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It would be a very pleasant thing, if literary productions could be
+submitted to something like chemical analysis,--if we could separate the
+merit of a book, as we can the magnesia of Epsom salts, by a simple
+practical application of the doctrine of affinities.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE GATHERER
+
+
+    A snapper up of unconsidered trifles.
+
+    SHAKSPEARE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A GOOD FELLOW.
+
+
+The secretary of a literary society being requested to draw up "_a
+definition of a good fellow_," applied to the members of the club,
+individually, for such hints as they could furnish, when, he received
+the following:--
+
+Mr. _Golightly_.--A good fellow is one who rides blood horses, drives
+four-in-hand, speaks when he's spoken to, sings when he's asked, always
+turns his back on a dun, and never on a friend.
+
+Mr. _Le Blanc_.--A good fellow is one who studies deep, reads
+trigonometry, and burns love songs; has a most cordial aversion for
+dancing and D'Egville, and would rather encounter a cannon than a fancy
+ball.
+
+Hon. _G. Montgomery_.--A good fellow is one who abhors moralists and
+mathematics, and adores the classics and Caroline Mowbray.
+
+Sir _T. Wentworth_.--A good fellow is one who attends the Fox-dinners,
+who goes to the Indies to purchase independence, and would rather
+encounter a buffalo than a boroughmonger.
+
+Mr. _M. Sterling_.--A good fellow is a good neighbour, a good citizen, a
+good relation; in short, a good man.
+
+Mr. _M. Farlane_.--A good fellow is a bonnie braw John Hielandman.
+
+Mr. _O'Connor_.--A good fellow is one who talks loud and swears louder;
+cares little about learning, and less about his neckcloth; loves
+whiskey, patronizes bargemen, and wears nails in his shoes.
+
+Mr. _Musgrave_.--A good fellow is prime--flash--and bang-up.
+
+Mr. _Burton_.--A good fellow is one who knows "what's what," keeps
+accounts, and studies Cocker.
+
+Mr. _Rowley_.--A good fellow likes turtle and cold punch, drinks Port
+when he can't get Champagne, and dines on mutton with Sir Robert, when
+he can't get venison at my lord's.
+
+Mr. _Lozell_.--A good fellow is something compounded of the preceding.
+
+Mr. _Oakley_.--A good fellow is something perfectly different from the
+preceding,--or Mr. Oakley is an ass.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MERCHANT TAILORS' SCHOOL.
+
+
+  At Merchant Tailors' School, what time
+    Old Bishop held the rod,
+  The boys rehearsed the old man's rhyme
+    Whilst he would smile and nod.
+
+  Apart I view'd a little child
+    Who join'd not in the game:
+  His face was what mammas call mild
+    And fathers dull and tame.
+
+  Pitying the boy, I thus address'd
+    The pedagogue of verse--
+  "Why doth he not, Sir, like the rest,
+    Your epigrams rehearse?"
+
+  "Sir!" answered thus the aged man,
+    "He's not in Nature's debt;
+  His ears so tight are seal'd, he can-
+    Not learn his alphabet."
+
+  "Why not?" I cried:--whereat to me
+    He spoke in minor clef--
+  "He cannot learn his A, B, C,
+    Because he's D, E, F."
+
+                     _New Monthly Magazine._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ROYAL LEARNING.
+
+
+The king of Persia made many inquiries of Sir Harford Jones respecting
+America, saying, "What sort of a place is it? How do you get at it? Is
+it underground, or how?"
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+COMPLIMENT MAL-APROPOS.
+
+
+Napoleon was once present at the performance of one of Pasiello's
+operas, in which was introduced an air by Cimarosa. Pasiello was in the
+box with the emperor, and received many compliments during the evening.
+At length, when the air by Cimarosa was played, the emperor turned
+round, and taking Pasiello by the hand, exclaimed, "By my faith, my
+friend, the man who has composed that air, may proclaim himself the
+greatest composer in Europe." "It is Cimarosa's," feebly articulated
+Pasiello. "I am sorry for it; but I cannot recall what I have said."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A gentleman taking an apartment, said to the landlady, "I assure you,
+madam, I never left a lodging but my landlady shed tears." She answered,
+"I hope it was not, Sir, because you went away without paying."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LOMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE _Following Novels are already Published:_
+
+                                      _s_  _d_
+Mackenzie's Man of Feeling . . . . . . 0    6
+Paul and Virginia. . . . . . . . . . . 0    6
+The Castle of Otranto. . . . . . . . . 0    6
+Almoran and Hamet. . . . . . . . . . . 0    6
+Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia. . 0    6
+The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne . . 0    6
+Rasselas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0    8
+The Old English Baron. . . . . . . . . 0    8
+Nature and Art . . . . . . . . . . . . 0    8
+Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield . . . . 0   10
+Sicilian Romance . . . . . . . . . . . 1    0
+The Man of the World . . . . . . . . . 1    0
+A Simple Story . . . . . . . . . . . . 1    4
+Joseph Andrews . . . . . . . . . . . . 1    6
+Humphry Clinker. . . . . . . . . . . . 1    8
+The Romance of the Forest. . . . . . . 1    8
+The Italian. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2    0
+Zeluce, by Dr. Moore . . . . . . . . . 2    6
+Edward, by Dr. Moore . . . . . . . . . 2    0
+Roderick Random. . . . . . . . . . . . 2    6
+The Mysteries of Udo'pho . . . . . . . 3    6
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement,
+and Instruction, by Various
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11408 ***