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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11411 ***
+
+THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.
+
+VOL. 14, No. 390.]   SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1829.  [PRICE 2d.
+
+
+
+
+CLIFTON.
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Clifton is the Montpellier of England, and is associated with all that
+is delightful in nature: of this, the Engraving before us is a true
+picture, whether we contemplate the winding Avon; the sublime beauty of
+its rocks--
+
+  Clifton's airy rocks,
+
+(as Mr. Bowles poetically calls them), the picturesque scenery of the
+opposite shore; or the abodes of cottage comforts which cluster into a
+rural village beside the cliff till the eye reaches a splendid range of
+crescents and terraces which art has reared on the stupendous brow
+above.
+
+Clifton is situated on the south and west of the cliff, or hill, (whence
+its name), one mile westward of the city of Bristol, over great part of
+which it commands a very pleasing prospect, as also of the ships that,
+on the flood and ebb tides, sail up and down the Avon. From the opposite
+shore the richly cultivated lands of Somersetshire present themselves in
+a very beautiful landscape, rising gradually four or five miles from the
+verge of the river to the top of Dundry Hill, whereon is a high tower,
+esteemed the Proteus of the weather, as being commonly enveloped with
+mist, so as scarcely to be visible, against rain; but, on the contrary,
+if it be seen clear and distinct in the morning, it denotes the approach
+of a fine day.
+
+The salubrious situation of Clifton has long since attracted the
+wealthy. Hence, the hill is nearly covered with superb buildings, (for
+which the freestone of the country affords peculiar facilities), till
+the village has almost become an elegant city. The Downs are covered
+with verdure all the year, and the turf abounds with aromatic plants,
+growing wild, which are not to be met with elsewhere in England. Here
+are also discernible ancient fortifications and intrenchments; and coins
+of the later Roman emperors have frequently been found about the camp;
+there are other military works opposite, on the Somersetshire side of
+the Avon. Besides the above remains, on Clifton Downs, is an old tower
+with a brick floor, but without any roof. (_See the Engraving._) From
+three open spaces, formerly doors, are exquisite views: in front an
+extensive prospect of Gloucestershire; on the right, part of Clifton,
+and in the background Dundry Hill; and on the left, King's Road, with
+the ships at anchor, the Bristol Channel, and the mountains of South
+Wales. At the end of the Downs stands the mansion of Sir William Draper,
+once so conspicuous in the public mind from the severe chastisement he
+received from Junius. To the left is an expensive monument erected by
+Sir William, who was colonel of the 79th regiment, to the memory of his
+soldiers who fell in the East Indies, in 1768; and to the right is a
+pillared tribute to the patriotic Earl of Chatham, with a brief Latin
+inscription by Sir William Draper.
+
+Our view of Clifton is from the Ferry, and is from an effective
+lithograph, of very recent date.
+
+Added to the charms of the romantic scenery of Clifton are the
+attractions of the Bristol Hot Wells, in the vicinity; upon which
+fashion has conferred too great celebrity to render description needful.
+The richness and grandeur of the scenery of the Hot Wells are almost
+inconceivable; in some places the rocks, venerably majestic, rise
+perpendicularly, or overhanging, craggy and bare; and in others they are
+clothed with luxuriant shrubs and stately trees. From the bottom of
+these cliffs, on the east bank of the river, issues the Bristol Hot Well
+water. The spring rises out of an aperture in the solid rocks and is
+computed to discharge about forty gallons in a minute.
+
+The author of the _History and Beauties of Clifton Hot Wells_, in
+describing this scenery, says, "One of the sublimest and most beautiful
+scenes in nature is exhibited by those bold and rugged eminences behind
+the crescent, known by the name of _St. Vincent's Rocks_, which appear
+to have been rent asunder by some violent convulsion of nature." They
+are misshapen and massy projections, nearly 300 feet in height. Pieces
+of this rock, when broken, have much the appearance of a dark, red
+marble; and when struck by a substance of corresponding hardness, emit a
+strong sulphureous smell. It is sometimes used as a substitute for
+foreign marble for chimney-pieces; but principally for making lime. In
+the fissures of these rocks are found those fine crystals usually called
+Bristol stones, which are so hard as to cut glass, and sustain the
+action of fire and of _aquafortis_; this, however, is only the case with
+such as are tinged. The imperfect ones, in which there appears something
+like small hairs, white specks, or bubbles of air and water, turn white
+when calcined.
+
+On these rocks, the Rev. W. Lisle Bowles has the following lines:--
+
+  How beauteous the pale rocks above the shore
+    Uplift their bleak and furrow'd aspect high!
+  How proudly desolate their foreheads, hoar,
+    That meet the earliest sunbeam of the sky!
+
+  Bound to yon dusky mart, with pennants gay,
+    The tall bark on the winding water's line,
+  Between the river cliffs plies her hard way,
+    And peering on the sight the white sails shine.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+LITERARY PROBLEM.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+It is not perhaps generally known, that in the writings of Sodates, a
+poet of Thrace, many of the verses may be turned and read different
+ways, without either losing the measure or sense; for instance the
+following, which may be read backwards:--
+
+  "Roma tibi stibito motibus ibit amor
+  Si bene te, tua laus taxat, sua laute tenebis
+  Sole medere pede, ede perede, melos."
+
+His writings are nearly extinct, and are for the most part of a very
+immoral kind. He wrote some verses against Philadelphus Ptolemy, and
+was, in consequence, put into a cage of lead and thrown into the sea.
+
+K.K.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+MANNERS & CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE GENOESE.[1]
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+    [1] The intelligent friend from whose conversation the writer
+    gleaned the following account, has resided three years in Genoa,
+    and therefore is fully competent to speak of the customs of its
+    inhabitants. This paper is derived from the same source as that
+    entitled "_A Recent Visit to Pompeii_."--Vide MIRROR, vol xiii
+    p. 276.
+
+The Genoese women, are almost without exception _beautiful_, and many of
+them retain their loveliness for a longer period than is usual in warm
+climates; I have seen very handsome females turned of forty. They are
+excessively fond of adorning themselves on Sundays and all festive
+occasions, with a profusion of rich and expensive gold ornaments; indeed
+the married women cannot be seen without them, for they are an essential
+part of their hymeneal dower. A young woman, upon the occasion of her
+nuptials, is obliged to purchase a set of gold trinkets, should the
+existence of her mother prevent her inheriting those which are already
+in the family; and in order to make this important purchase, no small
+property is required, since as much as three or four hundred francs are
+often given for a pair of ear-rings, seven or eight hundred for a
+necklace, chain, bracelets, or other articles individually; a few more
+trifling ornaments complete the set, with a curious kind of gold
+filagree cap, or net, for the head. These trinkets are in fact
+_necessary_ adjutants to Genoese domestic economy, since, though as
+heir-looms they are never sold, except three or four sets should, from
+family casualties, become the property of an individual, yet there is
+neither law nor prejudice against pawning them; and, in pawn they
+generally are, from the week's commencement to its end, being redeemed
+on the Saturday night, only to be worn on Sunday, and pledged again on
+the Monday morning. There are shops in Genoa expressly for the sale of
+these bridal ornaments, which are worn there, exclusively by the
+inferior classes; for the higher orders of society if seen in such,
+would forfeit, whether foreigners or citizens, all pretentions to rank
+and fashion; however, the Genoese gold trinkets, may be, and are, much
+worn by the _Hidalgos_ of many a place afar from that of their
+manufacture. These ornaments are not wrought into more than four
+fashions, which never vary. The Genoese women marry at fifteen or
+sixteen years of age, and it is impossible to imagine a creature more
+innocent, childish-looking, and perfectly beautiful, than a young bride
+in her nuptial attire.
+
+The female children of genteel parentage are, in Genoa, allowed to visit
+amongst themselves in balls and fêtes, until they have attained the age
+of fourteen; when, being considered marriageable, instead of "_coming
+out_" as in England, they are kept strictly at home; allowed indeed to
+see a little company there, but there only, except when taken _per
+favour_, once or twice to the opera, to which they go purposely in an
+undress, sit at the back of the box, so as not to be seen, or if
+accidentally beheld, they are not to be recognised. When a girl reaches
+the appointed years of discretion, the sole consideration of her parents
+is, to _marry_ her, and in this matter _she_, poor thing, has no voice,
+as I shall proceed to prove. Negotiating matches, making proposals, and
+arranging marriages, are affairs confided to the prudence and mediation
+of certain busy old ladies, who find their account in bringing about
+weddings, since they receive a regular _per centage_ upon them. One of
+these emissaries of Hymen will call on a parent who has a son, reported
+to be an eligible match, and open the business by talking of the young
+man, until an opportunity occurs of inquiring whether he is not soon to
+be settled, and how much will be allowed him? These queries being
+answered to the good lady's satisfaction, she proceeds a step further,
+and enumerates the principal families of her acquaintance, who have
+daughters to _dispose_ of, adding an accurate description of each
+Signorina's person, connexions, property, expectancies, and other
+advantages. A lady having been selected as an eligible match for the
+youth, the parents on both sides being agreed, and the young gentleman
+duly informed of their arrangements for his happiness, he is allowed to
+commence paying his addresses to the fair one, by sending her a large,
+and peculiarly constructed bouquet, the acceptance of which, is in fact
+an acceptance of himself, and the girl is immediately considered a
+_Sposina_, or betrothed one. The bouquet, and herself, in full dress,
+are forthwith carried to the opera, where the former is laid, and the
+latter seated, immediately in front of the box; when, numerous are the
+eyes and glasses levelled at the new _Sposina_, upon this her first
+appearance in public. On this interesting and trying occasion, her
+accepted lover stands during the performance behind her chair, and is
+assiduous in his attentions. The next amusement at which, according to
+etiquette the _Sposina_ appears, is a ball, to which she goes attended
+by her lover, and one or both of her parents. The bouquet, the emblem of
+her engagement goes with her, which never quits her hand, except when
+she dances, and is then laid on her seat, until her return. She is not
+allowed to dance with any one but her brother, intended husband, or his
+most intimate friend to whom perhaps as a _favour_, he may choose to
+introduce her. The duty of the engaged man is, to present his _Sposina_
+every morning up to the period of their union, with a fresh bouquet, the
+size of which intimates the degree of affection and respect that he
+entertains for her. But should the lover's finances be slender, and his
+nuptials long delayed, he must find this elegant custom a very ruinous
+one, since the price of the best of these bouquets (and who durst for
+his own credit's sake present an inferior one?) is five or six francs.
+The _Sposina_ appears everywhere and everyday with a bouquet in her
+hand, closely attended by her lover, and either or both of her parents;
+and a female, a stranger in Genoa, commits a breach of etiquette by
+walking through the streets carrying a nosegay, besides subjecting
+herself to the impertinence of a thousand eyes, that ask, "_Are you_ a
+_Sposina_?" The wedding is celebrated with splendour, the fortune of the
+bride being sometimes expended in purchasing a magnificent dress, which
+is then deemed essential. Amongst the highest classes, the English
+custom of the bride and bridegroom quitting the wedding party
+immediately after the performance of the marriage-ceremony, for a tour,
+has commenced; but this innovation upon their established national
+manners, has not yet obtained a very general footing. The _match-maker_
+is, upon the wedding-day, presented with a sum of money adequate to the
+trouble she has taken to effect the alliance; for a lack of beauty, or
+fortune on the lady's side, mars her matrimonial prospects, and causes
+as great difficulties respecting her settlement in life, at Genoa, as in
+some other places I could mention rather nearer home. Once, being in
+company with an ancient dame, who had brought about a marriage that
+astonished all Genoa, she informed me, that she received as her
+_douceur_ upon the occasion, 50_l_. This, I am to conclude, was a
+liberal recompense; for the _Sposina_, in that instance, was so plain,
+(a circumstance unusual with the Genoese women,) and afflicted with so
+bad a breath, as to be an object of disgust with all the men who heard
+of her. The _bouquets_ which I have mentioned, are peculiar in
+structure, and beautiful in appearance: they are composed of the most
+brilliantly coloured flowers, disposed round a large central flower, in
+tiers, or rows, of the same colour; as, first perhaps, a row of red,
+then white, then purple, then yellow, then blue, &c. &c.; the stalks are
+cut short, curiously attached to wire by fine silk or thread, and being
+bound compactly together, so that the stalks and wires brought into a
+point, form a convenient handle, the petals of the flowers stand out in
+lines of the most vivid hues, making a kind of smooth, expanded,
+circular, and convex, surface. The manufacture of these bouquets, one of
+which takes a considerable time to complete, is a distinct occupation,
+and the sale of them, quite a trade; and though made elsewhere than at
+Genoa, those of that town are most esteemed, and sent over all parts of
+Italy. The flowers composing these bouquets, will keep for at least a
+fortnight as fresh and beautiful as when first gathered, and are capable
+of bearing long journeys, for they are constantly forwarded in boxes
+made expressly for them, to Turin, which is about a hundred miles from
+Genoa, where they arrive fresh and uninjured. An English nobleman
+indeed, not long since, having a quick conveyance, dispatched a Genoese
+bouquet to his family in England, who received it in its pristine
+beauty. Besides being presented by lovers to their affianced brides,
+they are the gifts of friend to friend on most festive occasions, such
+as weddings, christenings, birthdays, Saint's days, and holidays; and
+always upon New Year's day, which is as great an occasion for the
+transfer of gifts in Italy, as it is in France. The freshness and beauty
+of these bouquets, of which several were sent to me during my residence
+in Genoa, are to be thus preserved: at night put your flowers into a
+glass or vase, _without water_, since the stalks bound together in the
+manner described have lost the power of suction and could not be
+benefitted by it; then, lightly sprinkle, or water (with a watering-pot,
+the rose of which is finely bored,) the flowery head of the bouquet, and
+carefully cover it with a fine, light handkerchief, also moistened. This
+attention paid every night will preserve these beautiful nosegays, fresh
+and fair for many weeks.
+
+M.L.B.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE NAUTILUS.
+
+WRITTEN FOR MUSIC.
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+  Hark! 'tis the song of the sailor shell,
+    Sweet on the breezes swelling:
+  Rearing its arms to the breathing gale,
+    Over the billows sailing.
+      Calm is the eve,
+      The wavelets heave
+    Their crests to the setting sun,
+      Glitter awhile
+      In his golden smile,
+    And their brilliant course is run.
+  Hasten, my brothers, our boat along,
+    Off to our sea side dwelling:
+  Haste; while the Nautilus' evening song
+    Sweet on the breeze is swelling.
+
+  Up with the sail! for the earliest boat
+    Lies 'neath the world of waters
+  Ceased is the wild harmonious note
+    That melody's soul first taught us.[2]
+        Over the sea
+        The wind blows free,
+      The spray in the air is hurl'd:
+        Clouds in the wave
+        Their bosoms lave;
+      Then quick be our sail unfurl'd,
+  Haste ye, my brothers, ere night comes on,
+    Over the world of waters:
+  Sing to high heaven, the mellow song
+    The Nautilus' note first taught us.
+
+W. PEARCE.
+
+    [2] The Nautilus, or Sailor-shell, is said to be the origin of
+    Music and Navigation.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PARAPHRASE ON BISHOP HEBER'S PICTURE OF HUMAN LIFE.
+
+(_For the Mirror_.)
+
+
+  Life, like a mighty river, bears us on
+  A rapid tide, we ne'er can rest upon,
+  Adown the narrow stream, at first, we glide
+  Thro' fruits and flowers that fringe the grassy side.
+  The playful murmurings of its windings seem
+  Soft, as the far-off music of a dream,
+  Over our heads the trees their blossoms shed,
+  Flowers on the brink their mingled odours shed.
+  Beauty around, above us, Hope within;
+  Eager we grasp each dazzling charm to win.
+  But hurried on and on, we ne'er can stay
+  Our little bark to anchor or delay.
+  For now, how full, how deep, how vast the river
+  On which we glide, that stays its journey never!
+  As rolling years bring with them joy and woe,
+  Dark, and more various, seems our voyage to grow.
+  Buoyant we ride on waves of hope and joy,
+  Down, down, we sink, when earthly cares annoy!
+  Futile and vain, alike each hope or fear
+  On, on, we glide, there is no resting here.
+  For far behind is left each joy and woe,
+  The mighty river ne'er will cease to flow!
+  And, rough and smooth, it hastens to its home,
+  Glides by each futile hope and pleasure gone.
+  Until within our ears the ocean roars,
+  And the bleak billows break upon the shores;
+  Beneath our keel the bounding waves arise,
+  And the land lessens from our aching eyes.
+  The floods of "Time's wide ocean" round us swell,
+  Earth take of us thy long and last farewell!
+  For witness of our _future voyage_ there's none
+  But _He_, the Infinite, Eternal One!
+
+_Kirton Lindsey_.   ANNIE R.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ON VEILS.
+
+(_To the Editor of the Mirror_.)
+
+
+In No. 385, of the MIRROR, one of your Correspondents gives an account
+of the "_Origin_ of _wearing_ the veil," in which he attributes it to
+Penelope, the beautiful wife of Ulysses. Now, for my own part, I feel
+inclined to query this statement of C.K.W. first by his own account of
+the origin, and second by Scripture.
+
+Your Correspondent, speaking of the decision which the wife of Ulysses
+was to give, says, "the beautiful Penelope finding herself in this
+dilemma, _blushed_, and without making the least reply, drew _her_ veil
+over her face," &c. By this I think it is clearly understood that veils
+were common in Greece when this occurrence took place; or why say "_her_
+veil," which readily implies, that it was customary to wear them, and
+also that it was near her at the time; although, perhaps, she _might_
+have been the first to use it upon such an occasion, namely, to hide her
+blushes from the observation of her father when she decided upon
+accompanying her husband in preference to staying with her parent. 2nd.
+In Scripture we find the veil used in Moses' time, and even by Moses
+himself,[3] 1491 years before Christ; but the earliest _mention_ of it
+which I can find in the Old Testament is in Genesis, xxiv. 65, (before
+Christ 1857 years,) where it says "Rebekah took a veil when she saw
+Isaac coming towards her, and covered herself;" it being customary even
+in those early times to wear them, especially with brides. Now, by
+referring to the History of Greece, it appears that Sparta, near which
+this scene of Penelope's is said to have taken place, was not _founded_
+or instituted till about A.M. 2650, or before Christ 1354, which alone
+makes a difference of 500 years, setting aside the time from the
+foundation of Sparta to the period in which Ulysses lived.
+
+    [3] Exodus, xxxiv. 33, 34, and 35.
+
+I therefore come to the conclusion that your Correspondent is mistaken
+with regard to the origin of wearing the veil; for it is allowed by all
+that the Bible is the most ancient work extant, therefore to that we
+must go for such information as cannot be derived from any other source.
+I beg leave to conclude this paper with a few observations, and some
+extracts from different writers, on the veils worn in the East, which
+may not, perhaps, be uninteresting to your numerous readers.
+
+By perusing the various accounts given us by travellers in the East, it
+appears that great importance is attached to the veil. The strictness
+with which the ladies keep their faces covered and hidden from the sight
+of men, is common in the East, for they are generally of the most
+exquisite beauty; and would take it as the greatest insolence which
+could be offered to them, should their veils at any time be drawn aside.
+
+"Veil answers to the Hebrew word _tzaiph_, translated by a veil, a
+scarf, or mantle, with which the eastern women covered their head and
+face. The Hebrew has also _haradidim_, or veils to sit at table in. The
+veil was a kind of crape, so that they could see through it, or at least
+a passage was left for the light to come to their eyes." _Calmet_, vol.
+ii. art. Veil.
+
+Veils are usually worn both in the house and when abroad, and are of
+four kinds; one of which is a kind of handkerchief, which the Eastern
+ladies wear over the face and the temples. This handkerchief or veil has
+a net work at the place of the eyes, like point or thread lace, in order
+that it may be seen through.
+
+Chardin, in his _Voyage en Perse_, tom. ii. p. 50, says, "The Armenian
+women, contrary to the Mahometan women, have, even when in the house,
+the lower part of the face veiled, even including the nose, if they are
+married. This is in order that their nearest relations and their
+priests, who have the liberty of visiting them, may see only a part of
+their face; but the girls wear this veil only to the mouth, for the
+contrary reason, in order that they may be seen enough to judge of their
+beauty, and to talk of it.... Girls are not _shut up_ in Persia till
+they attain the age of six or seven years; before that age they go out
+of the seraglio, sometimes with their father, so that they may then be
+seen. I have seen some wonderfully pretty. They show the neck and bosom,
+and more beautiful cannot be seen."
+
+Hanway gives the following account, _Travels in Persia_, vol i.
+185:--"The women in Ghilan are fair, their eyes and hair black; but
+here, as in other places, they often use a drug with which they blacken
+their eyes. In this province their features are small: these, as well as
+their stature, partaking much of the delicate. But in general the
+Georgians are most esteemed for the charms of their persons. The females
+who do not labour in the field, are seldom seen abroad, except in a
+morning before the sun rises, and then they are covered with _veils_,
+which reach down to their feet. When they travel on horseback, every
+lady of distinction is not only veiled, but has generally a servant; who
+runs or rides before her to clear the way; and on such occasions the
+men, even in the market-places, _always turn their backs till the women
+are past_, it being thought the highest ill manners to look at them; but
+this awful respect is a proof of the slavery in which they are doomed to
+live. The care which they take to conceal their faces, to avoid the
+imputation of acting indelicately, and contrary to custom, has made so
+strong an impression on them, that I was told of a woman who being
+accidentally surprised when bathing, showed her whole person except her
+face; to hide which all her solicitude was employed."
+
+From Volney, vol. ii. p. 481, we have the following:--"In Asia the women
+are rigorously secluded from the society of men; constantly shut up in
+their houses, they have no communication but with their husband, their
+father, their brother, or at most their cousin german. Carefully
+_veiled_ in the streets, they dare hardly speak to a man, even on
+business. Everybody must be strangers to them; it would be indecent to
+fix your eyes on them; and you must let them pass you as if there were
+something contagious in their nature. The situation of the women among
+the Orientals, occasions a great contrast between their manners and
+ours. Such is their delicacy on this head, that they never speak of
+them; and it would be esteemed highly indecent to make any inquiries of
+the men respecting the women of their family. They are unable to
+conceive how our women go with their faces uncovered; when, in their
+country, an uplifted veil is the mark of a prostitute, or the signal for
+a love adventure."
+
+Pitt's account coincides with the above. "At Algiers, if there are two,
+three, or four families in one house, as many times there happens to be,
+yet they may live there many years and never see one another's wife." p.
+63. "The women wear veils, so that a man's own wife may pass him in the
+street and he not have the least knowledge of her. They will not stop to
+speak with men, or even with their own husbands in the street." p. 67.
+
+Niebuhr says, p. 44. "A man never salutes women in public; he would even
+commit an indecency if he looked at them steadily. An Arab lady who met
+us in a wide valley of the desert of Mount Sinai, went out of the way,
+gave her camel to be led by her servant, and walked on foot till we were
+passed; another, who met us in a narrow way, and who was on foot, sat
+down, and turned her back towards us."
+
+We see by the above, the importance attached to this part of female
+dress in the East. The females of the Jewish nation, as referred to
+above, in the case of Rebekah, wore the veil as a token of modesty,
+reverence, or _subjection_ to their husbands. Chardin also says,
+(_Voyage en Perse_) speaking of a peculiar sort of veil, "Only married
+women wear it; and it is the mark by which it is known _that they are
+under subjection_ or power."
+
+I will not enlarge further upon the subject, but leave it to your
+readers to draw their own conclusions.
+
+JOSEPH TEMPLE E----K.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE SKETCH-BOOK.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A NIGHT IN A SEDAN CHAIR.
+
+_From the German of Theodore Koerner._
+
+(_For the Mirror._)
+
+
+I came from a party where the wine had not been spared, and the guests
+had but just separated, in a state of tolerable elevation. It was a
+drear and stormy autumn night. On reaching the door of my abode, I first
+became aware that I had forgotten the key. As I could not imagine that
+any one would be awake at this late hour,--for it now drew near
+twelve--and, besides, as I lived on the fourth story, I had humanity
+enough not to alarm the whole street, by ringing and shouting, for
+admittance. As this was a circumstance of no very infrequent occurrence,
+I was not long perplexed for a shelter; but directed my steps, as usual,
+towards the sedan stand, at the market place, where of course I still
+met with society, though fast locked in the fetters of sleep. In the
+hall, lay stretched and snoring, the whole corps of the honourable
+company of sedan chairmen; and on a bench near the wall, lay, as usual,
+the sleeping guardian of the night. Without troubling myself much about
+my companions, I gently opened a sedan--crept into the corner--and slept
+much the sooner for "the good wine having done its good office" on me.
+
+I had slept but a very short time when I heard it strike twelve; the
+watchman now arose, and blew a blast upon his horn that thrilled through
+my every nerve, and sang:--
+
+  List--Christians list!--the passing bell
+  Of twelve, has just now told its knell,
+  And midnight is, when evil sprites,
+  Scare the tired sense, with wild affrights.
+  Now close your eyes in peace, and rest
+  Till morning rays illume the west:
+                      Praise God the Lord!
+
+A second time he blew his horn, and the sound re-echoed fearfully
+through the old Town House; the storm howled terrifically, and the rain
+pattered against the panes of my dwelling. In spite of the injunction of
+the watchman, I opened my eyes, and beheld him advancing towards the
+other end of the market-place, where he stopped to repeat his song; and
+again occasionally from street to street, till his voice died away in
+the distance. At this moment I was seized with an indefinable sensation
+of dread. I would have run after the watchman, but the rain deterred me.
+He, too, might have sung of something else than exactly of that fearful
+hour of night--
+
+  "When tombs do yawn and graves yield up their dead."
+
+I did not feel at all comfortable. I was, notwithstanding, just about to
+nestle myself up again in the corner, and once more close my eyes, when
+they lighted on two, tall, meagre forms, whom I immediately recognised
+by their garb as chairmen. There was something mysterious in their
+movements, as if they were consulting on matters of grave import--of
+their discourse I could understand nothing--and their voices sounded to
+me, in the chair, something like the noise made by a brush when drawn
+over the surface of a sheet of paper. I was considering what might be
+the result of all this, when they suddenly seized hold of the chair, and
+marched off. I ought now indeed to have called out to them, but partly
+from a curiosity to discover the cause of this singular nocturnal
+ramble, and partly from a fear of being roughly treated for my
+obtrusiveness, I was induced to remain quietly in my corner. My weight
+did not seem to attract their notice; but how great was my astonishment
+on observing that my bearers were carrying me, in unvarying circles,
+round the market place, though at every turn they contracted the space
+they traversed--and that the usual heavy-sounding tread of the chairmen
+was changed for a noiseless, gliding pace. I looked out to see whether
+they had not drawn off their boots, but I was soon convinced by the
+evidence of my eyes that their heavy boots were in unison with the rest
+of the customary apparel of that class. Their evolutions now became
+gradually narrower, and I, in the same proportion, more anxious and
+excited. At length they stopped, panting, under the lamp-post which
+stands in the middle of the market place, and I was once more greeted by
+those low, hoarse sounds, which I have already mentioned, and it was
+only by dint of the most attentive listening, that I could distinguish
+the following words:
+
+  We are formed of the mist of the grave,
+    We bear to the feast of the slain,
+  There we carry the free and the slave,
+    The host and his numberless train,
+  Yonder we carry--to and fro,
+  Nor end our labours e'er shall know.
+
+At this moment a mist floated before my eyes--I endeavoured to
+shout--but although I used the utmost exertion, I could not produce a
+sound--I felt as if palsied and enchained--my situation was
+desperate--what species of civility could I expect from the spirits,
+(for that they were supernatural beings I could no longer doubt) of
+those chairmen who during their mortal career are so noted for their
+brutality? After a short halt, they recommenced their march at the same
+stealthy pace, through how many streets I cannot now tell, for fear
+almost deprived me of my senses. We came to the town gate--it
+opened--and my conductors bore me directly towards--the churchyard! I
+was in a fever of excitement. They no sooner reached this desired spot,
+than they stopped, and I heard their accursed voices for the third time.
+They opened the door, as if waiting for some one--I endeavoured to
+embrace this opportunity to escape, or to call out, but my strength had
+totally deserted me; every limb felt paralyzed. And now a whole legion
+of similar fiends swarmed around my conductors, and one after another,
+sprang in upon me, apparently no more remarking my presence than if I
+had formed part of the cushion. The first that fell upon me was a cold,
+heavy carcass that might have been buried, at farthest, about three
+days. I thought horror and disgust would have destroyed me. Then came a
+countless myriad of the skeletons of the defunct, all crowding into the
+sedan, as if it had been the ark of Noah. At length, to all appearance,
+the whole of the inhabitants of the churchyard were safely seated upon
+and beside me, and the tombstones which had pertinaciously adhered to
+many a greasy soul, added not a little to the load which lay rattling
+and groaning upon me. A monstrous skeleton which lay at my side--with
+its eternal grin--made the most horrible inroads into my right side with
+its bony elbow, and such a smell--even now I wonder that every sense did
+not leave me. The patience of my bearers seemed however now to be
+exhausted. They still battled at the door with hundreds of this amiable
+fraternity; at length they dashed the door to with a force that made the
+windows quiver, and made off with me and my noble troop. And now it was
+that the rattling, and groaning, and the elbow manoeuvre were first
+fully brought into action, and in their endeavours to seat themselves
+more conveniently, my accursed freight jolted from one side to the other
+till I thought my knees would have broken down under their burthen. One
+would imagine that in such numerous society I should have been warmly
+seated, yet no icehouse ever was colder. At every step that our bearers
+took, the icy mass of putridity before me, shook together--my flesh
+creeps even now at the recollection. The company, growing merry, began
+to sing--and with organs similar to those I had already remarked in our
+guides; but what airs! what tunes! The corpse before me seemed to be a
+leading singer; his soul-moving, heart-rending treble, sounded something
+like scraping slate pencil upon glass; the stave was of the following
+joyous import:--
+
+  See, how glows the deadly wine,
+    Upon the bony lip,
+  And arranged in spectral line,
+    Our joyous numbers trip.
+  See--attentive at her side,
+  The ghastly lover woos his bride;
+  Whilst sepulchral music flowing,
+  Scares the dawning day from growing.
+
+To the latest hour of my existence, I shall retain a vivid recollection
+of this auricular martyrdom. After a ride of about half an hour, during
+which, my situation was more horrible than I can depict, our conductors
+stopped at another churchyard; the door was now opened, and as each
+passed forward to escape, a terrific squabble ensued between the cargo
+and my two attendants, probably about the fare. A third time I strained
+every nerve to call out, but it was absolutely impossible; at length,
+however, their quarrel seemed to have been adjusted; the chairman shut
+the door, still grumbling, and I was again, thank God, alone--could once
+more breathe freely--and by degrees became warmer. My conductors took
+their way through the gate back again, and I became more easy in the
+reflection that, in consonance with old habits of good order, they would
+probably replace the chair in its original situation; but, to my
+astonishment and terror, I now first became aware that the size of my
+conductors was rapidly enlarging. Instantly their statures became more
+exalted, their forms more aerial, and their strides more gigantic; and I
+could see distinctly into the first floor of the houses of the street
+through which we were passing. In the square where stands the monument
+of our late lamented monarch, their forms became really terrific, and as
+the foremost strode past, he swept the statue from its pedestal with his
+coat, with as much apparent ease as if it had been a wax doll. In the
+next street, I could, without difficulty, look into the third floor of
+the houses we were passing, and on reaching the market place, I found
+myself elevated to the altitude of the church-clock; my bearers having
+become as attenuated as the conductor. Here all consciousness left me,
+and what farther became of me, I know not. On recovering myself, I lay
+in the chair which stood in its old place. It was already near mid-day;
+I therefore crept softly out of my fearful tenement, and luckily escaped
+unobserved. My friends to whom I related my adventure, said, that I had
+dreamed--that I had been visited by the nightmare--but to me it has
+always appeared singular, that for the whole of the next day, my coat
+had a smell as earthy as if it had lain in a grave; and that the storm
+should this very night have thrown down the statue of the king from its
+pedestal.
+
+J.H.F.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY.
+
+
+_Waterproof Composition._
+
+Mr. Henry Hunt, the patentee of the "Waterproof Composition," informs us
+that for the above invention we are indebted to the scientific
+researches of Baron Charles Wetterstedz, the brother of one of the
+ministers of state at the Court of Sweden, by whom it was employed to
+prevent the infection of the plague, by means of absorption through the
+pores of the soles of boots and shoes; but he accidentally discovered
+that it rendered them waterproof, during a thaw in Sweden, when his
+boots, being prepared with this composition, resisted the snow-water,
+and remained perfectly dry, whilst the boots of other persons were
+saturated, and resembled tripe.
+
+Mr. Scott, an experienced engineer, has experimented upon leather
+prepared with Mr. Hunt's Composition, and found it "impervious to
+moisture at all degrees of pressure that leather will bear." The best
+tannage becomes saturated at from ten to fourteen pounds upon the inch,
+whilst that prepared with the Composition, was not penetrated at 180
+lbs. upon the inch. With such testimony, we need not add our
+recommendation of "the Waterproof Composition" as likely to prove of
+great benefit, especially to our sporting and country friends.
+
+_Preservation of Canvass._
+
+The _Literary Gazette_ informs us, that an inhabitant of Troyes, in
+Champagne, has discovered a method of preparing canvass, and every other
+description of coarse linen, so as to resist damp, and prevent the
+approach of insects and vermin, and that the inventor promises to make
+his discovery public.
+
+_Bacon._
+
+An American journal says, that Elder leaves bruised in a mortar, with a
+little water, will destroy skippers in bacon, without injuring the meat.
+
+_Ale._
+
+Ale brewers usually put into the bung-hole of each cask, when stowed
+away, a handful of half boiled hops impregnated with wort, the object of
+which is to exclude the atmospheric air by covering the surface of the
+liquid; but some brewers, more rigidly attentive, insert (privately) at
+the same time, about one ounce of powdered black rosin, previously mixed
+with beer, which swims on the surface, but after a time is partially
+absorbed.--_Lib. Useful Know._
+
+_Beer Poisons._
+
+_Cocculus Indicus_ is largely imported into this country, considering
+that few know for what other purpose it is used than to adulterate beer.
+We suspect what was at one time generally sold to brewers for Cocculus
+Indicus was really _Nux Vomica_ (used to poison rats), and that the
+brewers' druggists when making their defence, passed Nux Vomica for
+Cocculus Indicus, on the same principle as the forgers of bank notes
+plead guilty to the lesser indictment. _Opium_, we believe, is still in
+use; for we have known seizures of that article in the custody of ale
+brewers, within the last two years.--_Library of Useful Know._
+
+_Bees._
+
+A Correspondent of the _Magazine of Natural History_, says, "the
+superstition respecting bees prevails in some parts, as to informing
+them of any great public event that takes place."
+
+_Swan River Settlement._
+
+The soil of Swan River, from its moist state, is better adapted to the
+cultivation of tobacco and cotton than any other part of Australia. Both
+these articles are intended to be cultivated on a large scale, as also
+sugar and flax, with various important articles of drugs that the
+climate is peculiarly adapted to the growth of.--_Parliamentary Papers._
+
+_The Harvest Bug_
+
+Is so minute as to be visible only to the keenest eyes, and then only
+when on any very smooth white surface. Ladies and children are the first
+to complain of their attacks; and chiefly where any part of the dress
+fits closely to the skin. There they seat themselves at the intersection
+of the lines, and lay such firm hold with their feet and jaws, that they
+cannot be displaced by rubbing, nor by washing, unless a powerful spirit
+or acid be used. By a microscope, the bug will be seen to have eight
+legs, two feelers, and an abdomen something egg-shaped; colour livid
+red; and in size no bigger than the point of a small needle. They
+lacerate the epidermis in some way or other, as a small hole is
+observable where they have been seated; and cause extreme itching and
+considerable inflammation of the part.--_Magazine of Natural History_.
+
+We should think _Eau de luce_ or ammonia a remedy for their bite.
+
+_Adulterated Flour._
+
+If flour adulterated with potato starch be sprinkled upon black paper,
+and examined by a powerful lens, or a microscope, the starch may be
+detected by the brilliancy of its grains.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+NOTES OF A READER.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A BOTTLE OF GOOD WINE.
+
+
+The following (from the _Ramblings of a Desultory Man_, in the _New
+Monthly Magazine_) is in the best vein of a _bon vivant_ and will be
+easily credited:--
+
+"After dinner we ordered a bottle of Sautern, which was marked in the
+carte at two francs ten sous. It was in a kind of despair that we did
+it, for the red wine was worth nothing. It came--people may talk of
+Hocheim, and Burgundy, and Hermitage, and all the wines that ever the
+Rhone or the Rhine produced, but never was their wine like that one
+bottle of Sautern. It poured out as clear as the stream of hope ere it
+has been muddied by disappointment, and it was as soft and generous as
+early joy ere youth finds out its fallacy. We drank it slowly, and
+lingered over the last glass as if we had a presentiment that we should
+never meet with any thing like it again. When it was done, quite done,
+we ordered another bottle. But no--it was not the same wine. We sent it
+away and had another--in vain;--and another--there was no more of it to
+be had.
+
+"It was like one of those days of pure unsophisticated happiness, that
+sometimes break in upon life, and leave nothing to be desired; that come
+unexpectedly, last their own brief space, like things apart, and are
+remembered for ever." We remember just such a bottle of _Grave_ at
+Abbeville.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ST. SAVIOUR, SOUTHWARK.[4]
+
+
+    [4] In connexion with the decay of this venerable pile, we
+    notice with sincere regret the recent and premature death of Mr.
+    George Gwilt, jun., who assisted his father in the restoration
+    of the tower and the choir of St. Saviour's, (see MIRROR, vol.
+    xiii p. 227.) Though little advanced in his 27th year, he had
+    already proved an honour to his family and his profession of an
+    architect, by the production of a design for the restoration of
+    the church, for which a premium of one hundred guineas was
+    awarded to him about five years since. Of his excellent
+    disposition and many good qualities as a friend and associate,
+    we are enabled to speak with equal confidence; and seldom has it
+    been our lot to meet with so much good sense and correct taste
+    in an individual as we were wont to enjoy in the society of the
+    deceased. This is far from a full eulogium on his merits; but as
+    the above extract, presented an opportunity, we could not omit
+    this slight tribute to the memory of A LAMENTED FRIEND.
+
+Among the fine old localities of London is the neighbourhood of the
+church of St. Saviour, Southwark; this is one of the noblest and largest
+churches in London, and when the new London Bridge is finished, might be
+made a noble object from the approach on the Borough side. It is a
+positive disgrace if it be suffered to remain in its present dilapidated
+state by the parishioners. The massy spaciousness of the structure, and
+the solidity of its walls, strike the stranger who first beholds it with
+admiration. In this church lies old Gower the poet, and there are
+several very curious relics of the olden time scattered about within its
+walls. Its date is believed to be anterior to London Bridge. All the
+ground along the river near it towards Blackfriars' Bridge is filled
+with remains celebrated in the annals of the church, and what is
+singular, also of the theatre.--_New Monthly Magazine_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+HUMAN LIFE.
+
+
+  Human life is like a river--
+  Its brightness lasts not on for ever--
+  That dances from its native braes,
+  As pure as maidhood's early days;
+  But soon, with dark and sullen motion,
+  It rolls into its funeral ocean,
+  And those whose currents are the slightest,
+  And shortest run, are aye the brightest:
+  So is our life--its latest wave
+  Rolls dark and solemn to the grave.
+
+_Ettrick Shepherd_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+SHUMLA.
+
+
+The following description of Shumla, by an experienced officer, will at
+this moment, be particularly interesting:--
+
+"What is properly called the town of Shumla, is nearly surrounded by a
+rampart of Mount Hæmus, or the Balkan, which descends on both sides in
+the form of a horse-shoe. The steep slopes of this great fence are
+covered with detached rocks and close thorny bushes. The nature of the
+ground makes it a most advantageous position for the Turkish soldier,
+who when sheltered by these inequalities, rapid steeps and a few
+intrenchments, displays all the address of the most skilful marksman.
+Like some orators, who cannot express themselves unless when partly
+concealed by a table or tribunal, the Turk cannot use his musket unless
+he can rest it on a stone or against the trunk of a tree, but then his
+aim is infallible.
+
+"The town is about a league in length, with half that breadth, and may
+contain from thirty to thirty-five thousand souls. The fortifications
+are of barbarian architecture; a ditch, with a simple rampart, partly of
+earth, partly of brick, flanked here and there with little towers, which
+serve neither for support nor resistance, and which contain not above
+seven or eight fusileers. But it is not the town itself which is to be
+considered, but the vast intrenched field in the centre of which it is
+placed, and which is capable of containing an immense army, with its
+magazines, its utensils and equipage, without the enemy having the power
+to throw a single shell into the place, or disturb it by any manoeuvre
+whatever.
+
+"The air is extremely healthy in the elevated positions of the Balkan
+and in the narrow valleys which lie between its ridges.... On the other
+hand, there cannot be a more unhealthy country than that which extends
+from the Balkan to the borders of the Danube and Pruth. This difference
+between the climate of the mountains and the plain is the most
+formidable defence which nature has given Shumla. While the enemy is
+encamped in wet grounds and pestilential marshes, in want of wood, of
+provisions, and sometimes of men in health to take care of the sick; the
+Turks breathe a keen, dry air, and have an inexhaustible supply of fuel
+in the forests which surround them. In summer, Shumla is an agreeable
+abode; the town is surrounded by pleasant gardens, by vineyards, and a
+stream running from the mountains maintains the verdure of the fields.
+In time of peace it may be entered without hindrance, and the Turks
+allow the curious to walk about and survey all the posts. In this there
+is perhaps a secret pride, joined with the wish to communicate to others
+the conviction which they themselves feel, that the place is
+inexpugnable."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+COURT FLATTERY.
+
+
+Here is a draught of "delicious essence," proffered by the lord of the
+Burmese granaries to the British embassy:--"The most glorious monarch,
+the lord of the golden palace, the sunrising king, holds dominion over
+that part of the world which lies towards the rising sun; the great and
+powerful monarch, the King of England, rules over the whole of that
+portion of the world which lies towards the setting sun. The same
+glorious sun enlightens the one and the other. Thus may peace continue
+between the two countries, and for ever impart mutual blessings to both.
+Let no cloud intervene, or mist arise, to obscure its genial rays."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A BARGAIN.
+
+
+The Archbishop of Saltzburg paid, in 1745, 995 scudi for his pallium,
+and 31,338 for his confirmation; i.e. (roughly speaking) about 7,000_l_.
+The pallium consists of two stripes of white wool, cut from two lambs
+offered up, in St. Agnes's Church, on St. Agnes's Day, spun into a sort
+of cloth by the nuns of St. Agnes, and consecrated by the Pope on the
+altar of St. Peter's.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+CITY PAGEANTS.
+
+
+In the reign of James I. the sober liverymen of London decked
+themselves, on days of state, with chains of gold, pearl, or diamonds.
+The wealthy merchant, Sir Paul Pindar, had a diamond valued at thirty
+thousand pounds, which he lent to the king on great occasions, but
+refused to sell. It was said by the Prince of Anhalt, in 1610, after
+seeing "the pleasant triumphs upon the water, and within the city, which
+at this time, were extraordinary, in honour of the lord mayor and
+citizens," that "there was no state nor city in the world that did elect
+their magistrates with such magnificence, except the city of Venice,
+unto which the city of London cometh very near." These exhibitions were
+more splendid, and, though quaint and whimsical, savoured more of
+intellect and invention than the similar "triumphs" of the present
+day.--_Quarterly Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Brussels is rapidly advancing in the art of printing; one individual
+published no less than 250,000 volumes in the year 1827. Books are
+published much cheaper than in Paris, which creates no small jealousy
+there. Didot projected to bring his press into Brussels, but found that
+he had been forestalled by the labours of more than one printer. Neither
+the type nor the paper equal the printing of London or Edinburgh, or
+perhaps Paris; but they are daily improving, and an immense number of
+books are exported.--_New Mon. Mag_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Huber, a German priest, relates a curious instance, in his own
+experience, of the mischief done by hasty proceedings. When he first
+went to his parish, he found, to his great disgust, only the common
+books of devotion, viz.:--P. Cochem, the Great and Little Garden, the
+Spiritual Soul-watcher, &c. The very first occasion which offered, he
+attacked these books publicly and vehemently from the pulpit. The people
+were shocked and offended; they said that their fathers knew how to pray
+as well as fresh teachers, and would not look at his new volumes of
+prayer. Taught by his ill success to vary his plan, on a subsequent
+occasion he took occasion to speak in proper terms of respect of the
+piety of the composers of those early books, but added that many
+improvements, as they all knew, were constantly making in agriculture,
+masonry, &c., and so they must see that this might be the case with
+books. He then proceeded in the pulpit to compare the old and one of his
+new books of devotion, and before the evening he had numerous
+applications for copies.--_Foreign Quarterly Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MOONLIGHT.
+
+
+  When sunbeams on the river blaze,
+  You on its glory scarce can gaze;
+  But when the moon's delirious beam,
+  In giddy splendour woos the stream,
+  Its mellow'd light is so refined,
+  'Tis like a gleam of soul and mind;
+  Its gentle ripple glittering by,
+  Like twinkle of a maiden's eye;
+  While all amazed at Heaven's steepness,
+  You gaze into its liquid deepness,
+  And see some beauties that excel--
+  Visions to dream of, not to tell--
+  A downward soul of living hue,
+  So mild, so modest, and so blue!
+
+_Ettrick Shepherd_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PERILS OF TRAVEL.
+
+
+Humboldt and his party, on their memorable ascent of the volcano of
+Tunguragna, in the Nevado del Chimborazo, at the elevation of 19,300
+feet, the highest spot ever trod by man, suffered severely. The air was
+reduced to half its usual density, and felt intensely cold and piercing.
+Respiration was laborious; and blood oozed from their eyes, their lips,
+and their gums. Another peculiarity of great elevations, noticed by
+travellers, is the astonishing clearness of the atmosphere. Captain Head
+was struck with it in the case of a condor shot, which appeared to fall
+within thirty or forty yards; but on sending one of his miners to bring
+it back, to his astonishment he found that the distance was such, as to
+take up above half an hour, going and returning. In Norway, a friend of
+the present writer stepped out of a boat to visit a spot, as he
+conceived, of a few hundred yards distant, when in fact it proved to be
+some miles. In the Pyrenees, the celebrated cascade of Gavarni appears
+about a short mile from the auberge, where travellers frequently leave
+their mules to rest, while they proceed on foot, little aware that they
+are thereby exposing themselves to a long and laborious walk of above an
+hour's duration. In the Andes, Humboldt remarks this phenomenon; stating
+that in the mountains of Quito he could distinguish the white poncho of
+a person on horseback, at the distance of seventeen miles. He also
+notices the extreme clear and steady light of the stars, which we can
+vouch to be true to a most extraordinary degree even in Europe, having
+distinctly seen the planet Venus, in a dazzling sunshine, at half past
+eleven, from the summit of the port of Venasque, in the Pyrenees.
+
+_London Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+TITLES.
+
+
+Everybody knows that titles and dignities are not only integral parts of
+the person, but its most distinctive attributes. When Earl Grey said he
+would stand or fall by his order, it was as if he had said, he would
+stand or fall by himself. Take a noble lord, and, if the process be
+possible, abstract him mentally from his titles and privileges, and
+offer the two lots separately for sale in the market, who would not buy
+the latter if they could? who would, in most cases, even bid for the
+first? It is the title that is asked everywhere to dinner; it is the
+title receives all the bows and prostrations, that gets the nomination
+to so many places, that commands the regiments and ships-of-war, and
+"robs the Exchequer with unwashed hands." The man who owns it, may be
+what he can, an honest man, or a scoundrel, a mushroom or an Howard, a
+scholar, or a brute, a wit or a blockhead, _c'est égal_. Proud, haughty,
+highdaring, free England, is not this true to the letter?--_New Monthly
+Magazine_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At Thetford, not far from his beloved Newmarket, James I. was threatened
+with an action of trespass for following his game over a farmer's
+corn.--_Quarterly Review_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+"SIR DAN DANN'LY, THE IRISH HAROE."
+
+_From "Walks in Ireland," in the Monthly Magazine._
+
+
+In spite of all that yet remains, it must be admitted with a sigh, that
+the glory of Donnybrook has departed in the person of the renowned
+Daniel Donnelly, better known among his admiring followers, by the
+sounding title of "Sir Dan Dann'ly, the Irish haroe." Of course if you
+know any thing of the glorious science of self-defence, a necessary
+accomplishment which I hope you have not neglected amidst the general
+diffusion of knowledge which distinguishes this happy age, of course if
+you have cultivated that noble art which teaches us the superiority of
+practical demonstration over theoretical induction, the recollection of
+that celebrated champion must fill your mind with reverence for his
+exploits, mingled with regret that he was snatched so soon from the path
+of glory.
+
+I was fortunate enough to possess the friendship of that great man, and
+I esteem among the happiest days of my life, that on which I was lucky
+enough to attract his attention: it was during a _row_ at Donnybrook
+Fair. I was defending myself with whatever energy I possess, against
+overwhelming odds, when suddenly, as if Mars himself had listened to my
+invocation, and descended to the fray, Dan rushed from his tent to show
+fair play, and in an instant my cowardly assailants fled, as if
+scattered by a whirlwind. From that hour, gratitude on my part, and a
+consciousness of protection on his, cemented an intimacy between us.
+
+During the fair week, Dan Donnelly's tent (he always kept one after he
+became a celebrated character) was always crowded to excess by all
+classes, high and low; some attracted by admiration of the good things
+of this life dispensed by the amiable Lady Dann'ly, others by the
+convivial and facetious qualities of her redoubted spouse; in the
+evening, especially, you were sure to find him the centre of a circle of
+wondering listeners, detailing some of his extraordinary adventures, the
+most astonishing of which it was heresy in the eyes of his followers to
+doubt for an instant, though my love of truth obliges me to confess,
+that one or two I have heard him relate sounded a little apocryphal. But
+great and extraordinary characters are not to be judged of by common
+rules; for instance, his account of the manner in which he obtained the
+honour of knighthood from the hands of our present gracious sovereign,
+then Prince Regent, always appeared to me to differ in some material
+circumstances from the ordinary routine of court etiquette, and rather
+to resemble one of those amusing and instructive narratives denominated
+fairy tales. But on this delicate subject perhaps the safest course is
+to suffer the reader to judge for himself: so without further
+circumlocution, I will submit my lamented friend's account to his
+perusal, in the precise words in which I have so often had the pleasure
+of hearing it:--
+
+"My jewels, I was lyin' in bed one mornin', restin' myself, in regard ov
+bein' dhrunk the night afore, wid Scroggins an' Jack Randall, an' some
+more ov the boys; an' as I was lyin' on the broad ov my back, thinkin'
+ov nothin', a knock came to my door. 'Come in,' says I, 'iv you're fat.'
+So the door opened sure enough, an' in come a great big chap, dhressed
+in the most elegantest way ever you see, wid a cockade in his hat, an' a
+plume ov feathers out ov id, an' goolden epulets upon his shouldhers,
+an' tossels an' bobs of goold all over the coat ov him, jist like any
+lord ov the land. 'Are you Dan Dann'ly,' says he;--'Throth an' I am,'
+says I; 'an' that's my name sure enough, for want ov a better; an' what
+do ye want wid me now you've found me.'--'My masther is waitin' to spake
+to ye, an' sint me to tell you to come down to his place in a
+hurry.'--'An' who the devil _is_ your masther?' says I; 'an' didn't
+think ye had one, only yourself, an' you so fine.'--'Oh,' says he, 'my
+masther is the Prence Ragin.'--'Blur an' ouns,' says I; 'tell his honour
+I'll be wid him in the twinklin' ov a bedpost, the minit I take my face
+from behind my beard, an' get on my clane flax; but stop a bit,' says I;
+'where does the masther live?'--'Down at Carltown Palace,' says he; 'so
+make yourself dacent, an' be off wid yourself afther me.' Wid that away
+he wint.
+
+"Up I gets, an' away I goes, the instant minit I put on my duds, down to
+Carltown Palace. An' it's it that's the place; twicet as big as the
+castle, or Kilmainham gaol, an' groves ov threes round about it, like
+the Phaynix Park. Up I goes to the gate, an' I gives a little asy rap to
+show I wasn't proud; who should let me in but the 'dentical chap that
+come to ax me up. 'Well, Dan,' says he, 'you didn't let the grass grow
+undher your feet; the masther's waitin', so away in wid ye as fast as ye
+can.'--'An' which way will I go?' says I.--'Crass the yard,' says he,
+'an' folley your nose up through the house, ever 'till you come to the
+dhrawin'-room door, an' then jist rap wid your knuckle, an' ye'll get
+lave to come in.' So away I wint acrass the yard, an' it's there the fun
+was goin' on, soldiers marchin', and fiddlers playin', and monkeys
+dancin', an' every kind ov diversion, the same as ourselves here at
+Donnybrook Fair, only it lasts all the year round, from mornin' till
+night, I'm tould.
+
+"When I come to the house, in I wint, bowin' an' doin' my manners in the
+most genteelest way to all the grand lords an' ladies that was there,
+folleyin' their own divarsion, the same as thim that was in the yard,
+every way they liked--dhrinkin', an' singin', an' playin' ov music, and
+dancin' like mad! I wint on, on, on, out ov one room an' into another,
+till my head was fairly addled, an' I thought I'd never come to the ind.
+And sich grandeur!--why, the playhouse was nothin' to id. At last I come
+to a beautiful big stairs, an' up I wint; an' sure enough there was the
+drawin'-room door, reachin' up to the ceilin' almost, an' as big as the
+gate ov a coach-house, an' wrote on a board over the door, 'No
+admittance for strangers, only on business.'--'Sure,' says I, 'I'm come
+on the best ov business, whin the Prence is afther sendin' his man to
+tell me to come on a visit.'--An' wid that I gave a knock wid my knuckle
+the way I was bid. 'Come in,' says a voice; and so I opened the door.
+
+"Oh! then, ov all the sights ever I see, an' it's that was the finest!
+There was the Prence Ragin' himself, mounted up upon his elegant throne,
+an' his crown, that was half a hundred weight ov goold, I suppose, on
+his head, an' his sceptre in his hand, an' his lion sittin' on one side
+ov him, an' his unicorn on the other.--'Morrow, Dan,' says he, 'you're
+welcome here.'--'Good morning, my Lord,' says I, 'plase your
+Reverence.'--'An' what do you think ov my place,' says he, 'Dan, now
+you're in it?'--'By Dad! your worship,' says I, 'it bates all the places
+ever I see, an' there's not the like ov id for fun in the wide world,
+barrin' Donnybrook Fair.'--'I never was at the fair,' says he, 'bud I'm
+tould there's plenty ov sport there for them that has money, an' is able
+to take their own part in a row.'--'Throth, Majesty,' says I, 'your
+honour may say that; an' iv your holiness 'ill come an' see us there,
+it's myself that 'ill give you a dhrop ov what's good, an' show ye all
+the divarsion ov the place--ay, an' leather the best man in the fair,
+that dare say, Black is the white ov your eye!'--'More power to ye,
+Dan!' says he, laughin'; 'an' what id you like to dhrink now?'--'Oh, by
+Gor!' says I, 'I'm afeard to take any thing, for I was dhrunk last
+night, an' I'm not quite study yet.'--'By the piper that played afore
+Moses,' says he, 'ye'll not go out ov my house till ye dhrink my
+health;' so wid that he mounted down off his throne, an' wint to a
+little black cupboard he had snug in the corner, an' tuck out his gardy
+vine an' a couple of glasses. 'Hot or cowld, Dan?' says he.--'Cowld,
+plase your reverence,' says I. So he filled a glass for me, an' a glass
+for himself.--'Here's towards ye, Dan,' says he.--'The same to you,
+Majesty!' says I;--an' what do ye think it was? May I never tell a lie
+iv id wasn't as good whiskey as ever you see in your born days. 'Well,'
+says I, 'that's as fine sperits as ever I dhrunk, for sperits like id;
+might I make bould to ax who does your worship dale wid?'--'Kinahan, in
+Dublin,' says he.--'An' a good warrant he is,' says I: so we wint on,
+dhrinkin' and chattin', till at last, 'Dan,' says he, 'I'd like to spar
+a round wid ye.' 'Oh,' says I, 'Majesty, I'd be afeard ov hurtin' ye,
+without the gloves.'--'Arrah, do you think it's a brat ov a boy ye're
+spakin' to?' says he; 'do ye're worst, Dan, and divil may care!' An' so
+wid that we stud up.
+
+"Do you know he has a mighty purty method ov his own, bud thin, though
+id might do wid Oliver, it was all nonsense wid me, so afore you could
+say Jack Lattin, I caught him wid my left hand undher the ear, an'
+tumbled him up on his throne. 'There now,' says I, 'Majesty, I tould ye
+how id would be, but you'd never stop until you got yourself
+hurt.'--'Give us your fist, Dan,' says he, 'I'm not a bit the worse of
+the fall; you're a good man, an' I'm not able for you.'--'That's no
+disgrace,' says I, 'for it's few that is; but iv I had you in thrainin'
+for six months, I'd make another man ov ye;' an' wid that we fell a
+dhrinkin' again, ever till we didn't lave a dhrop in the bottle; an'
+then I thought it was time to go, so up I got.--'Dan,' says he, 'before
+you lave me I'll make you a knight, to show I have no spite again ye for
+the fall.'--'Oh,' says I, 'for the matter ov that, I'm sure ye're too
+honourable a gintleman to hould spite for what was done in fair play,
+an' you know your reverence wouldn't be easy until you had a thrial ov
+me.'--'Say no more about id, Dan,' says he, laughin', 'bud kneel down
+upon your bended knees.' So down I kneeled.--'Now,' says he, 'ye wint
+down on your marrow bones plain Dan, but I give ye lave to get up Sir
+Dan Dann'ly, Esquire.'--'Thank your honour,' says I, 'an' God mark you
+to grace wherever you go.' So wid that we shook hands, an' away I wint.
+Talk of your kings and prences, the Prence Ragin' is the finest Prence
+ever I dhrunk wid."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+I'D BE A PARODY.
+
+BY THOMAS HAYNES BAYLEY.
+
+
+  I'd be a Parody, made by a ninny
+    On some little song with a popular tune,
+  Not worth a halfpenny, sold for a guinea,
+    And sung in the Strand by the light of the moon.
+  I'd never sigh for the sense of a Pliny,
+    (Who cares for sense at St. James's in June?)
+  I'd be a Parody, made by a ninny,
+    And sung in the Strand by the light of the moon.
+
+  Oh! could I pick tip a thought or a stanza,
+    I'd take a flight on another bard's wings,
+  Turning his rhymes into extravaganza,
+    Laugh at his harp--and then pilfer its strings!
+  When a poll-parrot can croak the cadenza
+    A nightingale loves, he supposes he sings!
+  Oh, never mind, I will pick up a stanza,
+    Laugh at his harp--and then pilfer its strings!
+
+  What though you tell me each metrical puppy
+    Might make of such parodies _two pair a day_;
+  Mocking birds think they obtain for each copy
+    Paradise plumes for the parodied lay:--
+  Ladder of fame! if man _can't_ reach thy top, he
+    Is right to sing just as high up as he may;
+  I'd be a Parody, made by a puppy,
+    Who makes of such parodies two pair a day!
+
+_Sharpe's Magazine_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE ANECDOTE GALLERY.
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+VISIT TO FERNEY IN 1829.
+
+_Sharpe's London Magazine_, (No, 3.),
+
+
+Contains a pleasant article under the above title, describing the
+present state of Ferney, the residence of Voltaire, an engraving of
+which appeared in our No. 384. We would willingly have made the journey,
+and written our description in the Poet's _salon_, could we have "stayed
+time;" but as the old dials quaintly tell us, time "tarryeth for no
+man," and we were then compelled to adopt the most recent description.
+
+Such of this last "Visit to Ferney" as relates to the Château will
+therefore be interesting, as a supplement to our previous
+illustration:--
+
+"The road leading from Geneva to this celebrated spot is delightful,
+bordered on each side with superb villas, and presenting picturesque
+points of view only to be found in the environs of that enchanting city.
+A handsome avenue conducts the traveller to the château, the
+architecture of which is nothing very remarkable. After mounting three
+steps, and crossing a narrow vestibule, we entered the _salon_, which in
+its day received most of the wits and celebrated personages of Europe:
+for as a contemporary of Voltaire observed, 'to have been admitted at
+Ferney, is to have taken out a patent for genius.' The appearance of
+this salon is far from brilliant: a few indifferent pictures, some old
+red tapestry, and antiquated furniture compose the whole of its
+ornaments. To the left we entered the chamber of Voltaire.
+
+"On one side of the apartment an humble mausoleum has been reared, the
+sanctity of which was not however respected by the sabres of the
+Austrians. The inscription on the top (a happy inspiration of the
+husband of Mademoiselle Varicourt), contains these simple words: 'Mon
+coeur est ici; et mon esprit est partout.' The most elaborate panegyric
+could not have conveyed a finer eulogium.
+
+"On entering, the spectator is struck with the view of a bed of simple
+materials, and which was pillaged by the Austrians. Hung round the room
+are the portraits of Frederick, of Catharine, of Lekain--one of Voltaire
+himself, taken at the age of forty, and full of expression, with a
+number of _silhouettes_ of the celebrated men of the day.
+
+"The window of this apartment looks upon the gardens, and upon a little
+wood, which has undergone many changes since the death of Voltaire. Time
+however has hitherto respected a long and thick row of elm trees,
+whither he was wont to repair at sunrise, and where he usually meditated
+and recited aloud the scenes of his tragedies when finished, to any one
+whom he could find. His jealousy of criticism on such occasions is
+matter of record.
+
+"The gardener at present belonging to the château was there during the
+latter period of Voltaire's life, and related to us with much _naïveté_
+several anecdotes, not generally known, of his master.
+
+"Where the thickly-spreading branches of the elm trees present the
+slightest opening, the spectator enjoys one of the most beautiful views
+that can be imagined. In the distance, that giant of the hills--Mont
+Blanc, crowned with its eternal snows, rises majestically. At the base
+of the mountain the eye is gratified with the sight of variegated
+plains, smiling with verdure, and cultivated with the most industrious
+care. The Rhone with its silver stream floats through the beautiful
+country that surrounds Geneva, which may be said to describe an
+amphitheatre just above the lake.
+
+"A spacious park, not far from the château, usually formed the
+termination of Voltaire's rambles: in its cool shades he delighted to
+indulge his poetic meditations. To this place he was in the habit of
+driving daily in a little open calèche, drawn by a favourite black mare.
+The space which separates the park from the château, and which forms a
+gentle acclivity, is planted with vines."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+THE GATHERER.
+
+
+  "A snapper-up of unconsidered trifles."
+      SHAKSPEARE.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+A WELSH RABBIT.
+
+
+Colonel A---- baiting for the first time in his life at a Welsh inn,
+thought he would order for his dinner, a dish which _must_ be perfection
+in its own country: viz. a _Welsh rabbit_. The dinner hour arrived, and
+the colonel lifting up the cover of the dish next him, exclaimed in
+angry astonishment to the waiter, upon beholding a large, dry-looking,
+fleshy animal before him. "What the d----l d'ye call _this_, a Welsh
+rabbit?" "Why, noo, noo, Sir!" replied the man, perfectly cool, and
+unconscious of the error, "Noo, it certainly an't exactly a _Welsh_
+rabbit, but 'tis a _Monmouthshire_ one!"
+
+J.R.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+ODD MEAL.
+
+
+The celebrated David Hartley entertained, at his apartments in Merton
+College, of which he was fellow, a party of his friends; they all dined
+well, _comme de raison_; and there was every likelihood that the evening
+would conclude with the utmost festivity, when a letter was brought to
+the naturalist; after due apology, he opened and read it; then starting
+up, he rushed out of the room. He soon returned, with horror on his face
+and a basketful of feathers in his hand; "Gentlemen, what do you think
+we have been eating?" Some of the guests began to fear they had been
+poisoned; even the boldest felt qualms. "Oh! that the letter had but
+arrived before the bird!" Then holding up some of the feathers, and
+letting them fall into the basket to display them to the company, he
+relieved their apprehensions, while he revealed the cause of his own
+grief, "we have eaten a nondescript." Though no blame could attach to
+him, there was something in all appearance so disreputable in the
+untoward accident by which, under his auspices, a scientific object had
+been treated in so vulgar a manner, that Hartley did not quickly recover
+from the mortification.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+THE COMEDY OF LIFE.
+
+
+The world is the stage; men are the actors; the events of life form the
+piece; fortune distributes the parts; religion governs the performance;
+philosophers are the spectators; the opulent occupy the boxes; the
+powerful the amphitheatre; and the pit is for the unfortunate; the
+disappointed snuff the candles; folly composes the music; and time draws
+the curtain.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+DUKE OF GRAFTON.
+
+
+The late duke, when hunting, was thrown into a ditch, at the same time a
+young curate called out, "_Lie still, my lord_," leaped over him, and
+continued the chase. Such apparent want of feeling, might be presumed,
+was properly resented. But on being helped out by his attendants, his
+grace said, "_that man shall have the first good living that falls to my
+disposal, had he stopped to have taken care of me I would never have
+given him any thing:_" his grace being delighted with an ardour similar
+to his own, or with a spirit that would not stoop to flatter.
+
+C.C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Be ignorance thy choice when knowledge leads to woe.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_LIMBIRD'S EDITIONS._
+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement,
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+
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