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| author | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:41:16 -0700 |
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| committer | Roger Frank <rfrank@pglaf.org> | 2025-10-15 04:41:16 -0700 |
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diff --git a/13053-h/13053-h.htm b/13053-h/13053-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..09e0771 --- /dev/null +++ b/13053-h/13053-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,4080 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" + content="text/html; charset=UTF-8" /> + + <title>International Weekly Miscellany, July 22, 1850.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + + <!-- + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + pre {font-size: 0.7em;} + + hr {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + hr.short {text-align: center; width: 20%;} + html>body hr.short {margin-right: 40%; margin-left: 40%; width: 20%;} + + .note + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; font-size: 8pt;} + + .poem + {margin-left:10%; margin-right:10%; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: left;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem p {margin: 0; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem p.i2 {margin-left: 1em;} + .poem p.i4 {margin-left: 2em;} + .poem p.i6 {margin-left: 3em;} + .poem p.i8 {margin-left: 4em;} + .poem p.i10 {margin-left: 5em;} + + .figure, .figcenter, .figright, .figleft + {padding: 1em; margin: 0; text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .figure img, .figcenter img, .figright img, .figleft img + {border: none;} + .figure p, .figcenter p, .figright p, .figleft p + {margin: 0; text-indent: 1em;} + .figcenter {margin: auto;} + .figright {float: right;} + .figleft {float: left;} + + .footnote {font-size: 0.9em; margin-right: 10%; margin-left: 10%;} + + .side { float:right; + font-size: 75%; + width: 25%; + padding-left:10px; + border-left: dashed thin; + margin-left: 10px; + text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; + font-weight: bold; + font-style: italic;} + --> + /*]]>*/ + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13053 ***</div> + + <h1>INTERNATIONAL WEEKLY MISCELLANY<br /> + Of Literature, Art, and Science.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + + <table width="100%" + summary="Volume, Number, and Date"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. I.</b></td> + + <td align="center"><b>NEW YORK, JULY 22, 1850.</b></td> + + <td align="right"><b>No. 4.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page97" + id="page97"></a>[pg 97]</span> + + <h2>LITERARY COTERIES IN PARIS IN THE LAST CENTURY.</h2> + + <p>The revolutions of society are almost as sure if not as + regular as those of the planets. The inventions of a generation + weary after a while, but they are very likely to be revived if + they have once ministered successfully to pleasure or ambition. + The famous coteries in which learning was inter-blended with + fashion in the golden age of French intelligence, are being + revived under the new Republic, and women are again quietly + playing with institutions and liberties, perhaps as dangerously + as when Mesdames de Tencin, Pompadour, Geoffrin, Deffant, + Poplinière and L'Espinasse assembled the destinies nightly in + their drawing rooms.</p> + + <p>The tendency to such associations is displayed also in most + of our own cities. The Town and Country Club of Boston, the + Wistar Parties in Philadelphia, the Literary Club in + Charleston, the recent <i>converzaziones</i> at the houses of + President Charles King of Columbia College, and others, and the + well-known Saturday Evenings at Miss Lynch's, where literature + and art and general speculation have for some seasons had a + common center, all illustrate the disposition of an active and + cultivated society, not engrossed by special or spasmodic + excitements, to cluster by rules of feeling and capacity: and + clusters of passion and mind are rarely for a long period + inert. When they become common they are apt to assume the + direction of private custom and public opinion and affairs.</p> + + <p>In view of these things, we are sure that the readers of the + <i>International</i> will be interested in the following + translation of Professor Schlosser's brilliant survey of those + <i>bureaux d'esprit</i> which so much distinguished society and + influenced its history in Europe, from the beginning to the + middle of the last century. Schlosser is a Privy Councillor and + Professor of History in the University of Heidelberg. He is + chiefly known in continental Europe by his great work, the + History of the Eighteenth Century, and of the Nineteenth till + the overthrow of the French Empire, a work which derives its + value not merely from the profound and minute acquaintance of + the author with the subject, from the new views which are + presented and the hitherto unexamined sources from which much + has been derived, but from his well-known independence of + character—from the general conclusions which he draws + from the comparative views of the resources, conduct, manners, + institutions and literature of the great European nations, + during a period unparalleled in the history of the world for + the development of the physical and mental powers of mankind, + for the greatness of the events which occurred, for the + progress of knowledge, for the cultivation of the arts and + sciences, for all that contributes to the greatness and + prosperity of nations.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>If we venture to bring the Parisian evening, dinner and + supper parties into connection with the general history of + Europe, and the ladies also at whose houses these parties took + place, we can neither be blamed for scrupulous severity, nor + for paradoxical frivolity. It belongs to the character of the + eighteenth century, that the historian who wishes to bring the + true springs of conduct and sources of action to light, must + condescend even so far. It must also be borne in mind, when the + clever women and societies of Paris are spoken of, that the + demands of the age and progressive improvement and culture were + altogether unattended to at the court of Louis XV., as well + before as after the death of Cardinal Fleury, and that all + which was neglected at Versailles was cultivated in Paris. The + court and the city had been hitherto united in their wants and + in their judgment; the court ruled education, fashion and the + general tone, as it ruled the state; now, however, they + completely separated. Afterward the voice of the city was + raised in opposition, and the voice of this opposition became + the organ of the age and of the country; but it was felt and + recognized in Versailles only when it was too late. How easy it + would have been then, as Marmontel had shown very clearly in + his memoirs, to fetter Voltaire, who was offensive to the + people, and how important this would have been for the state, + will appear in the following paragraphs, in which we shall show + that even the Parisian theatre, whose boards were regarded as a + model by all Europe, freed itself from the influence of the + court, became dependent on the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page98" + id="page98"></a>[pg 98]</span> tone-giving circles of Paris, + and assumed a decidedly democratic direction.</p> + + <p>As early as the time of Louis XIV., the court had separated + itself from the learned men of the age; and at the end of the + seventeenth century the houses and societies could be + historically pointed out, in which judgments were pronounced + upon questions of literature in the same manner as the pit + became the tribunal to which plays and play-actors must appeal; + we shall not, however, go back so far, but keep the later times + always in our view. In those associations in which the Abbé de + Chaulieu and other friends of Vendome and Conti led the + conversation, literature was brought wholly under the dominion + of audacious pretension and immorality, in the time of the + Regency and during the minority of Louis XV. In reference to + the leaders there needs no proof. What could a Philip of + Orleans or his Dubois take under his protection, except what + corresponded with his ideas and mode of life?</p> + + <p>The time of the minority of Louis XV. and that of the + administration of Cardinal Fleury was for several reasons + highly favorable to the formation of private societies, which + entertained themselves with wit and satire, and carried on a + quiet but continual contest with the persons and systems which + were protected by the government and the clergy. Fleury + regarded everything as sinful which had the appearance of + worldly knowledge, or partook of the character of jests, + novels, or plays; Louis, as he grew up, showed himself quite + indifferent to everything which had no connection with + religious ceremonies, hunting, or handsome women. Fleury spoke + and wrote in that ecclesiastical phraseology which was laughed + at in the world: he favored the clergy, school learning, the + tone of the times of Louis XIV.; but the spirit of the age + demanded something different from this. All that was regarded + with disfavor by Fleury assembled around those celebrated men, + who held their reunions in Paris, and this court soon became + more important to the vain than the royal one itself, and it + was proved by experience that reputation and glory might be + gained without the aid or protection of the court at + Versailles. This no one could have previously believed, but the + public soon learnt to do homage to the tone-giving scholars, to + the ladies and gentlemen who fostered them, as it had formerly + paid its homage to the ministers of the court. This gave to the + ladies, who collected around them the celebrated men of the + time (for reputation was much more the question than merit,) + and who protected and entertained them, a degree of weight in + the political and literary world, which made them as important + in the eighteenth century as Richelieu and Colbert had been in + the seventeenth.</p> + + <p>The queen, on her part, might have been able to exercise a + beneficial influence, however little power she had in other + respects, when compared with the mistresses of the king; but + the daughter of Stanislaus Leckzinski was a gentle, admirable + woman, although somewhat narrow-minded, and wholly given up to + irrational devotional exercises and bigotry. Like her father, + she was altogether in the hands of the Jesuits, blindly and + unconditionally their servant; such an attachment to a + religious order, and such blind devotedness as hers would be + quite incredible, if we did not possess her own and her + father's autograph letters, as proofs of the fact. We shall + present our readers with some extracts from these letters, + which are preserved in the archives of the French empire, when + we come to speak of the abolition of the order of Jesuits.</p> + + <p>As to the enlightened mistresses who had much more power and + influence than the queen, Pompadour seemed, as we learn from + Marmontel, desirous of participating in the literature of the + age and of doing something for its promotion, when she saw how + important writers and the influence of the press had become; + but partly because both she and the king were altogether + destitute of any sense for the beautiful in literature or art, + and partly because the better portion of the learned men at the + time neither could nor would be pleased with what a Bernis, + Düclos and Marmontel were disposed to be, who undoubtedly + received some marks of favor from her. Voltaire is therefore + quite right when he lays upon the court the blame of allowing + the influence which literature then exercised upon the people, + to be withdrawn altogether from king and his ministers, and to + be transferred to the hands of the Parisian ladies and + farmers-general, &c. Voltaire, in his well-known + verses,<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + admits, with great openness and simplicity, that he attached + much importance to the applause of a court, although it + neither possessed judgment nor feeling for the merits of a + writer, nor for poetical beauties; and he complains at the + same time that this court had neither duly estimated his + tragedies nor his epic poems. It is characteristic both of + the court and of Voltaire that he eagerly pressed himself + forward for admission to its favor, and sought to attract + attention by a work which be himself called a piece of + trash, and that the court extended its approbation and + applause to this miserable and altogether inappropriate + piece, ('La Princesse de Navarre,') which he composed on the + occasion of the Dauphin's marriage with the Infanta of + Spain, whilst it entirely neglected his masterpieces.</p> + + <p>The Paris societies had got full possession of the field of + literature, and erected their tribunals before the middle of + the century, whilst at Versailles nothing was spoken or thought + of except amusements and hunting, Jesuits and processions, and + the grossest sensuality <span class="pagenum"><a name="page99" + id="page99"></a>[pg 99]</span> prevailed. The members of the + Parisian societies were not a whit more moral or decent in + their behavior than those about the court at Versailles, but + they carried on open war against hypocrisy, and all that was + praised and approved of by the court.</p> + + <p>We shall now proceed to mention three or four of the most + distinguished of those societies, which have obtained an + historical importance, not merely for the French literature and + mental and moral culture of the eighteenth century, but for + Europe in general, without however restraining ourselves + precisely within the limits of the half century. The minute + accounts which Grimm has given, for the most part affect only + the later periods; we turn our attention therefore the rather + to what the weak, vain, talkative Marmontel has related to us + on the subject in his 'Autobiography,' because Rousseau was by + far too one-sided in his notices, and drew public attention to + the most demoralized and degraded members of the circle + only.</p> + + <p>The first lady who must be mentioned, is Madame de Tencin. + She belonged to the period within which we must confine + ourselves, and she gained for herself such a name, not only in + Paris, but in all Europe, that she was almost regarded as the + creator of that new literature which stood in direct and bold + opposition to the prevailing taste, inasmuch as she received at + her house, entertained and cherished, those who were really its + originators and supporters. This lady could not boast of the + morality of her early years, nor of her respect even for common + propriety. She is not only notorious for having exposed, when a + child, the celebrated D'Alembert, who was her natural son, and + for regarding with indifference his being brought up by the + wife of a common glazier as her own son; but stories still + worse than even these are told of her. She enriched herself, as + many others did, in the time of Law's scheme, by no very + creditable means; and fell under such a serious suspicion of + having been privy to the death of one of those who had carried + on an intrigue with her, that she was imprisoned and involved + in a criminal prosecution, from which she escaped, not through + her own innocence, but by means of the powerful influence of + her distinguished relations and friends.</p> + + <p>All this did not prevent Pope Benedict XIV., who, as + Cardinal Lambertini, had been often at her house, as a member + of the society of men of talents who met there, from carrying + on a continual intercourse with her by letter; he also sent her + his picture as a testimony of kind remembrance. This lady + succeeded in procuring for her brother the dignity of a + cardinal, and through him had great weight with Fleury, with + the court, and with the city in general; she is also known as + an authoress. As we are not writing a history of literature + properly speaking, we pass by her novels in silence, with this + remark only, that people are accustomed to place the 'Comte de + Comminges,' written by Madame de Tencin, on the same footing + with the 'Princess de Clêve,' by Madame de Lafayette.</p> + + <p>The society in the house of Madame de Tencin consisted of + well-known men of learning, and some younger men of + distinguished name and family; she united, in later years, a + certain amiability with her care for the entertainment and + recreation of those whom she had once received into her house. + This society, after the death of De Tencin, assembled in the + house of Geoffrin. It appears, however, that Madame de Tencin, + as well as the whole fashionable world to which she belonged, + could never altogether disavow their contempt for science, if + indeed it be true, that she was accustomed to call her society + by the indecent by-name of her ménagerie. Fontenelle, + Montesquieu, Mairan, Helvetius who was then quite young and + present rather as a hearer than a speaker, Marivaux and Astruc, + formed the nucleus of this clever society and led the + conversation. Marmontel, who was not well suited to this + society, in which more real knowledge and a deeper train of + thought was called for than he possessed, informs us what the + tone of this society was, and speaks of their hunting after + lively conceits and brilliant flashes of wit, in a somewhat + contemptuous manner. Marmontel, however, himself admits, that + he was only once in the society, and that in order to read his + 'Aristomenes,' and that greater simplicity and good humor + prevailed there than in the house of Madame Geoffrin, in which + he was properly at home.</p> + + <p>Madame de Tencin's influence upon the new literature of the + opposition party, or rather upon the spirit of the age, may be + best judged of from the fact, that she largely contributed to + the first preparation and favorable reception of Montesquieu's + "Spirit of Laws." It is certain, at least, that she bought a + large number of copies and distributed them amongst her + friends. Madame Geoffrin went further; the society which had + previously met at Madame de Tencin's, no sooner held their + reunions in her house, than she drew together the whole + literary and the fashionable world, foreign ministers, noblemen + and princes who were on their travels, etc. Marmontel also + says, that the aged Madame de Tencin had guessed quite + correctly the intentions of Madame Geoffrin, when she said, + that she merely came to her house so often in order to see what + part of her inventory she could afterward make useful.</p> + + <p>Madame Geoffrin became celebrated all over Europe, merely by + devoting a portion of her income and of her time to the + reception of clever society. She had neither the knowledge, the + mind, nor the humility of Madame de Tencin, which the latter at + least affected toward the close of her life; she was cold, + egotistical, calculating, and brought into her circle nothing + more than order, tact and female delicacy. Geoffrin also + assumed the tone of high life, which always treats men of + learning, poets and artists, as if they were mantua-makers or + hair-dressers; and which + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page100" + id="page100"></a>[pg 100]</span> must ever value social tact + and the tone which is only to be acquired in good society, + higher than all studies and arts upon which any one + possessed of these properties is in a condition to pass + judgment without having spent any time in their + investigation. Marmontel is therefore honest enough to admit + that he and his friends, as well as Madame Geoffrin herself, + were accustomed to make a full parade when foreign princes, + ministers, and celebrated men or women dined at the house. + On such occasions especially, Madame Geoffrin displayed all + the charms of her mind, and called to us, "now let us be + agreeable."</p> + + <p>Geoffrin's house was the first school of <i>bon ton</i> in + Europe: Stanislaus Poniatowsky, even after he became King of + Poland, addressed her by the tender name of mother, invited her + to Warsaw, and received her as a personage of high distinction. + All the German courts which followed the fashion, paid + correspondents in order to be made acquainted with the trifles + which occupied that circle. Catherine II. had no sooner mounted + the throne than she began to pay a commissioner at this + literary court, and even Maria Theresa distinguished Madame + Geoffrin in a remarkable manner, on her return from Poland. + Besides, we are made acquainted by Marmontel, who ranked his + hostess among the gods of this earth, with the anxiety and + cautiousness of this lady of the world, who afterward broke + altogether with the chiefs of the new literature, and most + humbly did homage to the old faith, because she had never + wholly forsaken her old prejudices.</p> + + <p>The able writers of the time were used by Geoffrin only as + means to promote her objects, to gain a reputation for + splendor, and to glorify France. The King of Prussia sought her + society, in order to refresh and cheer his mind when he was + worn out with the cares and toils of government.</p> + + <p>Madame Geoffrin opened her house regularly on Mondays for + artists, and on Wednesdays for men of learning; but as she + neither understood the arts nor sciences, she took part in the + conversation only so far as she could do so without exposing + her weak side. She understood admirably how to attract the + great men to her house, to whose houses she herself very seldom + went; and as long as the appearance of fashionable infidelity + and of scoffing, which was then the mode in the higher circles, + was necessary to this object, she carefully concealed her real + religious opinions.</p> + + <p>The weak Marmontel, who, according to his own description, + was only fitted for superficial conversation and writing, + boasts of the prudence, foresight and skill of his protectress, + and shows how she understood the way to gain the confidence of + others without ever yielding her own. This distinguished art + made the house of Madame Geoffrin invaluable to the great + world, and to those learned men who wished to shine in this + kind of society, and to cultivate and avail themselves of it, + for such people must learn above all things neither to say too + much nor too little. This society, indeed, was not calculated + for any length of time for a Rousseau or a Diderot. Even the + great admirers of Geoffrin admit that <i>savoir vivre</i> was + her highest knowledge, she had very few ideas with respect to + anything besides; but in the knowledge of all that pertained to + the manners and usage of good society, in the knowledge of men, + and particularly of women, she was deeply learned, and was able + to give some very useful instructions.</p> + + <p>It would lead us too far into the history of the following + period, to enumerate and characterize the members of these + regular societies. It may suffice to mention, that in addition + to all the guests who frequented Madame de Tencin's, all the + friends of Voltaire's school, and at first also Rousseau, made + a part of the society at the house of Madame Geoffrin. We have + already remarked that no prince, minister, or distinguished man + of all Europe came to Paris who did not visit Madame Geoffrin, + and think it an honor to be invited to her house, because he + there found united all that was exclusively called talent in + Europe.</p> + + <p>Kaunitz also, who was then only a courtier in Versailles, + came to Madame Geoffrin's parties. He was a man who combined in + a most surprising manner true philosophy and a deep knowledge + of political economy, with the outward appearance of a fop and + a trifler. Among the other distinguished men who lived in + Paris, Marmontel names with high praise the Abbé Galliani, + Caraccioli, who was afterward Neapolitan ambassador, and the + Swedish ambassador, Count Creutz.</p> + + <p>Marmontel was so much delighted with this society, even at a + very advanced age, that he gives us also accounts of their + evening parties: "As I was in the habit of dining with the + learned and with the artists at Madame Geoffrin's, so was I + also of supping with her in her more limited and select circle. + At these <i>petits soupers</i> there was no carousing or + luxuries,—a fowl, spinach and pancakes constituted the + usual fare. The society was not numerous: there met together + only five or six of her particular friends, or even persons of + the highest rank, who were suited to each other, and therefore + enjoyed themselves." It appears distinctly from the passage + already quoted from Marmontel, how the high nobility on these + occasions treated the learned, and how the learned demeaned + themselves toward the nobility. It appears, therefore, that + Rousseau was not in error when he alleged that emptiness and + wantonness only were cherished in these societies, and that the + literature which was then current was only a slow poison.</p> + + <p>Madame du Deffant appeared on the stage of the great world + contemporaneously with Geoffrin, and attained so high a degree + of celebrity, that the Emperor Joseph paid her a visit in her + advanced period of life, and thus afforded her the opportunity + of paying him <span class="pagenum"><a name="page101" + id="page101"></a>[pg 101]</span> that celebrated compliment + which is found related in every history of France. With + respect to Deffant, however, we must not listen to + Marmontel; she stood above his rhymes, his love tales, his + sentimental wanton stories, and besides, he knew her only + when she had become old. What we Germans name feminine and + good morals formed no part of the distinction of Deffant, + but talents only. Like Tencin, she was ill-reputed in her + youth on account of her amours, and reckoned the Regent + among her fortunate wooers; at a later period she turned her + attention to literature.</p> + + <p>Deffant brought together at her house all those persons whom + Voltaire visited when he was in Paris; among these the + President Hénault, and, at a later period of which we now + speak, D'Alembert attracted to this circle distinguished + foreigners and Frenchmen, who made any pretensions to culture + and education. Deffant assumed quite a different tone among the + learned from that of Geoffrin. She set up for a judge in + questions of philosophy and taste, and carried on a constant + correspondence with Voltaire. Among celebrated foreigners, the + Englishman Horace Walpole played the same character in this + house which the Swede Creutz had assumed in that of Geoffrin. + Deffant and her Walpole became celebrated throughout Europe by + their printed correspondence, which, on account of its + smoothness and emptiness, like all books written for the great + world, found very numerous readers.</p> + + <p>Deffant, moreover, like Geoffrin. was faithless to her + friends; she wished indeed to enjoy the most perfect freedom in + their society, but she was unwilling that they should publish + abroad this freedom. And she strongly disapproved of the + vehemence with which her friends assailed the existing order of + things.</p> + + <p>When she afterward lost a considerable part of her property, + and became blind, she occupied a small dwelling in an + ecclesiastical foundation in Paris, but continued to receive + philosophers, poets and artists in her house; and in order to + give a little more life to the conversation, she invited a + young lady whose circumstances were straitened to be her + companion. This was Mademoiselle l'Espinasse. L'Espinasse was + not beautiful, but she was young, amiable, lively, and more + susceptible than we in Germany are accustomed either to allow + or to pardon. Deffant, on the other hand, was witty and + intelligent, but old, bitter, and withal egotistically + insensible. The boldest scoffers assembled around L'Espinasse, + and there was afterward formed around her a circle of her own. + Deffant turned day into night, and night into day. She and the + Duchess of Luxembourg, who was inseparable from her, received + learned distinguished personages and foreigners, from six + o'clock in the evening during the greater part of the + night.</p> + + <p>The importance in which such ladies and such societies were + held, not merely in France but in all Europe, may be judged of + from the fact, that the breach between Deffant and her young + companion was treated in some measure as a public European + event. The French minister and foreign ambassadors took part in + it, and the whole literary world felt its effect. After this + breach there were two tone-giving tribunals for the guidance of + public opinion in matters of literature and taste, and their + decisions were circulated by letter over all Europe. Horace + Walpole, Hénault, Montesquieu. Voltaire, whose correspondence + with Deffant has been published in the present century, + remained true to her cause. D'Alembert, whose correspondence + with Deffant, as well as that of the Duchess of Maine, have + also been published in our century, went over to L'Espinasse. + This academician, whose name and influence was next in + importance to that of Voltaire, formed the nucleus of a new + society in the house of L'Espinasse, and was grievously + tormented by his <i>inamorata</i>, who pursued one plan of + conquest after another when she saw one scheme of marriage + after another fail of success. It appears from the whole of the + transactions and consequences connected with this breach, + however surprising it may be, that this formation of a new + circle in Paris for evening entertainment may be with truth + compared to the institution of a new academy for the promotion + of European culture and refinement. The Duchess of Luxembourg, + who continued to be a firm friend of Deffant, took upon herself + to provide suitable apartments for the society, whilst the + minister of the day (the Duc de Choiseul) prevailed upon the + king to grant a pension of no inconsiderable amount to + L'Espinasse.</p> + + <p>This new circle was the point of union for all the + philosophical reformers. Here D'Alembert and Diderot led the + conversation; and the renowned head of the political + economists, Türgot, who was afterward minister of state, was a + member of this bolder circle of men who became celebrated and + ill-renowned under the name of Encyclopædists. We shall enter + upon a fuller consideration of the tone and taste which reigned + in this assembly, as well as in the society which met in the + house of Holbach, and of the history of the Encyclopædia, in + the following period, and shall only now mention at the + conclusion of the present, and that very slightly, some of the + other clever societies of Parisians who were all in their day + celebrated in Europe. It is scarcely possible for us to judge + of the charm which these societies possessed in the great + world. This may be best learned from their own writings and + conversation, a specimen of which may be found in Marmontel's + 'Memoirs,' and formed the subject of a conversation between him + and the Duke of Brunswick (who fell at Jena in 1806) and his + duchess.</p> + + <p>The society of <i>beaux esprits</i> which met at the house + of Madame de Poplinière, in the time of Madame de Tencin, was + only short-lived, like the good fortune of the lady herself. In + her house there assembled members of the great world who were + addicted to carousing <span class="pagenum"><a name="page102" + id="page102"></a>[pg 102]</span> and debauchery, and learned + men who sought to obtain their favor and approbation. The + same sort of society was afterward kept up in the house of + Holbach. A smaller society, which frequented the house of + the farmer-general Pelletier, consisted of unmarried people, + who were known as persons who indulged in malicious and + licentious conversation. Collé, the younger Crébillon and + Bernard, who, notwithstanding his helplessness, was called + <i>le gentil</i>, played the chief characters in this + reunion, and the Gascon nature of Marmontel, which was + always forward and intrusive, helped him into this society + also. Baron Holbach, who was a native of the Palatinate, and + the able Helvetius who was wanton merely from vanity, + brought together expressly and intentionally at a later + period, around their well-spread table, all those who + declared open war against religion and morality. We must, + however, return to these men in the following period.</p> + + <p>Holbach for a whole quarter of a century had regular + dinner-parties on Sundays, which are celebrated in the history + of atheism. All those were invited, who were too bold and too + out-spoken for Geoffrin; and even D'Alembert also at a later + period withdrew from their society.</p> + + <p>Grimm, whose copious correspondence has also been published + in the nineteenth century, gives minutes and notices of all the + memorable sayings and doings that served to entertain and + occupy the polite world in Europe. Grimm also entertained and + feasted these distinguished gentlemen. He was not at that time + consul for Gotha, or employed and paid by that court or the + Empress Catherine to collect Parisian anecdotes, neither had he + then been made a baron, but was merely civil secretary of Count + von Friese. Both J.J. Rousseau and Buffon belonged at first to + these societies; but the former, in great alarm, broke off all + intercourse with the people who then played the first parts in + Paris, and the other quietly retired.</p> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" + name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mon Henri quatre et ma Zaïre,</p> + + <p>Et mon Americaine Alzire,</p> + + <p>Ne m'ont valu jamais un seul regard du roi;</p> + + <p>J'eus beaucoup d'ennemis avec très-peu de + gloire.</p> + + <p>Les honneurs et les biens pleuvent enfin sur + moi</p> + + <p>Pour une farce de la foire.—<i>La + Princesse de Navarro</i>.</p> + </div> + </div> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE ATHENÆUM UPON HAWTHORNE.<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a></h3> + + <p>The London <i>Athenæum</i>, of the 15th June, has the + following remarks upon the last work of NATHANIEL + HAWTHORNE:</p> + + <p>"This is a most powerful and painful story. Mr. Hawthorne + must be well known to our readers as a favorite of the + <i>Athenæum</i>. We rate him as among the most original and + peculiar writers of American fiction. There in his works a + mixture of Puritan reserve and wild imagination, of passion and + description, of the allegorical and the real, which some will + fail to understand, and which others will positively + reject,—but which, to ourselves, is fascinating, and + which entitles him to be placed on a level with Brockden Brown + and the author of 'Rip Van Winkle.' 'The Scarlet Letter' will + increase his reputation with all who do not shrink from the + invention of the tale; but this, as we have said, is more than + ordinarily painful. When we have announced that the three + characters are a guilty wife, openly punished for her + guilt,—her tempter, whom she refuses to unmask, and who + during the entire story carries a fair front and an unblemished + name among his congregation,—and her husband, who, + returning from a long absence at the moment of her sentence, + sits himself down betwixt the two in the midst of a small and + severe community to work out his slow vengeance on both under + the pretext of magnanimous forgiveness,—when we have + explained that 'The Scarlet Letter' is the badge of Hester + Prynne's shame, we ought to add that we recollect no tale + dealing with crime so sad and revenge so subtly diabolical, + that is at the same time so clear of fever and of prurient + excitement. The misery of the woman is as present in every page + as the heading which in the title of the romance symbolizes her + punishment. Her terrors concerning her strange elvish child + present retribution in a form which is new and + natural:—her slow and painful purification through + repentance is crowned by no perfect happiness, such as awaits + the decline of those who have no dark and bitter past to + remember. Then, the gradual corrosion of heart of Dimmesdale, + the faithless priest, under the insidious care of the husband, + (whose relationship to Hester is a secret known only to + themselves,) is appalling; and his final confession and + expiation are merely a relief, not a reconciliation. We are by + no means satisfied that passions and tragedies like these are + the legitimate subjects for fiction: we are satisfied that + novels such as 'Adam Blair,' and plays such as 'The Stranger,' + maybe justly charged with attracting more persons than they + warn by their excitement. But if Sin and Sorrow in their most + fearful forms are to be presented in any work of art, they have + rarely been treated with a loftier severity, purity, and + sympathy than in Mr. Hawthorne's 'Scarlet Letter.' The touch of + the fantastic befitting a period of society in which ignorant + and excitable human creatures conceived each other and + themselves to be under the direct 'rule and governance' of the + Wicked One, is most skillfully administered. The supernatural + here never becomes grossly palpable:—the thrill is all + the deeper for its action being indefinite, and its source + vague and distant."</p> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" + name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + + <p>The Scarlet Letter: a Romance. By Nathaniel Hawthorne. + Boston: Ticknor & Co.</p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <p>The Emperor Nicholas has just published an ordonnance, which + regulates the pensions to which Russian and foreign actors at + the imperial theaters at St. Petersburgh shall be entitled. + This ordonnance divides the actors (national as well as + foreign) into four classes. The first class obtains, after + twenty years' service, pensions averaging from 300 to 1140 + silver rubles. The others, after fifteen years' service, will + receive pensions from 285 to 750 silver rubles.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page103" + id="page103"></a>[pg 103]</span> + + <h3>THE HAIR</h3> + + <p>CHEMICALLY AND PHYSIOLOGICALLY CONSIDERED.—Each hair + is a tube, containing an oil, of a color similar to its own. + Hair contains at least ten distinct substances: sulphate of + lime and magnesia, chlorides of sodium and potassium, phosphate + of lime, peroxide of iron, silica, lactate of ammonia, oxide of + manganese and margaim. Of these, <i>sulphur</i> is the most + prominent, and it is upon this that certain metallic salts + operate in changing the color of hair. Thus when the salts of + lead or of mercury are applied, they enter into combination + with the sulphur, and a black sulphuret of the metal is formed. + A common formula for a paste to dye the hair, is a mixture of + litharge, slacked lime, and bicarbonate of potash. Different + shades may be given by altering the proportions of these + articles. Black hair contains iron and manganese and no + magnesia; while fair hair is destitute of the two first + substances, but possesses magnesia.</p> + + <p>No one ever possessed all the requisites of masculine or + feminine beauty without a profusion of hair. This is one of the + crowning perfections of the human form, upon which poets of all + ages have dwelt with the most untiring satisfaction. However + perfect a woman may be in other respects; however beautiful her + eyes, her mouth, teeth, lips, nose or cheeks; however brilliant + her expression, in conversation or excitement, she is + positively disagreeable without this ornament of nature. The + question is sometimes asked, "What will cure love?" We answer, + scissors. Let the object be shorn of hair, and you may take the + word of a physiologist, that the tender passion will lose its + distinctiveness; it may subside into respect: it is more likely + to change into a less agreeable emotion.</p> + + <p>In man, the hair is an excellent index of character. As the + beard distinguishes man from woman, so its full and luxuriant + growth often indicates strength and nobleness, intellectual and + physical; while a meager beard suggests an uncertain + character—part masculine, part feminine. Was there ever a + truly great man, or one with a generous disposition, with a + thin beard and a weazen face? On the other hand, show me a man + with "royal locks," and I will trust his natural impulses in + almost every vicissitude. When we see a genuine man, upon whom + Nature has declined to set this seal of her approval, we cannot + help an involuntary emotion of admiration for the virtuous and + persevering energy with which he must have overcome his + destiny.</p> + + <p>Pertinent hereto: we have read with unusual satisfaction the + arguments for Beards in Dr. Marcy's <i>Theory and Practice of + Medicine</i> and the pleasant essays in the same behalf which + John Waters has printed in the <i>Knickerbocker</i>. Our + conservatism yields before these reformers, who would bring + custom to the proprieties of nature.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>WHAT'S IN A NAME?—A good deal, sometimes. Thus, the + truth of the adage of "give a dog a bad name," &c., has + lately been exemplified in a singular manner. Eugene Sue, you + may remember, causes some of the most terrible events in the + <i>Mysteres de Paris</i> to occur in the Allée des Venves, a + fine avenue in the Champs Elysees. This has had the effect of + giving the unfortunate Allée—though as quiet, modest, + well-behaved, moral street as need be—a detestable + reputation; people have shunned it as if it were a cavern of + cutthroats—those condemned to live in it have felt + themselves <i>quasi</i>-infamous—its rents have fallen, + its shops stood empty, its business has dwindled away. The + owners of its houses, and its few remaining inhabitants and + shopkeepers, have for months past been pestering the + municipality of Paris to devise means of restoring its fallen + prosperity, and removing the monstrous stigma attached to it. + At last, moved by compassion, the municipality has given + permission to have the name changed to "Avenue de Montaigne." + The ex-Allée, says the writer who informs us of the + circumstance, is in great jubilation, and is crying with + enthusiasm "<i>Je suis sauvee!</i>"</p> + <hr /> + + <p>"NAMES HIGH INSCRIBED."—It is stated that the names of + nearly every distinguished man in every department of + literature and science, from the remotest antiquity down to the + present time, are inscribed in letters of gold on the outside + of the new <i>Bibliotheque de Sainte Geneviève</i>, which is + now rapidly approaching completion. The list is naturally one + of tremendous length, and covers not less than three whole + sides of the vast building. It is impossible not to admire the + spirit in which it has been devised, and the impartiality with + which it has been executed. Altogether, it does the highest + credit to the Parisians, and especially to their municipal + authorities. The names are arranged in chronological order, but + without date, and without regard to the nationality of, or to + the peculiar distinction achieved by the individual; thus the + two last names are those of Berzelius, the Swedish + <i>savant</i>, and Chateaubriand; and a little above them + figures Walter Scott, Byron, and other English immortals. + Living celebrities are of course excluded.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>MR. HARTLEY, a benevolent English gentleman, directed in his + will that £200 should be set apart as a prize for the best + essay on Emigration, and appointed the American Minister + trustee of the fund. The Vice Chancellor has decided that the + bequest is void, for the reason that such an essay would + encourage people to emigrate to the United States, and so to + throw off their allegiance to the Queen! Another decision + equally wise was made at the same time in regard to a prize for + a treatise on Natural Theology. The learned Vice Chancellor + regarded it as calculated to "subvert the Church."</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page104" + id="page104"></a>[pg 104]</span> + + <h2>Recent Deaths.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>ROBERT EGLESFELD GRIFFITH, M.D., died in Philadelphia, on + the 27th ult., in the fifty-third year of his age. Dr. Griffith + possessed fine talents; in addition to a thorough knowledge of + his profession, he was familiar with most of the branches of + natural science, while in botany and conchology he stood second + to few in this country; and his social and moral qualities were + of the highest order. He filled in succession the chairs of + Materia Medica and Pharmacy in the Philadelphia College of + Pharmacy; of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, Hygiene, and Medical + Jurisprudence in the University of Virginia. Whilst laboring in + the latter station his health failed him, and he was induced to + seek a winters residence in the West Indies in hopes of its + restoration. It became evident, however, that his health was + permanently broken, and for the last four years he has resided + in his native city, Though suffering much, his energy and + industry never flagged: and he has given the results of his + labors in his Medical Botany and his Universal Formulary, two + works which will secure him a permanent reputation. He also + enriched by his annotations a number of works republished in + this country, among which we may mention Christison's + Dispensatory, Taylor's Medical Jurisprudence, Ryan's Medical + Jurisprudence, Ballard and Garrod's Materia Medica.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>F. MANSELL REYNOLDS, the eldest son of the late F. Reynolds, + the dramatic author, died recently at Fontainebleau. He was + long intimate with and favorably known to literary circles in + England, counting such men as Wordsworth, Coleridge, Bernal, + Lockhart, Hook, and many others, among his personal friends. As + the editor of "Heath's Keepsake," when it started, he proved + himself a person of taste and ability. He was also the author + of "Miserrimus," which excited a considerable sensation when + published, and of one or two other works of fiction, which, + together with his contributions to several serials, displayed + much variety of talent.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>JOHN ROBY, author of "Traditions of Lancashire," and other + works, which have been as popular as any of their class, is + mentioned as one of the persons lost in the "Orion" steamer. + Mr. Roby was long a banker in Rochdale, and partner of Mr. + Fielden, and though an excellent man of business, his mind was + deeply interested in literary pursuits and in cultivating the + friendly intercourse of literary men.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Prof. CANSTATT, of the University of Erlangen, died on the + 10th of March, after a long and painful illness. Dr. C. was one + of the most distinguished physicians of our times, and had won + for himself a lasting reputation by his work on the diseases of + old age.</p> + <hr /> + + <h2>Original Poetry</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>The following graphic picture of domestic happiness in + humble life, was written by Townsend Haines, Esq., late + Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and now Register + of the Treasury, at Washington. Mr. Haines is an eloquent and + accomplished lawyer, with fine capacities for literature, to + which it may be regretted that he has recently given so little + attention.</p> + + <h4>BOB FLETCHER</h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I once knew a plowman, Bob Fletcher his name,</p> + + <p>Who was old and was ugly, and so was his dame;</p> + + <p>Yet they lived quite contented, and free from all + strife,</p> + + <p>Bob Fletcher the plowman, and Judy his wife.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>As the morn streaked the east, and the night fled + away</p> + + <p>They would rise up for labor, refreshed for the + day,</p> + + <p>And the song of the lark, as it rose on the + gale,</p> + + <p>Found Bob at the plow, and his wife at the pail.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A neat little cottage in front of a grove,</p> + + <p>Where in youth they first gave their young hearts up + to love,</p> + + <p>Was the solace of age, and to them doubly dear,</p> + + <p>As it called up the past, with a smile or a + tear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Each tree had its thought, and the vow could + impart,</p> + + <p>That mingled in youth, the warm wish of the + heart:</p> + + <p>The thorn was still there, and the blossoms it + bore,</p> + + <p>And the song from its top seemed the same as + before.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When the curtain of night over nature was + spread,</p> + + <p>And Bob had returned from the plow to his shed,</p> + + <p>Like the dove on her nest, he reposed from all + care,</p> + + <p>If his wife and his youngsters contented were + there.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I have passed by his door when the evening was + gray,</p> + + <p>And the hill and the landscape were fading away,</p> + + <p>And have heard from the cottage, with grateful + surprise,</p> + + <p>The voice of thanksgiving, like incense arise.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And I thought on the proud, who look down with + scorn,</p> + + <p>On the neat little cottage, the grove and the + thorn,</p> + + <p>And felt that the riches and tinsels of life,</p> + + <p>Were dross, to contentment, with Bob and his + wife.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h4>[From Dickens's Household Words.]</h4> + + <h3>CLASS OPINIONS.</h3> + + <h4>A FABLE.</h4> + + <p>A lamb strayed for the first time into the woods, and + excited much discussion among the other animals. In a mixed + company, one day, when he became the subject of a friendly + gossip, the goat praised him.</p> + + <p>"Pooh!" said the lion, "this is too absurd. The beast is a + pretty beast enough, but did you hear him roar? I heard him + roar, and, by the manes of my fathers, when he roars he does + nothing but cry ba-a-a!" And the lion bleated his best in + mockery, but bleated far from well.</p> + + <p>"Nay," said the deer, "I do not think so badly of his voice. + I liked him well enough until I saw him leap. He kicks with his + hind legs in running and, with all his skipping, gets over very + little ground."</p> + + <p>"It is a bad beast altogether," said the tiger. "He cannot + roar, he cannot run, he can do nothing—and what wonder? I + killed a man yesterday, and, in politeness to the new comer, + offered him a bit; upon which he had the impudence to look + disgusted, and say, 'No, sir, I eat nothing but grass.'"</p> + + <p>So the beasts criticized the lamb, each in his own way; and + yet it was a good lamb, nevertheless.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page105" + id="page105"></a>[pg 105]</span> + + <h2>Authors and Books.</h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>E.P. WHIPPLE was the Fourth of July orator of the city of + Boston. The <i>Morning Post</i> says, "his ability is so agile, + elegant, and hilarious, that his readers generally do not + discern the profundity and comprehensiveness of his nature or + the progressive power of thought manifested in his writings. We + await impatiently the publication of his late oration. It will + be an apt opportunity, by the way, to compare Mr. E. Everett + with him, each having just spoken on a similar national + occasion. His level, 'fairspoken, immaculate regularity' will + contrast widely with the bold, vital vigor and originality of + Mr. W. No man of constitutional timidity, feeble will, and + shallow thought can ever have a real right to the title of + orator. Men of minds cultivated overmuch, and elaborately + trained, are apt to lack central spiritual vitality, as some + fruits grown to great size by art of the gardener fail of their + native flavor, become insipid, and even <i>hollow</i> at the + center."</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>THE "HISTORY OF RELIGION," by the celebrated John Evelyn, + author of "Sylva," &c., now first published from the + original MS. in the Library at Wotton, with notes by the Rev. + R.M. Evanson, is among the books announced by Colburn, for the + first of July. The journals, in anticipation, express some + curiosity upon the subject, whether it be pedantic, orthodox, + and trimming, like the author, or whether it contain any of the + Chubb and Toland spirit. Two new and important works, ethically + related to this, have just been issued; the one in France, + called <i>Qu'est-ce que la Religion, d'après la Nouvelle + Philosophie Allemande</i>, wherein Feuerbach's daring + evolutions of Hegel's principles are translated for the benefit + of those who cannot read German; the other, called <i>The + Progress of Intellect</i>, showing the various developments of + religious ideas through history.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>LEIGH HUNT, it is apprehended, will be appointed laureate. + The <i>Athenæum</i> objects, and we think very properly urges, + that if the office is to be continued, it should be given to + the finest living poet of her Majesty's own sex, Elizabeth + Barrett Browning. This appropriation of the laurel would in a + manner recompense two poets by a single act.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Mr. ROBERT LEMON, of the State Paper Office, to whom we are + indebted for the discovery of the MS. of Milton's Treatise on + Christian Doctrine, is to be editor of an extensive publication + of Calendars of the Domestic Papers in possession of the + Government, from the reign of Edward the Sixth to the close of + the reign of Elizabeth. The <i>Athenæum</i> suggests that it + will be of great advantage to the literary world for its + important documents illustrative of facts and manners.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Dr. GUTZLAFF, who is preaching at Berlin and Potsdam on + behalf of the Chinese mission, lately introduced into the + closing prayer of the service, at the garrison church at the + latter place, besides the name of the King and the royal + family, a supplication for <i>his</i> Emperor of China, and the + ministers and people of that nation. Dr. Gutzlaff expresses a + confident hope that the Emperor of Japan will become converted + to Christianity.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>MEETINGS have been held at the house of Mr. Justice + Coleridge, in London, at which a committee has been formed, + with the Bishop of London at its head, to initiate a + subscription to do honor to the memory of the poet Wordsworth, + by placing a whole length effigy of him in Westminster Abbey, + and, if the funds suffice, by erecting a monument to his memory + near Grassmere.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Mr. E.G. SQUIER, our <i>Charge d'Affaires</i> to Central + America, is now in New York, and will soon publish an essay + upon the antiquities of that country, similar in design, + probably, to his important volume on the remains of ancient + works in the valley of the Mississippi, printed for the + Smithsonian Institute.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>FRANCIS BOWEN, the editor of the <i>North American + Review</i>, has been appointed Professor of History and + Political Economy in Harvard College, and it is understood that + the Latin Professorship, made vacant by the resignation of Dr. + Beck, will be tendered to Mr. George M. Lane, now in + Europe.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>THE FRENCH ACADEMY has decreed to M. Emile Augier, the + author of <i>Gabrielle</i>, the prize of seven thousand francs, + for the best dramatic work inculcating principles of rectitude + and morality.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>CHARLES LUCIEN BONAPARTE (Prince of Canino) is now at + Berlin, where he occupies himself exclusively with scientific + pursuits, and the society of learned men.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>THE UNIVERSITY OF DURHAM has conferred the honorary degree + of M.A. on Robert Stephenson, and on Mr. Henry Taylor, the + author of "Philip Van Artevelde."</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>JOHN G. SAXE has been elected by the Mercantile Library + Association of Montreal, to deliver the poem at the opening of + their winter course of lectures.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>THE SULTAN of Turkey has granted to the Princess Belgioiso, + for herself and the Italian emigrants, some extensive tracts of + land on the gulf of Nicomedia.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>THE NEW OPERA, on which M. Strakosch is now engaged, is to + be called <i>La Regina di Napoli</i>. The plot is taken from + the history of the unfortunate Queen Joana of Sicily, and + abounds in scenes of dramatic interest.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page106" + id="page106"></a>[pg 106]</span> + + <h4>[From the Dublin University Magazine for July.]</h4> + + <h3>THE OLD MAN'S BEQUEST;</h3> + + <h4>A STORY OF GOLD.</h4> + + <p>Through the ornamented grounds of a handsome country + residence, at a little distance from a large town in Ireland, a + man of about fifty years of age was walking with a bent head, + and the impress of sorrow on his face.</p> + + <p>"Och, yer honor, give me one sixpence, or one penny, for + God's sake," cried a voice from the other side of a fancy + paling which separated the grounds in that quarter from a + thoroughfare. "For heaven's sake, Mr. Lawson, help me as ye + helped me before. I know you've the heart and the hand to do + it."</p> + + <p>The person addressed as Mr. Lawson looked up and saw a woman + whom he knew to be in most destitute circumstances, burdened + with a large and sickly family, whom she had struggled to + support until her own health was ruined.</p> + + <p>"I have no money—not one farthing," answered John + Lawson.</p> + + <p>"No money!" reiterated the woman, in surprise: "isn't it all + yours, then?—isn't this garden yours, and that house, and + all the grand things that are in it yours?—ay, and grand + things they are—them pictures, and them bright shinin' + things in that drawing-room of yours; and sure you deserve them + well, and may God preserve them long to you, for riches hasn't + hardened your heart, though there's many a one, and heaven + knows the gold turns their feelin's to iron."</p> + + <p>"It all belongs to my son, Henry Lawson, and Mrs. Lawson, + and their children—it is all theirs," he sighed heavily, + and deep emotion was visible in every lineament of his thin and + wrinkled face.</p> + + <p>The poor woman raised her blood-shot eyes to his face, as if + she was puzzled by his words. She saw that he was suffering, + and with intuitive delicacy she desisted from pressing her + wants, though her need was great.</p> + + <p>"Well, well, yer honor, many's the good penny ye have given + me and the childer, and maybe the next time I see you you'll + have more change."</p> + + <p>She was turning sadly away, when John Lawson requested her + to remain, and he made inquiries into the state of her family; + the report he heard seemed to touch him even to the + forgetfulness of his own sorrows; he bade her stop for a few + moments and he would give her some relief.</p> + + <p>He walked rapidly toward the house and proceeded to the + drawing-room. It was a large and airy apartment, and furnished + with evident profusion; the sunlight of the bright summer-day, + admitted partially through the amply-draperied windows, lit up + a variety of sparkling gilding in picture-frames, and vases, + and mirrors, and cornices; but John Lawson looked round on the + gay scene with a kind of shudder; he had neither gold, silver, + nor even copper in his pocket, or in his possession.</p> + + <p>He advanced to a lady who reclined on a rose-colored sofa, + with a fashionable novel in her hand, and after some slight + hesitation he addressed her, and stating the name and wants of + the poor woman who had begged for aid, he requested some + money.</p> + + <p>As he said the words "some money," his lips quivered, and a + tremor ran through his whole frame, for his thoughts were + vividly picturing a recently departed period, when he was under + no necessity of asking money from any individual.</p> + + <p>"Bless me, my dear Mr. Lawson!" cried the lady, starting up + from her recumbent position, "did I not give you a whole + handful of shillings only the day before yesterday; and if you + wasted it all on poor people since, what am I to do? Why, + indeed, we contribute so much to charitable subscriptions, both + Mr. Lawson and I, you might be content to give a little less to + common beggars."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson spoke with a smile on her lips, and with a soft + caressing voice, but a hard and selfish nature shone palpably + from her blue eyes. She was a young woman, and had the repute + of beauty, which a clear pink-and-white complexion, and + tolerable features, with luxuriant light hair, generally gains + from a portion of the world. She was dressed for the reception + of morning visitors whom she expected, and she was enveloped in + expensive satin and blond, and jewelry in large + proportions.</p> + + <p>John Lawson seemed to feel every word she had uttered in the + depths of his soul, but he made a strong effort to restrain the + passion which was rising to his lips.</p> + + <p>"Augusta, my daughter, you are the wife of my only and most + beloved child—I wish to love you—I wish to live in + peace with you, and all—give me some money to relieve the + wants of the unfortunate woman to whom I have promised relief, + and who is waiting without. I ask not for myself, but for the + poor and suffering—give me a trifle of money, I say."</p> + + <p>"Indeed, Mr. Lawson, a bank would not support your demands + for the poor people; that woman for whom you are begging has + been relieved twenty times by us. I have no money just + now."</p> + + <p>She threw herself back on the sofa, and resumed her novel; + but anger, darting from her eyes, contrasted with the trained + smile which still remained on her lips.</p> + + <p>A dark shade of passion and scorn came over John Lawson's + face, but he strove to suppress it, and his voice was calm when + he spoke.</p> + + <p>"Some time before my son married you, I gave up all my + business to him—I came to live here amongst trees and + flowers—I gave up all the lucrative business I had + carried on to my son, partly because my health was failing, and + I longed to live with nature, away from the scenes of traffic; + but more especially because I loved my son with no common love, + and I trusted to him as to a second self. I + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page107" + id="page107"></a>[pg 107]</span> was not + disappointed—we had one purse and one heart before he + married you; he never questioned me concerning what I spent + in charity—he never asked to limit in any way my + expenditure—he loved you, and I made no conditions + concerning what amount of income I was to receive, but still + I left him in entire possession of my business when he + married you. I trusted to your fair, young face, that you + would not controvert my wishes—that you would join me + in my schemes of charity."</p> + + <p>"And have I not?" interrupted Mrs. Lawson, in a sharp voice, + though the habitual smile still graced her lips; "do I not + subscribe to, I don't know how many, charitable institutions? + Charity, indeed—there's enough spent in charity by myself + and my husband. But I wish to stop extravagance—it is + only extravagance to spend so much on charity as you would do + if you could; therefore, you shall not have any money just + now."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson was one of those women who can cheerfully expend + a most lavish sum on a ball, a dress, or any other method by + which rank and luxury dissipate their abundance, but who are + very economical, and talk much of extravagance when money is + demanded for purposes not connected with display or style.</p> + + <p>"Augusta Lawson, listen to me"—his voice quivering + with passion—"my own wants are very few; in food, in + clothes, in all points my expenditure is trifling. I am not + extravagant in my demands for the poor, either. All I have + expended in charity during the few years since you came here, + is but an insignificant amount as contrasted with the income + which I freely gave up to my son and you; therefore, some money + for the poor woman who is waiting, I shall now have; give me + some shillings, for God's sake, and let me go." He advanced + closer to her, and held out his hand.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense!" cried Mrs. Lawson; "I am mistress, here—I + am determined to stop extravagance. You give too much to common + beggars; I am determined to stop it—do not ask me any + further."</p> + + <p>A kind of convulsion passed over John Lawson's thin face; + but he pressed his hand closely on his breast, and was silent + for some moments.</p> + + <p>"I was once rich, I believe. Yes—it is not a dream," + he said, in a slow, self-communing voice. "Gold and silver, + once ye were plenty with me; my hands—my pockets were + filled—guineas, crowns, shillings—now I have not + one penny to give to that starving, dying woman, whose face of + misery might soften the very stones she looks on—not one + penny."</p> + + <p>"Augusta," he said, turning suddenly toward her, after a + second pause of silence, "give me only one shilling, and I + shall not think of the bitter words you have just said."</p> + + <p>"No; not one shilling," answered Mrs. Lawson, turning over a + leaf of her novel.</p> + + <p>"One sixpence, then—one small, poor sixpence. You do + not know how even a sixpence can gladden the black heart of + poverty when starvation is come. One sixpence, I say—let + me have it quickly."</p> + + <p>"Not one farthing I shall give you. I do beg you will + trouble me no further."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson turned her back partially to him, and fixed all + her attention on the novel.</p> + + <p>"Woman! I have cringed and begged; I would not so beg for + myself, from you—no: I would lie down and die of want + before I would, on my own account, request of you—of your + hard heart—one bit of bread. All the finery that + surrounds you is mine—it was purchased with my money, + though now you call it yours; and, usurping the authority of + both master and mistress here, you—in what you please to + call your economical management—dole out shillings to me + when the humor seizes you, or refuse me, as now, when it + pleases you. But, woman, listen to me. I shall never request + you for one farthing of money again. No necessity of others + shall make me do it. You shall never again refuse me, for I + shall never give you the opportunity."</p> + + <p>He turned hastily from the room, with a face on which the + deep emotion of an aroused spirit was depicted strongly.</p> + + <p>In the lobby he met his son, Henry Lawson. The young man + paused, something struck by the excited appearance of his + father.</p> + + <p>"Henry," said the father, abruptly, "I want some money; + there is a poor woman whom I wish to relieve—will you + give me some money for her?"</p> + + <p>"Willingly, my dear father; but have you asked Augusta? You + know I have given her the management of the money-matters of + the establishment, she is so very clever and economical."</p> + + <p>"She has neither charity, nor pity, nor kindness; she saves + from me—she saves from the starving poor—she saves, + that she may waste large sums on parties and dresses. I shall + never more ask her for money—give me a few shillings. My + God! the father begs of the son for what was his own—for + what he toiled all his youth—for what he gave up out of + trusting love to that son. Henry, my son, I am sick of asking + and begging—ay, sick—sick; but give me some + shillings now."</p> + + <p>"You asked Augusta, then," said Henry, drawing out his + purse, and glancing with some apprehension to the drawing-room + door.</p> + + <p>"Henry," cried Mrs. Lawson, appearing at that instant with a + face inflamed with anger—"Henry, <i>I</i> would not give + your father any money to-day, because he is so very extravagant + in giving it all away."</p> + + <p>Henry was in the act of opening his purse; he glanced + apprehensively to Mrs. Lawson; his face had a mild and passive + expression, which was a true index of his yielding and + easily-governed nature. His features were small, delicate, and + almost effeminately handsome; and in every lineament a want of + decision and force of character was + visible.</p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page108" + id="page108"></a>[pg 108]</span> + + <p>"Henry, give me some shillings, I say—I am your + father—I have a just right."</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes, surely" said Henry, making a movement to open his + purse.</p> + + <p>"Henry, I do not wish you to give him money to waste in + charity, as he calls it."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson gave her husband an emphatic, but, at the same + time, cunningly caressing and smiling look.</p> + + <p>"Henry, I am your father—give me the money I + want."</p> + + <p>"Augusta, my love, you know it was all his," said Henry, + going close to her, and speaking in a kind of whisper.</p> + + <p>"My dearest Henry, were it for any other purpose but for + throwing away, I would not refuse. I am your father's best + friend, and your best friend, in wishing to restrain all + extravagance."</p> + + <p>"My dear father, she wishes to be economical, you know."</p> + + <p>He dangled the purse, undecidedly, in his fingers.</p> + + <p>"Will you give me the money at once, and let me go?" cried + John Lawson, elevating his voice.</p> + + <p>"My dear Augusta, it is better—"</p> + + <p>"Henry, do not, I beg of you."</p> + + <p>"Henry, my son, will you let me have the money?"</p> + + <p>"Indeed, Augusta—"</p> + + <p>"Henry!"</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson articulated but the one word; there was enough + of energy and determination in it to make her husband close the + purse he had almost opened.</p> + + <p>"I ask you only this once more—give me the few + shillings?"</p> + + <p>John Lawson bent forward in an eager manner; a feverish red + kindled on his sallow cheeks; his eyes were wildly dilated, and + his lips compressed. There was a pause of some moments.</p> + + <p>"You will not give it me?" he said, in a voice deep-toned + and singularly calm, as contrasted with his convulsed face.</p> + + <p>Henry dangled the purse again in his hand, and looked + uneasily and irresolutely toward his wife.</p> + + <p>"No, he will not give it—you will get no money to + squander on poor people this day," Mrs. Lawson said, in a very + sharp and decided voice.</p> + + <p>John Lawson did not say another word; he turned away and + slowly descended the stairs, and walked out of the house.</p> + + <p>He did not return that evening. He had been seen on the road + leading to the house of a relative who was in rather poor + circumstances. Henry felt rather annoyed at his fathers + absence; he had no depth in his affection, but he had been + accustomed to see him and hear his voice every day, and + therefore he missed him, but consoled himself with the thought + that they would soon meet again, as it never entered his + imagination that his father had quitted the house for a + lengthened period. Mrs. Lawson felicitated herself on the + event, and hoped that the old man would remain for some time + with his relative.</p> + + <p>The following day a letter was handed to Henry; it was from + his father, and was as follows:</p> + + <p>"TO MY SON HENRY—I have at last come to the resolution + of quitting your house, which I can no longer call mine, in + even the least degree. For weeks—for months—ever + since you married—ever since your wife took upon herself + what she calls the management of your house and purse, I have + felt bound down under the weight of an oppressive bondage. I + could not go and take a pound or a shilling from our common + stock, as I used to do before you married, when you and I lived + in one mind, and when I believed that the very spirit of your + departed, your angel mother, dwelt in you, as you had, and have + still, her very face and form. No, no, we had no common stock + when you married. She put me on an allowance—ay, an + allowance. You lived, and saw me receiving an allowance; you + whom I loved with an idolatry which God has now punished; you + to whom I freely gave up my business—my money-making + business. I gave it you—I gave all to you—I would + have given my very life and soul to you, because I thought that + with your mother's own face you had her noble and generous + nature. You were kind before you married; but that marriage has + proved your weakness and want of natural affection. Yes, you + stood at my side yesterday; you looked on my face—I, the + father who loved you beyond all bounds of fatherly + love—you stood and heard me beg for a few shillings; you + heard me supplicate earnestly and humbly, and you would not + give because your wife was not willing. Henry, I could force + you to give me a share of the profits of your business; but + keep it—keep it all. You would not voluntarily give me + some shillings, and I shall not demand what right and justice + would give me. Keep all, every farthing.</p> + + <p>"It was for charity I asked the few shillings; you know it. + You know from whom I imbibed whatever I possess of the blessed + spirit of charity. I was as hard and unpitying as even your + wife before your mother taught me to feel and relieve the + demands of poverty. Yes, and she taught you; you cannot forget + it. She taught you to give food to the starving, in your + earliest days. She strove to impress your infant mind with the + very soul of charity; and yesterday she looked down from the + heaven of the holy departed, and saw you refusing me, your + father, a few shillings to bestow on charity.</p> + + <p>"Henry, I can live with you and your wife no more. I should + grow avaricious in my old age, were I to remain with you. I + should long for money to call my own. Those doled out shillings + which I received wakened within me feelings of a dark + nature—covetousness, and envy, and discontent—which + must have shadowed the happiness of your mother in heaven to + look down upon. I must go and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page109" + id="page109"></a>[pg 109]</span> seek out an independent + living for myself, even yet, though I am fifty-two. Though + my energies for struggling with the world died, I thought, + when your mother died, and, leaving my active business to + you, I retired to live in the country, I must go forth + again, as if I were young, to seek for the means of + existence, for I feel I was not made to be a beggar—a + creature hanging on the bounty of others; no, no, the + merciful God will give me strength yet to provide for + myself, though I am old, and broken down in mind and body. + Farewell; you who were once my beloved son, may God soften + and amend your heart."</p> + + <p>When Henry perused this letter, he would immediately have + gone in search of his father, in order to induce him to return + home; but Mrs. Lawson was at his side, and succeeded in + persuading him to allow his father to act as he pleased, and + remain away as long as he wished.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Ten years rolled over our world, sinking millions beneath + the black waves of adverse fortune and fate, and raising the + small number who, of the innumerable aspirants for earthly + good, usually succeed. Henry Lawson was one of those whom time + had lowered in fortune. His business speculations had, for a + lengthened period, been rather unsuccessful, while Mrs. + Lawson's expensive habits increased every day. At length + affairs came to such a crisis, that retrenchment or failure was + inevitable. Henry had enough of wisdom and spirit to insist on + the first alternative, and Mrs. Lawson was compelled by the + pressure of circumstances to yield in a certain degree; the + country-house, therefore, was let, Mrs. Lawson assigning as a + reason, that she had lost all relish for the country after the + death of her dear children, both of whom had died, leaving the + parents childless.</p> + + <p>It was the morning of a close sultry day in July, and Mrs. + Lawson was seated in her drawing-room. She was dressed + carefully and expensively as of old, but she had been dunned + and threatened at least half-a-dozen times for the price of the + satin dress she wore. Her face was thin and pale, and there was + a look of much care on her countenance; her eyes were restless + and sunken, and discontent spoke in their glances as she looked + on the chairs, sofas, and window-draperies, which had once been + bright-colored, but were now much faded. She had just come to + the resolution of having new covers and hangings, though their + mercer's and upholsterer's bills were long unsettled, when a + visitor was shown into the room. It was Mrs. Thompson, the wife + of a very prosperous and wealthy shopkeeper.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson's thin lips wreathed themselves into bright + smiles of welcome, whilst the foul demon took possession of her + soul. Mrs. Thompson's dress was of the most costly French + satin, whilst hers was merely British manufacture. They had + been old school companions and rivals in their girlish days. + During the first years of the married life of each, Mrs. Lawson + had outshone Mrs. Thompson in every respect; but now the + eclipsed star beamed brightly and scornfully beside the clouds + which had rolled over her rival. Mrs. Thompson was, in face and + figure, in dress and speech, the very impersonation of vulgar + and ostentatious wealth.</p> + + <p>"My goodness, it's so hot!" she said, loosening the + fastening of her bonnet, the delicate French blond and white + satin and plume, of which that fabric was composed, contrasting + rather painfully at the same time with her flushed + mahogany-colored complexion, and ungracefully-formed features. + "Bless me, I'm so glad we'll get off to our country-house + to-morrow. It's so very delightful, Mrs. Lawson, to have a + country residence to go to. Goodness me, what a close room, and + such a hot, dusty street. It does just look so queer to me + after Fitzherbert-square."</p> + + <p>To this Mrs. Lawson made a response as composed as she + could; she would have retorted bitterly and violently, but her + husband had a connection with the Thompson establishment, and + for strong reasons she considered it prudent to refrain from + quarreling with Mrs. Thompson. She therefore spoke but very + little, and Mrs. Thompson was left at full liberty to give a + lengthened detail of Mr. Thompson's great wealth and her own + great profusion. She began first with herself, and furnished an + exact detail of all the fine things she had purchased in the + last month, down to the latest box of pins. Next, her babies + occupied her for half an hour—the quantity of chicken + they consumed, and the number of frocks they soiled per diem + were minutely chronicled. Then her house came under + consideration: she depicted the bright glory of the new + <i>ponceau</i> furniture, as contrasted with shocking old faded + things—and she glanced significantly toward Mrs. Lawson's + sofas and chairs. Next she made a discursive detour to the + culinary department, and gave a statement of the number of + stones of lump sugar she was getting boiled in preserves, and + of the days of the week in which they had puddings, and the + days they had pies at dinner.</p> + + <p>"But, Mrs. Lawson dear, have you seen old Mr. Lawson since + he came home?" she said, when she was rising to depart: "but I + suppose you haven't, for they say he won't have anything to do + with his relations now—he won't come near you I have + heard. They say he has brought such a lot of money with him + from South America."</p> + + <p>At this intelligence every feature of Mrs. Lawson's face + brightened with powerful interest. She inquired where Mr. + Lawson stopped, and was informed that he had arrived at the + best hotel in town about three days previously, and that every + one talked of the large fortune he had made abroad, as he + seemed to make no secret of the fact.</p> + + <p>A burning eagerness to obtain possession of that money + entered Mrs. Lawson's soul, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page110" + id="page110"></a>[pg 110]</span> she thought every second of + time drawn out to the painful duration of a long hour, while + Mrs. Thompson slowly moved her ample skirts of satin across + the drawing-room, and took her departure. Mrs. Lawson + dispatched a messenger immediately for her husband.</p> + + <p>Henry Lawson came in, and listened with surprise to the + intelligence of his father's return. He was taking up his hat + to proceed to the hotel in quest of him, when a carriage drove + to the door. Mrs. Lawson's heart palpitated with + eagerness—if it should be her husband's father in his own + carriage—how delightful!—that horrible Mrs. + Thompson had not a carriage of her own yet, though she was + always talking of it. They, Mrs. Lawson and her husband, had + just been about setting up a carriage when business failed with + them. She ran briskly down the stairs—for long years she + had not flown with such alertness—rapid visions of gold, + of splendor, and triumph seemed to bear her along, as if she + had not been a being of earth.</p> + + <p>She was not disappointed, for there, at the open door, stood + John Lawson. He was enveloped in a cloak of fur, the costliness + of which told Mrs. Lawson that it was the purchase of wealth; a + servant in plain livery supported him, for he seemed a complete + invalid.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson threw her arms around his neck, and embraced him + with a warmth and eagerness which brought a cold and bitter + smile over the white, thin lips of John Lawson. He replied + briefly to the welcomings he had received. He threw aside his + cloak, and exhibited the figure of an exceedingly emaciated and + feeble old man, who had all the appearance of ninety years, + though he was little more than sixty; his face was worn and + fleshless to a painful degree; his hair was of the whitest + shade of great age, but his eyes had grown much more serene in + their expression than in his earlier days, notwithstanding a + cast of suffering which his whole countenance exhibited. He was + plainly, but most carefully and respectably dressed; a diamond + ring of great value was on one of his fingers; the luster of + the diamonds caught Mrs. Lawson's glance on her first + inspection of his person, and her heart danced with + rapture—Mrs. Thompson had no such ring, with all her + boasting of all her finery.</p> + + <p>"I have come to see my child before I die," said the old + man, gazing on his son with earnest eyes; "you broke the ties + of nature between us on your part, when, ten years ago, you + refused your father a few shillings from your abundance, + but—"</p> + + <p>He was interrupted by Mrs. Lawson, who uttered many voluble + protestations of her deep grief at her having, even though for + the sake of economy, refused the money her dear father had + solicited before he left them. She vowed that she had neither + ate, nor slept, nor even dressed herself for weeks after his + departure; and that, sleeping or waking, she was perpetually + wishing she had given him the money, even though she had known + that he was going to throw it into the fire, or lose it in any + way. Her poor, dear father—oh, she wept so after she + heard that he had left the country. To be sure, Henry could + tell how, for two or three nights, her pillow was soaked with + tears.</p> + + <p>A cold, bitter smile again flitted across the old man's + lips; he made no response to her words, but in the one look + which his hollow eyes cast on her, he seemed to read the + falsehood of her assertions.</p> + + <p>"I was going to add," he said, "that though you forgot you + were my son, and refused to act as my son, when you withheld + the paltry sum for which I begged, yet I could not refrain from + coming once more to look on my child's face—to look on + the face of my departed wife in yours—for I know that a + very brief period must finish my life now. I should not have + come here, I feel—I know it is the weakness of my + nature—I should have died amongst strangers, for the + strangers of other countries, the people of a different hue and + a different language, I have found kind and pitiful, compared + with those of my own house."</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't say so—don't say so—you are our own + beloved father; ah, my heart clings to every feature of your + poor, dear old face: there are the eyes and all that I used to + talk to Henry so much about. Don't talk of strangers—I + shall nurse you and attend to you night and day."</p> + + <p>She made a movement, as if she would throw her arms around + his neck again, but the old man drew back.</p> + + <p>"Woman! your hypocritical words show me that your pitiless + heart is still unchanged—that it has grown even worse. + You forced me out to the world in my old age, when I should + have had no thoughts except of God and the world to come; you + forced me to think of money-making, when my hair was gray and + my blood cold with years. Yes, I had to draw my thoughts from + the future existence, and to waste them on the miserable toils + of traffic, in order to make money: for it was better to do + this than to drag out my life a pensioner on your bounty, + receiving shillings and pence, which you gave me as if it had + been your own heart's blood, though I only asked my own. Woman! + the black slavery of my dependence on you was frightful; but + now I can look you thanklessly in the face, for I have the + means of living without you. I spent sick and sleepless days + and nights, but I gained an independence; the merciful God + blessed the efforts of the old man, who strove to gain his + livelihood—yes, I am independent of you both. I came to + see my son before I die—that is all I want."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson attempted a further justification of herself, + but the words died on her lips. The stern looks of the old man + silenced her.</p> + + <p>After remaining for a short time, he rose to take his + departure; but, at the earnest + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page111" + id="page111"></a>[pg 111]</span> solicitations of his son, + he consented to remain for a few days, only on condition + that he should pay for his board and lodging. To this Mrs. + Lawson made a feint of resistance, but agreed in the end, as + the terms offered by the old man were very advantageous.</p> + + <p>"I shall soon have a lodging for which no mortal is called + on to pay—the great mother-earth," said the old man, "and + I am glad, glad to escape from this money-governed world. Do + not smile so blandly on me, both of you, and attend me with + such false tenderness. There, take it away," he said, as Mrs. + Lawson was placing her most comfortable footstool under his + feet; "there was no attendance, no care, not a civil action or + kind look for me when I was poor John Lawson, the silly, most + silly old man, who had given up all to his son and his son's + wife, for the love of them, and expected, like a fool as he + was, to live with them on terms of perfect equality, and to + have the family purse open to him for any trifling sums he + wished to take. Go, go for God's sake; try and look bitterly on + me now, as you did when you forced me out of your house. I + detest your obsequious attentions—I was as worthy of them + ten years ago, before I dragged down my old age to the debasing + efforts of money-making. You know I am rich; you would worship + my money in me now. Not a smiling look, not a soft word you + bestow on me, but is for my riches, not for me. Ay, you think + you have my wealth in your grasp already; you know I cannot + live long. Thank God that my life is almost ended, and I hope + my death will be a benefit to you, in softening your hard + hearts."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson drew some hope from his last words, and she + turned away her head to hide the joy which shone on her + face.</p> + + <p>In a few days the old man became seriously ill, and was + altogether confined to his room. As death evidently approached, + his mind became serene and calm, and he received the attentions + which Mrs. Lawson and his son lavished on him with a silent + composure, which led them to hope that he had completely + forgotten their previous conduct to him.</p> + + <p>The night on which he died, he turned to his son, and said a + few words, a very few words, regarding worldly matters. He + exhorted Henry to live in a somewhat less expensive style, and + to cultivate a spirit of contentment without riches; then he + blessed God that he was entering on a world in which he could + hear no more of money or earthly possession. He remained in a + calm sleep during the greater part of the night, they thought, + but in the morning they found him dead.</p> + + <p>The funeral was over, and the time was come in which the old + man's will was to be opened. Mrs. Lawson had waited for that + moment—she would have forcibly dragged time onward to + that moment—she had execrated the long hours of night + since the old man's death—she had still more anathemized + the slowly passing days, when gazing furtively through a corner + of the blinded window, she saw fine equipages and + finely-dressed ladies passing, and she planned how she would + shine when the old man's wealth would be her own. She drew + glorious mental pictures of how she would burst from behind the + shadowing cloud of poverty, and dazzle all her acquaintances. + Her dress, her carriage, her style of living would be unique in + her rank of life for taste and costliness. She would show them + she had got money—money at last—more money than + they all.</p> + + <p>Now at last she sat and saw the will being opened; she felt + that it was a mere formality, for the old man had none but them + to whom he could leave his money; she never once doubted but + all would be theirs; she had reasoned and fancied herself into + the firm conviction. Her only fear was, that the amount might + not be so large as she calculated on.</p> + + <p>She saw the packet opened. Her eyes dilated, her lips became + parched, her heart and brain burned with a fierce + eagerness—money! money at last! uttered the griping + spirit within her.</p> + + <p>The will, after beginning in the usual formal style, was as + follows:</p> + + <p>"I bequeath to my son Henry's wife, Augusta Lawson, a high + and noble gift"—Mrs. Lawson almost sprung from her seat + with eagerness—"the greatest of all legacies, I bequeath + to Augusta Lawson—Charity! Augusta Lawson refused me a + few shillings which I wished to bestow on a starving woman; but + now I leave her joint executrix, with my son Henry, in the + distribution of all my money and all my effects, without any + reservation, in charity, to be applied to such charitable + purposes as in this, my last will and testament, I have + directed."</p> + + <p>Then followed a statement of his effects and money, down to + the most minute particular. The money amounted to a very + considerable sum; his personal effects he directed to be sold, + with the exception of his very valuable diamond ring, which he + bequeathed to the orphan daughter of the poor relation in whose + house he had taken refuge, and remained for a short time, + previous to his going abroad. All the proceeds of his other + effects, together with the whole amount of his money, he + bequeathed for different charitable purposes, and gave minute + directions as to the manner in which various sums were to be + expended. The largest amount he directed to be distributed in + yearly donations amongst the most indigent old men and women + within a circuit of ten miles of his native place. Those who + were residing with their sons and their sons' wives, were to + receive by far the largest relief. He appointed as trustees two + of the most respectable merchants of the town, to whom he gave + authority to see the provisions of his will carried out, in + case his son and Mrs. Lawson should decline the duties of + executorship which he had bequeathed + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page112" + id="page112"></a>[pg 112]</span> to them. The trustees were + to exercise a surveillance over Mr. and Mrs. Lawson, to see + that the will should in every particular be strictly carried + into effect. The will was dated and duly signed in the town + in South America where the old man had for some years + resided. A codicil, containing the bequest of the ring, with + some further particulars regarding the charities, had been + added a few days previous to the old man's death.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Lawson was carried fainting from the room before the + reading of the will was concluded. She was seized with violent + fever, and her life was despaired of. She recovered, however, + and from the verge of the eternal existence on which she had + been, she returned to life with a less worldly and ostentatious + nature, and a soul more alive to the impulses of kindness and + charity.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>HORACE VERNET, the painter, is in St. Petersburgh, and is + soon expected in Vienna, where he will study the uniform, + scenery, &c., in order to paint various scenes in the + Hungarian war.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>HARRO HARRING has escaped from Norway into England, whence + he has issued a document, describing the circumstances of his + departure, and protesting against the arbitrary and unjust + conduct of the Norwegian Government. In this paper, which is + drawn up with indignant eloquence, Harring appeals to the + Norwegian Storthing of 1851, confident that he shall receive + ample justice at the hands of the Representatives of + Norway.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Miss H.M. WEBBER, an American, has issued a pamphlet in + Brussels advocating the assumption of the male attire by her + sex till they are married.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>GARRIBALDI, the Italian general, is on his way to New York. + He has written his "experiences," which will soon make their + appearance in America, where, as in Europe, they will be + eagerly read, as few men can throw so much light upon the + recent important events in Italy.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p>Mrs. CHILD is passing the summer near Boston, and is still + occupied with a book upon the History of the Religious Element + in Society, which has several years engaged her attention. A + new edition of her novel of <i>The Rebels</i> has just been + published, and the degree to which it has been known is + illustrated in the critical announcements of it. The Albany + <i>State Register</i>, like other journals, seems to think it a + fresh book, and observes of the writer:—"The author of + Hobornok has always been a favorite with the public, though it + is a long while since we have had the pleasure of welcoming + anything from his pen. The present work, however, bears the + impress of the talents which have always marked his + writings!"</p> + <hr /> + + <h4>[From the Leader.]</h4> + + <h3>OLD FEELINGS.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Once in my childish days I heard</p> + + <p>A woman's voice that slowly read,</p> + + <p>How 'twixt two shadowy mountains sped</p> + + <p>Four colored steeds, four chariots whirr'd.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I watched until she laid the book</p> + + <p>On the white casement-ledge again;</p> + + <p>My heart beat high with joyful pain</p> + + <p>On that strange oracle to look.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Day after day I would ascend</p> + + <p>The staircase in that large old house,</p> + + <p>And still and timorous as a mouse</p> + + <p>I sat and made the book my friend.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I saw the birth of seas and skies,</p> + + <p>The first sweet woman, first brave man;</p> + + <p>I saw how morning light began,</p> + + <p>How faded—over Paradise.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I stood with the first Arab boy;</p> + + <p>I saw the mother and the child,</p> + + <p>Of Oriental vision wild,</p> + + <p>Laugh by the well for utter joy.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I saw the youth go forth at morn,</p> + + <p>A traveler to the Syrian land,</p> + + <p>And in the lonely evening stand</p> + + <p>An exile weary and forlorn.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I saw him by the roadside lay</p> + + <p>His sunken head upon a stone,</p> + + <p>And while he slumbered, still and lone,</p> + + <p>A dream fell on him, fair as day.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I saw a golden ladder reach</p> + + <p>From earth to heaven among the stars,</p> + + <p>And up and down its gleaming bars</p> + + <p>Trod stately angels, without speech.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>What wonders did I not behold!</p> + + <p>Dark gorgeous women, turbaned men,</p> + + <p>White tents, like ships, in plain and glen,</p> + + <p>Slaves, palm trees, camels, pearls, and gold.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Ah! many an hour I sat and read,</p> + + <p>And God seemed with me all day long;</p> + + <p>Joy murmured a sweet undersong,</p> + + <p>I talkt with angels, with them fed.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It was an old deserted room;</p> + + <p>There was a skylight strait above,</p> + + <p>And the blue sky lookt thro' like love,</p> + + <p>Softening and coloring mortal gloom.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No playmate had I, knew no game,</p> + + <p>Yet sometimes left my book to run</p> + + <p>And blow bright bubbles in the sun—</p> + + <p>In after life we do the same.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That time is gone; you think me weak</p> + + <p>That I regret that perisht time,</p> + + <p>That I recall my golden prime</p> + + <p>With beating heart and blushing cheek.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>That Book so prized, you tell me, friend,</p> + + <p>Is full of false and deadly tales:</p> + + <p>You say, "a palsied world bewails</p> + + <p>Its influence; but it soon shall end."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thank God for that: I live for truth,</p> + + <p>Glad to resign each rainbow sham;</p> + + <p>But, still remembering what I am,</p> + + <p>I praise my sweet and saintly youth</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>It was so genial and sincere,</p> + + <p>My joy and wonder were so strong,</p> + + <p>So rare and delicate a song</p> + + <p>Young Life was singing in mine ear.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>I therefore still in fancy climb</p> + + <p>Up to that old and faded room,</p> + + <p>Where feelings like fresh roses bloom</p> + + <p>Over the grave of that fair time.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>M.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr /> + + <p>LORD BROUGHAM has recently been engaged in the investigation + of a peculiar phenomenon which he calls the "diflection of + light." The experiment itself consists in causing a ray of + light to fall upon the sharp edge of a knife or on the point of + a needle; the ray is thus "diflected" by the edge or point, and + becomes prismatic. Lord Brougham, in addition to other curious + phenomena, has discovered that the ray, when once diflected, + cannot be again diflected in the same direction, but may be + diflected in an opposite direction.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page113" + id="page113"></a>[pg 113]</span> + + <h4>[From the Spectator, of June 15.]</h4> + + <h3>LIFE OF THE AUTHOR OF 'TREMAINE.'<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a></h3> + + <p>The literary success of the author of <i>Tremaine</i> was + owing to the worldly experience and means of observation which + his official position gave him; but the sole interest which he + possesses in the eyes of the world arises from his success as + an author. As an office-holder, he was not a mere red-tapist, + but one of those able, hard-working, experienced administrative + men, who really carry on the business of government, and, + except in the case of rare ability and courage in a "chief," + are masters of the Ministers, though want of interest, + ambition, or "gift of the gab," retains them in a subordinate + post. As an author, Mr. Ward's temporary success was greater + than his permanent prospects. His subjects were generally large + enough, he was a man of extensive reading, and his tastes took + in a wide range; but he was essentially bounded by the present. + His earlier works, which procured him the patronage of Pitt, + and with it a seat in Parliament and office, were on the Law of + Nations: and though their most attractive part related to a + temporary subject, the rights of belligerents and neutrals, + there was enough in that branch of the subject to secure + duration; but who reads them now? how few, indeed, know of + their existence? He cannot be said to have originated the + serio-didactic novel, for Hannah More and others had long + cultivated that field; but he brought to it, what they could + not bring, a well-bred scholarship, a wide knowledge of public + and private life, seen in affairs as well as society, with less + of a narrow sectarian spirit: yet it may be doubted whether + <i>Tremaine</i> some thirty years hence will be more read than + <i>Coelebs in Search of a Wife</i>. If Mr. Ward did not found + the school of fashionable novelists, he was certainly among the + founders; and he infused into the best of his works, <i>De + Vere</i>, a real knowledge of Parliamentary life, a newer and + truer view of statesmen and nobles, though a little <i>en + beau</i>, and a great variety of actual characters. The + circumstance of Wentworth's supposed resemblance to Canning, + and the accident of publication at a time when the official + conspiracy of the novel seemed acting in Parliament, gave <i>De + Vere</i> a success with the world at large, which its length + and longwindedness might have marred. Mr. Ward's essays + (generally in the form of stories) were not so successful with + the public as his fictions. We think he was by nature designed + for an essayist—naturally given to discuss and expound; + but nature had denied him that penetrating originality of + perception, that vigor of thought, and (as a consequence) that + terseness of style, which are necessary to render the essay + attractive and to preserve it. As Robert Plumer Ward was + essentially confined to the present, so he was dependent on it; + he was nothing if not in the mode, and in his later works he + rather fell behind the fashion.</p> + + <p>His life as presented in these volumes was not very + remarkable or eventful. His father was a merchant at Gibraltar, + and also held the post of chief clerk of the civil department + of the Ordnance in that garrison: his mother was a Spanish + Jewess. Robert Ward was born in London, in 1765, on a visit of + the family to England; and, after an education at private + schools, was sent to Oxford, in 1783. He left the University in + 1787, in debt; and soon after became a student of the Inner + Temple. An affection of the knee-joint sent him to Bareges: he + was speedily cured; but was so attracted by the pleasures of + French society, that he remained in France till the Revolution; + from which he had a narrow escape.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"It happened, unfortunately for him, that another + 'Ward,' of about the same age and personal appearance, had + incurred the suspicion of the Republican party, at a moment + when suspicion lost all its doubts, and death followed + close upon the heels of certainty. To use his own words, 'I + was arrested for having the same name and the same colored + coat and waistcoat as another Ward, guilty of treason; was + ordered without trial to Paris, to be guillotined; and only + escaped by their catching the real traitor: I was, however, + banished the republic, merely for my name's sake.'"</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>On his return to England he was called to the bar, in June + 1790; and but for a singular circumstance might have passed + through life as a literary barrister, with middling success in + law and letters.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"He was, early in 1794, leaving his chambers in the + Temple for the purpose of paying a visit in the Northern + outskirts of London. Upon crossing Fleet Street he had to + traverse Bell Yard; and as he passed a watchmaker's shop + his attention was attracted by a placard in the window, of + a very revolutionary character, convening a meeting of a + certain society, that evening, at the watchmaker's. Many a + man would have passed it unnoticed, or contented himself + with a feeling of regret or indignation at the prevalence + during that period of similar views: not so was it with + young Ward; he was fresh from all the horrors which the + success of such principles in a neighboring country had + entailed; he at once determined to enter the watchmaker's + shop and provoke a discussion with him. For two hours did + the young student contest with the Republican the justice + of his sentiments; for two hours did he labor to impress + upon him, not only by argument but by his own experience, + the horrors to which success must lead; but at the end of + that time he was obliged to leave him, apparently unmoved, + or at all events unconvinced. He paid his distant visit, + and late in the evening returned homeward through the same + alley. Desparing of success, he paid no second visit to the + disputant of the morning, though he did remark with + pleasure that the revolutionary placard had been withdrawn. + Hardly, however, had he passed the shop twenty yards, when + he heard some one running after and calling to him. He + looked back and beheld the Republican watchmaker. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page114" + id="page114"></a>[pg 114]</span> The manner of the man + was changed from the dogged imperturbability with which + he had listened to Mr. Ward's arguments in the morning + to a frank and eager confidence. 'I have called you in,' + said he, 'to say I have done nothing but think over your + words: I feel their truth; I shudder at the precipice on + which I stood, at the evil I was about to do; and am now + as anxious to communicate and prevent as I was before to + conceal all our schemes.' He then communicated to him + the existence of a most fearful plot against the + Government, which, with his newly-awakened feelings, he + longed to frustrate by immediately informing the + authorities, if he who had convinced would also + accompany and support him.</p> + + <p>"They went to the Chief Magistrate, Sir Richard Ford; + who attached so much importance to the communication, that + the three were at once ushered into the presence of Pitt + and his colleagues, assembled with Macdonald and Scott, the + Attorney and Solicitor-General. The singular history was + duly narrated in detail; the arguments carried on by the + young Mentor, the misgivings of the Republican, and then + the details of the impending danger. The countenance of + Pitt was turned with interest on the young lawyer, who + seemed not only to share that horror of revolutionary + movements with which he was himself so strongly imbued, but + who had so gallantly acted upon it. 'What was your motive, + young gentleman,' he inquired, 'for thus entering the + shop?' 'I, Sir,' answered young Ward, 'am not long returned + from France, and have there seen in practice what sounds so + fine in theory.'"</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Though, according to report, Pitt was not the man to + overlook rising talent or lose sight of a useful adherent, + eight years elapsed before much came of this singular + introduction; during which the young barrister published two + books or pamphlets on the Laws of Nations, married a sister of + Lady Mulgrave, and was slowly working his way at the bar. In + 1802, Pitt, in a stiff enough letter, offered Mr. Ward a seat + for Cockermouth, one of the Lowther boroughs; and when he + returned to power, his protégé became Under-Secretary of State + for the Foreign Department, (his brother-in-law, Lord Mulgrave, + being Principal Secretary,) <i>after</i> he had published a + pamphlet in justification of Pitt's highhanded seizure of the + Spanish treasure-ships. Of course he went out on the accession + of All the Talents after Pitt's death; and came in again on + their expulsion, as a Lord of the Admiralty, still under Lord + Mulgrave. In 1812, he was moved to the Ordnance, as "Clerk." In + 1823, he quitted office, withdrew from Parliament, and began + novel-writing as an amusement, at fifty-eight. He died in 1846, + in his eighty-second year; having lived long enough to see his + son, the present Lord High Commissioner of the Ionian Islands, + Secretary to the Admiralty under a Whig Ministry. He was thrice + married, and each time advantageously. His first wife, as we + have seen, was a sister-in-law of Lord Mulgrave; the second, + whom he wedded at the age of sixty-three, was the widow of Mr. + Plumer of Gilston Park, which became his through the marriage; + his third alliance, when he was nearly seventy, gave him the + advantage of a jointure of 1,000<i>l.</i> per annum allowance + as guardian, and a couple of mansions. His writings would lead + to the notion that Robert Ward was everything tender and + amiable; and so he might be as long as he was pleased; but he + would seem to have had a quiet implacability, that was offended + on slight grounds, and obdurate in displeasure. He quarreled + with his son on account of his politics: he received some + slight from an official friend and repulsed all attempts at + explanation, till a letter written when Ward was seventy-two + and his correspondent turned of seventy produced a + reconciliation rather dry on his part. It would have been + satisfactory to know that some relenting, some interest beyond + a "suspicion" of the writer, had been shown on the receipt of + the following manly letter, written after the publication of + <i>De Vere</i>. After alluding to the internal traits by which + he had identified the author, the anonymous correspondent + continues:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"It surprises me, I confess, that the feeling, judgment, + and sagacity, which sufficed to produce the work that I + have been commending, should have suffered the golden + opinions of me, which you entertained, to be filched and + adulterated by mere traducers, whose reports the hearer's + own experience could have almost refuted, and whose + testimony was so obviously liable to be warped by + prejudice.</p> + + <p>"We live in a strange world. Before my feelings and + dispositions had changed from wavering and transient to + permanent and fixed,—before the desultory ramblings, + which almost became our age, had terminated in a path, and + that, I trust, a right and honorable one, and from which, + with moderate allowance for human inferiority, I have not + deviated since,—before my principles had attained + their vigor, and generated those correct habits which it + was their province to produce,—in short, while, like + most young men, I might be said to have as yet 'no + character at all,' I obtained your friendship. How I lost + it, I have already told you. When, remains to tell you. I + lost it when any fruits which my youth may have promised + had appeared; lost it all at once, under circumstances + scarcely more annoying to my feelings than revolting to my + sense of what was right and just.</p> + + <p>"I am not seeking to penetrate what is to me, indeed, no + secret; neither do I form the unavailing wish that our + expired intercourse should revive. C'en est fait. A knot + which has been loosened or untied may be formed again, but + this knot has been cut. Accordingly, I neither address you + by your name nor subscribe my own. My hand-writing, though + not disguised, is, like yourself, much changed; and, though + this were not the case, you could not, after the lapse of + so much time, have recognized it.</p> + + <p>"My regard you continue to possess, though I am not + certain of your title to retain it. But you have, by means + of your estrangement, sustained a loss. In ceasing to + entertain a feeling of esteem and cordiality toward me, you + have lost that which is a source of soothing gratification + to the mind in which it is cherished, and which, I flatter + myself, I as well deserved to have retained with regard to + me as any other of your early friends, be that other who he + may. Again: <span class="pagenum"><a name="page115" + id="page115"></a>[pg 115]</span> though you have not + lost a friend, (for my sentiments toward you continue + friendly,) you have elected to lose the usual and not + unpalatable fruits of friendship in my case: and this at + a time of life (for we are much of the same age) when + old friends can the less be spared, because new + friendships are rarely formed.</p> + + <p>"When our earliest meetings and the commencements of a + bygone friendship are called up before me by the letter + which, I scarcely know why, I am writing, I feel myself + softened as well as depressed by the recollection; and, as + I write farewell, it gives me pain to think that I might + add to it the words—probably forever. God bless + you."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>There is nothing in Robert Ward's life or literary eminence + to require or even justify so large a space as his nephew has + bestowed upon it. Strictly speaking, indeed, the biography + occupies but a small portion of these bulky volumes, which are + chiefly filled with remains or correspondence; and much of that + little is not distinguished for matter or character. The + correspondence is indifferent. The latter portion of it is + mainly devoted to literary criticism, or compliments, having + for subject the author's works or those of his praisers; and is + weak and flimsy to a degree. The earlier portion principally + relates to politics, especially to the intrigues carried on by + Canning and Malmesbury during the Addington Ministry to procure + Pitt's premature return to office. To this Lord Mulgrave was + judiciously opposed; and although there is nothing very new or + particular in the account, and the letters are rather flat, it + gives the Mulgrave version of the business. The most valuable + part of the book, and which was, indeed, well worthy of + separate publication, is a diary that Mr. Ward kept through a + considerable portion of his official life, beginning in June + 1809, and continuing with a short interruption till the death + of Perceval, when it ceased till 1819; after which it was + maintained to a later period than Mr. Phipps thinks it proper + to publish it. This diary consists of gossip, anecdote, on + dits, and confidential communications made to Mr. Ward on + various occasions and at critical times, together with his own + observations and reflections on affairs, or remarks on + characters. As he was much in the confidence of Perceval, saw a + good deal of the Duke of Wellington, (Master-General of the + Ordnance during the era of the Manchester massacre and + Sidmouth's spy doings,) and was continually behind the scenes, + the diary is both curious and amusing. Allowance must of course + be made for the writer's position as a partisan, and some of + his later notions are those of the "laudator temporis acti," + speaking without responsibility; but it is sufficiently + interesting to raise a desire for the whole, published as a + diary, and not mixed up with other matters to which it has + small relation.</p> + + <p>The diary begins with Canning's intrigue against + Castlereagh; and Canning is occasionally brought forward in the + earlier period, and painted with a good deal of shadow, (he was + then in a sort of opposition to Perceval,) and altogether a + very different personage from the Wentworth of <i>De Vere</i>. + Lord Palmerston, then a "very fine young man," and a promising + candidate for place, with no other faults, in Mr. Ward's + estimation, than what he has certainly got rid of long + since—nervousness and modesty!—also figures in the + pages, and at a critical conjuncture of his fortunes.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"Lord Palmerston came to town, sent for by Perceval. He + was so good as to confide to me that three things were + offered to him,—the Chancellorship of the Exchequer, + Secretaryship at War, or a seat at the Treasury, by way of + introduction to the seals, if he was afraid of entering + upon them at once. These offers were, however, in the + alternative of there being any of them declined by Milnes + (Member for Pomfret), to whom they were made in the first + instance. Lord P. consulted me very frankly upon them, and + asked if I thought he would be equal to the seals either in + Cabinet or Parliament, particularly the latter, where he + had barely made his début. I told him, and was most + sincere, that in common with all his friends whom I had + ever heard speak on the subject, I thought him quite equal + to them in point of capacity, but as to nerves in + Parliament, (of which he seemed most to doubt,) nobody + could judge but himself. He said, Petty (whom I had + mentioned) had come forward after having felt his way and + got possession of himself in the House, and that if he had + done the same, he perhaps would not hesitate. As it was, he + inclined to the second place, but had written to Lord + Malmesbury. We walked up to Hyde Park discussing the + subject. Among other topics which I urged, one seemed to + impress him much; which was, the great difference there + would be in his situation and pretensions upon a return to + office, in the event of our going out, if he retired as a + Cabinet Minister instead of a subordinate capacity. He + allowed it much flattered his ambition, but feared the + prejudice it would occasion to his own reputation and the + interest of his friends if he failed. I left him inclining + to the Secretary at War; and admired his prudence, as I + have long done the talents and excellent understanding, as + well as the many other good qualities as well as + accomplishments, of this very fine young man."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>One portion of the diary relates to the Regency. New facts + are scarcely advanced, but we think some freshness is given + from the light and coloring of the author. Unless Sheridan + really persuaded the Prince to throw over the Whigs, out of + revenge for Whig hauteur, his Royal Highness would seem to have + acted entirely from himself. The arrogance of Grey and + Grenville comes out very strongly in the painting of his + opponent. After all, however, it is doubtful whether they + <i>could</i> have come in. The Tories would have been strong in + Opposition; the Whigs could scarcely form a Government without + the Canning votes, and the hatred with which the old Whigs + regarded their leader rendered that junction impossible: what + was more than all, their cowardly anti-national policy would + have rendered their position one of great difficulty with the + country. The fact is, that poor in point of talent as the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page116" + id="page116"></a>[pg 116]</span> Perceval Ministry was, it + best represented the opinion of the country; as the Whigs + now are in a similar position. Some of these points are well + put in this report of a conversation in the House of + Commons; which will also give an idea of the manner of the + diary.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"J.W. Ward told me what he called a bon mot, and seemed + much to enjoy, of Lady —-'s. He had said there was a + difficulty in getting people to accept of offices just now; + she answered, she thought Lord Grenville would be not + unwilling to accept them <i>all</i> in his own person. Oh + strange union, where this, by one of their party, is + thought characteristic and told with glee! I understand, + however, that Tierney has confessed a difficulty. The + Prince, it seems, wants them to accept, and they are afraid + to accept. They are therefore reduced to tell the Prince, + We would accept if it were to do ourselves good; but not + when it is inconvenient, though to do you good. The + remarkable part of the evening was a conversation with + Brand, who came over to sit by me. Though he had spoken, + and strongly, against us in the debate, he opened + immediately upon the merits of Perceval; he admired his + conduct and ability so much, that if he had ever given him + a vote in his life, he said, he would have supported him on + these questions; that his character had enabled him to + commence the stand he had made, and character had attached + his party so much to him as to continue the majority all + through; that this sentiment was not peculiar to him in the + Opposition, but partaken by many—indeed, all without + exception admired him; that this would give him + extraordinary influence as the head of an Opposition, which + must give great trouble, to the new Government when it was + formed: nevertheless, he thought we were not going out, it + was too dangerous to come in; probably, he added, laughing, + the Regent will keep Perceval three months as his father's + Minister, and then 'fall so much in love with him' (that + was the expression) that he will continue him as his own. + He then entered much on the comparison between him and + Canning; the latter of whom, he said, spite of his + abilities, was discarded by all parties; that he could tell + me it was finally resolved not to admit him in the new + Government, into which some on account of those abilities + had wished to introduce him. I may say, he observed, that I + had some share in the rejection: I protested against such a + junction whenever it was talked of; I told my friends it + would ruin that without which they never could make a + Government, character; that the eyes of a great number whom + they could by no means command were upon them: I bade them + look at the back rows on the side of Opposition, and asked + them if they could count such men as Nicholson, Calvert, + Halsey, Coke of Norfolk, &c., &c., as their regular + supporters, unless it was from an esteem for their + character—and if that character would not sustain a + deep wound in the outset—if, for the sake of power, + they allied themselves with a man who had deserted all + alliances he had ever made; that he had deserted them + before, after a treaty made, and had then deserted + Perceval, after endeavoring to undermine Castlereagh; his + conduct to whom had injured himself with the public in the + most serious manner, in having allowed him to retain his + office and undertake that melancholy expedition, five + months after he had declared him so incapable that he put + his own resignation upon his dismissal, that to ally with + such a man could be only lowering themselves in public + esteem without gaining anything but a hollow support. I + would inform Canning myself, he added, that this was my + protest, if he asked me."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The heads of the "great Whig families," however, were more + sanguine, and hoped, or at least were occupied, to the last. + Their treatment by the Prince was characteristic; and one can + fancy the magnates at Adam's announcement in the following + extract:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"What most offended them was the manner in which the + Prince announced his resolution. They were in the very act + of forming the Administration, filling offices, &c., + &c., when Adam came in from the Prince. They said they + could not be disturbed; he said he must disturb them, for + he had a message from the Prince: they replied that it was + for the Prince they were at work, for they were making the + Government; Adam told them to spare all trouble, for no + Government was to be made. This was on Friday the 1st, in + the evening; and what affronted them was, that after having + had such a task committed to them, the Prince should have + presumed to take a counter resolution by himself without + first consulting them."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>This is a characteristic trait of the Duke of Wellington's + way of getting through, business.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"He was fond of relating, that soon after the Duke's + appointment, he was leaving his office at the usual hour, + when, on coming out at the Park entrance, he perceived his + new chief just in the act of getting on horseback. He went + up to the Duke, and mentioned that there were some matters + connected with the department on which he would like to + communicate with him when he had time. 'No time like the + present,' said the Duke, and, at once dismissing his horse, + returned with Mr. Ward into the Ordnance Office. There, + then, he remained closeted with the Duke till past eight, + listening to and answering his pertinent queries upon + manifold points connected with the department. From that + moment the Duke appeared to be au fait of the business in + hand, and ready to cope with the details as they from time + to time presented themselves."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>The Duke seems to have been more alarmed at the state of the + nation about 1819 than the nature of the case justified; + deceived, probably, by the official "reports" of Messrs. + Castles and Co. The following remark, however, exhibits his + penetration:</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"He said, if the rising broke out anywhere, it would be + at Glasgow and Paisley; where many rich merchants and all + they supported would be sure to suffer, while no one could + certainly foretell how soon it might be put down. This led + him to his favorite notion, that the loyal should be taught + to rely more upon themselves, and less upon the Government, + in their own defense against the disloyal. It was this, he + thought, that formed and kept up a national character: + while every one was accustomed to rely upon the Government, + upon a sort of commutation for what they paid to it, + personal energy went to sleep, and the end was lost: that + in England, he observed, every man who had the commonest + independence, one, two, five or six hundred, or a thousand + a year, had his own little plan of comfort—his + favorite personal pursuit, whether his library, his garden, + his hunting, or his farm, which he was unwilling to allow + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page117" + id="page117"></a>[pg 117]</span> anything (even his own + defense) to disturb; he therefore deceived himself into + a notion that if there was a storm it would not reach + him, and went on his own train till it was actually + broke in upon by force. This led to supineness and + apathy as to public exertion; which would in the end + ruin us: the disposition therefore must be changed, by + forcing them to exert themselves; which would not be if + Government did everything in civil war, they nothing: + hence his wish for a volunteer force. All this was + exceedingly sound, and showed the reach of his + reflecting mind as an observer of human nature, as well + as a statesman and soldier, more than anything I have + yet seen."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>There is a curious passage touching Pitt's dying + moments.</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"At the time Mr. Ward accepted the post of + Under-Secretary of State, (resigning that of Welsh Judge,) + it had been promised him that the apparent risk of such a + step to the future prospects of his family should be + guarded against by the grant of a pension, to commence when + he should cease to hold office. He had been but a year in + the post thus accepted, and amid the pressure of other + matters the contemplated arrangement had never been + completed. More than once in his last illness did Pitt + allude to his unfulfilled promise, and speak with kindness + of him to whom it had been made. Later on, when he could no + longer continuously articulate, he made the name 'Robert + Ward' audible, and added signs for paper and ink. His + trembling hand having feebly traced a number of wandering + characters, and added what could be easily recognized as + his well-known signature, he sank back. The precious paper + (precious, whatever may have been its unknown import, as a + proof of remembrance at so solemn a moment) was afterward + handed over by the physician in attendance, Sir Walter + Farquhar, to Mr. Ward; and many a time did he declare, as + he displayed it to me, that he would give anything he + valued most in the world to be able to decipher its + unformed characters."</p> + </blockquote> + + <p>Some posthumous compositions of Mr. Ward are appended to the + Memoirs. They consist of "characters," similar to those of + Chesterfield and other writers, and of "sketches" and essays; + these last being set in a species of framework, intended to + connect them into a series. They are not the best specimens of + the author's composition; and perhaps were hardly worth + publication. Allowance is to be made, as Mr. Phipps remarks, + for their unrevised state; and revision might have removed + crudities and imparted more closeness and strength. It would + not, however, have altered their main defects; which may be + summed up by saying that they belonged to another age, without + reaching the peculiar force and finish which alone can give + interest to an obsolete mode.</p> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" + name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + + <p>Memoirs of the Political and Literary Life of Robert + Plumer Ward, Esq., Author of "The Law of Nations," + "Tremaine," "De Vere," &c. With Selections from his + Correspondence, Diaries, and unpublished Literary Remains. + By the Honorable Edmund Phipps. In two volumes. Published + by Murray.</p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <p>THE BAGPIPE.—In Gothic sculpture and tracery angels + are sometimes portrayed practising on the bagpipe. It was + occasionally used in churches before the introduction of the + organ, which occurred early in the fifteenth century. Written + music came into use about the same time, and both were loudly + denounced by many of the old school-men as unnecessary and vain + innovations.</p> + <hr /> + + <h3>THE IVORY MINE:</h3> + + <h4>A TALE OF THE FROZEN SEA.</h4> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h4>I.—YAKOUTSK.</h4> + + <p>Yakoutsk is one of the principal cities of Siberia, a + country the name of which excites exaggerated ideas of + sterility and desolation. Watered by rivers, which in every + direction do the work of railways, with richly-wooded mountains + and valleys, with green slopes, cultivated fields, soft + meadows, gardens, and grassy islands in the great streams, with + all the common vegetables in pretty fair abundance, with an + endless source of commerce in furs and ivory, Siberia, except + in its extreme northern provinces, presents, like most other + lands, a very considerable amount of compensation for + considerable rigor of climate. Yakoutsk is a completely + northern town on the great river Lena, with wide streets and + miserable huts, all of wood, in many of which ice is still used + in winter for panes of glass. A very eminent traveler tells us + that on his visit there were 4000 people living in 500 houses; + with three stone churches, two wooden ones, and a convent. It + had once an antiquity to show—the ancient Ostrog or + fortress built in 1647 by the Cossacks; but which menaced ruin + more and more every day, being not of stone, but of wood, and + at last disappeared. Even here progress is observable, and + wretched cabins give way gradually to houses, some of which are + even elegantly arranged in the interior. It is a great + commercial center: from the Anubra to Behring's Straits, from + the banks of the Frozen Sea to Mount Aldana, from Okhotsk and + even Kamschatka, goods are brought hither, consisting chiefly + of furs, seals' teeth and mammoths' tusks, which afford + excellent ivory, all of which are sold in the summer to + itinerant traders, who give in return powerfully-flavored + tobacco, corn and flour, tea, sugar, strong drinks, Chinese + silks and cottons, cloth, iron and copper utensils, and + glass.</p> + + <p>The inhabitants of the town are chiefly traders, who buy of + the Yakouta hunters their furs at a cheap rate, and then sell + them in a mysterious kind of fashion to the agents who come + from Russia in search of them. During the annual fair they stow + up their goods in private rooms; and here the Irkoutsk men must + come and find them. These traders are the Russian inhabitants, + the native Yakoutas being the only artisans. In this distant + colony of the human race, the new-born child of a Russian is + given to a Yakouta woman to nurse, and when old enough, learns + to read and write, after which he is brought up to the fur + trade, and his education is finished.</p> + + <p>Ivan Ivanovitch was a young man born and bred at Yakoutsk. + His parents had given him the usual amount of tuition, and then + allowed him for a time to follow the bent of his inclination. + Ivan took to the chase. Passionately fond of this amusement, he + had at an early age started with the Yakouta trappers, and + become learned in the search + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page118" + id="page118"></a>[pg 118]</span> for sables, ermines, and + lynxes; could pursue the reindeer and elk on skates; and had + even gone to the north in quest of seals. He thus at the age + of twenty, knew the whole active part of his trade, and was + aware of all the good hunting-grounds on which the Siberians + founded their prosperity. But when he was called on to + follow the more quiet and sedentary part of his occupation, + he was not one-half so quick. His rough and rude life made + town existence distasteful to him, and he evinced all that + superb contempt for shop-keeping which characterizes the + nomadic man, whether Red Indian, Arab, Tartar, or + Siberian.</p> + + <p>But Ivan was told he must make his way in the world. His + parents who died before he attained to manhood, left him a + small fortune in rubles and furs, which, if he chose to be + industrious and persevering, might pave the way to the highest + position in his native town. Acting on the pressing advice of + his friends, he gave up his wanderings, and went to reside in + the house of his fathers, piled up his skins and ivory, bought + new ones, and prepared for the annual fair. The merchants from + Irkoutsk, the capital, came, and Ivan, who was sharp and + clever, did a good trade. But when his furs and teeth were + changed into tea, tobacco, brandy, cloth, &c., he did not + feel a whit happier. Ivan longed for the arid hills, and lofty + mountains, and pellucid lakes—for the exciting hunt and + the night bivouac, when gray-headed Yakoutas would, with their + <i>ganzis</i>—the Irish duddeen—in their mouths, + tell terrible and wonderful stories of ancient days. When + eating town fare, his stomach yearned after frozen Yakouta + butter, cut up with axes, and for <i>strouganina</i> or frozen + fish, with reindeer brains, and other northern delicacies. And + then his kind friends told him that he wanted a wife—a + possession without which, they assured him, life was dull, + adding that in her society he would cease to long for communion + with bears and savages.</p> + + <p>Ivan believed them, and, following their advice, launched + into society—that is, he went more than usual to the + noisy festivities of the town, which form the occupation of the + dull season. The good people of Yakoutsk—like all people + approaching to a savage state, especially in northern + climes—consider eating the great business of life. + Fabulous legends are told of the enormous capacity for food, + approaching that of the Esquimaux; but however this may be, + certain it is that a Yakoutsk festival was always commenced by + several hours of laborious eating and drinking of fat and oily + food and strong brandy. When the utmost limits of repletion + were reached, the patriarchs usually took to pipes, cards, and + punch, while the ladies prepared tea, and ate roasted nuts, + probably to facilitate digestion. The young men conversed with + them, or roasted their nuts for them, while perhaps a dandy + would perform a Siberian dance to the music of the violin or + <i>gousli</i>, a kind of guitar. Ivan joined heartily in all + this dissipation: he smoked with the old men; he drank their + punch; he roasted nuts for the ladies, and told them wonderful + stories which were always readily listened to, except when some + new fashion, which for several years before had been forgotten + in Paris—found its way via St. Petersburgh, Moscow, and + Irkoutsk, to the deserts of Siberia. Then he was silent; for + the ladies had ample subject of discourse, not forgetting the + great tea-table topic—scandal; causing the old men to + shake their heads, and declare such things were not when they + were young. Ivan, however, had one unfailing subject of + popularity with the ladies. Like most Russians who have had + occasion to travel much in cold places, he relished a cup of + tea even better than the punch, as he had learned by experience + that there was more genuine warmth in the pot than in the bowl. + Most Russian officers are known to share this opinion.</p> + + <p>Ivan had several times had his attention directed to Maria + Vorotinska, a young and rich widow, who was the admiration of + all Yakoutsk. Her husband had left her a fortune in knowledge + of the fur trade and in rubles, with a comfortable house nicely + furnished, in Siberia the very height of human felicity. It was + commonly reported that Maria, young as she was, was the best + bargainer in the land. She got her skins for less than anybody + else, and sold them for a higher price. With these + qualifications, she must, it was said, prove a jewel to Ivan, + who was not a close buyer nor a hard seller. But Ivan for some + time remained perfectly insensible both to these social + advantages and the great beauty of the lady. He met her often, + and even roasted her more nuts than any one else, which was a + strong case of preference; but he did not seem caught in the + fair one's toils. He neither ate, nor slept, nor amused himself + one whit the less than when he first knew her. One evening, + however, as Maria handed him his tea, with a hot cake, Ivan, + whether owing to some peculiar smile on her face, or to the + domestic idea which the act suggested, seemed certainly very + much struck, and next day formally proposed. Maria laughed, and + tossed her head, and spoke a few good-natured words; and then, + without either accepting or rejecting him, hinted something + about his youth, his want of devotion to business, and his want + of fortune. Ivan, a little warmly, declared himself to be the + best hunter in Yakoutsk, and hence the most + practically-experienced of any in the trade, and then gave the + sum-total of his possessions.</p> + + <p>"Just one quarter of what good old Vorotinska left me!" + replied the prudent Maria.</p> + + <p>"But if I liked," replied Ivan, "I could be the richest + merchant in Siberia."</p> + + <p>"How?" asked Maria a little curiously, for the mere mention + of wealth was to her like powder to the war-horse.</p> + + <p>"Being almost the only Russian who has lived among the + Yakoutas, I know the secret + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page119" + id="page119"></a>[pg 119]</span> of getting furs cheaper and + easier than any one else. Beside, if I chose to take a long + journey, I could find ivory in vast heaps. A tradition is + current of an ivory mine in the north, which an old Yakouta + told me to be truth."</p> + + <p>"Very likely," said Maria, to whom the existence of the + fossil ivory of the mammoth in large masses was well known; + "but the <i>promich lenicks</i>—trading + companies—have long since stripped them."</p> + + <p>"Not this," cried Ivan; "it is a virgin mine. It is away, + away in the Frozen Sea, and requires courage and enduring + energy to find. Two Yakoutas once discovered it. One was killed + by the natives; the other escaped, and is now an old man."</p> + + <p>"If you could find that," said Maria, "you would be the + first man in Siberia, and the Czar himself would honor + you."</p> + + <p>"And you?" asked Ivan humbly.</p> + + <p>"Ivan Ivanovitch," replied Maria calmly, "I like you better + than any man in Yakoutsk, but I should adore the great ivory + merchant."</p> + + <p>Ivan was delighted. He was a little puzzled by the character + of the lady, who, after marrying an old man for his fortune, + seemed equally desirous of reconciling her interest and her + affections in a second marriage. But very nice ideas are not + those of the half-civilized, for we owe every refinement both + of mind and body to civilization, which makes of the raw + material man—full of undeveloped elements—what + cooking makes of the potato root. Civilization is the hot water + and fire which carry off the crudities, and bring forth the + good qualities.</p> + + <p>However this maybe, Ivan nursed his idea. Apart from the + sudden passion which had invaded him, he had long allowed this + fancy to ferment in his brain. During his wandering evenings, a + noted hunter named Sakalar, claiming descent from the supposed + Tartar founder of the Yakoutas, had often narrated his perilous + journey on sledges across the Frozen Sea, his discovery of an + ivory mine—that is, a vast deposit of mammoths' tusks, + generally found at considerable depth in the earth, but here + open to the grasp of all. He spoke of the thing as a folly of + his youth, which had cost the life of his dearest friend, and + never hinted at a renewed visit. But Ivan was resolved to + undertake the perilous adventure, and even to have Sakalar for + his guide.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h4>II. THE YAKOUTA HUNTER.</h4> + + <p>Ivan slumbered not over his project. But a few days passed + before he was ready to start. He purchased the horses required, + and packed up all the varied articles necessary for his + journey, and likely to please his Yakouta friend, consisting of + tea, rum, brandy, tobacco, gunpowder, and other things of less + moment. For himself he took a couple of guns, a pair of + pistols, some strong and warm clothes, an iron pot for cooking, + a kettle for his tea, with many minor articles absolutely + indispensable in the cold region he was about to visit. All + travelers in the north have found that ample food, and such + drinks as tea, are the most effectual protection against the + climate; while oily and fat meat is also an excellent + preservative against cold. But Ivan had no need to provide + against this contingency. His Yakouta friend knew the value of + train-oil and grease, which are the staple luxuries of + Siberians, Kamschatkans, and Esquimaux alike.</p> + + <p>The first part of Ivan's journey was necessarily to the + <i>yourte</i>, or wigwam of Sakalar, without whom all hopes of + reaching the goal of his wishes were vain. He had sufficient + confidence in himself to venture without a guide toward the + plain of Miouré, where his Yakouta friend dwelt. He started at + early dawn, without warning of his departure any one save + Maria, and ventured courageously on the frozen plain which + reaches from Yakoutsk to the Polar Sea. The country is here + composed of marshes, vast downs, huge forests, and hills + covered with snow in the month of September, the time when he + began his journey. He had five horses, each tied to the tail of + the one before him, while Ivan himself was mounted on the + first. He was compelled to ride slowly, casting his eyes every + now and then behind to see that all was right. At night he + stretched a bearskin under a bush, lit a huge fire, cooked a + savory mess, and piling clothes over himself, slept. At dawn he + rose, crammed his kettle full of clean snow, put it over the + embers, and made himself tea. With this warm beverage to rouse + him, he again arranged his little caravan, and proceeded on his + way. Nothing more painful than this journey can be conceived. + There are scarcely any marks to denote the road, while lakes, + formed by recent inundations, arrest the traveler every half + hour, compelling him to take prodigious rounds, equally + annoying and perplexing.</p> + + <p>On the morning of the third day Ivan felt a little puzzled + about the road. He knew the general direction from the distant + mountains, and he wished to avoid a vast morass. Before him was + a frozen stream, and on the other side a hillock. Leaving the + others to feed as well as they could, he mounted his best + horse, and rode across. The ice bent under him as he went, and + he accordingly rode gently; but just as he reached the middle, + it cracked violently right across, and sank visibly under him. + Ivan looked hurriedly round him. The ice was everywhere split, + and the next minute his horse, plunging violently, fell + through. Instead, however, of falling into a stream of cold + water, Ivan found himself in a vast and chilly vault, with a + small trickling stream in the middle, and at once recollected a + not unfrequent phenomenon. The river had been frozen over when + high with floods, but presently the water sinking to its + ordinary level, the upper crust of ice alone remained. But Ivan + had no desire to admire the gloomy, half-lit vault, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page120" + id="page120"></a>[pg 120]</span> extending up and down out + of sight; but standing on his horse's back, clambered up as + best he might upon the surface, leaving the poor animal + below. This done, he ran to the shore, and used the + well-remembered Yakouta device for extracting his steed: he + broke a hole in the ice near the bank, toward which the + sagacious brute at once hurried, and was drawn forth. Having + thus fortunately escaped a serious peril, he resumed his + search on foot, and about midday pursued his journey.</p> + + <p>A few hours brought him to the curious plain of the Miouré, + where he expected to find the camp of his friend Sakalar. + Leaving an almost desert plain, he suddenly stood on the edge + of a hollow, circular in form and six miles across, fertile in + the extreme, and dotted with numerous well-stocked fish-ponds. + The whole, as may plainly be seen, was once a lake. Scattered + over the soil were the yourtes of the Yakoutas, while cattle + and horses crowded together in vast flocks. Ivan, who knew the + place well, rode straight to a yourte or cabin apart from the + rest, where usually dwelt Sakalar. It was larger and cleaner + than most of them, thanks to the tuition of Ivan and the + subsequent care of a daughter, who, brought up by Ivan's mother + while the young man wandered, had acquired manners a little + superior to those of her tribe.</p> + + <p>This was really needful, for the Yakoutas, a pastoral people + of Tartar origin, are singularly dirty, and even somewhat + coarse and unintellectual—like all savage nations, in + fact, when judged by any one but the poet or the poetic + philosopher, who, on examination, will find that ignorance, + poverty, misery, and want of civilization, produce similar + results in the prairies of America and the wilds of Siberia, in + an Irish cabin, and in the wynds and closes of our populous + cities. But the chief defect of the Yakouta is dirt. Otherwise + he is rather a favorable specimen of a savage. Since his + assiduous connection with the Russians he has become even rich, + having flocks and herds, and at home plenty of koumise to drink + and horse's flesh to eat. He has great endurance, and can bear + tremendous cold. He travels in the snow, with his saddle for a + pillow, his horse-cloth for a bed, his cloak for a covering, + and so sleeps. His power of fasting is prodigious, and his + eyesight is so keen that a Yakouta one day told an eminent + Russian traveler that he had seen a great blue star eat a + number of little stars, and then cast them up. The man had seen + the eclipses of Jupiter's satellites. Like the red Indian, he + recollects every bush, every stone, every hillock, every pond + necessary to find his way, and never loses himself, however + great the distance he may have to travel.</p> + + <p>His food is boiled beef and horse's flesh, cow's and mare's + milk. But his chief delicacy is raw and melted fat, while + quantity is always the chief merit of a repast. He mixes + likewise a mess of fish, flour, milk, fat, and a kind of bark, + the latter to augment the volume. Both men and women smoke + inordinately, swallowing the vapor, as do many dwellers in + civilized lands—a most pernicious and terrible habit. + Brandy is their most precious drink, their own koumise having + not sufficient strength to satisfy them. In summer they wander + about in tents collecting hay, in winter they dwell in the + yourte or hut, which is a wooden frame, of beehive shape, + covered with grass, turf, and clay, with windows of clear ice. + The very poor dig three feet below the soil; the rich have a + wooden floor level with the adjacent ground, while rude benches + all round serve as beds, divided one from the other by + partitions. The fireplace is in the middle, inclining toward + the door. A pipe carries away the smoke.</p> + + <p>It was almost dark when Ivan halted before the yourte of + Sakalar. It was at once larger and cleaner to the eye than any + of those around. It had also numerous outhouses full of cows, + and one or two men to tend these animals were smoking their + pipes at the door. Ivan gave his horses to one of them, who + knew him, and entered the hut. Sakalar, a tall, thin, hardy man + of about fifty, was just about to commence his evening meal. A + huge mass of boiled meat, stewed fish, and a sort of soup, were + ready; and a young girl about eighteen, neatly dressed, clean, + and pretty—all owing to her Yakoutsk education—was + serving the hunter.</p> + + <p>"Spirit of the woods protect me!" shrieked the girl, + spilling half of the soup upon the floor.</p> + + <p>"What wild horses have you seen, Kolina?" cried the hunter, + who had been a little scalded; and then seeing Ivan, added, "A + Yakouta welcome to you, my son! My old heart is glad, and I am + warm enough to melt an iceberg at the sight of you, Ivan. + Kolina, quick! another platter, a fresh mug, the best bottle of + brandy, and my red pipe from Moscow!"</p> + + <p>No need was there for the hunter to speak. Kolina, alert as + a reindeer, had sprung up from the low bench, and quickly + brought forth all their holiday ware, and even began to prepare + a cake, such as Ivan himself had taught her to make, knowing + that be liked some sort of bread with his meals.</p> + + <p>"And where are you going?" cried Sakalar when the young man + had somewhat appeased his hunger.</p> + + <p>"To the North Sea, in search of the great ivory mine!" said + Ivan, abruptly.</p> + + <p>Kolina started back in terror and surprise, while Sakalar + fixed his keen eye on the youth with sorrow and curiosity, and + almost unequivocally, testified his belief that his favorite + pupil in the chase was mad. But Ivan rose and bade the + serving-man of the rich Yacouta bring in his boxes, and opened + up his store of treasures. There was tea for Kolina; and for + Sakalar, rum, brandy, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page121" + id="page121"></a>[pg 121]</span> powder, guns, tobacco, + knives—all that could tempt a Yakouta. The father and + daughter examined them with pleasure for some time, but + presently Kolina shook her head.</p> + + <p>"Ivan," said Sakalar, "all this is to tempt the poor Yakouta + to cross the wilderness of ice. It is much riches, but not + enough to make Sakalar mad. The mine is guarded by evil beings. + But speak, lad, why would you go there?"</p> + + <p>"Let Kolina give me a pipe and I will tell my story," said + Ivan; and filling his glass, the young fur-trader told the + story of his love, and his bargain with the prudent widow.</p> + + <p>"And this cold-hearted woman," exclaimed Kolina with + emotion, "has sent you to risk life on the horrible Frozen Sea. + A Yakouta girl would have been less selfish. She would have + said, 'Stay at home—let me have Ivan: the mammoth teeth + may lie forever on the Frozen Sea!'"</p> + + <p>"But the lad will go, and he will be drowned like a dog," + said Sakalar, more slowly, after this ebullition of feminine + indignation.</p> + + <p>"You must go with him, father," continued Kolina, with a + compassionate look at Ivan; "and as your child cannot remain + alone, Kolina will go too!"</p> + + <p>"We will start when the horses have had five days' hay," + said Sakalar gravely—the animals alluded to being only + fed when about to go a journey—"and Kolina shall go too, + for Ivan will be two years on his way."</p> + + <p>Ivan listened in amazement: in the first place, at the + sudden decision and warmth of his attached friends, with whom + he had dwelt twelve years; then at the time required. He felt + considerable doubts as to the widow remaining unmarried such a + time; but the explanation of Sakalar satisfied him that it was + impossible to perform the journey even in two years. The hunter + told him that they must first join the tribes dwelling round + Nijnei-Kolimsk (New-Kolimsk), where alone he could get dogs and + sledges for his journey across the Frozen Sea. This, with the + arrangements, would consume the winter. In the summer nothing + could be done. When the winter returned he must start toward + the north pole—a month's journey at least—and if he + hit on the place, must encamp there for the rest of the winter. + That summer would be spent in getting out the ivory, fattening + up the dogs, and packing. The third winter would be occupied by + the journey home. On hearing this, Ivan hesitated; but in + describing the journey the spirit of the old hunter got roused, + and before night he was warm in his desire to see over again + the scenes of his youthful perils. Kolina solemnly declared she + must be of the party; and thus these experienced savages, used + to sudden and daring resolves, decided in one night on a + journey which would perhaps have been talked of half a century + elsewhere before it was undertaken.</p> + + <p>Kolina slept little that night. In a compartment near her + was one who had since childhood been the ideal of her future. + She had loved Ivan as a playmate—she loved him as a man; + and here, he whom she had longed for all the winter, and he + whom she had hoped to see once more the next summer, had + suddenly come, starting on a perilous journey of years, to win + the hand of an avaricious, but young and beautiful widow. + Kolina saw all her fairest dreams vanish, and the idol of her + heart crumble into dust. And yet she felt no ill-will to Ivan, + and never changed her resolve to be the faithful companion and + attendant of her father and his friend in their wild journey to + the supposed islands in the Frozen Sea.</p> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h4>III.—NIJNEI-KOLIMSK.</h4> + + <p>The five days fixed by Sakalar for preparing for the journey + were wholly devoted to the necessary arrangements. There was + much to be done, and much to be talked of. They had to travel a + long way before they reached even the real starting-point of + their adventurous voyage. Sakalar, duly to impress Ivan with + the dangers and perils of the search, narrated once more in + minute detail all his former sufferings. But nothing daunted + the young trader. He was one of those men, who, under more + favorable circumstances, would have been a Cook, a Parry, or a + Franklin, periling everything to make farther discovery in the + science of geography.</p> + + <p>The five horses of Ivan were exchanged for others more + inured to the kind of journey they were about to undertake. + There was one for each of the adventurers and four to carry the + luggage, consisting chiefly of articles with which to pay for + the hire of dogs and sledges. All were well armed, while the + dress of all was the same—Kolina adopting for the time + the habits and appearance of the man. Over their usual clothes + they put a jacket of foxes' skins and a fur-breast cover; the + legs being covered by hare-skin wrappers. Over these were + stockings of soft reindeer leather, and high strong boots of + the same material. The knees were protected by knee-caps of + fur, and then, above all, was a coat with loose sleeves and + hood of double deerskin. This was not all. After the chin, + nose, ears, and mouth had been guarded by appropriate pieces, + forming together a mask, they had received the additional + weight of a pointed fur cap. Our three travelers when they took + their departure looked precisely like three animated bundles of + old clothes.</p> + + <p>All were well armed with gun, pistol, hatchet, and + hunting-knife, while the girdle further supported a pipe and + tobacco-pouch. They had not explained whither they were going, + but the whole village knew that they must be about to undertake + some perilous journey, and accordingly turned out to cheer them + as they went, while several ardent admirers of Kolina were loud + in their murmurs <span class="pagenum"><a name="page122" + id="page122"></a>[pg 122]</span> at her accompanying the + expedition. But the wanderers soon left the plain of Miouré + behind them, and entered on the delectable roads leading to + the Frozen Sea. Half-frozen marshes and quagmires met them + at every step; but Sakalar rode first, and the others + followed one by one, and the experienced old hunter, by + advancing steadily without hurry, avoided these dangers. + They soon reached a vast plain three hundred miles across, + utterly deserted by the human race; a desert composed half + of barren rock and half of swampy quagmire, soft above, but + at a foot deep solid and perpetual ice. Fortunately, it was + now frozen hard, and the surface was fit to bear the horses. + But for this the party must have halted and waited for a + severe frost. The rivers were not frozen when large in + volume, and the Aldana had to be crossed in the usual + flat-bottomed boat kept for travelers. At night they halted, + and with a bush and some deer-skins made a tent. Kolina + cooked the supper, and the men searched for some fields of + stunted half-frozen grass to let the horses graze. This was + the last place where even this kind of food would be found, + and for some days their steeds would have to live on a + stinted portion of hay.</p> + + <p>On they went over the arid plain, which, however, affords + nourishment for some trees, fording rivers, floundering through + marshes, and still meeting some wretched apology for grass, + when, on the third day, down came the snow in a pelting cloud, + and the whole desert changed in an instant from somber gray to + white. The real winter was come. Now all Sakalar's intelligence + was required. Almost every obvious sign by which to find his + way had disappeared, and he traversed the plain wholly guided + by distant hills, and by observing the stars at night. This + Sakalar did assiduously, and when he had once started under the + guidance of the twinkling lights of the heavens, rarely was he + many yards out at the next halt. He always chose the side of a + hillock to camp, where there was a tree or two, and half-rotten + trunks with bushes to make a huge fire.</p> + + <p>It was nearly dawn on the fifth morning after entering the + plain, and Ivan and Kolina yet slept. But Sakalar slept not. + They had nearly reached the extremity of the horrible desert, + but a new danger occupied the thoughts of the hunter. They were + now in the track of the wild and savage Tchouktchas, and their + fire might have betrayed them. Had Sakalar been alone, he would + have slept in the snow without fire; for he knew the peril of + an encounter with the independent Tchouktchas, who have only + recently been nominally brought into subjection to Russia.</p> + + <p>The heavy fall of snow of the two previous days rendered the + danger greater. Sakalar sat gravely upon a fallen tree—a + pipe in his mouth, and his eye fixed on the distant horizon. + For some time nothing remarkable caught his gaze; but at last + he saw a number of dark objects on the snow, galloping directly + toward the camp. Sakalar at once recognized a number of + reindeer. It was the Tchouktchas on their sledges, bounding + with lightning speed along the frozen surface!</p> + + <p>"Up!" cried the hunter. And when his companions were on + their feet, "Quick with your guns! The enemy are on us! But + show a bold front, and let them feel the weight of lead!"</p> + + <p>Ivan and Kolina quietly took up their post, and awaited the + orders of Sakalar. No time was lost, and fortunately, for the + savages were already near, and were the next minute alighting + from their sledges: hand in hand they advanced along the snow, + with their long ice shoes, to the number of a dozen. A + simultaneous discharge of the heavy-metalled guns of the + camp—one of which, that of Sakalar, wounded the foremost + man—checked their career, and they fell back to hold a + conference. It became evident at once that they had no + firearms, which removed almost all idea of danger. Ivan and + Kolina now proceeded to load the horses, and when all was + ready, the whole party mounted, and rode off, followed at a + respectful distance by the Siberian Arabs.</p> + + <p>The travelers, however, received no further annoyance from + them, and camped the next night on the borders of the + Toukyulane, at the foot of the mountains of Verkho-Yansk. After + the usual repose, they began the severest part of the journey. + Rugged rocks, deep ravines, avalanches, snow, and ice, all were + in their way. Now they rode along the edge of frightful + precipices, on a path so narrow, that one false step was death; + now they forced their way through gulleys full of snow, where + their horses were buried to their girths, and they had to drag + them out by main force. Fortunately the Siberian horse, though + small, is sturdy and indefatigable, living during a three + months' journey on faded grass and half-rotten herbage. That + evening they camped on the loftiest part of the road, where it + winds through still elevated rocks.</p> + + <p>The middle of the next day brought them to another plain not + much superior to that they had passed through, but yet less + miserable looking, and with the additional advantage of having + yourtes here and there to shelter the traveler. The cold was + now intense; and glad indeed was Ivan of the comforts of his + Siberian dress, which had at first appeared so heavy. The odd + figures which Kolina and Sakalar presented under it made him + smile at the notion which Maria Vorotinska would have formed of + her lover under a garb that doubled his natural volume. Several + halts took place, and caused great delay, from the slippery + state of the ice on the rivers. The unshod horses could not + stand. A fire had to be lit; and when sufficient ashes were + procured, it had to be spread across in a narrow pathway, and + the nags led carefully along on this track—one of the + many artifices required to combat the rigorous character of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" + id="page123"></a>[pg 123]</span> the climate. And thus, + suffering cold and short commons, and making their way for + days through frosty plains over ice and snow, amid deep + ravines and over lofty hills, they at length reached + Nijnei-Kolimsk, though not without being almost wholly + knocked up, especially Kolina, who was totally unused to + such fatigues.</p> + + <p>They had now almost reached the borders of the great Frozen + Sea. The village is situated about eighteen degrees farther + north than London, and is nearly as far north as Boothia Felix, + the scene of Captain Ross's four years' sojourn in the ice. It + was founded two hundred years ago by a wandering Cossack; + though what could have induced people to settle in a place + which the sun lights, but never warms, is a mystery; where + there is a day that lasts fifty-two English days, and a night + that lasts thirty-eight; where there is no spring and no + autumn, but a faint semblance of summer for three months, and + then winter; where a few dwarf willows and stunted grass form + all the vegetation; and where, at a certain distance below the + surface, there is frost as old as the "current epoch" of the + geologist. But by way of compensation, reindeer and elks, brown + and black bears, foxes and squirrels, abound; there are also + wolves, and the isatis or polar fox; there are swans, and + geese, and ducks, partridges and snipes, and in the rivers + abundance of fish. And yet, though the population be now so + scanty, and the date of the peopling of Kolimsk is known, there + was once a numerous race in these regions, the ruins of whose + forts and villages are yet found. The population is about 5000, + including the whole district, of whom about 300 are Russians, + the descendants of Siberian exiles. They dwell in houses made + of wood thrown up on the shore, and collected by years of + patience, and of moss and clay. The panes of the windows in + winter are of ice, six inches thick; in summer, of skins. The + better class are neatly and even tastefully dressed, and are + clean, which is the very highest praise that can be given to + half-civilized as well as to civilized people.</p> + + <p>They are a bold, energetic, and industrious race. Every hour + of weather fit for out-door work is spent in fishing and + hunting, and preparing food for the winter. In the light + sledge, or on skates, with nets and spears, they labored at + each of these employments in its season. Toward the end of the + long winter, just as famine and starvation threaten the whole + population, a perfect cloud of swans, and geese, and ducks, and + snipes, pour in; and man and woman, boy and girl, all rush + forth to the hunt. The fish come in next, as the ice breaks; + and presently the time for the reindeer hunt comes round. Every + minute of the summer season is consumed in laying in a stock of + all these aliments for a long and dreary season, when nothing + can be caught. The women collect herbs and roots. As the summer + is just about to end, the herrings appear in shoals, and a new + source of subsistence is opened up, Later still, they fish by + opening holes in the newly-formed ice. Nor is Kolimsk without + its trade. The chief traffic of the region is at the fair of + Ostrovnoye, but Nijnei-Kolimsk has its share. The merchants who + come to collect the furs which the adventurous Tchouktchas have + acquired, even on the opposite side of Behring's Straits, from + the North American Indians, halt here, and sell tea, tobacco, + brandy, and other articles.</p> + + <p>The long night had set in when Ivan and his companions + entered Kolimsk. Well it was they had come, for the cold was + becoming frightful in its intensity, and the people of the + village were much surprised at the arrival of travelers. But + they found ready accommodation, a Cossack widower giving them + half his house.</p> + <hr /> + + <h4>[From Dickens's Household Words.]</h4> + + <h3>THE BELGIAN LACE-MAKERS.</h3> + + <p>The indefatigable, patient, invincible, inquisitive, + sometimes tedious, but almost always amusing German traveler, + Herr Kohl, has recently been pursuing his earnest + investigations in Belgium. His book on the Netherlands has just + been issued, and we shall translate, with abridgments, one of + its most instructive and agreeable chapters;—that + relating to Lace-making.</p> + + <p>The practical acquaintance of our female readers with that + elegant ornament, lace, is chiefly confined to wearing it, and + their researches into its quality and price. A few minutes' + attention to Mr. Kohl will enlighten them on other subjects + connected with what is to them a most interesting topic, for + lace is associated with recollections of mediæval history, and + with the palmy days of the Flemish school of painting. More + than one of the celebrated masters of that school have + selected, from among his laborious countrywomen, the + lace-makers (or, as they are called in Flanders, + <i>Speldewerksters</i>), pleasing subjects for the exercise of + his pencil. The plump, fair-haired Flemish girl, bending + earnestly over her lace-work, whilst her fingers nimbly ply the + intricately winding bobbins, figure in many of those highly + esteemed representations of homely life and manners which have + found their way from the Netherlands into all the principal + picture-galleries of Europe.</p> + + <p>Our German friend makes it his practice, whether he is + treating of the geology of the earth, or of the manufacture of + Swedish bodkins, to begin at the very beginning. He therefore + commences the history of lace-making, which, he says, is, like + embroidery, an art of very ancient origin, lost, like a + multitude of other origins, "in the darkness of by-gone ages." + It may, with truth, be said that it is the national occupation + of the women of the Low Countries, and one to which they have + steadily adhered from very remote times. During the long civil + and foreign wars waged by the people of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page124" + id="page124"></a>[pg 124]</span> Netherlands, while subject + to Spanish dominion, other branches of Belgic industry + either dwindled to decay, or were transplanted to foreign + countries; but lace-making remained faithful to the land + which had fostered and brought it to perfection, though it + received tempting offers from abroad, and had to struggle + with many difficulties at home. This Mr. Kohl explains by + the fact that lace-making is a branch of industry chiefly + confined to female hands, and, as women are less disposed to + travel than men, all arts and handicrafts exclusively + pursued by women, have a local and enduring character.</p> + + <p>Notwithstanding the overwhelming supply of imitations which + modern ingenuity has created, <i>real Brussels lace</i> has + maintained its value, like the precious metals and the precious + stones. In the patterns of the best bone lace, the changeful + influence of fashion is less marked than in most other branches + of industry; indeed, she has adhered with wonderful pertinacity + to the quaint old patterns of former times. These are copied + and reproduced with that scrupulous uniformity which + characterizes the figures in the Persian and Indian shawls. + Frequent experiments have been tried to improve these old + patterns, by the introduction of slight and tasteful + modifications, but these innovations have not succeeded, and a + very skillful and experienced lace-worker assured Mr. Kohl, + that the antiquated designs, with all their formality, are + preferred to those in which the most elegant changes have been + effected.</p> + + <p>Each of the lace-making towns of Belgium excels in the + production of one particular description of lace: in other + words, each has what is technically called its own + <i>point</i>. The French word <i>point</i>, in the ordinary + language of needlework, signifies <i>stitch</i>; but in the + terminology of lace-making, the word is sometimes used to + designate the pattern of the lace, and sometimes the ground of + the lace itself. Hence the terms <i>point de Bruxelles, point + de Malines, point de Valenciennes</i>, &c. In England we + distinguish by the name Point, a peculiarly rich and curiously + wrought lace formerly very fashionable, but now scarcely ever + worn except in Court costume. In this sort of lace the pattern + is, we believe, worked with the needle, after the ground has + been made with the bobbins. In each town there prevail certain + modes of working, and certain patterns which have been + transmitted from mother to daughter successively, for several + generations. Many of the lace-workers live and die in the same + houses in which they were born, and most of them understand and + practice only the stitches which their mothers and grandmothers + worked before them. The consequence has been, that certain + points have become unchangeably fixed in particular towns or + districts. Fashion has assigned to each its particular place + and purpose; for example:—the <i>point de Malines</i> + (Mechlin lace) is used chiefly for trimming night-dresses, + pillow-cases, coverlets, &c.; the <i>point de + Valenciennes</i> (Valenciennes lace) is employed for ordinary + wear or neglige; but the more rich and costly <i>point de + Bruxelles</i> (Brussels lace) is reserved for bridal and ball + dresses, and for the robes of queens and courtly ladies.</p> + + <p>As the different sorts of lace, from the narrowest and + plainest to the broadest and richest, are innumerable; so the + division of labor among the lace-workers is infinite. In the + towns of Belgium there are as many different kinds of + lace-workers as there are varieties of spiders in Nature. It is + not, therefore, surprising that in the several departments of + this branch of industry there are as many technical terms and + phrases as would make up a small dictionary. In their origin, + these expressions were all Flemish; but French being the + language now spoken in Belgium, they have been translated into + French, and the designations applied to some of the principal + classifications of the work-women. Those who make only the + ground, are called <i>Drocheleuses</i>. The design or pattern, + which adorns this ground, is distinguished by the general term + "the Flowers;" though it would be difficult to guess what + flowers are intended to be portrayed by the fantastic arabesque + of these lace-patterns. In Brussels the ornaments or flowers + are made separately, and afterward worked into the lace-ground; + in other places the ground and the patterns are worked + conjointly. The <i>Platteuses</i> are those who work the + flowers separately; and the <i>Faiseuses de point à + l'aiguille</i> work the figures and the ground together. The + <i>Striquese</i> is the worker who attaches the flowers to the + ground. The <i>Faneuse</i> works her figures by piercing holes + or cutting out pieces of the ground.</p> + + <p>The spinning of the fine thread used for lace-making in the + Netherlands, is an operation demanding so high a degree of + minute care and vigilant attention, that it is impossible it + can ever be taken from human hands by machinery. None but + Belgian fingers are skilled in this art. The very finest sort + of this thread is made in Brussels, in damp underground + cellars; for it is so extremely delicate, that it is liable to + break by contact with the dry air above ground; and it is + obtained in good condition only, when made and kept in a humid + subterraneous atmosphere. There are numbers of old Belgian + thread-makers who, like spiders, have passed the best part of + their lives spinning in cellars. This sort of occupation + naturally has an injurious effect on the health, and, + therefore, to induce people to follow it, they are highly + paid.</p> + + <p>To form an accurate idea of this operation, it is necessary + to see a Brabant Thread-spinner at her work. She carefully + examines every thread, watching it closely as she draws it off + the distaff; and that she may see it the more distinctly, a + piece of dark blue paper is used as a background for the flax. + Whenever the spinner notices the least unevenness, she + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page125" + id="page125"></a>[pg 125]</span> stops the evolution of her + wheel, breaks off the faulty piece of flax, and then resumes + her spinning. This fine flax being as costly as gold, the + pieces thus broken off are carefully laid aside to be used + in other ways. All this could never be done by machinery. It + is different in the spinning of cotton, silk, or wool, in + which the original threads are almost all of uniform + thickness. The invention of the English flax-spinning + machine, therefore, can never supersede the work of the + Belgian fine thread spinners, any more than the bobbinnet + machine can rival the fingers of the Brussels lace-makers, + or render their delicate work superfluous.</p> + + <p>The prices current of the Brabant spinners usually include a + list of various sorts of thread suited to lace-making, varying + from 60 francs to 1800 francs per pound. Instances have + occurred, in which as much as 10,000 francs have been paid for + a pound of this fine yarn. So high a price has never been + attained by the best spun silk; though a pound of silk, in its + raw condition, is incomparably more valuable than a pound of + flax. In like manner, a pound of iron may, by dint of human + labor and ingenuity, be rendered more valuable than a pound of + gold.</p> + + <p>Lace-making, in regard to the health of the operatives, has + one great advantage. It is a business which is carried on + without the necessity of assembling great numbers of workpeople + in one place, or taking women from their homes, and thereby + breaking the bonds of family union. It is, moreover, an + occupation which affords those employed in it a great degree of + freedom. The spinning-wheel and lace-pillows are easily carried + from place to place, and the work may be done with equal + convenience in the house, in the garden, or at the street-door. + In every Belgian town in which lace-making is the staple + business, the eye of the traveler is continually greeted with + pictures of happy industry attended by all its train of + concomitant virtues. The costliness of the material employed in + the work, viz., the fine flax thread, fosters the observance of + order and economy, which, as well as habits of cleanliness, are + firmly engrafted among the people. Much manual dexterity, + quickness of eye, and judgment, are demanded in lace-making; + and the work is a stimulator of ingenuity and taste; so that, + unlike other occupations merely manual, it tends to rouse + rather than to dull the mind. It is, moreover, unaccompanied by + any unpleasant and harassing noise; for the humming of the + spinning-wheel, and the regular tapping of the little bobbins, + are sounds not in themselves disagreeable, or sufficiently loud + to disturb conversation, or to interrupt the social song.</p> + + <p>In Belgium, female industry presents itself under aspects + alike interesting to the painter, the poet, and the + philanthropist. Here and there may be seen a happy-looking + girl, seated at an open window, turning her spinning-wheel or + working at her lace-pillow, whilst at intervals she indulges in + the relaxation of a curious gaze at the passers-by in the + street. Another young <i>Speldewerkster</i>, more sentimentally + disposed, will retire into the garden, seating herself in an + umbrageous arbor, or under a spreading tree, her eyes intent on + her work, but her thoughts apparently divided between it and + some object nearer to her heart. At a doorway sits a young + mother, surrounded by two or three children playing round the + little table or wooden settle on which her lace-pillow rests. + Whilst the mother's busy fingers are thus profitably employed, + her eyes keep watch over the movements of her little ones, and + she can at the same time spare an attentive thought for some + one of her humble household duties.</p> + + <p>Dressmakers, milliners, and other females employed in the + various occupations which minister to the exigencies of + fashion, are confined to close rooms, surrounded by masses of + silk, muslin, &c. They are debarred the healthful practice + of working in the open air, and can scarcely venture even to + sit at an open window, because a drop of rain or a puff of wind + may be fatal to their work and its materials. The lace-maker, + on the contrary, whose work requires only her thread and her + fingers, is not disturbed by a refreshing breeze or a light + shower; and even when the weather is not particularly fine, she + prefers sitting at her street-door or in her garden, where she + enjoys a brighter light than within doors.</p> + + <p>In most of the principal towns of the Netherlands there is + one particular locality which is the focus of lace-making + industry; and there, in fine weather, the streets are animated + by the presence of the busy work-women. In each of these + districts there is usually one wide open street which the + <i>Speldewerkers</i> prefer to all others, and in which they + assemble and form themselves into the most picturesque groups + imaginable. It is curious to observe them, pouring out of + narrow lanes and alleys, carrying with them their chairs and + lace-pillows, to take their places in the wide open street, + where they can enjoy more of bright light and fresh air than in + their own places of abode.</p> + + <p>"I could not help contrasting," says Kohl, "the pleasing + aspect of these streets with the close and noisy workrooms in + woolen and cotton manufactories. There the workpeople are all + separated and classified according to age and sex, and + marshaled like soldiers. Their domestic and family ties are + rudely broken. There chance or exigency separates the young + factory girl from her favorite companions, and dooms her to + association with strangers. There social conversation and the + merry song are drowned in that stunning din of machinery, which + in the end paralyzes even the power of thought."</p> + + <p>Our German friend is a little hard upon factory life. Though + not so picturesque, it does not, if candidly viewed, offer so + very unfavorable a contrast to that passed by the Belgian Lace + Workers.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page126" + id="page126"></a>[pg 126]</span> + + <h4>[From Bentley's Miscellany.]</h4> + + <h3>THE TOMB OF LADY BLESSINGTON.</h3> + + <h4>BY MRS. ROMER.</h4> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Ευδεις + αλλ ου + σειο + λελασμενοι + εσμεν!"</p> + + <p>"Thou sleepest, but we do not forget thee!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>It is too much the way of the world in this our civilized + Europe to neglect the receptacles of the dead. Those loved ones + even, whose dwellings, while living, were thronged by admiring + friends, are deserted when laid in their last narrow home. The + breath once gone,—the last sad offices + performed,—the funeral pomp over,—and the sepulchre + closed,—all the requisites of affection and respect + appear to have been fulfilled, and the spot that holds the dust + once so doted upon, is forever abandoned! Witness the damp + graves overgrown with rank nettles and thorns, the degraded + tombstones, the illegible moss-covered epitaphs of our + church-yards! Witness the dreary oblivion of our over-crowded + vaults, where the eye of affection has never shed a tear, the + hand of friendship never scattered a flower over the mouldering + relics they inclose! It is not that the dead are + forgotten—it is not that their memory has ceased to be + dear and sacred to their friends—but it is that the gay + and the worldly-minded shrink from the dark images called forth + by the aspect of the grave; they recoil from the idea of + familiarizing themselves with the inevitable spot where they + must one day lie in "cold obstruction's apathy;" they deem it + fond folly to nourish grief by keeping before their eyes that + which perpetually reminds them of the loss they have sustained, + and thus they fly from the dwellings of the dead, and abandon + what was once dearest to them to darkness and the worm.</p> + + <p>A tenderer and more reverent spirit prevails in the East. + There the Cities of the Dead are the constant resort of the + living. The tombs of friends and kindred are as carefully + tended, as regularly visited as their habitations were while + yet they were dwellers upon earth. The grave of a departed + relative is a spot consecrated to sweet and solemn + recollections, where the followers of Mohammed love to meditate + and to pray. In the mausoleum of the Viceroys of Egypt carpets + and cushions are spread around the various tombs it contains, + and once in every week the wives and daughters of the dead + repair thither and pass the greater part of the day in + contemplation and self-communion. In the public cemeteries alms + are distributed at the graves of the pious: even the winged + wanderers of the air find refreshment there, for on each + sepulchral stone a small receptacle is hollowed out to collect + the dews of heaven, where the birds, as they flutter past, may + slake their thirst. On each succeeding Sabbath fresh green + branches adorn the headstones, and vailed mourners, seated by + them, keep silent watch, in the fond belief that the lifeless + occupant of the tomb is conscious of their presence + there.<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a></p> + + <p>The loftier, purer character of our faith leads us to reject + such fancies as gross superstitions; and yet there is something + touching in them! We treasure a lock of hair—a + glove—a ribbon—a flower, once worn by an absent + loved one; why should we not more tenderly treasure the dust + that has once been ennobled by enshrining the immortal spirit + of a departed friend, or deem it weakness to watch over these + mouldering relics as fondly as though they were still conscious + of our care? And surely if the enfranchised spirit is permitted + to be cognisant of that which passes upon earth—if, from + those blessed abodes whither it has winged its course, a care + can be bestowed upon the earthly coil it has thrown off, or + upon the creatures of clay who still toil and grovel here + below, may we not suppose that it contemplates with pitying + complacency the clinging tenderness which binds the hearts of + the living to the ashes of the dead, the desperate affection + with which we look our last upon the lifeless form which never + more can respond to all our love and all our sorrow, and the + fond fidelity which leads us to hover round the tomb that has + forever shut it from our view?</p> + + <p>I love to think that such may be the case; nor can I + separate the idea, weak and idle though it may be, that the + souls of the departed mourn over the neglect and abandonment of + their earthly remains, <i>as the first step toward + forgetfulness of their memory.</i> To me, the grave of a friend + possesses an attraction, which, although tinged with deepest + sadness, is wholly distinct from the horror with which the + imagination so often invests it. My heart yearns to look upon + the last resting-place of those I have loved.</p> + + <p>I would shelter those sacred spots from the beating rain, + screen them from the wintry winds, plant around them the + flowers that were once preferred by their unconscious tenants, + and inscribe over the entrance of every cemetery the beautiful + line of Körner's</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Vergiss die treuen Todten nicht!"</p> + + <p>"Forget not the faithful dead!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>It was in this spirit that, one day during my recent visit + to Paris, I escaped from the busy idleness of that gay and + ever-bustling city, to make a pilgrimage to the tomb of one + whose surpassing qualities of mind, and heart, and person, had + endeared her to all who knew her—whose brilliant career + had been closed with awful suddenness—and whose lamented + death has left a void in the circle over which she presided + with such graceful urbanity, which no other can hope to fill. + By a strange coincidence, it was precisely on that day, the + year before, that she <span class="pagenum"><a name="page127" + id="page127"></a>[pg 127]</span> had paid me her farewell + visit in London; little did either of us then foresee how + and where that visit would be returned by me! The regret of + parting was then softened by our mutual conviction that many + meetings were in store for us in the new home she had chosen + for herself in a foreign land. Alas! before many weeks had + elapsed she was suddenly summoned to her eternal home! In + the midst of health, and hope, and enjoyment, Death + insidiously laid his icy grasp upon her; but so gently was + the blow dealt, that neither sigh nor struggle marked her + passage from life to immortality; and before her stunned + friends could bring themselves to believe that her warm + heart had indeed grown cold, the vaults of the Madeleine had + received all that was left on earth of the once beautiful + and gifted Marguerite Blessington.</p> + + <p>But not to remain there. A tomb was constructed for her, far + from the crowded cemeteries of the capital, in a spot which she + herself would have selected, could her wishes have been + consulted. On the confines of the quiet village of Chambourey, + a league beyond St. Germain-en-Laye, a green eminence, crowned + with luxuriant chestnut-trees, divides the village church-yard + from the grounds of the Duke de Gramont. On that breezy height, + overlooking the magnificent plain that stretches between St. + Germain and Paris, a mausoleum has been erected worthy of + containing the mortal remains of her whom genius and talent had + delighted to honor—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Whom Lawrence painted and whom Byron sung!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>A pyramid composed of large blocks of white stone, and + similar in form to the ancient monuments of Egypt, rises from a + platform of solid black granite, which has been completely + isolated from the surrounding surface by a deep dry moat, whose + precipitous slopes are clothed with softest greenest turf. A + bronze railing incloses the whole, within which has been + planted a broad belt of beautiful evergreens and flowering + shrubs; and beyond these the lofty chestnut trees "wave in + tender gloom," and form a leafy canopy to shelter that lonely + tomb from the winds of heaven. Solid, simple, and severe, it + combines every requisite in harmony with its solemn + destination; no meretricious ornaments, no false sentiment, mar + the purity of its design. The genius which devised it has + succeeded in cheating the tomb of its horrors, without + depriving it of its imposing gravity. The simple portal is + surmounted by a plain massive cross of stone, and a door, + secured by an open work of bronze, leads into a sepulchral + chamber, the key of which had been confided to me.</p> + + <p>All within breathes the holy calm of eternal repose; no + gloom, no mouldering damp, nothing to recall the dreadful + images of decay. An atmosphere of peace appears to pervade the + place, and I could almost fancy that a voice from the tomb + whispered, in the words of Dante's Beatrice—</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Io sono in pace!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The light of the sun, streaming through a glazed aperture + above the door, fell like a ray of heavenly hope upon the + symbol of man's redemption—a beautiful copy, in bronze, + of Michael Angelo's crucified Savior—which is affixed to + the wall facing the entrance. A simple stone sarcophagus is + placed on either side of the chamber, each one surmounted by + two white marble tablets, incrusted in the sloping walls. That + to the left incloses the coffin of Lady Blessington—that + to the right is still untenanted; long may it remain so!</p> + + <p>The affection she most valued, the genius and talent she + most admired, have contributed to do honor to the memory of + that gifted woman. Her sepulchre is the creation of Alfred + d'Orsay, her epitaphs are the composition of Barry Cornwall and + Walter Savage Landor. Upon the two tablets placed over her + tomb, are inscribed the following tributary lines:—</p> + + <blockquote> + <p>"In Memory of Marguerite Countess of Blessington, who + died on the 4th of June, 1849. In her lifetime she was + loved and admired for her many graceful writings, her + gentle manners, her kind and generous heart. Men famous for + art and science, in distant lands, sought her friendship; + and the historians and scholars, the poets, and wits, and + painters of her own country, found an unfailing welcome in + her ever hospitable home. She gave cheerfully, to all who + were in need, help and sympathy, and useful counsel; and + she died lamented by many friends. They who loved her best + in life, and now lament her most, have reared this + tributary marble over her place of rest. BARRY + CORNWALL."</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="short" /> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"Infra sepultum est</p> + + <p>Id omne quod sepeliri potest,</p> + + <p>Mulieris quondam pulcherrimæ.</p> + + <p>Ingenium suum summo studio coluit,</p> + + <p>Aliorum pari adjuvit.</p> + + <p>Benefacta sua celare novit, ingenium non ita.</p> + + <p>Erga omnes erat largâ bonitate,</p> + + <p>Peregrinis eleganter hospitalis.</p> + + <p>Venit Lutetiam Parisiorum Aprili mense,</p> + + <p>Quarto Junii die supremum suum obiit."</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i4">"WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR."</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr class="short" /> + + <p><i>Her</i> last resting-place will not be neglected. The eye + of faithful affection watches over it as vigilantly as though + the dust that sleeps within were conscious of his care. But + lately a sentiment of exquisite tenderness suggested the + addition of its most touching and appropriate embellishment. A + gentleman in the County Tipperary<a id="footnotetag5" + name="footnotetag5"></a><a href="#footnote5"><sup>5</sup></a> + had been commissioned to send over to Chambourcy a root of + ivy from Lady Blessington's birthplace to plant near her + grave. He succeeded in obtaining an off-shoot from the + parent stem that grows over the house in which she was born. + It has been transplanted to the foot of the railing that + surrounds her monument—it has taken root and + spread—and thus the same ivy that sheltered her cradle + will overshadow her tomb!</p> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote4" + name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> + + <p>The Egyptian Mahommedans believe that for some time + after death the body is conscious of its actual state, and + of what is passing immediately around it. In this + persuasion, mothers will remain days and nights near the + graves of their recently buried children, <i>in order that + they may not feel terrified at being left alone.</i></p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote5" + name="footnote5"></a><b>Footnote 5:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag5">(return)</a> + + <p>R. Bernal Osborne, Esq., M.P.</p> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + + <p>A British Meteorological Society is projected, with Mr. + Whitbread as President. Its objects will be the observation and + collection of all meteorological phenomena, and the + encouragement of the science in every branch. This sort of + subdivision of literary and philosophical pursuits is very + injurious, for it tends to starve a number instead of + supporting one with sufficient resources.</p> + <hr /> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page128" + id="page128"></a>[pg 128]</span> + + <p>GOLDEN RULES OF LIFE.—All the air and the exercise in + the universe, and the most generous and liberal table, but + poorly suffice to maintain human stamina if we neglect other + co-operatives—namely the obedience to the laws of + abstinence, and those of ordinary gratification. We rise with a + headache, and we set about puzzling ourselves to know the + cause. We then recollect that we had a hard day's fag, or that + we feasted over-bounteously, or that we stayed up very late: at + all events we incline to find out the fault, and then we call + ourselves fools for falling into it. Now, this is an occurrence + happening almost every day; and these are the points that run + away with the best portion of our life, before we find out what + is for good or evil. Let any single individual review his past + life: how instantaneously the blush will cover his cheek, when + he thinks of the egregious errors he has unknowingly + committed—say unknowingly, because it never occurred to + him that they were errors until the effects followed that + betrayed the cause. All our sickness and ailments, and a brief + life, mainly depend upon ourselves. There are thousands who + practice errors day after day, and whose pervading thought is, + that everything which is agreeable and pleasing cannot be + hurtful. The slothful man loves his bed; the toper his drink, + because it throws him into an exhilarative and exquisite mood; + the gourmand makes his stomach his god; and the sensualist + thinks his delights imperishable. So we go on, and at last we + stumble and break down. We then begin to reflect, and the truth + stares us in the face how much we are to blame.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>PROGRESS OF MILTON'S BLINDNESS.—It is now, I think, + about ten years (1654) since I perceived my vision to grow weak + and dull; and, at the same time I was troubled with pain in my + kidneys and bowels, accompanied with flatulency. In the + morning, as I began to read, as was my custom, my eyes + instantly ached intensely, but were refreshed after a little + corporeal exercise. The candle which I looked at seemed as if + it were encircled by a rainbow. Not long after the sight of the + left part of the left eye (which I lost some years before the + other) became quite obscured, and prevented me from discerning + any object on that side. The sight in my other eye has now been + gradually and sensibly vanishing away for about three years; + some months before it had entirely perished, though I stood + motionless, every thing which I looked at seemed in motion to + and fro. A stiff cloudy vapor seemed to have settled on my + forehead and temples, which usually occasions a sort of + somnolent pressure upon my eyes, and particularly from dinner + till evening. So that I often recollect what is said of the + poet Phineas in the Argonautics:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>"A stupor deep his cloudy temples bound,</p> + + <p>And when he waked he seemed as whirling round,</p> + + <p>Or in a feeble trance he speechless lay."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>I ought not to omit that, while I had any sight left, as + soon as I lay down on my bed, and turned on either side, a + flood of light used to gush from my closed eyelids. Then, as my + sight became daily more impaired, the colors became more faint, + and were emitted with a certain crackling sound; but at present + every species of illumination being, as it were, extinguished, + there is diffused around me nothing but darkness, or darkness + mingled and streaked with an ashy brown. Yet the darkness in + which I am perpetually immersed seems always, both by night and + day, to approach nearer to a white than black; and when the eye + is rolling in its socket, it admits a little particle of light + as through a chink. And though your physician may kindle a + small ray of hope, yet I make up my mind to the malady as quite + incurable; and I often reflect, that as the wise man + admonishes, days of darkness are destined to each of us. The + darkness which I experience, less oppressive than that of the + tomb, is owing to the singular goodness of the Deity, passed + amid the pursuits of literature and the cheering salutations of + friendship. But if, as it is written, man shall not live by + bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth from the mouth + of God, why may not any one acquiesce in the privation of his + sight, when God has so amply furnished his mind and his + conscience with eyes?—<i>Milton's Prose Works</i>.</p> + <hr /> + + <p>"ONCE CAUGHT, TWICE SHY."—"Many years ago," says Mr. + A. Smee, "I caught a common mouse in a trap, and instead of + consigning it to the usual watery grave or to the unmerciful + claws of the cat, I determined to keep it a prisoner. After a + short time, the little mouse made its escape in a room attached + to my father's residence in the Bank of England. I did not + desire the presence of a wild mouse in this room, and therefore + adopted means to secure him. The room was paved with stone, and + inclosed with solid walls. There was no hope for him that he + would ultimately escape, although there were abundant + opportunities for hiding. I set the trap, and baited it with a + savory morsel, but day after day no mouse entered. The poor + little thing gave unequivocal signs of extreme hunger by + gnawing the bladder from one of my chemical bottles. I + gradually removed everything from the room that he could + possibly eat, but still the old proverb of "Once caught, twice + shy," so far applied that he would not enter my trap. After + many days, visiting the apartment one morning, the trap was + down, the mouse was caught; the pangs of hunger were more + intolerable than the terrors of imprisonment. He did not, + however, will the unpleasant alternative of entering the trap + until he was so nearly starved that his bones almost protruded + through his skin; and he freely took bits of food from my + fingers through the wires of the cage."—<i>Instinct and + Reason</i>, just published.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13053 ***</div> +</body> +</html> |