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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/11887-0.txt b/11887-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..65c976c --- /dev/null +++ b/11887-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,1656 @@ +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11887 *** + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20, No. 568.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1832. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.] + +Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition of the +present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of eminent +men. It is something to know that John Scott was born at +Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented in the +above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the rudiments of +his education at the free grammar-school of the town; that he grew up +"a man of safe discretion;" that he enjoyed the highest legal honours +which his sovereign could bestow for a quarter of a century; and that +he still lives, a venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory +from his conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so +distinguished an individual must have innumerable good tendencies: +it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that "every man is the +architect of his own fortune;" and it presents us, moreover, with +the encouraging picture of a well-regulated life, and its healthful +energies so employed in the discharge of important duties as to +entitle the subject to high rank among the worthies of his country. + +John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, of +Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the language of +the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the sale and shipment +of coals. He had by industry and habits of close saving accumulated +rather considerable means from small beginnings. Beyond this he was +a man of great shrewdness and knowledge of the world," and quickly +perceiving the talents of the two younger boys, William (now Lord +Stowell,) and John, he wisely gave them an education in accordance +with their mental endowments. "It is said that the singular variety +in the talent of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very +early age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a +constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, gave at +once a condensed and lucid digest of the general argument. John, +on the other hand, would go into all the minutiae, but failed in +producing the lucid, general view embodied in half the number of words +by his brother."[1] The two boys received their early education at the +free grammar-school of Newcastle.[2] William was from the beginning +destined for the study of the law. John was at first intended for +the church, and was, accordingly, sent to Oxford: early marriage was, +however, the fortunate means of changing his destination, and he began +the world in the same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was +entered as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar +at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive stock of +legal information, having been an indefatigable reader, and spent the +two last years of his preliminary studies in the office of a special +pleader. At his outset he made no progress, his powers being palsied +by an oppressive diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely +to being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, and +not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. In a fit of +despondency he resolved to retire into humble practice in his native +county; and he had actually given up his chambers and taken leave of +his friends in the metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his +purpose by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make +one more trial at the bar. His first success was the undoubted fruit +of his extraordinary abilities, and is said to have originated in the +sudden illness of a leading counsel the night before the trial of a +complicated civil cause. It could not be put off, and the client +of the lost leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the +brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous intricacies, +and triumphed. From this time he gained confidence, and his forensic +reputation soon became established. He was much aided by the +encouragement which he received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his +abilities, and is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, +which Mr. Scott declined. + + [1] Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month. + + [2] At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an antiquary + and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George Hall, Bishop + of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of a history of + Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of Antiquaries; all of + whom were born at Newcastle. + +In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord Weymouth's +interest, he was introduced into parliament for the borough of Weobly. +It is stated that on the latter occasion, he stipulated for the +liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a decided part with the Pitt +administration; and in 1788, he was appointed solicitor-general, +and knighted; in 1793, he rose to be attorney-general, and in the +following year he conducted the trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, +for treason. Erskine was opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, +though the speech of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the +delivery. + +In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief justiceship of the +Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief Justice Eyre; and in the +same year he was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Eldon. In +1801, he was made Lord Chancellor, which high office he retained till +the year 1827, with the exception of the short period during which the +Whigs were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity +of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821. + +The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is thus lucidly +drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the long lapse of ages, +have filled the sacred seat on which he now (1823) sits, none ever +had purer hands, none ever had a conscientious desire of equity more +ardent and more incessant than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of +his views, the inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his +unrelaxing anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the +kindness of his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that +attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the unbounded +admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the wise. Lord Eldon's +eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is rather adapted to cultivated +and thinking minds than to a popular audience. It generally addresses +the understanding rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, +but occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos." + +We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to by the +above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of Lord Eldon. As +the following have, we believe, but once appeared in print, they may +not, be familiar to the reader. Sir Richard Phillips relates:[3] "In +conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard two anecdotes +of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord Chancellors, and to +public spirited parishioners, I consider it my duty to introduce. The +incumbent, some years ago, thought proper to propose an exchange with +an incompetent clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and +some of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, and +in the commencement he penned a letter to the Chancellor. The other +parties calculated on the arrangement, but, on applying to the +Chancellor he could consent to no exchange, but that if the parties +were tired of their positions, they might respectively resign, and +there were plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the +scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a master +had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at Dronfield, +on liberal principles of education, but, within a few years, some +prejudice was excited against him, and the churchwardens for the time +thought proper to stop his salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some +friends combined in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship +instantly directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust +within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a month, when, +without other form, he directed the salary to be paid to the appointed +master, with all expenses." + + [3] In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part iii. + +Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate that +the inhabitants are proud of their distinguished fellow-freeman. A +spacious range of elegant buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the +Guildhall is a portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, +Lord Stowell. + + * * * * * + + +THE WEARIED SOLDIER. + + + "When silent time, wi' lightly foot, + Had trod o'er thirty years, + I sought again, my native land, + Wi' many hopes and fears." + MRS. HAMILTON. + + He came to the village, when the sun + In the "golden west" was bright, + When sounds were dying one by one, + And the vesper star was shining down, + With a soft and silvery light. + + A war-worn wanderer was he, + And absent many a year + From the cottage-home he fain would see, + From that resting-place where he would be, + The spot to memory dear. + + It rose at last upon his view, + (Old times were thronging round him,) + The lattice where the jasmine grew, + The meadow where he brush'd the dew + When youth's bright hopes were round him. + + But faces new, and sadly strange, + Were in that cottage now; + Cold eyes, that o'er his features range, + For time had wrought a weary change + Upon the soldier's brow. + + And some there were--the lov'd--the dead-- + Whom he no more could see, + From this cold changing world were fled, + And they had found a quiet bed + Beneath the old yew tree. + + And thither too--the wanderer hied, + Night-dews were falling fast, + This is my "welcome home" he cried, + And the chill breezes low replied + In murmurs as they pass'd. + + They whispering said, or seem'd to say, + No lasting joys to earth are given, + No longer near these ashes stray, + Go, mourner! hence, away! away! + Thy lost ones are in heaven. + + _Kirton, Lindsey._ ANNE R. + + * * * * * + + +RELIGIOUS FASTINGS. + + +From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have practised +fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon them for their +sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that fasting was originated +by Adam after he had eaten of the forbidden fruit; but this obviously +is carrying their arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it +is as certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first +formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held the +"solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to Herodotus, +before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to purify themselves +from impurities, fasted and prayed. This custom he also ascribes to +the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates that the fasts of the Egyptians +were sometimes continued for six weeks, and that the shortest ordained +by their priests was seven days, during which they abstained from +nearly all kinds of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, +who observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show and +solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, two of which +were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" the observation +of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially amongst women, who, +in mournful dresses, spent one whole day sitting on the ground (their +sign of grief,) without taking the least food. The islanders of Crete, +before sacrificing to Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated +ancient author informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into +the secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and +that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who came +to consult them, had to perform this duty. + +Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any important +enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The Lacedemonians having +agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast throughout their nation, and +without _even_ excepting their _domestic animals_. The Romans having +besieged the city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, +the citizens demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of +Rhegium; who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, +commanded that a fast should be held throughout their territories. +Their aid having proved successful, the government of Tarentum to +commemorate this important event, ordained a perpetual fast on the day +of their deliverance. + +Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages reckoned +fasting as a service which led to important results, and a duty which +could not be dispensed with without causing the wrath of God to fall +upon the heads of the nation. At Rome it was practised even by the +emperors. Amongst the most remarkable for keeping this institution +were Numa Pompilius, Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the +apostate, was so exact in the performance of this ordinance, that +the fasting of the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as +nothing compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes +as long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their +master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in which they +denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the creatures of the +meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable for their fasting; but as +the people believe they regale themselves with the good things of this +life, in secret, their example gains not many followers. That nation +which reckons itself infinitely superior to _us_ "poor barbarians," +the Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The +Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and the +exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the lengths of +time of their fasts are very remarkable. + +The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on the +appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though they sadly +neglected the commands of God in other particulars, yet they obeyed +this command with great devotedness. The abstinence of the ancient +Jews generally lasted from twenty-six to twenty-seven hours. On these +days they wore sackcloth, laid themselves in ashes, and sprinkled +them on their heads, in token of their great grief and penitence. Some +spent the whole night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great +effect a scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to +devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from the +Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging penance system. + +In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised by the +Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the fathers of the +church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated seasons. The custom +is still observed amongst the methodists, who follow the example of +their great leader, Wesley. The rust of time has, however, worn away +the veneration for this "good _old_ system," and it is totally +disused by the general body of Protestants, except on great national +occasions. + +E.J.H. + + * * * * * + + + +MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. + + * * * * * + +SHERIFFS OF LONDON. + + + [The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled _Londiniana_ possesses more than a + passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a Journal + will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.] + +The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, are +derived from a manuscript copy of the _Journal_ of Richard Hoare, +Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in 1740-41, in his own +hand-writing, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Sir +Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year +became memorable in the city annals, from their having been _three_ +Lord Mayors during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry +Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq. + +Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal of the +respectable house which, instituted by one of his predecessors, still +bears the family name, was elected alderman of the Ward of Farringdon +Without, on St. George's day, 1740, in the place of Sir Francis Child, +who died on the preceding Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was +conferred upon him, whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and +equally so, was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. +Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly afterwards +they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000_l_. to undertake and enter +upon the office on the ensuing Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became +each entitled to 100_l_. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this +year been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid +their fines to be excused." + +In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their +duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for +each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother +Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street +Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, +to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they +are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for +which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the +places upon any vacancy." + +On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten +o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained +several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of +Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the +Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He +continues,-- + +"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George Heathcote, +and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the last year were +attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we all repaired thither; +the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance walking two by two, the +senior sheriff's company on the right hand, the aldermen following in +their coaches; in which, we, though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as +aldermen. Upon coming up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies +made a lane for the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited +on my Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we +returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened by +the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take the oath +of office; which we accordingly did, together with the oaths of +allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also administered to Mr. +Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as under-sheriff, he kneeling all +the while. + +"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the former +sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being dissolved, the Lord +Mayor went home, attended by the former sheriffs, and we returned back +to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, provided for the Court of Aldermen and +Courts of Assistance, at which the senior alderman took the chair as +president, and the rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall +took their places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat +at the head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of +Assistance of our two companies. When dinner was over, and the healths +of the royal family were drunk, the cryer proclaimed the health and +prosperity to the two sheriffs' companies in the following manner; +that is to say, 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and +prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the Goldsmiths +and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, prosperity to both:' and this +is so usually done, naming each company first alternately, to prevent +any dispute concerning preference or priority. + +"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner room, at which +we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all the aldermen; for +whatever rank an alderman may be in point of seniority, yet during the +year he serves as sheriff, he is to give place, and follow the rest +of his brethren, both at the court, and all processions and +entertainments. About six o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the +Lord Mayor at his house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were +met by our own and the former under-sheriffs, together with the +secondaries and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the +respective prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers +acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then +tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, and after +having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted and undertook +the charge of our office, we were invited according to custom, to an +adjoining tavern; and there partook of an entertainment of sack and +walnuts, provided by the aforesaid keepers of the prisons. + +"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my brother sheriff +and I set out for the first time in our new equipages and scarlet +gowns, attended by our beadles, and the several officers of our +Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at +which he kept his mayoralty, and proceeded with him from thence, as +is customary, to Guildhall, where the livery-men of the city were +summoned to attend at the Court of Hustings for the election of a new +lord mayor for the year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the +livery-men, 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a +lord mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate +two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of Aldermen, +who had then a right to elect either of them into that great office, +and which ever that the court so fixed on, the Common Hall was bound +to accept.' When he had ended, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen +retired into the Council Chamber, and left us to preside at the +election, attended by the Common Sergeant and other officers. The +method of voting is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and +town clerk, who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the +person he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective name." + +On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to Guildhall, with +the same company as on the preceding day, and waiting on the Lord +Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested that his lordship and the +recorder would present them at his Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each +sheriff then paid the usual fees, viz. _6l. 13s. 4d._ to the Lord +Mayor, and _3l. 6s. 8d._ to the recorder; after which, they proceeded +to the Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor +first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen following in +coaches, the companies walking before us. + +"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, taking place +of all the aldermen: and our two companies attended in the Goldsmiths' +barge, as before agreed on, adorned with half the colours, and rowed +with half the watermen belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, +the companies went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with +a sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching the +bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, in a speech, +presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being seated there for +that purpose, signifying the choice the citizens had made, and that, +in pursuance of our charter, we were presented to his Majesty's +justices for his royal approbation; and the Baron accordingly +approving the choice, he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were +invited to our dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their +accounts, and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present +cut one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the court +counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails. + +"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by way +of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements in St. +Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where they are situated +no one knows, nor doth the city receive any rents or profits thereby. + +"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three Cranes, and +from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' Hall; where my Lord +Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, and guests invited, dined +at one table, and we, the sheriff's, at the head of another, with the +Court of Assistance of each of our companies: and the Clerks of the +Exchequer by themselves at another table. After dinner, the Lord +Mayor, aldermen, &c. returned into a separate room, where we sat with +them at the head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; +our two companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the +Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall." + +On the 7th of October they "settled a point," with the keeper of +Newgate in regard to the transportation of _felons_. That was, that +the keeper should deliver them to the merchant, "who contracts to +carry them over," at the door of Newgate, and there discharge himself +of any further custody; but leaving him and his officers the privilege +of protecting them down to the water side, according to any private +agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully understood that +the sheriffs should not be responsible for their charge "from the time +of their first delivery." + +(_TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT._) + + * * * * * + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + +STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS. + + + (_From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185._) + +We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change of the +whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, though in this +the political economist can see the solution of all our Malthusian +difficulties to an indefinite extent and duration. What we urge is +merely the partial adoption of the thing to such an extent as will +relax the present pressure, and restore us to a wholesome state of +national prosperity. This will occasion no dangerous experiment, and +will be gradually followed up by a progressive conversion, by which +all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and +the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be +equalized. + +If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the +expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will +indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that +the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That +steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report +of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the +evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who +were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon +the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project +we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to +avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being +quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the +said committee came after three months of patient and thorough +investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of +inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements +in the means of internal communication ever introduced._" + + [Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens, + John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.] + +In viewing the moral advantages which must result from +steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few +so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as +the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward, +regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two +for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if +unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period +of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen +the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped +that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is +perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses. +The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a +rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, +it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is +perfectly safe for passengers." + +The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear +no proportion to the loss of lives from consumption and other diseases +occasioned by cold and wet, from exposure on the top of coaches.[4] + + [4] It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of the + weather. + +Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the present +system of quick travelling. The short average life of stage-coach +horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully over-wrought and +_out-wrought_ they are by the great speed now in practice. Driven for +eight or ten miles, with an oppressive weight, they tremble in every +nerve. With nostrils distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, +they can scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they +are well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are +over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be exerted. The +morrow comes when their galled withers are again to be wrung by the +ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of the wheels. But we do not +witness all the misery of the noble and the generous steed. When +the shades of night impend, the reproaches of the feeling, or the +expostulations of the timid traveller no longer protect him from the +lash; and the dread of Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a +time its beneficent purpose; when the stiffened joints--the cracked +hoofs--the greasy legs--and stumbling gait of the worn-out animal are +all put into agonized motion by belabouring _him upon the raw_! +The expression is Hibernian, but the brutality is our own. A few +ill-gained pounds reconcile the enormity to the owner--and the +cheapness and expedition of the conveyance give it public sanction: +but humanity is outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and +the noble precept, that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," +is trampled under foot. + +Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we have +comfort for comparative inconvenience--the inside of an elegant +apartment, where books, amusement, or general conversation may +occupy agreeably the time--for the outside of a hard, unsafe stage +conveyance, and exposure to all changes or varieties of atmosphere. +Nay, we see no reason to prevent such improvement in steam-carriages +as shall fit them up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of +Napoleon, or the travelling long coach of the present Duke of +Orleans, with beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety +for danger--accelerated speed without inhumanity--gain of time--of +accommodation--of money--and over and above all, as a non-consumer +of food, we have by the substitution what will remove the host of +Malthusian ills to a period of almost indefinite duration. + + * * * * * + + + +OLD POETS. + + * * * * * + +EYES AND TEARS. + + + How wisely Nature did decree + With the same eyes to weep and see! + That, having view'd the object vain, + They might be ready to complain. + And, since the self-deluding sight, + In a false angle takes each height, + These tears which better measure all. + Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall. + Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh, + Within the scales of either eye, + And then paid out in equal poise, + Are the true price of all my joys. + What in the world most fair appears, + Yea, even laughter, turns to tears: + And all the jewels which we prize, + Melt in these pendents of the eyes. + I have through every garden been, + Amongst the red, the white, the green; + And yet from all those flow'rs I saw, + No honey, but these tears could draw. + So the all-seeing sun each day, + Distils the world with chemic ray; + But finds the essence only showers, + Which straight in pity back he pours. + Yet happy they whom grief doth bless, + That weep the more, and see the less; + And, to preserve their sight more true, + Bathe still their eyes in their own dew. + So Magdalen, in tears more wise + Dissolv'd those captivating eyes, + Whose liquid chains could flowing meet, + To fetter her Redeemer's feet. + Not full sails hasting loaden home, + Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb, + Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair, + As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are + The sparkling glance that shoots desire, + Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire. + Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes, + And here the hissing lightning slakes. + The incense was to heaven dear, + Not as a perfume, but a tear! + And stars show lovely in the night, + But as they seem the tears of light. + Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice, + And practise so your noblest use; + For others too can see, or sleep, + But only human eyes can weep. + Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop, + And at each tear in distance stop: + Now, like two fountains, trickle down: + Now like two floods o'er-run and drown: + Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs, + Till eyes and tears be the same things; + And each the other's difference bears; + These weeping eyes, those seeing tears. + +MARVELL. + + (_From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John Dove._) + + * * * * * + + +A DROP OF DEW. + + + See, how the orient dew + Shed from the bosom of the morn, + Into the blowing roses, + Yet careless of its mansion new, + For the clear region where 'twas born + Round in itself incloses: + And in its little globe's extent, + Frames, as it can, its native element. + How it the purple flow'r does slight, + Scarce touching where it lies; + But gazing back upon the skies, + Shines with a mournful light, + Like its own tear, + Because so long divided from the sphere. + Restless it rolls, and unsecure, + Trembling, lest it grows impure; + Till the warm sun pities its pain, + And to the skies exhales it back again. + So the _soul_, that drop, that ray, + Of the clear fountain of eternal day, + Could it within the human flow'r be seen, + Rememb'ring still its former height, + Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green; + And, recollecting its own light, + Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express + The greater heaven in an heaven less, + In how coy a figure wound, + Every way it turns away: + So the world excluding round, + Yet receiving in the day. + Dark beneath, but bright above; + Here disdaining, there in love, + How loose and easy hence to go; + How girt and ready to ascend: + Moving but on a point below, + It all about does upward bend. + Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil, + White and entire, although congeal'd and chill; + Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run + Into the glories of th' almighty sun. + +IBID. + + * * * * * + + + +NOTES OF A READER. + + * * * * * + +ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. + + +We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country +as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens, +to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial, +and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the +tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air +becomes chill and misty, though + + The weary sun hath made a golden set, + And, by the bright track of his fiery ear, + Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow: + +the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by +their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in +which the majority of them will pass the coming winter. + +The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in +the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and +weathercock[5] to the Llama House. + + [5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A + kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that + point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very + strange introducing of natural weathercocks." + +[Illustration: (_Llama House._)] + +Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and +a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose +brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams +of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for +Goats. + +[Illustration: (_Armadillos._)] + +The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who +are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The +innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are +here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows, +is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary. + +Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the +Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535, +opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the +extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the +Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as +variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient." +We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the +Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of +splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the +ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque. + +[Illustration: (_The Repository._)] + +[Illustration: (_Deer._)] + +[Illustration: (_Elephants._)] + +Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the +straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity +of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the +Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the +Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching +horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, +opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No. +560. + +In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most +interesting resort. + + * * * * * + + +THE VOICE OF HUMANITY. + + +"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal +Creation" exists--though, in one sense, as a blot upon the character +of the age. They publish the above Journal quarterly, assembling acts +of atrocity which make the blood curdle in our veins, and remind us +that "all are not men that wear the human form." The funds of +the society are not in a prosperous condition; the sand of their +philanthropy is well nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. +Let us glance at the contents of, the _Voice_ before us. The subject +"Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and Smithfield-market," +is continued--a plan which we illustrated in _The Mirror_ about five +years since. True enough the Society write, but the people do not +consider; they are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the +mammon of money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in +the midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists for +its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the metropolis--and +markets are increasing for the sale of the necessaries and luxuries of +life; the _Haymarket_ has been removed from a fashionable quarter to +the suburbs, that loaded carts may not obstruct carriages in their +road to St. James's, the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera--yet, not +a single, _Abattoir_--for the health of the people--exists near the +metropolis. The King and the Court patronize and plan horse-racing, +throwing the lasso, and, if recent report be true, hawking; the +Parliament legislate, a bill is "ordered to be printed"--yet, the +inconsistency and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to +ask, where is the truth of the motto--_Salus populi suprema lex_. +Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not uncommon; +yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor are caught, while +the rich break through the meshes of the net. In the work before us +are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, including "the cold-blooded +cruelty towards the generous and heart-broken _Rattler_, in riding him +thirty-four miles in the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next +are four police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, +the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows the +fact of _a respectable woman_ boiling a cat to death! and next is this +quotation from the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for April, 1789:-- + +"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young man of +large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and horses +rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, +where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality. Mr. +Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he had a favourite cock upon +which he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he made upon +this cock he lost; which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied +to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of +the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were +present attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, +that he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, +declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, in the +midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead upon the spot!" + +If we be asked whether it be proper to regard _all_ such dispensations +as judicial inflictions, we reply in the words of Cowper above: + + "'Tis not for us, with rash surmise, + To point the judgments of the skies, + But judgments _plain as this_, + That, sent for man's instruction, bring + A written label on their wing, + 'Tis hard to read amiss." + +[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:] + +THE WORM. + + Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside + Nor crush that helpless worm; + The frame thy wayward looks deride, + Required a God to form. + + The common Lord of all that move, + From whom thy being flowed, + A portion of his boundless love + On that poor worm bestowed. + + The sun, the moon, the stars, he made + To all his creatures free; + And spread o'er earth the grassy blade + For worms as well as thee. + + Let them enjoy their little day, + Their lowly hiss receive; + Oh! do not lightly take away + The life thou canst not give. + +Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been abolished by the +extended education of the people. Brutal sports among boys are much +less indulged than formerly, and the worrying of domestic animals +almost invariably denotes a _bad boy_, in the worst sense of the +phrase, likely to make a bad man; "so true to nature is the admirable +aphorism of Wordsworth:-- + + The boy's the father of the man." + +But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult cruelties; +though, according to the above showing, such atrocities will be less +rare in the next than in the present generation. To conclude, we hope +that the present notice may awaken the sympathy of the reader towards +the laudable objects of the _Society_, under whose guidance the _Voice +of Humanity_ is published. It is a difficult matter to point out "the +uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally babbling of +our high state of civilization and refinement, yet, we repeat, +the necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to a +national disgrace. + + * * * * * + + + +THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + +VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA. + + +_BY LIEUTENANT G.H.P. WHITE, ROYAL NAVY._ + + +On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from Catania with +a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, taking the necessary +guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the provisions, &c., as nothing +in that way can be procured after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small +village about twelve miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the +Sicilians into three several regions. The first is called Piè de +Montagna, the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, +though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city of +Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country around is +formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the third eruption +mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the sixth year of the +Peloponnesian war, and the second of the eighty-eighth Olympiad. +Traversing the lands of Battianti, and St. Giovanni della Punta, the +road is constantly over the lava, and the country on either side is +delicious. Trecastagne, nine miles from Catania, is seated on the +acclivity of a high volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful +and picturesque. Near the principal church the view is most extensive. +Towards the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching +from Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with +vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain itself, +surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these have been thrown +up in various forms, composed principally of cinders, and covered with +rich vegetation. The freshness of the air, the beauty and picturesque +situations of the houses surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the +over-teeming fertility of the soil, and the laughing fields, where +golden Ceres still lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, +intersected by courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view +one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These +mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places ten miles +in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind with horror and +astonishment: that such wondrous masses, consisting of earths, stones, +and minerals, fused and mixed, could be driven forth in one wild +current from the mountain, makes us pause, and confounds any attempt +to reason on the phenomena.--And, although the lava for many centuries +lays waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very +long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state as to +become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we reflect on +the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for state of +decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving at any certain +conclusion. When this process is duly effected, the cactus opuntia, or +prickly pear, is planted, which hastens the desired event, and has the +power to break up the lava, and render it fit for productive purposes. +Five miles from Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has +often suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, +and baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor +Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is two +thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the sea, +and its mean temperature 64° Fahr. + +From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a most superb +view of the surrounding country; nothing can be more varied, grand, +and sublime; every spot spared by the all-devastating lavas, is highly +cultivated; the vines and other productive fruit-trees are seen laden +with the most delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and +villages, in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the +distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting that can +be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., our trusty mules, +and pursued or journey. The evening was deliciously serene, the stars +shone with extraordinary brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely +blue, while the galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of +light across the azure expanse. + +The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the mountain +were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in an extraordinary +degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 feet above the level of +the surrounding plain, and is said to have been thrown up during the +great eruption of the year 1669, and from which issued that horrible +stream of burning lava, which, after destroying the country for the +length of fourteen miles, ran into the sea at Catania. + +About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, which, like +a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; it abounds with +ancient hillocks, and lava of different periods, and is almost +covered with frowning woods of oak, holm, beech and pines, on the more +elevated points. + +After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting treat, we +kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing reveries caused by +the fairy scene. + +Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to refresh our +mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments of a warmer +texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat chilly; for the +temperature of this spot was about 50°, while that of Catania, which +we had only left a few hours ago, was about 84° Fahr. + +The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and cheerless; +hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still wilder regions +appeared above us. The path now lay over masses of rough lava; so much +so, that at times it became necessary to dismount and actually drag +our jaded animals over the rugged precipices which obstructed our +progress: the intricacy of the path required us to follow one another +very closely, that we might not lose the track, which became so +tortuous in its course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer +accustomed to the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in +the darkness of night. + +After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and black sand, +we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for summit; when, about +two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of her beams, queen like, arose +behind the bifurcated summit of Etna; her cheering light was very +grateful to us in this wild spot. The awful cone of the mountain +pillowed against the heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white +smoke from its burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour +of the night. + +At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut built by the +English troops when stationed in Sicily, during the late war. Here it +became again necessary to halt a little to put on some extra clothing. +As soon as this was accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made +by the guides giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist +him in clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any +further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The first +portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, most +wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the apex, the path +was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. In wading through this +compound the ascent became so difficult and fatiguing, that we were +all under the necessity of reposing every twenty or thirty yards, +tormented by the sulphureous vapour, which rendered respiration +painful, and was even less supportable than the abruptness of the +mountain path! + +At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most harassing +that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as the day began to +dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy height, requires the pen of +poetic inspiration; or to describe the scene presented to mortal +gaze, when thus looking down with fearful eye on the almost boundless +prospect beneath! The blue expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, +rivers, mountains, and all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, +had a magic effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; +while hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, +evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling down +the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed one vast +column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon the mountain +growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the earth was slightly +convulsed! We now attempted to descend a short distance within +the crater; the guides, timid of its horrors, did not relish the +undertaking, but were induced at length, and conducted the party +behind some heaps of lava, from whence was a grand view of this +awful cavern. The noise within the gulf resembled loud continuous +thunderings, and after each successive explosion, there issued columns +of white, and sometimes of black smoke. + +The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the interior +part of which is covered with crystallizations of salts and sulphur, +of various brilliant hues--red appeared to predominate, or rather +a deep orange colour. Writers vary much in their accounts as to +the circumference of the crater. Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an +opportunity to ascertain it correctly, describes it as an oval, +stretching from E. and by N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate +diameter of four hundred and ninety-three yards; the transverse he +was prevented from ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his +operations were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from +this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said that +some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by approaching too +near, and were either blown into the abyss below by the violence +of the wind, which is generally very strong at this elevation, or +suffocated by a sudden burst of the sulphureous vapour. + +The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first attracts the +eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, but now (July) +by cinders and black sand. In the midst the great crater rears its +burning head, and the regions of intense heat and extreme cold shake +hands together. The eye soon becomes satiated with its wildness, and +turns with delight on the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent +zone of forest trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many +parts of this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with +the most luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different +eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still richer, +called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or grain that man +can desire: the small rivers Semetus and Alcantara intersect these +fertile fields; beyond this the whole of Sicily, with its cities, +towns, and villages, its corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless +perspective, charm and delight the senses. + +The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and crystallizations +of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; wherever a stick is +thrust in, the opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, +and if the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on +account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the summit, during +the months of July and August, is 37° Fahr. After having remained +about an hour, descended to the Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, +proceeded downwards, visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, +which tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was +studying the various phenomena of Etna. + +About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of the +Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the face of an +enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a lovely valley, +gradually sloping down towards the coast, embracing the three several +regions of the mountain, to which the purple wave of the Mediterranean +forms a noble boundary: nothing can be more varied, rich, and +beautiful than this scene, as it comprises every object necessary to +form a perfect landscape. + +It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of vegetation during +the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius grows at the elevation of +8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis commences at 6,800. Then follow the +Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The +olive is seen at the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as +high as 5,000 feet.--_United Service Journal._ + + [In a clever paper on the geographical position and history of + Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, Esq. F.G.S. and + J.W. Draper, Esq. to the _Magazine of Natural History_, is the + following outline of Etna.] + +Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in imposing +grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level of the sea. It is +about 180 miles in circumferences, and is surrounded on every hand +by apparently small volcanic cones, though of no inconsiderable size, +which tend in a great degree to increase the apparent dimensions of +the central mountain. Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, +but others are arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of +vegetation, some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative +ages of the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it +requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on +others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain is by +Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions previous to the +Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which Pindar alludes in his +first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. the volcano was again active; +and according to Diodorus Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped +in its march against Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice +to say, that ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, +the Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was +in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase of +prolonged intermittence. + + * * * * * + + +THE SECRET LOVER. + + +FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI. + + + Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye + That ruby tinted lip could see, + Nor long for thee to live or die? + How unlike me! + + Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow; + Yet think of anything but thee, + Cold as that bosom heaving snow? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee o'er the golden wire + Bend with such lovely witchery, + Nor feel each tone like living fire? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in the evening dance + Float, like the foam upon the sea, + Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance? + How unlike me! + + Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise, + Soft as the humming of the bee, + Nor think he sits in Paradise? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in thy simplest hour, + Sweet as the rose upon the tree, + Nor long to plant thee in his bower? + How unlike me! + + But lives there one who vainly tries + To look the freest of the free, + And hide the wound by which he dies? + Ah! how like me! + +_BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE_. + + * * * * * + + + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. + + +ROBIN HOOD. + + (_Concluded from page 182_.) + +With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is generally +agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, possessed of +uncommon bodily strength, and considerable military skill; just, +generous, and beloved by his followers. As proofs of his singular +popularity, his story and exploits have been made the subject of +various dramatic exhibitions, as well of innumerable poems, lyrics, +songs, and ballads; he has given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear +by him was a common practice. Some writers say his songs have been +preferred on solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but +to the New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the +opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:--"I came," says the bishop +(in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a place, riding on +a journey homeward from London, and I sent word over night into the +town, that I would preach there in the morning, because it was a +holyday, and methought it was a holydayes worke; the churche stode +in my way, and I toke my horse and my companye and went thither. I +thought I should have found a great companye in the churche, and when +I came there, the churche dore was faste locked; I tarried halfe +an houre and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the +parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day with us, we +cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the parishe is gone abroad +to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray you let them not, I was fayne there +to geve place to Robyn Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been +regarded thoughe I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne +to give place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my +friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a pretence +for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a thefe, to put out +a preacher, to have his office lesse esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode +before the mynystration of God's word, and all thys hath come of +unpreachynge prelates. Thys realme hath been il provided, for that +it hath had suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode +to Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there sholde +never have bene any such thynge," &c. + +Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In the parish +of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to be a Druidical +monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, which he is said +to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his amusement. There was +likewise another of these stones of several tons weight, which the +country people would say he threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, +as he was digging. At Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among +several groups of rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, +being two of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the +distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, and +solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short account of +which will be found in _The Mirror_, No. 544, p. 259. These games were +celebrated till the latter end of the sixteenth century, not by the +populace only, but by kings and princes, and grave magistrates, in +Scotland and in England; being considered in the former country of the +highest political importance, and essential to the civil and religious +liberties of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them +frequently producing tumult and insurrection. + +In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's bow, one +of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his slippers, were +preserved till within the above century. In Brome's Travels, is the +following notice of his relics: "having pleased ourselves with the +antiquities of Nottingham, we took horse and went to visit the well, +and ancient chair, of Robin Hood, which is not far from hence, within +the Forest of Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap +which they say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having +performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, we +received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated into the +society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's Journey from +Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much pleased with a +slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, shown me, fifty years +ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, a place upon the borders of +Sherwood Forest, to which he resorted." Over a spring called Robin +Hood's Well, four miles north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, +erected by Lord Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to +drink of the fair water, and give alms to two people who attended. + +Thus, not only did those places retain his name which afforded him +security or amusement, but even the well at which he quenched his +thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the coast of Yorkshire. +It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer tounlet of 20 bootes caulled +Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom of a mile yn length:" in this bay he +often went fishing in the summer season, and not far from this he had +butts or marks set up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting +with the long bow. + +After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed to have +been distinguished from the name of their gallant leader, by the title +of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting to subjoin a short account +of the last days of Robin's friend and favourite, Little John. The +honour of his death and burial is contended by rival nations, first by +England. At the village of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, +in Derbyshire, is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious +person caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of +uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with +many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at the +intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, and who had +in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but upon restoring +the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, by Scotland. In +Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector Boece, is "the +Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne remainis in grete +admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene feet of hycht with square +membris effering thairto VI zeris," continues he, "afore the cumyng of +this werk to lycht we saw his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail +bane of ane man, lor we schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk +apperis how strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they +were effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by +Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne greene +an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," he says, +proceeded of this--"In the yeere one thousand one hundred foure score +and nine, there ranged three robbers and outlaws in England, among +which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, of all theeves +doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood being betrayed at a nunrie +in Scotland, called Bricklies, the remnant of the crue was scattered, +and everie man forced to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was +faine to flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied +for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to understand the +wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, requested him hartilie to +trie how far he could shoote at random; who yeelding to their behest, +stood on the bridge of Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving +behind him a monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than +possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the repaire +of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would soone be published, +so his abode could not be long concealed, and therefore to eschew +the danger of laws, he fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or +village called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that "poor +Little John's great practical skill in archery could not save him +from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared from some records in +the Southwell family, that he was publicly executed for robbery on +Arbor-hill, Dublin." + +A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name of Nayler +upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in the West Riding of +Yorkshire.[6] SWAINE. + + [6] Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.--See _Mirror_, vol. + xix. p. 322. + + * * * * * + + + +NEW BOOKS. + + * * * * * + +ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. + + + [This is one of the _Naturo-Philosophical_ volumes of the + _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, and is therefore to be viewed as a + portion of that series rather than as a substantive work. Its + preparation has been entrusted to Mr. M. Donovan, Professor of + Chemistry to the Company of Apothecaries in Ireland; so that + it comes to us with some share of recommendatory experience + on the part of the editor. It would, however, be difficult to + point out the advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others + of the same description. Neither will such distinction be + looked for but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is + clear and satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and + the matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat overloaded + with hard names, and presumes more previous acquaintance with + the subject than is consistent. We subjoin a few extracts of + popular interest.] + +_Caloric, or the matter of Heat._ + +Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to be the +principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are known to +produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat is, therefore, +the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have thought it necessary to make +a distinction between the senses in which the word heat may be taken. +In its usual acceptation, it merely means the effect excited on the +organs of sensation by a hot body. But as this must be produced by +a power in the hot body independent of sensation, that power is what +chemists understand by the word _heat_: and to distinguish between +the effect and its cause, the term _caloric_ has been substituted. +The introduction of this term appears altogether unnecessary, when +the sense in which the word _heat_ should be understood is explained. +Caloric means the _cause_ of the _sensation_ heat: and there seems no +reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of sensation +can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical phenomena. + +_Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the Atmosphere._ + +In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to admire +the design and execution of a structure calculated, with such wondrous +precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the atmosphere to consist +wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds of objects which compose, +and are found upon, the globe, to remain what they are; the world +would run through its stages of decay, renovation, and final +destruction, in a rapid cycle. Combustion, once excited, would proceed +with ungovernable violence; the globe, during its short existence, +would be in a continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its +only remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and +terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other hand, +were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could never have +existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the objects of the Creator +in forming this world would not be fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a +wholesome mixture of these two formidable elements, each neutralizing +the other's baneful influence. The life of animals quietly runs +through its allotted space; and the current of nature flows within +prescribed limits, manageably and moderately. + +_Tartaric Acid._ + +Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of grapes is +left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. When wine has +been kept some time to depurate in wooden vessels, it deposits, on the +side of the vessel, a hard crust of dark coloured matter, the taste +of which is sour. This matter is impure; but, when purified by various +crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; and +then it is known in commerce by the name of _cream of tartar_. The +etymology of the singular name, tartar, is uncertain: it is derived +from _tártaros_, as some say, because it occasions pains equal to +those endured in the infernal regions; and, as others say, merely +because this substance deposits itself in the inferior parts of the +cask. Tartaric acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a +process analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an +exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and is soluble +in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular shape. In 100 parts, +by weight, there are 12 of water; the remaining 88 parts are the pure +anhydrous acid, composed of 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, +and 2-64 of hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but +especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along with citric, +malic, and an acid called _vinic_, which resembles tartaric acid +in many respects, but differs from it in others, and concerning the +nature of which almost nothing is known: these four constitute the +agreeable tartness of the juice of that fruit. + +_Oxalic Acid_. + +The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. This +acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which may +be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which it is +combined, by a process analagous to that described for the preparation +of citric acid. It has obtained the name of _oxalic acid_, from +the generic name of the plant, _oxalis acetosella_. This acid forms +readily into regular crystals, of which one half the weight is water, +the other half being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in +its constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it consists +merely of carbon and oxygen--there being twice as much oxygen as +there is carbon. So that it differs from carbonic acid merely in the +relative quantities of its ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by +an artificial process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its +weight of nitric acid,--the former affording the carbon necessary to +its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only necessary to +heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar dissolves, and there is +a violent effervescence, which must be moderated by immersion in +cold water: when the mixture cools, crystals of oxalic acid form in +abundance, which may be purified by a second crystallization. + +Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen victims to +its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for Epsom salt, which +it resembles in appearance. In all probability, this would not prove +to be the only vegetable acid capable of acting as a poison. Chalk +finely powdered, and diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the +poison of oxalic acid. + + [The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and that + on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might have been + expected.] + + * * * * * + + + +THE GATHERER + + * * * * * + +_The Plain Truth._--Sir John Trevor, cousin to Lord Chancellor +Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as he was able. He +was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and officially had the +mortification to put the question to the house, "whether himself ought +to be expelled for bribery." The answer was "Yes." + +_Freaks of Royalty._--James I. in a capricious mood, threatened +the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of royalty, the meetings of +parliament, &c. from the capital. "Your Majesty at least," replied the +Mayor, "will be graciously pleased to leave us the River Thames." + +_The Original Strand._--In the reign of Edward III. the Strand was an +open highway. A solitary house occasionally occurred; but in 1353, +the ruggedness of the highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on +wool, leather, &c. for its improvement. + +On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's in +the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to be +distributed among the workmen. + +_A swampy Kingdom._--In the reign of Charles II. at the east end of +St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat for the ducks, thence +denominated Duck Island, which, by Charles was erected into a +government, and a salary annexed to the office, in favour of the +celebrated French writer, M. de St. Evremond, who was the first and +last governor. + +The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace is stated +to have cost 500_l_. + +The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George the Third +was the same that bore George the Second at the memorable battle of +Dettingen. + +_Political Criticism._--The following proof of political prejudice +may not be known:--"John Milton was one whose natural parts might +deservedly give him a place amongst the principal of our English +poets, having written two heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:--Paradise +Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes; _but his fame is gone +out like a candle in a snuff_; and his memory will always stink, +which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not been +a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously belied that +blessed martyr, King Charles I."--_Lives of the most famous English +Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. Winstanley._ + +_A Pastor._--The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father of the patriot, +was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in 1586. He was a student of +Emanuel College in that University, where he took his degree of Master +of Arts in 1608. Afterwards he was elected master of the grammar +school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in that town. +"He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, "who, like a good +husband, never broached what he had new-brewed, but preached what he +had studied some competent time before: insomuch that he was wont to +say that he would cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the +working day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'" + +_Dryden's Mc Flecnoe_.--W. Newcastle has the following excellent lines +in reference to Dryden's poem:-- + + "_Flecnoe_, thy characters are so full of wit + And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it. + Each line's a _volume_, and who reads would swear + _Whole libraries_ were in each character. + Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet + Lights in the starry skies are thicker set, + Nor quills upon the armed porcupine, + Than _wit and fancy_ in this work of thine." + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT. + + +The long-expected death of this good and great man took place at +Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume contains +a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; and it is our +intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a brief memoir continued +to his last days, with a wood-cut portrait from the latest painting. +About twelve months since, Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic +pen, the following passage in the introduction to his last published +work: "The gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all +probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to +submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far realized, though +the accordance of the closing line with the last hours of the deceased +bears a consoling balm: "He is now on the eve of visiting foreign +parts; a ship of war is commissioned by its royal master to carry the +Author of Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a +restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in +his own country." + +_Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day_.--Although this custom can be traced +through upwards of three centuries, its origin has not been decided by +antiquaries. The commonly received belief is that a goose forming part +of the royal dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of +the defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded +that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on every +29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious event. Mr. Douce, +the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the above reason "somewhere" +(such is his expression); but Mr. Brand thinks this rather to be a +stronger proof that the custom prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's +time. Its origin, however, is referable to the previous century: +since, bringing a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day +appears to have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, +that it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following +passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before the +above event:-- + + "And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's rent, + They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish at Lent; + At Christmasse a capon, _at Michaelmas a goose_, + And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, _for feare their leave flies + loose_." + +The reason given by Blount, in his _Tenures_, is considered far from +satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, "Probably no other reason +can be given for this custom, but that Michaelmas Day was a great +festival, and geese at that time were most plentiful." The origin of +the saying that "if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never +want money all the year round," is explained, in the _British Apollo_, +as follows:-- + + The custom came up from the tenants presenting + Their landlords with geese to incline their relenting + On following payments. + +Again:-- + + For doubtless 'twas at first design'd + To make the people seasons mind, + That so they might apply their care + To all those things which needful were; + And by a good industrious hand, + Know when and how t' improve their land. + +Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating goose on +Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part of France. Upon +St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. They likewise eat geese +upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." +In Denmark, where the harvest is later than here, every family has a +roasted goose for supper on St. Martin's Eve. PHILO. + +_The reason why Pennsylvania was settled._ + + "Penn refused to pull his hat off + Before the king, and therefore set off, + Another country to light pat on, + Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H. + + +"Mollissima tempora fandi." + +A translation of the above is requested, in one line, which shall +rhyme with the original. H.H. + + +_Motto for a Cigar Smoker._ + +"Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H. + + * * * * * + +St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall appear next +week. + + * * * * * + + THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + No. 203, price Twopence, of + THE MIRROR, + Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR + of the late + SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, Paris; and by all Newsmen +and Booksellers._ + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 11887 *** diff --git a/11887-8.txt b/11887-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d991ac6 --- /dev/null +++ b/11887-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2076 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Vol. 20. No. 568 - 29 Sept 1832 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 3, 2004 [EBook #11887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20, No. 568.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1832. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.] + +Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition of the +present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of eminent +men. It is something to know that John Scott was born at +Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented in the +above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the rudiments of +his education at the free grammar-school of the town; that he grew up +"a man of safe discretion;" that he enjoyed the highest legal honours +which his sovereign could bestow for a quarter of a century; and that +he still lives, a venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory +from his conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so +distinguished an individual must have innumerable good tendencies: +it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that "every man is the +architect of his own fortune;" and it presents us, moreover, with +the encouraging picture of a well-regulated life, and its healthful +energies so employed in the discharge of important duties as to +entitle the subject to high rank among the worthies of his country. + +John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, of +Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the language of +the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the sale and shipment +of coals. He had by industry and habits of close saving accumulated +rather considerable means from small beginnings. Beyond this he was +a man of great shrewdness and knowledge of the world," and quickly +perceiving the talents of the two younger boys, William (now Lord +Stowell,) and John, he wisely gave them an education in accordance +with their mental endowments. "It is said that the singular variety +in the talent of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very +early age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a +constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, gave at +once a condensed and lucid digest of the general argument. John, +on the other hand, would go into all the minutiae, but failed in +producing the lucid, general view embodied in half the number of words +by his brother."[1] The two boys received their early education at the +free grammar-school of Newcastle.[2] William was from the beginning +destined for the study of the law. John was at first intended for +the church, and was, accordingly, sent to Oxford: early marriage was, +however, the fortunate means of changing his destination, and he began +the world in the same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was +entered as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar +at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive stock of +legal information, having been an indefatigable reader, and spent the +two last years of his preliminary studies in the office of a special +pleader. At his outset he made no progress, his powers being palsied +by an oppressive diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely +to being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, and +not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. In a fit of +despondency he resolved to retire into humble practice in his native +county; and he had actually given up his chambers and taken leave of +his friends in the metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his +purpose by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make +one more trial at the bar. His first success was the undoubted fruit +of his extraordinary abilities, and is said to have originated in the +sudden illness of a leading counsel the night before the trial of a +complicated civil cause. It could not be put off, and the client +of the lost leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the +brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous intricacies, +and triumphed. From this time he gained confidence, and his forensic +reputation soon became established. He was much aided by the +encouragement which he received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his +abilities, and is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, +which Mr. Scott declined. + + [1] Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month. + + [2] At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an antiquary + and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George Hall, Bishop + of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of a history of + Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of Antiquaries; all of + whom were born at Newcastle. + +In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord Weymouth's +interest, he was introduced into parliament for the borough of Weobly. +It is stated that on the latter occasion, he stipulated for the +liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a decided part with the Pitt +administration; and in 1788, he was appointed solicitor-general, +and knighted; in 1793, he rose to be attorney-general, and in the +following year he conducted the trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, +for treason. Erskine was opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, +though the speech of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the +delivery. + +In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief justiceship of the +Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief Justice Eyre; and in the +same year he was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Eldon. In +1801, he was made Lord Chancellor, which high office he retained till +the year 1827, with the exception of the short period during which the +Whigs were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity +of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821. + +The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is thus lucidly +drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the long lapse of ages, +have filled the sacred seat on which he now (1823) sits, none ever +had purer hands, none ever had a conscientious desire of equity more +ardent and more incessant than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of +his views, the inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his +unrelaxing anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the +kindness of his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that +attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the unbounded +admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the wise. Lord Eldon's +eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is rather adapted to cultivated +and thinking minds than to a popular audience. It generally addresses +the understanding rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, +but occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos." + +We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to by the +above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of Lord Eldon. As +the following have, we believe, but once appeared in print, they may +not, be familiar to the reader. Sir Richard Phillips relates:[3] "In +conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard two anecdotes +of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord Chancellors, and to +public spirited parishioners, I consider it my duty to introduce. The +incumbent, some years ago, thought proper to propose an exchange with +an incompetent clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and +some of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, and +in the commencement he penned a letter to the Chancellor. The other +parties calculated on the arrangement, but, on applying to the +Chancellor he could consent to no exchange, but that if the parties +were tired of their positions, they might respectively resign, and +there were plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the +scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a master +had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at Dronfield, +on liberal principles of education, but, within a few years, some +prejudice was excited against him, and the churchwardens for the time +thought proper to stop his salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some +friends combined in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship +instantly directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust +within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a month, when, +without other form, he directed the salary to be paid to the appointed +master, with all expenses." + + [3] In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part iii. + +Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate that +the inhabitants are proud of their distinguished fellow-freeman. A +spacious range of elegant buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the +Guildhall is a portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, +Lord Stowell. + + * * * * * + + +THE WEARIED SOLDIER. + + + "When silent time, wi' lightly foot, + Had trod o'er thirty years, + I sought again, my native land, + Wi' many hopes and fears." + MRS. HAMILTON. + + He came to the village, when the sun + In the "golden west" was bright, + When sounds were dying one by one, + And the vesper star was shining down, + With a soft and silvery light. + + A war-worn wanderer was he, + And absent many a year + From the cottage-home he fain would see, + From that resting-place where he would be, + The spot to memory dear. + + It rose at last upon his view, + (Old times were thronging round him,) + The lattice where the jasmine grew, + The meadow where he brush'd the dew + When youth's bright hopes were round him. + + But faces new, and sadly strange, + Were in that cottage now; + Cold eyes, that o'er his features range, + For time had wrought a weary change + Upon the soldier's brow. + + And some there were--the lov'd--the dead-- + Whom he no more could see, + From this cold changing world were fled, + And they had found a quiet bed + Beneath the old yew tree. + + And thither too--the wanderer hied, + Night-dews were falling fast, + This is my "welcome home" he cried, + And the chill breezes low replied + In murmurs as they pass'd. + + They whispering said, or seem'd to say, + No lasting joys to earth are given, + No longer near these ashes stray, + Go, mourner! hence, away! away! + Thy lost ones are in heaven. + + _Kirton, Lindsey._ ANNE R. + + * * * * * + + +RELIGIOUS FASTINGS. + + +From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have practised +fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon them for their +sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that fasting was originated +by Adam after he had eaten of the forbidden fruit; but this obviously +is carrying their arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it +is as certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first +formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held the +"solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to Herodotus, +before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to purify themselves +from impurities, fasted and prayed. This custom he also ascribes to +the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates that the fasts of the Egyptians +were sometimes continued for six weeks, and that the shortest ordained +by their priests was seven days, during which they abstained from +nearly all kinds of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, +who observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show and +solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, two of which +were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" the observation +of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially amongst women, who, +in mournful dresses, spent one whole day sitting on the ground (their +sign of grief,) without taking the least food. The islanders of Crete, +before sacrificing to Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated +ancient author informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into +the secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and +that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who came +to consult them, had to perform this duty. + +Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any important +enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The Lacedemonians having +agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast throughout their nation, and +without _even_ excepting their _domestic animals_. The Romans having +besieged the city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, +the citizens demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of +Rhegium; who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, +commanded that a fast should be held throughout their territories. +Their aid having proved successful, the government of Tarentum to +commemorate this important event, ordained a perpetual fast on the day +of their deliverance. + +Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages reckoned +fasting as a service which led to important results, and a duty which +could not be dispensed with without causing the wrath of God to fall +upon the heads of the nation. At Rome it was practised even by the +emperors. Amongst the most remarkable for keeping this institution +were Numa Pompilius, Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the +apostate, was so exact in the performance of this ordinance, that +the fasting of the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as +nothing compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes +as long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their +master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in which they +denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the creatures of the +meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable for their fasting; but as +the people believe they regale themselves with the good things of this +life, in secret, their example gains not many followers. That nation +which reckons itself infinitely superior to _us_ "poor barbarians," +the Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The +Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and the +exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the lengths of +time of their fasts are very remarkable. + +The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on the +appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though they sadly +neglected the commands of God in other particulars, yet they obeyed +this command with great devotedness. The abstinence of the ancient +Jews generally lasted from twenty-six to twenty-seven hours. On these +days they wore sackcloth, laid themselves in ashes, and sprinkled +them on their heads, in token of their great grief and penitence. Some +spent the whole night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great +effect a scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to +devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from the +Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging penance system. + +In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised by the +Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the fathers of the +church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated seasons. The custom +is still observed amongst the methodists, who follow the example of +their great leader, Wesley. The rust of time has, however, worn away +the veneration for this "good _old_ system," and it is totally +disused by the general body of Protestants, except on great national +occasions. + +E.J.H. + + * * * * * + + + +MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. + + * * * * * + +SHERIFFS OF LONDON. + + + [The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled _Londiniana_ possesses more than a + passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a Journal + will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.] + +The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, are +derived from a manuscript copy of the _Journal_ of Richard Hoare, +Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in 1740-41, in his own +hand-writing, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Sir +Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year +became memorable in the city annals, from their having been _three_ +Lord Mayors during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry +Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq. + +Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal of the +respectable house which, instituted by one of his predecessors, still +bears the family name, was elected alderman of the Ward of Farringdon +Without, on St. George's day, 1740, in the place of Sir Francis Child, +who died on the preceding Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was +conferred upon him, whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and +equally so, was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. +Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly afterwards +they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000_l_. to undertake and enter +upon the office on the ensuing Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became +each entitled to 100_l_. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this +year been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid +their fines to be excused." + +In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their +duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for +each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother +Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street +Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, +to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they +are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for +which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the +places upon any vacancy." + +On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten +o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained +several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of +Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the +Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He +continues,-- + +"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George Heathcote, +and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the last year were +attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we all repaired thither; +the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance walking two by two, the +senior sheriff's company on the right hand, the aldermen following in +their coaches; in which, we, though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as +aldermen. Upon coming up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies +made a lane for the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited +on my Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we +returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened by +the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take the oath +of office; which we accordingly did, together with the oaths of +allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also administered to Mr. +Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as under-sheriff, he kneeling all +the while. + +"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the former +sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being dissolved, the Lord +Mayor went home, attended by the former sheriffs, and we returned back +to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, provided for the Court of Aldermen and +Courts of Assistance, at which the senior alderman took the chair as +president, and the rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall +took their places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat +at the head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of +Assistance of our two companies. When dinner was over, and the healths +of the royal family were drunk, the cryer proclaimed the health and +prosperity to the two sheriffs' companies in the following manner; +that is to say, 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and +prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the Goldsmiths +and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, prosperity to both:' and this +is so usually done, naming each company first alternately, to prevent +any dispute concerning preference or priority. + +"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner room, at which +we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all the aldermen; for +whatever rank an alderman may be in point of seniority, yet during the +year he serves as sheriff, he is to give place, and follow the rest +of his brethren, both at the court, and all processions and +entertainments. About six o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the +Lord Mayor at his house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were +met by our own and the former under-sheriffs, together with the +secondaries and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the +respective prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers +acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then +tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, and after +having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted and undertook +the charge of our office, we were invited according to custom, to an +adjoining tavern; and there partook of an entertainment of sack and +walnuts, provided by the aforesaid keepers of the prisons. + +"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my brother sheriff +and I set out for the first time in our new equipages and scarlet +gowns, attended by our beadles, and the several officers of our +Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at +which he kept his mayoralty, and proceeded with him from thence, as +is customary, to Guildhall, where the livery-men of the city were +summoned to attend at the Court of Hustings for the election of a new +lord mayor for the year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the +livery-men, 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a +lord mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate +two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of Aldermen, +who had then a right to elect either of them into that great office, +and which ever that the court so fixed on, the Common Hall was bound +to accept.' When he had ended, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen +retired into the Council Chamber, and left us to preside at the +election, attended by the Common Sergeant and other officers. The +method of voting is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and +town clerk, who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the +person he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective name." + +On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to Guildhall, with +the same company as on the preceding day, and waiting on the Lord +Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested that his lordship and the +recorder would present them at his Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each +sheriff then paid the usual fees, viz. _6l. 13s. 4d._ to the Lord +Mayor, and _3l. 6s. 8d._ to the recorder; after which, they proceeded +to the Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor +first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen following in +coaches, the companies walking before us. + +"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, taking place +of all the aldermen: and our two companies attended in the Goldsmiths' +barge, as before agreed on, adorned with half the colours, and rowed +with half the watermen belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, +the companies went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with +a sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching the +bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, in a speech, +presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being seated there for +that purpose, signifying the choice the citizens had made, and that, +in pursuance of our charter, we were presented to his Majesty's +justices for his royal approbation; and the Baron accordingly +approving the choice, he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were +invited to our dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their +accounts, and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present +cut one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the court +counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails. + +"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by way +of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements in St. +Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where they are situated +no one knows, nor doth the city receive any rents or profits thereby. + +"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three Cranes, and +from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' Hall; where my Lord +Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, and guests invited, dined +at one table, and we, the sheriff's, at the head of another, with the +Court of Assistance of each of our companies: and the Clerks of the +Exchequer by themselves at another table. After dinner, the Lord +Mayor, aldermen, &c. returned into a separate room, where we sat with +them at the head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; +our two companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the +Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall." + +On the 7th of October they "settled a point," with the keeper of +Newgate in regard to the transportation of _felons_. That was, that +the keeper should deliver them to the merchant, "who contracts to +carry them over," at the door of Newgate, and there discharge himself +of any further custody; but leaving him and his officers the privilege +of protecting them down to the water side, according to any private +agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully understood that +the sheriffs should not be responsible for their charge "from the time +of their first delivery." + +(_TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT._) + + * * * * * + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + +STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS. + + + (_From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185._) + +We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change of the +whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, though in this +the political economist can see the solution of all our Malthusian +difficulties to an indefinite extent and duration. What we urge is +merely the partial adoption of the thing to such an extent as will +relax the present pressure, and restore us to a wholesome state of +national prosperity. This will occasion no dangerous experiment, and +will be gradually followed up by a progressive conversion, by which +all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and +the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be +equalized. + +If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the +expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will +indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that +the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That +steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report +of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the +evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who +were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon +the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project +we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to +avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being +quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the +said committee came after three months of patient and thorough +investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of +inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements +in the means of internal communication ever introduced._" + + [Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens, + John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.] + +In viewing the moral advantages which must result from +steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few +so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as +the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward, +regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two +for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if +unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period +of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen +the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped +that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is +perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses. +The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a +rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, +it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is +perfectly safe for passengers." + +The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear +no proportion to the loss of lives from consumption and other diseases +occasioned by cold and wet, from exposure on the top of coaches.[4] + + [4] It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of the + weather. + +Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the present +system of quick travelling. The short average life of stage-coach +horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully over-wrought and +_out-wrought_ they are by the great speed now in practice. Driven for +eight or ten miles, with an oppressive weight, they tremble in every +nerve. With nostrils distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, +they can scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they +are well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are +over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be exerted. The +morrow comes when their galled withers are again to be wrung by the +ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of the wheels. But we do not +witness all the misery of the noble and the generous steed. When +the shades of night impend, the reproaches of the feeling, or the +expostulations of the timid traveller no longer protect him from the +lash; and the dread of Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a +time its beneficent purpose; when the stiffened joints--the cracked +hoofs--the greasy legs--and stumbling gait of the worn-out animal are +all put into agonized motion by belabouring _him upon the raw_! +The expression is Hibernian, but the brutality is our own. A few +ill-gained pounds reconcile the enormity to the owner--and the +cheapness and expedition of the conveyance give it public sanction: +but humanity is outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and +the noble precept, that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," +is trampled under foot. + +Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we have +comfort for comparative inconvenience--the inside of an elegant +apartment, where books, amusement, or general conversation may +occupy agreeably the time--for the outside of a hard, unsafe stage +conveyance, and exposure to all changes or varieties of atmosphere. +Nay, we see no reason to prevent such improvement in steam-carriages +as shall fit them up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of +Napoleon, or the travelling long coach of the present Duke of +Orleans, with beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety +for danger--accelerated speed without inhumanity--gain of time--of +accommodation--of money--and over and above all, as a non-consumer +of food, we have by the substitution what will remove the host of +Malthusian ills to a period of almost indefinite duration. + + * * * * * + + + +OLD POETS. + + * * * * * + +EYES AND TEARS. + + + How wisely Nature did decree + With the same eyes to weep and see! + That, having view'd the object vain, + They might be ready to complain. + And, since the self-deluding sight, + In a false angle takes each height, + These tears which better measure all. + Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall. + Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh, + Within the scales of either eye, + And then paid out in equal poise, + Are the true price of all my joys. + What in the world most fair appears, + Yea, even laughter, turns to tears: + And all the jewels which we prize, + Melt in these pendents of the eyes. + I have through every garden been, + Amongst the red, the white, the green; + And yet from all those flow'rs I saw, + No honey, but these tears could draw. + So the all-seeing sun each day, + Distils the world with chemic ray; + But finds the essence only showers, + Which straight in pity back he pours. + Yet happy they whom grief doth bless, + That weep the more, and see the less; + And, to preserve their sight more true, + Bathe still their eyes in their own dew. + So Magdalen, in tears more wise + Dissolv'd those captivating eyes, + Whose liquid chains could flowing meet, + To fetter her Redeemer's feet. + Not full sails hasting loaden home, + Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb, + Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair, + As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are + The sparkling glance that shoots desire, + Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire. + Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes, + And here the hissing lightning slakes. + The incense was to heaven dear, + Not as a perfume, but a tear! + And stars show lovely in the night, + But as they seem the tears of light. + Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice, + And practise so your noblest use; + For others too can see, or sleep, + But only human eyes can weep. + Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop, + And at each tear in distance stop: + Now, like two fountains, trickle down: + Now like two floods o'er-run and drown: + Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs, + Till eyes and tears be the same things; + And each the other's difference bears; + These weeping eyes, those seeing tears. + +MARVELL. + + (_From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John Dove._) + + * * * * * + + +A DROP OF DEW. + + + See, how the orient dew + Shed from the bosom of the morn, + Into the blowing roses, + Yet careless of its mansion new, + For the clear region where 'twas born + Round in itself incloses: + And in its little globe's extent, + Frames, as it can, its native element. + How it the purple flow'r does slight, + Scarce touching where it lies; + But gazing back upon the skies, + Shines with a mournful light, + Like its own tear, + Because so long divided from the sphere. + Restless it rolls, and unsecure, + Trembling, lest it grows impure; + Till the warm sun pities its pain, + And to the skies exhales it back again. + So the _soul_, that drop, that ray, + Of the clear fountain of eternal day, + Could it within the human flow'r be seen, + Rememb'ring still its former height, + Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green; + And, recollecting its own light, + Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express + The greater heaven in an heaven less, + In how coy a figure wound, + Every way it turns away: + So the world excluding round, + Yet receiving in the day. + Dark beneath, but bright above; + Here disdaining, there in love, + How loose and easy hence to go; + How girt and ready to ascend: + Moving but on a point below, + It all about does upward bend. + Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil, + White and entire, although congeal'd and chill; + Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run + Into the glories of th' almighty sun. + +IBID. + + * * * * * + + + +NOTES OF A READER. + + * * * * * + +ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. + + +We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country +as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens, +to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial, +and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the +tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air +becomes chill and misty, though + + The weary sun hath made a golden set, + And, by the bright track of his fiery ear, + Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow: + +the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by +their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in +which the majority of them will pass the coming winter. + +The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in +the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and +weathercock[5] to the Llama House. + + [5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A + kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that + point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very + strange introducing of natural weathercocks." + +[Illustration: (_Llama House._)] + +Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and +a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose +brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams +of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for +Goats. + +[Illustration: (_Armadillos._)] + +The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who +are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The +innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are +here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows, +is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary. + +Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the +Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535, +opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the +extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the +Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as +variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient." +We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the +Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of +splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the +ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque. + +[Illustration: (_The Repository._)] + +[Illustration: (_Deer._)] + +[Illustration: (_Elephants._)] + +Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the +straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity +of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the +Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the +Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching +horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, +opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No. +560. + +In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most +interesting resort. + + * * * * * + + +THE VOICE OF HUMANITY. + + +"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal +Creation" exists--though, in one sense, as a blot upon the character +of the age. They publish the above Journal quarterly, assembling acts +of atrocity which make the blood curdle in our veins, and remind us +that "all are not men that wear the human form." The funds of +the society are not in a prosperous condition; the sand of their +philanthropy is well nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. +Let us glance at the contents of, the _Voice_ before us. The subject +"Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and Smithfield-market," +is continued--a plan which we illustrated in _The Mirror_ about five +years since. True enough the Society write, but the people do not +consider; they are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the +mammon of money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in +the midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists for +its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the metropolis--and +markets are increasing for the sale of the necessaries and luxuries of +life; the _Haymarket_ has been removed from a fashionable quarter to +the suburbs, that loaded carts may not obstruct carriages in their +road to St. James's, the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera--yet, not +a single, _Abattoir_--for the health of the people--exists near the +metropolis. The King and the Court patronize and plan horse-racing, +throwing the lasso, and, if recent report be true, hawking; the +Parliament legislate, a bill is "ordered to be printed"--yet, the +inconsistency and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to +ask, where is the truth of the motto--_Salus populi suprema lex_. +Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not uncommon; +yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor are caught, while +the rich break through the meshes of the net. In the work before us +are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, including "the cold-blooded +cruelty towards the generous and heart-broken _Rattler_, in riding him +thirty-four miles in the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next +are four police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, +the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows the +fact of _a respectable woman_ boiling a cat to death! and next is this +quotation from the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for April, 1789:-- + +"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young man of +large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and horses +rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, +where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality. Mr. +Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he had a favourite cock upon +which he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he made upon +this cock he lost; which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied +to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of +the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were +present attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, +that he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, +declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, in the +midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead upon the spot!" + +If we be asked whether it be proper to regard _all_ such dispensations +as judicial inflictions, we reply in the words of Cowper above: + + "'Tis not for us, with rash surmise, + To point the judgments of the skies, + But judgments _plain as this_, + That, sent for man's instruction, bring + A written label on their wing, + 'Tis hard to read amiss." + +[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:] + +THE WORM. + + Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside + Nor crush that helpless worm; + The frame thy wayward looks deride, + Required a God to form. + + The common Lord of all that move, + From whom thy being flowed, + A portion of his boundless love + On that poor worm bestowed. + + The sun, the moon, the stars, he made + To all his creatures free; + And spread o'er earth the grassy blade + For worms as well as thee. + + Let them enjoy their little day, + Their lowly hiss receive; + Oh! do not lightly take away + The life thou canst not give. + +Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been abolished by the +extended education of the people. Brutal sports among boys are much +less indulged than formerly, and the worrying of domestic animals +almost invariably denotes a _bad boy_, in the worst sense of the +phrase, likely to make a bad man; "so true to nature is the admirable +aphorism of Wordsworth:-- + + The boy's the father of the man." + +But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult cruelties; +though, according to the above showing, such atrocities will be less +rare in the next than in the present generation. To conclude, we hope +that the present notice may awaken the sympathy of the reader towards +the laudable objects of the _Society_, under whose guidance the _Voice +of Humanity_ is published. It is a difficult matter to point out "the +uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally babbling of +our high state of civilization and refinement, yet, we repeat, +the necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to a +national disgrace. + + * * * * * + + + +THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + +VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA. + + +_BY LIEUTENANT G.H.P. WHITE, ROYAL NAVY._ + + +On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from Catania with +a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, taking the necessary +guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the provisions, &c., as nothing +in that way can be procured after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small +village about twelve miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the +Sicilians into three several regions. The first is called Piè de +Montagna, the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, +though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city of +Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country around is +formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the third eruption +mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the sixth year of the +Peloponnesian war, and the second of the eighty-eighth Olympiad. +Traversing the lands of Battianti, and St. Giovanni della Punta, the +road is constantly over the lava, and the country on either side is +delicious. Trecastagne, nine miles from Catania, is seated on the +acclivity of a high volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful +and picturesque. Near the principal church the view is most extensive. +Towards the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching +from Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with +vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain itself, +surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these have been thrown +up in various forms, composed principally of cinders, and covered with +rich vegetation. The freshness of the air, the beauty and picturesque +situations of the houses surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the +over-teeming fertility of the soil, and the laughing fields, where +golden Ceres still lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, +intersected by courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view +one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These +mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places ten miles +in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind with horror and +astonishment: that such wondrous masses, consisting of earths, stones, +and minerals, fused and mixed, could be driven forth in one wild +current from the mountain, makes us pause, and confounds any attempt +to reason on the phenomena.--And, although the lava for many centuries +lays waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very +long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state as to +become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we reflect on +the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for state of +decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving at any certain +conclusion. When this process is duly effected, the cactus opuntia, or +prickly pear, is planted, which hastens the desired event, and has the +power to break up the lava, and render it fit for productive purposes. +Five miles from Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has +often suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, +and baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor +Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is two +thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the sea, +and its mean temperature 64° Fahr. + +From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a most superb +view of the surrounding country; nothing can be more varied, grand, +and sublime; every spot spared by the all-devastating lavas, is highly +cultivated; the vines and other productive fruit-trees are seen laden +with the most delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and +villages, in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the +distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting that can +be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., our trusty mules, +and pursued or journey. The evening was deliciously serene, the stars +shone with extraordinary brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely +blue, while the galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of +light across the azure expanse. + +The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the mountain +were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in an extraordinary +degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 feet above the level of +the surrounding plain, and is said to have been thrown up during the +great eruption of the year 1669, and from which issued that horrible +stream of burning lava, which, after destroying the country for the +length of fourteen miles, ran into the sea at Catania. + +About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, which, like +a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; it abounds with +ancient hillocks, and lava of different periods, and is almost +covered with frowning woods of oak, holm, beech and pines, on the more +elevated points. + +After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting treat, we +kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing reveries caused by +the fairy scene. + +Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to refresh our +mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments of a warmer +texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat chilly; for the +temperature of this spot was about 50°, while that of Catania, which +we had only left a few hours ago, was about 84° Fahr. + +The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and cheerless; +hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still wilder regions +appeared above us. The path now lay over masses of rough lava; so much +so, that at times it became necessary to dismount and actually drag +our jaded animals over the rugged precipices which obstructed our +progress: the intricacy of the path required us to follow one another +very closely, that we might not lose the track, which became so +tortuous in its course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer +accustomed to the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in +the darkness of night. + +After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and black sand, +we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for summit; when, about +two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of her beams, queen like, arose +behind the bifurcated summit of Etna; her cheering light was very +grateful to us in this wild spot. The awful cone of the mountain +pillowed against the heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white +smoke from its burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour +of the night. + +At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut built by the +English troops when stationed in Sicily, during the late war. Here it +became again necessary to halt a little to put on some extra clothing. +As soon as this was accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made +by the guides giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist +him in clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any +further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The first +portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, most +wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the apex, the path +was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. In wading through this +compound the ascent became so difficult and fatiguing, that we were +all under the necessity of reposing every twenty or thirty yards, +tormented by the sulphureous vapour, which rendered respiration +painful, and was even less supportable than the abruptness of the +mountain path! + +At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most harassing +that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as the day began to +dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy height, requires the pen of +poetic inspiration; or to describe the scene presented to mortal +gaze, when thus looking down with fearful eye on the almost boundless +prospect beneath! The blue expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, +rivers, mountains, and all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, +had a magic effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; +while hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, +evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling down +the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed one vast +column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon the mountain +growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the earth was slightly +convulsed! We now attempted to descend a short distance within +the crater; the guides, timid of its horrors, did not relish the +undertaking, but were induced at length, and conducted the party +behind some heaps of lava, from whence was a grand view of this +awful cavern. The noise within the gulf resembled loud continuous +thunderings, and after each successive explosion, there issued columns +of white, and sometimes of black smoke. + +The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the interior +part of which is covered with crystallizations of salts and sulphur, +of various brilliant hues--red appeared to predominate, or rather +a deep orange colour. Writers vary much in their accounts as to +the circumference of the crater. Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an +opportunity to ascertain it correctly, describes it as an oval, +stretching from E. and by N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate +diameter of four hundred and ninety-three yards; the transverse he +was prevented from ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his +operations were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from +this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said that +some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by approaching too +near, and were either blown into the abyss below by the violence +of the wind, which is generally very strong at this elevation, or +suffocated by a sudden burst of the sulphureous vapour. + +The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first attracts the +eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, but now (July) +by cinders and black sand. In the midst the great crater rears its +burning head, and the regions of intense heat and extreme cold shake +hands together. The eye soon becomes satiated with its wildness, and +turns with delight on the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent +zone of forest trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many +parts of this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with +the most luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different +eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still richer, +called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or grain that man +can desire: the small rivers Semetus and Alcantara intersect these +fertile fields; beyond this the whole of Sicily, with its cities, +towns, and villages, its corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless +perspective, charm and delight the senses. + +The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and crystallizations +of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; wherever a stick is +thrust in, the opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, +and if the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on +account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the summit, during +the months of July and August, is 37° Fahr. After having remained +about an hour, descended to the Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, +proceeded downwards, visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, +which tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was +studying the various phenomena of Etna. + +About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of the +Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the face of an +enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a lovely valley, +gradually sloping down towards the coast, embracing the three several +regions of the mountain, to which the purple wave of the Mediterranean +forms a noble boundary: nothing can be more varied, rich, and +beautiful than this scene, as it comprises every object necessary to +form a perfect landscape. + +It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of vegetation during +the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius grows at the elevation of +8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis commences at 6,800. Then follow the +Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The +olive is seen at the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as +high as 5,000 feet.--_United Service Journal._ + + [In a clever paper on the geographical position and history of + Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, Esq. F.G.S. and + J.W. Draper, Esq. to the _Magazine of Natural History_, is the + following outline of Etna.] + +Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in imposing +grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level of the sea. It is +about 180 miles in circumferences, and is surrounded on every hand +by apparently small volcanic cones, though of no inconsiderable size, +which tend in a great degree to increase the apparent dimensions of +the central mountain. Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, +but others are arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of +vegetation, some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative +ages of the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it +requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on +others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain is by +Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions previous to the +Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which Pindar alludes in his +first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. the volcano was again active; +and according to Diodorus Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped +in its march against Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice +to say, that ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, +the Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was +in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase of +prolonged intermittence. + + * * * * * + + +THE SECRET LOVER. + + +FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI. + + + Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye + That ruby tinted lip could see, + Nor long for thee to live or die? + How unlike me! + + Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow; + Yet think of anything but thee, + Cold as that bosom heaving snow? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee o'er the golden wire + Bend with such lovely witchery, + Nor feel each tone like living fire? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in the evening dance + Float, like the foam upon the sea, + Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance? + How unlike me! + + Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise, + Soft as the humming of the bee, + Nor think he sits in Paradise? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in thy simplest hour, + Sweet as the rose upon the tree, + Nor long to plant thee in his bower? + How unlike me! + + But lives there one who vainly tries + To look the freest of the free, + And hide the wound by which he dies? + Ah! how like me! + +_BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE_. + + * * * * * + + + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. + + +ROBIN HOOD. + + (_Concluded from page 182_.) + +With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is generally +agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, possessed of +uncommon bodily strength, and considerable military skill; just, +generous, and beloved by his followers. As proofs of his singular +popularity, his story and exploits have been made the subject of +various dramatic exhibitions, as well of innumerable poems, lyrics, +songs, and ballads; he has given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear +by him was a common practice. Some writers say his songs have been +preferred on solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but +to the New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the +opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:--"I came," says the bishop +(in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a place, riding on +a journey homeward from London, and I sent word over night into the +town, that I would preach there in the morning, because it was a +holyday, and methought it was a holydayes worke; the churche stode +in my way, and I toke my horse and my companye and went thither. I +thought I should have found a great companye in the churche, and when +I came there, the churche dore was faste locked; I tarried halfe +an houre and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the +parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day with us, we +cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the parishe is gone abroad +to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray you let them not, I was fayne there +to geve place to Robyn Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been +regarded thoughe I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne +to give place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my +friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a pretence +for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a thefe, to put out +a preacher, to have his office lesse esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode +before the mynystration of God's word, and all thys hath come of +unpreachynge prelates. Thys realme hath been il provided, for that +it hath had suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode +to Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there sholde +never have bene any such thynge," &c. + +Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In the parish +of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to be a Druidical +monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, which he is said +to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his amusement. There was +likewise another of these stones of several tons weight, which the +country people would say he threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, +as he was digging. At Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among +several groups of rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, +being two of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the +distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, and +solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short account of +which will be found in _The Mirror_, No. 544, p. 259. These games were +celebrated till the latter end of the sixteenth century, not by the +populace only, but by kings and princes, and grave magistrates, in +Scotland and in England; being considered in the former country of the +highest political importance, and essential to the civil and religious +liberties of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them +frequently producing tumult and insurrection. + +In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's bow, one +of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his slippers, were +preserved till within the above century. In Brome's Travels, is the +following notice of his relics: "having pleased ourselves with the +antiquities of Nottingham, we took horse and went to visit the well, +and ancient chair, of Robin Hood, which is not far from hence, within +the Forest of Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap +which they say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having +performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, we +received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated into the +society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's Journey from +Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much pleased with a +slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, shown me, fifty years +ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, a place upon the borders of +Sherwood Forest, to which he resorted." Over a spring called Robin +Hood's Well, four miles north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, +erected by Lord Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to +drink of the fair water, and give alms to two people who attended. + +Thus, not only did those places retain his name which afforded him +security or amusement, but even the well at which he quenched his +thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the coast of Yorkshire. +It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer tounlet of 20 bootes caulled +Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom of a mile yn length:" in this bay he +often went fishing in the summer season, and not far from this he had +butts or marks set up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting +with the long bow. + +After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed to have +been distinguished from the name of their gallant leader, by the title +of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting to subjoin a short account +of the last days of Robin's friend and favourite, Little John. The +honour of his death and burial is contended by rival nations, first by +England. At the village of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, +in Derbyshire, is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious +person caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of +uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with +many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at the +intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, and who had +in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but upon restoring +the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, by Scotland. In +Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector Boece, is "the +Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne remainis in grete +admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene feet of hycht with square +membris effering thairto VI zeris," continues he, "afore the cumyng of +this werk to lycht we saw his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail +bane of ane man, lor we schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk +apperis how strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they +were effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by +Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne greene +an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," he says, +proceeded of this--"In the yeere one thousand one hundred foure score +and nine, there ranged three robbers and outlaws in England, among +which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, of all theeves +doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood being betrayed at a nunrie +in Scotland, called Bricklies, the remnant of the crue was scattered, +and everie man forced to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was +faine to flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied +for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to understand the +wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, requested him hartilie to +trie how far he could shoote at random; who yeelding to their behest, +stood on the bridge of Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving +behind him a monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than +possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the repaire +of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would soone be published, +so his abode could not be long concealed, and therefore to eschew +the danger of laws, he fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or +village called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that "poor +Little John's great practical skill in archery could not save him +from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared from some records in +the Southwell family, that he was publicly executed for robbery on +Arbor-hill, Dublin." + +A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name of Nayler +upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in the West Riding of +Yorkshire.[6] SWAINE. + + [6] Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.--See _Mirror_, vol. + xix. p. 322. + + * * * * * + + + +NEW BOOKS. + + * * * * * + +ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. + + + [This is one of the _Naturo-Philosophical_ volumes of the + _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, and is therefore to be viewed as a + portion of that series rather than as a substantive work. Its + preparation has been entrusted to Mr. M. Donovan, Professor of + Chemistry to the Company of Apothecaries in Ireland; so that + it comes to us with some share of recommendatory experience + on the part of the editor. It would, however, be difficult to + point out the advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others + of the same description. Neither will such distinction be + looked for but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is + clear and satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and + the matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat overloaded + with hard names, and presumes more previous acquaintance with + the subject than is consistent. We subjoin a few extracts of + popular interest.] + +_Caloric, or the matter of Heat._ + +Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to be the +principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are known to +produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat is, therefore, +the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have thought it necessary to make +a distinction between the senses in which the word heat may be taken. +In its usual acceptation, it merely means the effect excited on the +organs of sensation by a hot body. But as this must be produced by +a power in the hot body independent of sensation, that power is what +chemists understand by the word _heat_: and to distinguish between +the effect and its cause, the term _caloric_ has been substituted. +The introduction of this term appears altogether unnecessary, when +the sense in which the word _heat_ should be understood is explained. +Caloric means the _cause_ of the _sensation_ heat: and there seems no +reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of sensation +can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical phenomena. + +_Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the Atmosphere._ + +In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to admire +the design and execution of a structure calculated, with such wondrous +precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the atmosphere to consist +wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds of objects which compose, +and are found upon, the globe, to remain what they are; the world +would run through its stages of decay, renovation, and final +destruction, in a rapid cycle. Combustion, once excited, would proceed +with ungovernable violence; the globe, during its short existence, +would be in a continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its +only remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and +terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other hand, +were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could never have +existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the objects of the Creator +in forming this world would not be fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a +wholesome mixture of these two formidable elements, each neutralizing +the other's baneful influence. The life of animals quietly runs +through its allotted space; and the current of nature flows within +prescribed limits, manageably and moderately. + +_Tartaric Acid._ + +Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of grapes is +left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. When wine has +been kept some time to depurate in wooden vessels, it deposits, on the +side of the vessel, a hard crust of dark coloured matter, the taste +of which is sour. This matter is impure; but, when purified by various +crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; and +then it is known in commerce by the name of _cream of tartar_. The +etymology of the singular name, tartar, is uncertain: it is derived +from _tártaros_, as some say, because it occasions pains equal to +those endured in the infernal regions; and, as others say, merely +because this substance deposits itself in the inferior parts of the +cask. Tartaric acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a +process analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an +exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and is soluble +in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular shape. In 100 parts, +by weight, there are 12 of water; the remaining 88 parts are the pure +anhydrous acid, composed of 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, +and 2-64 of hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but +especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along with citric, +malic, and an acid called _vinic_, which resembles tartaric acid +in many respects, but differs from it in others, and concerning the +nature of which almost nothing is known: these four constitute the +agreeable tartness of the juice of that fruit. + +_Oxalic Acid_. + +The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. This +acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which may +be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which it is +combined, by a process analagous to that described for the preparation +of citric acid. It has obtained the name of _oxalic acid_, from +the generic name of the plant, _oxalis acetosella_. This acid forms +readily into regular crystals, of which one half the weight is water, +the other half being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in +its constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it consists +merely of carbon and oxygen--there being twice as much oxygen as +there is carbon. So that it differs from carbonic acid merely in the +relative quantities of its ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by +an artificial process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its +weight of nitric acid,--the former affording the carbon necessary to +its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only necessary to +heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar dissolves, and there is +a violent effervescence, which must be moderated by immersion in +cold water: when the mixture cools, crystals of oxalic acid form in +abundance, which may be purified by a second crystallization. + +Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen victims to +its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for Epsom salt, which +it resembles in appearance. In all probability, this would not prove +to be the only vegetable acid capable of acting as a poison. Chalk +finely powdered, and diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the +poison of oxalic acid. + + [The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and that + on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might have been + expected.] + + * * * * * + + + +THE GATHERER + + * * * * * + +_The Plain Truth._--Sir John Trevor, cousin to Lord Chancellor +Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as he was able. He +was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and officially had the +mortification to put the question to the house, "whether himself ought +to be expelled for bribery." The answer was "Yes." + +_Freaks of Royalty._--James I. in a capricious mood, threatened +the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of royalty, the meetings of +parliament, &c. from the capital. "Your Majesty at least," replied the +Mayor, "will be graciously pleased to leave us the River Thames." + +_The Original Strand._--In the reign of Edward III. the Strand was an +open highway. A solitary house occasionally occurred; but in 1353, +the ruggedness of the highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on +wool, leather, &c. for its improvement. + +On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's in +the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to be +distributed among the workmen. + +_A swampy Kingdom._--In the reign of Charles II. at the east end of +St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat for the ducks, thence +denominated Duck Island, which, by Charles was erected into a +government, and a salary annexed to the office, in favour of the +celebrated French writer, M. de St. Evremond, who was the first and +last governor. + +The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace is stated +to have cost 500_l_. + +The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George the Third +was the same that bore George the Second at the memorable battle of +Dettingen. + +_Political Criticism._--The following proof of political prejudice +may not be known:--"John Milton was one whose natural parts might +deservedly give him a place amongst the principal of our English +poets, having written two heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:--Paradise +Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes; _but his fame is gone +out like a candle in a snuff_; and his memory will always stink, +which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not been +a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously belied that +blessed martyr, King Charles I."--_Lives of the most famous English +Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. Winstanley._ + +_A Pastor._--The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father of the patriot, +was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in 1586. He was a student of +Emanuel College in that University, where he took his degree of Master +of Arts in 1608. Afterwards he was elected master of the grammar +school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in that town. +"He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, "who, like a good +husband, never broached what he had new-brewed, but preached what he +had studied some competent time before: insomuch that he was wont to +say that he would cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the +working day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'" + +_Dryden's Mc Flecnoe_.--W. Newcastle has the following excellent lines +in reference to Dryden's poem:-- + + "_Flecnoe_, thy characters are so full of wit + And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it. + Each line's a _volume_, and who reads would swear + _Whole libraries_ were in each character. + Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet + Lights in the starry skies are thicker set, + Nor quills upon the armed porcupine, + Than _wit and fancy_ in this work of thine." + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT. + + +The long-expected death of this good and great man took place at +Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume contains +a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; and it is our +intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a brief memoir continued +to his last days, with a wood-cut portrait from the latest painting. +About twelve months since, Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic +pen, the following passage in the introduction to his last published +work: "The gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all +probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to +submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far realized, though +the accordance of the closing line with the last hours of the deceased +bears a consoling balm: "He is now on the eve of visiting foreign +parts; a ship of war is commissioned by its royal master to carry the +Author of Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a +restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in +his own country." + +_Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day_.--Although this custom can be traced +through upwards of three centuries, its origin has not been decided by +antiquaries. The commonly received belief is that a goose forming part +of the royal dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of +the defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded +that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on every +29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious event. Mr. Douce, +the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the above reason "somewhere" +(such is his expression); but Mr. Brand thinks this rather to be a +stronger proof that the custom prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's +time. Its origin, however, is referable to the previous century: +since, bringing a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day +appears to have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, +that it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following +passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before the +above event:-- + + "And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's rent, + They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish at Lent; + At Christmasse a capon, _at Michaelmas a goose_, + And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, _for feare their leave flies + loose_." + +The reason given by Blount, in his _Tenures_, is considered far from +satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, "Probably no other reason +can be given for this custom, but that Michaelmas Day was a great +festival, and geese at that time were most plentiful." The origin of +the saying that "if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never +want money all the year round," is explained, in the _British Apollo_, +as follows:-- + + The custom came up from the tenants presenting + Their landlords with geese to incline their relenting + On following payments. + +Again:-- + + For doubtless 'twas at first design'd + To make the people seasons mind, + That so they might apply their care + To all those things which needful were; + And by a good industrious hand, + Know when and how t' improve their land. + +Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating goose on +Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part of France. Upon +St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. They likewise eat geese +upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." +In Denmark, where the harvest is later than here, every family has a +roasted goose for supper on St. Martin's Eve. PHILO. + +_The reason why Pennsylvania was settled._ + + "Penn refused to pull his hat off + Before the king, and therefore set off, + Another country to light pat on, + Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H. + + +"Mollissima tempora fandi." + +A translation of the above is requested, in one line, which shall +rhyme with the original. H.H. + + +_Motto for a Cigar Smoker._ + +"Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H. + + * * * * * + +St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall appear next +week. + + * * * * * + + THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + No. 203, price Twopence, of + THE MIRROR, + Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR + of the late + SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, Paris; and by all Newsmen +and Booksellers._ + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + +***** This file should be named 11887-8.txt or 11887-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/8/8/11887/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Vol. 20. No. 568 - 29 Sept 1832 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 3, 2004 [EBook #11887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + <hr class="full" /> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" + summary="Volume, Number, and Date"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 20. No. 568.</b></td> + + <td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, + 1832.</b></td> + + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" + id="page193"></a>[pg 193]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/568-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-1.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.</h3> + </div> + + <p>Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition + of the present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of + eminent men. It is something to know that John Scott was born + at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented + in the above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the + rudiments of his education at the free grammar-school of the + town; that he grew up "a man of safe discretion;" that he + enjoyed the highest legal honours which his sovereign could + bestow for a quarter of a century; and that he still lives, a + venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory from his + conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so + distinguished an individual must have innumerable good + tendencies: it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that + "every man is the architect of his own fortune;" and it + presents us, moreover, with the encouraging picture of a + well-regulated life, and its healthful energies so employed in + the discharge of important duties as to entitle the subject to + high rank among the worthies of his country.</p> + + <p>John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, + of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the + language of the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the + sale and shipment of coals. He had by industry and habits of + close saving accumulated rather considerable means from small + beginnings. Beyond this he was a man of great shrewdness and + knowledge of the world," and quickly perceiving the talents of + the two younger boys, William (now Lord Stowell,) and John, he + wisely gave them an education in accordance with their mental + endowments. "It is said that the singular variety in the talent + of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very early + age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a + constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, + gave at once a condensed and lucid digest of the general + argument. John, on the other hand, would go into all the + minutiae, but failed in producing the lucid, general view + embodied in half the number of words by his + brother."<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + The two boys received their early education at the free + grammar-school of Newcastle.<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> + William was from the beginning destined for the study of the + law. John was at first intended for the church, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" + id="page194"></a>[pg 194]</span> and was, accordingly, sent + to Oxford: early marriage was, however, the fortunate means + of changing his destination, and he began the world in the + same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was entered + as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar + at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive + stock of legal information, having been an indefatigable + reader, and spent the two last years of his preliminary + studies in the office of a special pleader. At his outset he + made no progress, his powers being palsied by an oppressive + diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely to + being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, + and not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. + In a fit of despondency he resolved to retire into humble + practice in his native county; and he had actually given up + his chambers and taken leave of his friends in the + metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his purpose + by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make + one more trial at the bar. His first success was the + undoubted fruit of his extraordinary abilities, and is said + to have originated in the sudden illness of a leading + counsel the night before the trial of a complicated civil + cause. It could not be put off, and the client of the lost + leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the + brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous + intricacies, and triumphed. From this time he gained + confidence, and his forensic reputation soon became + established. He was much aided by the encouragement which he + received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his abilities, and + is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, which + Mr. Scott declined.</p> + + <p>In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord + Weymouth's interest, he was introduced into parliament for the + borough of Weobly. It is stated that on the latter occasion, he + stipulated for the liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a + decided part with the Pitt administration; and in 1788, he was + appointed solicitor-general, and knighted; in 1793, he rose to + be attorney-general, and in the following year he conducted the + trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, for treason. Erskine was + opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, though the speech + of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the + delivery.</p> + + <p>In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief + justiceship of the Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief + Justice Eyre; and in the same year he was raised to the peerage + by the title of Baron Eldon. In 1801, he was made Lord + Chancellor, which high office he retained till the year 1827, + with the exception of the short period during which the Whigs + were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity + of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821.</p> + + <p>The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is + thus lucidly drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the + long lapse of ages, have filled the sacred seat on which he now + (1823) sits, none ever had purer hands, none ever had a + conscientious desire of equity more ardent and more incessant + than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of his views, the + inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his unrelaxing + anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the kindness of + his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that + attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the + unbounded admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the + wise. Lord Eldon's eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is + rather adapted to cultivated and thinking minds than to a + popular audience. It generally addresses the understanding + rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, but + occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos."</p> + + <p>We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to + by the above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of + Lord Eldon. As the following have, we believe, but once + appeared in print, they may not, be familiar to the reader. Sir + Richard Phillips relates:<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + "In conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard + two anecdotes of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord + Chancellors, and to public spirited parishioners, I consider + it my duty to introduce. The incumbent, some years ago, + thought proper to propose an exchange with an incompetent + clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and some + of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, + and in the commencement he penned a letter to the + Chancellor. The other parties calculated on the arrangement, + but, on applying to the Chancellor he could consent to no + exchange, but that if the parties were tired of their + positions, they might respectively resign, and there were + plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the + scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a + master had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at + Dronfield, on liberal principles of education, but, within a + few years, some prejudice was excited against him, and the + churchwardens for the time thought proper to stop his + salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some friends combined + in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship instantly + directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust + within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a + month, when, without other form, he directed the salary to + be paid to the appointed master, with all expenses."</p> + + <p>Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate + that the inhabitants <span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" + id="page195"></a>[pg 195]</span> are proud of their + distinguished fellow-freeman. A spacious range of elegant + buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the Guildhall is a + portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, Lord + Stowell.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE WEARIED SOLDIER</h3>. + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"When silent time, wi' lightly foot,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had trod o'er thirty years,</p> + + <p>I sought again, my native land,</p> + + <p class="i2">Wi' many hopes and fears."</p> + + <p class="i10">MRS. HAMILTON.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He came to the village, when the sun</p> + + <p class="i2">In the "golden west" was bright,</p> + + <p>When sounds were dying one by one,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the vesper star was shining down,</p> + + <p>With a soft and silvery light.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A war-worn wanderer was he,</p> + + <p class="i2">And absent many a year</p> + + <p>From the cottage-home he fain would see,</p> + + <p class="i2">From that resting-place where he would + be,</p> + + <p>The spot to memory dear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It rose at last upon his view,</p> + + <p class="i2">(Old times were thronging round him,)</p> + + <p>The lattice where the jasmine grew,</p> + + <p class="i2">The meadow where he brush'd the dew</p> + + <p>When youth's bright hopes were round him.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But faces new, and sadly strange,</p> + + <p class="i2">Were in that cottage now;</p> + + <p>Cold eyes, that o'er his features range,</p> + + <p class="i2">For time had wrought a weary change</p> + + <p>Upon the soldier's brow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And some there were—the lov'd—the + dead—</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom he no more could see,</p> + + <p>From this cold changing world were fled,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they had found a quiet bed</p> + + <p>Beneath the old yew tree.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And thither too—the wanderer hied,</p> + + <p class="i2">Night-dews were falling fast,</p> + + <p>This is my "welcome home" he cried,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the chill breezes low replied</p> + + <p>In murmurs as they pass'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>They whispering said, or seem'd to say,</p> + + <p class="i2">No lasting joys to earth are given,</p> + + <p>No longer near these ashes stray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Go, mourner! hence, away! away!</p> + + <p>Thy lost ones are in heaven.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Kirton, Lindsey.</i> ANNE R.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h3>RELIGIOUS FASTINGS.</h3> + + <p>From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have + practised fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon + them for their sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that + fasting was originated by Adam after he had eaten of the + forbidden fruit; but this obviously is carrying their + arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it is as + certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first + formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held + the "solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to + Herodotus, before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to + purify themselves from impurities, fasted and prayed. This + custom he also ascribes to the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates + that the fasts of the Egyptians were sometimes continued for + six weeks, and that the shortest ordained by their priests was + seven days, during which they abstained from nearly all kinds + of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, who + observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show + and solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, + two of which were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" + the observation of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially + amongst women, who, in mournful dresses, spent one whole day + sitting on the ground (their sign of grief,) without taking the + least food. The islanders of Crete, before sacrificing to + Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated ancient author + informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into the + secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and + that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who + came to consult them, had to perform this duty.</p> + + <p>Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any + important enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The + Lacedemonians having agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast + throughout their nation, and without <i>even</i> excepting + their <i>domestic animals</i>. The Romans having besieged the + city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, the citizens + demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of Rhegium; + who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, + commanded that a fast should be held throughout their + territories. Their aid having proved successful, the government + of Tarentum to commemorate this important event, ordained a + perpetual fast on the day of their deliverance.</p> + + <p>Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages + reckoned fasting as a service which led to important results, + and a duty which could not be dispensed with without causing + the wrath of God to fall upon the heads of the nation. At Rome + it was practised even by the emperors. Amongst the most + remarkable for keeping this institution were Numa Pompilius, + Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the apostate, was so + exact in the performance of this ordinance, that the fasting of + the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as nothing + compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes as + long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their + master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in + which they denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the + creatures of the meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable + for their fasting; but as the people believe they regale + themselves with the good things of this life, in secret, their + example gains not many followers. That nation which reckons + itself infinitely superior to <i>us</i> "poor barbarians," the + Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The + Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and + the exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the + lengths of time of their fasts are very + remarkable.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page196" + id="page196"></a>[pg 196]</span> + + <p>The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on + the appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though + they sadly neglected the commands of God in other particulars, + yet they obeyed this command with great devotedness. The + abstinence of the ancient Jews generally lasted from twenty-six + to twenty-seven hours. On these days they wore sackcloth, laid + themselves in ashes, and sprinkled them on their heads, in + token of their great grief and penitence. Some spent the whole + night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great effect a + scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to + devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from + the Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging + penance system.</p> + + <p>In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised + by the Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the + fathers of the church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated + seasons. The custom is still observed amongst the methodists, + who follow the example of their great leader, Wesley. The rust + of time has, however, worn away the veneration for this "good + <i>old</i> system," and it is totally disused by the general + body of Protestants, except on great national occasions.</p> + + <p>E.J.H.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Manners and Customs.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>SHERIFFS OF LONDON.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>[The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled <i>Londiniana</i> possesses more than + a passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a + Journal will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, + are derived from a manuscript copy of the <i>Journal</i> of + Richard Hoare, Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in + 1740-41, in his own hand-writing, which is now in the + possession of his grandson, Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of + Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year became memorable in the + city annals, from their having been <i>three</i> Lord Mayors + during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry + Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq.</p> + + <p>Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal + of the respectable house which, instituted by one of his + predecessors, still bears the family name, was elected alderman + of the Ward of Farringdon Without, on St. George's day, 1740, + in the place of Sir Francis Child, who died on the preceding + Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was conferred upon him, + whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and equally so, + was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. + Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly + afterwards they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000<i>l</i>. + to undertake and enter upon the office on the ensuing + Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became each entitled to + 100<i>l</i>. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this year + been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid + their fines to be excused."</p> + + <p>In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution + of their duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as + it is customary for each sheriff to preside over the two + Counters separately, my brother Marshall chose that in the + Poultry, and the care of Wood-street Counter was under my + direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, to give the + usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they are + greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense + for which, it was settled that we should equally share in the + sale of the places upon any vacancy."</p> + + <p>On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at + ten o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there + entertained several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of + the Court of Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the + Goldsmiths and the Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast + beef, burnt wine," &c. He continues,—</p> + + <p>"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George + Heathcote, and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the + last year were attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we + all repaired thither; the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance + walking two by two, the senior sheriff's company on the right + hand, the aldermen following in their coaches; in which, we, + though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as aldermen. Upon coming + up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies made a lane for + the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited on my + Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we + returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened + by the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take + the oath of office; which we accordingly did, together with the + oaths of allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also + administered to Mr. Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as + under-sheriff, he kneeling all the while.</p> + + <p>"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the + former sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being + dissolved, the Lord Mayor went home, attended by the former + sheriffs, and we returned back to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, + provided for the Court of Aldermen and Courts of Assistance, at + which the senior alderman took the chair as president, and the + rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall took their + places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat at the + head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of + Assistance of our <span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" + id="page197"></a>[pg 197]</span> two companies. When dinner + was over, and the healths of the royal family were drunk, + the cryer proclaimed the health and prosperity to the two + sheriffs' companies in the following manner; that is to say, + 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and + prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the + Goldsmiths and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, + prosperity to both:' and this is so usually done, naming + each company first alternately, to prevent any dispute + concerning preference or priority.</p> + + <p>"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner + room, at which we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all + the aldermen; for whatever rank an alderman may be in point of + seniority, yet during the year he serves as sheriff, he is to + give place, and follow the rest of his brethren, both at the + court, and all processions and entertainments. About six + o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the Lord Mayor at his + house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were met by our own + and the former under-sheriffs, together with the secondaries + and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the respective + prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers + acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then + tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, + and after having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted + and undertook the charge of our office, we were invited + according to custom, to an adjoining tavern; and there partook + of an entertainment of sack and walnuts, provided by the + aforesaid keepers of the prisons.</p> + + <p>"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my + brother sheriff and I set out for the first time in our new + equipages and scarlet gowns, attended by our beadles, and the + several officers of our Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, + at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at which he kept his mayoralty, and + proceeded with him from thence, as is customary, to Guildhall, + where the livery-men of the city were summoned to attend at the + Court of Hustings for the election of a new lord mayor for the + year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the livery-men, + 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a lord + mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate + two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of + Aldermen, who had then a right to elect either of them into + that great office, and which ever that the court so fixed on, + the Common Hall was bound to accept.' When he had ended, the + Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen retired into the Council + Chamber, and left us to preside at the election, attended by + the Common Sergeant and other officers. The method of voting + is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and town clerk, + who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the person + he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective + name."</p> + + <p>On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to + Guildhall, with the same company as on the preceding day, and + waiting on the Lord Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested + that his lordship and the recorder would present them at his + Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each sheriff then paid the usual + fees, viz. <i>6l. 13s. 4d.</i> to the Lord Mayor, and <i>3l. + 6s. 8d.</i> to the recorder; after which, they proceeded to the + Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor + first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen + following in coaches, the companies walking before us.</p> + + <p>"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, + taking place of all the aldermen: and our two companies + attended in the Goldsmiths' barge, as before agreed on, adorned + with half the colours, and rowed with half the watermen + belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, the companies + went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with a + sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching + the bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, + in a speech, presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being + seated there for that purpose, signifying the choice the + citizens had made, and that, in pursuance of our charter, we + were presented to his Majesty's justices for his royal + approbation; and the Baron accordingly approving the choice, + he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were invited to our + dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their accounts, + and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present cut + one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the + court counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails.</p> + + <p>"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by + way of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements + in St. Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where + they are situated no one knows, nor doth the city receive any + rents or profits thereby.</p> + + <p>"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three + Cranes, and from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' + Hall; where my Lord Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, + and guests invited, dined at one table, and we, the sheriff's, + at the head of another, with the Court of Assistance of each of + our companies: and the Clerks of the Exchequer by themselves at + another table. After dinner, the Lord Mayor, aldermen, &c. + returned into a separate room, where we sat with them at the + head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; our two + companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the + Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall."</p> + + <p>On the 7th of October they "settled a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page198" + id="page198"></a>[pg 198]</span> point," with the keeper of + Newgate in regard to the transportation of <i>felons</i>. + That was, that the keeper should deliver them to the + merchant, "who contracts to carry them over," at the door of + Newgate, and there discharge himself of any further custody; + but leaving him and his officers the privilege of protecting + them down to the water side, according to any private + agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully + understood that the sheriffs should not be responsible for + their charge "from the time of their first delivery."</p> + + <h4>(<i>To be concluded in our next.</i>)</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Spirit of Discovery.</h2> + + <h3>STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>(<i>From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185.</i>)</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change + of the whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, + though in this the political economist can see the solution of + all our Malthusian difficulties to an indefinite extent and + duration. What we urge is merely the partial adoption of the + thing to such an extent as will relax the present pressure, and + restore us to a wholesome state of national prosperity. This + will occasion no dangerous experiment, and will be gradually + followed up by a progressive conversion, by which all the + conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and the + aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire + be equalized.</p> + + <p>If then <i>elemental locomotion</i> can he made to + substitute the expensive, unproductive system of animate labour + now in use, it will indubitably be for the vital interest of + all classes of society that the substitution should be realized + speedily and extensively. That steam can be so applied has been + <i>satisfactorily proved</i>. The report of the Committee of + the House of Commons establishes this. But the evidence of + several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who were + examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis + upon the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of + the project we have just been attempting to enumerate and + advocate, for us not to avail ourselves of it even at this + early stage of our work. It being quite decisive in support of + the grand conclusion to which the said committee came after + three months of patient and thorough investigation of the + subject, viz. "<i>That the substitution of inanimate for + animate power is one of the most important improvements in the + means of internal communication ever introduced.</i>"</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>[Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. + Torrens, John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy + Garney.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>In viewing the moral advantages which must result from + steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are + but few so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in + travelling as the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, + straight-forward, regular Dutch canal speed—three miles + an hour for expresses, and two for joy or trot journeys." + Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if unaccompanied by + danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period of + discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only + lessen the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be + so equipped that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. + A steam-engine is perfectly under control, and consequently + much more safe than horses. The life of the traveller cannot be + jeoparded by the breaking of a rein, horses being frightened, + running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, it will be seen, the + honourable Committee report to the House "is perfectly safe for + passengers."</p> + + <p>The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may + observe, bear no proportion to the loss of lives from + consumption and other diseases occasioned by cold and wet, from + exposure on the top of coaches.<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + <p>Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the + present system of quick travelling. The short average life of + stage-coach horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully + over-wrought and <i>out-wrought</i> they are by the great speed + now in practice. Driven for eight or ten miles, with an + oppressive weight, they tremble in every nerve. With nostrils + distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, they can + scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they are + well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are + over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be + exerted. The morrow comes when their galled withers are again + to be wrung by the ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of + the wheels. But we do not witness all the misery of the noble + and the generous steed. When the shades of night impend, the + reproaches of the feeling, or the expostulations of the timid + traveller no longer protect him from the lash; and the dread of + Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a time its beneficent + purpose; when the stiffened joints—the cracked + hoofs—the greasy legs—and stumbling gait of the + worn-out animal are all put into agonized motion by belabouring + <i>him upon the raw</i>! The expression is Hibernian, but the + brutality is our own. A few ill-gained pounds reconcile the + enormity to the owner—and the cheapness and expedition of + the conveyance give it public sanction: but humanity is + outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and the + noble <span class="pagenum"><a name="page199" + id="page199"></a>[pg 199]</span> precept, that "the merciful + man is merciful to his beast," is trampled under foot.</p> + + <p>Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we + have comfort for comparative inconvenience—the inside of + an elegant apartment, where books, amusement, or general + conversation may occupy agreeably the time—for the + outside of a hard, unsafe stage conveyance, and exposure to all + changes or varieties of atmosphere. Nay, we see no reason to + prevent such improvement in steam-carriages as shall fit them + up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of Napoleon, or + the travelling long coach of the present Duke of Orleans, with + beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety for + danger—accelerated speed without inhumanity—gain of + time—of accommodation—of money—and over and + above all, as a non-consumer of food, we have by the + substitution what will remove the host of Malthusian ills to a + period of almost indefinite duration.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Old Poets.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>EYES AND TEARS.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>How wisely Nature did decree</p> + + <p>With the same eyes to weep and see!</p> + + <p>That, having view'd the object vain,</p> + + <p>They might be ready to complain.</p> + + <p>And, since the self-deluding sight,</p> + + <p>In a false angle takes each height,</p> + + <p>These tears which better measure all.</p> + + <p>Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall.</p> + + <p>Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh,</p> + + <p>Within the scales of either eye,</p> + + <p>And then paid out in equal poise,</p> + + <p>Are the true price of all my joys.</p> + + <p>What in the world most fair appears,</p> + + <p>Yea, even laughter, turns to tears:</p> + + <p>And all the jewels which we prize,</p> + + <p>Melt in these pendents of the eyes.</p> + + <p>I have through every garden been,</p> + + <p>Amongst the red, the white, the green;</p> + + <p>And yet from all those flow'rs I saw,</p> + + <p>No honey, but these tears could draw.</p> + + <p>So the all-seeing sun each day,</p> + + <p>Distils the world with chemic ray;</p> + + <p>But finds the essence only showers,</p> + + <p>Which straight in pity back he pours.</p> + + <p>Yet happy they whom grief doth bless,</p> + + <p>That weep the more, and see the less;</p> + + <p>And, to preserve their sight more true,</p> + + <p>Bathe still their eyes in their own dew.</p> + + <p>So Magdalen, in tears more wise</p> + + <p>Dissolv'd those captivating eyes,</p> + + <p>Whose liquid chains could flowing meet,</p> + + <p>To fetter her Redeemer's feet.</p> + + <p>Not full sails hasting loaden home,</p> + + <p>Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb,</p> + + <p>Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair,</p> + + <p>As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are</p> + + <p>The sparkling glance that shoots desire,</p> + + <p>Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire.</p> + + <p>Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes,</p> + + <p>And here the hissing lightning slakes.</p> + + <p>The incense was to heaven dear,</p> + + <p>Not as a perfume, but a tear!</p> + + <p>And stars show lovely in the night,</p> + + <p>But as they seem the tears of light.</p> + + <p>Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice,</p> + + <p>And practise so your noblest use;</p> + + <p>For others too can see, or sleep,</p> + + <p>But only human eyes can weep.</p> + + <p>Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop,</p> + + <p>And at each tear in distance stop:</p> + + <p>Now, like two fountains, trickle down:</p> + + <p>Now like two floods o'er-run and drown:</p> + + <p>Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs,</p> + + <p>Till eyes and tears be the same things;</p> + + <p>And each the other's difference bears;</p> + + <p>These weeping eyes, those seeing tears.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>MARVELL.</h4> + + <blockquote> + <p>(<i>From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John + Dove.</i>)</p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <h3>A DROP OF DEW.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>See, how the orient dew</p> + + <p class="i2">Shed from the bosom of the morn,</p> + + <p class="i4">Into the blowing roses,</p> + + <p>Yet careless of its mansion new,</p> + + <p class="i2">For the clear region where 'twas born</p> + + <p class="i4">Round in itself incloses:</p> + + <p>And in its little globe's extent,</p> + + <p>Frames, as it can, its native element.</p> + + <p class="i4">How it the purple flow'r does slight,</p> + + <p class="i2">Scarce touching where it lies;</p> + + <p class="i2">But gazing back upon the skies,</p> + + <p class="i4">Shines with a mournful light,</p> + + <p>Like its own tear,</p> + + <p>Because so long divided from the sphere.</p> + + <p class="i2">Restless it rolls, and unsecure,</p> + + <p class="i2">Trembling, lest it grows impure;</p> + + <p class="i2">Till the warm sun pities its pain,</p> + + <p class="i2">And to the skies exhales it back + again.</p> + + <p class="i2">So the <i>soul</i>, that drop, that + ray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the clear fountain of eternal day,</p> + + <p>Could it within the human flow'r be seen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rememb'ring still its former height,</p> + + <p>Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green;</p> + + <p class="i2">And, recollecting its own light,</p> + + <p>Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express</p> + + <p>The greater heaven in an heaven less,</p> + + <p class="i2">In how coy a figure wound,</p> + + <p class="i4">Every way it turns away:</p> + + <p class="i2">So the world excluding round,</p> + + <p class="i4">Yet receiving in the day.</p> + + <p>Dark beneath, but bright above;</p> + + <p>Here disdaining, there in love,</p> + + <p class="i2">How loose and easy hence to go;</p> + + <p class="i4">How girt and ready to ascend:</p> + + <p class="i2">Moving but on a point below,</p> + + <p class="i4">It all about does upward bend.</p> + + <p>Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil,</p> + + <p>White and entire, although congeal'd and chill;</p> + + <p>Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run</p> + + <p>Into the glories of th' almighty sun.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>IBID.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Notes of a Reader.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK.</h3> + + <p>We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from + the country as have not lately passed an hour or two in the + Zoological Gardens, to do so without further delay. The present + season is warm and genial, and the rejoicing rays of the + morning and noontide sun enliven the tenants of this mimic + world in a garden. As evening approaches the air becomes chill + and misty, though</p> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:47%;float:left;"> + <a href="images/568-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-2.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Llama House.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:46%;float:right;"> + <a href="images/568-3.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-3.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Armadillos.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The weary sun hath made a golden set,</p> + + <p>And, by the bright track of his fiery ear,</p> + + <p>Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow:</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric + changes by their decreased activity, reminding us of the + comparative torpidity in which the majority of them will pass + the coming winter.</p> + + <p>The present Cuts represent a few of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page200" + id="page200"></a>[pg 200]</span> recent improvements in the + Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and + weathercock<a id="footnotetag5" + name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> + to the Llama House.</p> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:50%;float:left;"> + <a href="images/568-4.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-4.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>The Repository.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <p>Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the + Terrace; and a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and + Cockatoos, whose brilliant colours are here seen to advantage + in the resplendent beams of a September sun. In the distance + are the Bear Pole and Shed for Goats.</p> + + <p>The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for + Armadillos, who are, in sunny weather, located here with a + "select few" rabbits. The innocent gambols and restless run of + the Armadillo over the turf are here seen to advantage. This + house as the distance of the Cut shows, is not far from the + Llama House and circular Aviary.</p> + + <p>Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the + Northern by the Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in + <i>The Mirror</i>, No. 535, opposite to the end of the tunnel + is a large squirrel-cage, and at the extremity of the walk to + the right is a spacious building, called the Repository "the + inhabitants of which are continually being changed as + variations in the weather, or any other cause may render + convenient." We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, + together with the Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, + besides an assemblage of splendid tropical birds. The exterior + of the building, especially the ornamented gable and doorways, + is picturesque.</p> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:46%;float:left;"> + <a href="images/568-5.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-5.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Deer.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:46%;float:right;"> + <a href="images/568-6.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-6.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Elephants.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <p>Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed + along the straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the + western extremity of the North Garden. Here is a range of + buildings, among which is the Stable and enclosed Yard for + Deer; Among which are specimens of the Wapiti, remarkable for + its size and the amplitude of its branching horns when full + grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page201" + id="page201"></a>[pg 201]</span> opposite the capacious Bath + already represented in <i>The Mirror</i>, No. 560.</p> + + <p>In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to + this most interesting resort.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE VOICE OF HUMANITY.</h3> + + <p>"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the + Animal Creation" exists—though, in one sense, as a blot + upon the character of the age. They publish the above Journal + quarterly, assembling acts of atrocity which make the blood + curdle in our veins, and remind us that "all are not men that + wear the human form." The funds of the society are not in a + prosperous condition; the sand of their philanthropy is well + nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. Let us glance + at the contents of, the <i>Voice</i> before us. The subject + "Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and + Smithfield-market," is continued—a plan which we + illustrated in <i>The Mirror</i> about five years since. True + enough the Society write, but the people do not consider; they + are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the mammon of + money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in the + midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists + for its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the + metropolis—and markets are increasing for the sale of the + necessaries and luxuries of life; the <i>Haymarket</i> has been + removed from a fashionable quarter to the suburbs, that loaded + carts may not obstruct carriages in their road to St. James's, + the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera—yet, not a + single, <i>Abattoir</i>—for the health of the + people—exists near the metropolis. The King and the Court + patronize and plan horse-racing, throwing the lasso, and, if + recent report be true, hawking; the Parliament legislate, a + bill is "ordered to be printed"—yet, the inconsistency + and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to ask, where is + the truth of the motto—<i>Salus populi suprema lex</i>. + Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not + uncommon; yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor + are caught, while the rich break through the meshes of the net. + In the work before us are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, + including "the cold-blooded cruelty towards the generous and + heart-broken <i>Rattler</i>, in riding him thirty-four miles in + the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next are four + police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, + the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows + the fact of <i>a respectable woman</i> boiling a cat to death! + and next is this quotation from the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i> + for April, 1789:—</p> + + <p>"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young + man of large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and + horses rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of + hospitality, where it may be said he sacrificed too much to + conviviality. Mr. Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he + had a favourite cock upon which he had won many profitable + matches. The last bet he made upon this cock he lost; which so + enraged him, that he had the bird tied to a spit, and roasted + alive before a large fire. The screams of the miserable animal + were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were present + attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, that + he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, + declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, + in the midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead + upon the spot!"</p> + + <p>If we be asked whether it be proper to regard <i>all</i> + such dispensations as judicial inflictions, we reply in the + words of Cowper above:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Tis not for us, with rash surmise,</p> + + <p>To point the judgments of the skies,</p> + + <p class="i2">But judgments <i>plain as this</i>,</p> + + <p>That, sent for man's instruction, bring</p> + + <p>A written label on their wing,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis hard to read amiss."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:]</p> + + <p>THE WORM.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor crush that helpless worm;</p> + + <p>The frame thy wayward looks deride,</p> + + <p class="i2">Required a God to form.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The common Lord of all that move,</p> + + <p class="i2">From whom thy being flowed,</p> + + <p>A portion of his boundless love</p> + + <p class="i2">On that poor worm bestowed.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The sun, the moon, the stars, he made</p> + + <p class="i2">To all his creatures free;</p> + + <p>And spread o'er earth the grassy blade</p> + + <p class="i2">For worms as well as thee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let them enjoy their little day,</p> + + <p class="i2">Their lowly hiss receive;</p> + + <p>Oh! do not lightly take away</p> + + <p class="i2">The life thou canst not give.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been + abolished by the extended education of the people. Brutal + sports among boys are much less indulged than formerly, and the + worrying of domestic animals almost invariably denotes a <i>bad + boy</i>, in the worst sense of the phrase, likely to make a bad + man; "so true to nature is the admirable aphorism of + Wordsworth:—</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>The boy's the father of the man."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult + cruelties; though, according to the above showing, such + atrocities will be less rare in the next than in the present + generation. To conclude, we hope that the present notice may + awaken the sympathy of the reader towards the laudable objects + of the <i>Society</i>, under whose guidance the <i>Voice of + Humanity</i> is published. It is a difficult matter to point + out "the uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally + babbling of our high state of civilization and refinement, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page202" + id="page202"></a>[pg 202]</span> yet, we repeat, the + necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to + a national disgrace.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>The Public Journals.</h2> + + <h3>VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA.</h3> + + <h4><i>By Lieutenant G.H.P. White, Royal Navy.</i></h4> + + <p>On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from + Catania with a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, + taking the necessary guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the + provisions, &c., as nothing in that way can be procured + after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small village about twelve + miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the Sicilians into three + several regions. The first is called Piè de Montagna, + the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, + though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city + of Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country + around is formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the + third eruption mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the + sixth year of the Peloponnesian war, and the second of the + eighty-eighth Olympiad. Traversing the lands of Battianti, and + St. Giovanni della Punta, the road is constantly over the lava, + and the country on either side is delicious. Trecastagne, nine + miles from Catania, is seated on the acclivity of a high + volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful and picturesque. + Near the principal church the view is most extensive. Towards + the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching from + Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with + vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain + itself, surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these + have been thrown up in various forms, composed principally of + cinders, and covered with rich vegetation. The freshness of the + air, the beauty and picturesque situations of the houses + surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the over-teeming fertility + of the soil, and the laughing fields, where golden Ceres still + lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, intersected by + courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view one of the + most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These + mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places + ten miles in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind + with horror and astonishment: that such wondrous masses, + consisting of earths, stones, and minerals, fused and mixed, + could be driven forth in one wild current from the mountain, + makes us pause, and confounds any attempt to reason on the + phenomena.—And, although the lava for many centuries lays + waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very + long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state + as to become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we + reflect on the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for + state of decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving + at any certain conclusion. When this process is duly effected, + the cactus opuntia, or prickly pear, is planted, which hastens + the desired event, and has the power to break up the lava, and + render it fit for productive purposes. Five miles from + Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has often + suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, and + baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor + Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is + two thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level + of the sea, and its mean temperature 64° Fahr.</p> + + <p>From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a + most superb view of the surrounding country; nothing can be + more varied, grand, and sublime; every spot spared by the + all-devastating lavas, is highly cultivated; the vines and + other productive fruit-trees are seen laden with the most + delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and villages, + in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the + distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting + that can be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., + our trusty mules, and pursued or journey. The evening was + deliciously serene, the stars shone with extraordinary + brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely blue, while the + galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of light + across the azure expanse.</p> + + <p>The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the + mountain were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in + an extraordinary degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 + feet above the level of the surrounding plain, and is said to + have been thrown up during the great eruption of the year 1669, + and from which issued that horrible stream of burning lava, + which, after destroying the country for the length of fourteen + miles, ran into the sea at Catania.</p> + + <p>About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, + which, like a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; + it abounds with ancient hillocks, and lava of different + periods, and is almost covered with frowning woods of oak, + holm, beech and pines, on the more elevated points.</p> + + <p>After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting + treat, we kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing + reveries caused by the fairy scene.</p> + + <p>Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to + refresh our mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments + of a warmer texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat + chilly; for the temperature of this spot was about 50°, + while that of Catania, which + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" + id="page203"></a>[pg 203]</span> we had only left a few + hours ago, was about 84° Fahr.</p> + + <p>The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and + cheerless; hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still + wilder regions appeared above us. The path now lay over masses + of rough lava; so much so, that at times it became necessary to + dismount and actually drag our jaded animals over the rugged + precipices which obstructed our progress: the intricacy of the + path required us to follow one another very closely, that we + might not lose the track, which became so tortuous in its + course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer accustomed to + the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in the + darkness of night.</p> + + <p>After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and + black sand, we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for + summit; when, about two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of + her beams, queen like, arose behind the bifurcated summit of + Etna; her cheering light was very grateful to us in this wild + spot. The awful cone of the mountain pillowed against the + heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white smoke from its + burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour of the + night.</p> + + <p>At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut + built by the English troops when stationed in Sicily, during + the late war. Here it became again necessary to halt a little + to put on some extra clothing. As soon as this was + accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made by the guides + giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist him in + clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any + further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The + first portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, + most wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the + apex, the path was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. + In wading through this compound the ascent became so difficult + and fatiguing, that we were all under the necessity of reposing + every twenty or thirty yards, tormented by the sulphureous + vapour, which rendered respiration painful, and was even less + supportable than the abruptness of the mountain path!</p> + + <p>At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most + harassing that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as + the day began to dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy + height, requires the pen of poetic inspiration; or to describe + the scene presented to mortal gaze, when thus looking down with + fearful eye on the almost boundless prospect beneath! The blue + expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, rivers, mountains, and + all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, had a magic + effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; while + hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, + evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling + down the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed + one vast column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon + the mountain growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the + earth was slightly convulsed! We now attempted to descend a + short distance within the crater; the guides, timid of its + horrors, did not relish the undertaking, but were induced at + length, and conducted the party behind some heaps of lava, from + whence was a grand view of this awful cavern. The noise within + the gulf resembled loud continuous thunderings, and after each + successive explosion, there issued columns of white, and + sometimes of black smoke.</p> + + <p>The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the + interior part of which is covered with crystallizations of + salts and sulphur, of various brilliant hues—red appeared + to predominate, or rather a deep orange colour. Writers vary + much in their accounts as to the circumference of the crater. + Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an opportunity to ascertain it + correctly, describes it as an oval, stretching from E. and by + N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate diameter of four hundred + and ninety-three yards; the transverse he was prevented from + ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his operations + were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from + this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said + that some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by + approaching too near, and were either blown into the abyss + below by the violence of the wind, which is generally very + strong at this elevation, or suffocated by a sudden burst of + the sulphureous vapour.</p> + + <p>The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first + attracts the eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, + but now (July) by cinders and black sand. In the midst the + great crater rears its burning head, and the regions of intense + heat and extreme cold shake hands together. The eye soon + becomes satiated with its wildness, and turns with delight on + the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent zone of forest + trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many parts of + this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with the most + luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different + eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still + richer, called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or + grain that man can desire: the small rivers Semetus and + Alcantara intersect these fertile fields; beyond this the whole + of Sicily, with its cities, towns, and villages, its + corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless perspective, charm + and delight the senses.</p> + + <p>The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and + crystallizations of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; + wherever a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" + id="page204"></a>[pg 204]</span> stick is thrust in, the + opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, and if + the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on + account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the + summit, during the months of July and August, is 37° + Fahr. After having remained about an hour, descended to the + Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, proceeded downwards, + visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, which + tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was + studying the various phenomena of Etna.</p> + + <p>About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of + the Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the + face of an enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a + lovely valley, gradually sloping down towards the coast, + embracing the three several regions of the mountain, to which + the purple wave of the Mediterranean forms a noble boundary: + nothing can be more varied, rich, and beautiful than this + scene, as it comprises every object necessary to form a perfect + landscape.</p> + + <p>It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of + vegetation during the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius + grows at the elevation of 8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis + commences at 6,800. Then follow the Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, + Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The olive is seen at + the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as high as + 5,000 feet.—<i>United Service Journal.</i></p> + + <blockquote> + <p>[In a clever paper on the geographical position and + history of Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, + Esq. F.G.S. and J.W. Draper, Esq. to the <i>Magazine of + Natural History</i>, is the following outline of Etna.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in + imposing grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level + of the sea. It is about 180 miles in circumferences, and is + surrounded on every hand by apparently small volcanic cones, + though of no inconsiderable size, which tend in a great degree + to increase the apparent dimensions of the central mountain. + Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, but others are + arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of vegetation, + some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative ages of + the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it + requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on + others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain + is by Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions + previous to the Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which + Pindar alludes in his first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. + the volcano was again active; and according to Diodorus + Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped in its march against + Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice to say, that + ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, the + Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was + in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase + of prolonged intermittence.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE SECRET LOVER.</h3> + + <h4>FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI.</h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye</p> + + <p>That ruby tinted lip could see,</p> + + <p>Nor long for thee to live or die?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow;</p> + + <p>Yet think of anything but thee,</p> + + <p>Cold as that bosom heaving snow?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see thee o'er the golden wire</p> + + <p>Bend with such lovely witchery,</p> + + <p>Nor feel each tone like living fire?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see thee in the evening dance</p> + + <p>Float, like the foam upon the sea,</p> + + <p>Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise,</p> + + <p>Soft as the humming of the bee,</p> + + <p>Nor think he sits in Paradise?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see thee in thy simplest hour,</p> + + <p>Sweet as the rose upon the tree,</p> + + <p>Nor long to plant thee in his bower?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But lives there one who vainly tries</p> + + <p>To look the freest of the free,</p> + + <p>And hide the wound by which he dies?</p> + + <p class="i10">Ah! how like me!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4><i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Retrospective Gleanings.</h2> + + <h3>ROBIN HOOD.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>(<i>Concluded from page 182</i>.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is + generally agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, + possessed of uncommon bodily strength, and considerable + military skill; just, generous, and beloved by his followers. + As proofs of his singular popularity, his story and exploits + have been made the subject of various dramatic exhibitions, as + well of innumerable poems, lyrics, songs, and ballads; he has + given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear by him was a common + practice. Some writers say his songs have been preferred on + solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but to the + New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the + opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:—"I came," says + the bishop (in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a + place, riding on a journey homeward from London, and I sent + word over night into the town, that I would preach there in the + morning, because it was a holyday, and methought it was a + holydayes worke; the churche stode in my way, and I toke my + horse and my companye and went thither. I thought I should have + found a great companye in the churche, and when I came there, + the churche dore was faste locked; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" + id="page205"></a>[pg 205]</span> I tarried halfe an houre + and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the + parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day + with us, we cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the + parishe is gone abroad to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray + you let them not, I was fayne there to geve place to Robyn + Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been regarded thoughe + I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne to give + place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my + friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a + pretence for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a + thefe, to put out a preacher, to have his office lesse + esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode before the mynystration of + God's word, and all thys hath come of unpreachynge prelates. + Thys realme hath been il provided, for that it hath had + suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode to + Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there + sholde never have bene any such thynge," &c.</p> + + <p>Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In + the parish of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to + be a Druidical monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, + which he is said to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his + amusement. There was likewise another of these stones of + several tons weight, which the country people would say he + threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, as he was digging. At + Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among several groups of + rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, being two + of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the + distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, + and solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short + account of which will be found in <i>The Mirror</i>, No. 544, + p. 259. These games were celebrated till the latter end of the + sixteenth century, not by the populace only, but by kings and + princes, and grave magistrates, in Scotland and in England; + being considered in the former country of the highest political + importance, and essential to the civil and religious liberties + of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them + frequently producing tumult and insurrection.</p> + + <p>In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's + bow, one of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his + slippers, were preserved till within the above century. In + Brome's Travels, is the following notice of his relics: "having + pleased ourselves with the antiquities of Nottingham, we took + horse and went to visit the well, and ancient chair, of Robin + Hood, which is not far from hence, within the Forest of + Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap which they + say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having + performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, + we received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated + into the society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's + Journey from Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much + pleased with a slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, + shown me, fifty years ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, + a place upon the borders of Sherwood Forest, to which he + resorted." Over a spring called Robin Hood's Well, four miles + north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, erected by Lord + Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to drink of the + fair water, and give alms to two people who attended.</p> + + <p>Thus, not only did those places retain his name which + afforded him security or amusement, but even the well at which + he quenched his thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the + coast of Yorkshire. It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer + tounlet of 20 bootes caulled Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom + of a mile yn length:" in this bay he often went fishing in the + summer season, and not far from this he had butts or marks set + up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting with the long + bow.</p> + + <p>After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed + to have been distinguished from the name of their gallant + leader, by the title of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting + to subjoin a short account of the last days of Robin's friend + and favourite, Little John. The honour of his death and burial + is contended by rival nations, first by England. At the village + of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, in Derbyshire, + is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious person + caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of + uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with + many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at + the intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, + and who had in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but + upon restoring the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, + by Scotland. In Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector + Boece, is "the Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne + remainis in grete admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene + feet of hycht with square membris effering thairto VI zeris," + continues he, "afore the cumyng of this werk to lycht we saw + his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail bane of ane man, lor we + schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk apperis how + strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they were + effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by + Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne + greene an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," + he says, proceeded of this—"In the yeere one thousand one + hundred foure score and nine, there ranged three robbers + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page206" + id="page206"></a>[pg 206]</span> and outlaws in England, + among which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, + of all theeves doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood + being betrayed at a nunrie in Scotland, called Bricklies, + the remnant of the crue was scattered, and everie man forced + to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was faine to + flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied + for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to + understand the wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, + requested him hartilie to trie how far he could shoote at + random; who yeelding to their behest, stood on the bridge of + Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving behind him a + monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than + possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the + repaire of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would + soone be published, so his abode could not be long + concealed, and therefore to eschew the danger of laws, he + fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or village + called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that + "poor Little John's great practical skill in archery could + not save him from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared + from some records in the Southwell family, that he was + publicly executed for robbery on Arbor-hill, Dublin."</p> + + <p>A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name + of Nayler upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in + the West Riding of Yorkshire.<a id="footnotetag6" + name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> + <i>--SWAINE.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>New Books.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>[This is one of the <i>Naturo-Philosophical</i> volumes + of the <i>Cabinet Cyclopaedia</i>, and is therefore to be + viewed as a portion of that series rather than as a + substantive work. Its preparation has been entrusted to Mr. + M. Donovan, Professor of Chemistry to the Company of + Apothecaries in Ireland; so that it comes to us with some + share of recommendatory experience on the part of the + editor. It would, however, be difficult to point out the + advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others of the same + description. Neither will such distinction be looked for + but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is clear and + satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and the + matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat + overloaded with hard names, and presumes more previous + acquaintance with the subject than is consistent. We + subjoin a few extracts of popular interest.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p><i>Caloric, or the matter of Heat.</i></p> + + <p>Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to + be the principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are + known to produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat + is, therefore, the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have + thought it necessary to make a distinction between the senses + in which the word heat may be taken. In its usual acceptation, + it merely means the effect excited on the organs of sensation + by a hot body. But as this must be produced by a power in the + hot body independent of sensation, that power is what chemists + understand by the word <i>heat</i>: and to distinguish between + the effect and its cause, the term <i>caloric</i> has been + substituted. The introduction of this term appears altogether + unnecessary, when the sense in which the word <i>heat</i> + should be understood is explained. Caloric means the + <i>cause</i> of the <i>sensation</i> heat: and there seems no + reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of + sensation can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical + phenomena.</p> + + <p><i>Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the + Atmosphere.</i></p> + + <p>In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to + admire the design and execution of a structure calculated, with + such wondrous precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the + atmosphere to consist wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds + of objects which compose, and are found upon, the globe, to + remain what they are; the world would run through its stages of + decay, renovation, and final destruction, in a rapid cycle. + Combustion, once excited, would proceed with ungovernable + violence; the globe, during its short existence, would be in a + continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its only + remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and + terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other + hand, were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could + never have existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the + objects of the Creator in forming this world would not be + fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a wholesome mixture of these + two formidable elements, each neutralizing the other's baneful + influence. The life of animals quietly runs through its + allotted space; and the current of nature flows within + prescribed limits, manageably and moderately.</p> + + <p><i>Tartaric Acid.</i></p> + + <p>Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of + grapes is left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. + When wine has been kept some time to depurate in wooden + vessels, it deposits, on the side of the vessel, a hard crust + of dark coloured matter, the taste of which is sour. This + matter is impure; but, when purified by various + crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; + and then it is known in commerce by the name of <i>cream of + tartar</i>. The etymology of the singular name, tartar, is + uncertain: it is derived from <i>tártaros</i>, as + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page207" + id="page207"></a>[pg 207]</span> some say, because it + occasions pains equal to those endured in the infernal + regions; and, as others say, merely because this substance + deposits itself in the inferior parts of the cask. Tartaric + acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a process + analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an + exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and + is soluble in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular + shape. In 100 parts, by weight, there are 12 of water; the + remaining 88 parts are the pure anhydrous acid, composed of + 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, and 2-64 of + hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but + especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along + with citric, malic, and an acid called <i>vinic</i>, which + resembles tartaric acid in many respects, but differs from + it in others, and concerning the nature of which almost + nothing is known: these four constitute the agreeable + tartness of the juice of that fruit.</p> + + <p><i>Oxalic Acid</i>.</p> + + <p>The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. + This acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which + may be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which + it is combined, by a process analagous to that described for + the preparation of citric acid. It has obtained the name of + <i>oxalic acid</i>, from the generic name of the plant, + <i>oxalis acetosella</i>. This acid forms readily into regular + crystals, of which one half the weight is water, the other half + being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in its + constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it + consists merely of carbon and oxygen—there being twice as + much oxygen as there is carbon. So that it differs from + carbonic acid merely in the relative quantities of its + ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by an artificial + process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its weight + of nitric acid,—the former affording the carbon necessary + to its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only + necessary to heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar + dissolves, and there is a violent effervescence, which must be + moderated by immersion in cold water: when the mixture cools, + crystals of oxalic acid form in abundance, which may be + purified by a second crystallization.</p> + + <p>Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen + victims to its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for + Epsom salt, which it resembles in appearance. In all + probability, this would not prove to be the only vegetable acid + capable of acting as a poison. Chalk finely powdered, and + diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the poison of + oxalic acid.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>[The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and + that on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might + have been expected.]</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>The Gatherer</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p><i>The Plain Truth.</i>—Sir John Trevor, cousin to + Lord Chancellor Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as + he was able. He was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and + officially had the mortification to put the question to the + house, "whether himself ought to be expelled for bribery." The + answer was "Yes."</p> + + <p><i>Freaks of Royalty.</i>—James I. in a capricious + mood, threatened the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of + royalty, the meetings of parliament, &c. from the capital. + "Your Majesty at least," replied the Mayor, "will be graciously + pleased to leave us the River Thames."</p> + + <p><i>The Original Strand.</i>—In the reign of Edward + III. the Strand was an open highway. A solitary house + occasionally occurred; but in 1353, the ruggedness of the + highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on wool, leather, + &c. for its improvement.</p> + + <p>On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's + in the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to + be distributed among the workmen.</p> + + <p><i>A swampy Kingdom.</i>—In the reign of Charles II. + at the east end of St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat + for the ducks, thence denominated Duck Island, which, by + Charles was erected into a government, and a salary annexed to + the office, in favour of the celebrated French writer, M. de + St. Evremond, who was the first and last governor.</p> + + <p>The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace + is stated to have cost 500<i>l</i>.</p> + + <p>The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George + the Third was the same that bore George the Second at the + memorable battle of Dettingen.</p> + + <p><i>Political Criticism.</i>—The following proof of + political prejudice may not be known:—"John Milton was + one whose natural parts might deservedly give him a place + amongst the principal of our English poets, having written two + heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:—Paradise Lost, Paradise + Regained, and Samson Agonistes; <i>but his fame is gone out + like a candle in a snuff</i>; and his memory will always stink, + which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not + been a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously + belied that blessed martyr, King Charles I."—<i>Lives of + the most famous English Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. + Winstanley.</i></p> + + <p><i>A Pastor.</i>—The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father + of the patriot, was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in + 1586. He was a student of Emanuel College in that University, + where he took his degree of Master of Arts in 1608. Afterwards + he was elected <span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" + id="page208"></a>[pg 208]</span> master of the grammar + school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in + that town. "He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, + "who, like a good husband, never broached what he had + new-brewed, but preached what he had studied some competent + time before: insomuch that he was wont to say that he would + cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the working + day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'"</p> + + <p><i>Dryden's Mc Flecnoe</i>.—W. Newcastle has the + following excellent lines in reference to Dryden's + poem:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"<i>Flecnoe</i>, thy characters are so full of + wit</p> + + <p>And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it.</p> + + <p>Each line's a <i>volume</i>, and who reads would + swear</p> + + <p><i>Whole libraries</i> were in each character.</p> + + <p>Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet</p> + + <p>Lights in the starry skies are thicker set,</p> + + <p>Nor quills upon the armed porcupine,</p> + + <p>Than <i>wit and fancy</i> in this work of + thine."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>SIR WALTER SCOTT.</h4> + + <p>The long-expected death of this good and great man took + place at Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume + contains a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; + and it is our intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a + brief memoir continued to his last days, with a wood-cut + portrait from the latest painting. About twelve months since, + Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic pen, the following + passage in the introduction to his last published work: "The + gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all + probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the + author to submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far + realized, though the accordance of the closing line with the + last hours of the deceased bears a consoling balm: "He is now + on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war is + commissioned by its royal master to carry the Author of + Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a + restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an + end in his own country."</p> + + <p><i>Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day</i>.—Although this + custom can be traced through upwards of three centuries, its + origin has not been decided by antiquaries. The commonly + received belief is that a goose forming part of the royal + dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of the + defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded + that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on + every 29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious + event. Mr. Douce, the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the + above reason "somewhere" (such is his expression); but Mr. + Brand thinks this rather to be a stronger proof that the custom + prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's time. Its origin, + however, is referable to the previous century: since, bringing + a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day appears to + have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, that + it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following + passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before + the above event:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's + rent,</p> + + <p>They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish + at Lent;</p> + + <p>At Christmasse a capon, <i>at Michaelmas a + goose</i>,</p> + + <p>And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, <i>for feare + their leave flies</i></p> + + <p class="i2">loose."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The reason given by Blount, in his <i>Tenures</i>, is + considered far from satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, + "Probably no other reason can be given for this custom, but + that Michaelmas Day was a great festival, and geese at that + time were most plentiful." The origin of the saying that "if + you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never want money all + the year round," is explained, in the <i>British Apollo</i>, as + follows:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The custom came up from the tenants presenting</p> + + <p>Their landlords with geese to incline their + relenting</p> + + <p>On following payments.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Again:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For doubtless 'twas at first design'd</p> + + <p>To make the people seasons mind,</p> + + <p>That so they might apply their care</p> + + <p>To all those things which needful were;</p> + + <p>And by a good industrious hand,</p> + + <p>Know when and how t' improve their land.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating + goose on Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part + of France. Upon St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. + They likewise eat geese upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and + Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." In Denmark, where the harvest is + later than here, every family has a roasted goose for supper on + St. Martin's Eve. PHILO.</p> + + <h4><i>The reason why Pennsylvania was settled.</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Penn refused to pull his hat off</p> + + <p>Before the king, and therefore set off,</p> + + <p>Another country to light pat on,</p> + + <p>Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>"Mollissima tempora fandi."</h4>A translation of the above + is requested, in one line, which shall rhyme with the original. + H.H.<br /> + <br /> + + + <h4><i>Motto for a Cigar Smoker.</i></h4>"Non fumum ex fulgore, + sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H.<br /> + <br /> + + <hr /> + + <p>St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall + appear next week.</p> + <hr /> + + <h4>THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.</h4> + + <h4>No. 203, price Twopence, of</h4> + + <h4>THE MIRROR,</h4> + + <h4>Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR</h4> + + <h4>of the late</h4> + + <h4>SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" + name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + + <p>Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" + name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + + <p>At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an + antiquary and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George + Hall, Bishop of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of + a history of Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of + Antiquaries; all of whom were born at Newcastle.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" + name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + + <p>In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part + iii.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" + name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + + <p>It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of + the weather.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote5" + name="footnote5"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a> + + <p>By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a <i>rara + avis</i>: "A kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the + breast to that point of the horizon whence the wind doth + blow, is a very strange introducing of natural + weathercocks."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote6" + name="footnote6"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a> + + <p>Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.—See + <i>Mirror</i>, vol. xix. p. 322.</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <p><i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near + Somerset House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New + Market, Leipsic; G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, + Paris; and by all Newsmen and Booksellers.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + +***** This file should be named 11887-h.htm or 11887-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/8/8/11887/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Vol. 20. No. 568 - 29 Sept 1832 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 3, 2004 [EBook #11887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20, No. 568.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1832. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.] + +Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition of the +present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of eminent +men. It is something to know that John Scott was born at +Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented in the +above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the rudiments of +his education at the free grammar-school of the town; that he grew up +"a man of safe discretion;" that he enjoyed the highest legal honours +which his sovereign could bestow for a quarter of a century; and that +he still lives, a venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory +from his conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so +distinguished an individual must have innumerable good tendencies: +it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that "every man is the +architect of his own fortune;" and it presents us, moreover, with +the encouraging picture of a well-regulated life, and its healthful +energies so employed in the discharge of important duties as to +entitle the subject to high rank among the worthies of his country. + +John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, of +Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the language of +the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the sale and shipment +of coals. He had by industry and habits of close saving accumulated +rather considerable means from small beginnings. Beyond this he was +a man of great shrewdness and knowledge of the world," and quickly +perceiving the talents of the two younger boys, William (now Lord +Stowell,) and John, he wisely gave them an education in accordance +with their mental endowments. "It is said that the singular variety +in the talent of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very +early age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a +constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, gave at +once a condensed and lucid digest of the general argument. John, +on the other hand, would go into all the minutiae, but failed in +producing the lucid, general view embodied in half the number of words +by his brother."[1] The two boys received their early education at the +free grammar-school of Newcastle.[2] William was from the beginning +destined for the study of the law. John was at first intended for +the church, and was, accordingly, sent to Oxford: early marriage was, +however, the fortunate means of changing his destination, and he began +the world in the same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was +entered as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar +at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive stock of +legal information, having been an indefatigable reader, and spent the +two last years of his preliminary studies in the office of a special +pleader. At his outset he made no progress, his powers being palsied +by an oppressive diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely +to being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, and +not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. In a fit of +despondency he resolved to retire into humble practice in his native +county; and he had actually given up his chambers and taken leave of +his friends in the metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his +purpose by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make +one more trial at the bar. His first success was the undoubted fruit +of his extraordinary abilities, and is said to have originated in the +sudden illness of a leading counsel the night before the trial of a +complicated civil cause. It could not be put off, and the client +of the lost leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the +brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous intricacies, +and triumphed. From this time he gained confidence, and his forensic +reputation soon became established. He was much aided by the +encouragement which he received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his +abilities, and is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, +which Mr. Scott declined. + + [1] Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month. + + [2] At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an antiquary + and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George Hall, Bishop + of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of a history of + Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of Antiquaries; all of + whom were born at Newcastle. + +In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord Weymouth's +interest, he was introduced into parliament for the borough of Weobly. +It is stated that on the latter occasion, he stipulated for the +liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a decided part with the Pitt +administration; and in 1788, he was appointed solicitor-general, +and knighted; in 1793, he rose to be attorney-general, and in the +following year he conducted the trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, +for treason. Erskine was opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, +though the speech of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the +delivery. + +In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief justiceship of the +Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief Justice Eyre; and in the +same year he was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Eldon. In +1801, he was made Lord Chancellor, which high office he retained till +the year 1827, with the exception of the short period during which the +Whigs were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity +of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821. + +The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is thus lucidly +drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the long lapse of ages, +have filled the sacred seat on which he now (1823) sits, none ever +had purer hands, none ever had a conscientious desire of equity more +ardent and more incessant than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of +his views, the inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his +unrelaxing anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the +kindness of his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that +attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the unbounded +admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the wise. Lord Eldon's +eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is rather adapted to cultivated +and thinking minds than to a popular audience. It generally addresses +the understanding rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, +but occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos." + +We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to by the +above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of Lord Eldon. As +the following have, we believe, but once appeared in print, they may +not, be familiar to the reader. Sir Richard Phillips relates:[3] "In +conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard two anecdotes +of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord Chancellors, and to +public spirited parishioners, I consider it my duty to introduce. The +incumbent, some years ago, thought proper to propose an exchange with +an incompetent clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and +some of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, and +in the commencement he penned a letter to the Chancellor. The other +parties calculated on the arrangement, but, on applying to the +Chancellor he could consent to no exchange, but that if the parties +were tired of their positions, they might respectively resign, and +there were plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the +scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a master +had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at Dronfield, +on liberal principles of education, but, within a few years, some +prejudice was excited against him, and the churchwardens for the time +thought proper to stop his salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some +friends combined in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship +instantly directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust +within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a month, when, +without other form, he directed the salary to be paid to the appointed +master, with all expenses." + + [3] In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part iii. + +Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate that +the inhabitants are proud of their distinguished fellow-freeman. A +spacious range of elegant buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the +Guildhall is a portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, +Lord Stowell. + + * * * * * + + +THE WEARIED SOLDIER. + + + "When silent time, wi' lightly foot, + Had trod o'er thirty years, + I sought again, my native land, + Wi' many hopes and fears." + MRS. HAMILTON. + + He came to the village, when the sun + In the "golden west" was bright, + When sounds were dying one by one, + And the vesper star was shining down, + With a soft and silvery light. + + A war-worn wanderer was he, + And absent many a year + From the cottage-home he fain would see, + From that resting-place where he would be, + The spot to memory dear. + + It rose at last upon his view, + (Old times were thronging round him,) + The lattice where the jasmine grew, + The meadow where he brush'd the dew + When youth's bright hopes were round him. + + But faces new, and sadly strange, + Were in that cottage now; + Cold eyes, that o'er his features range, + For time had wrought a weary change + Upon the soldier's brow. + + And some there were--the lov'd--the dead-- + Whom he no more could see, + From this cold changing world were fled, + And they had found a quiet bed + Beneath the old yew tree. + + And thither too--the wanderer hied, + Night-dews were falling fast, + This is my "welcome home" he cried, + And the chill breezes low replied + In murmurs as they pass'd. + + They whispering said, or seem'd to say, + No lasting joys to earth are given, + No longer near these ashes stray, + Go, mourner! hence, away! away! + Thy lost ones are in heaven. + + _Kirton, Lindsey._ ANNE R. + + * * * * * + + +RELIGIOUS FASTINGS. + + +From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have practised +fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon them for their +sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that fasting was originated +by Adam after he had eaten of the forbidden fruit; but this obviously +is carrying their arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it +is as certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first +formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held the +"solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to Herodotus, +before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to purify themselves +from impurities, fasted and prayed. This custom he also ascribes to +the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates that the fasts of the Egyptians +were sometimes continued for six weeks, and that the shortest ordained +by their priests was seven days, during which they abstained from +nearly all kinds of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, +who observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show and +solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, two of which +were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" the observation +of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially amongst women, who, +in mournful dresses, spent one whole day sitting on the ground (their +sign of grief,) without taking the least food. The islanders of Crete, +before sacrificing to Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated +ancient author informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into +the secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and +that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who came +to consult them, had to perform this duty. + +Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any important +enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The Lacedemonians having +agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast throughout their nation, and +without _even_ excepting their _domestic animals_. The Romans having +besieged the city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, +the citizens demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of +Rhegium; who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, +commanded that a fast should be held throughout their territories. +Their aid having proved successful, the government of Tarentum to +commemorate this important event, ordained a perpetual fast on the day +of their deliverance. + +Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages reckoned +fasting as a service which led to important results, and a duty which +could not be dispensed with without causing the wrath of God to fall +upon the heads of the nation. At Rome it was practised even by the +emperors. Amongst the most remarkable for keeping this institution +were Numa Pompilius, Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the +apostate, was so exact in the performance of this ordinance, that +the fasting of the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as +nothing compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes +as long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their +master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in which they +denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the creatures of the +meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable for their fasting; but as +the people believe they regale themselves with the good things of this +life, in secret, their example gains not many followers. That nation +which reckons itself infinitely superior to _us_ "poor barbarians," +the Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The +Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and the +exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the lengths of +time of their fasts are very remarkable. + +The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on the +appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though they sadly +neglected the commands of God in other particulars, yet they obeyed +this command with great devotedness. The abstinence of the ancient +Jews generally lasted from twenty-six to twenty-seven hours. On these +days they wore sackcloth, laid themselves in ashes, and sprinkled +them on their heads, in token of their great grief and penitence. Some +spent the whole night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great +effect a scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to +devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from the +Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging penance system. + +In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised by the +Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the fathers of the +church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated seasons. The custom +is still observed amongst the methodists, who follow the example of +their great leader, Wesley. The rust of time has, however, worn away +the veneration for this "good _old_ system," and it is totally +disused by the general body of Protestants, except on great national +occasions. + +E.J.H. + + * * * * * + + + +MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. + + * * * * * + +SHERIFFS OF LONDON. + + + [The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled _Londiniana_ possesses more than a + passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a Journal + will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.] + +The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, are +derived from a manuscript copy of the _Journal_ of Richard Hoare, +Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in 1740-41, in his own +hand-writing, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Sir +Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year +became memorable in the city annals, from their having been _three_ +Lord Mayors during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry +Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq. + +Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal of the +respectable house which, instituted by one of his predecessors, still +bears the family name, was elected alderman of the Ward of Farringdon +Without, on St. George's day, 1740, in the place of Sir Francis Child, +who died on the preceding Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was +conferred upon him, whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and +equally so, was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. +Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly afterwards +they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000_l_. to undertake and enter +upon the office on the ensuing Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became +each entitled to 100_l_. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this +year been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid +their fines to be excused." + +In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their +duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for +each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother +Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street +Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, +to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they +are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for +which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the +places upon any vacancy." + +On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten +o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained +several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of +Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the +Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He +continues,-- + +"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George Heathcote, +and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the last year were +attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we all repaired thither; +the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance walking two by two, the +senior sheriff's company on the right hand, the aldermen following in +their coaches; in which, we, though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as +aldermen. Upon coming up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies +made a lane for the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited +on my Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we +returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened by +the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take the oath +of office; which we accordingly did, together with the oaths of +allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also administered to Mr. +Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as under-sheriff, he kneeling all +the while. + +"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the former +sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being dissolved, the Lord +Mayor went home, attended by the former sheriffs, and we returned back +to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, provided for the Court of Aldermen and +Courts of Assistance, at which the senior alderman took the chair as +president, and the rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall +took their places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat +at the head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of +Assistance of our two companies. When dinner was over, and the healths +of the royal family were drunk, the cryer proclaimed the health and +prosperity to the two sheriffs' companies in the following manner; +that is to say, 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and +prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the Goldsmiths +and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, prosperity to both:' and this +is so usually done, naming each company first alternately, to prevent +any dispute concerning preference or priority. + +"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner room, at which +we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all the aldermen; for +whatever rank an alderman may be in point of seniority, yet during the +year he serves as sheriff, he is to give place, and follow the rest +of his brethren, both at the court, and all processions and +entertainments. About six o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the +Lord Mayor at his house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were +met by our own and the former under-sheriffs, together with the +secondaries and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the +respective prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers +acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then +tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, and after +having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted and undertook +the charge of our office, we were invited according to custom, to an +adjoining tavern; and there partook of an entertainment of sack and +walnuts, provided by the aforesaid keepers of the prisons. + +"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my brother sheriff +and I set out for the first time in our new equipages and scarlet +gowns, attended by our beadles, and the several officers of our +Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at +which he kept his mayoralty, and proceeded with him from thence, as +is customary, to Guildhall, where the livery-men of the city were +summoned to attend at the Court of Hustings for the election of a new +lord mayor for the year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the +livery-men, 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a +lord mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate +two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of Aldermen, +who had then a right to elect either of them into that great office, +and which ever that the court so fixed on, the Common Hall was bound +to accept.' When he had ended, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen +retired into the Council Chamber, and left us to preside at the +election, attended by the Common Sergeant and other officers. The +method of voting is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and +town clerk, who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the +person he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective name." + +On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to Guildhall, with +the same company as on the preceding day, and waiting on the Lord +Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested that his lordship and the +recorder would present them at his Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each +sheriff then paid the usual fees, viz. _6l. 13s. 4d._ to the Lord +Mayor, and _3l. 6s. 8d._ to the recorder; after which, they proceeded +to the Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor +first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen following in +coaches, the companies walking before us. + +"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, taking place +of all the aldermen: and our two companies attended in the Goldsmiths' +barge, as before agreed on, adorned with half the colours, and rowed +with half the watermen belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, +the companies went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with +a sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching the +bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, in a speech, +presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being seated there for +that purpose, signifying the choice the citizens had made, and that, +in pursuance of our charter, we were presented to his Majesty's +justices for his royal approbation; and the Baron accordingly +approving the choice, he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were +invited to our dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their +accounts, and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present +cut one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the court +counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails. + +"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by way +of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements in St. +Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where they are situated +no one knows, nor doth the city receive any rents or profits thereby. + +"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three Cranes, and +from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' Hall; where my Lord +Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, and guests invited, dined +at one table, and we, the sheriff's, at the head of another, with the +Court of Assistance of each of our companies: and the Clerks of the +Exchequer by themselves at another table. After dinner, the Lord +Mayor, aldermen, &c. returned into a separate room, where we sat with +them at the head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; +our two companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the +Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall." + +On the 7th of October they "settled a point," with the keeper of +Newgate in regard to the transportation of _felons_. That was, that +the keeper should deliver them to the merchant, "who contracts to +carry them over," at the door of Newgate, and there discharge himself +of any further custody; but leaving him and his officers the privilege +of protecting them down to the water side, according to any private +agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully understood that +the sheriffs should not be responsible for their charge "from the time +of their first delivery." + +(_TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT._) + + * * * * * + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + +STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS. + + + (_From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185._) + +We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change of the +whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, though in this +the political economist can see the solution of all our Malthusian +difficulties to an indefinite extent and duration. What we urge is +merely the partial adoption of the thing to such an extent as will +relax the present pressure, and restore us to a wholesome state of +national prosperity. This will occasion no dangerous experiment, and +will be gradually followed up by a progressive conversion, by which +all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and +the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be +equalized. + +If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the +expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will +indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that +the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That +steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report +of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the +evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who +were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon +the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project +we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to +avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being +quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the +said committee came after three months of patient and thorough +investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of +inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements +in the means of internal communication ever introduced._" + + [Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens, + John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.] + +In viewing the moral advantages which must result from +steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few +so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as +the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward, +regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two +for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if +unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period +of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen +the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped +that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is +perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses. +The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a +rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, +it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is +perfectly safe for passengers." + +The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear +no proportion to the loss of lives from consumption and other diseases +occasioned by cold and wet, from exposure on the top of coaches.[4] + + [4] It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of the + weather. + +Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the present +system of quick travelling. The short average life of stage-coach +horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully over-wrought and +_out-wrought_ they are by the great speed now in practice. Driven for +eight or ten miles, with an oppressive weight, they tremble in every +nerve. With nostrils distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, +they can scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they +are well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are +over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be exerted. The +morrow comes when their galled withers are again to be wrung by the +ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of the wheels. But we do not +witness all the misery of the noble and the generous steed. When +the shades of night impend, the reproaches of the feeling, or the +expostulations of the timid traveller no longer protect him from the +lash; and the dread of Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a +time its beneficent purpose; when the stiffened joints--the cracked +hoofs--the greasy legs--and stumbling gait of the worn-out animal are +all put into agonized motion by belabouring _him upon the raw_! +The expression is Hibernian, but the brutality is our own. A few +ill-gained pounds reconcile the enormity to the owner--and the +cheapness and expedition of the conveyance give it public sanction: +but humanity is outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and +the noble precept, that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," +is trampled under foot. + +Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we have +comfort for comparative inconvenience--the inside of an elegant +apartment, where books, amusement, or general conversation may +occupy agreeably the time--for the outside of a hard, unsafe stage +conveyance, and exposure to all changes or varieties of atmosphere. +Nay, we see no reason to prevent such improvement in steam-carriages +as shall fit them up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of +Napoleon, or the travelling long coach of the present Duke of +Orleans, with beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety +for danger--accelerated speed without inhumanity--gain of time--of +accommodation--of money--and over and above all, as a non-consumer +of food, we have by the substitution what will remove the host of +Malthusian ills to a period of almost indefinite duration. + + * * * * * + + + +OLD POETS. + + * * * * * + +EYES AND TEARS. + + + How wisely Nature did decree + With the same eyes to weep and see! + That, having view'd the object vain, + They might be ready to complain. + And, since the self-deluding sight, + In a false angle takes each height, + These tears which better measure all. + Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall. + Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh, + Within the scales of either eye, + And then paid out in equal poise, + Are the true price of all my joys. + What in the world most fair appears, + Yea, even laughter, turns to tears: + And all the jewels which we prize, + Melt in these pendents of the eyes. + I have through every garden been, + Amongst the red, the white, the green; + And yet from all those flow'rs I saw, + No honey, but these tears could draw. + So the all-seeing sun each day, + Distils the world with chemic ray; + But finds the essence only showers, + Which straight in pity back he pours. + Yet happy they whom grief doth bless, + That weep the more, and see the less; + And, to preserve their sight more true, + Bathe still their eyes in their own dew. + So Magdalen, in tears more wise + Dissolv'd those captivating eyes, + Whose liquid chains could flowing meet, + To fetter her Redeemer's feet. + Not full sails hasting loaden home, + Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb, + Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair, + As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are + The sparkling glance that shoots desire, + Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire. + Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes, + And here the hissing lightning slakes. + The incense was to heaven dear, + Not as a perfume, but a tear! + And stars show lovely in the night, + But as they seem the tears of light. + Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice, + And practise so your noblest use; + For others too can see, or sleep, + But only human eyes can weep. + Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop, + And at each tear in distance stop: + Now, like two fountains, trickle down: + Now like two floods o'er-run and drown: + Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs, + Till eyes and tears be the same things; + And each the other's difference bears; + These weeping eyes, those seeing tears. + +MARVELL. + + (_From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John Dove._) + + * * * * * + + +A DROP OF DEW. + + + See, how the orient dew + Shed from the bosom of the morn, + Into the blowing roses, + Yet careless of its mansion new, + For the clear region where 'twas born + Round in itself incloses: + And in its little globe's extent, + Frames, as it can, its native element. + How it the purple flow'r does slight, + Scarce touching where it lies; + But gazing back upon the skies, + Shines with a mournful light, + Like its own tear, + Because so long divided from the sphere. + Restless it rolls, and unsecure, + Trembling, lest it grows impure; + Till the warm sun pities its pain, + And to the skies exhales it back again. + So the _soul_, that drop, that ray, + Of the clear fountain of eternal day, + Could it within the human flow'r be seen, + Rememb'ring still its former height, + Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green; + And, recollecting its own light, + Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express + The greater heaven in an heaven less, + In how coy a figure wound, + Every way it turns away: + So the world excluding round, + Yet receiving in the day. + Dark beneath, but bright above; + Here disdaining, there in love, + How loose and easy hence to go; + How girt and ready to ascend: + Moving but on a point below, + It all about does upward bend. + Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil, + White and entire, although congeal'd and chill; + Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run + Into the glories of th' almighty sun. + +IBID. + + * * * * * + + + +NOTES OF A READER. + + * * * * * + +ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. + + +We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country +as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens, +to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial, +and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the +tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air +becomes chill and misty, though + + The weary sun hath made a golden set, + And, by the bright track of his fiery ear, + Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow: + +the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by +their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in +which the majority of them will pass the coming winter. + +The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in +the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and +weathercock[5] to the Llama House. + + [5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A + kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that + point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very + strange introducing of natural weathercocks." + +[Illustration: (_Llama House._)] + +Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and +a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose +brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams +of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for +Goats. + +[Illustration: (_Armadillos._)] + +The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who +are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The +innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are +here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows, +is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary. + +Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the +Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535, +opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the +extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the +Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as +variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient." +We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the +Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of +splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the +ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque. + +[Illustration: (_The Repository._)] + +[Illustration: (_Deer._)] + +[Illustration: (_Elephants._)] + +Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the +straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity +of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the +Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the +Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching +horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, +opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No. +560. + +In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most +interesting resort. + + * * * * * + + +THE VOICE OF HUMANITY. + + +"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal +Creation" exists--though, in one sense, as a blot upon the character +of the age. They publish the above Journal quarterly, assembling acts +of atrocity which make the blood curdle in our veins, and remind us +that "all are not men that wear the human form." The funds of +the society are not in a prosperous condition; the sand of their +philanthropy is well nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. +Let us glance at the contents of, the _Voice_ before us. The subject +"Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and Smithfield-market," +is continued--a plan which we illustrated in _The Mirror_ about five +years since. True enough the Society write, but the people do not +consider; they are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the +mammon of money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in +the midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists for +its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the metropolis--and +markets are increasing for the sale of the necessaries and luxuries of +life; the _Haymarket_ has been removed from a fashionable quarter to +the suburbs, that loaded carts may not obstruct carriages in their +road to St. James's, the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera--yet, not +a single, _Abattoir_--for the health of the people--exists near the +metropolis. The King and the Court patronize and plan horse-racing, +throwing the lasso, and, if recent report be true, hawking; the +Parliament legislate, a bill is "ordered to be printed"--yet, the +inconsistency and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to +ask, where is the truth of the motto--_Salus populi suprema lex_. +Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not uncommon; +yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor are caught, while +the rich break through the meshes of the net. In the work before us +are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, including "the cold-blooded +cruelty towards the generous and heart-broken _Rattler_, in riding him +thirty-four miles in the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next +are four police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, +the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows the +fact of _a respectable woman_ boiling a cat to death! and next is this +quotation from the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for April, 1789:-- + +"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young man of +large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and horses +rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, +where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality. Mr. +Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he had a favourite cock upon +which he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he made upon +this cock he lost; which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied +to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of +the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were +present attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, +that he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, +declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, in the +midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead upon the spot!" + +If we be asked whether it be proper to regard _all_ such dispensations +as judicial inflictions, we reply in the words of Cowper above: + + "'Tis not for us, with rash surmise, + To point the judgments of the skies, + But judgments _plain as this_, + That, sent for man's instruction, bring + A written label on their wing, + 'Tis hard to read amiss." + +[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:] + +THE WORM. + + Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside + Nor crush that helpless worm; + The frame thy wayward looks deride, + Required a God to form. + + The common Lord of all that move, + From whom thy being flowed, + A portion of his boundless love + On that poor worm bestowed. + + The sun, the moon, the stars, he made + To all his creatures free; + And spread o'er earth the grassy blade + For worms as well as thee. + + Let them enjoy their little day, + Their lowly hiss receive; + Oh! do not lightly take away + The life thou canst not give. + +Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been abolished by the +extended education of the people. Brutal sports among boys are much +less indulged than formerly, and the worrying of domestic animals +almost invariably denotes a _bad boy_, in the worst sense of the +phrase, likely to make a bad man; "so true to nature is the admirable +aphorism of Wordsworth:-- + + The boy's the father of the man." + +But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult cruelties; +though, according to the above showing, such atrocities will be less +rare in the next than in the present generation. To conclude, we hope +that the present notice may awaken the sympathy of the reader towards +the laudable objects of the _Society_, under whose guidance the _Voice +of Humanity_ is published. It is a difficult matter to point out "the +uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally babbling of +our high state of civilization and refinement, yet, we repeat, +the necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to a +national disgrace. + + * * * * * + + + +THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + +VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA. + + +_BY LIEUTENANT G.H.P. WHITE, ROYAL NAVY._ + + +On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from Catania with +a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, taking the necessary +guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the provisions, &c., as nothing +in that way can be procured after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small +village about twelve miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the +Sicilians into three several regions. The first is called Pie de +Montagna, the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, +though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city of +Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country around is +formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the third eruption +mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the sixth year of the +Peloponnesian war, and the second of the eighty-eighth Olympiad. +Traversing the lands of Battianti, and St. Giovanni della Punta, the +road is constantly over the lava, and the country on either side is +delicious. Trecastagne, nine miles from Catania, is seated on the +acclivity of a high volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful +and picturesque. Near the principal church the view is most extensive. +Towards the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching +from Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with +vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain itself, +surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these have been thrown +up in various forms, composed principally of cinders, and covered with +rich vegetation. The freshness of the air, the beauty and picturesque +situations of the houses surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the +over-teeming fertility of the soil, and the laughing fields, where +golden Ceres still lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, +intersected by courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view +one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These +mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places ten miles +in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind with horror and +astonishment: that such wondrous masses, consisting of earths, stones, +and minerals, fused and mixed, could be driven forth in one wild +current from the mountain, makes us pause, and confounds any attempt +to reason on the phenomena.--And, although the lava for many centuries +lays waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very +long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state as to +become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we reflect on +the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for state of +decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving at any certain +conclusion. When this process is duly effected, the cactus opuntia, or +prickly pear, is planted, which hastens the desired event, and has the +power to break up the lava, and render it fit for productive purposes. +Five miles from Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has +often suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, +and baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor +Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is two +thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the sea, +and its mean temperature 64 deg. Fahr. + +From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a most superb +view of the surrounding country; nothing can be more varied, grand, +and sublime; every spot spared by the all-devastating lavas, is highly +cultivated; the vines and other productive fruit-trees are seen laden +with the most delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and +villages, in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the +distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting that can +be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., our trusty mules, +and pursued or journey. The evening was deliciously serene, the stars +shone with extraordinary brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely +blue, while the galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of +light across the azure expanse. + +The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the mountain +were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in an extraordinary +degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 feet above the level of +the surrounding plain, and is said to have been thrown up during the +great eruption of the year 1669, and from which issued that horrible +stream of burning lava, which, after destroying the country for the +length of fourteen miles, ran into the sea at Catania. + +About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, which, like +a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; it abounds with +ancient hillocks, and lava of different periods, and is almost +covered with frowning woods of oak, holm, beech and pines, on the more +elevated points. + +After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting treat, we +kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing reveries caused by +the fairy scene. + +Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to refresh our +mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments of a warmer +texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat chilly; for the +temperature of this spot was about 50 deg., while that of Catania, which +we had only left a few hours ago, was about 84 deg. Fahr. + +The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and cheerless; +hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still wilder regions +appeared above us. The path now lay over masses of rough lava; so much +so, that at times it became necessary to dismount and actually drag +our jaded animals over the rugged precipices which obstructed our +progress: the intricacy of the path required us to follow one another +very closely, that we might not lose the track, which became so +tortuous in its course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer +accustomed to the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in +the darkness of night. + +After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and black sand, +we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for summit; when, about +two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of her beams, queen like, arose +behind the bifurcated summit of Etna; her cheering light was very +grateful to us in this wild spot. The awful cone of the mountain +pillowed against the heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white +smoke from its burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour +of the night. + +At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut built by the +English troops when stationed in Sicily, during the late war. Here it +became again necessary to halt a little to put on some extra clothing. +As soon as this was accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made +by the guides giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist +him in clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any +further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The first +portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, most +wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the apex, the path +was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. In wading through this +compound the ascent became so difficult and fatiguing, that we were +all under the necessity of reposing every twenty or thirty yards, +tormented by the sulphureous vapour, which rendered respiration +painful, and was even less supportable than the abruptness of the +mountain path! + +At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most harassing +that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as the day began to +dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy height, requires the pen of +poetic inspiration; or to describe the scene presented to mortal +gaze, when thus looking down with fearful eye on the almost boundless +prospect beneath! The blue expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, +rivers, mountains, and all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, +had a magic effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; +while hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, +evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling down +the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed one vast +column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon the mountain +growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the earth was slightly +convulsed! We now attempted to descend a short distance within +the crater; the guides, timid of its horrors, did not relish the +undertaking, but were induced at length, and conducted the party +behind some heaps of lava, from whence was a grand view of this +awful cavern. The noise within the gulf resembled loud continuous +thunderings, and after each successive explosion, there issued columns +of white, and sometimes of black smoke. + +The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the interior +part of which is covered with crystallizations of salts and sulphur, +of various brilliant hues--red appeared to predominate, or rather +a deep orange colour. Writers vary much in their accounts as to +the circumference of the crater. Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an +opportunity to ascertain it correctly, describes it as an oval, +stretching from E. and by N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate +diameter of four hundred and ninety-three yards; the transverse he +was prevented from ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his +operations were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from +this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said that +some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by approaching too +near, and were either blown into the abyss below by the violence +of the wind, which is generally very strong at this elevation, or +suffocated by a sudden burst of the sulphureous vapour. + +The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first attracts the +eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, but now (July) +by cinders and black sand. In the midst the great crater rears its +burning head, and the regions of intense heat and extreme cold shake +hands together. The eye soon becomes satiated with its wildness, and +turns with delight on the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent +zone of forest trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many +parts of this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with +the most luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different +eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still richer, +called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or grain that man +can desire: the small rivers Semetus and Alcantara intersect these +fertile fields; beyond this the whole of Sicily, with its cities, +towns, and villages, its corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless +perspective, charm and delight the senses. + +The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and crystallizations +of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; wherever a stick is +thrust in, the opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, +and if the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on +account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the summit, during +the months of July and August, is 37 deg. Fahr. After having remained +about an hour, descended to the Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, +proceeded downwards, visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, +which tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was +studying the various phenomena of Etna. + +About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of the +Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the face of an +enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a lovely valley, +gradually sloping down towards the coast, embracing the three several +regions of the mountain, to which the purple wave of the Mediterranean +forms a noble boundary: nothing can be more varied, rich, and +beautiful than this scene, as it comprises every object necessary to +form a perfect landscape. + +It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of vegetation during +the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius grows at the elevation of +8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis commences at 6,800. Then follow the +Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The +olive is seen at the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as +high as 5,000 feet.--_United Service Journal._ + + [In a clever paper on the geographical position and history of + Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, Esq. F.G.S. and + J.W. Draper, Esq. to the _Magazine of Natural History_, is the + following outline of Etna.] + +Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in imposing +grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level of the sea. It is +about 180 miles in circumferences, and is surrounded on every hand +by apparently small volcanic cones, though of no inconsiderable size, +which tend in a great degree to increase the apparent dimensions of +the central mountain. Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, +but others are arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of +vegetation, some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative +ages of the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it +requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on +others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain is by +Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions previous to the +Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which Pindar alludes in his +first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. the volcano was again active; +and according to Diodorus Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped +in its march against Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice +to say, that ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, +the Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was +in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase of +prolonged intermittence. + + * * * * * + + +THE SECRET LOVER. + + +FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI. + + + Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye + That ruby tinted lip could see, + Nor long for thee to live or die? + How unlike me! + + Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow; + Yet think of anything but thee, + Cold as that bosom heaving snow? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee o'er the golden wire + Bend with such lovely witchery, + Nor feel each tone like living fire? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in the evening dance + Float, like the foam upon the sea, + Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance? + How unlike me! + + Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise, + Soft as the humming of the bee, + Nor think he sits in Paradise? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in thy simplest hour, + Sweet as the rose upon the tree, + Nor long to plant thee in his bower? + How unlike me! + + But lives there one who vainly tries + To look the freest of the free, + And hide the wound by which he dies? + Ah! how like me! + +_BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE_. + + * * * * * + + + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. + + +ROBIN HOOD. + + (_Concluded from page 182_.) + +With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is generally +agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, possessed of +uncommon bodily strength, and considerable military skill; just, +generous, and beloved by his followers. As proofs of his singular +popularity, his story and exploits have been made the subject of +various dramatic exhibitions, as well of innumerable poems, lyrics, +songs, and ballads; he has given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear +by him was a common practice. Some writers say his songs have been +preferred on solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but +to the New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the +opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:--"I came," says the bishop +(in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a place, riding on +a journey homeward from London, and I sent word over night into the +town, that I would preach there in the morning, because it was a +holyday, and methought it was a holydayes worke; the churche stode +in my way, and I toke my horse and my companye and went thither. I +thought I should have found a great companye in the churche, and when +I came there, the churche dore was faste locked; I tarried halfe +an houre and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the +parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day with us, we +cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the parishe is gone abroad +to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray you let them not, I was fayne there +to geve place to Robyn Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been +regarded thoughe I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne +to give place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my +friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a pretence +for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a thefe, to put out +a preacher, to have his office lesse esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode +before the mynystration of God's word, and all thys hath come of +unpreachynge prelates. Thys realme hath been il provided, for that +it hath had suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode +to Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there sholde +never have bene any such thynge," &c. + +Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In the parish +of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to be a Druidical +monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, which he is said +to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his amusement. There was +likewise another of these stones of several tons weight, which the +country people would say he threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, +as he was digging. At Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among +several groups of rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, +being two of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the +distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, and +solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short account of +which will be found in _The Mirror_, No. 544, p. 259. These games were +celebrated till the latter end of the sixteenth century, not by the +populace only, but by kings and princes, and grave magistrates, in +Scotland and in England; being considered in the former country of the +highest political importance, and essential to the civil and religious +liberties of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them +frequently producing tumult and insurrection. + +In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's bow, one +of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his slippers, were +preserved till within the above century. In Brome's Travels, is the +following notice of his relics: "having pleased ourselves with the +antiquities of Nottingham, we took horse and went to visit the well, +and ancient chair, of Robin Hood, which is not far from hence, within +the Forest of Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap +which they say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having +performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, we +received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated into the +society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's Journey from +Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much pleased with a +slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, shown me, fifty years +ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, a place upon the borders of +Sherwood Forest, to which he resorted." Over a spring called Robin +Hood's Well, four miles north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, +erected by Lord Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to +drink of the fair water, and give alms to two people who attended. + +Thus, not only did those places retain his name which afforded him +security or amusement, but even the well at which he quenched his +thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the coast of Yorkshire. +It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer tounlet of 20 bootes caulled +Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom of a mile yn length:" in this bay he +often went fishing in the summer season, and not far from this he had +butts or marks set up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting +with the long bow. + +After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed to have +been distinguished from the name of their gallant leader, by the title +of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting to subjoin a short account +of the last days of Robin's friend and favourite, Little John. The +honour of his death and burial is contended by rival nations, first by +England. At the village of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, +in Derbyshire, is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious +person caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of +uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with +many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at the +intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, and who had +in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but upon restoring +the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, by Scotland. In +Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector Boece, is "the +Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne remainis in grete +admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene feet of hycht with square +membris effering thairto VI zeris," continues he, "afore the cumyng of +this werk to lycht we saw his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail +bane of ane man, lor we schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk +apperis how strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they +were effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by +Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne greene +an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," he says, +proceeded of this--"In the yeere one thousand one hundred foure score +and nine, there ranged three robbers and outlaws in England, among +which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, of all theeves +doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood being betrayed at a nunrie +in Scotland, called Bricklies, the remnant of the crue was scattered, +and everie man forced to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was +faine to flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied +for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to understand the +wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, requested him hartilie to +trie how far he could shoote at random; who yeelding to their behest, +stood on the bridge of Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving +behind him a monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than +possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the repaire +of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would soone be published, +so his abode could not be long concealed, and therefore to eschew +the danger of laws, he fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or +village called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that "poor +Little John's great practical skill in archery could not save him +from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared from some records in +the Southwell family, that he was publicly executed for robbery on +Arbor-hill, Dublin." + +A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name of Nayler +upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in the West Riding of +Yorkshire.[6] SWAINE. + + [6] Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.--See _Mirror_, vol. + xix. p. 322. + + * * * * * + + + +NEW BOOKS. + + * * * * * + +ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. + + + [This is one of the _Naturo-Philosophical_ volumes of the + _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, and is therefore to be viewed as a + portion of that series rather than as a substantive work. Its + preparation has been entrusted to Mr. M. Donovan, Professor of + Chemistry to the Company of Apothecaries in Ireland; so that + it comes to us with some share of recommendatory experience + on the part of the editor. It would, however, be difficult to + point out the advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others + of the same description. Neither will such distinction be + looked for but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is + clear and satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and + the matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat overloaded + with hard names, and presumes more previous acquaintance with + the subject than is consistent. We subjoin a few extracts of + popular interest.] + +_Caloric, or the matter of Heat._ + +Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to be the +principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are known to +produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat is, therefore, +the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have thought it necessary to make +a distinction between the senses in which the word heat may be taken. +In its usual acceptation, it merely means the effect excited on the +organs of sensation by a hot body. But as this must be produced by +a power in the hot body independent of sensation, that power is what +chemists understand by the word _heat_: and to distinguish between +the effect and its cause, the term _caloric_ has been substituted. +The introduction of this term appears altogether unnecessary, when +the sense in which the word _heat_ should be understood is explained. +Caloric means the _cause_ of the _sensation_ heat: and there seems no +reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of sensation +can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical phenomena. + +_Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the Atmosphere._ + +In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to admire +the design and execution of a structure calculated, with such wondrous +precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the atmosphere to consist +wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds of objects which compose, +and are found upon, the globe, to remain what they are; the world +would run through its stages of decay, renovation, and final +destruction, in a rapid cycle. Combustion, once excited, would proceed +with ungovernable violence; the globe, during its short existence, +would be in a continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its +only remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and +terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other hand, +were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could never have +existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the objects of the Creator +in forming this world would not be fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a +wholesome mixture of these two formidable elements, each neutralizing +the other's baneful influence. The life of animals quietly runs +through its allotted space; and the current of nature flows within +prescribed limits, manageably and moderately. + +_Tartaric Acid._ + +Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of grapes is +left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. When wine has +been kept some time to depurate in wooden vessels, it deposits, on the +side of the vessel, a hard crust of dark coloured matter, the taste +of which is sour. This matter is impure; but, when purified by various +crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; and +then it is known in commerce by the name of _cream of tartar_. The +etymology of the singular name, tartar, is uncertain: it is derived +from _tartaros_, as some say, because it occasions pains equal to +those endured in the infernal regions; and, as others say, merely +because this substance deposits itself in the inferior parts of the +cask. Tartaric acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a +process analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an +exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and is soluble +in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular shape. In 100 parts, +by weight, there are 12 of water; the remaining 88 parts are the pure +anhydrous acid, composed of 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, +and 2-64 of hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but +especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along with citric, +malic, and an acid called _vinic_, which resembles tartaric acid +in many respects, but differs from it in others, and concerning the +nature of which almost nothing is known: these four constitute the +agreeable tartness of the juice of that fruit. + +_Oxalic Acid_. + +The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. This +acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which may +be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which it is +combined, by a process analagous to that described for the preparation +of citric acid. It has obtained the name of _oxalic acid_, from +the generic name of the plant, _oxalis acetosella_. This acid forms +readily into regular crystals, of which one half the weight is water, +the other half being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in +its constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it consists +merely of carbon and oxygen--there being twice as much oxygen as +there is carbon. So that it differs from carbonic acid merely in the +relative quantities of its ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by +an artificial process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its +weight of nitric acid,--the former affording the carbon necessary to +its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only necessary to +heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar dissolves, and there is +a violent effervescence, which must be moderated by immersion in +cold water: when the mixture cools, crystals of oxalic acid form in +abundance, which may be purified by a second crystallization. + +Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen victims to +its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for Epsom salt, which +it resembles in appearance. In all probability, this would not prove +to be the only vegetable acid capable of acting as a poison. Chalk +finely powdered, and diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the +poison of oxalic acid. + + [The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and that + on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might have been + expected.] + + * * * * * + + + +THE GATHERER + + * * * * * + +_The Plain Truth._--Sir John Trevor, cousin to Lord Chancellor +Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as he was able. He +was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and officially had the +mortification to put the question to the house, "whether himself ought +to be expelled for bribery." The answer was "Yes." + +_Freaks of Royalty._--James I. in a capricious mood, threatened +the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of royalty, the meetings of +parliament, &c. from the capital. "Your Majesty at least," replied the +Mayor, "will be graciously pleased to leave us the River Thames." + +_The Original Strand._--In the reign of Edward III. the Strand was an +open highway. A solitary house occasionally occurred; but in 1353, +the ruggedness of the highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on +wool, leather, &c. for its improvement. + +On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's in +the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to be +distributed among the workmen. + +_A swampy Kingdom._--In the reign of Charles II. at the east end of +St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat for the ducks, thence +denominated Duck Island, which, by Charles was erected into a +government, and a salary annexed to the office, in favour of the +celebrated French writer, M. de St. Evremond, who was the first and +last governor. + +The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace is stated +to have cost 500_l_. + +The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George the Third +was the same that bore George the Second at the memorable battle of +Dettingen. + +_Political Criticism._--The following proof of political prejudice +may not be known:--"John Milton was one whose natural parts might +deservedly give him a place amongst the principal of our English +poets, having written two heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:--Paradise +Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes; _but his fame is gone +out like a candle in a snuff_; and his memory will always stink, +which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not been +a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously belied that +blessed martyr, King Charles I."--_Lives of the most famous English +Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. Winstanley._ + +_A Pastor._--The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father of the patriot, +was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in 1586. He was a student of +Emanuel College in that University, where he took his degree of Master +of Arts in 1608. Afterwards he was elected master of the grammar +school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in that town. +"He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, "who, like a good +husband, never broached what he had new-brewed, but preached what he +had studied some competent time before: insomuch that he was wont to +say that he would cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the +working day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'" + +_Dryden's Mc Flecnoe_.--W. Newcastle has the following excellent lines +in reference to Dryden's poem:-- + + "_Flecnoe_, thy characters are so full of wit + And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it. + Each line's a _volume_, and who reads would swear + _Whole libraries_ were in each character. + Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet + Lights in the starry skies are thicker set, + Nor quills upon the armed porcupine, + Than _wit and fancy_ in this work of thine." + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT. + + +The long-expected death of this good and great man took place at +Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume contains +a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; and it is our +intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a brief memoir continued +to his last days, with a wood-cut portrait from the latest painting. +About twelve months since, Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic +pen, the following passage in the introduction to his last published +work: "The gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all +probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to +submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far realized, though +the accordance of the closing line with the last hours of the deceased +bears a consoling balm: "He is now on the eve of visiting foreign +parts; a ship of war is commissioned by its royal master to carry the +Author of Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a +restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in +his own country." + +_Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day_.--Although this custom can be traced +through upwards of three centuries, its origin has not been decided by +antiquaries. The commonly received belief is that a goose forming part +of the royal dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of +the defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded +that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on every +29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious event. Mr. Douce, +the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the above reason "somewhere" +(such is his expression); but Mr. Brand thinks this rather to be a +stronger proof that the custom prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's +time. Its origin, however, is referable to the previous century: +since, bringing a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day +appears to have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, +that it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following +passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before the +above event:-- + + "And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's rent, + They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish at Lent; + At Christmasse a capon, _at Michaelmas a goose_, + And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, _for feare their leave flies + loose_." + +The reason given by Blount, in his _Tenures_, is considered far from +satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, "Probably no other reason +can be given for this custom, but that Michaelmas Day was a great +festival, and geese at that time were most plentiful." The origin of +the saying that "if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never +want money all the year round," is explained, in the _British Apollo_, +as follows:-- + + The custom came up from the tenants presenting + Their landlords with geese to incline their relenting + On following payments. + +Again:-- + + For doubtless 'twas at first design'd + To make the people seasons mind, + That so they might apply their care + To all those things which needful were; + And by a good industrious hand, + Know when and how t' improve their land. + +Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating goose on +Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part of France. Upon +St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. They likewise eat geese +upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." +In Denmark, where the harvest is later than here, every family has a +roasted goose for supper on St. Martin's Eve. PHILO. + +_The reason why Pennsylvania was settled._ + + "Penn refused to pull his hat off + Before the king, and therefore set off, + Another country to light pat on, + Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H. + + +"Mollissima tempora fandi." + +A translation of the above is requested, in one line, which shall +rhyme with the original. H.H. + + +_Motto for a Cigar Smoker._ + +"Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H. + + * * * * * + +St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall appear next +week. + + * * * * * + + THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + No. 203, price Twopence, of + THE MIRROR, + Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR + of the late + SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, Paris; and by all Newsmen +and Booksellers._ + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + +***** This file should be named 11887.txt or 11887.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/8/8/11887/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..581bf78 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #11887 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/11887) diff --git a/old/11887-8.txt b/old/11887-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d991ac6 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/11887-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,2076 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and +Instruction, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Vol. 20. No. 568 - 29 Sept 1832 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 3, 2004 [EBook #11887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20, No. 568.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1832. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.] + +Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition of the +present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of eminent +men. It is something to know that John Scott was born at +Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented in the +above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the rudiments of +his education at the free grammar-school of the town; that he grew up +"a man of safe discretion;" that he enjoyed the highest legal honours +which his sovereign could bestow for a quarter of a century; and that +he still lives, a venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory +from his conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so +distinguished an individual must have innumerable good tendencies: +it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that "every man is the +architect of his own fortune;" and it presents us, moreover, with +the encouraging picture of a well-regulated life, and its healthful +energies so employed in the discharge of important duties as to +entitle the subject to high rank among the worthies of his country. + +John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, of +Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the language of +the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the sale and shipment +of coals. He had by industry and habits of close saving accumulated +rather considerable means from small beginnings. Beyond this he was +a man of great shrewdness and knowledge of the world," and quickly +perceiving the talents of the two younger boys, William (now Lord +Stowell,) and John, he wisely gave them an education in accordance +with their mental endowments. "It is said that the singular variety +in the talent of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very +early age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a +constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, gave at +once a condensed and lucid digest of the general argument. John, +on the other hand, would go into all the minutiae, but failed in +producing the lucid, general view embodied in half the number of words +by his brother."[1] The two boys received their early education at the +free grammar-school of Newcastle.[2] William was from the beginning +destined for the study of the law. John was at first intended for +the church, and was, accordingly, sent to Oxford: early marriage was, +however, the fortunate means of changing his destination, and he began +the world in the same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was +entered as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar +at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive stock of +legal information, having been an indefatigable reader, and spent the +two last years of his preliminary studies in the office of a special +pleader. At his outset he made no progress, his powers being palsied +by an oppressive diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely +to being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, and +not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. In a fit of +despondency he resolved to retire into humble practice in his native +county; and he had actually given up his chambers and taken leave of +his friends in the metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his +purpose by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make +one more trial at the bar. His first success was the undoubted fruit +of his extraordinary abilities, and is said to have originated in the +sudden illness of a leading counsel the night before the trial of a +complicated civil cause. It could not be put off, and the client +of the lost leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the +brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous intricacies, +and triumphed. From this time he gained confidence, and his forensic +reputation soon became established. He was much aided by the +encouragement which he received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his +abilities, and is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, +which Mr. Scott declined. + + [1] Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month. + + [2] At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an antiquary + and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George Hall, Bishop + of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of a history of + Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of Antiquaries; all of + whom were born at Newcastle. + +In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord Weymouth's +interest, he was introduced into parliament for the borough of Weobly. +It is stated that on the latter occasion, he stipulated for the +liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a decided part with the Pitt +administration; and in 1788, he was appointed solicitor-general, +and knighted; in 1793, he rose to be attorney-general, and in the +following year he conducted the trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, +for treason. Erskine was opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, +though the speech of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the +delivery. + +In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief justiceship of the +Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief Justice Eyre; and in the +same year he was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Eldon. In +1801, he was made Lord Chancellor, which high office he retained till +the year 1827, with the exception of the short period during which the +Whigs were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity +of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821. + +The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is thus lucidly +drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the long lapse of ages, +have filled the sacred seat on which he now (1823) sits, none ever +had purer hands, none ever had a conscientious desire of equity more +ardent and more incessant than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of +his views, the inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his +unrelaxing anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the +kindness of his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that +attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the unbounded +admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the wise. Lord Eldon's +eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is rather adapted to cultivated +and thinking minds than to a popular audience. It generally addresses +the understanding rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, +but occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos." + +We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to by the +above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of Lord Eldon. As +the following have, we believe, but once appeared in print, they may +not, be familiar to the reader. Sir Richard Phillips relates:[3] "In +conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard two anecdotes +of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord Chancellors, and to +public spirited parishioners, I consider it my duty to introduce. The +incumbent, some years ago, thought proper to propose an exchange with +an incompetent clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and +some of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, and +in the commencement he penned a letter to the Chancellor. The other +parties calculated on the arrangement, but, on applying to the +Chancellor he could consent to no exchange, but that if the parties +were tired of their positions, they might respectively resign, and +there were plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the +scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a master +had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at Dronfield, +on liberal principles of education, but, within a few years, some +prejudice was excited against him, and the churchwardens for the time +thought proper to stop his salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some +friends combined in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship +instantly directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust +within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a month, when, +without other form, he directed the salary to be paid to the appointed +master, with all expenses." + + [3] In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part iii. + +Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate that +the inhabitants are proud of their distinguished fellow-freeman. A +spacious range of elegant buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the +Guildhall is a portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, +Lord Stowell. + + * * * * * + + +THE WEARIED SOLDIER. + + + "When silent time, wi' lightly foot, + Had trod o'er thirty years, + I sought again, my native land, + Wi' many hopes and fears." + MRS. HAMILTON. + + He came to the village, when the sun + In the "golden west" was bright, + When sounds were dying one by one, + And the vesper star was shining down, + With a soft and silvery light. + + A war-worn wanderer was he, + And absent many a year + From the cottage-home he fain would see, + From that resting-place where he would be, + The spot to memory dear. + + It rose at last upon his view, + (Old times were thronging round him,) + The lattice where the jasmine grew, + The meadow where he brush'd the dew + When youth's bright hopes were round him. + + But faces new, and sadly strange, + Were in that cottage now; + Cold eyes, that o'er his features range, + For time had wrought a weary change + Upon the soldier's brow. + + And some there were--the lov'd--the dead-- + Whom he no more could see, + From this cold changing world were fled, + And they had found a quiet bed + Beneath the old yew tree. + + And thither too--the wanderer hied, + Night-dews were falling fast, + This is my "welcome home" he cried, + And the chill breezes low replied + In murmurs as they pass'd. + + They whispering said, or seem'd to say, + No lasting joys to earth are given, + No longer near these ashes stray, + Go, mourner! hence, away! away! + Thy lost ones are in heaven. + + _Kirton, Lindsey._ ANNE R. + + * * * * * + + +RELIGIOUS FASTINGS. + + +From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have practised +fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon them for their +sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that fasting was originated +by Adam after he had eaten of the forbidden fruit; but this obviously +is carrying their arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it +is as certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first +formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held the +"solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to Herodotus, +before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to purify themselves +from impurities, fasted and prayed. This custom he also ascribes to +the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates that the fasts of the Egyptians +were sometimes continued for six weeks, and that the shortest ordained +by their priests was seven days, during which they abstained from +nearly all kinds of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, +who observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show and +solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, two of which +were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" the observation +of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially amongst women, who, +in mournful dresses, spent one whole day sitting on the ground (their +sign of grief,) without taking the least food. The islanders of Crete, +before sacrificing to Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated +ancient author informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into +the secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and +that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who came +to consult them, had to perform this duty. + +Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any important +enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The Lacedemonians having +agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast throughout their nation, and +without _even_ excepting their _domestic animals_. The Romans having +besieged the city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, +the citizens demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of +Rhegium; who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, +commanded that a fast should be held throughout their territories. +Their aid having proved successful, the government of Tarentum to +commemorate this important event, ordained a perpetual fast on the day +of their deliverance. + +Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages reckoned +fasting as a service which led to important results, and a duty which +could not be dispensed with without causing the wrath of God to fall +upon the heads of the nation. At Rome it was practised even by the +emperors. Amongst the most remarkable for keeping this institution +were Numa Pompilius, Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the +apostate, was so exact in the performance of this ordinance, that +the fasting of the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as +nothing compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes +as long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their +master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in which they +denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the creatures of the +meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable for their fasting; but as +the people believe they regale themselves with the good things of this +life, in secret, their example gains not many followers. That nation +which reckons itself infinitely superior to _us_ "poor barbarians," +the Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The +Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and the +exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the lengths of +time of their fasts are very remarkable. + +The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on the +appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though they sadly +neglected the commands of God in other particulars, yet they obeyed +this command with great devotedness. The abstinence of the ancient +Jews generally lasted from twenty-six to twenty-seven hours. On these +days they wore sackcloth, laid themselves in ashes, and sprinkled +them on their heads, in token of their great grief and penitence. Some +spent the whole night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great +effect a scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to +devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from the +Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging penance system. + +In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised by the +Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the fathers of the +church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated seasons. The custom +is still observed amongst the methodists, who follow the example of +their great leader, Wesley. The rust of time has, however, worn away +the veneration for this "good _old_ system," and it is totally +disused by the general body of Protestants, except on great national +occasions. + +E.J.H. + + * * * * * + + + +MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. + + * * * * * + +SHERIFFS OF LONDON. + + + [The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled _Londiniana_ possesses more than a + passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a Journal + will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.] + +The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, are +derived from a manuscript copy of the _Journal_ of Richard Hoare, +Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in 1740-41, in his own +hand-writing, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Sir +Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year +became memorable in the city annals, from their having been _three_ +Lord Mayors during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry +Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq. + +Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal of the +respectable house which, instituted by one of his predecessors, still +bears the family name, was elected alderman of the Ward of Farringdon +Without, on St. George's day, 1740, in the place of Sir Francis Child, +who died on the preceding Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was +conferred upon him, whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and +equally so, was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. +Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly afterwards +they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000_l_. to undertake and enter +upon the office on the ensuing Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became +each entitled to 100_l_. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this +year been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid +their fines to be excused." + +In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their +duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for +each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother +Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street +Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, +to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they +are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for +which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the +places upon any vacancy." + +On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten +o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained +several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of +Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the +Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He +continues,-- + +"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George Heathcote, +and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the last year were +attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we all repaired thither; +the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance walking two by two, the +senior sheriff's company on the right hand, the aldermen following in +their coaches; in which, we, though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as +aldermen. Upon coming up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies +made a lane for the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited +on my Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we +returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened by +the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take the oath +of office; which we accordingly did, together with the oaths of +allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also administered to Mr. +Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as under-sheriff, he kneeling all +the while. + +"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the former +sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being dissolved, the Lord +Mayor went home, attended by the former sheriffs, and we returned back +to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, provided for the Court of Aldermen and +Courts of Assistance, at which the senior alderman took the chair as +president, and the rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall +took their places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat +at the head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of +Assistance of our two companies. When dinner was over, and the healths +of the royal family were drunk, the cryer proclaimed the health and +prosperity to the two sheriffs' companies in the following manner; +that is to say, 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and +prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the Goldsmiths +and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, prosperity to both:' and this +is so usually done, naming each company first alternately, to prevent +any dispute concerning preference or priority. + +"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner room, at which +we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all the aldermen; for +whatever rank an alderman may be in point of seniority, yet during the +year he serves as sheriff, he is to give place, and follow the rest +of his brethren, both at the court, and all processions and +entertainments. About six o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the +Lord Mayor at his house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were +met by our own and the former under-sheriffs, together with the +secondaries and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the +respective prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers +acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then +tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, and after +having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted and undertook +the charge of our office, we were invited according to custom, to an +adjoining tavern; and there partook of an entertainment of sack and +walnuts, provided by the aforesaid keepers of the prisons. + +"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my brother sheriff +and I set out for the first time in our new equipages and scarlet +gowns, attended by our beadles, and the several officers of our +Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at +which he kept his mayoralty, and proceeded with him from thence, as +is customary, to Guildhall, where the livery-men of the city were +summoned to attend at the Court of Hustings for the election of a new +lord mayor for the year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the +livery-men, 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a +lord mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate +two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of Aldermen, +who had then a right to elect either of them into that great office, +and which ever that the court so fixed on, the Common Hall was bound +to accept.' When he had ended, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen +retired into the Council Chamber, and left us to preside at the +election, attended by the Common Sergeant and other officers. The +method of voting is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and +town clerk, who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the +person he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective name." + +On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to Guildhall, with +the same company as on the preceding day, and waiting on the Lord +Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested that his lordship and the +recorder would present them at his Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each +sheriff then paid the usual fees, viz. _6l. 13s. 4d._ to the Lord +Mayor, and _3l. 6s. 8d._ to the recorder; after which, they proceeded +to the Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor +first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen following in +coaches, the companies walking before us. + +"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, taking place +of all the aldermen: and our two companies attended in the Goldsmiths' +barge, as before agreed on, adorned with half the colours, and rowed +with half the watermen belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, +the companies went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with +a sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching the +bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, in a speech, +presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being seated there for +that purpose, signifying the choice the citizens had made, and that, +in pursuance of our charter, we were presented to his Majesty's +justices for his royal approbation; and the Baron accordingly +approving the choice, he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were +invited to our dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their +accounts, and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present +cut one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the court +counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails. + +"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by way +of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements in St. +Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where they are situated +no one knows, nor doth the city receive any rents or profits thereby. + +"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three Cranes, and +from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' Hall; where my Lord +Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, and guests invited, dined +at one table, and we, the sheriff's, at the head of another, with the +Court of Assistance of each of our companies: and the Clerks of the +Exchequer by themselves at another table. After dinner, the Lord +Mayor, aldermen, &c. returned into a separate room, where we sat with +them at the head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; +our two companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the +Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall." + +On the 7th of October they "settled a point," with the keeper of +Newgate in regard to the transportation of _felons_. That was, that +the keeper should deliver them to the merchant, "who contracts to +carry them over," at the door of Newgate, and there discharge himself +of any further custody; but leaving him and his officers the privilege +of protecting them down to the water side, according to any private +agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully understood that +the sheriffs should not be responsible for their charge "from the time +of their first delivery." + +(_TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT._) + + * * * * * + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + +STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS. + + + (_From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185._) + +We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change of the +whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, though in this +the political economist can see the solution of all our Malthusian +difficulties to an indefinite extent and duration. What we urge is +merely the partial adoption of the thing to such an extent as will +relax the present pressure, and restore us to a wholesome state of +national prosperity. This will occasion no dangerous experiment, and +will be gradually followed up by a progressive conversion, by which +all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and +the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be +equalized. + +If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the +expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will +indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that +the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That +steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report +of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the +evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who +were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon +the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project +we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to +avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being +quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the +said committee came after three months of patient and thorough +investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of +inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements +in the means of internal communication ever introduced._" + + [Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens, + John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.] + +In viewing the moral advantages which must result from +steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few +so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as +the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward, +regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two +for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if +unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period +of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen +the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped +that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is +perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses. +The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a +rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, +it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is +perfectly safe for passengers." + +The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear +no proportion to the loss of lives from consumption and other diseases +occasioned by cold and wet, from exposure on the top of coaches.[4] + + [4] It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of the + weather. + +Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the present +system of quick travelling. The short average life of stage-coach +horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully over-wrought and +_out-wrought_ they are by the great speed now in practice. Driven for +eight or ten miles, with an oppressive weight, they tremble in every +nerve. With nostrils distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, +they can scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they +are well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are +over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be exerted. The +morrow comes when their galled withers are again to be wrung by the +ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of the wheels. But we do not +witness all the misery of the noble and the generous steed. When +the shades of night impend, the reproaches of the feeling, or the +expostulations of the timid traveller no longer protect him from the +lash; and the dread of Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a +time its beneficent purpose; when the stiffened joints--the cracked +hoofs--the greasy legs--and stumbling gait of the worn-out animal are +all put into agonized motion by belabouring _him upon the raw_! +The expression is Hibernian, but the brutality is our own. A few +ill-gained pounds reconcile the enormity to the owner--and the +cheapness and expedition of the conveyance give it public sanction: +but humanity is outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and +the noble precept, that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," +is trampled under foot. + +Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we have +comfort for comparative inconvenience--the inside of an elegant +apartment, where books, amusement, or general conversation may +occupy agreeably the time--for the outside of a hard, unsafe stage +conveyance, and exposure to all changes or varieties of atmosphere. +Nay, we see no reason to prevent such improvement in steam-carriages +as shall fit them up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of +Napoleon, or the travelling long coach of the present Duke of +Orleans, with beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety +for danger--accelerated speed without inhumanity--gain of time--of +accommodation--of money--and over and above all, as a non-consumer +of food, we have by the substitution what will remove the host of +Malthusian ills to a period of almost indefinite duration. + + * * * * * + + + +OLD POETS. + + * * * * * + +EYES AND TEARS. + + + How wisely Nature did decree + With the same eyes to weep and see! + That, having view'd the object vain, + They might be ready to complain. + And, since the self-deluding sight, + In a false angle takes each height, + These tears which better measure all. + Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall. + Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh, + Within the scales of either eye, + And then paid out in equal poise, + Are the true price of all my joys. + What in the world most fair appears, + Yea, even laughter, turns to tears: + And all the jewels which we prize, + Melt in these pendents of the eyes. + I have through every garden been, + Amongst the red, the white, the green; + And yet from all those flow'rs I saw, + No honey, but these tears could draw. + So the all-seeing sun each day, + Distils the world with chemic ray; + But finds the essence only showers, + Which straight in pity back he pours. + Yet happy they whom grief doth bless, + That weep the more, and see the less; + And, to preserve their sight more true, + Bathe still their eyes in their own dew. + So Magdalen, in tears more wise + Dissolv'd those captivating eyes, + Whose liquid chains could flowing meet, + To fetter her Redeemer's feet. + Not full sails hasting loaden home, + Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb, + Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair, + As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are + The sparkling glance that shoots desire, + Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire. + Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes, + And here the hissing lightning slakes. + The incense was to heaven dear, + Not as a perfume, but a tear! + And stars show lovely in the night, + But as they seem the tears of light. + Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice, + And practise so your noblest use; + For others too can see, or sleep, + But only human eyes can weep. + Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop, + And at each tear in distance stop: + Now, like two fountains, trickle down: + Now like two floods o'er-run and drown: + Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs, + Till eyes and tears be the same things; + And each the other's difference bears; + These weeping eyes, those seeing tears. + +MARVELL. + + (_From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John Dove._) + + * * * * * + + +A DROP OF DEW. + + + See, how the orient dew + Shed from the bosom of the morn, + Into the blowing roses, + Yet careless of its mansion new, + For the clear region where 'twas born + Round in itself incloses: + And in its little globe's extent, + Frames, as it can, its native element. + How it the purple flow'r does slight, + Scarce touching where it lies; + But gazing back upon the skies, + Shines with a mournful light, + Like its own tear, + Because so long divided from the sphere. + Restless it rolls, and unsecure, + Trembling, lest it grows impure; + Till the warm sun pities its pain, + And to the skies exhales it back again. + So the _soul_, that drop, that ray, + Of the clear fountain of eternal day, + Could it within the human flow'r be seen, + Rememb'ring still its former height, + Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green; + And, recollecting its own light, + Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express + The greater heaven in an heaven less, + In how coy a figure wound, + Every way it turns away: + So the world excluding round, + Yet receiving in the day. + Dark beneath, but bright above; + Here disdaining, there in love, + How loose and easy hence to go; + How girt and ready to ascend: + Moving but on a point below, + It all about does upward bend. + Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil, + White and entire, although congeal'd and chill; + Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run + Into the glories of th' almighty sun. + +IBID. + + * * * * * + + + +NOTES OF A READER. + + * * * * * + +ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. + + +We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country +as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens, +to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial, +and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the +tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air +becomes chill and misty, though + + The weary sun hath made a golden set, + And, by the bright track of his fiery ear, + Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow: + +the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by +their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in +which the majority of them will pass the coming winter. + +The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in +the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and +weathercock[5] to the Llama House. + + [5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A + kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that + point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very + strange introducing of natural weathercocks." + +[Illustration: (_Llama House._)] + +Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and +a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose +brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams +of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for +Goats. + +[Illustration: (_Armadillos._)] + +The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who +are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The +innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are +here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows, +is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary. + +Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the +Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535, +opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the +extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the +Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as +variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient." +We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the +Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of +splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the +ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque. + +[Illustration: (_The Repository._)] + +[Illustration: (_Deer._)] + +[Illustration: (_Elephants._)] + +Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the +straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity +of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the +Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the +Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching +horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, +opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No. +560. + +In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most +interesting resort. + + * * * * * + + +THE VOICE OF HUMANITY. + + +"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal +Creation" exists--though, in one sense, as a blot upon the character +of the age. They publish the above Journal quarterly, assembling acts +of atrocity which make the blood curdle in our veins, and remind us +that "all are not men that wear the human form." The funds of +the society are not in a prosperous condition; the sand of their +philanthropy is well nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. +Let us glance at the contents of, the _Voice_ before us. The subject +"Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and Smithfield-market," +is continued--a plan which we illustrated in _The Mirror_ about five +years since. True enough the Society write, but the people do not +consider; they are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the +mammon of money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in +the midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists for +its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the metropolis--and +markets are increasing for the sale of the necessaries and luxuries of +life; the _Haymarket_ has been removed from a fashionable quarter to +the suburbs, that loaded carts may not obstruct carriages in their +road to St. James's, the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera--yet, not +a single, _Abattoir_--for the health of the people--exists near the +metropolis. The King and the Court patronize and plan horse-racing, +throwing the lasso, and, if recent report be true, hawking; the +Parliament legislate, a bill is "ordered to be printed"--yet, the +inconsistency and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to +ask, where is the truth of the motto--_Salus populi suprema lex_. +Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not uncommon; +yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor are caught, while +the rich break through the meshes of the net. In the work before us +are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, including "the cold-blooded +cruelty towards the generous and heart-broken _Rattler_, in riding him +thirty-four miles in the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next +are four police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, +the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows the +fact of _a respectable woman_ boiling a cat to death! and next is this +quotation from the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for April, 1789:-- + +"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young man of +large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and horses +rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, +where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality. Mr. +Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he had a favourite cock upon +which he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he made upon +this cock he lost; which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied +to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of +the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were +present attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, +that he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, +declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, in the +midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead upon the spot!" + +If we be asked whether it be proper to regard _all_ such dispensations +as judicial inflictions, we reply in the words of Cowper above: + + "'Tis not for us, with rash surmise, + To point the judgments of the skies, + But judgments _plain as this_, + That, sent for man's instruction, bring + A written label on their wing, + 'Tis hard to read amiss." + +[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:] + +THE WORM. + + Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside + Nor crush that helpless worm; + The frame thy wayward looks deride, + Required a God to form. + + The common Lord of all that move, + From whom thy being flowed, + A portion of his boundless love + On that poor worm bestowed. + + The sun, the moon, the stars, he made + To all his creatures free; + And spread o'er earth the grassy blade + For worms as well as thee. + + Let them enjoy their little day, + Their lowly hiss receive; + Oh! do not lightly take away + The life thou canst not give. + +Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been abolished by the +extended education of the people. Brutal sports among boys are much +less indulged than formerly, and the worrying of domestic animals +almost invariably denotes a _bad boy_, in the worst sense of the +phrase, likely to make a bad man; "so true to nature is the admirable +aphorism of Wordsworth:-- + + The boy's the father of the man." + +But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult cruelties; +though, according to the above showing, such atrocities will be less +rare in the next than in the present generation. To conclude, we hope +that the present notice may awaken the sympathy of the reader towards +the laudable objects of the _Society_, under whose guidance the _Voice +of Humanity_ is published. It is a difficult matter to point out "the +uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally babbling of +our high state of civilization and refinement, yet, we repeat, +the necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to a +national disgrace. + + * * * * * + + + +THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + +VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA. + + +_BY LIEUTENANT G.H.P. WHITE, ROYAL NAVY._ + + +On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from Catania with +a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, taking the necessary +guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the provisions, &c., as nothing +in that way can be procured after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small +village about twelve miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the +Sicilians into three several regions. The first is called Piè de +Montagna, the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, +though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city of +Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country around is +formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the third eruption +mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the sixth year of the +Peloponnesian war, and the second of the eighty-eighth Olympiad. +Traversing the lands of Battianti, and St. Giovanni della Punta, the +road is constantly over the lava, and the country on either side is +delicious. Trecastagne, nine miles from Catania, is seated on the +acclivity of a high volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful +and picturesque. Near the principal church the view is most extensive. +Towards the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching +from Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with +vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain itself, +surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these have been thrown +up in various forms, composed principally of cinders, and covered with +rich vegetation. The freshness of the air, the beauty and picturesque +situations of the houses surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the +over-teeming fertility of the soil, and the laughing fields, where +golden Ceres still lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, +intersected by courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view +one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These +mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places ten miles +in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind with horror and +astonishment: that such wondrous masses, consisting of earths, stones, +and minerals, fused and mixed, could be driven forth in one wild +current from the mountain, makes us pause, and confounds any attempt +to reason on the phenomena.--And, although the lava for many centuries +lays waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very +long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state as to +become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we reflect on +the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for state of +decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving at any certain +conclusion. When this process is duly effected, the cactus opuntia, or +prickly pear, is planted, which hastens the desired event, and has the +power to break up the lava, and render it fit for productive purposes. +Five miles from Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has +often suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, +and baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor +Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is two +thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the sea, +and its mean temperature 64° Fahr. + +From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a most superb +view of the surrounding country; nothing can be more varied, grand, +and sublime; every spot spared by the all-devastating lavas, is highly +cultivated; the vines and other productive fruit-trees are seen laden +with the most delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and +villages, in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the +distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting that can +be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., our trusty mules, +and pursued or journey. The evening was deliciously serene, the stars +shone with extraordinary brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely +blue, while the galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of +light across the azure expanse. + +The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the mountain +were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in an extraordinary +degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 feet above the level of +the surrounding plain, and is said to have been thrown up during the +great eruption of the year 1669, and from which issued that horrible +stream of burning lava, which, after destroying the country for the +length of fourteen miles, ran into the sea at Catania. + +About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, which, like +a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; it abounds with +ancient hillocks, and lava of different periods, and is almost +covered with frowning woods of oak, holm, beech and pines, on the more +elevated points. + +After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting treat, we +kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing reveries caused by +the fairy scene. + +Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to refresh our +mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments of a warmer +texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat chilly; for the +temperature of this spot was about 50°, while that of Catania, which +we had only left a few hours ago, was about 84° Fahr. + +The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and cheerless; +hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still wilder regions +appeared above us. The path now lay over masses of rough lava; so much +so, that at times it became necessary to dismount and actually drag +our jaded animals over the rugged precipices which obstructed our +progress: the intricacy of the path required us to follow one another +very closely, that we might not lose the track, which became so +tortuous in its course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer +accustomed to the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in +the darkness of night. + +After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and black sand, +we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for summit; when, about +two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of her beams, queen like, arose +behind the bifurcated summit of Etna; her cheering light was very +grateful to us in this wild spot. The awful cone of the mountain +pillowed against the heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white +smoke from its burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour +of the night. + +At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut built by the +English troops when stationed in Sicily, during the late war. Here it +became again necessary to halt a little to put on some extra clothing. +As soon as this was accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made +by the guides giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist +him in clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any +further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The first +portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, most +wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the apex, the path +was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. In wading through this +compound the ascent became so difficult and fatiguing, that we were +all under the necessity of reposing every twenty or thirty yards, +tormented by the sulphureous vapour, which rendered respiration +painful, and was even less supportable than the abruptness of the +mountain path! + +At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most harassing +that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as the day began to +dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy height, requires the pen of +poetic inspiration; or to describe the scene presented to mortal +gaze, when thus looking down with fearful eye on the almost boundless +prospect beneath! The blue expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, +rivers, mountains, and all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, +had a magic effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; +while hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, +evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling down +the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed one vast +column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon the mountain +growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the earth was slightly +convulsed! We now attempted to descend a short distance within +the crater; the guides, timid of its horrors, did not relish the +undertaking, but were induced at length, and conducted the party +behind some heaps of lava, from whence was a grand view of this +awful cavern. The noise within the gulf resembled loud continuous +thunderings, and after each successive explosion, there issued columns +of white, and sometimes of black smoke. + +The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the interior +part of which is covered with crystallizations of salts and sulphur, +of various brilliant hues--red appeared to predominate, or rather +a deep orange colour. Writers vary much in their accounts as to +the circumference of the crater. Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an +opportunity to ascertain it correctly, describes it as an oval, +stretching from E. and by N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate +diameter of four hundred and ninety-three yards; the transverse he +was prevented from ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his +operations were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from +this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said that +some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by approaching too +near, and were either blown into the abyss below by the violence +of the wind, which is generally very strong at this elevation, or +suffocated by a sudden burst of the sulphureous vapour. + +The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first attracts the +eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, but now (July) +by cinders and black sand. In the midst the great crater rears its +burning head, and the regions of intense heat and extreme cold shake +hands together. The eye soon becomes satiated with its wildness, and +turns with delight on the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent +zone of forest trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many +parts of this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with +the most luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different +eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still richer, +called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or grain that man +can desire: the small rivers Semetus and Alcantara intersect these +fertile fields; beyond this the whole of Sicily, with its cities, +towns, and villages, its corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless +perspective, charm and delight the senses. + +The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and crystallizations +of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; wherever a stick is +thrust in, the opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, +and if the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on +account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the summit, during +the months of July and August, is 37° Fahr. After having remained +about an hour, descended to the Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, +proceeded downwards, visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, +which tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was +studying the various phenomena of Etna. + +About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of the +Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the face of an +enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a lovely valley, +gradually sloping down towards the coast, embracing the three several +regions of the mountain, to which the purple wave of the Mediterranean +forms a noble boundary: nothing can be more varied, rich, and +beautiful than this scene, as it comprises every object necessary to +form a perfect landscape. + +It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of vegetation during +the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius grows at the elevation of +8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis commences at 6,800. Then follow the +Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The +olive is seen at the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as +high as 5,000 feet.--_United Service Journal._ + + [In a clever paper on the geographical position and history of + Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, Esq. F.G.S. and + J.W. Draper, Esq. to the _Magazine of Natural History_, is the + following outline of Etna.] + +Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in imposing +grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level of the sea. It is +about 180 miles in circumferences, and is surrounded on every hand +by apparently small volcanic cones, though of no inconsiderable size, +which tend in a great degree to increase the apparent dimensions of +the central mountain. Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, +but others are arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of +vegetation, some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative +ages of the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it +requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on +others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain is by +Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions previous to the +Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which Pindar alludes in his +first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. the volcano was again active; +and according to Diodorus Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped +in its march against Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice +to say, that ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, +the Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was +in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase of +prolonged intermittence. + + * * * * * + + +THE SECRET LOVER. + + +FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI. + + + Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye + That ruby tinted lip could see, + Nor long for thee to live or die? + How unlike me! + + Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow; + Yet think of anything but thee, + Cold as that bosom heaving snow? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee o'er the golden wire + Bend with such lovely witchery, + Nor feel each tone like living fire? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in the evening dance + Float, like the foam upon the sea, + Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance? + How unlike me! + + Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise, + Soft as the humming of the bee, + Nor think he sits in Paradise? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in thy simplest hour, + Sweet as the rose upon the tree, + Nor long to plant thee in his bower? + How unlike me! + + But lives there one who vainly tries + To look the freest of the free, + And hide the wound by which he dies? + Ah! how like me! + +_BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE_. + + * * * * * + + + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. + + +ROBIN HOOD. + + (_Concluded from page 182_.) + +With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is generally +agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, possessed of +uncommon bodily strength, and considerable military skill; just, +generous, and beloved by his followers. As proofs of his singular +popularity, his story and exploits have been made the subject of +various dramatic exhibitions, as well of innumerable poems, lyrics, +songs, and ballads; he has given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear +by him was a common practice. Some writers say his songs have been +preferred on solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but +to the New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the +opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:--"I came," says the bishop +(in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a place, riding on +a journey homeward from London, and I sent word over night into the +town, that I would preach there in the morning, because it was a +holyday, and methought it was a holydayes worke; the churche stode +in my way, and I toke my horse and my companye and went thither. I +thought I should have found a great companye in the churche, and when +I came there, the churche dore was faste locked; I tarried halfe +an houre and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the +parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day with us, we +cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the parishe is gone abroad +to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray you let them not, I was fayne there +to geve place to Robyn Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been +regarded thoughe I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne +to give place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my +friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a pretence +for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a thefe, to put out +a preacher, to have his office lesse esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode +before the mynystration of God's word, and all thys hath come of +unpreachynge prelates. Thys realme hath been il provided, for that +it hath had suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode +to Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there sholde +never have bene any such thynge," &c. + +Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In the parish +of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to be a Druidical +monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, which he is said +to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his amusement. There was +likewise another of these stones of several tons weight, which the +country people would say he threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, +as he was digging. At Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among +several groups of rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, +being two of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the +distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, and +solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short account of +which will be found in _The Mirror_, No. 544, p. 259. These games were +celebrated till the latter end of the sixteenth century, not by the +populace only, but by kings and princes, and grave magistrates, in +Scotland and in England; being considered in the former country of the +highest political importance, and essential to the civil and religious +liberties of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them +frequently producing tumult and insurrection. + +In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's bow, one +of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his slippers, were +preserved till within the above century. In Brome's Travels, is the +following notice of his relics: "having pleased ourselves with the +antiquities of Nottingham, we took horse and went to visit the well, +and ancient chair, of Robin Hood, which is not far from hence, within +the Forest of Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap +which they say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having +performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, we +received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated into the +society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's Journey from +Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much pleased with a +slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, shown me, fifty years +ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, a place upon the borders of +Sherwood Forest, to which he resorted." Over a spring called Robin +Hood's Well, four miles north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, +erected by Lord Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to +drink of the fair water, and give alms to two people who attended. + +Thus, not only did those places retain his name which afforded him +security or amusement, but even the well at which he quenched his +thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the coast of Yorkshire. +It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer tounlet of 20 bootes caulled +Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom of a mile yn length:" in this bay he +often went fishing in the summer season, and not far from this he had +butts or marks set up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting +with the long bow. + +After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed to have +been distinguished from the name of their gallant leader, by the title +of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting to subjoin a short account +of the last days of Robin's friend and favourite, Little John. The +honour of his death and burial is contended by rival nations, first by +England. At the village of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, +in Derbyshire, is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious +person caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of +uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with +many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at the +intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, and who had +in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but upon restoring +the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, by Scotland. In +Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector Boece, is "the +Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne remainis in grete +admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene feet of hycht with square +membris effering thairto VI zeris," continues he, "afore the cumyng of +this werk to lycht we saw his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail +bane of ane man, lor we schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk +apperis how strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they +were effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by +Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne greene +an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," he says, +proceeded of this--"In the yeere one thousand one hundred foure score +and nine, there ranged three robbers and outlaws in England, among +which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, of all theeves +doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood being betrayed at a nunrie +in Scotland, called Bricklies, the remnant of the crue was scattered, +and everie man forced to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was +faine to flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied +for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to understand the +wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, requested him hartilie to +trie how far he could shoote at random; who yeelding to their behest, +stood on the bridge of Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving +behind him a monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than +possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the repaire +of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would soone be published, +so his abode could not be long concealed, and therefore to eschew +the danger of laws, he fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or +village called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that "poor +Little John's great practical skill in archery could not save him +from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared from some records in +the Southwell family, that he was publicly executed for robbery on +Arbor-hill, Dublin." + +A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name of Nayler +upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in the West Riding of +Yorkshire.[6] SWAINE. + + [6] Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.--See _Mirror_, vol. + xix. p. 322. + + * * * * * + + + +NEW BOOKS. + + * * * * * + +ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. + + + [This is one of the _Naturo-Philosophical_ volumes of the + _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, and is therefore to be viewed as a + portion of that series rather than as a substantive work. Its + preparation has been entrusted to Mr. M. Donovan, Professor of + Chemistry to the Company of Apothecaries in Ireland; so that + it comes to us with some share of recommendatory experience + on the part of the editor. It would, however, be difficult to + point out the advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others + of the same description. Neither will such distinction be + looked for but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is + clear and satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and + the matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat overloaded + with hard names, and presumes more previous acquaintance with + the subject than is consistent. We subjoin a few extracts of + popular interest.] + +_Caloric, or the matter of Heat._ + +Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to be the +principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are known to +produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat is, therefore, +the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have thought it necessary to make +a distinction between the senses in which the word heat may be taken. +In its usual acceptation, it merely means the effect excited on the +organs of sensation by a hot body. But as this must be produced by +a power in the hot body independent of sensation, that power is what +chemists understand by the word _heat_: and to distinguish between +the effect and its cause, the term _caloric_ has been substituted. +The introduction of this term appears altogether unnecessary, when +the sense in which the word _heat_ should be understood is explained. +Caloric means the _cause_ of the _sensation_ heat: and there seems no +reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of sensation +can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical phenomena. + +_Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the Atmosphere._ + +In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to admire +the design and execution of a structure calculated, with such wondrous +precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the atmosphere to consist +wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds of objects which compose, +and are found upon, the globe, to remain what they are; the world +would run through its stages of decay, renovation, and final +destruction, in a rapid cycle. Combustion, once excited, would proceed +with ungovernable violence; the globe, during its short existence, +would be in a continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its +only remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and +terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other hand, +were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could never have +existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the objects of the Creator +in forming this world would not be fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a +wholesome mixture of these two formidable elements, each neutralizing +the other's baneful influence. The life of animals quietly runs +through its allotted space; and the current of nature flows within +prescribed limits, manageably and moderately. + +_Tartaric Acid._ + +Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of grapes is +left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. When wine has +been kept some time to depurate in wooden vessels, it deposits, on the +side of the vessel, a hard crust of dark coloured matter, the taste +of which is sour. This matter is impure; but, when purified by various +crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; and +then it is known in commerce by the name of _cream of tartar_. The +etymology of the singular name, tartar, is uncertain: it is derived +from _tártaros_, as some say, because it occasions pains equal to +those endured in the infernal regions; and, as others say, merely +because this substance deposits itself in the inferior parts of the +cask. Tartaric acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a +process analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an +exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and is soluble +in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular shape. In 100 parts, +by weight, there are 12 of water; the remaining 88 parts are the pure +anhydrous acid, composed of 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, +and 2-64 of hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but +especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along with citric, +malic, and an acid called _vinic_, which resembles tartaric acid +in many respects, but differs from it in others, and concerning the +nature of which almost nothing is known: these four constitute the +agreeable tartness of the juice of that fruit. + +_Oxalic Acid_. + +The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. This +acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which may +be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which it is +combined, by a process analagous to that described for the preparation +of citric acid. It has obtained the name of _oxalic acid_, from +the generic name of the plant, _oxalis acetosella_. This acid forms +readily into regular crystals, of which one half the weight is water, +the other half being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in +its constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it consists +merely of carbon and oxygen--there being twice as much oxygen as +there is carbon. So that it differs from carbonic acid merely in the +relative quantities of its ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by +an artificial process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its +weight of nitric acid,--the former affording the carbon necessary to +its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only necessary to +heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar dissolves, and there is +a violent effervescence, which must be moderated by immersion in +cold water: when the mixture cools, crystals of oxalic acid form in +abundance, which may be purified by a second crystallization. + +Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen victims to +its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for Epsom salt, which +it resembles in appearance. In all probability, this would not prove +to be the only vegetable acid capable of acting as a poison. Chalk +finely powdered, and diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the +poison of oxalic acid. + + [The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and that + on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might have been + expected.] + + * * * * * + + + +THE GATHERER + + * * * * * + +_The Plain Truth._--Sir John Trevor, cousin to Lord Chancellor +Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as he was able. He +was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and officially had the +mortification to put the question to the house, "whether himself ought +to be expelled for bribery." The answer was "Yes." + +_Freaks of Royalty._--James I. in a capricious mood, threatened +the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of royalty, the meetings of +parliament, &c. from the capital. "Your Majesty at least," replied the +Mayor, "will be graciously pleased to leave us the River Thames." + +_The Original Strand._--In the reign of Edward III. the Strand was an +open highway. A solitary house occasionally occurred; but in 1353, +the ruggedness of the highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on +wool, leather, &c. for its improvement. + +On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's in +the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to be +distributed among the workmen. + +_A swampy Kingdom._--In the reign of Charles II. at the east end of +St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat for the ducks, thence +denominated Duck Island, which, by Charles was erected into a +government, and a salary annexed to the office, in favour of the +celebrated French writer, M. de St. Evremond, who was the first and +last governor. + +The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace is stated +to have cost 500_l_. + +The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George the Third +was the same that bore George the Second at the memorable battle of +Dettingen. + +_Political Criticism._--The following proof of political prejudice +may not be known:--"John Milton was one whose natural parts might +deservedly give him a place amongst the principal of our English +poets, having written two heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:--Paradise +Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes; _but his fame is gone +out like a candle in a snuff_; and his memory will always stink, +which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not been +a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously belied that +blessed martyr, King Charles I."--_Lives of the most famous English +Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. Winstanley._ + +_A Pastor._--The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father of the patriot, +was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in 1586. He was a student of +Emanuel College in that University, where he took his degree of Master +of Arts in 1608. Afterwards he was elected master of the grammar +school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in that town. +"He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, "who, like a good +husband, never broached what he had new-brewed, but preached what he +had studied some competent time before: insomuch that he was wont to +say that he would cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the +working day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'" + +_Dryden's Mc Flecnoe_.--W. Newcastle has the following excellent lines +in reference to Dryden's poem:-- + + "_Flecnoe_, thy characters are so full of wit + And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it. + Each line's a _volume_, and who reads would swear + _Whole libraries_ were in each character. + Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet + Lights in the starry skies are thicker set, + Nor quills upon the armed porcupine, + Than _wit and fancy_ in this work of thine." + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT. + + +The long-expected death of this good and great man took place at +Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume contains +a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; and it is our +intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a brief memoir continued +to his last days, with a wood-cut portrait from the latest painting. +About twelve months since, Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic +pen, the following passage in the introduction to his last published +work: "The gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all +probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to +submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far realized, though +the accordance of the closing line with the last hours of the deceased +bears a consoling balm: "He is now on the eve of visiting foreign +parts; a ship of war is commissioned by its royal master to carry the +Author of Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a +restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in +his own country." + +_Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day_.--Although this custom can be traced +through upwards of three centuries, its origin has not been decided by +antiquaries. The commonly received belief is that a goose forming part +of the royal dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of +the defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded +that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on every +29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious event. Mr. Douce, +the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the above reason "somewhere" +(such is his expression); but Mr. Brand thinks this rather to be a +stronger proof that the custom prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's +time. Its origin, however, is referable to the previous century: +since, bringing a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day +appears to have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, +that it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following +passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before the +above event:-- + + "And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's rent, + They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish at Lent; + At Christmasse a capon, _at Michaelmas a goose_, + And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, _for feare their leave flies + loose_." + +The reason given by Blount, in his _Tenures_, is considered far from +satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, "Probably no other reason +can be given for this custom, but that Michaelmas Day was a great +festival, and geese at that time were most plentiful." The origin of +the saying that "if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never +want money all the year round," is explained, in the _British Apollo_, +as follows:-- + + The custom came up from the tenants presenting + Their landlords with geese to incline their relenting + On following payments. + +Again:-- + + For doubtless 'twas at first design'd + To make the people seasons mind, + That so they might apply their care + To all those things which needful were; + And by a good industrious hand, + Know when and how t' improve their land. + +Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating goose on +Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part of France. Upon +St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. They likewise eat geese +upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." +In Denmark, where the harvest is later than here, every family has a +roasted goose for supper on St. Martin's Eve. PHILO. + +_The reason why Pennsylvania was settled._ + + "Penn refused to pull his hat off + Before the king, and therefore set off, + Another country to light pat on, + Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H. + + +"Mollissima tempora fandi." + +A translation of the above is requested, in one line, which shall +rhyme with the original. H.H. + + +_Motto for a Cigar Smoker._ + +"Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H. + + * * * * * + +St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall appear next +week. + + * * * * * + + THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + No. 203, price Twopence, of + THE MIRROR, + Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR + of the late + SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, Paris; and by all Newsmen +and Booksellers._ + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + +***** This file should be named 11887-8.txt or 11887-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/8/8/11887/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Vol. 20. No. 568 - 29 Sept 1832 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 3, 2004 [EBook #11887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + + +</pre> + + <hr class="full" /> + + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" + summary="Volume, Number, and Date"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 20. No. 568.</b></td> + + <td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, + 1832.</b></td> + + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page193" + id="page193"></a>[pg 193]</span> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/568-1.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-1.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.</h3> + </div> + + <p>Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition + of the present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of + eminent men. It is something to know that John Scott was born + at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented + in the above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the + rudiments of his education at the free grammar-school of the + town; that he grew up "a man of safe discretion;" that he + enjoyed the highest legal honours which his sovereign could + bestow for a quarter of a century; and that he still lives, a + venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory from his + conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so + distinguished an individual must have innumerable good + tendencies: it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that + "every man is the architect of his own fortune;" and it + presents us, moreover, with the encouraging picture of a + well-regulated life, and its healthful energies so employed in + the discharge of important duties as to entitle the subject to + high rank among the worthies of his country.</p> + + <p>John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, + of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the + language of the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the + sale and shipment of coals. He had by industry and habits of + close saving accumulated rather considerable means from small + beginnings. Beyond this he was a man of great shrewdness and + knowledge of the world," and quickly perceiving the talents of + the two younger boys, William (now Lord Stowell,) and John, he + wisely gave them an education in accordance with their mental + endowments. "It is said that the singular variety in the talent + of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very early + age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a + constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, + gave at once a condensed and lucid digest of the general + argument. John, on the other hand, would go into all the + minutiae, but failed in producing the lucid, general view + embodied in half the number of words by his + brother."<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + The two boys received their early education at the free + grammar-school of Newcastle.<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> + William was from the beginning destined for the study of the + law. John was at first intended for the church, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page194" + id="page194"></a>[pg 194]</span> and was, accordingly, sent + to Oxford: early marriage was, however, the fortunate means + of changing his destination, and he began the world in the + same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was entered + as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar + at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive + stock of legal information, having been an indefatigable + reader, and spent the two last years of his preliminary + studies in the office of a special pleader. At his outset he + made no progress, his powers being palsied by an oppressive + diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely to + being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, + and not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. + In a fit of despondency he resolved to retire into humble + practice in his native county; and he had actually given up + his chambers and taken leave of his friends in the + metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his purpose + by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make + one more trial at the bar. His first success was the + undoubted fruit of his extraordinary abilities, and is said + to have originated in the sudden illness of a leading + counsel the night before the trial of a complicated civil + cause. It could not be put off, and the client of the lost + leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the + brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous + intricacies, and triumphed. From this time he gained + confidence, and his forensic reputation soon became + established. He was much aided by the encouragement which he + received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his abilities, and + is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, which + Mr. Scott declined.</p> + + <p>In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord + Weymouth's interest, he was introduced into parliament for the + borough of Weobly. It is stated that on the latter occasion, he + stipulated for the liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a + decided part with the Pitt administration; and in 1788, he was + appointed solicitor-general, and knighted; in 1793, he rose to + be attorney-general, and in the following year he conducted the + trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, for treason. Erskine was + opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, though the speech + of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the + delivery.</p> + + <p>In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief + justiceship of the Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief + Justice Eyre; and in the same year he was raised to the peerage + by the title of Baron Eldon. In 1801, he was made Lord + Chancellor, which high office he retained till the year 1827, + with the exception of the short period during which the Whigs + were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity + of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821.</p> + + <p>The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is + thus lucidly drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the + long lapse of ages, have filled the sacred seat on which he now + (1823) sits, none ever had purer hands, none ever had a + conscientious desire of equity more ardent and more incessant + than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of his views, the + inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his unrelaxing + anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the kindness of + his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that + attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the + unbounded admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the + wise. Lord Eldon's eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is + rather adapted to cultivated and thinking minds than to a + popular audience. It generally addresses the understanding + rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, but + occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos."</p> + + <p>We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to + by the above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of + Lord Eldon. As the following have, we believe, but once + appeared in print, they may not, be familiar to the reader. Sir + Richard Phillips relates:<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> + "In conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard + two anecdotes of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord + Chancellors, and to public spirited parishioners, I consider + it my duty to introduce. The incumbent, some years ago, + thought proper to propose an exchange with an incompetent + clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and some + of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, + and in the commencement he penned a letter to the + Chancellor. The other parties calculated on the arrangement, + but, on applying to the Chancellor he could consent to no + exchange, but that if the parties were tired of their + positions, they might respectively resign, and there were + plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the + scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a + master had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at + Dronfield, on liberal principles of education, but, within a + few years, some prejudice was excited against him, and the + churchwardens for the time thought proper to stop his + salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some friends combined + in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship instantly + directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust + within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a + month, when, without other form, he directed the salary to + be paid to the appointed master, with all expenses."</p> + + <p>Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate + that the inhabitants <span class="pagenum"><a name="page195" + id="page195"></a>[pg 195]</span> are proud of their + distinguished fellow-freeman. A spacious range of elegant + buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the Guildhall is a + portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, Lord + Stowell.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE WEARIED SOLDIER</h3>. + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"When silent time, wi' lightly foot,</p> + + <p class="i2">Had trod o'er thirty years,</p> + + <p>I sought again, my native land,</p> + + <p class="i2">Wi' many hopes and fears."</p> + + <p class="i10">MRS. HAMILTON.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He came to the village, when the sun</p> + + <p class="i2">In the "golden west" was bright,</p> + + <p>When sounds were dying one by one,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the vesper star was shining down,</p> + + <p>With a soft and silvery light.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A war-worn wanderer was he,</p> + + <p class="i2">And absent many a year</p> + + <p>From the cottage-home he fain would see,</p> + + <p class="i2">From that resting-place where he would + be,</p> + + <p>The spot to memory dear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It rose at last upon his view,</p> + + <p class="i2">(Old times were thronging round him,)</p> + + <p>The lattice where the jasmine grew,</p> + + <p class="i2">The meadow where he brush'd the dew</p> + + <p>When youth's bright hopes were round him.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But faces new, and sadly strange,</p> + + <p class="i2">Were in that cottage now;</p> + + <p>Cold eyes, that o'er his features range,</p> + + <p class="i2">For time had wrought a weary change</p> + + <p>Upon the soldier's brow.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And some there were—the lov'd—the + dead—</p> + + <p class="i2">Whom he no more could see,</p> + + <p>From this cold changing world were fled,</p> + + <p class="i2">And they had found a quiet bed</p> + + <p>Beneath the old yew tree.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And thither too—the wanderer hied,</p> + + <p class="i2">Night-dews were falling fast,</p> + + <p>This is my "welcome home" he cried,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the chill breezes low replied</p> + + <p>In murmurs as they pass'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>They whispering said, or seem'd to say,</p> + + <p class="i2">No lasting joys to earth are given,</p> + + <p>No longer near these ashes stray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Go, mourner! hence, away! away!</p> + + <p>Thy lost ones are in heaven.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p><i>Kirton, Lindsey.</i> ANNE R.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h3>RELIGIOUS FASTINGS.</h3> + + <p>From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have + practised fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon + them for their sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that + fasting was originated by Adam after he had eaten of the + forbidden fruit; but this obviously is carrying their + arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it is as + certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first + formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held + the "solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to + Herodotus, before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to + purify themselves from impurities, fasted and prayed. This + custom he also ascribes to the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates + that the fasts of the Egyptians were sometimes continued for + six weeks, and that the shortest ordained by their priests was + seven days, during which they abstained from nearly all kinds + of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, who + observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show + and solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, + two of which were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" + the observation of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially + amongst women, who, in mournful dresses, spent one whole day + sitting on the ground (their sign of grief,) without taking the + least food. The islanders of Crete, before sacrificing to + Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated ancient author + informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into the + secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and + that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who + came to consult them, had to perform this duty.</p> + + <p>Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any + important enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The + Lacedemonians having agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast + throughout their nation, and without <i>even</i> excepting + their <i>domestic animals</i>. The Romans having besieged the + city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, the citizens + demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of Rhegium; + who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, + commanded that a fast should be held throughout their + territories. Their aid having proved successful, the government + of Tarentum to commemorate this important event, ordained a + perpetual fast on the day of their deliverance.</p> + + <p>Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages + reckoned fasting as a service which led to important results, + and a duty which could not be dispensed with without causing + the wrath of God to fall upon the heads of the nation. At Rome + it was practised even by the emperors. Amongst the most + remarkable for keeping this institution were Numa Pompilius, + Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the apostate, was so + exact in the performance of this ordinance, that the fasting of + the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as nothing + compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes as + long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their + master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in + which they denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the + creatures of the meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable + for their fasting; but as the people believe they regale + themselves with the good things of this life, in secret, their + example gains not many followers. That nation which reckons + itself infinitely superior to <i>us</i> "poor barbarians," the + Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The + Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and + the exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the + lengths of time of their fasts are very + remarkable.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page196" + id="page196"></a>[pg 196]</span> + + <p>The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on + the appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though + they sadly neglected the commands of God in other particulars, + yet they obeyed this command with great devotedness. The + abstinence of the ancient Jews generally lasted from twenty-six + to twenty-seven hours. On these days they wore sackcloth, laid + themselves in ashes, and sprinkled them on their heads, in + token of their great grief and penitence. Some spent the whole + night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great effect a + scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to + devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from + the Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging + penance system.</p> + + <p>In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised + by the Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the + fathers of the church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated + seasons. The custom is still observed amongst the methodists, + who follow the example of their great leader, Wesley. The rust + of time has, however, worn away the veneration for this "good + <i>old</i> system," and it is totally disused by the general + body of Protestants, except on great national occasions.</p> + + <p>E.J.H.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Manners and Customs.</h2> + <hr /> + + <h3>SHERIFFS OF LONDON.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>[The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled <i>Londiniana</i> possesses more than + a passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a + Journal will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, + are derived from a manuscript copy of the <i>Journal</i> of + Richard Hoare, Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in + 1740-41, in his own hand-writing, which is now in the + possession of his grandson, Sir Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of + Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year became memorable in the + city annals, from their having been <i>three</i> Lord Mayors + during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry + Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq.</p> + + <p>Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal + of the respectable house which, instituted by one of his + predecessors, still bears the family name, was elected alderman + of the Ward of Farringdon Without, on St. George's day, 1740, + in the place of Sir Francis Child, who died on the preceding + Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was conferred upon him, + whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and equally so, + was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. + Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly + afterwards they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000<i>l</i>. + to undertake and enter upon the office on the ensuing + Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became each entitled to + 100<i>l</i>. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this year + been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid + their fines to be excused."</p> + + <p>In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution + of their duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as + it is customary for each sheriff to preside over the two + Counters separately, my brother Marshall chose that in the + Poultry, and the care of Wood-street Counter was under my + direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, to give the + usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they are + greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense + for which, it was settled that we should equally share in the + sale of the places upon any vacancy."</p> + + <p>On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at + ten o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there + entertained several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of + the Court of Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the + Goldsmiths and the Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast + beef, burnt wine," &c. He continues,—</p> + + <p>"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George + Heathcote, and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the + last year were attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we + all repaired thither; the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance + walking two by two, the senior sheriff's company on the right + hand, the aldermen following in their coaches; in which, we, + though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as aldermen. Upon coming + up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies made a lane for + the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited on my + Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we + returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened + by the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take + the oath of office; which we accordingly did, together with the + oaths of allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also + administered to Mr. Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as + under-sheriff, he kneeling all the while.</p> + + <p>"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the + former sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being + dissolved, the Lord Mayor went home, attended by the former + sheriffs, and we returned back to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, + provided for the Court of Aldermen and Courts of Assistance, at + which the senior alderman took the chair as president, and the + rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall took their + places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat at the + head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of + Assistance of our <span class="pagenum"><a name="page197" + id="page197"></a>[pg 197]</span> two companies. When dinner + was over, and the healths of the royal family were drunk, + the cryer proclaimed the health and prosperity to the two + sheriffs' companies in the following manner; that is to say, + 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and + prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the + Goldsmiths and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, + prosperity to both:' and this is so usually done, naming + each company first alternately, to prevent any dispute + concerning preference or priority.</p> + + <p>"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner + room, at which we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all + the aldermen; for whatever rank an alderman may be in point of + seniority, yet during the year he serves as sheriff, he is to + give place, and follow the rest of his brethren, both at the + court, and all processions and entertainments. About six + o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the Lord Mayor at his + house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were met by our own + and the former under-sheriffs, together with the secondaries + and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the respective + prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers + acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then + tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, + and after having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted + and undertook the charge of our office, we were invited + according to custom, to an adjoining tavern; and there partook + of an entertainment of sack and walnuts, provided by the + aforesaid keepers of the prisons.</p> + + <p>"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my + brother sheriff and I set out for the first time in our new + equipages and scarlet gowns, attended by our beadles, and the + several officers of our Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, + at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at which he kept his mayoralty, and + proceeded with him from thence, as is customary, to Guildhall, + where the livery-men of the city were summoned to attend at the + Court of Hustings for the election of a new lord mayor for the + year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the livery-men, + 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a lord + mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate + two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of + Aldermen, who had then a right to elect either of them into + that great office, and which ever that the court so fixed on, + the Common Hall was bound to accept.' When he had ended, the + Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen retired into the Council + Chamber, and left us to preside at the election, attended by + the Common Sergeant and other officers. The method of voting + is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and town clerk, + who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the person + he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective + name."</p> + + <p>On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to + Guildhall, with the same company as on the preceding day, and + waiting on the Lord Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested + that his lordship and the recorder would present them at his + Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each sheriff then paid the usual + fees, viz. <i>6l. 13s. 4d.</i> to the Lord Mayor, and <i>3l. + 6s. 8d.</i> to the recorder; after which, they proceeded to the + Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor + first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen + following in coaches, the companies walking before us.</p> + + <p>"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, + taking place of all the aldermen: and our two companies + attended in the Goldsmiths' barge, as before agreed on, adorned + with half the colours, and rowed with half the watermen + belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, the companies + went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with a + sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching + the bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, + in a speech, presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being + seated there for that purpose, signifying the choice the + citizens had made, and that, in pursuance of our charter, we + were presented to his Majesty's justices for his royal + approbation; and the Baron accordingly approving the choice, + he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were invited to our + dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their accounts, + and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present cut + one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the + court counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails.</p> + + <p>"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by + way of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements + in St. Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where + they are situated no one knows, nor doth the city receive any + rents or profits thereby.</p> + + <p>"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three + Cranes, and from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' + Hall; where my Lord Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, + and guests invited, dined at one table, and we, the sheriff's, + at the head of another, with the Court of Assistance of each of + our companies: and the Clerks of the Exchequer by themselves at + another table. After dinner, the Lord Mayor, aldermen, &c. + returned into a separate room, where we sat with them at the + head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; our two + companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the + Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall."</p> + + <p>On the 7th of October they "settled a + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page198" + id="page198"></a>[pg 198]</span> point," with the keeper of + Newgate in regard to the transportation of <i>felons</i>. + That was, that the keeper should deliver them to the + merchant, "who contracts to carry them over," at the door of + Newgate, and there discharge himself of any further custody; + but leaving him and his officers the privilege of protecting + them down to the water side, according to any private + agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully + understood that the sheriffs should not be responsible for + their charge "from the time of their first delivery."</p> + + <h4>(<i>To be concluded in our next.</i>)</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Spirit of Discovery.</h2> + + <h3>STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>(<i>From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185.</i>)</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change + of the whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, + though in this the political economist can see the solution of + all our Malthusian difficulties to an indefinite extent and + duration. What we urge is merely the partial adoption of the + thing to such an extent as will relax the present pressure, and + restore us to a wholesome state of national prosperity. This + will occasion no dangerous experiment, and will be gradually + followed up by a progressive conversion, by which all the + conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and the + aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire + be equalized.</p> + + <p>If then <i>elemental locomotion</i> can he made to + substitute the expensive, unproductive system of animate labour + now in use, it will indubitably be for the vital interest of + all classes of society that the substitution should be realized + speedily and extensively. That steam can be so applied has been + <i>satisfactorily proved</i>. The report of the Committee of + the House of Commons establishes this. But the evidence of + several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who were + examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis + upon the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of + the project we have just been attempting to enumerate and + advocate, for us not to avail ourselves of it even at this + early stage of our work. It being quite decisive in support of + the grand conclusion to which the said committee came after + three months of patient and thorough investigation of the + subject, viz. "<i>That the substitution of inanimate for + animate power is one of the most important improvements in the + means of internal communication ever introduced.</i>"</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>[Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. + Torrens, John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy + Garney.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>In viewing the moral advantages which must result from + steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are + but few so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in + travelling as the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, + straight-forward, regular Dutch canal speed—three miles + an hour for expresses, and two for joy or trot journeys." + Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if unaccompanied by + danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period of + discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only + lessen the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be + so equipped that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. + A steam-engine is perfectly under control, and consequently + much more safe than horses. The life of the traveller cannot be + jeoparded by the breaking of a rein, horses being frightened, + running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, it will be seen, the + honourable Committee report to the House "is perfectly safe for + passengers."</p> + + <p>The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may + observe, bear no proportion to the loss of lives from + consumption and other diseases occasioned by cold and wet, from + exposure on the top of coaches.<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + <p>Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the + present system of quick travelling. The short average life of + stage-coach horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully + over-wrought and <i>out-wrought</i> they are by the great speed + now in practice. Driven for eight or ten miles, with an + oppressive weight, they tremble in every nerve. With nostrils + distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, they can + scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they are + well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are + over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be + exerted. The morrow comes when their galled withers are again + to be wrung by the ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of + the wheels. But we do not witness all the misery of the noble + and the generous steed. When the shades of night impend, the + reproaches of the feeling, or the expostulations of the timid + traveller no longer protect him from the lash; and the dread of + Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a time its beneficent + purpose; when the stiffened joints—the cracked + hoofs—the greasy legs—and stumbling gait of the + worn-out animal are all put into agonized motion by belabouring + <i>him upon the raw</i>! The expression is Hibernian, but the + brutality is our own. A few ill-gained pounds reconcile the + enormity to the owner—and the cheapness and expedition of + the conveyance give it public sanction: but humanity is + outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and the + noble <span class="pagenum"><a name="page199" + id="page199"></a>[pg 199]</span> precept, that "the merciful + man is merciful to his beast," is trampled under foot.</p> + + <p>Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we + have comfort for comparative inconvenience—the inside of + an elegant apartment, where books, amusement, or general + conversation may occupy agreeably the time—for the + outside of a hard, unsafe stage conveyance, and exposure to all + changes or varieties of atmosphere. Nay, we see no reason to + prevent such improvement in steam-carriages as shall fit them + up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of Napoleon, or + the travelling long coach of the present Duke of Orleans, with + beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety for + danger—accelerated speed without inhumanity—gain of + time—of accommodation—of money—and over and + above all, as a non-consumer of food, we have by the + substitution what will remove the host of Malthusian ills to a + period of almost indefinite duration.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Old Poets.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>EYES AND TEARS.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>How wisely Nature did decree</p> + + <p>With the same eyes to weep and see!</p> + + <p>That, having view'd the object vain,</p> + + <p>They might be ready to complain.</p> + + <p>And, since the self-deluding sight,</p> + + <p>In a false angle takes each height,</p> + + <p>These tears which better measure all.</p> + + <p>Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall.</p> + + <p>Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh,</p> + + <p>Within the scales of either eye,</p> + + <p>And then paid out in equal poise,</p> + + <p>Are the true price of all my joys.</p> + + <p>What in the world most fair appears,</p> + + <p>Yea, even laughter, turns to tears:</p> + + <p>And all the jewels which we prize,</p> + + <p>Melt in these pendents of the eyes.</p> + + <p>I have through every garden been,</p> + + <p>Amongst the red, the white, the green;</p> + + <p>And yet from all those flow'rs I saw,</p> + + <p>No honey, but these tears could draw.</p> + + <p>So the all-seeing sun each day,</p> + + <p>Distils the world with chemic ray;</p> + + <p>But finds the essence only showers,</p> + + <p>Which straight in pity back he pours.</p> + + <p>Yet happy they whom grief doth bless,</p> + + <p>That weep the more, and see the less;</p> + + <p>And, to preserve their sight more true,</p> + + <p>Bathe still their eyes in their own dew.</p> + + <p>So Magdalen, in tears more wise</p> + + <p>Dissolv'd those captivating eyes,</p> + + <p>Whose liquid chains could flowing meet,</p> + + <p>To fetter her Redeemer's feet.</p> + + <p>Not full sails hasting loaden home,</p> + + <p>Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb,</p> + + <p>Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair,</p> + + <p>As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are</p> + + <p>The sparkling glance that shoots desire,</p> + + <p>Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire.</p> + + <p>Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes,</p> + + <p>And here the hissing lightning slakes.</p> + + <p>The incense was to heaven dear,</p> + + <p>Not as a perfume, but a tear!</p> + + <p>And stars show lovely in the night,</p> + + <p>But as they seem the tears of light.</p> + + <p>Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice,</p> + + <p>And practise so your noblest use;</p> + + <p>For others too can see, or sleep,</p> + + <p>But only human eyes can weep.</p> + + <p>Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop,</p> + + <p>And at each tear in distance stop:</p> + + <p>Now, like two fountains, trickle down:</p> + + <p>Now like two floods o'er-run and drown:</p> + + <p>Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs,</p> + + <p>Till eyes and tears be the same things;</p> + + <p>And each the other's difference bears;</p> + + <p>These weeping eyes, those seeing tears.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>MARVELL.</h4> + + <blockquote> + <p>(<i>From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John + Dove.</i>)</p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <h3>A DROP OF DEW.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>See, how the orient dew</p> + + <p class="i2">Shed from the bosom of the morn,</p> + + <p class="i4">Into the blowing roses,</p> + + <p>Yet careless of its mansion new,</p> + + <p class="i2">For the clear region where 'twas born</p> + + <p class="i4">Round in itself incloses:</p> + + <p>And in its little globe's extent,</p> + + <p>Frames, as it can, its native element.</p> + + <p class="i4">How it the purple flow'r does slight,</p> + + <p class="i2">Scarce touching where it lies;</p> + + <p class="i2">But gazing back upon the skies,</p> + + <p class="i4">Shines with a mournful light,</p> + + <p>Like its own tear,</p> + + <p>Because so long divided from the sphere.</p> + + <p class="i2">Restless it rolls, and unsecure,</p> + + <p class="i2">Trembling, lest it grows impure;</p> + + <p class="i2">Till the warm sun pities its pain,</p> + + <p class="i2">And to the skies exhales it back + again.</p> + + <p class="i2">So the <i>soul</i>, that drop, that + ray,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of the clear fountain of eternal day,</p> + + <p>Could it within the human flow'r be seen,</p> + + <p class="i2">Rememb'ring still its former height,</p> + + <p>Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green;</p> + + <p class="i2">And, recollecting its own light,</p> + + <p>Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express</p> + + <p>The greater heaven in an heaven less,</p> + + <p class="i2">In how coy a figure wound,</p> + + <p class="i4">Every way it turns away:</p> + + <p class="i2">So the world excluding round,</p> + + <p class="i4">Yet receiving in the day.</p> + + <p>Dark beneath, but bright above;</p> + + <p>Here disdaining, there in love,</p> + + <p class="i2">How loose and easy hence to go;</p> + + <p class="i4">How girt and ready to ascend:</p> + + <p class="i2">Moving but on a point below,</p> + + <p class="i4">It all about does upward bend.</p> + + <p>Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil,</p> + + <p>White and entire, although congeal'd and chill;</p> + + <p>Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run</p> + + <p>Into the glories of th' almighty sun.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>IBID.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Notes of a Reader.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK.</h3> + + <p>We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from + the country as have not lately passed an hour or two in the + Zoological Gardens, to do so without further delay. The present + season is warm and genial, and the rejoicing rays of the + morning and noontide sun enliven the tenants of this mimic + world in a garden. As evening approaches the air becomes chill + and misty, though</p> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:47%;float:left;"> + <a href="images/568-2.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-2.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Llama House.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:46%;float:right;"> + <a href="images/568-3.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-3.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Armadillos.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The weary sun hath made a golden set,</p> + + <p>And, by the bright track of his fiery ear,</p> + + <p>Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow:</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric + changes by their decreased activity, reminding us of the + comparative torpidity in which the majority of them will pass + the coming winter.</p> + + <p>The present Cuts represent a few of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page200" + id="page200"></a>[pg 200]</span> recent improvements in the + Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and + weathercock<a id="footnotetag5" + name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> + to the Llama House.</p> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:50%;float:left;"> + <a href="images/568-4.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-4.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>The Repository.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <p>Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the + Terrace; and a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and + Cockatoos, whose brilliant colours are here seen to advantage + in the resplendent beams of a September sun. In the distance + are the Bear Pole and Shed for Goats.</p> + + <p>The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for + Armadillos, who are, in sunny weather, located here with a + "select few" rabbits. The innocent gambols and restless run of + the Armadillo over the turf are here seen to advantage. This + house as the distance of the Cut shows, is not far from the + Llama House and circular Aviary.</p> + + <p>Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the + Northern by the Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in + <i>The Mirror</i>, No. 535, opposite to the end of the tunnel + is a large squirrel-cage, and at the extremity of the walk to + the right is a spacious building, called the Repository "the + inhabitants of which are continually being changed as + variations in the weather, or any other cause may render + convenient." We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, + together with the Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, + besides an assemblage of splendid tropical birds. The exterior + of the building, especially the ornamented gable and doorways, + is picturesque.</p> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:46%;float:left;"> + <a href="images/568-5.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-5.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Deer.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <div class="figure" + style="width:46%;float:right;"> + <a href="images/568-6.png"><img width="100%" + src="images/568-6.png" + alt="" /></a> + + <h3>(<i>Elephants.</i>)</h3> + </div> + + <p>Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed + along the straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the + western extremity of the North Garden. Here is a range of + buildings, among which is the Stable and enclosed Yard for + Deer; Among which are specimens of the Wapiti, remarkable for + its size and the amplitude of its branching horns when full + grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page201" + id="page201"></a>[pg 201]</span> opposite the capacious Bath + already represented in <i>The Mirror</i>, No. 560.</p> + + <p>In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to + this most interesting resort.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE VOICE OF HUMANITY.</h3> + + <p>"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the + Animal Creation" exists—though, in one sense, as a blot + upon the character of the age. They publish the above Journal + quarterly, assembling acts of atrocity which make the blood + curdle in our veins, and remind us that "all are not men that + wear the human form." The funds of the society are not in a + prosperous condition; the sand of their philanthropy is well + nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. Let us glance + at the contents of, the <i>Voice</i> before us. The subject + "Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and + Smithfield-market," is continued—a plan which we + illustrated in <i>The Mirror</i> about five years since. True + enough the Society write, but the people do not consider; they + are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the mammon of + money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in the + midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists + for its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the + metropolis—and markets are increasing for the sale of the + necessaries and luxuries of life; the <i>Haymarket</i> has been + removed from a fashionable quarter to the suburbs, that loaded + carts may not obstruct carriages in their road to St. James's, + the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera—yet, not a + single, <i>Abattoir</i>—for the health of the + people—exists near the metropolis. The King and the Court + patronize and plan horse-racing, throwing the lasso, and, if + recent report be true, hawking; the Parliament legislate, a + bill is "ordered to be printed"—yet, the inconsistency + and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to ask, where is + the truth of the motto—<i>Salus populi suprema lex</i>. + Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not + uncommon; yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor + are caught, while the rich break through the meshes of the net. + In the work before us are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, + including "the cold-blooded cruelty towards the generous and + heart-broken <i>Rattler</i>, in riding him thirty-four miles in + the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next are four + police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, + the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows + the fact of <i>a respectable woman</i> boiling a cat to death! + and next is this quotation from the <i>Gentleman's Magazine</i> + for April, 1789:—</p> + + <p>"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young + man of large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and + horses rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of + hospitality, where it may be said he sacrificed too much to + conviviality. Mr. Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he + had a favourite cock upon which he had won many profitable + matches. The last bet he made upon this cock he lost; which so + enraged him, that he had the bird tied to a spit, and roasted + alive before a large fire. The screams of the miserable animal + were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were present + attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, that + he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, + declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, + in the midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead + upon the spot!"</p> + + <p>If we be asked whether it be proper to regard <i>all</i> + such dispensations as judicial inflictions, we reply in the + words of Cowper above:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"'Tis not for us, with rash surmise,</p> + + <p>To point the judgments of the skies,</p> + + <p class="i2">But judgments <i>plain as this</i>,</p> + + <p>That, sent for man's instruction, bring</p> + + <p>A written label on their wing,</p> + + <p class="i2">'Tis hard to read amiss."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:]</p> + + <p>THE WORM.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside</p> + + <p class="i2">Nor crush that helpless worm;</p> + + <p>The frame thy wayward looks deride,</p> + + <p class="i2">Required a God to form.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The common Lord of all that move,</p> + + <p class="i2">From whom thy being flowed,</p> + + <p>A portion of his boundless love</p> + + <p class="i2">On that poor worm bestowed.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The sun, the moon, the stars, he made</p> + + <p class="i2">To all his creatures free;</p> + + <p>And spread o'er earth the grassy blade</p> + + <p class="i2">For worms as well as thee.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Let them enjoy their little day,</p> + + <p class="i2">Their lowly hiss receive;</p> + + <p>Oh! do not lightly take away</p> + + <p class="i2">The life thou canst not give.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been + abolished by the extended education of the people. Brutal + sports among boys are much less indulged than formerly, and the + worrying of domestic animals almost invariably denotes a <i>bad + boy</i>, in the worst sense of the phrase, likely to make a bad + man; "so true to nature is the admirable aphorism of + Wordsworth:—</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>The boy's the father of the man."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult + cruelties; though, according to the above showing, such + atrocities will be less rare in the next than in the present + generation. To conclude, we hope that the present notice may + awaken the sympathy of the reader towards the laudable objects + of the <i>Society</i>, under whose guidance the <i>Voice of + Humanity</i> is published. It is a difficult matter to point + out "the uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally + babbling of our high state of civilization and refinement, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page202" + id="page202"></a>[pg 202]</span> yet, we repeat, the + necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to + a national disgrace.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>The Public Journals.</h2> + + <h3>VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA.</h3> + + <h4><i>By Lieutenant G.H.P. White, Royal Navy.</i></h4> + + <p>On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from + Catania with a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, + taking the necessary guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the + provisions, &c., as nothing in that way can be procured + after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small village about twelve + miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the Sicilians into three + several regions. The first is called Piè de Montagna, + the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, + though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city + of Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country + around is formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the + third eruption mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the + sixth year of the Peloponnesian war, and the second of the + eighty-eighth Olympiad. Traversing the lands of Battianti, and + St. Giovanni della Punta, the road is constantly over the lava, + and the country on either side is delicious. Trecastagne, nine + miles from Catania, is seated on the acclivity of a high + volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful and picturesque. + Near the principal church the view is most extensive. Towards + the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching from + Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with + vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain + itself, surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these + have been thrown up in various forms, composed principally of + cinders, and covered with rich vegetation. The freshness of the + air, the beauty and picturesque situations of the houses + surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the over-teeming fertility + of the soil, and the laughing fields, where golden Ceres still + lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, intersected by + courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view one of the + most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These + mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places + ten miles in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind + with horror and astonishment: that such wondrous masses, + consisting of earths, stones, and minerals, fused and mixed, + could be driven forth in one wild current from the mountain, + makes us pause, and confounds any attempt to reason on the + phenomena.—And, although the lava for many centuries lays + waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very + long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state + as to become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we + reflect on the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for + state of decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving + at any certain conclusion. When this process is duly effected, + the cactus opuntia, or prickly pear, is planted, which hastens + the desired event, and has the power to break up the lava, and + render it fit for productive purposes. Five miles from + Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has often + suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, and + baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor + Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is + two thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level + of the sea, and its mean temperature 64° Fahr.</p> + + <p>From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a + most superb view of the surrounding country; nothing can be + more varied, grand, and sublime; every spot spared by the + all-devastating lavas, is highly cultivated; the vines and + other productive fruit-trees are seen laden with the most + delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and villages, + in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the + distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting + that can be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., + our trusty mules, and pursued or journey. The evening was + deliciously serene, the stars shone with extraordinary + brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely blue, while the + galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of light + across the azure expanse.</p> + + <p>The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the + mountain were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in + an extraordinary degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 + feet above the level of the surrounding plain, and is said to + have been thrown up during the great eruption of the year 1669, + and from which issued that horrible stream of burning lava, + which, after destroying the country for the length of fourteen + miles, ran into the sea at Catania.</p> + + <p>About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, + which, like a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; + it abounds with ancient hillocks, and lava of different + periods, and is almost covered with frowning woods of oak, + holm, beech and pines, on the more elevated points.</p> + + <p>After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting + treat, we kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing + reveries caused by the fairy scene.</p> + + <p>Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to + refresh our mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments + of a warmer texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat + chilly; for the temperature of this spot was about 50°, + while that of Catania, which + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page203" + id="page203"></a>[pg 203]</span> we had only left a few + hours ago, was about 84° Fahr.</p> + + <p>The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and + cheerless; hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still + wilder regions appeared above us. The path now lay over masses + of rough lava; so much so, that at times it became necessary to + dismount and actually drag our jaded animals over the rugged + precipices which obstructed our progress: the intricacy of the + path required us to follow one another very closely, that we + might not lose the track, which became so tortuous in its + course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer accustomed to + the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in the + darkness of night.</p> + + <p>After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and + black sand, we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for + summit; when, about two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of + her beams, queen like, arose behind the bifurcated summit of + Etna; her cheering light was very grateful to us in this wild + spot. The awful cone of the mountain pillowed against the + heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white smoke from its + burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour of the + night.</p> + + <p>At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut + built by the English troops when stationed in Sicily, during + the late war. Here it became again necessary to halt a little + to put on some extra clothing. As soon as this was + accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made by the guides + giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist him in + clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any + further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The + first portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, + most wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the + apex, the path was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. + In wading through this compound the ascent became so difficult + and fatiguing, that we were all under the necessity of reposing + every twenty or thirty yards, tormented by the sulphureous + vapour, which rendered respiration painful, and was even less + supportable than the abruptness of the mountain path!</p> + + <p>At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most + harassing that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as + the day began to dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy + height, requires the pen of poetic inspiration; or to describe + the scene presented to mortal gaze, when thus looking down with + fearful eye on the almost boundless prospect beneath! The blue + expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, rivers, mountains, and + all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, had a magic + effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; while + hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, + evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling + down the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed + one vast column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon + the mountain growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the + earth was slightly convulsed! We now attempted to descend a + short distance within the crater; the guides, timid of its + horrors, did not relish the undertaking, but were induced at + length, and conducted the party behind some heaps of lava, from + whence was a grand view of this awful cavern. The noise within + the gulf resembled loud continuous thunderings, and after each + successive explosion, there issued columns of white, and + sometimes of black smoke.</p> + + <p>The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the + interior part of which is covered with crystallizations of + salts and sulphur, of various brilliant hues—red appeared + to predominate, or rather a deep orange colour. Writers vary + much in their accounts as to the circumference of the crater. + Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an opportunity to ascertain it + correctly, describes it as an oval, stretching from E. and by + N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate diameter of four hundred + and ninety-three yards; the transverse he was prevented from + ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his operations + were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from + this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said + that some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by + approaching too near, and were either blown into the abyss + below by the violence of the wind, which is generally very + strong at this elevation, or suffocated by a sudden burst of + the sulphureous vapour.</p> + + <p>The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first + attracts the eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, + but now (July) by cinders and black sand. In the midst the + great crater rears its burning head, and the regions of intense + heat and extreme cold shake hands together. The eye soon + becomes satiated with its wildness, and turns with delight on + the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent zone of forest + trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many parts of + this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with the most + luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different + eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still + richer, called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or + grain that man can desire: the small rivers Semetus and + Alcantara intersect these fertile fields; beyond this the whole + of Sicily, with its cities, towns, and villages, its + corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless perspective, charm + and delight the senses.</p> + + <p>The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and + crystallizations of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; + wherever a <span class="pagenum"><a name="page204" + id="page204"></a>[pg 204]</span> stick is thrust in, the + opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, and if + the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on + account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the + summit, during the months of July and August, is 37° + Fahr. After having remained about an hour, descended to the + Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, proceeded downwards, + visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, which + tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was + studying the various phenomena of Etna.</p> + + <p>About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of + the Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the + face of an enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a + lovely valley, gradually sloping down towards the coast, + embracing the three several regions of the mountain, to which + the purple wave of the Mediterranean forms a noble boundary: + nothing can be more varied, rich, and beautiful than this + scene, as it comprises every object necessary to form a perfect + landscape.</p> + + <p>It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of + vegetation during the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius + grows at the elevation of 8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis + commences at 6,800. Then follow the Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, + Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The olive is seen at + the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as high as + 5,000 feet.—<i>United Service Journal.</i></p> + + <blockquote> + <p>[In a clever paper on the geographical position and + history of Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, + Esq. F.G.S. and J.W. Draper, Esq. to the <i>Magazine of + Natural History</i>, is the following outline of Etna.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in + imposing grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level + of the sea. It is about 180 miles in circumferences, and is + surrounded on every hand by apparently small volcanic cones, + though of no inconsiderable size, which tend in a great degree + to increase the apparent dimensions of the central mountain. + Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, but others are + arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of vegetation, + some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative ages of + the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it + requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on + others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain + is by Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions + previous to the Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which + Pindar alludes in his first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. + the volcano was again active; and according to Diodorus + Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped in its march against + Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice to say, that + ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, the + Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was + in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase + of prolonged intermittence.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE SECRET LOVER.</h3> + + <h4>FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI.</h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye</p> + + <p>That ruby tinted lip could see,</p> + + <p>Nor long for thee to live or die?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow;</p> + + <p>Yet think of anything but thee,</p> + + <p>Cold as that bosom heaving snow?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see thee o'er the golden wire</p> + + <p>Bend with such lovely witchery,</p> + + <p>Nor feel each tone like living fire?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see thee in the evening dance</p> + + <p>Float, like the foam upon the sea,</p> + + <p>Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise,</p> + + <p>Soft as the humming of the bee,</p> + + <p>Nor think he sits in Paradise?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Or see thee in thy simplest hour,</p> + + <p>Sweet as the rose upon the tree,</p> + + <p>Nor long to plant thee in his bower?</p> + + <p class="i10">How unlike me!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But lives there one who vainly tries</p> + + <p>To look the freest of the free,</p> + + <p>And hide the wound by which he dies?</p> + + <p class="i10">Ah! how like me!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4><i>Blackwood's Magazine</i>.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>Retrospective Gleanings.</h2> + + <h3>ROBIN HOOD.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>(<i>Concluded from page 182</i>.)</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is + generally agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, + possessed of uncommon bodily strength, and considerable + military skill; just, generous, and beloved by his followers. + As proofs of his singular popularity, his story and exploits + have been made the subject of various dramatic exhibitions, as + well of innumerable poems, lyrics, songs, and ballads; he has + given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear by him was a common + practice. Some writers say his songs have been preferred on + solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but to the + New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the + opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:—"I came," says + the bishop (in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a + place, riding on a journey homeward from London, and I sent + word over night into the town, that I would preach there in the + morning, because it was a holyday, and methought it was a + holydayes worke; the churche stode in my way, and I toke my + horse and my companye and went thither. I thought I should have + found a great companye in the churche, and when I came there, + the churche dore was faste locked; + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page205" + id="page205"></a>[pg 205]</span> I tarried halfe an houre + and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the + parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day + with us, we cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the + parishe is gone abroad to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray + you let them not, I was fayne there to geve place to Robyn + Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been regarded thoughe + I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne to give + place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my + friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a + pretence for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a + thefe, to put out a preacher, to have his office lesse + esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode before the mynystration of + God's word, and all thys hath come of unpreachynge prelates. + Thys realme hath been il provided, for that it hath had + suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode to + Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there + sholde never have bene any such thynge," &c.</p> + + <p>Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In + the parish of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to + be a Druidical monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, + which he is said to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his + amusement. There was likewise another of these stones of + several tons weight, which the country people would say he + threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, as he was digging. At + Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among several groups of + rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, being two + of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the + distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, + and solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short + account of which will be found in <i>The Mirror</i>, No. 544, + p. 259. These games were celebrated till the latter end of the + sixteenth century, not by the populace only, but by kings and + princes, and grave magistrates, in Scotland and in England; + being considered in the former country of the highest political + importance, and essential to the civil and religious liberties + of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them + frequently producing tumult and insurrection.</p> + + <p>In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's + bow, one of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his + slippers, were preserved till within the above century. In + Brome's Travels, is the following notice of his relics: "having + pleased ourselves with the antiquities of Nottingham, we took + horse and went to visit the well, and ancient chair, of Robin + Hood, which is not far from hence, within the Forest of + Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap which they + say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having + performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, + we received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated + into the society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's + Journey from Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much + pleased with a slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, + shown me, fifty years ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, + a place upon the borders of Sherwood Forest, to which he + resorted." Over a spring called Robin Hood's Well, four miles + north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, erected by Lord + Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to drink of the + fair water, and give alms to two people who attended.</p> + + <p>Thus, not only did those places retain his name which + afforded him security or amusement, but even the well at which + he quenched his thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the + coast of Yorkshire. It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer + tounlet of 20 bootes caulled Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom + of a mile yn length:" in this bay he often went fishing in the + summer season, and not far from this he had butts or marks set + up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting with the long + bow.</p> + + <p>After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed + to have been distinguished from the name of their gallant + leader, by the title of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting + to subjoin a short account of the last days of Robin's friend + and favourite, Little John. The honour of his death and burial + is contended by rival nations, first by England. At the village + of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, in Derbyshire, + is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious person + caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of + uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with + many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at + the intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, + and who had in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but + upon restoring the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, + by Scotland. In Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector + Boece, is "the Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne + remainis in grete admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene + feet of hycht with square membris effering thairto VI zeris," + continues he, "afore the cumyng of this werk to lycht we saw + his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail bane of ane man, lor we + schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk apperis how + strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they were + effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by + Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne + greene an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," + he says, proceeded of this—"In the yeere one thousand one + hundred foure score and nine, there ranged three robbers + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page206" + id="page206"></a>[pg 206]</span> and outlaws in England, + among which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, + of all theeves doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood + being betrayed at a nunrie in Scotland, called Bricklies, + the remnant of the crue was scattered, and everie man forced + to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was faine to + flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied + for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to + understand the wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, + requested him hartilie to trie how far he could shoote at + random; who yeelding to their behest, stood on the bridge of + Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving behind him a + monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than + possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the + repaire of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would + soone be published, so his abode could not be long + concealed, and therefore to eschew the danger of laws, he + fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or village + called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that + "poor Little John's great practical skill in archery could + not save him from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared + from some records in the Southwell family, that he was + publicly executed for robbery on Arbor-hill, Dublin."</p> + + <p>A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name + of Nayler upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in + the West Riding of Yorkshire.<a id="footnotetag6" + name="footnotetag6"></a><a href="#footnote6"><sup>6</sup></a> + <i>--SWAINE.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>New Books.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY.</h3> + + <blockquote> + <p>[This is one of the <i>Naturo-Philosophical</i> volumes + of the <i>Cabinet Cyclopaedia</i>, and is therefore to be + viewed as a portion of that series rather than as a + substantive work. Its preparation has been entrusted to Mr. + M. Donovan, Professor of Chemistry to the Company of + Apothecaries in Ireland; so that it comes to us with some + share of recommendatory experience on the part of the + editor. It would, however, be difficult to point out the + advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others of the same + description. Neither will such distinction be looked for + but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is clear and + satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and the + matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat + overloaded with hard names, and presumes more previous + acquaintance with the subject than is consistent. We + subjoin a few extracts of popular interest.]</p> + </blockquote> + + <p><i>Caloric, or the matter of Heat.</i></p> + + <p>Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to + be the principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are + known to produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat + is, therefore, the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have + thought it necessary to make a distinction between the senses + in which the word heat may be taken. In its usual acceptation, + it merely means the effect excited on the organs of sensation + by a hot body. But as this must be produced by a power in the + hot body independent of sensation, that power is what chemists + understand by the word <i>heat</i>: and to distinguish between + the effect and its cause, the term <i>caloric</i> has been + substituted. The introduction of this term appears altogether + unnecessary, when the sense in which the word <i>heat</i> + should be understood is explained. Caloric means the + <i>cause</i> of the <i>sensation</i> heat: and there seems no + reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of + sensation can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical + phenomena.</p> + + <p><i>Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the + Atmosphere.</i></p> + + <p>In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to + admire the design and execution of a structure calculated, with + such wondrous precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the + atmosphere to consist wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds + of objects which compose, and are found upon, the globe, to + remain what they are; the world would run through its stages of + decay, renovation, and final destruction, in a rapid cycle. + Combustion, once excited, would proceed with ungovernable + violence; the globe, during its short existence, would be in a + continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its only + remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and + terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other + hand, were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could + never have existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the + objects of the Creator in forming this world would not be + fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a wholesome mixture of these + two formidable elements, each neutralizing the other's baneful + influence. The life of animals quietly runs through its + allotted space; and the current of nature flows within + prescribed limits, manageably and moderately.</p> + + <p><i>Tartaric Acid.</i></p> + + <p>Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of + grapes is left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. + When wine has been kept some time to depurate in wooden + vessels, it deposits, on the side of the vessel, a hard crust + of dark coloured matter, the taste of which is sour. This + matter is impure; but, when purified by various + crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; + and then it is known in commerce by the name of <i>cream of + tartar</i>. The etymology of the singular name, tartar, is + uncertain: it is derived from <i>tártaros</i>, as + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page207" + id="page207"></a>[pg 207]</span> some say, because it + occasions pains equal to those endured in the infernal + regions; and, as others say, merely because this substance + deposits itself in the inferior parts of the cask. Tartaric + acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a process + analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an + exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and + is soluble in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular + shape. In 100 parts, by weight, there are 12 of water; the + remaining 88 parts are the pure anhydrous acid, composed of + 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, and 2-64 of + hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but + especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along + with citric, malic, and an acid called <i>vinic</i>, which + resembles tartaric acid in many respects, but differs from + it in others, and concerning the nature of which almost + nothing is known: these four constitute the agreeable + tartness of the juice of that fruit.</p> + + <p><i>Oxalic Acid</i>.</p> + + <p>The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. + This acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which + may be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which + it is combined, by a process analagous to that described for + the preparation of citric acid. It has obtained the name of + <i>oxalic acid</i>, from the generic name of the plant, + <i>oxalis acetosella</i>. This acid forms readily into regular + crystals, of which one half the weight is water, the other half + being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in its + constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it + consists merely of carbon and oxygen—there being twice as + much oxygen as there is carbon. So that it differs from + carbonic acid merely in the relative quantities of its + ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by an artificial + process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its weight + of nitric acid,—the former affording the carbon necessary + to its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only + necessary to heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar + dissolves, and there is a violent effervescence, which must be + moderated by immersion in cold water: when the mixture cools, + crystals of oxalic acid form in abundance, which may be + purified by a second crystallization.</p> + + <p>Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen + victims to its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for + Epsom salt, which it resembles in appearance. In all + probability, this would not prove to be the only vegetable acid + capable of acting as a poison. Chalk finely powdered, and + diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the poison of + oxalic acid.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>[The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and + that on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might + have been expected.]</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h2>The Gatherer</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p><i>The Plain Truth.</i>—Sir John Trevor, cousin to + Lord Chancellor Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as + he was able. He was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and + officially had the mortification to put the question to the + house, "whether himself ought to be expelled for bribery." The + answer was "Yes."</p> + + <p><i>Freaks of Royalty.</i>—James I. in a capricious + mood, threatened the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of + royalty, the meetings of parliament, &c. from the capital. + "Your Majesty at least," replied the Mayor, "will be graciously + pleased to leave us the River Thames."</p> + + <p><i>The Original Strand.</i>—In the reign of Edward + III. the Strand was an open highway. A solitary house + occasionally occurred; but in 1353, the ruggedness of the + highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on wool, leather, + &c. for its improvement.</p> + + <p>On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's + in the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to + be distributed among the workmen.</p> + + <p><i>A swampy Kingdom.</i>—In the reign of Charles II. + at the east end of St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat + for the ducks, thence denominated Duck Island, which, by + Charles was erected into a government, and a salary annexed to + the office, in favour of the celebrated French writer, M. de + St. Evremond, who was the first and last governor.</p> + + <p>The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace + is stated to have cost 500<i>l</i>.</p> + + <p>The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George + the Third was the same that bore George the Second at the + memorable battle of Dettingen.</p> + + <p><i>Political Criticism.</i>—The following proof of + political prejudice may not be known:—"John Milton was + one whose natural parts might deservedly give him a place + amongst the principal of our English poets, having written two + heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:—Paradise Lost, Paradise + Regained, and Samson Agonistes; <i>but his fame is gone out + like a candle in a snuff</i>; and his memory will always stink, + which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not + been a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously + belied that blessed martyr, King Charles I."—<i>Lives of + the most famous English Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. + Winstanley.</i></p> + + <p><i>A Pastor.</i>—The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father + of the patriot, was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in + 1586. He was a student of Emanuel College in that University, + where he took his degree of Master of Arts in 1608. Afterwards + he was elected <span class="pagenum"><a name="page208" + id="page208"></a>[pg 208]</span> master of the grammar + school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in + that town. "He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, + "who, like a good husband, never broached what he had + new-brewed, but preached what he had studied some competent + time before: insomuch that he was wont to say that he would + cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the working + day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'"</p> + + <p><i>Dryden's Mc Flecnoe</i>.—W. Newcastle has the + following excellent lines in reference to Dryden's + poem:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"<i>Flecnoe</i>, thy characters are so full of + wit</p> + + <p>And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it.</p> + + <p>Each line's a <i>volume</i>, and who reads would + swear</p> + + <p><i>Whole libraries</i> were in each character.</p> + + <p>Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet</p> + + <p>Lights in the starry skies are thicker set,</p> + + <p>Nor quills upon the armed porcupine,</p> + + <p>Than <i>wit and fancy</i> in this work of + thine."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>SIR WALTER SCOTT.</h4> + + <p>The long-expected death of this good and great man took + place at Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume + contains a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; + and it is our intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a + brief memoir continued to his last days, with a wood-cut + portrait from the latest painting. About twelve months since, + Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic pen, the following + passage in the introduction to his last published work: "The + gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all + probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the + author to submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far + realized, though the accordance of the closing line with the + last hours of the deceased bears a consoling balm: "He is now + on the eve of visiting foreign parts; a ship of war is + commissioned by its royal master to carry the Author of + Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a + restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an + end in his own country."</p> + + <p><i>Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day</i>.—Although this + custom can be traced through upwards of three centuries, its + origin has not been decided by antiquaries. The commonly + received belief is that a goose forming part of the royal + dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of the + defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded + that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on + every 29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious + event. Mr. Douce, the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the + above reason "somewhere" (such is his expression); but Mr. + Brand thinks this rather to be a stronger proof that the custom + prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's time. Its origin, + however, is referable to the previous century: since, bringing + a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day appears to + have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, that + it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following + passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before + the above event:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's + rent,</p> + + <p>They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish + at Lent;</p> + + <p>At Christmasse a capon, <i>at Michaelmas a + goose</i>,</p> + + <p>And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, <i>for feare + their leave flies</i></p> + + <p class="i2">loose."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The reason given by Blount, in his <i>Tenures</i>, is + considered far from satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, + "Probably no other reason can be given for this custom, but + that Michaelmas Day was a great festival, and geese at that + time were most plentiful." The origin of the saying that "if + you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never want money all + the year round," is explained, in the <i>British Apollo</i>, as + follows:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The custom came up from the tenants presenting</p> + + <p>Their landlords with geese to incline their + relenting</p> + + <p>On following payments.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Again:—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>For doubtless 'twas at first design'd</p> + + <p>To make the people seasons mind,</p> + + <p>That so they might apply their care</p> + + <p>To all those things which needful were;</p> + + <p>And by a good industrious hand,</p> + + <p>Know when and how t' improve their land.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating + goose on Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part + of France. Upon St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. + They likewise eat geese upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and + Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." In Denmark, where the harvest is + later than here, every family has a roasted goose for supper on + St. Martin's Eve. PHILO.</p> + + <h4><i>The reason why Pennsylvania was settled.</i></h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Penn refused to pull his hat off</p> + + <p>Before the king, and therefore set off,</p> + + <p>Another country to light pat on,</p> + + <p>Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <h4>"Mollissima tempora fandi."</h4>A translation of the above + is requested, in one line, which shall rhyme with the original. + H.H.<br /> + <br /> + + + <h4><i>Motto for a Cigar Smoker.</i></h4>"Non fumum ex fulgore, + sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H.<br /> + <br /> + + <hr /> + + <p>St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall + appear next week.</p> + <hr /> + + <h4>THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.</h4> + + <h4>No. 203, price Twopence, of</h4> + + <h4>THE MIRROR,</h4> + + <h4>Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR</h4> + + <h4>of the late</h4> + + <h4>SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART.</h4> + <hr class="full" /> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" + name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + + <p>Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" + name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + + <p>At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an + antiquary and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George + Hall, Bishop of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of + a history of Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of + Antiquaries; all of whom were born at Newcastle.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" + name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + + <p>In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part + iii.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" + name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + + <p>It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of + the weather.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote5" + name="footnote5"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a> + + <p>By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a <i>rara + avis</i>: "A kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the + breast to that point of the horizon whence the wind doth + blow, is a very strange introducing of natural + weathercocks."</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote6" + name="footnote6"></a><b>Footnote 6:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag6">(return)</a> + + <p>Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.—See + <i>Mirror</i>, vol. xix. p. 322.</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + + <p><i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near + Somerset House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New + Market, Leipsic; G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, + Paris; and by all Newsmen and Booksellers.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + +***** This file should be named 11887-h.htm or 11887-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/8/8/11887/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction + Vol. 20. No. 568 - 29 Sept 1832 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 3, 2004 [EBook #11887] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + + + + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + + + + +THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION. + +Vol. 20, No. 568.] SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1832. [PRICE 2d. + + + + * * * * * + +[Illustration: BIRTHPLACE OF THE EARL OF ELDON.] + +Little need be said, by way of explanation, for the addition of the +present subject to our collection of the birthplaces of eminent +men. It is something to know that John Scott was born at +Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the principal dwelling represented in the +above Engraving, in the year 1751; that he received the rudiments of +his education at the free grammar-school of the town; that he grew up +"a man of safe discretion;" that he enjoyed the highest legal honours +which his sovereign could bestow for a quarter of a century; and that +he still lives, a venerable octogenarian, in the enjoyment of "glory +from his conscience, and honour from men." The biography of so +distinguished an individual must have innumerable good tendencies: +it at once inculcates the wholesome truth that "every man is the +architect of his own fortune;" and it presents us, moreover, with +the encouraging picture of a well-regulated life, and its healthful +energies so employed in the discharge of important duties as to +entitle the subject to high rank among the worthies of his country. + +John Scott, Lord Eldon, is the third son of William Scott, of +Newcastle-upon-Tyne. "His father was by trade what in the language of +the place is called a 'fitter,' or agent for the sale and shipment +of coals. He had by industry and habits of close saving accumulated +rather considerable means from small beginnings. Beyond this he was +a man of great shrewdness and knowledge of the world," and quickly +perceiving the talents of the two younger boys, William (now Lord +Stowell,) and John, he wisely gave them an education in accordance +with their mental endowments. "It is said that the singular variety +in the talent of these two remarkable youths was manifested at a very +early age. When asked to 'give an account of the sermon,' which was a +constant Sabbath custom of their father, William, the eldest, gave at +once a condensed and lucid digest of the general argument. John, +on the other hand, would go into all the minutiae, but failed in +producing the lucid, general view embodied in half the number of words +by his brother."[1] The two boys received their early education at the +free grammar-school of Newcastle.[2] William was from the beginning +destined for the study of the law. John was at first intended for +the church, and was, accordingly, sent to Oxford: early marriage was, +however, the fortunate means of changing his destination, and he began +the world in the same profession with his brother. In 1757, John was +entered as a student at the Middle Temple, and was called to the bar +at the usual period. He at this time possessed an extensive stock of +legal information, having been an indefatigable reader, and spent the +two last years of his preliminary studies in the office of a special +pleader. At his outset he made no progress, his powers being palsied +by an oppressive diffidence. He therefore devoted his talents entirely +to being a draftsman in Chancery. His employment was laborious, and +not lucrative, while it materially injured his health. In a fit of +despondency he resolved to retire into humble practice in his native +county; and he had actually given up his chambers and taken leave of +his friends in the metropolis, when he was not only diverted from his +purpose by an eminent solicitor, but was even prevailed upon to make +one more trial at the bar. His first success was the undoubted fruit +of his extraordinary abilities, and is said to have originated in the +sudden illness of a leading counsel the night before the trial of a +complicated civil cause. It could not be put off, and the client +of the lost leader was in despair, when Scott courageously took the +brief, made himself in one night master of its voluminous intricacies, +and triumphed. From this time he gained confidence, and his forensic +reputation soon became established. He was much aided by the +encouragement which he received from Lord Thurlow, who praised his +abilities, and is said to have offered him a mastership in Chancery, +which Mr. Scott declined. + + [1] Tait's Edinburgh Magazine for the present month. + + [2] At this school also were educated Vice-Admiral Lord + Collingwood; Sir Robert Chambers; William Elstob, an antiquary + and divine; the poet, Akenside; the Rev. George Hall, Bishop + of Dromore; and the Rev. John Brand, author of a history of + Newcastle, and secretary to the Society of Antiquaries; all of + whom were born at Newcastle. + +In 1783; Mr. Scott obtained a silk gown; and, through Lord Weymouth's +interest, he was introduced into parliament for the borough of Weobly. +It is stated that on the latter occasion, he stipulated for the +liberty of voting as he pleased. He took a decided part with the Pitt +administration; and in 1788, he was appointed solicitor-general, +and knighted; in 1793, he rose to be attorney-general, and in the +following year he conducted the trial of Hardy, Tooke, and Thelwall, +for treason. Erskine was opposed to him; and the prosecution failed, +though the speech of the attorney-general occupied nine hours in the +delivery. + +In 1799, Sir John Scott was appointed to the chief justiceship of the +Common Pleas, on the resignation of Chief Justice Eyre; and in the +same year he was raised to the peerage by the title of Baron Eldon. In +1801, he was made Lord Chancellor, which high office he retained till +the year 1827, with the exception of the short period during which the +Whigs were in office, in 1806. His lordship was raised to the dignity +of an earl at the coronation of George IV. in 1821. + +The high character of the Earl of Eldon as Chancellor is thus lucidly +drawn by Sir Egerton Brydges: "Of all who, in the long lapse of ages, +have filled the sacred seat on which he now (1823) sits, none ever +had purer hands, none ever had a conscientious desire of equity more +ardent and more incessant than Lord Eldon. The amazing expanse of +his views, the inexpressible niceness of his discrimination, his +unrelaxing anxiety to do justice in every individual case, the +kindness of his heart, and the ductility of his ideas, all ensure that +attention to every suitor which must necessarily obtain the unbounded +admiration and attachment of the virtuous and the wise. Lord Eldon's +eloquence," continues Sir Egerton, "is rather adapted to cultivated +and thinking minds than to a popular audience. It generally addresses +the understanding rather than the fancy. It frequently wants fluency, +but occasionally is tinged with a high degree of moral pathos." + +We could illustrate the conscientious character alluded to by the +above writer, with anecdotes of the chancellorship of Lord Eldon. As +the following have, we believe, but once appeared in print, they may +not, be familiar to the reader. Sir Richard Phillips relates:[3] "In +conversation with Mr. Butterman, (at Dronfield), I heard two anecdotes +of Lord Eldon, which, as an example to Lord Chancellors, and to +public spirited parishioners, I consider it my duty to introduce. The +incumbent, some years ago, thought proper to propose an exchange with +an incompetent clergyman; when Mr. B., as a friend to the church, and +some of his respectable neighbours took alarm at the negotiation, and +in the commencement he penned a letter to the Chancellor. The other +parties calculated on the arrangement, but, on applying to the +Chancellor he could consent to no exchange, but that if the parties +were tired of their positions, they might respectively resign, and +there were plenty of candidates. The determination was final, and the +scheme of exchange was abandoned. In another instance, a master +had been regularly appointed to the grammar school at Dronfield, +on liberal principles of education, but, within a few years, some +prejudice was excited against him, and the churchwardens for the time +thought proper to stop his salary. On this occasion, Mr. B. and some +friends combined in an application to Lord Eldon, and his lordship +instantly directed the churchwardens to render an account of the trust +within a few days. They claimed time, and were allowed a month, when, +without other form, he directed the salary to be paid to the appointed +master, with all expenses." + + [3] In his Personal Tour through the United Kingdom, Part iii. + +Newcastle contains memorials of Lord Eldon which indicate that +the inhabitants are proud of their distinguished fellow-freeman. A +spacious range of elegant buildings is called Eldon Square: and in the +Guildhall is a portrait of his lordship, opposite that of his brother, +Lord Stowell. + + * * * * * + + +THE WEARIED SOLDIER. + + + "When silent time, wi' lightly foot, + Had trod o'er thirty years, + I sought again, my native land, + Wi' many hopes and fears." + MRS. HAMILTON. + + He came to the village, when the sun + In the "golden west" was bright, + When sounds were dying one by one, + And the vesper star was shining down, + With a soft and silvery light. + + A war-worn wanderer was he, + And absent many a year + From the cottage-home he fain would see, + From that resting-place where he would be, + The spot to memory dear. + + It rose at last upon his view, + (Old times were thronging round him,) + The lattice where the jasmine grew, + The meadow where he brush'd the dew + When youth's bright hopes were round him. + + But faces new, and sadly strange, + Were in that cottage now; + Cold eyes, that o'er his features range, + For time had wrought a weary change + Upon the soldier's brow. + + And some there were--the lov'd--the dead-- + Whom he no more could see, + From this cold changing world were fled, + And they had found a quiet bed + Beneath the old yew tree. + + And thither too--the wanderer hied, + Night-dews were falling fast, + This is my "welcome home" he cried, + And the chill breezes low replied + In murmurs as they pass'd. + + They whispering said, or seem'd to say, + No lasting joys to earth are given, + No longer near these ashes stray, + Go, mourner! hence, away! away! + Thy lost ones are in heaven. + + _Kirton, Lindsey._ ANNE R. + + * * * * * + + +RELIGIOUS FASTINGS. + + +From the remotest ages of antiquity most nations have practised +fasting to keep the wrath of God from falling upon them for their +sins. Some celebrated authors even affirm that fasting was originated +by Adam after he had eaten of the forbidden fruit; but this obviously +is carrying their arguments, in favour of fasting, too far, though it +is as certain that the Jewish churches practised it from their first +formation. The Egyptians, Phoenicians, and the Assyrians held the +"solemn fast" in high favour. The Egyptians, according to Herodotus, +before they offered in sacrifice the cow to Isis, to purify themselves +from impurities, fasted and prayed. This custom he also ascribes to +the Cyrenian women. Porphyry relates that the fasts of the Egyptians +were sometimes continued for six weeks, and that the shortest ordained +by their priests was seven days, during which they abstained from +nearly all kinds of food. These rites they communicated to the Greeks, +who observed these fasts more strictly, and with more outward show and +solemnity. The Athenians likewise observed stated fasts, two of which +were named "the Elusinian and Thesmoporian fasts;" the observation +of these fasts was extremely rigid, especially amongst women, who, +in mournful dresses, spent one whole day sitting on the ground (their +sign of grief,) without taking the least food. The islanders of Crete, +before sacrificing to Jupiter, had to abstain from food. A celebrated +ancient author informs us, that those who wished to be initiated into +the secrets of Cybele, fasted ten days before their initiation; and +that, in short, the priests who gave the oracles, and those who came +to consult them, had to perform this duty. + +Amongst other Heathen nations, before they prepared for any important +enterprise, the whole expedition fasted. The Lacedemonians having +agreed to aid an ally, ordained a fast throughout their nation, and +without _even_ excepting their _domestic animals_. The Romans having +besieged the city of Tarentum, and the city being hard pressed, +the citizens demanded succour of their friends, the inhabitants of +Rhegium; who, preparatory to granting assistance to the besieged, +commanded that a fast should be held throughout their territories. +Their aid having proved successful, the government of Tarentum to +commemorate this important event, ordained a perpetual fast on the day +of their deliverance. + +Philosophers and certain religious people have for ages reckoned +fasting as a service which led to important results, and a duty which +could not be dispensed with without causing the wrath of God to fall +upon the heads of the nation. At Rome it was practised even by the +emperors. Amongst the most remarkable for keeping this institution +were Numa Pompilius, Julius Caesar, Vespasian, &c. Julian, the +apostate, was so exact in the performance of this ordinance, that +the fasting of the philosophers and of the priests themselves, was as +nothing compared with his abstinence. Pythagoras fasted sometimes +as long as forty days; his disciples followed the example of their +master; and after his death they kept a continual fast, in which they +denounced the inhabitants of the deep as well as the creatures of the +meadow. The eastern Brahmins are remarkable for their fasting; but as +the people believe they regale themselves with the good things of this +life, in secret, their example gains not many followers. That nation +which reckons itself infinitely superior to _us_ "poor barbarians," +the Chinese, also observe stated seasons of fasting and prayer. The +Mahomedans likewise strictly observe fasting and prayer, and the +exactness with which the dervishes perform them, and the lengths of +time of their fasts are very remarkable. + +The Israelites were commanded by Jehovah himself to fast on the +appearance of any plague, famine, war, &c.; and though they sadly +neglected the commands of God in other particulars, yet they obeyed +this command with great devotedness. The abstinence of the ancient +Jews generally lasted from twenty-six to twenty-seven hours. On these +days they wore sackcloth, laid themselves in ashes, and sprinkled +them on their heads, in token of their great grief and penitence. Some +spent the whole night in the synagogue; occasionally using with great +effect a scourge as a penance for their sins, or as a stimulant to +devout behaviour. We think it is not improbable that it is from the +Jews that the Roman Catholics derived their scourging penance system. + +In "happy smiling England," fasting was, and is, practised by the +Catholics every Friday; it was also practised by the fathers of the +church, and the primitive Protestants, at stated seasons. The custom +is still observed amongst the methodists, who follow the example of +their great leader, Wesley. The rust of time has, however, worn away +the veneration for this "good _old_ system," and it is totally +disused by the general body of Protestants, except on great national +occasions. + +E.J.H. + + * * * * * + + + +MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. + + * * * * * + +SHERIFFS OF LONDON. + + + [The subsequent paper extracted from Mr. Brayley's + laboriously-compiled _Londiniana_ possesses more than a + passing interest. Its neatness and perspicuity as a Journal + will doubtless be appreciated by the reader.] + +The following particulars relating to the office of Sheriff, are +derived from a manuscript copy of the _Journal_ of Richard Hoare, +Esq. during the year of his Shrievalty, in 1740-41, in his own +hand-writing, which is now in the possession of his grandson, Sir +Richard Colt Hoare, Bart., of Stourhead, in Wiltshire. The above year +became memorable in the city annals, from their having been _three_ +Lord Mayors during its progress, viz. Sir John Salter, knight; Humphry +Parsons, Esq., and Daniel Lambert, Esq. + +Mr. Hoare, who was a banker, in Fleet Street, and principal of the +respectable house which, instituted by one of his predecessors, still +bears the family name, was elected alderman of the Ward of Farringdon +Without, on St. George's day, 1740, in the place of Sir Francis Child, +who died on the preceding Sunday, April the 20th. This honour was +conferred upon him, whilst he was at Bath, and quite unexpectedly; and +equally so, was his election to the Sheriffdom, conjointly with Mr. +Alderman Marshall, on the midsummer-day following. Shortly afterwards +they gave bonds under the penalty of 1,000_l_. to undertake and enter +upon the office on the ensuing Michaelmas eve; and "thereupon, became +each entitled to 100_l_. out of the forfeitures of those, who had this +year been nominated to be sheriff's by my Lord Mayor, but had paid +their fines to be excused." + +In the intermediate time they prepared for the due execution of their +duties, chose their under-sheriff's, &c.; and, "as it is customary for +each sheriff to preside over the two Counters separately, my brother +Marshall chose that in the Poultry, and the care of Wood-street +Counter was under my direction, and we agreed, at our joint expense, +to give the usual livery gowns to the officers of both, although they +are greater in number at the Poultry than in mine; in recompense for +which, it was settled that we should equally share in the sale of the +places upon any vacancy." + +On Sunday, the 28th of September, the sheriffs elect met at ten +o'clock in the morning, at Drapers' Hall, "and there entertained +several of the Court of Aldermen, and sixteen of the Court of +Assistance of each of the Companies, viz: the Goldsmiths and the +Drapers, with the usual breakfast of roast beef, burnt wine," &c. He +continues,-- + +"Upon notice sent to us, that the Lord Mayor, with George Heathcote, +and Sir John Lequesne, aldermen and sheriffs for the last year were +attending at the council chamber, Guildhall, we all repaired thither; +the gentlemen of the Court of Assistance walking two by two, the +senior sheriff's company on the right hand, the aldermen following in +their coaches; in which, we, though sheriffs-elect, took our rank as +aldermen. Upon coming up to the area of Guildhall, the two companies +made a lane for the aldermen to pass through, and after having waited +on my Lord Mayor to Guildhall Chapel, to hear divine service, we +returned back to the court of the hustings, which being opened by +the common cryer, we were summoned to come forth and take the oath +of office; which we accordingly did, together with the oaths of +allegiance and abjuration; and the same was also administered to Mr. +Tims, (clerk to St. Bartholomews,) as under-sheriff, he kneeling all +the while. + +"When this was over, the gold chains were taken off from the former +sheriffs, and put on us; and then the court being dissolved, the Lord +Mayor went home, attended by the former sheriffs, and we returned back +to Drapers' Hall to our dinner, provided for the Court of Aldermen and +Courts of Assistance, at which the senior alderman took the chair as +president, and the rest of the aldermen and gentlemen of Guildhall +took their places at the upper table, whilst we, the sheriffs, sat +at the head of the second table, with the gentlemen of the Courts of +Assistance of our two companies. When dinner was over, and the healths +of the royal family were drunk, the cryer proclaimed the health and +prosperity to the two sheriffs' companies in the following manner; +that is to say, 'Prosperity to the worshipful Company of Drapers, and +prosperity to the worshipful Company of Goldsmiths: to the Goldsmiths +and Drapers, and Drapers and Goldsmiths, prosperity to both:' and this +is so usually done, naming each company first alternately, to prevent +any dispute concerning preference or priority. + +"After dinner, we all retired to one table in the inner room, at which +we, though sheriffs, were placed underneath all the aldermen; for +whatever rank an alderman may be in point of seniority, yet during the +year he serves as sheriff, he is to give place, and follow the rest +of his brethren, both at the court, and all processions and +entertainments. About six o'clock, the late sheriffs, having left the +Lord Mayor at his house, attended us to Guildhall, where we were +met by our own and the former under-sheriffs, together with the +secondaries and keepers of the prisons; and the names of the +respective prisoners in each gaol being read over, the keepers +acknowledged them one by one, to be in their custody; and then +tendered us the keys, which we delivered back to them again, and after +having executed the indentures, whereby we covenanted and undertook +the charge of our office, we were invited according to custom, to an +adjoining tavern; and there partook of an entertainment of sack and +walnuts, provided by the aforesaid keepers of the prisons. + +"Monday, September 29th. This being Michaelmas-day, my brother sheriff +and I set out for the first time in our new equipages and scarlet +gowns, attended by our beadles, and the several officers of our +Counters, and waited on the Lord Mayor, at Merchant Taylors' Hall, at +which he kept his mayoralty, and proceeded with him from thence, as +is customary, to Guildhall, where the livery-men of the city were +summoned to attend at the Court of Hustings for the election of a new +lord mayor for the year ensuing. The recorder made a speech to the +livery-men, 'apprising them of the custom and manner of choosing a +lord mayor; which, he observed, was for the Common Hall to nominate +two of the aldermen who had served sheriffs, to the Court of Aldermen, +who had then a right to elect either of them into that great office, +and which ever that the court so fixed on, the Common Hall was bound +to accept.' When he had ended, the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen +retired into the Council Chamber, and left us to preside at the +election, attended by the Common Sergeant and other officers. The +method of voting is, by each alderman going up to the recorder and +town clerk, who sit at a separate part of the room, and telling the +person he would choose, a scratch is made under each respective name." + +On the day following, the two sheriffs again went to Guildhall, with +the same company as on the preceding day, and waiting on the Lord +Mayor in the Council Chamber, requested that his lordship and the +recorder would present them at his Majesty's Court of Exchequer. Each +sheriff then paid the usual fees, viz. _6l. 13s. 4d._ to the Lord +Mayor, and _3l. 6s. 8d._ to the recorder; after which, they proceeded +to the Three Cranes' Stairs, in Upper Thames Street, "the Lord Mayor +first; we, the sheriffs, next; the recorder and aldermen following in +coaches, the companies walking before us. + +"From thence we went to Westminster in the city barge, taking place +of all the aldermen: and our two companies attended in the Goldsmiths' +barge, as before agreed on, adorned with half the colours, and rowed +with half the watermen belonging to the Drapers' company. On landing, +the companies went first, the Lord Mayor next, then the recorder with +a sheriff on each side, and last the aldermen. On our approaching the +bar of the Exchequer [in Westminster Hall,] the recorder, in a speech, +presented us to the Court, one of the Barons being seated there for +that purpose, signifying the choice the citizens had made, and that, +in pursuance of our charter, we were presented to his Majesty's +justices for his royal approbation; and the Baron accordingly +approving the choice, he, and the Clerks of the Exchequer, were +invited to our dinner; then the late sheriffs were sworn to their +accounts, and made their proffers; and the senior alderman present +cut one twig in two, and bent another, and the officers of the court +counted six horse-shoes and hob-nails. + +"This formality, it is said, is passed through each year, by way +of suit and service for the citizens holding some tenements in St. +Clement's Danes, as also some other lands; but where they are situated +no one knows, nor doth the city receive any rents or profits thereby. + +"This done, we returned in the same order to the Three Cranes, and +from thence, in our coaches, to dinner at Drapers' Hall; where my Lord +Mayor, aldermen, gentlemen of Guildhall, and guests invited, dined +at one table, and we, the sheriff's, at the head of another, with the +Court of Assistance of each of our companies: and the Clerks of the +Exchequer by themselves at another table. After dinner, the Lord +Mayor, aldermen, &c. returned into a separate room, where we sat with +them at the head of the table, one on each side of the Lord Mayor; +our two companies were in another room, and the greatest part of the +Clerks of the Exchequer remained in the hall." + +On the 7th of October they "settled a point," with the keeper of +Newgate in regard to the transportation of _felons_. That was, that +the keeper should deliver them to the merchant, "who contracts to +carry them over," at the door of Newgate, and there discharge himself +of any further custody; but leaving him and his officers the privilege +of protecting them down to the water side, according to any private +agreement between him and the merchant; it being fully understood that +the sheriffs should not be responsible for their charge "from the time +of their first delivery." + +(_TO BE CONCLUDED IN OUR NEXT._) + + * * * * * + + + +SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY. + + +STEAM CARRIAGES ON COMMON ROADS. + + + (_From Mr. Alexander Gordon's Treatise on Elemental + Locomotion. Concluded from page 185._) + +We do not advocate any thing so preposterous as the change of the +whole animate power of Great Britain into inanimate, though in this +the political economist can see the solution of all our Malthusian +difficulties to an indefinite extent and duration. What we urge is +merely the partial adoption of the thing to such an extent as will +relax the present pressure, and restore us to a wholesome state of +national prosperity. This will occasion no dangerous experiment, and +will be gradually followed up by a progressive conversion, by which +all the conflicting interests of society will be neutralized, and +the aggregate wealth, and prosperity, and happiness of the empire be +equalized. + +If then _elemental locomotion_ can he made to substitute the +expensive, unproductive system of animate labour now in use, it will +indubitably be for the vital interest of all classes of society that +the substitution should be realized speedily and extensively. That +steam can be so applied has been _satisfactorily proved_. The report +of the Committee of the House of Commons establishes this. But the +evidence of several of the enlightened and practical witnesses who +were examined before that committee bears with too much emphasis upon +the detail of the commercial and economic advantages of the project +we have just been attempting to enumerate and advocate, for us not to +avail ourselves of it even at this early stage of our work. It being +quite decisive in support of the grand conclusion to which the +said committee came after three months of patient and thorough +investigation of the subject, viz. "_That the substitution of +inanimate for animate power is one of the most important improvements +in the means of internal communication ever introduced._" + + [Then follow extracts from the evidence of Messrs. Torrens, + John Farey, Davies Gilbert, and Goldsworthy Garney.] + +In viewing the moral advantages which must result from +steam-carriages, we find them of no less importance. There are but few +so constitutionally indifferent to acceleration in travelling as +the Hollander, who delighted in the "old, solemn, straight-forward, +regular Dutch canal speed--three miles an hour for expresses, and two +for joy or trot journeys." Acceleration in the speed of travelling, if +unaccompanied by danger, is eagerly sought after, because the period +of discomfort is lessened. But steam-carriages will not only lessen +the discomfort by shortening its duration; they can be so equipped +that positive comfort, nay, luxury, may be enjoyed. A steam-engine is +perfectly under control, and consequently much more safe than horses. +The life of the traveller cannot be jeoparded by the breaking of a +rein, horses being frightened, running off, &c. &c.; the steamer, +it will be seen, the honourable Committee report to the House "is +perfectly safe for passengers." + +The actual casualties of stage-coaches, however, we may observe, bear +no proportion to the loss of lives from consumption and other diseases +occasioned by cold and wet, from exposure on the top of coaches.[4] + + [4] It appears from the newspapers that on the night of the + 25th of February, 1812, three outside passengers were found + dead on the roof of the Bath coach, from the inclemency of the + weather. + +Let us consider also how far humanity is outraged by the present +system of quick travelling. The short average life of stage-coach +horses (three years only!) shows how dreadfully over-wrought and +_out-wrought_ they are by the great speed now in practice. Driven for +eight or ten miles, with an oppressive weight, they tremble in every +nerve. With nostrils distended, and sides moving in breathless agony, +they can scarce, when unyoked, crawl to the stable. 'Tis true they +are well fed; the interest of their owners secures that. They are +over-well fed, in order that a supernatural energy may be exerted. The +morrow comes when their galled withers are again to be wrung by the +ill-cushioned collars, and the lumbering of the wheels. But we do not +witness all the misery of the noble and the generous steed. When +the shades of night impend, the reproaches of the feeling, or the +expostulations of the timid traveller no longer protect him from the +lash; and the dread of Mr. Martin's act ceases to effect for a +time its beneficent purpose; when the stiffened joints--the cracked +hoofs--the greasy legs--and stumbling gait of the worn-out animal are +all put into agonized motion by belabouring _him upon the raw_! +The expression is Hibernian, but the brutality is our own. A few +ill-gained pounds reconcile the enormity to the owner--and the +cheapness and expedition of the conveyance give it public sanction: +but humanity is outraged by the same: human sympathies are seared; and +the noble precept, that "the merciful man is merciful to his beast," +is trampled under foot. + +Thus then, by substituting elementary for physical power, we have +comfort for comparative inconvenience--the inside of an elegant +apartment, where books, amusement, or general conversation may +occupy agreeably the time--for the outside of a hard, unsafe stage +conveyance, and exposure to all changes or varieties of atmosphere. +Nay, we see no reason to prevent such improvement in steam-carriages +as shall fit them up like steam-boats, the campaigning carriage of +Napoleon, or the travelling long coach of the present Duke of +Orleans, with beds, and a furnished table. We have besides safety +for danger--accelerated speed without inhumanity--gain of time--of +accommodation--of money--and over and above all, as a non-consumer +of food, we have by the substitution what will remove the host of +Malthusian ills to a period of almost indefinite duration. + + * * * * * + + + +OLD POETS. + + * * * * * + +EYES AND TEARS. + + + How wisely Nature did decree + With the same eyes to weep and see! + That, having view'd the object vain, + They might be ready to complain. + And, since the self-deluding sight, + In a false angle takes each height, + These tears which better measure all. + Like wat'ry lines and plummets fall. + Two tears, with sorrow long did weigh, + Within the scales of either eye, + And then paid out in equal poise, + Are the true price of all my joys. + What in the world most fair appears, + Yea, even laughter, turns to tears: + And all the jewels which we prize, + Melt in these pendents of the eyes. + I have through every garden been, + Amongst the red, the white, the green; + And yet from all those flow'rs I saw, + No honey, but these tears could draw. + So the all-seeing sun each day, + Distils the world with chemic ray; + But finds the essence only showers, + Which straight in pity back he pours. + Yet happy they whom grief doth bless, + That weep the more, and see the less; + And, to preserve their sight more true, + Bathe still their eyes in their own dew. + So Magdalen, in tears more wise + Dissolv'd those captivating eyes, + Whose liquid chains could flowing meet, + To fetter her Redeemer's feet. + Not full sails hasting loaden home, + Nor the chaste lady's pregnant womb, + Nor Cynthia teeming shows so fair, + As two eyes, swoln with weeping, are + The sparkling glance that shoots desire, + Drench'd in these waves, does lose its fire. + Yea, oft the Thunderer pity takes, + And here the hissing lightning slakes. + The incense was to heaven dear, + Not as a perfume, but a tear! + And stars show lovely in the night, + But as they seem the tears of light. + Ope, then, mine eyes, your double sluice, + And practise so your noblest use; + For others too can see, or sleep, + But only human eyes can weep. + Now, like two clouds dissolving, drop, + And at each tear in distance stop: + Now, like two fountains, trickle down: + Now like two floods o'er-run and drown: + Thus lot your streams o'erflow your springs, + Till eyes and tears be the same things; + And each the other's difference bears; + These weeping eyes, those seeing tears. + +MARVELL. + + (_From a neatly-printed Life of the Poet, by John Dove._) + + * * * * * + + +A DROP OF DEW. + + + See, how the orient dew + Shed from the bosom of the morn, + Into the blowing roses, + Yet careless of its mansion new, + For the clear region where 'twas born + Round in itself incloses: + And in its little globe's extent, + Frames, as it can, its native element. + How it the purple flow'r does slight, + Scarce touching where it lies; + But gazing back upon the skies, + Shines with a mournful light, + Like its own tear, + Because so long divided from the sphere. + Restless it rolls, and unsecure, + Trembling, lest it grows impure; + Till the warm sun pities its pain, + And to the skies exhales it back again. + So the _soul_, that drop, that ray, + Of the clear fountain of eternal day, + Could it within the human flow'r be seen, + Rememb'ring still its former height, + Shuns the sweet leaves, and blossoms green; + And, recollecting its own light, + Does, in its pure and circling thoughts, express + The greater heaven in an heaven less, + In how coy a figure wound, + Every way it turns away: + So the world excluding round, + Yet receiving in the day. + Dark beneath, but bright above; + Here disdaining, there in love, + How loose and easy hence to go; + How girt and ready to ascend: + Moving but on a point below, + It all about does upward bend. + Such did the Manna's sacred dew distil, + White and entire, although congeal'd and chill; + Congeal'd on earth; but does, dissolving run + Into the glories of th' almighty sun. + +IBID. + + * * * * * + + + +NOTES OF A READER. + + * * * * * + +ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, REGENT'S PARK. + + +We recommend such of our London friends and visiters from the country +as have not lately passed an hour or two in the Zoological Gardens, +to do so without further delay. The present season is warm and genial, +and the rejoicing rays of the morning and noontide sun enliven the +tenants of this mimic world in a garden. As evening approaches the air +becomes chill and misty, though + + The weary sun hath made a golden set, + And, by the bright track of his fiery ear, + Gives token of a goodly day to-morrow: + +the several animals indicate their sense of the atmospheric changes by +their decreased activity, reminding us of the comparative torpidity in +which the majority of them will pass the coming winter. + +The present Cuts represent a few of the recent improvements in +the Zoological Gardens, as, the addition of the clock-house and +weathercock[5] to the Llama House. + + [5] By the way, a natural weathercock instead of the gilded + vane, as defined by Brown, would have been a _rara avis_: "A + kingfisher hanged by the bill, converting the breast to that + point of the horizon whence the wind doth blow, is a very + strange introducing of natural weathercocks." + +[Illustration: (_Llama House._)] + +Opposite is the sloping gravel walk leading from the Terrace; and +a large cage for Parrots, Parrakeets, Macaws, and Cockatoos, whose +brilliant colours are here seen to advantage in the resplendent beams +of a September sun. In the distance are the Bear Pole and Shed for +Goats. + +[Illustration: (_Armadillos._)] + +The next Cut includes the House and Enclosure for Armadillos, who +are, in sunny weather, located here with a "select few" rabbits. The +innocent gambols and restless run of the Armadillo over the turf are +here seen to advantage. This house as the distance of the Cut shows, +is not far from the Llama House and circular Aviary. + +Thus far in the Southern Garden, whence we reach the Northern by the +Tunnel beneath the Park-road, as figured in _The Mirror_, No. 535, +opposite to the end of the tunnel is a large squirrel-cage, and at the +extremity of the walk to the right is a spacious building, called the +Repository "the inhabitants of which are continually being changed as +variations in the weather, or any other cause may render convenient." +We last saw there the noble Lions from the Tower, together with the +Hyaena, Jackal, Ichneumons, Coatimondis, besides an assemblage of +splendid tropical birds. The exterior of the building, especially the +ornamented gable and doorways, is picturesque. + +[Illustration: (_The Repository._)] + +[Illustration: (_Deer._)] + +[Illustration: (_Elephants._)] + +Repassing the Squirrel Cage, the visiter must next proceed along the +straight gravelled walk, which leads towards the western extremity +of the North Garden. Here is a range of buildings, among which is the +Stable and enclosed Yard for Deer; Among which are specimens of the +Wapiti, remarkable for its size and the amplitude of its branching +horns when full grown. Next is the Stable and Enclosure for Elephants, +opposite the capacious Bath already represented in _The Mirror_, No. +560. + +In a fortnight we may probably resume our graphic visit to this most +interesting resort. + + * * * * * + + +THE VOICE OF HUMANITY. + + +"The Association for promoting Rational Humanity towards the Animal +Creation" exists--though, in one sense, as a blot upon the character +of the age. They publish the above Journal quarterly, assembling acts +of atrocity which make the blood curdle in our veins, and remind us +that "all are not men that wear the human form." The funds of +the society are not in a prosperous condition; the sand of their +philanthropy is well nigh run out, and fresh appeals are to be made. +Let us glance at the contents of, the _Voice_ before us. The subject +"Abattoirs contrasted with Slaughter-houses and Smithfield-market," +is continued--a plan which we illustrated in _The Mirror_ about five +years since. True enough the Society write, but the people do not +consider; they are so wedded to old prejudices and habits, and the +mammon of money, that pestilential slaughter-houses are tolerated in +the midst of a "city of the plague," notwithstanding a law exists for +its prevention. Four hospitals are building in the metropolis--and +markets are increasing for the sale of the necessaries and luxuries of +life; the _Haymarket_ has been removed from a fashionable quarter to +the suburbs, that loaded carts may not obstruct carriages in their +road to St. James's, the Houses of Parliament, and the Opera--yet, not +a single, _Abattoir_--for the health of the people--exists near the +metropolis. The King and the Court patronize and plan horse-racing, +throwing the lasso, and, if recent report be true, hawking; the +Parliament legislate, a bill is "ordered to be printed"--yet, the +inconsistency and tardiness of these proceedings compel us to +ask, where is the truth of the motto--_Salus populi suprema lex_. +Convictions before magistrates for acts of cruelty are not uncommon; +yet, it is in this, as in many other laws, the poor are caught, while +the rich break through the meshes of the net. In the work before us +are recorded Mr. Osbaldeston's matches, including "the cold-blooded +cruelty towards the generous and heart-broken _Rattler_, in riding him +thirty-four miles in the space of 2 hours, 18 min., and 56 sec." Next +are four police cases of cruelties towards horses, bullocks, and cats, +the persons convicted being "of low estate." Yet there follows the +fact of _a respectable woman_ boiling a cat to death! and next is this +quotation from the _Gentleman's Magazine_ for April, 1789:-- + +"Died, April 4, at Tottenham, John Ardesoif, Esq.; a young man of +large fortune, and in the splendour of his carriages and horses +rivalled by few country gentlemen. His table was that of hospitality, +where it may be said he sacrificed too much to conviviality. Mr. +Ardesoif was fond of cock-fighting, and he had a favourite cock upon +which he had won many profitable matches. The last bet he made upon +this cock he lost; which so enraged him, that he had the bird tied +to a spit, and roasted alive before a large fire. The screams of +the miserable animal were so affecting, that some gentlemen who were +present attempted to interfere, which so exasperated Mr. Ardesoif, +that he seized the poker; and, with the most furious vehemence, +declared that he would kill the first man who interfered; but, in the +midst of his passionate assertions, he fell down dead upon the spot!" + +If we be asked whether it be proper to regard _all_ such dispensations +as judicial inflictions, we reply in the words of Cowper above: + + "'Tis not for us, with rash surmise, + To point the judgments of the skies, + But judgments _plain as this_, + That, sent for man's instruction, bring + A written label on their wing, + 'Tis hard to read amiss." + +[A contribution full of touching simplicity follows:] + +THE WORM. + + Turn, turn, thy hasty foot aside + Nor crush that helpless worm; + The frame thy wayward looks deride, + Required a God to form. + + The common Lord of all that move, + From whom thy being flowed, + A portion of his boundless love + On that poor worm bestowed. + + The sun, the moon, the stars, he made + To all his creatures free; + And spread o'er earth the grassy blade + For worms as well as thee. + + Let them enjoy their little day, + Their lowly hiss receive; + Oh! do not lightly take away + The life thou canst not give. + +Here we may remark, that much wanton cruelty has been abolished by the +extended education of the people. Brutal sports among boys are much +less indulged than formerly, and the worrying of domestic animals +almost invariably denotes a _bad boy_, in the worst sense of the +phrase, likely to make a bad man; "so true to nature is the admirable +aphorism of Wordsworth:-- + + The boy's the father of the man." + +But we do not so much complain of boyish as of adult cruelties; +though, according to the above showing, such atrocities will be less +rare in the next than in the present generation. To conclude, we hope +that the present notice may awaken the sympathy of the reader towards +the laudable objects of the _Society_, under whose guidance the _Voice +of Humanity_ is published. It is a difficult matter to point out "the +uneducated," and writers of all grades are eternally babbling of +our high state of civilization and refinement, yet, we repeat, +the necessity of this association is an anomaly which amounts to a +national disgrace. + + * * * * * + + + +THE PUBLIC JOURNALS. + + +VISIT TO THE SUMMIT OF MOUNT ETNA. + + +_BY LIEUTENANT G.H.P. WHITE, ROYAL NAVY._ + + +On the evening of the 13th of July, 1830, I set off from Catania with +a party of my messmates, to ascend Mount Etna, taking the necessary +guides, and two sumpter mules to carry the provisions, &c., as nothing +in that way can be procured after leaving Nicolosi, which is a small +village about twelve miles from Catania. Etna is divided by the +Sicilians into three several regions. The first is called Pie de +Montagna, the second Nemerosa, and the third Discoperta. The ascent, +though very gradual, commences immediately on leaving the city of +Catania, over a tolerably constructed road; the country around is +formed on an ancient volcanic soil; probably the third eruption +mentioned by Thucydides, which happened in the sixth year of the +Peloponnesian war, and the second of the eighty-eighth Olympiad. +Traversing the lands of Battianti, and St. Giovanni della Punta, the +road is constantly over the lava, and the country on either side is +delicious. Trecastagne, nine miles from Catania, is seated on the +acclivity of a high volcanic mountain. The scene here is beautiful +and picturesque. Near the principal church the view is most extensive. +Towards the east the mountains of Calabria, the sea stretching +from Taormina to Catania, bathing the sides of Etna, covered with +vineyards, woods and villages: northward rises the mountain itself, +surrounded by its progeny of pigmy mountains; these have been thrown +up in various forms, composed principally of cinders, and covered with +rich vegetation. The freshness of the air, the beauty and picturesque +situations of the houses surrounded by lofty and fine trees, the +over-teeming fertility of the soil, and the laughing fields, where +golden Ceres still lingers, unwilling to quit her favourite abode, +intersected by courses of lava, as yet unproductive, make this view +one of the most beautiful and interesting that can be imagined. These +mighty streams of once liquid fire, extending in many places ten miles +in length, by two or three in breadth, fill the mind with horror and +astonishment: that such wondrous masses, consisting of earths, stones, +and minerals, fused and mixed, could be driven forth in one wild +current from the mountain, makes us pause, and confounds any attempt +to reason on the phenomena.--And, although the lava for many centuries +lays waste the superincumbent land, yet, after a certain, but very +long period, it is brought by human industry into such a state as to +become the richest soil for cultivation: but when we reflect on +the necessity of some ages to effect this wished-for state of +decomposition, we bewilder the mind without arriving at any certain +conclusion. When this process is duly effected, the cactus opuntia, or +prickly pear, is planted, which hastens the desired event, and has the +power to break up the lava, and render it fit for productive purposes. +Five miles from Trecastagne is Nicolosi, a small village which has +often suffered from the fire-vomiting mountain. Here we supped, +and baited the mules for two hours. Nicolosi, according to Signor +Gemmellero, a Sicilian physician, long resident at Catania, is two +thousand one hundred and twenty-eight feet above the level of the sea, +and its mean temperature 64 deg. Fahr. + +From hence, to an almost interminable extent, there is a most superb +view of the surrounding country; nothing can be more varied, grand, +and sublime; every spot spared by the all-devastating lavas, is highly +cultivated; the vines and other productive fruit-trees are seen laden +with the most delicious fruits; the groves of olives, the towns and +villages, in almost endless aerial perspective, all terminated by the +distant and deep-blue sea, form a scene the most enchanting that can +be conceived. We remounted about ten o'clock, P.M., our trusty mules, +and pursued or journey. The evening was deliciously serene, the stars +shone with extraordinary brilliancy, and the sky appeared intensely +blue, while the galaxy, or milky way, beamed like a splendid stream of +light across the azure expanse. + +The cool breezes now wafted from the upper regions of the mountain +were very refreshing, and exhilarated our spirits in an extraordinary +degree. Passed Monte Rosso, which is about 600 feet above the level of +the surrounding plain, and is said to have been thrown up during the +great eruption of the year 1669, and from which issued that horrible +stream of burning lava, which, after destroying the country for the +length of fourteen miles, ran into the sea at Catania. + +About six miles higher up commences the Nemerosa region, which, like +a beautiful green girdle, encircles the mountain; it abounds with +ancient hillocks, and lava of different periods, and is almost +covered with frowning woods of oak, holm, beech and pines, on the more +elevated points. + +After enjoying for some time this stupendous and enchanting treat, we +kept torturing and progressing, lost in pleasing reveries caused by +the fairy scene. + +Halted at the upper boundary of the forest region, to refresh our +mules, and exchange our light clothing for garments of a warmer +texture, as the wind now blew cool and somewhat chilly; for the +temperature of this spot was about 50 deg., while that of Catania, which +we had only left a few hours ago, was about 84 deg. Fahr. + +The road, on leaving our resting-place, became tedious and cheerless; +hardly any vegetation was discoverable, and still wilder regions +appeared above us. The path now lay over masses of rough lava; so much +so, that at times it became necessary to dismount and actually drag +our jaded animals over the rugged precipices which obstructed our +progress: the intricacy of the path required us to follow one another +very closely, that we might not lose the track, which became so +tortuous in its course, as would puzzle any one but a muleteer +accustomed to the road to find the clue of this volcanic labyrinth in +the darkness of night. + +After much anxious travelling over wastes of cinders and black sand, +we seemed to be approaching near the wished-for summit; when, about +two o'clock, A.M., the moon, now shorn of her beams, queen like, arose +behind the bifurcated summit of Etna; her cheering light was very +grateful to us in this wild spot. The awful cone of the mountain +pillowed against the heavens, and emitting clouds of silvery white +smoke from its burning crater, had a grand effect at this solemn hour +of the night. + +At three o'clock, arrived at the Casa Inglese, a rude hut built by the +English troops when stationed in Sicily, during the late war. Here it +became again necessary to halt a little to put on some extra clothing. +As soon as this was accomplished, the signal for the ascent was made +by the guides giving each person of the party a long staff, to assist +him in clambering the steeps, as the mules could not proceed any +further, owing to the nature and fatigue of the ascent. The first +portion of the road lay over large broken masses of lava, most +wearisome to scramble over. On approaching nearer the apex, the path +was over cinders, fine black sand, and scoria. In wading through this +compound the ascent became so difficult and fatiguing, that we were +all under the necessity of reposing every twenty or thirty yards, +tormented by the sulphureous vapour, which rendered respiration +painful, and was even less supportable than the abruptness of the +mountain path! + +At length, after somewhat more than an hour's walk, the most harassing +that can be imagined, we arrived at the top just as the day began to +dawn. To paint the feelings at this dizzy height, requires the pen of +poetic inspiration; or to describe the scene presented to mortal +gaze, when thus looking down with fearful eye on the almost boundless +prospect beneath! The blue expanded ocean, fields, woods, cities, +rivers, mountains, and all the wonted charms of the terrestrial world, +had a magic effect, when viewed by the help of the nascent light; +while hard by yawned that dreadful crater of centuries untold, +evolving thick sulphureous clouds of white smoke, which rolling down +the mountain's side in terrific grandeur, at length formed one vast +column for many miles in extent across the sky. Anon the mountain +growled awfully in its inmost recesses, and the earth was slightly +convulsed! We now attempted to descend a short distance within +the crater; the guides, timid of its horrors, did not relish the +undertaking, but were induced at length, and conducted the party +behind some heaps of lava, from whence was a grand view of this +awful cavern. The noise within the gulf resembled loud continuous +thunderings, and after each successive explosion, there issued columns +of white, and sometimes of black smoke. + +The crater presents the appearance of an inverted cone, the interior +part of which is covered with crystallizations of salts and sulphur, +of various brilliant hues--red appeared to predominate, or rather +a deep orange colour. Writers vary much in their accounts as to +the circumference of the crater. Captain Smyth, R.N., who had an +opportunity to ascertain it correctly, describes it as an oval, +stretching from E. and by N. to W., and by S. with a conjugate +diameter of four hundred and ninety-three yards; the transverse he +was prevented from ascertaining by a dense cloud that arose before his +operations were completed. It was soon requisite for us to retire from +this spot, as the smoke began to increase, and our guides said that +some adventurous travellers had lost their lives by approaching too +near, and were either blown into the abyss below by the violence +of the wind, which is generally very strong at this elevation, or +suffocated by a sudden burst of the sulphureous vapour. + +The Regione Deserta, or desolate region of Etna, first attracts the +eye, marked in winter by a circle of ice and snow, but now (July) +by cinders and black sand. In the midst the great crater rears its +burning head, and the regions of intense heat and extreme cold shake +hands together. The eye soon becomes satiated with its wildness, and +turns with delight on the Sylvana region, which, with its magnificent +zone of forest trees, embraces the mountain completely round: in many +parts of this delightful tract are seen hills, now covered with +the most luxuriant vegetation, that have been formed by different +eruptions of Etna. This girdle is succeeded by another still richer, +called the Regione Culta, abundant in every fruit or grain that man +can desire: the small rivers Semetus and Alcantara intersect these +fertile fields; beyond this the whole of Sicily, with its cities, +towns, and villages, its corn-fields and vineyards in almost endless +perspective, charm and delight the senses. + +The summit of the mountain is composed of scoria, and crystallizations +of sulphur, with here and there heaps of lava; wherever a stick is +thrust in, the opening immediately emits a volume of white smoke, +and if the hand be applied to the aperture, it is soon withdrawn on +account of the great heat. The mean temperature of the summit, during +the months of July and August, is 37 deg. Fahr. After having remained +about an hour, descended to the Casa Inglese. After an hour's repose, +proceeded downwards, visited the Philosopher's Tower, as it is called, +which tradition says was constructed by Empedocles while he was +studying the various phenomena of Etna. + +About a mile or two from this spot, there is a grand view of the +Val di Bove. The foreground consists of lava, forming the face of an +enormous precipice, at the bottom of which is seen a lovely valley, +gradually sloping down towards the coast, embracing the three several +regions of the mountain, to which the purple wave of the Mediterranean +forms a noble boundary: nothing can be more varied, rich, and +beautiful than this scene, as it comprises every object necessary to +form a perfect landscape. + +It was interesting to notice the gradual increase of vegetation during +the descent. The Senecio Christhenifolius grows at the elevation of +8,830 feet, the Juniperus Communis commences at 6,800. Then follow the +Pinus Sylv., Betula Alba, Quercus Robur, and the Fagus Sylvaticus. The +olive is seen at the altitude of 3,000 feet, and the vines flourish as +high as 5,000 feet.--_United Service Journal._ + + [In a clever paper on the geographical position and history of + Active Volcanoes, contributed by W.M. Higgins, Esq. F.G.S. and + J.W. Draper, Esq. to the _Magazine of Natural History_, is the + following outline of Etna.] + +Etna is entirely composed of volcanic rocks, and rises in imposing +grandeur to the height of 10,000 ft. above the level of the sea. It is +about 180 miles in circumferences, and is surrounded on every hand +by apparently small volcanic cones, though of no inconsiderable size, +which tend in a great degree to increase the apparent dimensions of +the central mountain. Some of these cones are covered with vegetation, +but others are arid and bare. From this variety in the progress of +vegetation, some persons have endeavoured to calculate the relative +ages of the cones; but these opinions are exceedingly vague, as it +requires a longer period to form a soil on some lavas than on +others. The earliest historical notice we have of this mountain is by +Thucydides, who states that there were three eruptions previous to the +Peloponnesian war (431 B.C.), to one of which Pindar alludes in his +first Pythian Ode. In the year 396 B.C. the volcano was again active; +and according to Diodorus Siculus, the Carthaginian army was stopped +in its march against Syracuse by the flowing lava. But let it suffice +to say, that ten eruptions previous to, and forty-eight subsequent to, +the Christian era, have been recorded; some when the mountain was +in the phase of moderate activity, and others when in the phase of +prolonged intermittence. + + * * * * * + + +THE SECRET LOVER. + + +FROM THE PERSIAN OF JAUMI. + + + Lives there the soulless youth, whose eye + That ruby tinted lip could see, + Nor long for thee to live or die? + How unlike me! + + Or see that cheek's pomegranate glow; + Yet think of anything but thee, + Cold as that bosom heaving snow? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee o'er the golden wire + Bend with such lovely witchery, + Nor feel each tone like living fire? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in the evening dance + Float, like the foam upon the sea, + Nor drink sweet poison from thy glance? + How unlike me! + + Or hear thy hymn, at moonlight rise, + Soft as the humming of the bee, + Nor think he sits in Paradise? + How unlike me! + + Or see thee in thy simplest hour, + Sweet as the rose upon the tree, + Nor long to plant thee in his bower? + How unlike me! + + But lives there one who vainly tries + To look the freest of the free, + And hide the wound by which he dies? + Ah! how like me! + +_BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE_. + + * * * * * + + + +RETROSPECTIVE GLEANINGS. + + +ROBIN HOOD. + + (_Concluded from page 182_.) + +With respect to the personal character of Robin Hood, it is generally +agreed that he was active, brave, prudent, patient, possessed of +uncommon bodily strength, and considerable military skill; just, +generous, and beloved by his followers. As proofs of his singular +popularity, his story and exploits have been made the subject of +various dramatic exhibitions, as well of innumerable poems, lyrics, +songs, and ballads; he has given rise to divers proverbs, and to swear +by him was a common practice. Some writers say his songs have been +preferred on solemn occasions, not only to the Psalms of David, but +to the New Testament, and his service to the word of God. We have the +opinion of Bishop Latimer on this head:--"I came," says the bishop +(in his sixth sermon before King Edward VI.) "to a place, riding on +a journey homeward from London, and I sent word over night into the +town, that I would preach there in the morning, because it was a +holyday, and methought it was a holydayes worke; the churche stode +in my way, and I toke my horse and my companye and went thither. I +thought I should have found a great companye in the churche, and when +I came there, the churche dore was faste locked; I tarried halfe +an houre and more, and at last the keye was founde, and one of the +parishe commes to me, and sayes, 'Syr, thys ys a busye day with us, we +cannot heare you; it is Robyn Hoode's day; the parishe is gone abroad +to gather for Robyn Hoode.' I pray you let them not, I was fayne there +to geve place to Robyn Hoode. I thought my rochet should have been +regarded thoughe I were not; but it woulde not serve, it was fayne +to give place to Robyn Hoode's men. It is no laughyng matter, my +friendes, it is a wepynge matter, a heavy matter under a pretence +for gatherynge for Robyn Hoode, a traytoure and a thefe, to put out +a preacher, to have his office lesse esteemed, to prefer Robyn Hoode +before the mynystration of God's word, and all thys hath come of +unpreachynge prelates. Thys realme hath been il provided, for that +it hath had suche corrupte judgementes in it, to prefer Robyn Hode +to Godde's worde. Yf the bysshoppes had bene preachers, there sholde +never have bene any such thynge," &c. + +Robin Hood was believed to possess supernatural powers. In the parish +of Halifax is an immense stone or rock, supposed to be a Druidical +monument, there called Robin Hood's penny-stone, which he is said +to have used to pitch with at a mark, for his amusement. There was +likewise another of these stones of several tons weight, which the +country people would say he threw off an adjoining hill with a spade, +as he was digging. At Bitchover, where it was said he lived, among +several groups of rocks, were some stones called Robin Hood's Stride, +being two of the highest and most remarkable. He obtained also the +distinction of sainthood, in having a festival allotted to him, and +solemn games instituted in honour of his memory; a short account of +which will be found in _The Mirror_, No. 544, p. 259. These games were +celebrated till the latter end of the sixteenth century, not by the +populace only, but by kings and princes, and grave magistrates, in +Scotland and in England; being considered in the former country of the +highest political importance, and essential to the civil and religious +liberties of the people; the efforts of government to suppress them +frequently producing tumult and insurrection. + +In Ray's Itineraries, 1760, we are told that Robin Hood's bow, one +of his arrows, his chair, his cap, and one of his slippers, were +preserved till within the above century. In Brome's Travels, is the +following notice of his relics: "having pleased ourselves with the +antiquities of Nottingham, we took horse and went to visit the well, +and ancient chair, of Robin Hood, which is not far from hence, within +the Forest of Sherwood. Being placed in the chair, we had a cap +which they say was his, very formally put upon our heads, and having +performed the usual ceremonies befitting so great a solemnity, we +received the freedom of the chair, and were incorporated into the +society of that renowned brotherhood." In Hutton's Journey from +Birmingham to London, 1785, he states, "I was much pleased with a +slipper, belonging to the famous Robin Hood, shown me, fifty years +ago, at St. Ann's Well, near Nottingham, a place upon the borders of +Sherwood Forest, to which he resorted." Over a spring called Robin +Hood's Well, four miles north of Doncaster, is a handsome stone arch, +erected by Lord Carlisle, where passengers from the coach used to +drink of the fair water, and give alms to two people who attended. + +Thus, not only did those places retain his name which afforded him +security or amusement, but even the well at which he quenched his +thirst. There is also Robin Hood's Bay, on the coast of Yorkshire. +It is mentioned by Leland as "a fischer tounlet of 20 bootes caulled +Robyn Huddes Bay, a dok or bosom of a mile yn length:" in this bay he +often went fishing in the summer season, and not far from this he had +butts or marks set up, where he used to exercise his men in shooting +with the long bow. + +After Robin's death, his company dispersed, and are supposed to have +been distinguished from the name of their gallant leader, by the title +of Roberdsmen. It may not be uninteresting to subjoin a short account +of the last days of Robin's friend and favourite, Little John. The +honour of his death and burial is contended by rival nations, first by +England. At the village of Hathersage, about six miles from Castleton, +in Derbyshire, is Little John's grave. Tradition states, some curious +person caused it to be opened, when there were found several bones of +uncommon size, which he preserved; but meeting afterwards with +many unlucky accidents, he carefully replaced them, partly at the +intercession of the sexton who had taken them up for him, and who had +in like manner been visited with misfortunes, but upon restoring +the bones all these troubles ceased. Secondly, by Scotland. In +Murray-land, according to the historian, Hector Boece, is "the +Kirke of Pette, quhare the banis of Lytill Johne remainis in grete +admiratioun of pepill. He hes bene fourtene feet of hycht with square +membris effering thairto VI zeris," continues he, "afore the cumyng of +this werk to lycht we saw his hanche-bane, als mekill as the hail +bane of ane man, lor we schot our arme in the mouth thairof. Be quhilk +apperis how strang and square pepill grew in our regioun afore they +were effeminat with lust and intemperance of mouth." Thirdly, by +Ireland. "There stood," as Stanihurst relates, "in Ostmantowne greene +an hillocke, named Little John his shot. The occasion," he says, +proceeded of this--"In the yeere one thousand one hundred foure score +and nine, there ranged three robbers and outlaws in England, among +which Robert Hood and Little John weere cheefeteins, of all theeves +doubtlesse the most courteous. Robert Hood being betrayed at a nunrie +in Scotland, called Bricklies, the remnant of the crue was scattered, +and everie man forced to shift for himselfe; whereupon Little John was +faine to flee the realme by sailing to Ireland, where he sojornied +for a few daies at Dublin. The citizens beeing doone to understand the +wandering outcast to be an excellent archer, requested him hartilie to +trie how far he could shoote at random; who yeelding to their behest, +stood on the bridge of Dublin, and shot to that mole hill, leaving +behind him a monument, rather by his posteritie to be woondered, than +possiblie by anie man living to be counterscored. But as the repaire +of so notorious a champion to anie countrie would soone be published, +so his abode could not be long concealed, and therefore to eschew +the danger of laws, he fled into Scotland, where he died at a town or +village called Moravie." But, Mr. Walker, after observing, that "poor +Little John's great practical skill in archery could not save him +from an ignominious fall," says "it appeared from some records in +the Southwell family, that he was publicly executed for robbery on +Arbor-hill, Dublin." + +A bow, said to have belonged to Little John, with the name of Nayler +upon it, is now in the possession of a gentleman in the West Riding of +Yorkshire.[6] SWAINE. + + [6] Sir George Armitage, of Kirklees Hall.--See _Mirror_, vol. + xix. p. 322. + + * * * * * + + + +NEW BOOKS. + + * * * * * + +ELEMENTS OF CHEMISTRY. + + + [This is one of the _Naturo-Philosophical_ volumes of the + _Cabinet Cyclopaedia_, and is therefore to be viewed as a + portion of that series rather than as a substantive work. Its + preparation has been entrusted to Mr. M. Donovan, Professor of + Chemistry to the Company of Apothecaries in Ireland; so that + it comes to us with some share of recommendatory experience + on the part of the editor. It would, however, be difficult to + point out the advantages of Mr. Donovan's volume over others + of the same description. Neither will such distinction be + looked for but in a scientific journal. The arrangement is + clear and satisfactory; the manner plain and illustrative; and + the matter in accordance with the science of the present day; + though in a few cases the nomenclature is somewhat overloaded + with hard names, and presumes more previous acquaintance with + the subject than is consistent. We subjoin a few extracts of + popular interest.] + +_Caloric, or the matter of Heat._ + +Heat is admitted by the philosophers of the present day to be the +principle concerned in repulsion; and heat and cold are known to +produce expansion and contraction in all bodies. Heat is, therefore, +the antagonist of cohesion. Chemists have thought it necessary to make +a distinction between the senses in which the word heat may be taken. +In its usual acceptation, it merely means the effect excited on the +organs of sensation by a hot body. But as this must be produced by +a power in the hot body independent of sensation, that power is what +chemists understand by the word _heat_: and to distinguish between +the effect and its cause, the term _caloric_ has been substituted. +The introduction of this term appears altogether unnecessary, when +the sense in which the word _heat_ should be understood is explained. +Caloric means the _cause_ of the _sensation_ heat: and there seems no +reason to fear that the perception of heat by the organs of sensation +can ever be misunderstood to be the agent in chemical phenomena. + +_Omniscience displayed in the constitution of the Atmosphere._ + +In the constitution of the atmosphere we have ample scope to admire +the design and execution of a structure calculated, with such wondrous +precision, to fulfil its purposes. Were the atmosphere to consist +wholly of oxygen; and the different kinds of objects which compose, +and are found upon, the globe, to remain what they are; the world +would run through its stages of decay, renovation, and final +destruction, in a rapid cycle. Combustion, once excited, would proceed +with ungovernable violence; the globe, during its short existence, +would be in a continual conflagration, until its ashes would be its +only remains: animals would live with hundred-fold intensity, and +terminate their mortal career in a few hours. On the other hand, +were the atmosphere wholly composed of azote, life could never have +existed, whether animal or vegetable, and the objects of the Creator +in forming this world would not be fulfilled. But the atmosphere is a +wholesome mixture of these two formidable elements, each neutralizing +the other's baneful influence. The life of animals quietly runs +through its allotted space; and the current of nature flows within +prescribed limits, manageably and moderately. + +_Tartaric Acid._ + +Every one knows, that when a large quantity of the juice of grapes is +left to spontaneous fermentation, the result is wine. When wine has +been kept some time to depurate in wooden vessels, it deposits, on the +side of the vessel, a hard crust of dark coloured matter, the taste +of which is sour. This matter is impure; but, when purified by various +crystallizations, it becomes perfectly white and crystalline; and +then it is known in commerce by the name of _cream of tartar_. The +etymology of the singular name, tartar, is uncertain: it is derived +from _tartaros_, as some say, because it occasions pains equal to +those endured in the infernal regions; and, as others say, merely +because this substance deposits itself in the inferior parts of the +cask. Tartaric acid may be obtained from cream of tartar by a +process analogous to that given for obtaining citric acid. It has an +exceedingly acid taste: it dissolves readily in water, and is soluble +in alcohol. Its crystals are of a very irregular shape. In 100 parts, +by weight, there are 12 of water; the remaining 88 parts are the pure +anhydrous acid, composed of 32-39 parts of carbon, 52-97 of oxygen, +and 2-64 of hydrogen. This acid exists abundantly in other fruits, but +especially in the tamarind; in the grape it exists along with citric, +malic, and an acid called _vinic_, which resembles tartaric acid +in many respects, but differs from it in others, and concerning the +nature of which almost nothing is known: these four constitute the +agreeable tartness of the juice of that fruit. + +_Oxalic Acid_. + +The plant called sorrel is valued for its acidulous taste. This +acidity is owing to the presence of a peculiar acid, which may +be separated from the juice, and from the potash with which it is +combined, by a process analagous to that described for the preparation +of citric acid. It has obtained the name of _oxalic acid_, from +the generic name of the plant, _oxalis acetosella_. This acid forms +readily into regular crystals, of which one half the weight is water, +the other half being pure acid. It is a remarkable circumstance in +its constitution, that it contains no hydrogen, and that it consists +merely of carbon and oxygen--there being twice as much oxygen as +there is carbon. So that it differs from carbonic acid merely in the +relative quantities of its ingredients. Oxalic acid can be prepared by +an artificial process, with great ease, from sugar, and six times its +weight of nitric acid,--the former affording the carbon necessary to +its formation, and the latter the oxygen. It is only necessary to +heat the nitric acid on the sugar; the sugar dissolves, and there is +a violent effervescence, which must be moderated by immersion in +cold water: when the mixture cools, crystals of oxalic acid form in +abundance, which may be purified by a second crystallization. + +Oxalic acid is an active poison; many persons have fallen victims to +its virulence, by having swallowed it in mistake for Epsom salt, which +it resembles in appearance. In all probability, this would not prove +to be the only vegetable acid capable of acting as a poison. Chalk +finely powdered, and diffused in water, is the proper antidote to the +poison of oxalic acid. + + [The chapter on Combustion contains some new facts; and that + on the Atomic Theory is more attractive than might have been + expected.] + + * * * * * + + + +THE GATHERER + + * * * * * + +_The Plain Truth._--Sir John Trevor, cousin to Lord Chancellor +Jefferies, was an able man, but as corrupt as he was able. He +was twice Speaker of the House of Commons, and officially had the +mortification to put the question to the house, "whether himself ought +to be expelled for bribery." The answer was "Yes." + +_Freaks of Royalty._--James I. in a capricious mood, threatened +the Lord Mayor with removing the seat of royalty, the meetings of +parliament, &c. from the capital. "Your Majesty at least," replied the +Mayor, "will be graciously pleased to leave us the River Thames." + +_The Original Strand._--In the reign of Edward III. the Strand was an +open highway. A solitary house occasionally occurred; but in 1353, +the ruggedness of the highway was such, that Edward appointed a tax on +wool, leather, &c. for its improvement. + +On the laying the first stone of the church of St. Martin's in +the Fields, the king (George I.) gave one hundred guineas to be +distributed among the workmen. + +_A swampy Kingdom._--In the reign of Charles II. at the east end of +St. James's Park, there was a swampy retreat for the ducks, thence +denominated Duck Island, which, by Charles was erected into a +government, and a salary annexed to the office, in favour of the +celebrated French writer, M. de St. Evremond, who was the first and +last governor. + +The gold embroidery of the chair of state in Carlton Palace is stated +to have cost 500_l_. + +The horse rode by the Champion in the coronation of George the Third +was the same that bore George the Second at the memorable battle of +Dettingen. + +_Political Criticism._--The following proof of political prejudice +may not be known:--"John Milton was one whose natural parts might +deservedly give him a place amongst the principal of our English +poets, having written two heroic poems and a tragedy, viz:--Paradise +Lost, Paradise Regained, and Samson Agonistes; _but his fame is gone +out like a candle in a snuff_; and his memory will always stink, +which might have ever lived in honourable repute, had he not been +a notorious traitor, and most impiously and villanously belied that +blessed martyr, King Charles I."--_Lives of the most famous English +Poets, &c. 1687, by Wm. Winstanley._ + +_A Pastor._--The Rev. Andrew Marvell, A.M. father of the patriot, +was born at Mildred, in Cambridgeshire, in 1586. He was a student of +Emanuel College in that University, where he took his degree of Master +of Arts in 1608. Afterwards he was elected master of the grammar +school at Hull, and in 1624, lecturer of Trinity Church in that town. +"He was a most excellent preacher," says Fuller, "who, like a good +husband, never broached what he had new-brewed, but preached what he +had studied some competent time before: insomuch that he was wont to +say that he would cross the common proverb, which called 'Saturday the +working day, and Monday the holiday, of preachers.'" + +_Dryden's Mc Flecnoe_.--W. Newcastle has the following excellent lines +in reference to Dryden's poem:-- + + "_Flecnoe_, thy characters are so full of wit + And fancy, as each word is throng'd with it. + Each line's a _volume_, and who reads would swear + _Whole libraries_ were in each character. + Nor arrows in a quiver stuck, nor yet + Lights in the starry skies are thicker set, + Nor quills upon the armed porcupine, + Than _wit and fancy_ in this work of thine." + + +SIR WALTER SCOTT. + + +The long-expected death of this good and great man took place at +Abbotsford on Friday, September 21. Our seventh volume contains +a Portrait and Memoir of his life to the year 1826; and it is our +intention to prepare for our ensuing number, a brief memoir continued +to his last days, with a wood-cut portrait from the latest painting. +About twelve months since, Sir Walter wrote, with almost prophetic +pen, the following passage in the introduction to his last published +work: "The gentle reader is acquainted, that these are, in all +probability, the last tales which it will be the lot of the author to +submit to the public." The sequel has not been so far realized, though +the accordance of the closing line with the last hours of the deceased +bears a consoling balm: "He is now on the eve of visiting foreign +parts; a ship of war is commissioned by its royal master to carry the +Author of Waverley to climates in which he may possibly obtain such a +restoration of health as may serve him to spin his thread to an end in +his own country." + +_Eating Goose on Michaelmas Day_.--Although this custom can be traced +through upwards of three centuries, its origin has not been decided by +antiquaries. The commonly received belief is that a goose forming part +of the royal dinner when the news was brought to Queen Elizabeth of +the defeat of the Spanish Armada, her chivalrous majesty commanded +that the dish (a goose) then before her, might be served up on every +29th of September, to commemorate the above glorious event. Mr. Douce, +the learned antiquarian illustrator, saw the above reason "somewhere" +(such is his expression); but Mr. Brand thinks this rather to be a +stronger proof that the custom prevailed at court in Queen Elizabeth's +time. Its origin, however, is referable to the previous century: +since, bringing a goose "fit for the lord's dinner," on this day +appears to have been customary even in the time of Edward IV.; and, +that it was common before the Armada victory, is shown the following +passage in Gascoigne, who died in 1577, or eleven years before the +above event:-- + + "And when the tenauntes come to pay their quarter's rent, + They bring some fowle at Midsummer, a dish of fish at Lent; + At Christmasse a capon, _at Michaelmas a goose_, + And somewhat else at New Yere's-tide, _for feare their leave flies + loose_." + +The reason given by Blount, in his _Tenures_, is considered far from +satisfactory. Beckwith, his editor, says, "Probably no other reason +can be given for this custom, but that Michaelmas Day was a great +festival, and geese at that time were most plentiful." The origin of +the saying that "if you eat goose on Michaelmas Day, you will never +want money all the year round," is explained, in the _British Apollo_, +as follows:-- + + The custom came up from the tenants presenting + Their landlords with geese to incline their relenting + On following payments. + +Again:-- + + For doubtless 'twas at first design'd + To make the people seasons mind, + That so they might apply their care + To all those things which needful were; + And by a good industrious hand, + Know when and how t' improve their land. + +Ellis, in his notes to Brand, says, "the practice of eating goose on +Michaelmas Day does not appear to prevail in any part of France. Upon +St. Martin's Day, they eat turkey at Paris. They likewise eat geese +upon St. Martin's Day, Twelfth Day, and Shrove Tuesday, at Paris." +In Denmark, where the harvest is later than here, every family has a +roasted goose for supper on St. Martin's Eve. PHILO. + +_The reason why Pennsylvania was settled._ + + "Penn refused to pull his hat off + Before the king, and therefore set off, + Another country to light pat on, + Where he might worship with his hat on." H.H. + + +"Mollissima tempora fandi." + +A translation of the above is requested, in one line, which shall +rhyme with the original. H.H. + + +_Motto for a Cigar Smoker._ + +"Non fumum ex fulgore, sed ex fumo dare lucem cogita." H.H. + + * * * * * + +St. Cross, Winchester, received some weeks since, shall appear next +week. + + * * * * * + + THE LATE SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + No. 203, price Twopence, of + THE MIRROR, + Contains a STEEL-PLATE PORTRAIT and MEMOIR + of the late + SIR WALTER SCOTT, BART. + + * * * * * + +_Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143. Strand, (near Somerset +House,) London; sold by ERNEST FLEISCHER, 626, New Market, Leipsic; +G.G. BENNIS, 55, Rue Neuve, St. Augustin, Paris; and by all Newsmen +and Booksellers._ + + * * * * * + + + + + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, +and Instruction, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE *** + +***** This file should be named 11887.txt or 11887.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/1/8/8/11887/ + +Produced by Jonathan Ingram, Bill Walker and PG Distributed Proofreaders + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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