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diff --git a/11412-h/11412-h.htm b/11412-h/11412-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e09ce27 --- /dev/null +++ b/11412-h/11412-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2431 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> +<html> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> +<title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 286, December 8, 1827, by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + + .note, .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + + .figure {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em; margin: auto;} + .figure img {border: none;} + .figure p + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11412 ***</div> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 286, December 8, 1827, by Various</h1> +<br /> +<br /> +<center><b>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram, Keith M. Eckrich, David Garcia,<br /> + and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team</b></center> +<br /> +<br /> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page377" name="page377"></a>[pg + 377]</span> + <h1> + THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + </h1> + <hr class="full" /> + <table width="100%" summary="Banner"> + <tr> + <td align="left"> + <b>VOL. X, NO. 286.]</b> + </td> + <td align="center"> + <b>SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1827.</b> + </td> + <td align="right"> + <b>[PRICE 2d.</b> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <div class="figure" style="width: 100%;"> + <a href="images/286-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/286-1.png" + alt="Caxton's House in the Almonry, Westminster." /></a> + </div> + <p> + To expatiate on the advantages of printing, at this time of + day, would be "wasteful and ridiculous excess." We content + ourselves with the comparison of Dryden's + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Long trails of light descending down." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In a retrospective glance at our previous volumes (for can + the phrenologists tell us of a head capacious enough to + contain their exhaustless variety?) our readers will perceive + that, from time to time, sundry "accounts" of the origin and + progress of printing have been inserted in the + MIRROR;<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + and though we are not vain enough to consider our sheet as + the "refined gold, the lily, the violet, the ice, or the + rainbow," of the poet's perfection, yet in specimens of the + general <i>economy of the art</i>, the long-extended + patronage of the public gives us an early place. + </p> + <p> + With an outline of the life of CAXTON our readers must be + already familiar; but we wish them to consider the above + accurate representation of the FIRST ENGLISH PRINTER'S + RESIDENCE as antecedent to a <i>Memoir of Caxton</i>, in + which it will be our aim to concentrate, in addition to + biographical details, many important facts from the testimony + of antiquarians; for scarcely a volume of the + <i>Archaeologia</i> has appeared without some valuable + communication on Caxton and his times. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime we proceed with the <i>locale</i> of Caxton's + house, situate on the south-west of Westminster Abbey, where + was formerly the eleemosynary, or almonry, where the alms of + the abbots were distributed. Howell in his + <i>Londinopolis</i>, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page378" + name="page378"></a>[pg 378]</span> describes this as "the + spot where the abbot of Westminster permitted Caxton to set + up his press in the <i>Almonry</i>, or Ambry," the former of + which names is still retained. This is confirmed by Newcourt, + in his <i>Repertorium</i>, who says, "St. Anne's, an old + chapel, over against which the Lady Margaret, mother to king + Henry VII., erected an alms-house for poor women, which is + now turned into lodgings for singing-men of the college. The + place wherein this chapel and alms-house stood was called the + Eleemosinary, or Almonry, now corruptly called the Ambry, + (Aumbry,) for that the alms of the abbey were there + distributed to the poor; in which the abbot of Westminster + erected the first press for book-printing that was in + England, about the year of Christ 1471, and where WILLIAM + CAXTON, citizen and mercer of London, who first brought it + into England, practised it." Here he printed <i>The Game and + Play of the Chesse</i>, said to be the first book that issued + from the press in this country. + </p> + <p> + Hence, according to Mr. M'Creery, the intelligent author of + "The Press," a poem, "the title of <i>chapel</i> to the + internal regulations of a printing-office originated in + Caxton's exercising the profession in one of the chapels in + Westminster Abbey, and may be considered as an additional + proof, from the antiquity of the custom, of his being the + first English printer."<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> + </p> + <p> + Every lover of science, on approaching this spot, will feel + himself on holy ground, however the idle and incurious of our + metropolis may neglect the scite, or be ignorant of its + identity. We are there led into an eternity of reflection and + association of ideas; but lest human pride should be too + fondly feasted in the retrospect, the hallowed towers of the + abbey, seen in the distance, serve to remind us of the + imperial maxim, that "art is long, and life but short." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + TEA.—ITS INTRODUCTION INTO ENGLAND. + </h3> + <p> + (A correspondent, who signs <i>M.M.M.</i> informs us that the + article sent to us by <i>P.T.W</i>. and inserted in No. 280 + of the MIRROR, was copied verbatim from the <i>Imperial + Magazine</i>, a work which we seldom see, and consequently we + had no opportunity of ascertaining the origin of our + correspondent's paper. It seemed to us a good + <i>cyclopaedian</i> article on the subject, and we + accordingly admitted it. We now subjoin <i>M.M.M.'s</i> + communication.) + </p> + <p> + In addition to what has been said in the article upon tea, + (by <i>P.T.W.</i>) allow me to remark (and which I do not + recollect ever to have seen noticed in any work upon the + subject) that the seed is contained in <i>two</i> vessels, + the outer one varying in shape, triangular, long, and round, + according to the number which it contains of what may be + termed inner vessels. The outer vessel of a triangular shape, + measures, from the base to the apex about three quarters of + an inch, and is of a dark brown colour, approaching to black, + and thick, strong, and rough in texture; within this is + another vessel, containing the kernel; this inner vessel is + of a light brown colour, thin, and brittle, in shape, seldom + perfectly round, but mostly flat on one side: there are three + of them in a triangular seed vessel, two in a long one, and + one in that which is round. The kernel is of a brown colour, + and in taste very bitter. In no other species of teas than + Bohea, is the large kind of seed found, which is probably + owing to that species being gathered last or in autumn. There + is a <i>small</i> seed found mixed with the Congou kind of + teas, about the size of a pea, which is in every respect + similar to the large, except in size. This seed was evidently + not permitted to ripen, but the calyx of the flower connected + with the peduncle is quite perfect. The Twankey species are + of the same appearance, all of which I have had ample + opportunity of inspecting. + </p> + <p> + As an appendage to this note, we are induced to quote the + following pleasant page from <i>Time's Telescope</i> for + 1828; and we take this opportunity of reminding our readers + that our customary Supplementary sheet, containing the spirit + of this and other popular Annual Works will be published with + our next Number. + </p> + <p> + From a single sheet found in Sir Hans Sloane's library, in + the British Museum, and printed by Mr. Ellis in his Original + Letters, <i>Second Series</i>, it appears that tea was known + in England in the year 1657, though not then in general use. + The author of this paper says, "That the vertues and + excellencies of this leaf and drink are many and great, is + evident and manifest by the high esteem and use of it + (especially of late years) among the physicians and knowing + men in France, Italy, Holland, and other parts of + Christendom; <i>and in</i> ENGLAND it hath been sold in the + leaf for <i>six pounds</i>, and sometimes for TEN + <i>pounds</i> the pound weight, and in respect of its former + scarceness and <span class="pagenum"><a id="page379" + name="page379"></a>[pg 379]</span> dearness, it hath been + only used as a regalia in high treatments and entertainments, + and presents made thereof to princes and grandees, till the + year 1657." + </p> + <p> + Secretary Pepys, in his Diary, vol. i. p. 76, without saying + where he had his drink, makes the following + entry:—"Sept. 25th, 1660. I did send for a cup of tea + (a China drink) of which I never had drunk before, and went + away." + </p> + <p> + In a letter from Mr. Henry Savill to his uncle, Secretary + Coventry, dated from Paris, Aug. 12, 1678, and printed by Mr. + Ellis, the writer, after acknowledging the hospitalities of + his uncle's house, quaintly observes, "These, I hope, are the + charms that have prevailed with me to remember (that is to + trouble) you oftener than I am apt to do other of my friends, + whose buttery-hatch is not so open, <i>and who call for</i> + TEA instead of pipes and bottles after dinner; <i>a base + unworthy Indian practice</i>, and which I must ever admire + your most Christian family for not admitting. The truth is, + all nations have grown so wicked as to have some of these + filthy customs." In 1678, the year in which the above letter + is dated, the East India Company began the importation of tea + as a branch of trade; the quantity received at that time + amounting to 4,713 lbs. The importation gradually enlarged, + and the government, in consequence, augmented the duties upon + tea. By the year 1700, the importation of tea had arrived at + the quantity of 20,000 lbs. In 1721, it exceeded a million of + pounds. In 1816, it had arrived at 86,234,380 lbs. Something + more than thirty millions of pounds is probably the present + average of importation: some allowance must be made for tea + damaged and spoiled upon the passage.—See more on this + subject, well worthy of perusal, in Mr. Ellis's Letters, + <i>Second Series</i>, vol. iv. pp. 57, et seq. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + DANGER. + </h3> + <center> + FROM L'ADONE OF MARINO. + </center> + <p> + <i>(For the Mirror.)</i> + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Like some lone Pilgrim in the dusky night, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Seeking, through unknown paths, his doubtful way, + </p> + <p> + While thick nocturnal vapours veil his sight + </p> + <p class="i2"> + From yawning chasms, that 'neath his footsteps lay; + </p> + <p> + Sudden before him gleams the forked light! + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Dispels the gloom, yet fills him with dismay. + </p> + <p> + His trembling steps he then retraces back, + </p> + <p class="i2"> + And seeks again the well-known beaten track. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + E.S.J. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + CATS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + The first couple of these animals which were carried to + Cuyaba sold for a pound of gold. There was a plague of rats + in the settlement, and they were purchased as a speculation, + which proved an excellent one. Their first kittens produced + thirty <i>oilavas</i> each; the new generation were worth + twenty; and the price gradually fell as the inhabitants were + stocked with these beautiful and useful creatures. Montengro + presented to the elder Almagro the first cat which was + brought to South America, and was rewarded for it with six + hundred <i>pesos</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE DEATH OF KING JOHN. + </h3> + <center> + <i>Extracted from an old black-letter volume, entitled "The + Abridgment of the Acts and Monuments of Martyrs, from the + earliest period of Christian suffering to the time of Queen + Elizabeth, our gracious lady, now reigning," printed in her + reign</i>. + </center> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + In the yeere 1216, king John was poisoned, as most writers + testify, at Swinsted Abbey, by a monk of that abbey, of the + order of Cistersians, or S. Bernard's brethren, called Simon + of Swinsted. The monk did first consult with his abbot, + shewing him what he minded to do, alleging for himself the + prophecy of Caiphas, 11th of John, saying, it is better that + one man die, than the whole people perish. I am well content, + saith he, to lose my life, and so become a martyr, that I may + utterly destroy this tyrant. With that the abbot did weep for + gladness, and much commended his fervent zeal. The monk then + being absolved of his abbot for doing this fact, went + secretly into the garden, on the back side, and finding there + a most venomous toad, did so prick him and press him with his + penknife, that hee made him vomite all the poison that was + within him; this done, he conveyed it into a cup of wine, and + with a flattering and smiling countenance he sayeth to the + king, "If it shall please your princely majesty, here is such + a cup of wine as you never drank better in your lifetime. I + trust this wassall shall make all England glad," and with + that he drank a great draught thereof, and the king pledged + him; the monk then went out of the house to the back, and + then died, his bowels gushing out of his belly, and had + continually from henceforth three monks to sing mass for him, + confirmed by their general charter. The king, within a short + space after, feeling great grief in his body, asked for + Simon, the monk; answer was made he was dead. "Then God have + mercy on me," said the king; so went he to Newark-upon-Trent, + and there died, and was buried in the cathedral church at + Worster, in 1216, the 19th day of October, after having been + much fered with the clergy 18 years, 6 months, and a day. + </p> + <p> + MALVINA. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page380" name="page380"></a>[pg + 380]</span> + </p> + <h3> + LILLIARD EDGE. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Near the border between the parishes of Maxton and Ancrum is + a bridge, called Lilliard Edge, formerly Anerum moor, where a + battle was fought between the Scots and English soon after + the death of king James V., who died in the year 1542. When + the Earl of Arran was regent of Scotland, Sir Ralph Rivers + and Sir Bryan Laiton came to Jedburgh with an army of 5,000 + English to seize Merse and Teviotdale in the name of Henry + VIII., then king of England, who died not long after, in the + year 1547. The regent and the Earl of Angus came with a small + body of men to oppose them. The Earl of Angus was greatly + exasperated against the English, because some time before + they had defaced the tombs of his ancestors at Melrose, and + had done much hurt to the abbey there. The regent and the + Earl of Angus, without waiting the arrival of a greater + force, which was expected, met the English at Lilliard Edge, + where the Scots obtained a great victory, considering the + inequality of their number. A young woman of the name of + Lilliard fought along with the Scots with great courage; she + fell in the battle, and a tombstone was erected upon her + grave on the field where it was fought. Some remains of this + tombstone are still to be seen. It is said to have contained + the following inscription:— + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "Fair maiden Lilliard lies under this stane; + </p> + <p> + Little was her stature, but great was her fame. + </p> + <p> + On the English lads she laid many thumps, + </p> + <p> + And when her legs were off she fought on her stumps." + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + T.S.W. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + BOOKS AND BOOKWORMS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Books were anciently made of plates of copper and lead, the + bark of trees, bricks, Stones, and wood. Josephus speaks of + two columns, the one of stone, the other of brick, on which + the children of Seth wrote their inventions and astronomical + discoveries. Porphyry mentions some pillars, preserved in + Crete, on which the ceremonies observed by the Corybantes in + their sacrifices were recorded. The leaves of the palm-tree + were used, and the finest and thinnest part of the bark of + such trees as the lime, the ash, the maple, and the elm; from + hence comes the word <i>liber</i>, which signifies the inner + bark of the trees; and as these barks are rolled up, in order + to be removed with greater ease, these rolls were called + <i>volumen</i>, a volume, a name afterwards given to the like + rolls of paper or parchment. By degrees wax, then leather, + were introduced, especially the skins of goats and sheep, of + which at length parchment was prepared; also linen, then + silk, horn, and lastly paper. The rolls or volumes of the + ancients were composed of several sheets, fastened to each + other, rolled upon a stick, and were sometimes fifty feet in + length, and about a yard and a half wide. At first the + letters were only divided into lines, then into separate + words, which, by degrees, were noted with accents, and + distributed by points, and stops into periods, paragraphs, + chapters, and other divisions. In some countries, as among + the orientals, the lines began from the right, and ran to the + left; in others, as in northern and western nations, from the + left to the right; others, as the Grecians, followed both + directions alternately, going in the one and returning in the + other. + </p> + <p> + In the Chinese books, the lines run from top to bottom. + Again, the page in some is entire and uniform; in others, + divided into columns; in others, distinguished into text and + notes, either marginal or at the bottom; usually it is + furnished with signatures and catch-words, also with a + register to discover whether the book be complete. The + Mahometans place the name of God at the beginning of all + their books. The word <i>book</i> is derived from the Saxon + <i>boc</i>, which comes from the northern <i>buech</i>, of + <i>buechans</i>, a beech, or <i>service-tree</i>, on the bark + of which our ancestors used to write. A very large estate was + given for one on Cosmography by king Alfred. About the year + 1400, they were sold from 10<i>l</i>. to 30<i>l</i>. a piece. + The first printed one was the Vulgate edition of the Bible, + 1462; the second was <i>Cicero de Officiis</i>, 1466. Leo I. + ordered 200,000 to be burnt at Constantinople. In the + suppressed monasteries of France, in 1790, there were found + 4,104,412 volumes; nearly one-half were on theology. The end + of the book, now denoted by <i>finis</i>, was anciently + marked with a <b><</b>, called <i>coronis</i>, and the + whole frequently washed with an oil drawn from cedar, or + citron chips strewed between the leaves, to preserve it from + rotting. + </p> + <p> + Thus far books; now for the <i>bookworms</i>. Anthony + Magliabecchi, the notorious bookworm, was born at Florence in + 1633; his passion for reading induced him to employ every + moment of his time in improving his mind. By means of an + astonishing memory and incessant application, he became more + conversant with literary history than any man of his time, + and was appointed librarian to the grand duke of Tuscany. He + has been called a living library. He was a man of a most + forbidding and savage aspect, and exceedingly + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page381" name="page381"></a>[pg + 381]</span> negligent of his person. He refused to be waited + upon, and rarely took off his clothes to go to bed. His + dinner was commonly three hard eggs, with a draught of water. + He had a small window in his door, through which he could see + all those who approached him; and if he did not wish for + their company, he would not admit them. He spent some hours + in each day at the palace library; but is said never in his + life to have gone farther from Florence than to Pratz, + whither he once accompanied Cardinal Norris to see a + manuscript. He died at the age of 81, in the year 1714. In + the present age we have <i>bookworms</i>, who wander from one + bookstall to another, and there devour their daily store of + knowledge. Others will linger at the tempting window filled + with the "<i>twopenny</i>," and read all the open pages; then + pass on to another of the same description, and thus enjoy + literature by the way of <i>Cheapside</i>. + </p> + <p> + P.T.W. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + MIDNIGHT—A TOUCH AT THE EPIC. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + "The iron tongue of midnight hath toll'd twelve." + </p> + <p> + SHAKSPEARE. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Amid the pauses of the midnight storm, + </p> + <p> + When all without is cold, within all warm! + </p> + <p> + Amid the pauses of the midnight blast, + </p> + <p> + When ev'ry bolt and ev'ry sleeper's fast! + </p> + <p> + In that dire hour, when graves give up their dead, + </p> + <p> + And men for once agree in their pursuit—a bed! + </p> + <p> + When heroes, statesmen, senators, and kings, + </p> + <p> + Lords, and et ceteras of meaner things, + </p> + <p> + Forget the road to fortune—or to jail, + </p> + <p> + And Morpheus all their equal guardian hail! + </p> + <p> + When each forgets each 'vantage or mishap. + </p> + <p> + And all are equal in one common nap! + </p> + <p> + At that dread hour... + </p> + <p class="i2"> + Caetera desiderantur. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Carshalton</i> W. P——n. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ON OATHS. + </h3> + <p> + (<i>For the Mirror</i>.) + </p> + <p> + Since lately we have had a great deal of prevarication in our + courts of justice about receiving the oaths of deists, + &c., I have thought it meet to furnish the MIRROR with an + account of the first usage of the words, "So help me God." + The word oath is a corruption of the Saxon <i>eoth</i>. An + oath is called corporal, because the person making an + affidavit lays his hand upon a part of the scriptures. + </p> + <p> + At the conclusion of the oath the above words are used, which + may perhaps have originated in the very ancient manner of + trial by battle in this country, when the appellee, laying + his right hand on the book, takes the appellant by the right + hand with his left, and maketh oath as follows:—"Hear + this, thou who callest thyself <i>John</i> by the name of + baptism, whom I hold by thy hand, that falsely upon me thou + hast lied; and for this thou liest, that I who call myself + <i>Thomas</i> by the name of baptism, did not feloniously + murder thy father, <i>W.</i> by name, <i>so help me God</i>." + (Here he kisses the book, and concludes,)—"And this I + will defend against thee by my body, as this court shall + award." And the appellant is thus sworn also. + </p> + <p> + Here, it may be observed also, the true foundation of the + word <i>lie</i>, being esteemed still so great an affront + above all others, as whenever it is pronounced to cause "an + immediate affray and bloodshed." + </p> + <p> + I have seen people sworn in poetry; and certain it is, that + in many countries in Europe the making of oaths differs. I + have some curious specimens of ancient oaths, some in Latin + prose, others in poetry. + </p> + <p> + Lord Chief Justice Coke was so strict with regard to the + receiving of oaths, that when at Cambridge Summer Assizes, + upon a trial of felony, he said, "in case of trespass, + although it be only to the value of <i>twopence</i>, no + evidence shall be given to the jury <i>but upon oath</i>, + much less where <i>the life of a man is in question</i>." An + action may be brought on the case upon a man calling another + a <i>perjured</i> man, because it shall be intended to be + contrary to his oath in a judicial proceeding. + </p> + <p> + W.H.H. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + ORIGINAL LETTER + </h3> + <center> + <i>From the Younger Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, upon his + death bed, to the Rev. Dr. W.——</i>. + </center> + <p> + Dear Doctor,—I always looked upon you as a man of true + virtue, and know you to be a person of sound understanding; + for however I may have acted in opposition to the principles + of religion, or the dictates of reason, I can honestly assure + you I had always the highest veneration for both. The world + and I may now shake hands, for I dare affirm that we are + heartily weary of one another. Oh, doctor, what a prodigal + have I been of that most valuable of all possessions, time. I + have squandered it away with a profusion unparalleled; and + now that the enjoyment of a few days would be worth a + hecatomb of worlds, I cannot flatter myself with a prospect + of half a dozen hours. How despicable, my dear friend, is + that man who never prays to his God but in the time of + distress. In what manner can he supplicate that omnipotent + Being in his affliction with reverence, whom in the tide of + his prosperity he never remembered + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page382" name="page382"></a>[pg + 382]</span> with dread! Don't brand me with infidelity, my + dear doctor, when I tell you I am almost ashamed to offer up + my petitions at the throne of grace, or of imploring that + divine mercy in the next world, which I have so scandalously + abused in this! Shall ingratitude to man be looked upon as + the blackest of crimes, and not ingratitude to God? Shall an + insult offered to the king be looked upon in the most + offensive light, and yet no notice be taken when the King of + kings is treated with indignity and disrespect. The + companions of my former libertinism would scarcely believe + their eyes, my dear doctor, was you to show them this + epistle. They would laugh at me as a dreaming enthusiast, or + pity me as a timorous wretch who was shocked at the + appearance of futurity. But whoever laughs at me for being + right, or pities me for being sensible of my errors, is more + entitled to my compassion than my resentment. A future life + may very well strike terror into any man who has not acted + well in this life; and he must have an uncommon share of + courage indeed who does not shrink at the presence of his + God. You see, my dear doctor, the apprehension of death will + soon bring the most profligate to a proper use of their + understanding. To what a situation am I now reduced? Is this + odious little hut a suitable lodging for a prince? or is this + anxiety of my mind becoming the characteristic of a + Christian? From my rank and fortune I might have expected + affluence to wait on my life, from my religion and + understanding, peace to smile upon my end; instead of which I + am afflicted with poverty, and haunted with remorse, despised + by my country, and I fear forsaken by my God! There is + nothing so dangerous, my dear doctor, as extraordinary + abilities. I cannot be accused of vanity now, by being + sensible I was once possessed of uncommon qualifications, + more especially as I sincerely regret that I was ever blest + with any at all. My rank in life made these accomplishments + still more conspicuous; and, fascinated with the general + applause which they procured, I never considered about the + proper means by which they should be displayed; hence, to + purchase a smile from a blockhead I despised, have I + frequently treated the virtuous with disrespect, and sported + with the Holy Name of heaven to obtain a laugh from a parcel + of fools, who were entitled to nothing but my contempt. Your + men of wit, my dear doctor, generally look upon themselves as + discharged from the duties of religion, and confine the + doctrines of the Gospel to people of meaner understandings; + it is a sort of derogation, in their opinion, to comply with + the rules of Christianity, and reckon that man possessed of a + narrow genius who studies to be good. What a pity that the + Holy Writings are not made the criterion of true judgment! or + that any one should pass for a fine gentleman in this world, + but he that seems solicitous about his happiness in the next. + My dear doctor, I am forsaken by all my acquaintance, utterly + neglected by the friends of my bosom and the dependants of my + bounty. But no matter; I am not now fit to converse with the + first, and have no ability to serve the latter. Let me not be + cast off wholly, however, by the good. Favour me with a + visit, dear doctor, as soon as possible. Writing to you gives + me some ease, especially upon a subject I could talk of for + ever. I am of opinion this is the last visit I shall ever + solicit from you. My distemper is powerful. Come and pray for + the departing spirit of the unhappy BUCKINGHAM. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + The Sketch Book. + </h2> + <center> + No. LI. + </center> + <hr /> + <h3> + THE PHANTOM HAND. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + I see a hand you cannot see, + </p> + <p> + Which beckons me away! + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + In a lonely part of the bleak and rocky coast of Scotland, + there dwelt a being, who was designated by the few who knew + and feared him, the Warlock Fisher. He was, in truth, a + singular and a fearful old man. For years he had followed his + dangerous occupation alone; adventuring forth in weather + which appalled the stoutest of the stout hearts that + occasionally exchanged a word with him, in passing to and fro + in their mutual employment. Of his name, birth, or descent, + nothing was known; but the fecundity of conjecture had + supplied an unfailing stock of <i>materiel</i> on these + points. Some said he was the devil incarnate; others said he + was a Dutchman, or some other "far-away foreigner," who had + fled to these comparative solitudes for shelter, from the + retribution due to some grievous crime; and all agreed, that + he was neither a Scot nor a true man. In outward form, + however, he was still "a model of a man," tall, and + well-made; though in years, his natural strength was far from + being abated. His matted black hair, hanging in elf-locks + about his ears and shoulders, together with the perpetual + sullenness which seemed native in the expression of features + neither regular nor pleasing, gave him an appearance + unendurably disgusting. <span class="pagenum"><a id="page383" + name="page383"></a>[pg 383]</span> He lived alone, in a hovel + of his own construction, partially scooped out of a + rock—was never known to have suffered a visitor within + its walls—to have spoken a kind word, or done a kind + action. Once, indeed, he performed an act which, in a less + ominous being, would have been lauded as the extreme of + heroism. In a dreadfully stormy morning, a fishing-boat was + seen in great distress, making for the shore—there were + a father and two sons in it. The danger became imminent, as + they neared the rocky promontory of the fisher—and the + boat upset. Women and boys were screaming and gesticulating + from the beach, in all the wild and useless energy of + despair, but assistance was nowhere to be seen. The father + and one of the lads disappeared for ever; but the younger boy + clung, with extraordinary resolution, to the inverted vessel. + By accident, the Warlock Fisher came to the door of his + hovel, saw the drowning lad, and plunged instantaneously into + the sea. For some minutes he was invisible amid the angry + turmoil; but he swam like an inhabitant of that fearful + element, and bore the boy in safety to the beach. From + fatigue or fear, or the effects of both united, the poor lad + died shortly afterwards; and his grateful relatives + industriously insisted, that he had been blighted in the + grasp of his unhallowed rescuer! + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of autumn, the weather frequently becomes so + broken and stormy in these parts, as to render the sustenance + derived from fishing extremely precarious. Against this, + however, the Warlock Fisher was provided; for, caring little + for weather, and apparently less for life, he went out in all + seasons, and was known to be absent for days, during the most + violent storms, when every hope of seeing him again was lost. + Still nothing harmed him: he came drifting back again, the + same wayward, unfearing, unhallowed animal. To account for + this, it was understood that he was in connexion with + smugglers; that his days of absence were spent in their + service—in reconnoitring for their safety, and + assisting their predations. Whatever of truth there might be + in this, it was well known that the Warlock Fisher never + wanted ardent spirits; and so free was he in their use and of + tobacco, that he has been heard, in a long and dreary + winter's evening, carolling songs in a strange tongue, with + all the fervour of an inspired bacchanal. It has been said, + too, at such times he held strange talk with some who never + answered, deprecated sights which no one else could see, and + exhibited the fury of an outrageous maniac. + </p> + <p> + It was towards the close of an autumn day, that a tall young + man was seen surveying the barren rocks, and apparently + deserted shores, near the dwelling of the fisher. He wore the + inquiring aspect of a stranger, and yet his step indicated a + previous acquaintance with the scene. The sun was flinging + his boldest radiance on the rolling ocean, as the youth + ascended the rugged path which led to the Warlock Fisher's + hut. He surveyed the door for a moment, as if to be certain + of the spot; and then, with one stroke of his foot, dashed + the door inwards. It was damp and tenantless. The stranger + set down his bundle, kindled a fire, and remained in quiet + possession. In a few hours the fisher returned. He started + involuntarily at the sight of the intruder, who sprang to his + feet, ready for any alternative. + </p> + <p> + "What seek you in my hut?" said the Fisher. + </p> + <p> + "A shelter for the night—the hawks are out." + </p> + <p> + "Who directed you to me?" + </p> + <p> + "Old acquaintance!" + </p> + <p> + "Never saw you with my eyes—shiver me! But never mind, + you look like the breed—a ready hand and a light heel, + ha! All's right—tap your keg!" + </p> + <p> + No sooner said than done. The keg was broached, and a good + brown basin of double hollands was brimming at the lips of + the Warlock Fisher. The stranger did himself a similar + service, and they grew friendly. The fisher could not avoid + placing his hand before his eyes once or twice, as if wishful + to avoid the keen gaze of the stranger, who still plied the + fire with fuel and his host with hollands. Reserve was at + length annihilated, and the fisher jocularly said— + </p> + <p> + "Well, and so we're old acquaintance, ha?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay," said the young man, with another searching glance. "I + was in doubt at first, but <i>now</i> I'm certain." + </p> + <p> + "And what's to be done?" said the Fisher. + </p> + <p> + "An hour after midnight you must put me on board + ——-'s boat, she'll be abroad. They'll run a light + to the masthead, for which you'll steer. You're a good hand + at the helm in a dark night and a rough sea," was the reply. + </p> + <p> + "How, if I will not?" + </p> + <p> + "Then—<i>your life or mine!"</i> + </p> + <p> + They sprang to their feet simultaneously, and an immediate + encounter seemed inevitable. + </p> + <p> + "Psha!" said the Fisher, sinking on his seat, "what madness + this is! I was a thought warm with the liquor, and the + recollections of past times were rising on + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page384" name="page384"></a>[pg + 384]</span> my memory. Think nothing of it. I heard those + words once before," and he ground his teeth in + rage—"Yes, once—but in a shriller voice than + your's! Sometimes, too, the bastard rises to my view; and + then I smite him so—bah! give us another basin-full!" + He stuck short at vacancy, snatched the beverage from the + stranger, and drank it off. "An hour after midnight, said + ye?" + </p> + <p> + "Ay—you'll see no bastards then!" + </p> + <p> + "Worse—may be—worse!" muttered the Fisher, + sinking into abstraction, and glaring wildly on the + flickering embers before him. + </p> + <p> + "Why, how's this?" said the stranger. "Are your senses + playing bo-peep with the ghost of some pigeon-livered coast + captain, eh? Come, take another pull at the keg, to clear + your head-lights, and tell us a bit of your ditty." + </p> + <p> + The Fisher took another draught, and proceeded— + </p> + <p> + "About five-and-twenty years ago, a stranger came to this + hut—may the curse of God annihilate him!—" + </p> + <p> + "Amen to that," said the young man. + </p> + <p> + "He brought with him a boy and a girl, a purse of gold, and + —— the arch fiend's tongue, to tempt me! Well, it + was to take these children out to sea—upset the + boat—and lose them!"— + </p> + <p> + "And you did so!" interrupted the stranger. + </p> + <p> + "I tried—but listen. On a fine evening, I took them + out: the sun sunk rapidly, and I knew by the freshening of + the breeze, there would be a storm. I was not mistaken. It + came on even faster than I wished. The children were + alarmed—the boy, in particular, grew suspicious; he + insisted that I had an object in going out so far at sun-set. + This irritated me,—and I rose to smite him, when the + fair girl interposed her fragile form between us. She + screamed for mercy, and clung to my arm with the desperation + of despair. <i>I could not shake her off</i>! The boy had the + spirit of a man; he seized a piece of spar, and struck me on + the temples. 'How, you villain!' said he, 'your life or + mine!' At that moment the boat upset, and we were all adrift. + The boy I never saw again—a tremendous sea broke + between us—but the wretched girl clung to me like hate! + Damnation!—her dying scream is ringing in my ears like + madness! I struck her on the forehead, and she sank—all + but her hand, one little, white hand would not sink! I threw + myself on my back, and struck at it with both my + feet—and then I thought it sunk for ever. I made the + shore with difficulty, for I was stunned and senseless, and + the ocean heaved as if it would have washed away the mortal + world—and the lightnings blazed as if all hell had come + to light the scene of warfare! I have never since been on the + sea at midnight, but that hand has followed or preceded me; I + have never ——." Here he sank down from his seat, + and rolled himself in agony upon the floor. + </p> + <p> + "Poor wretch!" muttered the stranger, "what hinders now my + long-sought vengeance? Even with my foot—but thou shalt + share my murdered sister's grave!" + </p> + <p> + "A shot is fired—look out for the light!" said the + young man. + </p> + <p> + The Fisher went to the door; but suddenly started back, + clasping his hands before his face. + </p> + <p> + "Fire and brimstone! there it is again!" he cried. + </p> + <p> + "What?" said his companion, looking cooly round him. + </p> + <p> + "That infernal hand! Lightnings blast it!—but that's + impossible," he added, in a fearful under-tone, which sounded + as if some of the eternal rocks around him were adding a + response to his imprecations—"<i>that's</i> impossible! + It is a part of them—it has been so for + years—darkness could not shroud it—distance could + not separate it from my burning eye-balls!—awake, it + was there—asleep, it flickered and blazed before + me!—it has been my rock a-head through life, and it + will herald me to hell!" So saying, he pressed his sinewy + hands upon his face, and buried his head between his knees, + till the rock beneath him seemed to shake with his + uncontrollable agony. + </p> + <p> + "Again it beckons me!" said he, starting up—"ten + thousand fires are blazing in my heart—in my + brain!—where, <i>where</i> can I be worse? Fiend, I + defy thee!" + </p> + <p> + "I see nothing," said his companion, with unalterable + composure. + </p> + <p> + "You see nothing!" thundered the Fisher, with mingling + sarcasm and fury—"look <i>there</i>." He snatched his + hand, and pointing steadily into the gloom, again murmured, + "Look there! look there!" + </p> + <p> + At that moment the lightning blazed around with appalling + brilliancy; and the stranger saw a small white hand, pointing + tremulously upwards. + </p> + <p> + "I saw it there," said he, "but it is not <i>hers</i>! + Infatuated, abandoned villain." he continued, with + irrepressible energy, "it is not my sister's hand—no! + it is the incarnate fiend's who tempted you, and who now + waves you to perdition—begone together!" + </p> + <p> + He aimed a dreadful blow at the astonished + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page385" name="page385"></a>[pg + 385]</span> Fisher, who instinctively avoided the stroke. + Mutually wound up to the highest pitch of anger, they + grappled each the other's throat, set their feet, and + strained for the throw, which was inevitably to bury both in + the wild waves beneath. A faint shriek was heard, and a + gibbering, as of many voices, came fluttering around them. + </p> + <p> + "Chatter on!" said the Fisher, "he joins you now!" + </p> + <p> + "Together—it will be together!" said the stranger, as + with a last desperate effort he bent his adversary backward + from the betling cliff. The voice of the Fisher sounded + hoarsely in execration, as they dashed into the sea together; + but what he said was drowned in the hoarser murmur of the + uplashing surge! The body of the stranger was found on the + next morning, flung far up on the rocky shore—but that + of the murderer was gone for ever! + </p> + <p> + The superstitious peasantry of the neighbourhood still + consider the spot as haunted; and at midnight, when the waves + dash fitfully against the perilous crags, and the bleak winds + sweep with long and angry moan around them, they still hear + the gibbering voices of the fiends, and the mortal + execrations of the Warlock Fisher!—but, after that + fearful night, no man ever saw THE PHANTOM + HAND!—<i>Literary Magnet</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + ARCANA OF SCIENCE. + </h2> + <center> + <i>Elephants</i>. + </center> + <p> + All the elephants which were exported from Point de Galle + were caught in ancient, as well as in modern times, in that + tract of country which extends from Matura to Tangcolle, in + the south of Ceylon, and which, from its being famous for its + elephants in his days, is described by Ptolemy in the map he + made of Ceylon sixteen hundred years ago as the <i>elephantum + pascua</i>. The trade in elephants from Ceylon, which used to + be lucrative, is now completely annihilated, in consequence + of all the petty Rajahs, Foligars, and other chiefs in the + southern peninsula of India, who used formerly to purchase + Ceylon elephants as a part of their state, having lost their + sovereignties, and being therefore no longer required to keep + up any state of this description. A gentleman who has a + plantation at Candy, it is understood, recently introduced + the use of elephants, in ploughing, with great + advantage.—<i>Trans. Asiatic Society</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <center> + <i>The Fennecous Cerdo</i>. + </center> + <div class="figure" style="width: 50%; float: right;"> + <a href="images/286-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/286-2.png" alt="Fennecous Cerdo." /></a> + </div> + <p> + This beautiful and extraordinary animal, or at least one of + its genus, was first made known to European naturalists by + Bruce, who received it from his dragoman, whilst consul + general at Algiers. It is frequently met with in the date + territories of Africa, where the animals are hunted for their + skins, which are afterwards sold at Mecca, and then exported + to India. Bruce kept his animal alive for several months, and + took a drawing of it in water colours, of the natural size, a + copy of which, on transparent paper, was clandestinely made + by his servant. Mr. Brander, into whose hands the + <i>Fennecus</i> fell after Bruce left Algiers, gave an + account of it in "Some Swedish Transactions," but refused to + let the figure be published, the drawing having been unfairly + obtained.<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + Bruce asserts that this animal is described in many Arabian + books, under the name of <i>El Fennec</i>, which appellation + he conceives to be derived from the Greek word for a palm or + date-tree. + </p> + <p> + The favourite food of Bruce's Fennec was dates or any sweet + fruit; but it was also very fond of eggs; when hungry it + would eat bread, especially with honey or sugar. His + attention was immediately attracted if a bird flew near him, + and he would watch it with an eagerness that could hardly be + diverted from its object; but he was dreadfully afraid of a + cat. Bruce never heard that he had any voice. During the day + he was inclined to sleep, but became restless and exceedingly + unquiet as night came on. The above Fennec was about ten + inches long, the tail five inches and a quarter, near an inch + of it on the tip, black. The colour of the body was dirty + white, bordering on cream colour; the hair on the belly + rather whiter, softer and longer than on the rest of the + body. His look was sly and wily; he built his nest on trees, + and did not burrow in the earth. + </p> + <p> + Naturalists, especially those of France, + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page386" name="page386"></a>[pg + 386]</span> were long induced to suspect the truth of Bruce's + description of this animal; but a specimen from the interior + of Nubia, and preserved in the museum at Frankfort, has + recently been engraved; and thus the matter nearly settled by + the animal belonging to the genus <i>Canis</i>, and the sub + genus <i>Vulpes</i>; the number of teeth and form, being + precisely the same as the fox, which it also resembles in its + feet, number of toes, and form of tail. + </p> + <p> + For the above engraving we are indebted to the Appendix to + the important and interesting Travels of Messrs. Denham and + Clapperton. It is therein described as generally of a white + colour, inclining to straw yellow; above, from the occiput to + the insertion of the tail it is light rufous brown, + delicately pencilled with fine black lines, from thinly + scattered hairs tipped with black; the exterior of the thighs + is lighter rufous brown; the chin, throat, belly, and + interior of the thighs and legs are white, or cream colour. + The nose is pointed, and black at the extremity; above, it is + covered with very short, whitish hair inclining to rufous, + with a small irregular rufous spot on each side beneath the + eyes; the whiskers are black, rather short and scanty; the + back of the head is pale rufous brown. The ears are very + large, erect, and pointed, and covered externally with short, + pale, rufous brown hair; internally, they are thickly fringed + on the margin with long grayish white hairs, especially in + front; the rest of the ears, internally, is bare; externally, + they are folded or plaited at the base. The tail is very + full, cylindrical, of a rufous brown colour, and pencilled + with fine black lines like the back. The fur is very soft and + fine; that on the back, from the back to the insertion of the + tail, as well as that on the upper part of the shoulder + before, and nearly the whole of the hinder thigh, is formed + of tri-coloured hairs, the base of which is of a dark lead + colour, the middle white, and the extremity light rufous + brown. + </p> + <center> + <i>Fossil Turtle</i>. + </center> + <p> + A beautiful and perfect fossil of the sea turtle has recently + been discovered in an extensive stratum of limestone, four + fathoms water, called the Stone Ridge, about four miles off + Harwich harbour. It is incrusted in a mass of ferruginous + limestone, and weighs 180 lbs. + </p> + <center> + <i>Apples</i>. + </center> + <p> + A gentleman of Staffordshire recommends the preservation of + apples for winter store, packed in banks or hods of earth + like potatoes.—<i>Communication to the Horticultural + Society</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Uses of Seals</i>. + </center> + <p> + The benefits which the inhabitants of frigid regions derive + from seals, are far too numerous and diversified to be + particularized, as they supply them with almost all the + conveniences of life. We, on the contrary, so persecute this + animal, as to destroy hundreds of thousands annually, for the + sake of the pure and transparent oil with which the seal + abounds; 2ndly, for its tanned skin, which is appropriated to + various purposes by different modes of preparation; and + thirdly, we pursue it for its close and dense attire. In the + common seal, the hair of the adult is of one uniform kind, so + thickly arranged and imbued with oil, as to effectually + resist the action of water; while, on the contrary, in the + antarctic seals the hair is of two kinds: the longest, like + that of the northern seals; the other, a delicate, soft fur, + growing between the roots of the former, close to the surface + of the skin, and not seen externally; and this beautiful fur + constitutes an article of very increasing importance in + commerce; but not only does the clothing of the seal vary + materially in colour, fineness, and commercial situation, in + the different species, but not less so in the age of the + animal. The young of most kinds are usually of a very light + colour, or entirely white, and are altogether destitute of + true hair, having this substituted by a long and particularly + soft fur.—<i>Quarterly Journal</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Method of cutting Glass</i>. + </center> + <p> + If a tube, or goblet, or other round glass body is to be cut, + a line is to be marked with a gun flint having a sharp angle, + an agate, a diamond, or a file, exactly on the place where it + is to be cut. A long thread covered with sulphur is then to + be passed two or three times round the circular line, and to + be inflamed and burnt; when the glass is well heated some + drops of cold water are to be thrown on it, when the piece + will separate in an exact manner, as if cut with scissors. It + is by this means that glasses are cut circularly into thin + bands, which may either be separated from, or repose upon + each other, at pleasure, in the manner of a + spring—-<i>From the French</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Preservation of Skins</i>. + </center> + <p> + A tanner at Tyman, in Hungary, uses with great advantage the + pyroligueous acid, in preserving skins from putrefaction, and + in recovering them when attacked. They are deprived of none + of their useful qualities if covered by means of a brush with + the acid, which they absorb very readily.—<i>Quarterly + Journal</i>. + </p> + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page387" name="page387"></a>[pg + 387]</span> + </p> + <center> + <i>Organic Remains in Sussex</i>. + </center> + <p> + A short time since, the entire skeleton of a stag, of very + large size, was dug up by some labourers, in excavating the + bed of the river Ouse, near Lewes, in Sussex. The remains + were found imbedded in a layer of sand, beneath the alluvial + blue clay, forming the surface of the valley. The horns were + in the highest state of preservation, and had seven points, + like the American deer. The greater part of the skeleton was + destroyed by the carelessness of the workmen; but a portion, + including the horns, has been preserved in the collection of + Mr. Mantell, near Lewes. + </p> + <center> + <i>Stupendous Lizard</i>. + </center> + <p> + Mr. Bullock, in his Travels, (just published) relates that he + saw near New Orleans, "what are believed to be the remains of + a stupendous crocodile, and which are likely to prove so, + intimating the former existence of a lizard at least 150 feet + long; for I measured the right side of the under jaw, which I + found to be 21 feet along the curve; and 4 feet 6 inches + wide: the others consisted of numerous vertebrae, ribs, + femoral bones, and toes, all corresponding in size to the + jaw; there were also some teeth: these, however, were not of + proportionate magnitude. These remains were discovered, a + short time since, in the swamp, near Fort Philip; and the + other parts of the mighty skeleton, are, it is said, in the + same part of the swamp." + </p> + <center> + <i>Digby's Philosophy</i>. + </center> + <p> + Sir Kenelm Digby was a mere quack; but he was the son of an + earl, and related to many noble families. His book on the + supposed sympathetic powder, which cured wounds at any + distance from the sufferer, is the standard of his abilities. + This powder was Roman vitriol pounded. From this wild work, + we, however learn, that the English routine of agriculture in + his time was—1st. year, barley; 2nd. wheat; 3rd. beans; + 4th. fallow.—<i>Pinkerton</i>. + </p> + <center> + <i>Critics</i>. + </center> + <p> + Thought, comprising its enumerated constituents and detailed + process, is the most perfect and exalted elaboration of the + human mind, and when protracted is a painful exertion; + indeed, the greater portion of our species reluctantly submit + to the toil and lassitude of reflection; but from laziness, + or incapacity, and perhaps in some instances from diffidence, + they suffer themselves to be directed by the opinions of + others. Hence has arisen the swarm of critics and reviewers, + those clouds that obscure the fair light that would beam on + the mind of man, by his individual reflection, and through + his existence degrade him, by a submission to assumed + authority;—a voluntary blindness, that excludes him + from the observation of nature, and through indolence and + credulity render his noblest faculties feeble, assenting, and + lethargic; and delude him to barter the inheritance of his + intellect for a mess of pottage.—<i>Dr. + Haslam.—Lancet</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + MUNCHAUSEN RIDE THROUGH EDINBURGH. + </h3> + <p> + We were sitting rather negligently on an infernal animal, + which, up to that day, had seemed quiet as a + lamb—kissing our hand to Mrs. Davison, then Miss + Duncan, and in the blaze of her fame, when a Highland + regiment, no doubt the forty-second, that had been trudging + down the Mound, so silently that we never heard them, all at + once, and without the slightest warning, burst out, with all + their bag-pipes, into one pibroch! The mare—to do her + justice—had been bred in England, and ridden, as a + charger, by an adjutant to an English regiment. She was even + fond of music—and delighted to prance behind the + band—unterrified by cymbals or great drum. She never + moved in a roar of artillery at reviews—and, had the + Castle of Edinburgh—Lord bless it—been + self-involved, at that moment, in a storm of thunder and + lightning, round its entire circle of cannon, that mare would + not so much as have pricked up her ears, whisked her tail, or + lifted a hoof. But the pibroch was more than horse-flesh and + blood could endure—and off we two went like a + whirlwind. Where we went—that is to say, what were the + names of the few first streets along which we were borne, is + a question which, as a man of veracity, we must positively + decline answering. For some short space of time, lines of + houses reeled by without a single face at the + windows—and these, we have since conjectured, might be + North and South Hanover street, and Queen-street. By and by + we surely were in something like a square—could it be + Charlotte-square?—and round and round it we + flew—three, four, five, or six times, as horsemen do at + the Caledonian amphitheatre—for the animal had got + blind with terror, and kept viciously reasoning in a circle. + What a show of faces at all the windows then! A shriek still + accompanied us as we clattered, and thundered, and lightened + along; and, unless our ears lied, there were occasional + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page388" name="page388"></a>[pg + 388]</span> fits of stifled laughter, and once or twice a + guffaw; for there was now a ringing of lost + stirrups—and much holding of the mane. One complete + round was executed by us, first on the shoulder beyond the + pommel; secondly, on the neck; thirdly, between the ears; + fourthly, between the forelegs, in a place called the + counter, with our arms round the jugular veins of the flying + phenomenon, and our toes in the air. That was, indeed, the + crisis of our fever, but we made a wonderful recovery back + into the saddle—righting like a boat capsized in a + sudden squall at sea—and once more, with accelerated + speed, away past the pillared front of St. George's church! + </p> + <p> + The castle and all its rocks, in peristrephic panorama, then + floated cloud-like by—and we saw the whole mile-length + of Prince's-street stretched before us, studded with + innumerable coaches, chaises, chariots, carts, wagons, drays, + gigs, shandrydans, and wheel-barrows, through among which we + dashed, as if they had been as much gingerbread—while + men on horseback were seen flinging themselves off, and + drivers dismounting in all directions, making their escape up + flights of steps and common stairs—mothers or nurses + with broods of young children flying hither and thither in + distraction, or standing on the very crown of the causeway, + wringing their hands in despair. The wheel-barrows were + easily disposed of—nor was there much greater + difficulty with the gigs and shandrydans. But the + hackney-coaches stood confoundedly in the way—and a + wagon, drawn by four horses, and heaped up to the very sky + with beer-barrels, like the Tower of Babel or Babylon, did + indeed give us pause—but ere we had leisure to ruminate + on the shortness of human life, we broke through between the + leaders and the wheels with a crash of leathern breeching, + dismounted collars, riven harness, and tumbling of enormous + horses that was perilous to hear; when, as Sin and Satan + would have it—would you believe it?—there, twenty + kilts deep at the least, was the same accursed Highland + regiment, the forty-second, with fixed bayonets, and all its + pipers in the van, the pibroch yelling, squeaking, squealing, + grunting, growling, roaring, as if it had only that very + instant broken out—so, suddenly to the + right—about went the bag-pipe-haunted mare, and away up + the Mound, past the pictures of Irish Giants—Female + Dwarfs—Albinos—an Elephant endorsed with + towers—Tigers and Lions of all sorts—and a large + wooden building, like a pyramid, in which there was the + thundering of cannon—for the battle, we rather think, + of Camperdown was going on—the Bank of Scotland seemed + to sink into the NorLoch—one gleam through the window + of the eyes of the Director-General—and to be sure how + we did make the street-stalls of the Lawn-market spin! The + man in St. Giles's steeple was playing his one o'clock tune + on the bells, heedless in that elevation of our + career—in less than no time John Knox, preaching from a + house half-way down the Canongate, gave us the + go-by—and down through one long wide sprawl of men, + women, and children we wheeled past the Gothic front, and + round the south angle of Holyrood, and across the + King's-park, where wan and withered sporting debtors held up + their hands and cried, + Hurra—hurra—hurra—without stop or stay, up + the rocky way that leads to St. Anthony's Well and + Chapel—and now it was manifest that we were bound for + the summit of Arthur's Seat. We hope that we were + sufficiently thankful that a direction was not taken towards + Salisbury Crags, where we should have been dashed into many + million pieces. Free now from even the slightest suburban + impediment, obstacle, or interruption, we began to eye our + gradually rising situation in life—and looking over our + shoulder, the sight of city and sea was indeed magnificent. + There in the distance rose North Berwick Law—but though + we have plenty of time now for description, we had scant time + then for beholding perhaps the noblest scenery in Scotland. + Up with us—up with us into the clouds—and just as + St. Giles's bells ceased to jingle, and both girths broke, we + crowned the summit, and sat on horseback like king Arthur + himself, eight hundred feet above the level of the sea! + </p> + <p> + <i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + Select Biography + </h2> + <center> + No. LVIII. + </center> + <hr /> + <h3> + LELAND. + </h3> + <p> + John Leland, the father of the English antiquaries, was born + in London, about the end of the reign of Henry VII. He was a + pupil to William Lily, the celebrated grammarian—the + first head master of St. Paul's school; and by the kindness + and liberality of a Mr. Myles, he was sent to Christ's + college. Cambridge. From this university he removed to All + Souls, Oxford, where he paid particular attention to the + Greek language. He afterwards went to Paris, where he + cultivated the acquaintance of the principal scholars of the + age, and could probably number among his correspondents + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page389" name="page389"></a>[pg + 389]</span> the illustrious names of Buddoeus, Erasmus, the + Stephani, Faber, and Turnebus; in this city he perfected + himself in the knowledge of the Latin and Greek tongues, to + which he afterwards added that of several modern languages. + On his return to England he took orders, and was appointed + one of the chaplains to Henry VIII., who gave him the rectory + of Popelay, in the marshes of Calais, appointed him his + library keeper, and conferred on him the title of Royal + Antiquary, which no other person in this kingdom, before, or + after possessed. In this character his majesty in 1533 + granted him a commission, empowering him to search after + England's antiquities, and peruse the libraries of all + cathedrals, abbeys, priories, colleges, &c., as also all + the places wherein records, writings, and whatever else was + lodged that related to antiquity. "Before Leland's time," + says Hearne, in his preface to the <i>Itinerary</i>, "all the + literary monuments of antiquity were totally disregarded; and + the students of Germany apprised of this culpable + indifference, were suffered to enter our libraries + unmolested, and to cut out of the books deposited there + whatever passages they thought proper, which they afterwards + published as relics of the ancient literature of their own + country." + </p> + <p> + In this research Leland was occupied above six years in + travelling through England, and in visiting all the remains + of ancient buildings and monuments of every kind. On its + completion, he hastened to the metropolis, to lay at the feet + of his sovereign the result of his labours, which he + presented to Henry, under the title of a "New Year's + Gift,"<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> + in which he says, "I have so traviled yn your dominions booth + by the se costes and the midle partes, sparing nother labor + nor costes, by the space of these vi. yeres paste, that there + is almoste nother cape, nor bay, haven, creke or peers, river + or confluence of rivers, breches, watchies, lakes, meres, + fenny waters, montagnes, valleis, mores, hethes, forestes, + chases wooddes, cities, burges, castelles, principale manor + placis, monasteries, and colleges, but I have seene them; and + notid yn so doing a hole worlde of thinges very memorable." + </p> + <p> + At the dissolution of the monasteries, Leland made + application to Secretary Cromwell, to entreat his assistance + in getting the MSS. they contained sent to the king's + library. In 1542 Henry presented him with the valuable + rectory of Hasely, in Oxfordshire; the year following he + preferred him to a canonry of King's college, now + Christchurch, Oxford, and about the same time collated him to + a prebend in the church of Sarum. As his duties in the church + did not require much active service, he retired with his + collections to his house in London, where he sat about + digesting them, and preparing the publication he had promised + to the world; but either his intense application, or some + other cause, brought upon him a total derangement of mind, + and after lingering two years in this state, he died on the + 18th of April, 1552. + </p> + <p> + The writings of Leland are numerous; in his lifetime he + published several Latin and Greek poems, and some tracts on + antiquarian subjects. His valuable and voluminous MSS., after + passing through many hands, came into the Bodleian library, + furnishing very valuable materials to Stow, Lambard, Camden, + Burton, Dugdale, and many other antiquaries and historians. + Polydore Virgil, who had stolen from them pretty freely, had + the insolence to abuse Leland's memory—calling him "a + vain glorious man." From these collections Hall published, in + 1709, "Commentarii de Scriptoribus Brittanicis." "The + Itinerary of John Leland, Antiquary," was published by the + celebrated Hearne, at Oxford, in nine volumes, 8vo., 1710, of + which a second edition was printed in 1745, with considerable + improvements and additions. The same editor published + "Joannis Lelandi Antiquarii de Rebus Brittanicis + Collectanea." in six volumes, Oxon. 1716, 8vo. + </p> + <p> + BIOS. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE SELECTOR<br /> + AND<br /> + LITERARY NOTICES OF<br /> + <i>NEW WORKS</i>. + </h2> + <hr /> + <h3> + CORAL ISLANDS. + </h3> + <p> + [In a recent Number of the MIRROR we quoted from Mr. + Montgomery's <i>Pelican Island</i> a beautiful description of + the formation of coral reefs or rocks; and we are now induced + to resume our extracts from this soul stirring poem, with the + following description of the process by which these reefs or + rocks become beautiful and picturesque islands. Mr. + Montgomery's poetical talent is altogether of the highest + order, or, to use a familiar phrase, his <i>Pelican + Island</i> is "a gem of the first water." How exquisite is + the following picture of creation!] + </p> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Here was the infancy of life, the age + </p> + <p> + Of gold in that green isle, itself new-born, + </p> + <p> + And all upon it in the prime of being, + </p> + <p> + Love, hope, and promise, 'twas in miniature + </p> + <p> + A world unsoil'd by sin; a Paradise + </p> + <p> + Where Death had not yet enter'd; Bliss had newly + </p> + <p> + Alighted, and shut close his rainbow wings, + </p> + <p> + To rest at ease, nor dread intruding ill. + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page390" + name="page390"></a>[pg 390]</span> + <p> + Plants of superior growth now sprang apace, + </p> + <p> + With moon-like blossoms crown'd, or starry glories; + </p> + <p> + Light flexible shrubs among the greenwood play'd + </p> + <p> + Fantastic freaks,—they crept, they climb'd, they + budded, + </p> + <p> + And hung their flowers and berries in the sun; + </p> + <p> + As the breeze taught, they danced, they sung, they twined + </p> + <p> + Their sprays in bowers, or spread the ground with + net-work. + </p> + <p> + Through the slow lapse of undivided time, + </p> + <p> + Silently rising from their buried germs, + </p> + <p> + Trees lifted to the skies their stately heads, + </p> + <p> + Tufted with verdure, like depending plumage, + </p> + <p> + O'er stems unknotted, waving to the wind: + </p> + <p> + Of these in graceful form, and simple beauty, + </p> + <p> + The fruitful cocoa and the fragrant palm + </p> + <p> + Excell'd the wilding daughters of the wood, + </p> + <p> + That stretch'd unwieldy their enormous arms, + </p> + <p> + Clad with luxuriant foliage, from the trunk, + </p> + <p> + Like the old eagle, feather'd to the heel; + </p> + <p> + While every fibre, from the lowest root + </p> + <p> + To the last leaf upon the topmost twig, + </p> + <p> + Was held by common sympathy, diffusing + </p> + <p> + Through all the complex frame unconscious life. + </p> + <p> + Such was the locust with its hydra boughs, + </p> + <p> + A hundred heads on one stupendous trunk; + </p> + <p> + And such the mangrove, which, at full-moon flood, + </p> + <p> + Appear'd itself a wood upon the waters, + </p> + <p> + But when the tide left bare its upright roots, + </p> + <p> + A wood on piles suspended in the air; + </p> + <p> + Such too the Indian fig, that built itself + </p> + <p> + Into a sylvan temple, arch'd aloof + </p> + <p> + With airy aisles and living colonnades, + </p> + <p> + Where nations might have worshipp'd God in peace. + </p> + <p> + From year to year their fruits ungather'd fell; + </p> + <p> + Not lost, but quickening where they lay, they struck + </p> + <p> + Root downward, and brake forth on every hand, + </p> + <p> + Till the strong saplings, rank and file, stood up, + </p> + <p> + A mighty army, which o'erran the isle, + </p> + <p> + And changed the wilderness into a forest. + </p> + <p> + All this appear'd accomplish'd in the space + </p> + <p> + Between the morning and the evening star: + </p> + <p> + So, in his third day's work, Jehovah spake, + </p> + <p> + And Earth, an infant, naked as she came + </p> + <p> + Out of the womb of chaos, straight put on + </p> + <p> + Her beautiful attire, and deck'd her robe + </p> + <p> + Of verdure with ten thousand glorious flowers, + </p> + <p> + Exhaling incense; crown'd her mountain-heads + </p> + <p> + With cedars, train'd her vines around their girdles, + </p> + <p> + And pour'd spontaneous harvests at their feet. + </p> + <p> + Nor were those woods without inhabitants + </p> + <p> + Besides the ephemera of earth and air; + </p> + <p> + —Where glid the sunbeams through the latticed + boughs, + </p> + <p> + And fell like dew-drops on the spangled ground, + </p> + <p> + To light the diamond-beetle on his way; + </p> + <p> + —Where cheerful openings let the sky look down + </p> + <p> + Into the very heart of solitude, + </p> + <p> + On little garden-pots of social flowers, + </p> + <p> + That crowded from the shades to peep at daylight; + </p> + <p> + —Or where unpermeable foliage made + </p> + <p> + Midnight at noon, and chill, damp horror reign'd + </p> + <p> + O'er dead, fall'n leaves and slimy funguses; + </p> + <p> + —Reptiles were quicken'd into various birth. + </p> + <p> + Loathsome, unsightly, swoln to obscene bulk, + </p> + <p> + Lurk'd the dark toad beneath the infected turf; + </p> + <p> + The slow-worm crawl'd, the light cameleon climb'd, + </p> + <p> + And changed his colour as his pace he changed; + </p> + <p> + The nimble lizard ran from bough to bough, + </p> + <p> + Glancing through light, in shadow disappearing; + </p> + <p> + The scorpion, many-eyed, with sting of fire, + </p> + <p> + Bred there,—the legion-fiend of creeping things; + </p> + <p> + Terribly beautiful, the serpent lay, + </p> + <p> + Wreath'd like a coronet of gold and jewels, + </p> + <p> + Fit for a tyrant's brow; anon he flew + </p> + <p> + Straight as an arrow shot from his own rings, + </p> + <p> + And struck his victim, shrieking ere it went + </p> + <p> + Down his strain'd throat, that open sepulchre. + </p> + <p> + Amphibious monsters haunted the lagoon; + </p> + <p> + The hippopotamus, amidst the flood, + </p> + <p> + Flexile and active as the smallest swimmer; + </p> + <p> + But on the bank, ill balanced and infirm, + </p> + <p> + He grazed the herbage, with huge, head declined, + </p> + <p> + Or lean'd to rest against some ancient tree. + </p> + <p> + The crocodile, the dragon of the waters, + </p> + <p> + In iron panoply, fell as the plague, + </p> + <p> + And merciless as famine, cranch'd his prey, + </p> + <p> + While, from his jaws, with dreadful fangs all serried, + </p> + <p> + The life-blood dyed the waves with deadly streams. + </p> + <p> + The seal and the sea-lion, from the gulf + </p> + <p> + Came forth, and couching with their little ones. + </p> + <p> + Slept on the shelving rocks that girt the shores, + </p> + <p> + Securing prompt retreat from sudden danger; + </p> + <p> + The pregnant turtle, stealing out at eve, + </p> + <p> + With anxious eye, and trembling heart, explored + </p> + <p> + The loneliest coves, and in the loose warm sand + </p> + <p> + Deposited her eggs, which the sun hatch'd: + </p> + <p> + Hence the young brood, that never knew a parent, + </p> + <p> + Unburrow'd and by instinct sought the sea; + </p> + <p> + Nature herself, with her own gentle hand, + </p> + <p> + Dropping them one by one into the flood, + </p> + <p> + And laughing to behold their antic joy, + </p> + <p> + When launch'd in their maternal element. + </p> + <p> + The vision of that brooding world went on; + </p> + <p> + Millions of beings yet more admirable + </p> + <p> + Than all that went before them now appear'd; + </p> + <p> + Flocking from every point of heaven, and filling + </p> + <p> + Eye, ear, and mind, with objects, sounds, emotions + </p> + <p> + Akin to livelier sympathy and love + </p> + <p> + Than reptiles, fishes, insects, could inspire; + </p> + <p> + —Birds, the free tenants of land, air, and ocean, + </p> + <p> + Their forms all symmetry, their motions grace; + </p> + <p> + In plumage delicate and beautiful, + </p> + <p> + Thick without burthen, close as fishes' scales, + </p> + <p> + Or loose as full-blown poppies to the breeze; + </p> + <p> + With wings that might have had a soul within them, + </p> + <p> + They bore their owners by such sweet enchantment; + </p> + <p> + —Birds, small and great, of endless shapes and + colours, + </p> + <p> + Here flew and perch'd, there swam and dived at pleasure; + </p> + <p> + Watchful and agile, uttering voices wild + </p> + <p> + And harsh, yet in accordance with the waves + </p> + <p> + Upon the beech, the winds in caverns moaning, + </p> + <p> + Or winds and waves abroad upon the water. + </p><span class="pagenum"><a id="page391" + name="page391"></a>[pg 391]</span> + <p> + Some sought their food among the finny shoals, + </p> + <p> + Swift darting from the clouds, emerging soon + </p> + <p> + With slender captives glittering in their beaks; + </p> + <p> + These in recesses of steep crags constructed + </p> + <p> + Their eyries inaccessible, and train'd + </p> + <p> + Their hardy broods to forage in all weathers; + </p> + <p> + Others, more gorgeously apparell'd, dwelt + </p> + <p> + Among the woods, on Nature's dainties feeding, + </p> + <p> + Herbs, seeds, and roots; or, ever on the wing, + </p> + <p> + Pursuing insects through the boundless air: + </p> + <p> + In hollow trees or thickets these conceal'd + </p> + <p> + Their exquisitely woven nests; where lay + </p> + <p> + Their callow offspring, quiet as the down + </p> + <p> + On their own breasts, till from her search the dam + </p> + <p> + With laden bill return'd, and shared the meal + </p> + <p> + Among the clamorous suppliants, all agape; + </p> + <p> + Then, cowering o'er them with expanded wings, + </p> + <p> + She felt how sweet it is to be a mother. + </p> + <p> + Of these, a few, with melody untaught, + </p> + <p> + Turn'd all the air to music within hearing, + </p> + <p> + Themselves unseen; while bolder quiristers + </p> + <p> + On loftier branches strain'd their clarion-pipes, + </p> + <p> + And made the forest echo to their screams + </p> + <p> + Discordant,—yet there was no discord there, + </p> + <p> + But temper'd harmony: all tones combining, + </p> + <p> + In the rich confluence often thousand tongues, + </p> + <p> + To tell of joy and to inspire it. Who + </p> + <p> + Could hear such concert, and not join in chorus? + </p> + <p> + Not I;—sometimes entranced, I seem'd to float + </p> + <p> + Upon a buoyant sea of sounds: again + </p> + <p> + With curious ear I tried to disentangle + </p> + <p> + The maze of voices, and with eye as nice + </p> + <p> + To single out each minstrel, and pursue + </p> + <p> + His little song through all its labyrinth, + </p> + <p> + Till my soul enter'd into him, and felt + </p> + <p> + Every vibration of his thrilling throat, + </p> + <p> + Pulse of his heart, and flutter of his pinions. + </p> + <p> + Often, as one among the multitude, + </p> + <p> + I sang from very fulness of delight; + </p> + <p> + Now like a winged fisher of the sea, + </p> + <p> + Now a recluse among the woods,—enjoying + </p> + <p> + The bliss of all at once, or each in turn. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + <h3> + RAPIDS OF NIAGARA. + </h3> + <p> + The Rapids begin about half a mile above the cataract; and + although the breadth of the river might at first make them + appear of little importance, a nearer inspection will + convince the stranger of their actual size, and the terrific + danger of the passage. The inhabitants of the neighbourhood + regard it as certain death to get once involved in them; and + that, not merely because all escape from the cataract would + be hopeless, but because the violent force of the water among + the rocks in the channel, would instantly dash the bones of a + man in pieces. Instances are on record of persons being + carried down by the stream; indeed there was an instance of + two men carried over in March last; but no one is known to + have ever survived. Indeed, it is very rare that the bodies + are found; as the depth of the gulf below the cataract, and + the tumultuous agitation of the eddies, whirlpools, and + counter currents, render it difficult for any thing once sunk + to rise again; while the general course of the water is so + rapid, that it is soon hurried far down the stream. The large + logs which are brought down in great numbers during the + spring, bear sufficient testimony to these remarks. Wild + ducks, geese, &c. are frequently precipitated over the + cataract, and generally re-appear either dead, or with their + legs or wings broken. Some say that water-fowl avoid the + place when able to escape, but that the ice on the shores of + the river above often prevents them from obtaining food, and + that they are carried down from mere inability to fly; while + others assert that, they are sometimes seen voluntarily + riding among the rapids, and, after descending half-way down + the cataract, taking wing, and returning to repeat their + dangerous amusement.—<i>American Work</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + BRIDAL, CANZONET. + </h3> + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sir Knight, heed not the clarion's call, + </p> + <p> + From hill, or from valley, or turretted hall; + </p> + <p> + Cease, holy Friar, cease for awhile + </p> + <p> + The anthem that swells through the fretted aisle; + </p> + <p> + Forester bold, to the bugle's sound + </p> + <p> + Listen no longer, though gaily wound, + </p> + <p> + But haste to the bridal, haste away, + </p> + <p> + Where love's rebeck is tuned to a sweeter lay. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sir Knight, Sir Knight, no longer twine + </p> + <p> + The laurel-leaf o'er that bold brow of thine; + </p> + <p> + Friar, to-day from thy temples tear + </p> + <p> + The ivy garland that sages wear; + </p> + <p> + To-day, bold Forester, cast aside + </p> + <p> + Thy oak-leaf crown, the woodland's pride, + </p> + <p> + And bind round your brows the myrtle gay, + </p> + <p> + While the rebeck resounds love's sweetest lays. + </p> + </div> + <div class="stanza"> + <p> + Sir Knight, urge not now the gallant steed + </p> + <p> + O'er the plains that to honour and glory lead; + </p> + <p> + Friar, forget thy order's vow, + </p> + <p> + And pace not the gloomy cloisters now. + </p> + <p> + Chase no longer with bow and with spear, + </p> + <p> + Forester bold, the dappled deer, + </p> + <p> + But tread me a measure as light and gay + </p> + <p> + As ever kept lime to the rebeck's lay. + </p> + </div> + </div> + <p> + <i>Neele's Romance of History</i>. + </p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2> + THE GATHERER + </h2> + <p> + "I am but a <i>Gatherer</i> and disposer of other men's + stuff."—<i>Walton</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + TRAVELLING. + </h3> + <p> + Sterne pitied the man who could travel from Dan to Beersheba, + and say all "was barren:" however delighted travellers or + tourists may be on their journey, it is surprising how few + details are preserved in their memory. This occasioned Dr. + Johnson to remark, in his "Tour to the Hebrides," how much + the lapse even "of a few hours takes from the certainty of + knowledge, and the distinctness + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page392" name="page392"></a>[pg + 392]</span> of imagery;" and that "those who trust to memory + what cannot be safely trusted but to the eye, must tell by + guess, what a few hours before they had known with + certainty." We were never more convinced of the importance of + these observations than after our first visit to the + dock-yard, at Portsmouth. In collating some little memoranda + made on the spot, we referred to our party, (<i>seven</i> in + number) on our return to the inn, for the <i>extent</i> of + the dock-yard: not one of them could give a correct answer, + though all had just heard it detailed and explained with + accuracy. Dr. Kitchener may well recommend tourists to walk + about with note-books in their hands! and such inadvertence + as the preceding almost warrants the oddity of his + suggestion. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + MOTTOES FOR DECANTER LABELS. + </h3> + <p> + Arridet PORTus? subeat non causa doloris. + </p> + <p> + SumebatiS HERI? non dolor est hodie. + </p> + <p> + Hic liquor est molLIS BONus, aptus ad omnia laeta. + </p> + <p> + Oppida ne CALCA VALLAta ad praelia, quoerens, Sisonitum + capias ecce tibi est Volupe. + </p> + <p> + Dum lucet CLARE Te magis iste trahat. + </p> + <p> + <i>Literary Gazette</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + MALARIA. + </h3> + <p> + Dr. Gregory, father of the late celebrated professor in + Edinburgh, when a student in a part of Germany where + <i>malaria</i> prevailed, from being a philosopher and living + low, <i>drinking only water</i>, was seized with intermittent + fever, when his jolly companions, who ate and drank freely, + escaped. If brandy or other stimulants are taken previous to + exposure to malaria, intermittent fever is generally + prevented. Such are the opinions of the doctor, and if Dr. + Macculloch be right, we suggest the establishment of a brandy + vault at each angle of the parks, that every passenger may + prepare himself. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + LORD HOWE. + </h3> + <p> + When the late Lord Howe was a captain, a lieutenant, not + remarkable for courage or presence of mind in dangers (common + fame had brought some imputation upon his character) ran to + the great cabin and informed his commander that the ship was + on fire near the gun-room. Soon after this he returned + exclaiming, "You need not be afraid as the fire is + extinguished." "<i>Afraid!</i>" replied Captain H. a little + nettled, "how does a man <i>feel</i>, Sir, when he is afraid? + I need not ask how he <i>looks</i>." + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + BACKGAMMON BOARDS. + </h3> + <p> + We frequently find backgammon boards with backs lettered as + if they were two folio volumes. The origin of it was thus; + Eudes, bishop of Sully, forbade his clergy to play at chess. + As they were resolved not to obey the commandment, and yet + dared not have a chess-board seen in their houses or + cloisters, they had them bound and lettered as books, and + played at night, before they went to bed, instead of reading + the New Testament or the Lives of the Saints; and the monks + called the draft or chess-board their <i>wooden gospels</i>. + They had also drinking vessels bound to resemble the + breviary, and were found drinking, when it was supposed they + were at prayer.—<i>Literary Gazette</i>. + </p> + <hr /> + <h3> + LOVE OF THE COUNTRY. + </h3> + <p> + Country people will tell you that they like the country, and + detest the town, although their enjoyments are of a kind + which may be obtained in far greater perfection in the latter + than in the former. The only person I ever knew who was + honest in this respect, was a gentleman, the possessor of a + beautiful seat, in a beautiful country, when he avowed his + opinion, that there was "no garden like Covent-garden, and no + flower like a cauliflower." + </p> + <p> + C.L. + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + The <i>Morning Chronicle</i>, Nov. 20, in noticing the + funeral of the late Mr. Sale, says, "At a little after three + o'clock, the body of the lamented gentleman entered the + church." + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + LIMBIRD'S EDITION OF THE BRITISH NOVELIST, Publishing in + Monthly Parts, price 6d. each.—Each Novel will be + complete in itself, and may be purchased separately. + </p> + <p> + <i>The following Novels are already Published:</i> + </p> + <pre> + s. d. + +Goldsmith's Vicar of Wakefield 0 10 +The Mysteries of Udolpho 3 6 +Mackenzie's Man of Feeling 0 6 +Rasselas 0 8 +Paul and Virginia 0 6 +The Old English Baron 0 8 +The Castle of Otranto 0 8 +The Romance of the Forest 1 8 +Almoran and Hamet 0 6 +Elizabeth, or the Exiles of Siberia 0 6 +Nature and Art 0 8 +The Italian 2 0 +A Simple Story 1 4 +The Castles of Athlin and Dunbayne 0 6 +Sicilian Romance 1 0 +The Man of the World 1 0 +Zelaco, by Dr. Moore 2 0 +Joseph Andrews 1 6 +Humphry Clinker 1 8 +Edward, by Dr. Moore 2 6 +</pre> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p> + See MIRROR, vol 3, p 194—vol 5. p 311. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + <p> + We requote this passage from Mr. M'Creery, as it has + already appeared in vol. 5; and in vol. 3, a correspondent + denies that the first English book was printed at + Westminster; but we are disposed to think that an impartial + examination of the testimonies on each side of the + controversy will decide in favour of Caxton. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + <p> + We did not know that such unpleasantries as Chancery + injunctions were part of African law; perhaps sand may not + be removed from the desert "without leave of the trustees," + like scrapings from our roads. + </p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" name="footnote4"></a> <b>Footnote 4</b>: + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + <p> + This was published by Bale in 1549, 8vo. + </p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + <p> + <i>Published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, London, and Sold by + all Booksellers and Newsmen</i>. + </p> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11412 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/11412-h/images/286-1.png b/11412-h/images/286-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..08594a7 --- /dev/null +++ b/11412-h/images/286-1.png diff --git a/11412-h/images/286-2.png b/11412-h/images/286-2.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..51546fd --- /dev/null +++ b/11412-h/images/286-2.png |
