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diff --git a/13655-h/13655-h.htm b/13655-h/13655-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..34ac893 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/13655-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,10192 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" +"http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd"> +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css" /> + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Lippincott's Magazine of + Popular Literature and Science, Vol. XVII, No. 99, March, + 1876.</title> + <style type="text/css"> + + body {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p {text-align: justify;} + blockquote {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 {text-align: center;} + h1 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em} + h2 {margin-top: 4em; margin-bottom: 2em} + h3 {margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 2em} + + 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;} + .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;} + + .inline {border: none; vertical-align: middle;} + + .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;} + + div.trans-note {border-style : solid; border-width : 1px; + margin : 3em 15%; padding : 1em; text-align : center;} + + .illustrations { margin : 0.5em 10%; + font-size : 0.9em;} + + .toc {margin : 0 10%; + text-align : left; + font-size : 0.9em;} + .toc p {margin : 0.5em 0; } + .toc p.i4 {margin-left : 2em;} + + p.author {text-align: right; margin-right : 5%; } + p.center {text-align : center; } + a:link {color: blue; text-decoration: none} + link {color: blue; text-decoration: none} + a:visited {color: blue; text-decoration: none} + a:hover {color: red} + + </style> +</head> + +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13655 ***</div> + + <div class="trans-note"> + Transcriber's Note: The Table of Contents and the list of + illustrations were added by the transcriber. + </div> + <hr class="full" /> + + <h1>LIPPINCOTT'S MAGAZINE</h1> + + <h3>OF</h3> + + <h2><i>POPULAR LITERATURE AND SCIENCE.</i></h2> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h4>March, 1876.<br /> + Vol. XVII. No. 99.</h4> + <hr class="short" /> + + <h3>TABLE OF CONTENTS</h3> + + <div class="toc"> + <p><a href="#illustrations">ILLUSTRATIONS</a></p> + + <p>THE CENTURY—ITS FRUITS AND ITS FESTIVAL.</p> + + <p class="i4">III.—PAST + EXPOSITIONS.<a href="#page265">265</a></p> + + <p>SKETCHES OF INDIA.</p> + + <p class="i4">III. <a href="#page283">283</a></p> + + <p>LIFE-SAVING STATIONS by REBECCA HARDING + DAVIS.<a href="#page300">300</a></p> + + <p>THE EUTAW FLAG.<a href="#page311">311</a></p> + + <p class="i4">II. <a href="#page316">316</a></p> + + <p class="i4">III. <a href="#page320">320</a></p> + + <p>CONVENT LIFE AND WORK by LADY BLANCHE + MURPHY.<a href="#page322">322</a></p> + + <p>THE ATONEMENT OF LEAM DUNDAS.</p> + + <p class="i4">BY MRS. E. LYNN LINTON, AUTHOR OF "PATRICIA + KEMBALL."</p> + + <p class="i4">CHAPTER XXV. SMALL CAUSES. + <a href="#page334">334</a></p> + + <p class="i4">CHAPTER XXVI. THE GREEN YULE. + <a href="#page341">341</a></p> + + <p class="i4">CHAPTER XXVII. IN THE + BALANCE.<a href="#page344">344</a></p> + + <p class="i4">CHAPTER XXVIII. ONLY A + DREAM.<a href="#page348">348</a></p> + + <p>LOVE'S SEPULCHRE by KATE + HILLARD.<a href="#page354">354</a></p> + + <p>LETTERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA by LADY BARKER. + <a href="#page355">355</a></p> + + <p>A SYLVAN SEARCH by MARY B. + DODGE.<a href="#page366">366</a></p> + + <p>THE SONGS OF MIRZA-SCHAFFY by AUBER + FORESTIER.<a href="#page367">367</a></p> + + <p>TO CHARLOTTE CUSHMAN by SIDNEY + LANIER.<a href="#page375">375</a></p> + + <p>CHARLES KINGSLEY: A REMINISCENCE by ELLIS + YARNALL.<a href="#page376">376</a></p> + + <p>OUR MONTHLY GOSSIP.</p> + + <p class="i4">A WOMAN'S OPINION OF PARIS AND THE PARISIANS + by L. H. H.<a href="#page381">381</a></p> + + <p class="i4">THE COLLEGIO ROMANO by T.A. + T.<a href="#page383">383</a></p> + + <p class="i4">TRADES UNIONISM IN ITS INFANCY. + <a href="#page386">386</a></p> + + <p class="i4">MORAL TRAINING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS. + <a href="#page387">387</a></p> + + <p class="i4">THE EARLIEST PRINTED BOOKS by M. + H.<a href="#page389">389</a></p> + + <p class="i4">FLOWERS VS. FLIES. + <a href="#page389">389</a></p> + + <p>LITERATURE OF THE DAY. <a href="#page390">390</a></p> + + <p><i>Books Received.</i> <a href="#page392">392</a></p> + </div> + <hr /> + + <h4><a name="illustrations" id="illustrations"></a>ILLUSTRATIONS</h4> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig265">THE GREAT ANNUAL + FAIR AT NIZHNEE-NOVGOROD.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig266">CRYSTAL + PALACE--LONDON EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1851.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig267">INTERIOR VIEW OF THE + TRANSEPT OF CRYSTAL PALACE.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig268">NEW YORK EXHIBITION + BUILDING, 1853.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig270">CORK EXHIBITION + BUILDING, 1853.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig272">DUBLIN EXHIBITION + BUILDING, 1853.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig274">MUNICH EXHIBITION + BUILDING, 1854.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig276">MANCHESTER + EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1857.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig277">FLORENCE EXHIBITION + BUILDING, 1861</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig278">PARIS EXPOSITION + BUILDING AND GROUNDS, 1867.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig279">GRAND VESTIBULE OF + THE PARIS EXPOSITION BUILDING, 1867.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig280">VIENNA EXPOSITION + BUILDING AND GROUNDS, 1873.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig281">ROTUNDA OF THE + VIENNA EXPOSITION BUILDING, 1873.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig284">MUSSULMAN WOMAN OF + BHOPAL.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig286">A NAUTCH-GIRL (OR + BAYADÈRE) OF ULWUR.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig287">A NAUTCHNI (OR + BAYADÈRE) OF BARODA.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig288">THE CATHACKS (OR + DANCING MEN) OF BHOPAL.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig290">BURIAL PLACE OF THE + RAJAHS OF JHANSI.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig291">TOMB OF ALLUM + SAYED.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig294">PEASANTS OF THE + DOUAB.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig296">HINDU BANKERS OF + DELHI.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig298">THE GRAND HALL OF + THE DEWANI KHAS IN THE PALACE OF DELHI.</a></p> + + <p class="illustrations"><a href="#fig300">THE JAMMAH MASJID AT + DELHI.</a></p> + <hr /> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page265" id="page265"></a></span> + THE CENTURY—ITS FRUITS AND ITS FESTIVAL.</h2> + + <h4>III.—PAST EXPOSITIONS.</h4> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/265.jpg" + name="fig265" + id="fig265"><img width="100%" + src="images/265.jpg" + alt="THE GREAT ANNUAL FAIR AT NIZHNEE-NOVGOROD." /> + </a>THE GREAT ANNUAL FAIR AT NIZHNEE-NOVGOROD. + </div> + + <p>We have presented a feeble sketch of a century that stands + out from its fellows, not as a mere continuation, or even + intensification, of them—a hundred annual circuits of the + earth in its orbit as little distinguished by intellectual or + material achievement as those repetitions of the old beaten + track through space are by astronomical incident—but as + an epoch <i>sui generis</i>, a century <i>d'elite</i>, picked + out from the long ranks of time for special service, charged by + Fate with an extraordinary duty, and decorated for its + successful performance. Those of its historic comrades even + partially so honored are few indeed. They will not make a + platoon—scarce a corporal's guard. We should seek them, + for instance, in <span class="pagenum"><a name="page266" + id="page266"></a>[pg 266]</span> the Periclean age, when + eternal beauty, and something very like eternal truth, + gained a habitation upon earth through the chisel and the + pen; in the first years of the Roman empire, when the whole + temperate zone west of China found itself politically and + socially a unit, at rest but for the labors of peace; and in + the sixteenth century, when the area fit for the support of + man was suddenly doubled, when the nominal value of his + possessions was additionally doubled by the mines of Mexico + and Peru, and when his mental implements were in a far + greater proportion multiplied by the press.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/266.jpg" + name="fig266" + id="fig266"><img width="100%" + src="images/266.jpg" + alt="CRYSTAL PALACE—LONDON EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1851." /> + </a>CRYSTAL PALACE—LONDON EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1851. + </div> + + <p>The last of these periods comes nearest to our standard. The + first had undying brilliance in certain fields, but the scope + of its influence was geographically narrow, and its excessively + active thought was not what we are wont to consider practically + productive, its conquests in the domain of physical science + being but slender. The second was in no sense originative, + mankind being occupied, quietly and industriously, in making + themselves comfortable in the pleasant hush after the secular + rattle of spear and shield. The third was certainly full of + results in art, science and the diffusion of intelligence + through the upper and middle strata of society. It might well + have celebrated the first centennial of the discovery of + printing or of the discovery of America by assembling the fresh + triumphs of European art, so wonderful to us in their decay, + with the still more novel productions of Portuguese India and + Spanish America. But the length of sea—voyages prosecuted + in small vessels with imperfect knowledge of winds and + currents, and the difficulties of land-transportation when + roads were almost unknown, would have restricted the display to + meagre proportions, particularly had Vienna been the site + selected. Few visitors could have attended from distant + countries, and the masses of the vicinage could only have + stared. The idea, indeed, of getting up an exhibition to be + chiefly supported by the intelligent curiosity of the bulk of + the people would not have been apt to occur to any one. The + political and educational condition + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page267" + id="page267"></a>[pg 267]</span> of these was at the end of + the century much what it had been at the beginning. Labor + and the laborer had gained little.</p> + + <p>The weapon-show, depicted in <i>Old Mortality</i>, and the + market-fair, as vivid in the <i>Vicar of Wakefield</i>, + exemplify the expositions of those days. To them were added a + variety of church festivals, or "functions," still a great + feature of the life of Catholic countries. Trade and frolic + divided these among themselves in infinite gradation of + respective share, now the ell-wand, and now the quarter-staff + or the fiddler's bow, representing the sceptre of the Lord of + Misrule. "At Christe's Kirk on the Grene that day" the + Donnybrook element would appear to have predominated. The + mercantile feature was naturally preferred by gentle Goldy, and + the hapless investor in green spectacles may be counted the + first dissatisfied exhibitor on record at a modern exposition, + for he skirts the century.</p> + + <p>Looking eastward, we find these rallies of the people, the + time-honored stalking-grounds of tale-writers and students of + character generally, swell into more imposing proportions. The + sea dwindles and the land broadens. Transportation and travel + become difficult and hazardous. Merchant and customer, running + alike a labyrinthine gauntlet of taxes, tolls and arbitrary + exactions by the wolves of schloss and château, found it + safest to make fewer trips and concentrate their transactions. + The great nations, with many secondary trade-tournaments, as + they may be termed, had each a principal one. From the great + fair of Leipsic, with the intellectual but very bulky commodity + of books for its specialty to-day, we pass to the two + Novgorods—one of them no more than a tradition, having + been annihilated by Peter the Great when, with the instinct of + great rulers for deep water, he located the new capital of his + vast interior empire on the only available harbor it possessed. + Its successor, known from its numerous namesakes by the + designation of "New," draws convoys of merchandise from a vast + tributary belt bounded by the Arctic and North Pacific oceans + and the deserts of Khiva. This traffic exceeds a hundred + millions of dollars annually. The medley of tongues and + products due to the united contributions of Northern Siberia, + China and Turkestan is hardly to be paralleled elsewhere on the + globe. <i>Was</i>, insists the all-conquering railway as it + moves inexorably eastward, and relegates the New Novgorod, with + its modern fairs, to the stranded condition of the old one, + with its traditional expositions. As, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page268" + id="page268"></a>[pg 268]</span> however, the rail must have + a terminus somewhere, if only temporary, the caravans of + camels, oxen, horses, boats and sledges will converge to a + movable entrepôt that will assume more and more an + inter-Asiatic instead of an inter-national character. The + furs, fossil ivory, sheepskins and brick tea brought by them + after voyages often reaching a year and eighteen months, + come, strictly enough, under the head of raw products. + Still, it is the best they can bring; which cannot be said + of what Europe offers in exchange—articles mostly of + the class and quality succinctly described as "Brummagem." + It is obvious that prizes, diplomas, medals, commissioners + and juries would be thrown away here. The palace of glass + and iron can only loom in the distant future, like the + cloud-castle in Cole's <i>Voyage of Life</i>. It may + possibly be essayed in a generation or two, when + Ekaterinenborg, built up into a great city by the copper, + iron, gold, and, above all, the lately-opened coal-mines of + the Ural, shall have become the focus of the Yenisei, Amour, + Yang-tse and Indus system of railways. But here, again, we + are overstepping our century.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/267.jpg" + name="fig267" + id="fig267"><img width="100%" + src="images/267.jpg" + alt="INTERIOR VIEW OF THE TRANSEPT OF CRYSTAL PALACE." /> + </a>INTERIOR VIEW OF THE TRANSEPT OF CRYSTAL PALACE. + </div> + + <p>To us it seems odd that in the days when an autocratic + decree could summarily call up "all the world" to be taxed, and + when, in prompt obedience to it, the people of all the regions + gathered to a thousand cities, the idea of numbering and + comparing, side by side, goods, handicrafts, arts, skill, + faculties and energies, as well as heads, never occurred to + rulers or their counselors. If it did, it was never put in + practice. The difficulties to which we have before adverted + stood in the way of that combination of individual effort to + which the great displays of our day are mainly indebted for + their success; but what the government might have accomplished + toward overcoming distance and defective means of transport is + evidenced by the mighty current of objects of art, luxury and + curiosity which flowed toward the metropolis. Obelisks, + colossal statues, and elephants and giraffes by the score are + articles of traffic not particularly easy to handle even + now.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/268.jpg" + name="fig268" + id="fig268"><img width="100%" + src="images/268.jpg" + alt="NEW YORK EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1853." /></a>NEW + YORK EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1853. + </div> + + <p>At the annual exposition of the Olympic games we have the + feature of a distribution of prizes. They were conferred, + however, only on horses, poets and athletes—a conjunction + certainly in advance of the asses and savants that + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page269" + id="page269"></a>[pg 269]</span> constituted the especial + care of the French army in Egypt, but not up to the modern + idea of the comprehensiveness of human effort. While our + artists confess it almost a vain hope to rival the cameo + brooch that fastened the scanty garment of the Argive + charioteer, or the statue spattered with the foam of his + horses and shrouded in the dust of his furious + wheel—while they are content to be teachable, + moreover, by the exquisite embroidery and lacework in gold + and cotton thread displayed at another semi-religious and + similarly ancient reunion at Benares,—they claim the + alliance and support of many classes of craftsmen + unrepresented on the Ganges or Ilissus. These were, in the + old days, ranked with slaves, many of whom were merchants + and tradesmen; and they labor yet in some countries under + the social ban of courts, no British merchant or + cotton-lord, though the master of millions, being + presentable at Buckingham Palace, itself the product of the + counting-room and the loom. Little, however, does this + slight appear to affect the sensibilities of the noble army + of producers, who loyally rejoice to elevate their + constitutional sovereign on their implements as the Frankish + prolétaries did upon their shields.</p> + + <p>The family of expositions with which we are directly + concerned is, like others of plebeian origin, at some loss as + to the roots of its ancestral tree. We may venture to locate + them in the middle of the eighteenth century. In 1756-57 the + London Society of Arts offered prizes for specimens of + decorative manufactures, such as tapestry, carpets and + porcelain. This was part of the same movement with that which + brought into being the Royal Academy, with infinitely less + success in the promotion of high art than has attended the + development of taste, ingenuity and economy in the wider if + less pretentious field.</p> + + <p>France's first exhibition of industry took place in 1798. It + was followed by others under the Consulate and Empire in 1801, + 1802, 1806. In 1819 the French expositions became regular. Each + year attested an advance, and drew more and more the attention + of adjacent countries. The international idea had not yet + suggested itself. The tendency was rather to the less than the + more comprehensive, geographically speaking. Cities took the + cue from the central power, and got up each its own show, of + course inviting outside competition. The nearest resemblance to + the grand displays of the past quarter of a century was perhaps + that of Birmingham in 1849, which had yet no government + recognition; but the French exposition of five years earlier + had a leading influence in bringing on the London Fair of 1851, + which had its inception as early as 1848—one year before + the Birmingham display.</p> + + <p>The getting up of a World's Fair was an afterthought; the + original design having been simply an illustration of British + industrial advancement, in friendly rivalry with that which was + becoming, across the Channel, too brilliant to be ignored. The + government's contribution, in the first instance, was meagre + enough—merely the use of a site. Rough discipline in + youth is England's system with all her bantlings. She is but a + frosty parent if at bottom kindly, and, when she has a shadow + of justification, proud. In the present instance she stands + excused by the sore shock caused her conservatism by the + conceit of a building of glass and iron four times as long as + St. Paul's, high enough to accommodate comfortably one of her + ancestral elms, and capacious enough to sustain a general + invitation to all mankind to exhibit and admire.</p> + + <p>Novelty and innovation attended the first step of the great + movement. The design of the structure made architects rub their + eyes, and yet its origin was humble and practical enough. The + Adam of crystal palaces, like him of Eden, was a gardener. When + Joseph Paxton raised the palm-house at Chatsworth he little + suspected that he was building for the world—that, to + borrow a simile from his own vocation, he was setting a bulb + which would expand into a shape of as wide note as the domes of + Florence and St. Sophia. And the cost of his new production was + so absurdly low—eighty thousand pounds by the contract. + The <span class="pagenum"><a name="page270" + id="page270"></a>[pg 270]</span> cheapness of his plan was + its great merit in the eyes of the committee, and that which + chiefly determined its selection over two hundred and + forty-four competitors. This new cathedral for the + apotheosis of industry resembled those of the old worship in + the attributes of nave, aisles and transepts; and these + features have been, by reason in great degree of the + requirements of construction, continued in its successors. + Galleries were added to the original design to secure space + additional to what was naturally deemed at first an ample + allowance for all comers. Before ground had been well broken + the demands of British exhibitors alone ran up to four + hundred and seventeen thousand superficial feet instead of + the two hundred and ten thousand—half the whole + area—allotted them. The United States were offered + forty thousand feet; France, fifty thousand, afterward + increased to sixty-five; the Zollverein, thirty thousand, + and India the same. A comparison of the whole number of + exhibitors, as distributed between Great Britain and other + countries, indicates that the equal division of the + superficial space was a tolerably accurate guess. They + numbered 7381 from the mother-country and her colonies, and + 6556 from the rest of the world. Certainly, a change this + from the first French exhibition, held in the dark days of + the Directory, when the list reached but 110 names. We shall + dismiss the statistics of this exhibition with the remark + that it has precedence of its fellows in financial success + as well as in time, having cleared a hundred and seventy-odd + thousand pounds, and left the Kensington Museum as a + memorial of that creditable feat, besides sending its + cast-off but still serviceable induviæ to Sydenham, + where it enshrines another museum, chiefly of architectural + reproductions in plaster, in a sempiternal coruscation of + fountains, fireworks and fiddle-bows. The palace of industry + has become the palace of the industrial—abundantly + useful still if it lure him from the palace of gin. The + chrism of Thackeray's inaugural ode will not have been + dishonored.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/270.jpg" + name="fig270" + id="fig270"><img width="100%" + src="images/270.jpg" + alt="CORK EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1853." /></a>CORK + EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1853. + </div> + + <p>The first of the great fairs, in so many respects a model to + all that came after, was beset at the outset by the same + difficulty in arrangement encountered by them. How to reconcile + the two headings of subjects and nations, groups of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page271" + id="page271"></a>[pg 271]</span> objects and groups of + exhibitors, the endowments and progress of different races + and the advance of mankind generally in the various fields + of effort, was, and is, a problem only approximately to be + solved. It was yet more complicated in 1851 from the + compression of the entire display into one building of + simple and symmetrical form, instead of dispersing certain + classes of objects, bulky and requiring special appliances + for their proper display, into subsidiary + structures—the plan so effectively employed in + Fairmount Park. A sort of compromise was arrived at which + rendered possible the mapping of both countries and + subjects, especially in the reports, and to some extent in + the exhibition itself, without making the spectacle one of + confusion. The visitor was enabled to accomplish his double + voyage through the depths of the sea of glass without a + great deal of backing and filling, and to find his log, + after it was over, reasonably coherent.</p> + + <p>The articles displayed were ranged under thirty heads. The + preponderance of matter of fact was shown in the concession of + four of these to raw material, nineteen to manufactures, and + <i>one</i> to the fine arts. Twenty-nine atoms of earth to one + of heaven! Of course the one-thirtieth whereinto the multiform + and elastic shape of genius was invited, like the afreet into + his chest, to condense itself, had to be subdivided—an + intaglio and a temple, a scarabæus and a French + battle-picture, being very different things. This was + accomplished, and the Muses made as comfortable as could be + expected. They soon asserted the pre-eminence theirs by right + divine, and came to be the leading attraction of the affair, + next to the Koh-i-noor. On this barbaric contribution of the + gorgeous East the French observers, a little jealous perhaps, + were severe. One of them says: "They rely on the sun to make it + sparkle," and, when the fog is too thick, on gas. The curiosity + about it, in the eyes of this incisive Gaul, was "not the + divinity, but the worshipers." All day long a crowd filed + solemnly by it under the supervision of a detachment of police, + each pilgrim bestowing upon the fetish, "an egg-shaped lump of + glass," half a second's adoration, and then moving reluctantly + on. Thousands of far more beautiful things were around it, but + none embodying in so small a space so many dollars and cents, + and none therefore so brilliant in the light of the nineteenth + century. As this light, nevertheless, is that in which we live, + move and have our being, we must accept it, and turn to + substantials, wrought and unwrought.</p> + + <p>On our way to this feast of solids we must step for a moment + into St. Paul's and listen to the great commemorative concert + of sixty-five hundred voices that swept all cavilers, foreign + and domestic, off their feet, brought tears to the most sternly + critical eye, and caused the composer, Cramer, to exclaim, as + he looked up into the great dome, filled with the volume of + harmony, "Cosa stupenda! stupenda! La gloria + d'Inghilterra!"</p> + + <p>A transition, indeed, from this to coal and iron—from + a concord of sweet sounds to the rumble into hold, car and cart + of thirty-five millions of tons of coal and two and a half + millions of iron, the yearly product at that time of England! + She has since doubled that of iron, and nearly trebled her + extract of coal, whatever her progress in the harvest of good + music and good pictures. Forced by economical necessity and + assisted by chemistry, she makes her fuel, too, go a great deal + farther than it did in 1851, when the estimate was that + eighty-one per cent. of that consumed in iron-smelting was + lost, and when the "duty" of a bushel of coal burnt in a + steam-engine was less than half what it now is. The United + States have the benefit of these improvements, at the same time + that their yield of coal has swelled from four millions of tons + at that time to more than fifty now, and of iron in a large + though not equal ratio. The Lake Superior region, which rested + its claims on a sample of its then annual product of one + hundred tons of copper, now exports seven hundred thousand tons + of iron ore.</p> + + <p>Steel, now replacing iron in some of its heaviest uses, + appeared as almost an article of luxury in the shape of knives, + scissors and the like. The success of + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page272" + id="page272"></a>[pg 272]</span> the Hindus in its + production was quite envied and admired, though they had + probably advanced little since Porus deemed thirty pounds a + present fit for Alexander; their rude appliances beating + Sheffield an hour and a half in the four hours demanded by + the most adroit forgers of the city of whittles for its + elimination from the warm bath of iron and carbon. Bessemer, + with his steel-mines, as his furnaces at the ore-bank may be + termed, was then in the future. The steel rails over which + we now do most of our traveling were undreamed of. Bar iron + did duty on all the eighty-eight hundred miles of American + and sixty-five hundred of British railway; not many, if at + all, more than are now laid, in this country at least, with + steel. This poetic and historic metal has become as truly a + raw product as potatoes. The poets will have to drop it. The + glory of Toledo—of her swords bent double in the + scabbard, of her rapiers that bore into one's interior only + the titillating sensation of a spoonful of vanilla ice, and + of her decapitating sabres that left the culprit whole so + long as he forbore to sneeze—is trodden under foot of + men.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/272.jpg" + name="fig272" + id="fig272"><img width="100%" + src="images/272.jpg" + alt="DUBLIN EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1853." /></a>DUBLIN + EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1853. + </div> + + <p>In crude materials the Union is at home. It was so in 1851, + and is still; but then it was not so much at home in anything + else as now. We have advanced in that field too, since we sent + no silver, and from Colorado no gold, no canned fruits, meats + or fish, and no wine but some Cincinnati Catawba, thin and + acid, according to the verdict of the imbibing jury. We + adventured timidly into manufacturing competition with the + McCormick reaper, which all Europe proceeded straightway to + pirate; ten or twelve samples of cotton and three of woolen + goods; Ericsson's caloric-engine; a hydrostatic pump; some + nautical instruments; Cornelius's chandeliers for burning lard + oil—now the light of other days, thanks to our new riches + in kerosene; buggies of a tenuity so marvelous in Old-World + eyes that their half-inch tires were likened to the miller of + Ferrette's legs, so thin that Talleyrand pronounced his + standing an act of the most desperate bravery; soap enough to + answer Coleridge's cry for a detergent for the lower Rhine; and + one bridge model, forerunner of the superb iron erections that + have since leaped over rivers and ravines in hundreds.</p> + + <p>Meagre enough was the display of our craftsmen by the side + of that made by their brethren of the other side. It could have + been scarce visible to Britannia, looking down from a pinnacle + of calico ready for a year's export over and above her home + consumption, long enough, if + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page273" + id="page273"></a>[pg 273]</span> unrolled, to put a girdle + thirty times round the globe, though not all of it warranted + to stand the washing-test that would be imposed by the briny + part of the circuit.</p> + + <p>And yet there were visible in the American department germs + of original inventions and adaptations, the development and + fructification of which in the near future were foreseen by + acute observers. Our metallic life-boats were then unknown to + other countries, those of England being all of wood. The + screw-propeller was quite a new thing, though the Princeton had + carried it, or been carried by it, into the Mediterranean ten + years before. Engines designed for its propulsion attracted + special attention. The side-wheel reigned supreme among British + war-steamers, although some of the altered liners which cut + such an imposing figure till the Sebastopol forts in '55 + checked, and iron-clads in '62 finished, their career, were + under way. A model of one of them, The Queen, was exhibited as + the highest exemplification of "the progress of art as applied + to shipbuilding during the last eighteen centuries"—a + progress entirely eclipsed by that of the subsequent eighteen + years.</p> + + <p>We sent no steam fire-engines, no locomotives, and no cars. + Our great printing-presses, since largely borrowed from and + imported by Europe, were scarcely noticed. Not so with "a most + beautiful little machine" for making card wire-cloth, copied + from America. Recognition of the supreme merits of the pianos + of Chickering, Steinway and the rest was still wanting, Erard's + Parisian instruments bearing the bell. Borden's + meat-biscuit—to revert to the practical—caused + quite a sensation, the Admiralty being overloaded with spoiled + and condemned <i>preserved</i> meat. The American + daguerreotypes on exhibition were pronounced decidedly superior + to those of France, and still more to those of England. Whipple + displayed the first photograph taken of the moon, thus securing + to this country the credit of having broken ground for the + application of the new art to astronomy. No photograph of a + star or of the sun had been obtained. The distance between the + United States and Europe in the application and improvement of + photography cannot be said, notwithstanding our advantage in + climate, to have been since widened. A field of competition + still lies open before them in the fixing of color by the + camera and the sensitive surface. The sun still insists on + doing his work with India ink and keeping his spectral palette + strictly to himself. For cheap and popular renderings of color + man was then, as now, fain to have recourse to the press. The + English exhibited some chromatic printing, far inferior to the + chromo-lithographs of today.</p> + + <p>And this brings us to art. One out of thirty in the + programme, it was, as it always will be on these occasions, + nearer thirty to one in the estimation of assembled + sight-seers. The dry goods and machinery, even the bald, + shadeless and ugly (however comfortable) model cottages of the + inevitable Prince Albert, failed to draw like the things which + flattered the lust of the eye; as the pigs and pumpkins of an + "agricultural horse-trot" attract but a wayside glance from the + procession to the grand stand. We are all dwellers in a vast + picture-gallery, with frescoed dome above and polychromed + sculpture and mosaic pavement on the floor below. Its merits we + perceive, enjoy and interpret according to our individual gifts + and education. But it makes amateurs in some sort of every + mother's son or daughter, of us; and we hasten to plunge, + confident each in his particular grammar of the beautiful, into + the study of what imitative gallery may be offered us. Though + the financial idea may have been uppermost in the minds of the + devotees of the Mountain of Light, and their pleasure in the + march past that of a stroll through the vaults of the Bank of + England, they also expected to see in it the combined + brilliance of all diamonds. Not finding that, we dare say few + of them paid it a second visit, but, led by a like craving for + dazzle, sought more legitimate intoxication in marble, canvas, + porcelain and chased and cast + metals.</p> + + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page274" id="page274"></a>[pg 274]</span> + There they saw the diamond put into harness by the Hindus + and used for drilling gems as it is now for drilling railway + tunnels. In the carpets and shawls of the same region was to be + traced an exact and unfaltering instinct for color, the tints + falling into their proper places like those of the + rainbow—the result not a picture, any more than the + rainbow is a picture, but a blotted study rubbed up with the + palette-knife, or what in music would be a fantasia.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/274.jpg" + name="fig274" + id="fig274"><img width="100%" + src="images/274.jpg" + alt="MUNICH EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1854." /></a>MUNICH + EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1854. + </div> + + <p>From the Asiatic display, more complete by far than any + before known, the eye passed to the works of the more + disciplined hand and fancy and the more scholastic + color-notions of Europe. There was young Munich with + Müller's lions and the anti-realistic figures of + Schwanthaler; Austria with Monti's veiled heads, henceforth to + be credited to Lombardy; Prussia with Rauch; and Denmark with + Thorwaldsen—all pure form, copied without color from + Nature, from convention and from the antique. Then came design + and color united in ceramics—in the marvelously delicate + flowers of Dresden, purified in the porcelain-furnace as by + fire; in the stately vases of Sèvres, just but varied in + proportion, unfathomable in the rich depths of their + ground-shadows, and exact and brilliant in the superimposed + details; the more raw but promising efforts of Berlin, marked, + like the jewelry from the same city, by faithful study of + Nature; and, blending the decorative with the economic, the + works of the English Wedgwoods and Mintons, infinite in variety + of style and utility, and often pleasing in design. Italy, + though supplying from her ancient stores so many of the models + and so much of the inspiration of the countries named, seems to + have forgotten Faenza and Etruria, and to prefer solid stone as + a material to preparations of clay and flint. Her Venetian + glass has markedly declined, at the same time that glass + elsewhere—notably, the stained windows of Munich and the + smaller objects of France and Bohemia—shows a great + advance in perfection of manufacture and manageability for art + purposes.</p> + + <p>In that debatable land where the artistic and the convenient + meet at the fire-side and the tea-table, English invention, + enterprise and solicitude for the comfort and presentability of + home shone conspicuous. Domestic art finds in the island a + congenial home, and helps to make one for the islanders. + English interiors, often incongruous and sombre in their + decorations, at least produce the always pleasant sensation of + physical comfort, the attainment of which the average Briton + will class among the fine arts. Lovely as the Graces are, they + need a little editing to harmonize them with a coal fire.</p> + + <p>This halfway house of the nineteenth century, the house of + glass in which it boldly ensconced itself to throw stones at + its benighted relations, will ever be a landmark to the + traveler over the somewhat arid expanse of industrial and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page275" + id="page275"></a>[pg 275]</span> commercial history. Its + humblest statistics will be preserved, and coming + generations will read with interest that 42,809 persons + visited it, on an average, each day, that these rose on one + day to 109,915, and that there were at one time in the + building 93,224, or six thousand more than Domitian's most + tempting and sanguinary bill of theatrical fare could have + drawn into the Coliseum. Its length, by the way, was exactly + equal to the circumference of the Flavian + amphitheatre—1848 feet.</p> + + <p>A new home (of progress)! who'll follow? "I," quoth New + York. The British empire had taken three years in preparation: + New York was ready with less than two. Not quite ready, either, + we are apt to say now, but most creditably so for the time and + the means of a few enterprising private men bestowed upon it. + And up to this time the display of '53 under the Karnak-like + shadow of the Croton Reservoir has not been equaled on our + soil.</p> + + <p>Architecturally, the building was superior to that of + London, and showed itself less cramped by the peculiarities of + the novel material. The form was that of a Greek cross, with a + central dome a hundred and forty-eight feet high, and eight + towers at the salients of seventy feet. The space, including + galleries, did not reach a third of that afforded by its + prototype, but proved equal to the demand.</p> + + <p>Considering the absence of any formal public character in + the movement and the brief notice, foreign exhibitors came + forward in tolerable force. They could not expect to address + through this display each other's commercial constituencies, as + very few visitors would traverse the Atlantic: they could reach + only the people of the United States. This difficulty must + interfere—though much less now than twenty years ago, + when the means of ocean-travel were but a fraction of what they + are at present—with the strictly international complexion + of any exposition in this country. If, however—as we are + already assured beyond peradventure will be the case with the + Centennial—our neighbors over the way send us a full + representation of their products, and a delegation of visitors + from their most intelligent classes, not inferior in numbers, + for example, to the Germans who went to London, and the English + who repaired in '73 to Vienna, we shall claim a cosmopolitan + character for our exposition, and hold that it well fills its + place in the line of progress.</p> + + <p>What Europe did send to New York sufficed to prove the + superiority of our own artisans in such labor-saving + contrivances as suited the conditions of the country. The + foreign implements and machines were more cumbrous in both + complexity and weight of parts than ours. In the finer + departments of manufacture, the Gobelin tapestry, the French + glass, porcelain and silks, the broadcloths of England and + Prussia, and a host of other such articles, could expect no + rivalry here. The slender contributions of statuary and + paintings hardly sufficed to illustrate the conceded + superiority of the Old World in art. Crawford and Powers did + very well by the side of the other, disciples of the antique, + their chief opposition coming from some indifferent + plaster-casts of Thorwaldsen's <i>Twelve Apostles</i>. In point + of popularity, Kiss's spirited melodramatic group of the + <i>Amazon and Tiger</i> threw them all into the shade. Its + triumph at London was almost as marked, and the innumerable + reductions of it met with everywhere show it to be one of the + few hits of modern sculpture.</p> + + <p>The general result of the exhibition was to encourage our + manufacturers, without giving them a great deal of food for + higher ambition; while our artists and the taste of their + patrons, actual and possible, were disappointed of the + instruction they had reason to expect, and which the ateliers + of Europe will supply in fuller measure this year.</p> + + <p>The succeeding years present us with an epidemic of + expositions, most of them, often on the slenderest grounds, + arrogating the title of "international." The sprightly little + city of Cork was one year ahead of New York. Then came Dublin + in '53, Munich in '54, Paris in '55, Manchester in '57 (of art + exclusively, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page276" + id="page276"></a>[pg 276]</span> and very brilliant), + Florence in '61, London again in '62, Amsterdam in '64; and + in '65 the mania had overspread the globe, that year + witnessing exhibitions dubbed "international" in Dublin, New + Zealand, Oporto, Cologne and Stettin, with perhaps some + outliers we have missed. Then ensued a lull or a mitigation + till the moribund empire of France and the remodeled empire + of Austro-Hungary flared up into the magnificent + demonstrations of '67 and '73. To these last we shall devote + the remainder of this article, with but a glance at the + second British of 1862.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/276.jpg" + name="fig276" + id="fig276"><img width="100%" + src="images/276.jpg" + alt="MANCHESTER EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1857." /> + </a>MANCHESTER EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1857. + </div> + + <p>This, held upon the same ground with its forerunner of + eleven years previous, affords a better measure of progress. It + developed a manifest advance in designs for ornamental + manufactures. The schools of decorative art were beginning to + tell. Carpets, hangings, furniture, stuffs for wear, encaustic + tiles, etc. showed a sounder taste; and this in the foreign as + well as the British stalls. French porcelain was more fully + represented than before, and in finer designs. The Paris + exhibition of '55, more extensively planned, though less of a + financial success, than the London one it followed, was not + without effect on the industry and art-culture of France. The + United States also showed that they had not been idle. Our + fabrics of vulcanized rubber and sewing-machines were boons to + Europe she has not been slow to seize. The latter are now sold + in England, with trifling modifications and new trademarks, at + from one-third to one-half the price our people have to + pay.</p> + + <p>The secret of making money out of these great fairs seemed + to have been lost. Although England's second took in much more + than the first, and four times as much as the first French, + four hundred and sixty thousand pounds having entered its + treasury, it failed to leave any such profitable memorials of + profit.</p> + + <p>By this time the spirit of French emulation was stirred to + its inmost depths. They had gone to London, argued the Gauls, + under every disadvantage. To prove that they had returned + covered with glory, they hunted every nook and corner of + numerical analysis. Out of 18,000 exhibitors of all nations, + they had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page277" + id="page277"></a>[pg 277]</span> had but 1747, and yet Paris + had received thirty-nine council medals, or honors of the + first order, per million of inhabitants, against fourteen + per million accorded to London. She had beaten the + metropolis of fog not only in general, but in detail. In + every branch, from the most solid to the most sentimental, + she was victorious. For machinery a million of gamins beat a + million of Cockneys in the proportion of seven to six; in + the economical and chemical arts, four to one; in the + geographical and geometrical, eight to three; and in the + fine arts, Waterloo was reversed to the tune of twenty to + four.</p> + + <p>Nothing could be more conclusive; but to take a bond of fate + it was determined to imitate England in trying a second + display, and supplement '53 with '67 more effectively than + Albion had '51 with '62. In what gallant style this + determination was carried out we all remember. France did put + forth her strength. She illustrated the Second Empire with an + outpouring of her own genius and energy the variety and + comprehensiveness of which no other nation could pretend to + equal; and she called together the nearest approach to a rally + of the nations that had yet been seen.</p> + + <p>The casket of these assembled treasures was hardly worthy of + them, so far as the effect of the mass went. It needed a facade + as badly as does a confectioner's plum-cake. Had the vitreous + mass been dumped upon the Champs de Mars from the clouds in a + viscous state like the Alpine <i>mers de glace</i>, it would + have assumed much such a thick disk-like shape as it actually + wore. Then decorate it with some spun-sugar pinnacles and some + flags of silver paper, and the confiseur stood confessed. + Nevertheless, motive was there. Catch anything French without + it.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/277.jpg" + name="fig277" + id="fig277"><img width="100%" + src="images/277.jpg" + alt="FLORENCE EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1861" /> + </a>FLORENCE EXHIBITION BUILDING, 1861 + </div> + + <p>The pavilion consisted of seven concentric ovals, the arcs + and their radii effecting the duplicate division of objects and + countries. Outside, under the eaves and in the surrounding + area, the peoples were encamped around their possessions. The + gastric fluid being the universal solvent, the festive board + was assigned the position nearest the building, a continuous + shed protecting the restaurants of all nations, each with its + proper specialty in the way of viands and service. Necessarily, + there was in the carrying out of the latter idea a good deal of + the sham and theatrical. But that gave the thing more zest, and + the saloons were by no means the least effective feature of the + appliances for introducing the races to each other. Tired of + the tender intercourse of chopsticks, forks and fingers, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page278" + id="page278"></a>[pg 278]</span> they could exchange visits + in their drawing-rooms; most of the known styles of + dwelling-place, if we except the snow-huts of the Esquimaux, + the burrows of the Kamtchadales and the boats of Canton, + having representatives.</p> + + <p>The United States government took particular interest in + this exposition, and published a long and detailed report made + by its commissioners. Our contributions were not worthy of the + country, and showed but little novelty. Implements of farming + and of war, pianos, sewing-machines and locomotives attracted + chief attention. The pianos were "unreservedly praised." The + wines, California having come to the rescue, were pronounced an + improvement on previous specimens. The only trait of our + engines that was admired or borrowed appears to have been that + which had least to do with the organism of the + machine—the cab. In cars our ideas have fruited better, + and Pullman and Westinghouse have gained a firm foothold in + England, with whose endorsement their way is open across the + Channel. In the arts we are credited with seventy-five + pictures, against a hundred and twenty-three from England and + six hundred and fifty-two from France.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/278.jpg" + name="fig278" + id="fig278"><img width="100%" + src="images/278.jpg" + alt="PARIS EXPOSITION BUILDING AND GROUNDS, 1867." /> + </a>PARIS EXPOSITION BUILDING AND GROUNDS, 1867. + </div> + + <p>Here France was at home, and felt it. The works of Dubray, + Triquetti, Yvon, Giraud, Gérôme, Dubufe, + Toulmouche, Courbet, Troyon, Rosa Bonheur and others exhibited + the route toward the naturalistic taken by her modern school, + so different from that pursued by the Pre-Raphaelites in + England. The Düsseldorf school has been drawn into the + same path—France's one conquest from Prussia, who made at + the same time a stout struggle in defence of the classic manner + through Kaulbach. The drawings and paintings of art-students + maintained by the French government in Italy attested an + enlightened liberality other governments, general or local, + would do well to imitate. The cost of supporting a few score of + pupils in Rome could in no way be better bestowed for the + promotion of commerce, manufactures and education. Taste has + unquestionably a high economic value. But this is only one + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page279" + id="page279"></a>[pg 279]</span> of France's ways of + recognizing the fact. The government École des Beaux + Arts at Paris contained, in 1875, a hundred and seventy-two + students of architecture, a hundred and eighty-three of + painting, forty of sculpture and two hundred and fifty of + engraving.</p> + + <p>As a corollary to this assiduous culture, French art + collectively was at the exposition "first, and the rest + nowhere." The old works sent by Italy stood by themselves; and + in mosaic, Salviati's glass, and statuary led by Vela's <i>Last + Moments of Napoleon</i>, the modern studios of that country + ranked in the front. Prussia had some heliographic maps, then a + new thing, and chromos, also in the bud; Austria and England, + fine architectural drawings; and Eastlake, Stanfield, Landseer, + Frith and Faed crossed pencils with the French. But nothing + modern of the kind could stand by the porcelain of + Sèvres, the glass of St. Louis and Baccarat, the bronzes + of other French producers, the vast collection of drawings of + ancient and mediaeval monuments and architecture in France, her + book-binding and illustration by Bida and Doré, her + jewelry and her art-manufactures as a whole. In carriages she + had obviously studied the turnouts of American workshops to + advantage.</p> + + <p>In agricultural machinery all civilized exhibitors had gone + to school to our artisans.</p> + + <p>One of our specialties, a postal-car, appeared under the + Prussian flag. So did things more legitimately the property of + the nascent empire. The Krupp gun cast its substance, as well + as its shadow, before. A locomotive destined for India made + Bull rub his eyes. Chemicals in every grade of purity spoke the + potency of the German alembic.</p> + + <p>The probability that the production of beetroot-sugar would + before many years attain a position among the industries of + this country gave interest in the eyes of American visitors to + the display of European machinery employed so successfully in + that business. Labor-saving machinery we have not generally + been in the habit of borrowing. Neither, on the other hand, has + Europe been accustomed to draw from us crude material for the + finest manufactures; and the balance was set even by the + admirable quality of the glass made from American sand and the + porcelain moulded in American kaolin. The latter substance, a + silicate of alumina, is not found in England, and at but few + points on the Continent. We have it in abundance and of the + finest quality.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/279.jpg" + name="fig279" + id="fig279"><img width="100%" + src="images/279.jpg" + alt="GRAND VESTIBULE OF THE PARIS EXPOSITION BUILDING, 1867." /> + </a>GRAND VESTIBULE OF THE PARIS EXPOSITION BUILDING, 1867. + </div> + + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page280" id="page280"></a>[pg 280]</span> + The extraordinary steps made within five years in the arts + of destruction were illustrated by the twelve-inch Armstrong + rifles of England and the Essen gun, throwing a 1212-pound + shot. In 1862 the heaviest projectile shown did not exceed one + hundred pounds. For field-service the limit of practice in + weight seems long ago to have been reached: for forts and ships + it cannot be far off. Armor and projectiles must soon bring + each other to a standstill; as when, in the Italian wars of the + fifteenth century, offence and defence reached the <i>reductio + ad absurdum</i> of the incapacity of men-at-arms to inflict + serious injury upon each other, or even to pick themselves up + when the weight of their armor, with some aid from the clumsy + blows of an antagonist, had overthrown them. Assailant and + assailed were <i>in equilibrio</i>, and personal equilibrium + could not be restored. Some such inane result may be witnessed + when a pair of hostile iron-clads, out of sight of their + nursing convoys, shall meet alone upon the deep; with the + disagreeable difference that they will, if they go down, have a + great deal farther to fall than the cuirassiers of the + land.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/280.jpg" + name="fig280" + id="fig280"><img width="100%" + src="images/280.jpg" + alt="VIENNA EXPOSITION BUILDING AND GROUNDS, 1873." /> + </a>VIENNA EXPOSITION BUILDING AND GROUNDS, 1873. + </div> + + <p>Since 1851 a new commercial cement had come into operation + in the adoption by neighboring powers of the French metrical + system. England and America still hold out against the + mètre and the gramme; and the press of both occasionally + levels at it the old jokes of making the spheres weigh a pound + of butter and the polar axis measure a yard of calico. With the + innovation, however, our merchants have become perforce + familiar, a large share of their imported commodities being + invoiced in accordance with it. Its immense superiority to our + complicated and arbitrary weights and measures, in the tables + whereof the same word often has half a dozen meanings, is + beyond argument. In the United States it has earned a + quasi-official adoption, but the force of habit among the + people has yet to be overcome.</p> + + <p>We may here give, in evidence of the increasing hold these + expositions have upon the popular mind, the gradual + multiplication of the numbers exhibiting. At + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page281" + id="page281"></a>[pg 281]</span> London, in '51, the + exhibitors were 13,937; at Paris, '55, 23,954; at London, + '62, 28,653; and at Paris, '67, 50,226.</p> + + <p>Austria, with admirable spirit, determined to anticipate her + turn to enter the lists of peace. Undismayed by Solferino and + Sadowa, she had found her Antaeus in Andrassy. Her capital city + was advancing with immense strides in beauty and extent. + Geographically and ethnically it was, like the empire itself, a + meeting-ground of north and south, east and west. Isolated from + the sea, it offered for the transport of heavy articles a + system of railways proved by the event to be sufficiently + effective. It was decided that the march of progress should be + more than kept up, and that the building, with its appendages, + should be an improvement on all its predecessors in extent, in + architectural effect and in solidity of material. The + dimensions are so variously stated, owing largely to difference + of opinion as to what should be embraced within the + admeasurement, that we are at a loss how to give them. To the + main building, however, was assigned a capacity of + seventy-three thousand five hundred and ninety-three square + mètres. Sixty-three hundred and eighty of these were + awarded to France, ten mètres less to England; and + thirteen hundred and sixty to the United States. The + marquee-like rotunda rose to a height of two hundred and fifty + feet, with a diameter at base of three hundred and fifty-four. + The principal entrance, with piers and arches of cut stone + profusely decorated with statues and reliefs, was in highly + satisfactory contrast to the fragile shells of glass and cast + iron that sheltered the earlier exhibitions.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/281.jpg" + name="fig281" + id="fig281"><img width="100%" + src="images/281.jpg" + alt="ROTUNDA OF THE VIENNA EXPOSITION BUILDING, 1873." /> + </a>ROTUNDA OF THE VIENNA EXPOSITION BUILDING, 1873. + </div> + + <p>Perhaps in all this solid work the demands of time had not + been duly considered. Certainly, the display was not punctual + to the appointed period of opening. Exceptionally bad weather + was another drawback, and the greed of the Viennese + hotel-keepers a third. For such, among other reasons, the + enterprise was financially a failure—a fact which little + concerns those who went to study and learn, and those who three + years later have to describe. If the darkening + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page282" + id="page282"></a>[pg 282]</span> of the imperial exchequer + prove more than a passing shadow, and an ultimate loss on + the speculation cease to be matter of question, the few + millions it cost may be recovered by the disbanding of a + regiment or two. For one brigade, out of half a million + soldiers, to bring the world and its wealth to the seat of + government, is doing better than the usual work of the + bayonet.</p> + + <p>The country and the city themselves were a study to + foreigners in many of the modes of life. The extent to which + the utilization, as stationary and locomotive machines, of + pigs, cows, women and dogs was carried elicited constant remark + from the Western tourists, with sundry moral conclusions + perhaps too hastily arrived at. This outside feature of the + exposition may serve as an admonition to put our own + surroundings in order. They are not apt to expose us to such + comments as naturally occur to those who have never seen dogs + and damsels in harness together; but other vulnerable points + may peradventure be descried. We must demonstrate our + civilization to be complete at all points, and not simply a + coddled exotic under glass. What if our Viennese guests, + physically a stouter race than we, should pronounce our women + <i>too</i> obviously not hod-carriers, and painfully + unaccustomed to wheeling anything heavier than an arm-chair or + a piano-stool?</p> + + <p>In that land of music concerts could not fail to be a + leading feature. The Boston improvement of emphasizing the bass + with discharges of distant artillery, or its equivalent, the + slamming of cellar-doors nearer by, was not attained. Noise and + harmony were kept at arm's length apart.</p> + + <p>The illustration of homes was made a specialty. As at Paris, + the peoples brought their dwellings, or, more often, the + dwellings came without their occupants. The four-footed and + feathered live-stock were of more indubitable authenticity. The + display of all the European breeds of cattle and + horses—English Durhams, Alderneys and racers, Russian + trotters, Holstein cows and Flemish mares, the gray oxen of + Hungary and the buffaloes of the Campagna, the wild red pigs of + the Don and the razor-backs of Southern France—was + calculated to amuse, if but moderately to edify, our breeders + of Ohio, Kentucky and New York. A thousand horses and fifteen + hundred horned cattle comprised this congress, while two + hundred and fifty pigs were deemed enough to represent the + grunters of all nations.</p> + + <p>Of animals in another form, the preserved meats of + Australia, sent sound across the tropics to the amount of + seventeen thousand tons in 1872, against <i>four</i> tons in + 1866, had their use of instruction to our packers. So with the + improved display of agricultural produce from Southern Russia, + our chief competitor in the grain-market. Our reapers and + threshers are supplanting, in Eastern Europe, the ridiculous + flails, sickles and straight-handled scythes that figured at + New York in 1853. We have sent the Dacians, Huns and Sarmatians + weapons to cut our own commercial throats. There are more + enriching articles of export than wheat, as we must continue to + learn.</p> + + <p>In turning to other provinces, we find that England was + foremost in machinery, the United States, "the only rival," + says a British critic, "from whom we had anything to fear," + being feebly represented, as we were in other respects, thanks + to certain irregularities in the management of our + commissioners sufficiently discussed at the time. The British + carpets out-shone the display of any competitor, the influence + of her new schools of decorative design being unmistakably + marked.</p> + + <p>The Aubusson carpets of France still maintained their + position, as did the velvet, faïence, tapestry, + engravings, books, marine photographs, etc. of the same + country. Italy made her usual contribution in the arts. Among + the Austrian objects of this class the opals of Hungary were + prominent.</p> + + <p>India was unexpectedly complete in her collection: not only + her modern industry, but her antiquities, had abundant + specimens.</p> + + <p>Much criticism has been expended upon the alleged lavish and + indiscriminate distribution of medals and diplomas at Vienna. + But, however numerous <span class="pagenum"><a name="page283" + id="page283"></a>[pg 283]</span> the undeserving who + obtained them, the deserving must at the same time have had + their share: the shower that fell on the unjust could not + have missed the just. Therefore we note that, despite our + slender show, one hundred and seventy-eight medals for Merit + and sixty-nine for Progress, two for the Fine Arts (German + Bierstadt and French Healey) and five for Good Taste, came + to America. The National Bureau of Education, the Lighthouse + Board and the State of Massachusetts obtained "Grand + Diplomas of Honor" for documents. The like honor was awarded + to the city of Boston and the Smithsonian Institution, and + to four private exhibitors for the more palpable + contributions of tool-making machinery, steam-machinery, + mowing-machines and dentistry. This list does not teach us + much. The prizes are, unless awarded with the most + intelligent and conscientious precision, valuable chiefly as + advertisements to the recipients, who can earn, and + generally have earned, better advertisements in other + shapes.</p> + + <p>Thus have the chief powers of Western and Central Europe + displayed their mettle in peaceful tourney. The visor of a + young and unknown knight is now barred for the fray. He has, + like the rest in these days of modern chivalry, to be his own + herald and blow his own preliminary blast. It is a tolerably + sonorous one. Let the event show that he speaks not through + brass alone.</p> + + <h2>SKETCHES OF INDIA.</h2> + + <h3>III.</h3> + + <p>Thus we fared leisurely along. We passed Cabul merchants + peddling their dried fruit on shaggy-haired camels; to these + succeeded, in more lonesome portions of the road, small groups + of Korkas, wretched remnants of one of the autochthonal + families of Central India—even lower in the scale of + civilization than the Gónds, among whom they are found; + and to these the richly-caparisoned elephants of some wealthy + Bhopal gentleman making a journey. We lingered long among the + marvelous old Buddhistic <i>topes</i> or tumuli of Sanchi, and + I interested my companion greatly in describing the mounds of + the United States, with which I was familiar, and whose + resemblance to these richly-sculptured and variously-ornamented + ruins, though rude and far off, was quite enough to set his + active fancy to evolving all manner of curious hypotheses going + to explain such similarity. The whole way, by Sangor, + Gharispore, Bhilsa, Sanchi, Sonori, presented us with the most + interesting relics of the past, and the frequent recurrence of + the works of the once prevalent Buddhistic faith continually + incited us to new discussions of the yet unsolved question, Why + has Buddha's religion, which once had such entire possession of + this people's hearts, so entirely disappeared from the + land?</p> + + <p>And, as nothing could be more completely contrasted with the + desert asceticism which Buddha's tenets inculcated than the + luxury into which Mohammed's creed has flowered, so nothing + could have more strikingly broken in upon our discussions of + the Buddhistic monuments than the view which we at last + obtained of the lovely Mohammedan city of Bhopal. To the south + and east ran a strip of country as barren and heartacheish as + if the very rocks and earth had turned Buddhist, beyond which a + range of low rounded hills, not unlike <i>topes</i>, completed + the ascetic suggestion. But, turning from this, we saw + Mohammedanism at its very loveliest. Minarets, domes, palaces, + gardens, the towers of the citadel, waters of lovely lakes, all + mingled <span class="pagenum"><a name="page284" + id="page284"></a>[pg 284]</span> themselves together in the + voluptuous light of the low sun: there was a sense of music, + of things that sparkled, of pearly lustres, of shimmering + jewels, of softness, of delight, of luxury. Bhopal looked + over the ragged valley like a sultan from the window of his + zenana regarding afar off an unkempt hermit in his solitude. + My companion had arranged for permission to enter the town, + and it was not <span class="pagenum"><a name="page285" + id="page285"></a>[pg 285]</span> long ere we were installed + in the house of a friend of Bhima Gandharva's, whose guests + we remained during our stay in Bhopal.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/284.jpg" + name="fig284" + id="fig284"><img width="100%" + src="images/284.jpg" + alt="MUSSULMAN WOMAN OF BHOPAL." /></a>MUSSULMAN WOMAN + OF BHOPAL. + </div> + + <p>On a rock at the summit of a hill commanding this + interesting city stands the fort of Fatehgarh, built by a + certain Afghan adventurer, Dost Mohammed Khan, who, in a time + when this part of India must have been a perfect paradise for + all the free lances of the East, was so fortunate as to win the + favor of Aurungzebe, and to receive as evidence thereof a + certain district in Malwa. The Afghan seems to have lost no + time in improving the foothold thus gained, and he thus founded + the modern district of Bhopal, which was formerly divided + between Malwa and Góndwana, one gate of the town + standing in the former and one in the latter country. Dost + Mohammed Khan appears, indeed, to have been not the only + adventurer who bettered his fortunes in Bhopal. It is a curious + fact, and one well illustrating the liberality which has + characterized much of the more modern history of the Bhopal + government, that no long time ago it was administered by a + regency consisting of three persons—one a Hindu, one a + Mohammedan, and the other a Christian. This Christian is + mentioned by Sir John Malcolm as "Shahzed Musseah, or + Belthazzar Bourbona" (by which Sir John means <i>Shahzahad + Messiah</i>—a native appellation signifying "the + Christian prince"—or <i>Balthazar of Bourbon</i>), and is + described by that officer, to whom he was well known, as a + brave soldier and an able man. He traced his lineage to a + certain Frenchman calling himself John of Bourbon, who in the + time of Akbar was high in favor and position at Delhi. His + widow, the princess Elizabeth of Bourbon, still resides at + Bhopal in great state, being possessed of abundant wealth and + ranking second only to the Begum. She is the acknowledged head + of a large number of descendants of John of Bourbon, amounting + to five or six hundred, who remain at Bhopal and preserve their + faith—having a church and Catholic priest of their + own—as well as the traditions of their ancestry, which, + according to their claim, allies them to the royal blood of + France.</p> + + <p>No mention of Bhopal can fail to pay at least a hasty + tribute in commemoration of the forcible character and liberal + politics of the Begum, who has but of late gone to her account + after a long and sometimes trying connection with the + administration of her country's affairs. After the death of her + husband—who was accidentally killed by a pistol in the + hands of a child not long after the treaty with the English in + 1818—their nephew, then in his minority, was considered + as the future nawab, and was betrothed to their daughter, the + Begum being regent during his minority. When the time came, + with his majority, for the nuptials, the Begum refused to allow + the marriage to take place, for reasons which need not here be + detailed. After much dispute a younger brother of the nephew + was declared more eligible, but the Begum still managed in one + way or another to postpone matters, much to his + dissatisfaction. An arbitration finally resulted in placing him + on the throne, but his reign was short, and he died after a few + years, leaving the Begum again in practical charge of + affairs—a position which she improved by instituting many + wise and salutary reforms and bringing the state of Bhopal to a + condition of great prosperity. The Pearl Mosque (<i>Monti + Masjid</i>), which stands immediately in front of the palace, + was built at her instance in imitation of the great + cathedral-mosque of Delhi, and presents a charming evidence of + her taste, as well as of the architectural powers still + existing in this remarkable race.</p> + + <p>The town proper of Bhopal is enclosed by a + much—decayed wall of masonry some two miles in circuit, + within which is a fort, similar both in its condition and + material to the wall. Outside these limits is a large + commercial quarter (<i>gunge</i>). The beautiful lake running + off past the town to the south is said to be artificial in its + origin, and to have been produced at the instance of Bho Pal, + the minister of King Bohoje, as long ago as the sixth century, + by damming up the waters of the Bess (or Besali) River, for the + purpose <span class="pagenum"><a name="page286" + id="page286"></a>[pg 286]</span> of converting an arid + section into fertile land. It is still called the Bhopal + Tal.</p> + + <div class="figleft" + style="width:65%;"> + <a href="images/286.jpg" + name="fig286" + id="fig286"><img width="100%" + src="images/286.jpg" + alt="A NAUTCH-GIRL (OR BAYADÈRE) OF ULWUR." /> + </a>A NAUTCH-GIRL (OR BAYADÈRE) OF ULWUR. + </div> + + <p>If this were a ponderous folio of travels, one could detail + the pleasures and polite attentions of one's Bhopalese host; of + the social <i>utter-pán</i>; of the sprinklings with + rose-water; of the dreamy talks over fragrant hookahs; of the + wanderings among bazaars filled with moving crowds of people + hailing from all the ports that lie between Persia and the + Góndwana; of the <i>fêtes</i> where the + Nautch-girl of Baroda contended in graceful emulation with the + nautch-girl of Ulwur, and the cathacks (or male dancers) with + both; of elegantly-perfumed Bhopalese young men; of the palaces + of nobles guarded by soldiers whose accoutrements ranged from + the musket to the morion; of the Moharum, when the Mohammedan + celebrates the New Year. But what would you have? A sketch is a + sketch. We have got only to the heart of India: the head and + the whole prodigious eastern side are not yet reached. It is + time one were off for Jhansi.</p> + + <p>At Bioura we encountered modern civilization again in the + shape of the south-west branch of the Grand Trunk road, which + leads off from the main stem at Agra. The Grand Trunk is not a + railroad, but a firm and smooth highway, with which the English + have united Calcutta to the North-west Provinces and to the + west of India. Much of this great roadway is metaled with + <i>kunkur</i>, an oolitic limestone found near the surface of + the soil in Hindustan; and all Anglo-India laughed at the joke + of an irreverent punster who, <i>apropos</i> of the fact that + this application of kunkur to the road-bed was made under the + orders of Lord William Bentinck, then governor-general, dubbed + that gentleman William the Kunkurer.</p> + + <p>We had abandoned our <i>chapaya</i>—which, we may add + for the benefit of future travelers, we had greatly improved as + against jolting by causing it to be suspended upon a pair of + old springs which we found, a relic of some antique break-down, + in a village on the route—and after a short journey on + elephants were traveling <i>dâk</i>; that is, by post. + The <i>dâk-gharri</i> is a comfortable-enough long + carriage on four wheels, and constitutes the principal mode of + conveyance for travelers in India besides the railway. It + contains a mattress inside, for it goes night and day, and + one's baggage is strapped on top, much as in an American + stage-coach after the "boot" is full. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page287" + id="page287"></a>[pg 287]</span> Frequent relays of horses + along the route enable the driver to urge his animals from + one station to the other with great speed, and the only + other stoppages are at the <i>dâk</i>-bungalows.</p> + + <p>"I have discovered," I said to Bhima Gandharva after a short + experience of the <i>dâk-gharri</i> and the + <i>dâk</i>-bungalows—"I have discovered a general + remark about India which is <i>not</i> absurd: all the horses + are devils and all the <i>dâk</i>-bungalow servants are + patriarchs."</p> + + <p>"If you judge by the heels of the former and the beards of + the latter, it is true," he said.</p> + + <p>This little passage was based on the experience of the last + relay, which was, however, little more than a repetition of + many previous ones. My friend and I having arranged ourselves + comfortably in the <i>dâk-gharri</i> as soon as it was + announced ready to start, the long and marvelously lean Indian + who was our driver signified to his team by the usual + horse-language that we should be glad to go. The horse did not + even agitate his left ear—a phenomenon which I associate + with a horse in that moment when he is quietly making up his + mind to be fractious. "Go, my brother," said the driver in a + mellifluous and really fraternal tone of voice. The horse + disdained to acknowledge the tie: he stood still.</p> + + <div class="figleft" + style="width:60%;"> + <a href="images/287.jpg" + name="fig287" + id="fig287"><img width="100%" + src="images/287.jpg" + alt="A NAUTCHNI(OR BAYADÈRE) OF BARODA." /> + </a>A NAUTCHNI (OR BAYADÈRE) OF BARODA. + </div> + + <p>Then the driver changed the relationship, with an access of + tenderness in voice and in adjuration. "Go, my son," he + entreated. But the son stood as immovable as if he were going + to remain a monument of filial impiety to all time.</p> + + <p>"Go, my grandson, my love." This seemed entirely too much + for the animal, and produced apparently a sense of abasement in + him which was in the highest degree uncomplimentary to his + human kinsman and lover. He lay down. In so doing he broke + several portions of the ragged harness, and then proceeded, + with the most deliberate absurdity, to get himself thoroughly + tangled in the remainder.</p> + + <p>"I think I should be willing," I said to my companion, "to + carry that horse to Jhansi on my own shoulders if I could have + the pleasure of seeing him blown from one of the rajah's cannon + in the, fort."</p> + + <p>But the driver, without the least appearance of + discomposure, had dismounted, and with his long deft Hindu + fingers soon released the animal, patched up his gear, replaced + him between the shafts and resumed his + place. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page288" id="page288"></a>[pg 288]</span> + </p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/288.jpg" + name="fig288" + id="fig288"><img width="100%" + src="images/288.jpg" + alt="THE CATHACKS (OR DANCING MEN) OF BHOPAL." /> + </a>THE CATHACKS (OR DANCING MEN) OF BHOPAL. + </div> + + <p>Another round of consanguinities: the animal still remained + immovable, till presently he lunged out with a wicked kick + which had nearly obliterated at one blow the whole line of his + ancestry and collateral relatives as represented in the driver. + At this the latter became as furious as he had before been + patient: he belabored the horse, assistants ran from the + stables, the whole party yelled and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page289" + id="page289"></a>[pg 289]</span> gesticulated at the little + beast simultaneously, and he finally broke down the road at + a pace which the driver did not suffer him to relax until we + arrived at the bungalow where we intended to stop for + supper.</p> + + <p>A venerable old Mohammedan in a white beard that gave him + the majesty of Moses advanced for the purpose of ascertaining + our wants.</p> + + <p>"Had he any mutton-chops?" asked Bhima Gandharva in + Hindustani, the <i>lingua franca</i> of the country.</p> + + <p>"Cherisher of the humble! no."</p> + + <p>"Any beefsteak?"</p> + + <p>"Nourisher of the poor! no."</p> + + <p>"Well, then, I <i>hear</i> a chicken," said my friend, + conclusively.</p> + + <p>"O great king," said the Mohammedan, turning to me, "there + <i>is</i> a chicken."</p> + + <p>In a twinkling the cook caught the chicken: its head was + turned toward Mecca. Bismillah! O God the Compassionate, the + Merciful! the poor fowl's head flew off, and by the time we had + made our ablutions supper was ready.</p> + + <p>Turning across the ridges to the north-eastward from Sipri, + we were soon making our way among the tanks and groves which + lie about the walls of Jhansi. Here, as at Poona, there was + ever present to me a sense of evil destinies, of blood, of + treacheries, which seemed to linger about the trees and the + tanks like exhalations from the old crimes which have stained + the soil of the country. For Jhansi is in the Bundelcund, and + the Bundelcund was born in great iniquity. The very + name—which properly is <i>Bundelakhand,</i> or "the + country of the Bundelas"—has a history thickly set about + with the terrors of caste, of murder and of usurpation. Some + five hundred years ago a certain Rajput prince, Hurdeo Sing, + committed the unpardonable sin of marrying a slave + (<i>bundi</i>), and was in consequence expelled from the + Kshatriya caste to which he belonged. He fled with his disgrace + into this region, and after some years found opportunity at + least to salve his wounds with blood and power. The son of the + king into whose land he had escaped conceived a passion for the + daughter of the slave wife. It must needs have been a mighty + sentiment, for the conditions which Hurdeo Sing exacted were of + a nature to try the strongest love. These were, that the + nuptial banquet should be prepared by the unmentionable hands + of the slave wife herself, and that the king and his court + should partake of it—a proceeding which would involve the + loss of their caste also. But the prince loved, and his love + must have lent him extraordinary eloquence, for he prevailed on + his royal father to accept the disgrace. If one could only stop + here, and record that he won his bride, succeeded his + magnanimous old parent on the throne, lived a long and happy + life with his queen, and finally died regretted by his loving + people! But this is in the Bundelcund, and the facts are, that + the treacherous Hurdeo Sing caused opium to be secretly put + into all the dishes of the wedding-feast, and when the + unsuspecting revelers were completely stupefied by the drug had + the whole party assassinated, after which he possessed himself + of the throne and founded the Bundelcund.</p> + + <p>One does not wonder that the hills and forests of such a + land became the hiding-places of the strangling Thugs, the home + of the poisoning Dacoits, the refuge of conspirators and + insurgents and the terror of Central India.</p> + + <p>As for Jhansi, the district in whose capital we were now + sojourning, its people must have tasted many of the sorrows of + anarchy and of despotism even in recent times. It was + appurtenant no long time ago to the Bundela rajah of Ourcha: + from him it passed by conquest into the possession of the + Peishwa. These small districts were all too handy for being + tossed over as presents to favorites: one finds them falling + about among the greedy subordinates of conquerors like nuts + thrown out to school-boys. The Peishwa gave Jhansi to a + soubahdar: the British government then appeared, and effected + an arrangement by which the soubahdar should retain it as + hereditary rajah on the annual payment of twenty-four thousand + rupees. This so-called rajah, Ramchund Rao, died without issue + in 1835. Amid great disputes as to the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page290" + id="page290"></a>[pg 290]</span> succession the British + arbitrators finally decided in favor of Rugonath Rao; but + new quarrels straightway arose, a great cry being made that + Rugonath Rao was a leper, and that a leper ought not to be a + rajah. His death in some three years settled that + difficulty, only to open fresh ones among the conflicting + claimants. These perplexing questions the British finally + concluded quite effectually by assuming charge of the + government themselves, though this was attended with + trouble, for the stout old mother of Ramchund Rao made armed + resistance from the fort or castellated residence of the + rajahs, which stands on its great rock overlooking the town + of Jhansi. A commission finally decreed the succession to + Baba Gunghadar Rao, but retained the substantial power until + the revenues had recovered from the depression consequent + upon these anarchic disturbances.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/290.jpg" + name="fig290" + id="fig290"><img width="100%" + src="images/290.jpg" + alt="BURIAL PLACE OF THE RAJAHS OF JHANSI." /> + </a>BURIAL PLACE OF THE RAJAHS OF JHANSI. + </div> + + <p>"At any rate," I said as Bhima Gandharva finished this + narrative while we were walking about the burial-place of the + rajahs of Jhansi, and occupying ourselves with tracing the + curious admixture of Moslem with Hindu architecture presented + by the tombs, "these rajahs, if they loved each other but + little in life, appear to have buried each other with proper + enough observances: the cenotaphs are worthy of tenderer + remembrances."</p> + + <p>"Yes," he said: "this part of India is everywhere a land of + beautiful tombs <span class="pagenum"><a name="page291" + id="page291"></a>[pg 291]</span> which enclose ugly + memories. I recall one tomb, however, near which I have + spent many hours of tranquil meditation, and which is at + once lovely without and within: it is the tomb of the Muslim + saint Allum Sayed at Baroda. It was built of stones taken + from an old Jain temple whose ruins are still visible near + by; and with a singular fitness, in view of its material, + the Muslim architect has mingled his own style with the + Hindu, so that an elegant union of the keen and naked Jain + asceticism with the mellower and richer fancy of the + luxurious Mohammedan has resulted in a perfect work of that + art which makes death lovely by recalling its spiritual + significance. Besides, a holy silence broods about the + cactus and the euphorbian foliage, so that a word will send + the paroquets, accustomed to such unbroken stillness, into + hasty flights. The tomb proper is in the chamber at the + centre, enclosed by delicately-trellised walls of stone. I + can easily fancy that the soul of Allum Sayed is sitting by + his grave, like a faithful dog loath to quit his dead + master.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/291.jpg" + name="fig291" + id="fig291"><img width="100%" + src="images/291.jpg" + alt="TOMB OF ALLUM SAYED." /></a>TOMB OF ALLUM SAYED. + </div> + + <p>Jhansi was once in the enjoyment of a considerable trade. + The caravans from the Deccan to Furruckabad and other places in + the Douab were in the habit of stopping here, and there was + much trafficking in the cloths of Chanderi and in bows, arrows + and spears—the weapons of the Bundela tribes—which + were here manufactured. Remnants of the wealth then acquired + remain; and on the evening of the same day when we were + wandering among the rajahs' tombs we proceeded to the house of + a rich friend of Bhima Gandharva's, where we were to witness a + <i>nautch</i>, or dance, executed by a wandering troop of + Mewati bayadères. We arrived about nine o'clock: a + servant sprinkled us with rose-water, and we were ushered into + a large saloon, where the bayadères were seated with a + couple of musicians, one of whom played the tam-tam and another + a sort of violin. When the family of our host, together with a + few friends, were seated at the end of the room opposite the + bayadères, the signal was given, and the music commenced + with a soft <span class="pagenum"><a name="page292" + id="page292"></a>[pg 292]</span> and indescribably + languorous air. One of the bayadères rose with a + lithe and supple movement of the body not comparable to + anything save the slow separating of a white scud from the + main cloud which one sees on a summer's day high up in the + cirrus regions. She was attired in a short jacket, a scarf, + and a profusion of floating stuff that seemed at once to + hide and expose. Presently I observed that her jewelry was + glittering as it does not glitter when one is still, yet her + feet were not moving. I also heard a gentle tinkling from + her anklets and bracelets. On regarding her more steadily, I + saw that her whole body was trembling in gentle and yet + seemingly intense vibrations, and she maintained this + singular agitation while she assumed an attitude of much + grace, extending her arms and spreading out her scarf in + gracefully-waving curves. In these slow and languid changes + of posture, which accommodated themselves to the music like + undulations in running water to undulations in the sand of + its bed, and in the strange trembling of her body, which + seemed to be an inner miniature dance of the nerves, + consisted her entire performance. She intensified the + languid nature of her movements by the languishing + coquetries of her enormous black eyes, from which she sent + piercing glances between half-closed lids. It was a dance + which only southern peoples understand. Any one who has ever + beheld the <i>slow juba</i> of the negro in the Southern + United States will recognize its affinity to these + movements, which, apparently deliberate, are yet surcharged + with intense energy and fire.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:75%;"> + <a href="images/292.jpg" + name="fig292" + id="fig292"><img width="100%" + src="images/292.jpg" + alt="MEWATI DANCING-GIRL." /></a>MEWATI DANCING-GIRL. + </div> + + <p>Her performance being finished, the bayadère was + succeeded by others, each of whom appeared to have her + specialty—one imitating by her postures a + serpent-charmer; another quite unequivocally representing a + man-charmer; another rapidly executing what seemed an + interminable pirouette. Finally, all joined in a song and a + closing round, adding the sound of clapping hands to the more + energetic measures of the + music.</p> + + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page293" id="page293"></a>[pg 293]</span> + "I can now understand," I said when the nautch was finished, + "the remark of the shah of Persia which set everybody laughing + not long ago in England. During his visit to that country, + being present at a ball where ladies and gentlemen were + enjoying themselves in a somewhat laborious way in dancing, he + finally asked, 'Why do you not make your servants do this for + you?' It is at least entertaining to see a nautch, but to wade + through the English interpretation of a waltz, <i>hic labor hoc + opus est</i>, and the servants <i>ought</i> to perform it."</p> + + <p>"Do you know," said Bhima Gandharva, "that much the same + national mode of thought which prompts the Hindu to have his + dancing done by the nautch-girls also prompts him to have his + tax-gathering and general governing done by the English? We are + often asked why the spectacle has so often been seen of our + native princes quietly yielding up their kingdoms to strangers, + and even why we do not now rise and expel the foreigner from + power over us. The truth is, most Hindus are only glad to get + some one else to do the very hard work of governing. The + Englishman is always glad to get a French cook, because the + French can cook better than the English. Why should not we be + also glad to get English governors, when the English govern so + much better than the Hindus? In truth, governing and cooking + are very like—the successful ruler, like the successful + cook, has only to consult the tastes of his employers; and upon + any proper theory of politics government becomes just as purely + an economic business as cooking. You do not cook your own + dinner: why? Because you desire to devote your time to + something better and higher. So we do not collect taxes and lay + them out for the public convenience, because there are other + things we prefer to do. I am amazed at the modern ideas of + government: it is looked upon as an end, as an objective result + in itself, whereas it is really only the merest of means toward + leaving a man at leisure to attend to his private affairs. The + time will come"—and here the Hindu betrayed more energy + than I had hitherto ever seen him display—"when the world + will have its whole governing work done upon contract by those + best fitted for it, and when such affairs will be looked upon + as belonging simply to the police function of existence, which + negatively secures us from harm, without at all positively + touching the substantial advancement of man's life."</p> + + <p>The next day we fared northward toward Agra, by Duttiah, + Gwalior and Dholepore. Learning at Agra that the + northward-bound train—for here we had come upon complete + civilization again in the East Indian Railway—would pass + in an hour, we determined to reserve the Taj Mahal (the lovely + Pearl Mosque of Agra) until we should be returning from Delhi + to Calcutta. Bhima Gandharva desired me, however, to see the + Douab country and the old sacred city of Mattra; and so when we + had reached Hatras Station, a few miles north of Agra, we + abandoned the railway and struck across to the south-westward, + toward Mattra, in a hired carriage.</p> + + <p>We were now veritably in ancient Hindustan. It was among + these level plains through which we were rolling that the + antique Brahmins came and propounded that marvelous system + which afterward took the whole heart of the land. Nothing could + have been more striking than to cast one's eye thus over the + wide cotton-fields—for one associates cotton with the + New—and find them cultivated by these bare-legged and + breech-clouted peasants of the Douab, with ploughs which + consisted substantially of a crooked stick shod with iron at + the end, and with other such farming-implements out of the time + that one thinks of as forty centuries back. Yet in spite of + this primitive rudeness of culture, and of an aridity of soil + necessitating troublesome irrigation, these plains have for a + prodigious period of time supported a teeming population; and I + could not help crying out to Bhima Gandharva that if we had a + few millions of these gentle and patient peasants among the + cotton-fields of the United States, the South would quickly + become a Garden of Delight + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page294" + id="page294"></a>[pg 294]</span> and the planters could + build Jammah Masjids with rupees for marble.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:80%;"> + <a href="images/294.jpg" + name="fig294" + id="fig294"><img width="100%" + src="images/294.jpg" + alt="PEASANTS OF THE DOUAB." /></a>PEASANTS OF THE + DOUAB. + </div> + + <p>The conservatism which has preserved for so long a time the + ancient rude methods of industry begins to grow on one as one + passes between these villages of people who seem to be living + as if they were perfectly sure that God never intended them to + live any other way.</p> + + <p>"It is not long," said my friend, "since + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page295" + id="page295"></a>[pg 295]</span> a British officer of + engineers, on some expedition or other, was encamped for the + night at no great distance from here. His tent had been + pitched near one of those Persian water-wheels such as you + have seen, which, although of great antiquity, are perhaps + as ingeniously adapted to the purpose of lifting water as + any machine ever invented. The creaking of the wheel annoyed + him very much, and after a restless night, owing to that + cause, he rose and went out of his tent and inquired of the + proprietor of the wheel (a native) why in the name of Heaven + he never greased it. 'Because,' said the conservative Hindu, + 'I have become so accustomed to the noise that I can only + sleep soundly while it is going on: when it stops, then I + wake, and knowing from the cessation of the sound that my + bullock-driver is neglecting his duty, I go out and beat + him.' Thus, even the conservation of the useless comes in + time to create habits which are useful."</p> + + <p>"It is true," I replied, "and it recalls to me a somewhat + unusual illustration. A summer or two ago a legal friend of + mine, who is the possessor of a large family of children, came + into the court-room one morning with very red eyes, and to my + inquiry concerning the cause of the same he replied: 'To tell + you the truth, I can't go to sleep unless a child is crying + about the house somewhere; but my wife left town yesterday for + the summer with all the children, and I haven't had a wink the + whole night.'"</p> + + <p>A drive of some five hours brought us to Mattra after dark, + and as we crossed the bridge of boats over the sacred Jumna + (the <i>Yamuna</i> of the Sanscrit poems) he seemed indeed + thrice holy, with his bosom full of stars. Mattra, which lies + immediately on the western bank of the river, stands next to + Benares among the holy cities of the Hindus: here both the soil + and the river-water are consecrated, for this was the + birthplace of Krishna, or, more properly speaking, the scene of + that avatar of Vishnu which is known as Krishna. When we rose + early in the morning and repaired to the river-bank, hundreds + of the faithful were ascending and descending the numerous + ghâts leading down the high bank to the water, while a + still more animated crowd of both sexes were standing up to + their middle in the stream, throwing the water in this + direction and that, and mingling their personal ablutions with + the rites of worship in such a way as might at once clean both + souls and bodies. Evidences of the holy character of the town + met us everywhere as we strolled back to our lodgings. Sacred + monkeys, painted red over their hind quarters in consecration + to the monkey-god Hanuman, capered and grinned about us, and + sacred bulls obstructed our way along the narrow and dirty + streets, while everywhere we saw pictures representing + Krishna—sometimes much like an Apollo in the guise of a + youthful shepherd playing the flute to a group of young girls, + who danced under a tree; sometimes as a Hercules strangling a + serpent or performing other feats of physical strength.</p> + + <p>Fabulous stories are told of the early wealth and glory of + Mattra. Ferishta relates that when Mahmoud of Ghazni had + arrived with his troops in the neighborhood in the year 1017, + he heard of this rich city consecrated to Krishna Vasu-Deva, + and straightway marching upon it captured it and gave it up to + plunder. Writing of it afterward to the governor of Ghazni, he + declared that such another city could not be built within two + centuries; that it contained one thousand edifices "as firm as + the faith of the faithful," and mostly built of marble; that + among the temples had been found five golden idols in whose + heads were ruby eyes worth fifty thousand dinars; that in + another was a sapphire weighing four hundred <i>miskals</i> + (the present <i>miskal</i> of Bosrah is seventy-two grains), + the image itself producing, after being melted, ninety-eight + thousand three hundred <i>miskals</i> of pure gold; and that + besides these there were captured one hundred silver idols, + each of which was a camel's load.</p> + + <p>We spent a pleasant morning in wandering about the old + ruined fort which was built here by Jey Singh (or Jaya Sinha), + the famous astronomer, and we were particularly attracted, each + in his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page296" + id="page296"></a>[pg 296]</span> own contemplative and quiet + way, by the ruins of an observatory which we found on the + roof of one of the buildings, where the remains of old + dials, horizontal circles and mural instruments lay + scattered about. I think the only remark made by either of + us was when Bhima Gandharva declared in a voice of much + earnestness, from behind a broken gnomon where he had + ensconced himself, that he + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page297" + id="page297"></a>[pg 297]</span> saw Time lying yonder on + his back, with his head on a broken dial, nearly asleep.</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/296.jpg" + name="fig296" + id="fig296"><img width="100%" + src="images/296.jpg" + alt="HINDU BANKERS OF DELHI." /></a>HINDU BANKERS OF + DELHI. + </div> + + <p>Returning to Hatras Station on the same day, we again took + the train, and this time did not leave it until we had crossed + the great tubular bridge over the Jumna and come to a + standstill in the station at Delhi. Here we found one of the + apparently innumerable friends of Bhima Gandharva, a banker of + Delhi, awaiting us with a carriage, and we were quickly driven + to his residence—a circumstance, by the way, which I + discovered next day to be a legitimate matter of felicitation + to myself, for there is, strange to say, no hotel in Delhi for + Europeans, travelers being dependent upon the accommodations of + a <i>dâk</i>-bungalow, where one is lodged for a rupee a + day.</p> + + <p>In the morning we made an early start for the palace of the + padishahs, which stands near the river, and indeed may be said + to constitute the eastern portion of the city, having a wall of + a mile in extent on its three sides, while the other abuts + along the offset of the Jumna upon which Delhi is built. + Passing under a splendid Gothic arch in the centre of a tower, + then along a vaulted aisle in the centre of which was an + octagonal court of stone, the whole route being adorned with + flowers carved in stone and inscriptions from the Koran, we + finally gained the court of the palace, in which is situated + the Dewani Khas, the famous throne-room which contained the + marvelous "peacock throne." I found it exteriorly a beautiful + pavilion of white marble crowned by four domes of the same + material, opening on one side to the court, on the other to the + garden of the palace. On entering, my eye was at first + conscious only of a confused interweaving of traceries and + incrustations of stones, nor was it until after a few moments + that I could bring myself to any definite singling out of + particular elements from the general dream of flowing and + intricate lines; but presently I was enabled to trace with more + discriminating pleasure the flowers, the arabesques, the + inscriptions which were carved or designed in incrustations of + smaller stones, or inlaid or gilt on ceiling, arch and + pillar.</p> + + <p>Yet what a sense of utter reverse of fortune comes upon one + after the first shock of the beauty of these delicate stone + fantasies! Wherever we went—in the Dewani Aum or hall of + audience; in the Akbari Hammun or imperial baths; in the Sammam + Burj or private palace of the padishahs, that famous and + beautiful palace over whose gate the well-known inscription + stands, "If there is a Paradise on earth, it is here;" in the + court, in the garden—everywhere was abandonment, + everywhere the filthy occupations of birds, everywhere dirt, + decay, desolation.</p> + + <p>It was therefore a prodigious change when, emerging from the + main gate of the palace, we found ourselves in the great + thoroughfare of Delhi, the Chandni Chowk (literally "Shining + street"), which runs straight to the Lahore gate of the city. + Here an immense number of daily affairs were transacting + themselves, and the Present eagerly jostled the Past out of the + road. The shops were of a size which would have seemed very + absurd to an enterprising American tradesman, and those dealing + in the same commodities appeared to be mostly situated + together—here the shoemakers, there the bankers, and so + on.</p> + + <p>The gold-embroidered cloths—Delhi is famous for + them—made me think of those embroidered in stone which we + had just seen in the Dewani Khas. These people seem to dream in + curves and flowing lines, as the German dreams in chords and + meandering tones, the Italian in colors and ripe forms.</p> + + <p>("And as the American—?" said Bhima Gandharva with a + little smile as we were walking down the Chandni Chowk.</p> + + <p>"The American does not dream—yet," I answered.)</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:80%;"> + <a href="images/298.jpg" + name="fig298" + id="fig298"><img width="100%" + src="images/298.jpg" + alt="THE GRAND HALL OF THE DEWANI KHAS IN THE PALACE OF DELHI." /> + </a>THE GRAND HALL OF THE DEWANI KHAS IN THE PALACE OF + DELHI. + </div> + + <p>We saw much of the embroidered fabrics known as "kincob" + (properly, <i>kunkhwab</i>) and "kalabatu;" and Bhima Gandharva + led me into an inner apartment where a <i>nakad</i> was + manufacturing the gold thread (called <i>kalabatoon</i>) for + these curious loom embroideries. The kalabatoon consists of + gold wire wound about a silk thread; and nothing could better + illustrate the deftness <span class="pagenum"><a name="page298" + id="page298"></a>[pg 298]</span> of the Hindu fingers than + the motions of the workman whom we saw. Over a polished + steel hook hung from the ceiling the end of a reel of + slightly twisted silk thread was passed. This end was tied + to a spindle with a long bamboo shank, which was weighted + and nearly reached the floor. Giving the shank of the + spindle a smart roll along his thigh, the workman set it + going with great <span class="pagenum"><a name="page299" + id="page299"></a>[pg 299]</span> velocity: then applying to + the revolving thread the end of a quantity of gold wire + which was wound upon a different reel, the gold wire twisted + itself in with the silk thread and made a length of + kalabatoon about as long as the workman. The kalabatoon was + then reeled off on a separate reel, and the process + continually repeated.</p> + + <p>We stopped at the office of our banker for a moment on our + way along the Chandni Chowk in order to effect some changes of + money. As we were leaving, Bhima Gandharva inquired if I had + observed the young man in the red cotton turban who had + politely broken off in our favor a long negotiation with our + banker, which he resumed when we had finished our little + business.</p> + + <p>"Of course I did," I replied. "What a beautiful young man he + was! His aquiline nose, his fair complexion, his brilliant + eyes, his lithe form, his intelligent and vivacious + expression,—all these irresistibly attracted me to + him."</p> + + <p>"Ha!" said Bhima Gandharva, as if he were clearing his + throat. He grasped my arm: "Come, I thought I saw the young + man's father standing near the door as we passed out. I wonder + if <i>he</i> will irresistibly attract you?" He made me retrace + my steps to the banker's office: "There he is."</p> + + <p>He was the image of the son in feature, yet his face was as + repulsive as his son's was beautiful: the Devil after the fall, + compared with the angel he was before it, would have presented + just such a contrast.</p> + + <p>"They are two Vallàbhácháryas," said my + companion as we walked away. "You know that the trading + community of India, comprehended under the general term of + Baniahs, is divided into numerous castes, which transmit their + avocations from father to son and preserve themselves free from + intermixture with others. The two men you saw are probably on + some important business negotiation connected with Bombay or + the west of India; for they are Bhattias, who are also + followers of the most singular religion the world has ever + known—that of the Vallàbháchárya or + Maharaja sect. These are Epicureans who have quite exceeded, as + well in their formal creeds as in their actual practices, the + wildest dreams of any of those mortals who have endeavored to + make a religion of luxury. They are called + Vallàbhácháryas, from <i>Vallabha</i>, the + name of their founder, who dates from 1479, and + <i>áchárya</i>, a "leader." Their <i>Pushti + Marga</i>, or eat-and-drink doctrine, is briefly this: In the + centre of heaven (<i>Gouloka</i>) sits Krishna, of the + complexion of a dark cloud, clad in yellow, covered with + unspeakable jewels, holding a flute. He is accompanied by + Roaha, his wife, and also by three hundred millions of Gopis, + or female attendants, each of whom has her own palace and three + millions of private maids and waiting-women. It appears that + once upon a time two over-loving Gopis quarreled about the god, + and, as might be expected in a place so given over to love, + they fell from heaven as a consequence. Animated by love for + them, Krishna descended from heaven, incarnated himself in the + form of Vallabha (founder of the sect), and finally redeemed + them. Vallabha's descendants are therefore all gods, and + reverence is paid them as such, the number of them being now + sixty or seventy. To God belong all things—<i>Tan</i> + (the body), <i>Man</i> (the mind) and <i>Dhan</i> (earthly + possessions). The Vallàbhácháryas + therefore give up all first to be enjoyed by their god, + together with his descendants (the Maharajas, as they royally + term themselves) and his representatives, the gosains or + priestly teachers. Apply these doctrines logically, and what a + carnival of the senses results! A few years ago one Karsandas + Mulji, a man of talent and education, was sued for libel in the + court at Bombay by this sect, whose practices he had been + exposing. On the trial the evidence revealed such a mass of + iniquity, such a complete subversion of the natural proprietary + feelings of manhood in the objects of its love, such systematic + worship of beastly sin, as must for ever give the + Vallàbhácháryas pre-eminence among those + who have manufactured authority for crime out of the laws of + virtue. For the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page300" + id="page300"></a>[pg 300]</span> + Vallàbhácháryas derive their scriptural + sanction from the eighth book of the <i>Bhagavata + Purana</i>, which they have completely falsified from its + true meaning in their translation called the <i>Prem + Sagar</i>, or "Ocean of Love." You saw the son? In twenty + years—for these people cannot last long—trade + and cunning and the riot of all the senses will have made + him what you saw the father."</p> + + <div class="figcenter" + style="width:100%;"> + <a href="images/300.jpg" + name="fig300" + id="fig300"><img width="100%" + src="images/300.jpg" + alt="THE JAMMAH MASJID AT DELHI." /></a>THE JAMMAH + MASJID AT DELHI. + </div> + + <p>On the next day we visited the Jammah Masjid, the "Great + Mosque" of Shah Jehan the renowned, and the glory of Delhi. + Ascending the flight of steps leading to the principal + entrance, we passed under the lofty arch of the gateway and + found ourselves in a great court four hundred and fifty feet + square, paved with red stone, in the centre of which a large + basin supplied by several fountains contained the water for + ceremonial ablutions. On three sides ran light and graceful + arcades, while the fourth was quite enclosed by the mass of the + mosque proper. Crossing the court and ascending another + magnificent flight of stone steps, our eyes were soon + commanding the façade of the great structure, and + reveling in those prodigious contrasts of forms and colors + which it presents. No building could, for this very reason, + suffer more from that lack of simultaneity which is involved in + any description by words; for it is the vivid shock of seeing, + in one stroke of the eye, these three ripe and luxuriant domes + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page301" + id="page301"></a>[pg 301]</span> (each of which at the same + time offers its own subsidiary opposition of white and black + stripes), relieved by the keen heights of the two flanking + minarets,—it is this, together with the noble + admixtures of reds, whites and blacks in the stones, crowned + by the shining of the gilded minaret-shafts, which fills the + eye of the beholder with a large content of beautiful form + and color.</p> + + <p>As one's eye becomes cooler one begins to distinguish in the + front, which is faced with slabs of pure white marble, the + divisions adorned by inscriptions from the Koran inlaid in + letters of black marble, and the singularly airy little + pavilions which crown the minarets. We ascended one of the + minarets by a winding staircase of one hundred and thirty + steps, and here, while our gaze took flight over Delhi and + beyond, traversing in a second the achievements of many + centuries and races, Bhima Gandharva told me of the glories of + old Delhi. Indranechta—as Delhi appears in the fabulous + legends of old India, and as it is still called by the + Hindus—dates its own birth as far back as three thousand + years before our era. It was fifty-seven years before the time + of Christ that the name of Delhi began to appear in history. + Its successive destructions (which a sketch like this cannot + even name) left enormous quantities of ruins, and as its + successive rebuildings were accomplished by the side of (not + upon) these remains, the result has been that from the garden + of Shahlimar, the site of which is on the north-west of the + town, to beyond the Kantab Minar, whose tall column I could + plainly distinguish rising up nine miles off to the south-west, + the plain of Delhi presents an accumulation and variety of + ruins not to be surpassed in the whole world.</p> + + <h2>LIFE-SAVING STATIONS.</h2> + + <p>With their enthusiasm fairly kindled for the work which the + government carries on in the signal-service department of the + little house on the beach,<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a> + our exploring party descended the narrow ladder and found + themselves in a ten-by-twelve room, warmed by a stove and + surrounded by benches. It is used, the old captain who has + volunteered as guide tells us, by the men on the life-saving + service during the nine months in which they are on duty. A + cheerful fire was burning in the stove, and we gathered + about it: the wind blew a stronger gale each moment outside, + barring out the far sea-horizon with a wall of gray mist. + The tide rolled up on the shelving beach beneath the square + window with a sullen, treacherous roar.</p> + + <p>"It's the bar that gives the sea that sound," said the + captain. "This is the ugliest bit of coast for vessels from + Nova Scotia to Florida. It's like this," drawing his finger + across the table in the vain effort to map out the matter + intelligibly to a landsman's comprehension. "Here's the Jersey + coast. You've got to hug it close with your vessel to make New + York harbor—there; and all along it, from Sandy Hook to + Cape May, runs the bar—so. Broken, but so much the worse. + A nor'-easter drives you on it, sure. I've known from sixteen + to twenty wracks in a winter on this coast before the companies + or government took up the + matter."</p> + + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page302" id="page302"></a>[pg 302]</span> + "That only argued bad seamanship," said one of his + listeners. "When every ship's captain knew the bar—"</p> + + <p>"That's precisely what they didn't know. It alters with + every year; and on a dark night, with a driving sea and wind + both against you, there's small chance of clearing it. However, + I don't mean to say that all of them vessels were wracked fair + and square. It got to be customary with owners of wornout + coast-schooners to send them out with light cargoes and run + them on the Jersey bar. The captain and crew would time it so's + they could get ashore, and the sea would soon break up the + vessel, and then up they goes to York for insurance on ship and + cargo. There was a good deal of that sort of work went on when + I was a boy, until the underwriters got wind of it and + established the wracking system."</p> + + <p>"This building?—"</p> + + <p>"No, no! Don't confound the two things. This is government + work altogether, and maintained solely for the saving of life. + The crew of the lifeboat here are not allowed to touch a pound + of freight or baggage on a wracked ship. The wracking-masters + were appointed and paid by the board of underwriters in New + York. Old Captain Brown was general agent on this beach. They + took the coast in charge, as you might say, long before this + government service was started. It was managed—like + this," resorting again to his finger and the imaginary lines on + the table. "A vessel came ashore on the bar. The first man who + saw it gave warning to the wracking-master, who took command of + the men ashore and the cargo in behalf of the insurance + companies."</p> + + <p>"Were there any signals then to rouse the coast in case of + wreck?"</p> + + <p>"Lord save you! no: every man warned his neighbor. There + weren't but a few scattered folks along the coast then, but in + time of a wrack you'd see them in the dead of night ready and + waiting along the beach. No need of your signal-flags for them, + I reckon. They knew there'd be dead men and plenty of wrack + coming ashore before morning."</p> + + <p>"And every man was ready to go out in his boat?" cried an + enthusiastic townsman, "or to carry a line to the sinking + ship?"</p> + + <p>"Well—hardly," said the captain with a dry smile. + "Folks that know the water don't go exactly that way to work. + There was regular wracking-boats, built for the surf, and crews + for each, you see: best man in the starn. The man in the starn, + he generally owned the boat and chose his crew. Picked men. He + kept them year after year. Then the wracking-masters hired him, + his boat and his crew. Best crew chosen first, of course. Two + dollars a day each was reckoned good pay. They got famous + names, some of them surfboat crews," reflectively. "There was + William Chadwick—Bill Shattuck he goes by—his crew + was known from Sandy Hook to Hatteras. There's one of them now: + he can tell you about it better than me.—Hello, + Jake!"</p> + + <p>We looked out of the window and saw the fisherman whom we + had met in the afternoon lazily drawing his slow length along + the beach, two or three blue mackerel dangling from his hand: + he had not enough of energy, apparently, to hold them up. This + was the fellow whom, an hour before, we had pitied as a dull + soul to whom the wreck was "timber" and the life-saving station + a "shed." We all had a vague ideal before us of a gallant + sailor, with eyes of fire and nerves of steel, plunging into + the cruel surf to rescue the sinking ship. We accepted the + slouching Jacob instead with disrelish. He was not the stuff of + which heroes in books are made.</p> + + <p>"Jake," said the captain, "where is Shattuck's boat now? I + was speaking of it to the gentlemen here."</p> + + <p>"Take a cigar," interpolated one of the party.</p> + + <p>Jacob took a cigar, bit off the end and dropped easily into + a seat: "Bill's boat? Well, it's drawed up ashore at the head + of Barnegat—down there. You kin see it out of the window + ef you like."</p> + + <p>"There is very seldom any call for the surf-boats and crews + in summer," explained the captain. "The men follow fishing + usually. But in winter they're + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page303" + id="page303"></a>[pg 303]</span> always ready if a ship + comes on the bar."</p> + + <p>"Your crew has done good service in saving life, I hear, + Jacob?" said one of the strangers.</p> + + <p>"Well, I dunno. We're generally the first called on by the + wracking-master. Sure of the best pay. There's Shattuck and + Curtis and Van Note and George Johnson, and Fleming in the + starn," checking them off with his fingers—"all good men + to bring off trade in a heavy pull."</p> + + <p>"You don't mean that these surf boat crews are paid to save + the cargo, and that human life is left to the care of the + government?" cried a listener indignantly.</p> + + <p>"The government undertakes the life-saving service, and + we're paid by the wracking-master, certainly," said Jacob + calmly. "To save the cargo. But the human bein's is took out + first. Of course. As you say. It's not likely any man's a-goin' + to bring trade out of a wrack's long's there's a live critter + aboard."</p> + + <p>"There's not one of these men," said the captain with a + little heat in his tone, "who has not saved many a life at the + risk of his own. Isn't that true, Jacob?"</p> + + <p>"I dunno. We jist work ahead at what's got to be done. I + know Van Note saved <i>my</i> life. The way of it was this. It + was the time the Clara Brookman went down: you mind the Clara + Brookman, cap'n? She was homeward bound after a long + cruise—three year—and she struck the bar just + below, a mile or two. It was a swashin' sea an' a black night. + Our surfboat was overturned with thirteen aboard: 'leven of us + was picked up by the other boat. The men, they stood in the + starn an' hauled us aboard by main force—lifted us clear + out of the water. Van Note's a tremendous musc'lar fellar, he + is. He caught me by the wrist jest as I was goin' down for the + last time: I'm not a small fish, either," slapping his brawny + thigh. "Yes, sir. Van Note and I never mixed much together + afore or sence. But he did that for me: I don't deny it."</p> + + <p>"You remember some terrible scenes of suffering no doubt, + Jacob?"</p> + + <p>"Well, I've seen vessels pretty well smashed up, sir. There + was the Alabama, coast-schooner: all the crew went down on her + in full sight; and the Annandale: she was a coal-brig, and she + run aground on a December night. It was a terrible storm: but + one surfboat got out to her. They took off what they + could—the women and part of the crew. I was a boy then, + and I mind seein' them come ashore, their beards and clothes + frozen stiff. After the boat left, some of the crew jumped into + the sea, but they couldn't live in it two minutes. It was nigh + dawn when the boat got out to the brig agen, and there wasn't a + livin' soul aboard of her; only the body of the mate lashed + tight to the mainmast, a solid mass of ice. He couldn't be got + down, and I've heerd my father say it was awful to see him, + with one hand held out as if p'intin' to shore, rockin' to and + fro there overhead till the brig went under. Months after, some + of the bodies of the crew was thrown up by the tide; they was + as fresh as if they'd jest gone to sleep."</p> + + <p>"How could that be? Where had they been?"</p> + + <p>"Sucked into the sand. Them heavy nothe-easters always + throws up a bar, an' they was sucked under it. When the bar + give way the tide threw them up. But as soon as the air tetched + them they began to moulder."</p> + + <p>There was a short silence. The evening was gathering fast, + cold and threatening, the little fire threw our shadows high up + on the wall, and the wail of the wind and thunder of the + incoming tide gave a ghastly significance to this + matter-of-fact catalogue of horrors. As we looked through the + little window at the vast gray plain of water, it seemed as if + every wave covered a wreck or dead men's bones.</p> + + <p>"Now, George Johnson," continued Jacob, "he was the first + man as saw the John Minturn come ashore. That was the worst + storm I ever seen on this coast.—You mind it, cap'n?"</p> + + <p>The captain nodded gravely: "February 15, 1846. It was the + night old Phoebe Hall died, and I was sitting with + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page304" + id="page304"></a>[pg 304]</span> the body when I heerd the + guns fired from the Minturn," he remarked.—"But go on, + Jacob," waving his pipe.</p> + + <p>"The current was a-settin' south. Sech a tide hadn't been + knowd sence the oldest men could remember: the sea broke over + all the mashes clear up to the farm-houses. Well, sir, I was + but a lad, but I couldn't sleep: seemed as ef I ought to be a + doin' something, I didn't rightly know what. About three + o'clock in the morning I heerd a gun, and in a minute another, + 'Mother,' I says, 'there's a vessel on the bar.' So, as I gets + on my clothes, she makes me a mug of hot coffee. 'You must + drink this, Jacob, an' eat some'at,' she says, 'before you go + out.' So to quiet her I takes the mug, but I hadn't half drunk + it when I hears shouting outside. It was one of the Shattucks: + he says, 'There's a ship come ashore up by Barnegat' I says, + 'No,' I says: 'the guns are from off the inlet.' So I runs one + way, and Shattuck the other. The night was dark as pitch, and + the storm drivin' like hell. And we was both right, for there + was two vessels—a coast-schooner down by Squan, where I + goes, and this big ship, the John Minturn, just here," pointing + with his thumb over his shoulder to the beach outside and bar + beyond.</p> + + <p>"Were there many lives lost?"</p> + + <p>"Over three hundred—all but fourteen. They come ashore + tied on to boards or hencoops or the like—seven of the + crew and seven passengers. We tried to launch the surfboat, but + the boat was never built that could live on that sea. She was + bound from New Orleans to New York, and the most of her + passengers were wealthy people, going to the North for the + winter. At least, so we jedged from her papers and the bodies + and clothes of them that come ashore—some pretty little + children, I mind, babies and their black nurses, and their + mothers—delicate women with valooable rings on their + hands. Some of them's buried in the graveyard in the village, + and their friends took some away."</p> + + <p>"There was the Minerva, too," said the captain as Jacob + paused to light his cigar again. "I forgit how many emigrants + went down on that ship, but I remember picking up on the beach + next day a clay pipe, with a stem nigh a yard long, not even + chipped. It seemed curious that a useless thing like that + should be washed safe ashore and hundreds of human lives be + lost. And there was the New Era—went down near Deal: + three hundred emigrants drowned. The captain had nailed down + the hatches on them. Oh, that's generally done," he added, + seeing the look of horror on our faces: "in a storm the + steerage can't be managed otherwise."</p> + + <p>"I remember," said one of the listeners, "an incident which + occurred when I was in China about ten years ago. Five hundred + Chinese soldiers were being taken across the Inland Sea to + quell an insurrection: when off Hoang-Ho the ship sprung a + leak. The boats could only give a chance of escape to about + eighty. The troops were all ordered on deck, while a detachment + was selected to fill the boats. The rest remained immovable, + standing under arms without a word, until the ship went + down."</p> + + <p>Somebody reminded him of the story of the Birkenhead, which + sank within four miles of the English coast with a regiment + aboard that was coming home after five years' absence in India. + They too stood in solid rank on deck, their homes almost in + sight, while the women and children were taken off and the ship + slowly sank, the officers, with swords drawn, presenting arms + to Death.</p> + + <p>"Discipline! discipline!" said the captain. "But one + wouldn't have looked for it in them heathen Chinees."</p> + + <p>Duty! duty! we thought, and were quite sure heathenism had + never interfered with that kind of heroism.</p> + + <p>"Now, the usual run of American sailors," said Jacob, who + felt by this time that his final verdict was needed, wouldn't + have done that. Passengers is easier managed in time of a storm + than sailors, especially them of coast-ships. Passengers is + like sheep: they're so skeert they'll do what you bids 'em; but + the sailors broach the liquor first thing. I'd rather manage so + many pigs <span class="pagenum"><a name="page305" + id="page305"></a>[pg 305]</span> than sailors when they get + holt of the grog. There was the City of New York. When she + went down the mate stood with a club in his hand to keep the + crew off the Scotch ale which was part of the freight. Well; + sir, they got it, and thar they stayed, drinkin', till the + vessel parted amidships: couldn't be got off no-how. There + was three hundred passengers landed from that ship. We used + the apparatus for her: government had taken hold of the + matter then."</p> + + <p>"Before we say anything about the government service, one + question about the Jersey wreckers. They bear a bad name. The + story goes that the Barnegat pirates in old times drew vessels + ashore by false lights, and plundered the shipwrecked people. + How about that, Jacob? Honestly, now!"</p> + + <p>"Well, sir, them stories is onjust. Them men as is called + Barnegat pirates are not us fishermen—never were: they're + from the main—colliers and sech—as come down to a + wrack, and they will have something to kerry home when they're + kept up all night. They do their share of stealin', I'll + confess; but from Sandy Hook to Cape May it's innocent to what + is done on Long Island. It's the stevedores and rigger-men on + Long Island—reg'lar New York roughs. No man or woman was + ever robbed on this beach till they was dead. Of course I don't + mean their trunks and sech, but not the body. The Long + Islanders cut off the fingers of livin' people for rings, but + the Barnegat men never touch the body till it's dead. + <i>No</i>, sir."</p> + + <p>"And you understand," interposed the captain eagerly, "these + Barnegat robbers are a very different class from Jacob and the + crews of surf boats?"</p> + + <p>"Certainly. We understand the noble work which these + wrecking-crews have done.—By the way, how do they choose + their captain, Jacob—the man in the stern, as you call + him? The most brave, heroic fellow, I suppose?"</p> + + <p>"I dunno about that," with a perplexed air. "We don't + calcoolate much on heroism and sech: we choose the man that's + got the best judgment of the sea—a keerful, firm man. + These six men hes got to obey him—hes got to put their + lives altogether in his hand, you see. They don't want a + headlong fellow: they want a man that knows the + water—thorough."</p> + + <p>"Besides," added the captain, "it is as with any other + business—the best crew is surest of employment and pay. + Each owner of a wracking-boat chooses his men for their muscle + and skill: and the wracking-master chooses the best boat and + crew. There's competition, competition. On the contrary, the + life-saving service, like all other government work, for a good + many years fell into the hands of politicians: the + superintendent was chosen because he had given some help to his + party, and he appointed his own friends as lifeboat-men, often + tavern loafers like himself. A harness-maker from Bricksburg + held the place of master of the station below here for + years—a man who probably never was in a boat, and + certainly would not go in one in a heavy sea."</p> + + <p>"One would hardly expect to find fishermen in this solitary + corner of the world struggling for political preferment on the + seats of a lifeboat," laughed one of the party.</p> + + <p>But the captain could see no joke in it: "Well, sir, it's a + fact that it was done. And the consequence was, the people's + money was thrown away, and hundreds of human beings was left to + perish within sight of land. If the administration—"</p> + + <p>But while the captain and his companions labor over the + well-trodden road thus opened, we will look into the work done + in the house on the beach with the help of authorities more + accurate than himself and Jacob.</p> + + <p>Oddly enough, the first effort anywhere to stop the enormous + loss of human life by shipwreck was made by that most selfish + of rulers, George IV., and the first lifeboat was built by a + London coachmaker, Lukin, who, it is said, had never seen the + sea. After that other models of lifeboats were produced in + England, none of which proved satisfactory until in 1850 the + duke of Northumberland offered one hundred guineas as a prize + for the best model, which was gained by + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page306" + id="page306"></a>[pg 306]</span> James Beeching. A + modification of his boat is now used by the National + Lifeboat Institution, to which the entire care of the + English life-saving service is committed. There is probably + no object on which the British nation has more zealously + expended sentiment, enthusiasm and money than this service, + yet despite its grand record of work done there can be no + doubt that it has been grossly mismanaged, and is + ineffective to cope with the actual need. The roll of the + National Lifeboat Institution numbers names of the most + noble, humane and wealthy men and women in Great Britain; + the queen is its patron; its resources are amply sufficient; + no pains have been spared to secure the most scientific and + perfect appliances. The whole work is made, in a degree, a + matter of sentiment—exalted and humane sentiment, but, + like all other emotional service, apt to be gusty and at + times unpractical. The man who saves human life is rewarded + with silver or gold medals: the individual lifeboats are + themes of essays and song, and when one wears out a tablet + is raised with the record of its services. It is the + beautiful and touching custom, too, for mourners to offer a + memorial lifeboat to the memory of their dead, instead of a + painted window or a showy monument. But with all this + genuine feeling and actual expenditure of time and money the + fact remains that the loss of human life from shipwreck is + five hundred per cent. larger on the coast of Great Britain + than on our own, although there are 242 stations on their + comparatively small extent of shore, and but 104 on our + whole Atlantic seaboard. In three cases of shipwreck on the + English coast in 1875 the loss of life was directly + traceable to the lack of some necessary appliance or to the + absence of guards at the stations. In one instance there + were no means of telegraphing for boats or aid: in the case + of the Deutschland, as late as last November, where the + disaster occurred on a stretch of coast known as the most + dangerous in England (except that of Norfolk)—a spot + where shipwrecks have been numbered literally by + thousands—there was no lifeboat nor any means of + taking a line to the ship. The secret of these failures lies + in the fact that the institution relies for its work on + spontaneous service and emotion, and is not, like ours, a + legalized, systematic business. No permanent force or watch + is kept at the stations: a reward of seven shillings is paid + to anybody who gives notice of a wreck to the coxswain of + the boat. The crews of the boats are volunteers, and if they + do not happen to report themselves at the time of a + disaster, their places are filled with any good oarsmen who + offer. In short, the whole system is based upon the + occasional zeal and heroism of men, instead of tried and + paid skill, fitness for the work and a simple sense of + duty.</p> + + <p>Our own life-saving service is founded on wholly different + principles. It dates from 1848, when Hon. William Newell of New + Jersey (incited probably by the recent terrible loss of the + John Minturn, of which the captain told us) brought before + Congress the frightful dangers of the coast of that State, and + procured an appropriation of ten thousand dollars for + "providing surf boats, carronades, etc. for the better + protection of life and property from shipwreck on the coast + between Sandy Hook and Little Egg Harbor." The next session a + similar appropriation was obtained. Small houses were built and + furnished, but no persons were paid or authorized to take + charge of them, and the business was managed in the + well-meaning but slipshod English fashion. In 1854 the wreck of + the Powhatan on Squan Beach and the loss of three hundred lives + produced a storm of public indignation which aroused Congress, + and twenty thousand dollars were appropriated for lifeboats, + etc. for the coast of New Jersey, and a similar sum for the + ocean side of Long Island. A superintendent was appointed for + each coast and a keeper for each of the houses, but for sixteen + years no regular crews were employed. It was during this + period, too, that the petty offices of superintendent and + keeper became the reward of small village politicians, and + wreckers who, like Jacob, had worked for years without pay in + saving human life, showed their righteous indignation at these + political <span class="pagenum"><a name="page307" + id="page307"></a>[pg 307]</span> favorites by refusing to + work under them. Several terrible disasters in the winter of + 1870 and '71 called public attention again to the subject, + and Captain John Faunce was appointed by the department to + inspect the coast and the stations. He reported the houses + as generally in a filthy, dilapidated condition, and often + so far gone as to be worthless; the apparatus rusty, and + many of the most necessary articles wanting; in some + stations nothing which could be carried away was left; the + keepers were utterly unfit for their position, and the crews + which they employed worse. Yet, notwithstanding this + mismanagement and lack of system, and although no regular + official record had been kept, there was proof that 4163 + lives had been saved and $716,000 worth of property.</p> + + <p>In 1871, S.I. Kimball, to whom the Revenue Marine Bureau was + then given in charge, proceeded to completely reorganize the + service. New houses were built or the old ones repaired and + enlarged; competent men were appointed as keepers, and strict + orders given as to the selection of experienced and skillful + surfmen as crews; the houses were thoroughly furnished with + every appliance requisite in time of disaster, for which the + keeper is held responsible. The average distance between the + stations is three miles. Immediate proof of the efficacy of the + improvements in the service was given, as in the twenty-two + wrecks occurring that season on the Long Island and New Jersey + coasts not a single life was lost. In a word, Mr. Kimball began + successfully the seemingly hopeless task of converting the + dirty, ruinous station-houses and their lazy, disorderly + keepers and crews, scattered along the coast, to the order, + discipline and efficiency of forts and drilled soldiers, and + the result proved that order and discipline, when evolved out + of the worst materials, can grapple with and conquer even the + sea. In 1873 the seventy-one station-houses were increased to + eighty-one, the line having been extended along the coasts of + Cape Cod and Rhode Island. Congress having appropriated one + hundred thousand dollars for the establishment of new stations, + twenty-three were contracted for, giving the Maine coast five; + New Hampshire, one; Massachusetts, five; Virginia, two; North + Carolina, ten. The connection between the life-saving and + storm-signal service was effected at several stations, thus + supplying telegraphic communication between the department and + the coast outposts. This, probably, was the most marked advance + made by the service: it was the nerve-line which brought the + working members under control of an intelligent head. In + thirty-two wrecks occurring during the year on the coasts where + stations were established but one life had been lost.</p> + + <p>The unprecedented success of the service to this point + justified its demand for larger means and fuller powers. In the + last session of the Forty-second Congress a bill was introduced + by Hon. John Lynch of Maine to provide for the establishment of + additional stations on the North Atlantic seaboard, and + directing the Secretary of the Treasury to report the points on + the entire sea and lake coasts at which stations would best + subserve the interests of humanity and commerce, with estimates + of the cost. This bill passed, and was approved March 3, 1873. + The commission appointed consisted of Mr. Kimball, Captain John + Faunce and Captain J.H. Merryman. Their report is the result of + minute examination into the wrecks and disasters on every mile + of coast for the previous ten years—a research into + ghastly horrors for a practical end unparalleled perhaps in + accuracy and patience. They recommended the erection of + twenty-three life-saving stations complete, twenty-two lifeboat + stations and five houses of refuge. The first class, containing + all appliances for saving life on stranded vessels, and manned + by regular crews during the winter months, were for flat + beaches with outlying bars distant from settlements, and were + required on certain points of the shores of the great lakes and + on the Atlantic coast as far south as Hatteras. "Upon the coast + of Florida the shores are so bold," the report states, "that + stranded vessels are usually thrown high enough upon the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page308" + id="page308"></a>[pg 308]</span> beach to permit easy escape + from them; therefore the usual apparatus belonging to the + complete stations are not considered necessary. The section + of that coast from Indian River Inlet to Cape Florida is + almost destitute of inhabitants, and persons cast upon its + inhospitable shores are liable to perish from starvation and + thirst, from inability to reach the remote settlements." + Upon these coasts it was recommended that houses of refuge + should be built large enough to accommodate twenty-five + persons, supplied with provisions to support them for ten + days, and provided with surfboat, oars and sails. For the + majority of points on the Pacific and lake coasts, where + disasters were infrequent, lifeboats only were considered + necessary, these in general to be manned by volunteer crews. + It was proposed that these crews should be paid for services + rendered at each wreck, and a system of rewards adopted in + the shape of medals of honor. The estimated cost of a + life-saving station complete was $5302; of a house of + refuge, $2995; of a lifeboat station, $4790. A bill founded + on this report was prepared by Mr. Kimball, the chief both + of the Revenue Marine and Life-saving Service, and became a + law June, 1874. This bill provides for the protection of the + entire lake and sea-coasts of the United States by a cordon + of stations, lifeboats or houses of refuge placed at all + dangerous points. The stations on the Pacific coast are not + yet built, but it is hoped that all will be finished and in + working order by the fall of 1876. The United States will + then offer to the shipwrecked voyager security and + protection through her vast extent of coast such as is + afforded by no other nation. The measures promoting this end + were carried through Congress by Senators Newell, Stockton, + Hamlin, Boutwell, Chandler and Frelinghuysen, and + Representatives Lynch, Hale of Maine, Cox, Hooper and + Conger. But the actual credit of this great national work of + humanity is due to Sumner I. Kimball, who not only conceived + the idea of the complete guarding of the coast and prepared + the bill for Congress, but has reorganized the entire system + and carried it out successfully in all of its minute + practical details.</p> + + <p>The work accomplished by the service may be clearly + understood by a glance at the following figures. There is no + record of the loss of life on stranded vessels previous to its + formation in 1848. There remain only the terrible legends, such + as those which the captain and Jacob told us, of numbers of + emigrant ships and steamers yearly going down with three to + four hundred souls on board. The coasts of Long Island and New + Jersey have justly been called "the despair of mariners and + shipowners." During the first twenty years of the operation of + the service, despite its mismanagement, the number of lives + lost yearly was reduced to an average of twenty-five. Since + 1871 the period of its reorganization, the loss of life on the + coasts of New Jersey and Long Island has averaged but one per + annum. The report for these four years, inclusive of the whole + coast guarded by stations, is—</p> + + <table summary="statistics"> + <tr> + <td>Total number of disasters,</td> + + <td align="right">185</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total number of lives imperiled,</td> + + <td align="right">2583</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total number of lives saved,</td> + + <td align="right">2564</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total number of lives lost,</td> + + <td align="right">19</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total number of shipwrecked persons sheltered at + the stations,</td> + + <td align="right">368</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total number of days' shelter afforded,</td> + + <td align="right">1307</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total value of property imperiled,</td> + + <td align="right">$6,293,658</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total value of property saved,</td> + + <td align="right">4,514,756</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Total value of property lost,</td> + + <td align="right">1,742,902</td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>Included in this report are the fourteen lives lost on the + Italian bark Giovanni near Provincetown, Cape Cod, in a storm + unprecedented for its terrors. A story found its way into the + papers at the time that the powder used in the mortar was damp, + and that from this trifling neglect help could not be extended + from the station. A strict investigation was made, and it was + proved by the testimony of the people in Provincetown that all + the apparatus was in perfect order and the keepers and surfmen + exerted themselves heroically in aid of the doomed vessel, but + that she was stranded so far from shore that it was simply + impossible to reach her. In another case, that of the + Vicksburg, wrecked on the Long Island coast, where a life was + lost through the remissness of the keeper, the whole force of + the station was discharged, and the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page309" + id="page309"></a>[pg 309]</span> order to that effect read + to every crew in the service.</p> + + <p>The localities of the stations and houses of refuge now + legally authorized are—</p> + + <table summary="numbers of stations and houses of refuge"> + <tr> + <td>Districts.</td> + + <td>Location.</td> + + <td>Stations.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">1st.</td> + + <td>Coasts of Maine and New Hampshire,</td> + + <td align="right">6 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">2d.</td> + + <td>Coast of Massachusetts,</td> + + <td align="right">14 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">3d.</td> + + <td>Coasts of Long Island and Rhode Island,</td> + + <td align="right">36 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">4th.</td> + + <td>Coast of New Jersey,</td> + + <td align="right">39 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">5th.</td> + + <td>Coasts of Delaware, Maryland and Virginia,</td> + + <td align="right">8 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">6th.</td> + + <td>Coasts of Virginia and North Carolina,</td> + + <td align="right">10 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">7th.</td> + + <td>Eastern coast of Florida,</td> + + <td align="right"> 5<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">8th.</td> + + <td>Coasts of Lakes Ontario and Erie,</td> + + <td align="right">9 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">9th.</td> + + <td>Coasts of Lakes Huron and Superior,</td> + + <td align="right">9 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">10th.</td> + + <td>Coast of Lake Michigan,</td> + + <td align="right">12 </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td align="right">11th.</td> + + <td>Pacific coast,</td> + + <td align="right">8 </td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>While we have been looking into these facts and figures the + exploring party in the house on the beach have told many a + terrible tale of shipwreck and half-hinted horrors, among + others that of the ill-fated Giovanni.</p> + + <p>"Suppose that a ship should be driven on this bar in the + middle of the night, a storm raging," said one of the party, + "what would then be the keeper's duty?"</p> + + <p>The captain threw open the door of the larger room, which in + the fading light looked full, but for a moment only, of ghostly + shadows. There we saw boats suspended halfway from the ceiling, + other mysterious apparatus ranged on either side, anchors, + great cables coiled accurately in heaps, and all in as exact + neatness as though upon the deck of a man-of-war.</p> + + <p>"When a wrack is sighted," said the captain, "the + signal-officer up stairs telegraphs to the other near stations, + whose keepers at once send their lifeboats, cars and surfmen + here. The ship is signaled—by flags in daytime, by + rockets at night." He opened a closet in which were arranged + the cases of lights, with books of instruction for their use. + "The keepers ought to understand these as well as all other + apparatus in the station, and under the new management they + usually do. The keeper here is an old wracker, and has 'good + judgment of the sea,' as Jacob would say. <i>He</i> never made + harness or friends in Congress," the captain threw in with fine + satire. "If the ship can be reached by a boat, this lifeboat is + run into the surf. It moves on wheels, you see, and in two + minutes ought to be launched and the men aboard. This ridge on + the outside is an air-tight chamber for giving buoyancy. Here + are the oars swung in place and the buckets for bailing, as you + see."</p> + + <p>"Is this the English lifeboat?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir. Two years ago the service imported a lifeboat and + rocket apparatus from England to test them here. The lifeboat + was found to be nearly perfect, but too heavy for launching on + our flat beaches with light crews: she weighed four thousand + pounds. This boat was invented by Lieutenant Stodder."</p> + + <p>"But if the sea be too heavy for the lifeboat to live in + it?"</p> + + <p>"Then we give the ship a line: the ball is fired from this + mortar, the line being fastened to the shot by a spiral wire. + Mortar, powder and matches are set, you see, ready for + instantaneous use. The ball must be shot so that the line falls + over the ship. Not an easy mark to hit in the night and the + storm driving. Sometimes it is not done until after many + trials: sometimes, as in the case of the Giovanni, it cannot be + reached at all. I saw the Argyle go down eight years ago with + all on board, after we had tried all night to reach her. One + man was washed ashore, and we made a rope of hands out beyond + the first breaker, and so got him in."</p> + + <p>"The men farthest out on the line had not much better chance + than he?"</p> + + <p>"No, but the man had to be got in," carelessly. "I was going + to say that as soon as the line does fall over the ship it is + hauled aboard. There is a hauling-line fastened to it, and a + hawser to the hauling-line. Here they all are in order. When + the hawser reaches the ship it is made taut and secured to the + mizzentop or mainmast, high enough to swing clear of the + taffrail. It is fastened on shore by this sand-anchor. Then we + send over the breeches-buoy," pointing to a complete suit of + india-rubber very similar in appearance to that used by Paul + Boyton. "One man can be sent safely to shore in that. But we + use the life-car most frequently."</p> + + <p>"A boat?"</p> + + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page310" id="page310"></a>[pg 310]</span> + "You may call it a covered boat if you will. That life-car, + sir, was invented by Captain Douglass Ottinger, and this is the + first one ever used. It was sent out to the ship Ayrshire, and + more than two hundred souls were saved by it when there was no + other way of giving them human help. There she is, sir." He + laid his hand with a good deal of feeling on the queer shell + that hung from the ceiling.</p> + + <p>The Ottinger life-car, the patent for which the generous + inventor gave to the; public, is simply an egg-shaped case with + bands of cork about it. Along the top are iron rings through + which it is slung on the hawser. The car is drawn by another + line from the shore to the vessel. It opens by means of a door + or lid two feet square on top. Eleven passengers can be crowded + inside. The lid is then screwed down and the car drawn + ashore.</p> + + <p>"Eleven!" cried one of the party. "It would not hold four + comfortably."</p> + + <p>"Men in that extremity are not apt to stand on the order of + their going," said another.</p> + + <p>"Nor women, neither," added the captain; "though women + always do cry out to go in the open boat rather than the car, + though there isn't half the chance for them."</p> + + <p>"How is it ventilated?"</p> + + <p>"Ventilated? Lord bless you! What would be the good of it if + it wasn't air-tight? It's under the water all the time, upside + down, over and over a hundred times. There's air in it enough + to last 'em for three minutes, and it's calculated that it can + be brought ashore in less time. I've seen husbands put their + wives into it, and mothers their little babies—them + standing on deck, never hoping to live to see them again."</p> + + <p>"And when it was opened—"</p> + + <p>"Well, sir, there's curious things seen on the beach on + nights of shipwreck. I'm no hand at describing. Some men + stagger out of the car sick, some crying or praying, some as + cool as if they'd just stepped off the train."</p> + + <p>The captain locked the rocket-closet, hung the key on the + nail and rearranged a coil of rope which had been displaced. + "Things have to be shipshape when the lives of a crew may + depend on a missing match or wet powder. The houses," he added + as we came out of the door and he stopped to close it, "are + built every three miles along the beach. From November 15 until + April 15 the keeper and six surfmen live in this house, and + take watches, patrolling the beach night and day, meeting + halfway between the stations. Chief Kimball's plan is that + there shall be an unbroken line of sentries along this + dangerous coast during the six stormy months."</p> + + <p>When the hearty old captain had left us, and we found our + way again across the marshes, the solitude of the night and + stormy sky and the moaning sea became oppressive again, and + took on all their old meaning of death and disaster. But we + looked back at the square black shadow of the little house upon + the headland with its fluttering flag, and at the red light + burning in the window, and felt a sense of protection and trust + in the government which we had never known before.</p> + + <p class="author">REBECCA HARDING + DAVIS.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page311" id="page311"></a></span> + THE EUTAW FLAG.<a id="footnotetag3" + name="footnotetag3"></a><a href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a></h2> + + <p>In the early spring of the year 1780 two ladies attired in + morning <i>négligé</i> were sitting together in + the parlor of a fine old country mansion in lower South + Carolina. The remains of two or three huge hickory logs were + smouldering on the capacious hearth, for the cool air of the + early morning made fires still comfortable, though as the day + wore on and the southern sun gathered power the small-paned + windows which opened on the lawn had been raised to admit the + soft breeze, which already whispered of opening flowers and + breathed the sweet fragrance of the jessamine and magnolia. + These same embers would have furnished heat enough in a house + of modern construction to have made the room intolerable, but + as they reposed upon their bed of ashes in the depths of the + wide-mouthed chimney-place, lazily sending up their little + curls of smoke, they served only to create a draught-power + which cooled the apartment by the free circulation of the + flower-scented air. The wide lawn was green with the fresh + spring grass, amid which a lively company of field-larks were + busily searching for grasshoppers and grubs, their gay yellow + breasts and jetty breastpins glancing in the sunlight as they + raised their heads from time to time to utter their soft + whistling notes. The blackbirds puffed their feathers and + sounded their singular call from the branches of the old pecan + tree, and the flashing of the oriole enlivened the sombre + foliage of the enormous live-oaks in the avenue. Three or four + deer-hounds were stretched about under the broad benches of the + piazza or snapped at the flies under the shade of the + rose-bushes, already heavy with bloom, paying no attention to + the tame doe which jingled her little bell over their very + heads as she stretched up to browse the young shoots of + "rose-candy" above them. Two mocking-birds, one perched on the + chimney-stack of the house, and the other on a straggling spray + of the wild-orange hedge, vied with each other in imitating the + medley of bird-language which made the air vocal on every side, + pouring a rich flood of melody through the open windows and + into the appreciative ears of the ladies who sat within.</p> + + <p>"What a lovely day!" exclaimed the elder of the two as she + dropped her piece of embroidery and rose to look out upon the + scene.</p> + + <p>"Oh, how I wish we could take a long ride! Here have I been + staying at Oaklands three whole weeks, and I have not been in + the saddle once! I declare, Jane, this horrid war will never be + over;" and Rebecca Stead drew a long sigh and leaned her pretty + head thoughtfully against the sash.</p> + + <p>"Well, suppose we ride over to The Willows?" answered Jane + Elliott with a ringing laugh. "If you'll take the old + broken-winded mare, I'll take one of the plough-mules, and + Billy can go with us on the other. Wouldn't it be fun?"</p> + + <p>In response to the bell, Billy soon made his + appearance—an elderly negro of most respectable + appearance, dressed in a blue cloth coat with large brass + buttons, a red plush waistcoat with flaps nearly reaching his + knees, and a pair of yellow breeches with plated knee-buckles + and coarse blue worsted stockings. A single glance at his face + and bearing was enough to show his sense of importance and his + keen appreciation of the responsibility of his position. He + listened with a look of utter amazement to the orders of his + young mistress, and then replied in a tone of stern authority, + such as none but an old family negro servant could assume: + "Miss Jane, dat mule nebber had no saddle 'pon he back sence he + been born."</p> + + <p> + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page312" id="page312"></a>[pg 312]</span> + "Well, Billy, it's high time he should know how it + feels."</p> + + <p>"He wi' kick you' brains out 'fore you git on um, an' broke + you' neck 'fore you kin git from here to de gate."</p> + + <p>"Oh nonsense, Billy! Have the saddle put on him at once, and + get the old mare for Miss Rebecca."</p> + + <p>"Miss 'Becca can't ride de ole mare tid-day, 'cause she 'way + down in de pasture, an' anybody can't ketch um in tree hour + time; an' you can't ride de mule, Miss Jane, 'cause you ma done + tell me I must tek good care o' you an' de house w'ile she + gone, an' I ain't gwine let you broke you' neck or you' + arm—not tid-day." And Billy quietly walked out and closed + the door, leaving the young ladies half vexed and half amused + at his summary disposal of their scheme.</p> + + <p>"After Tarleton's troop and that horrid Tory Ball took my + saddle-pony out of the pasture," said Miss Elliott, "mamma sent + all the blooded horses to General Lincoln, and we hear that + they were turned over to the Virginia Light Horse."</p> + + <p>"Yes," replied Miss Stead with a mischievous smile, "and I + hear that Colonel Washington has taken the beautiful bay mare + for his own mount, and named her 'Jane.'"</p> + + <p>"That's a piece of his Virginia impudence," rejoined Miss + Elliott. "I have met him only once, at General Izard's, and I + think he has taken a great liberty with my name. They say he + behaved splendidly at Trenton and Princeton."</p> + + <p>"Oh, I wish he would call while I am here," said her + companion. "They say he is an elegant rider. I wonder if he + looks like the general? I don't believe any Virginian can ride + better than our young men. I wonder if he can take up a handful + of sand at a gallop, like cousin John Izard?"</p> + + <p>"Or jump his horse on the table," suggested Miss Elliott + with a roguish glance, "as I've heard that Mr. Izard did one + day after a club-dinner."</p> + + <p>Miss Stead colored slightly as she said that the gentlemen + all complained of the strength of the last box of claret + received from Charleston before the club was broken up.</p> + + <p>"I hear that Colonel Washington is a fine swordsman," said + Miss Elliott, "and that his troop are all bold riders. They + have fought Tarleton's Legion once or twice in skirmishes, and + they say the red-coats are rather shy of them."</p> + + <p>Just at this point the conversation was interrupted by the + entrance of Billy, bearing a peace-offering in the shape of a + huge waiter of luncheon. Billy was butler and major-domo to the + establishment, and the young ladies could not restrain their + mirth at the profusion and variety with which the faithful + fellow was evidently trying to make amends for the + disappointment which his high sense of duty had compelled him + to inflict upon them. Had there been a dozen instead of two, + there would have been ample provision for their wants upon the + broad silver salver. Cakes and jellies, preserves and + sandwiches, tarts and ruddy apples, a decanter of sherry and a + stand of liqueurs, left barely room enough for the dainty + little plates and glasses, while Billy's special apology + appeared in the form of two steaming little tumblers of + rum-punch, the characteristic beverage of the day. All severity + of tone and manner had disappeared, and there was something + almost chivalric in the deferential smile and rude grace with + which the old fellow handed his waiter to the ladies and + assured them of the harmless mildness of the punch. Depositing + his burden upon a little stand within easy reach of the sofa, + Billy turned to leave, but paused as his eye wandered down the + opening vista of the avenue, and after gazing for a moment in + silence he suddenly exclaimed, "Dere's two sojer gemplemans + comin' t'rough de big gate."</p> + + <p>In an instant both the young ladies were on their feet and + at the window, for such an announcement was cause enough for + excitement in that time of war, when the "sojer gemplemans" + might prove to be either friends or foes. Charleston had + already narrowly escaped capture during the previous summer by + General Prevost, who, although compelled to retire on Savannah, + had worsted Lincoln's militia army, destroying about one-fourth + of the little force. In October had occurred the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page313" + id="page313"></a>[pg 313]</span> disastrous, attack upon + Savannah, in which the gallant Pulaski lost his life, and + Jasper, the hero of Fort Sullivan, received his death-wound. + Sumter, the "Game-Cock" of Carolina, had retired from the + State with his handful of followers badly demoralized; + Marion, the "Swamp-Fox," was concealed with his little band + among the cypress-bays and canebrakes of the Pedee; and a + tone of gloom and despondency prevailed among the people. In + the neighborhood of Charleston all was uncertainty. The + plantation residences were occupied chiefly by ladies, the + gentlemen being generally with the army. Tarleton's Legion + had become widely known and feared on account of the dashing + forays which that famous command was constantly making under + the lead of its brave and impetuous chief. No wonder, then, + that the hearts of the two young ladies at Oaklands beat + quick with anxiety as they strained their gaze down the + avenue, uncertain whether they should see the hated scarlet + uniforms of the British troopers or the welcome blue of the + Continental cavalry.</p> + + <p>But the "big gate" to which Billy had alluded was a full + quarter of a mile distant, and although the first glance + satisfied the excited watchers that their visitors were + friends, little more could be certain until they should + approach more nearly. Patience, however, was hardly to be + expected under the circumstances, and its place was effectually + supplied by a little red morocco-covered spy-glass which Miss + Elliott took from the table. Scarcely was it brought to bear + upon the approaching horsemen when she laid it down as suddenly + as she had seized it, the rich color mantling to her + forehead.</p> + + <p>"Why, Jane," said her friend, "am I not to have a look at + the strangers? Oh, I declare—yes, I <i>do</i> believe I + know that horse. It must be—"</p> + + <p>"It is Colonel Washington and some other officer whom I do + not know," said Miss Elliott, who had regained her + self-possession completely. "You have your wish, Rebecca."</p> + + <p>The two visitors cantered rapidly up the broad avenue, and + found Billy waiting to receive them. One was a tall, + soldierly-looking man of about twenty-eight, his fine face + bronzed by exposure, and his easy seat in the saddle betokening + one who had been a horseman from his youth. He wore the blue + coat with yellow facings and the buckskin breeches of the + Continental cavalry, his red sash bound over a broad sword-belt + which supported a strong sabre, while the handsome and + well-muscled bay mare which he rode carried a leather + portmanteau in addition to the heavy bearskin holster. His + large cavalry-boots were well bespattered, and his whole + bearing was that of an officer on duty, rather than of a + gallant bent on visiting lady fair. His companion was a mere + youth, seemingly not over seventeen, well mounted also, and + dressed in the simple uniform of an orderly, but evidently the + friend and social equal of his superior officer. The young man + sat his horse with the ease and grace of one born to the + saddle, and his fiery chestnut seemed to know and understand + his rider thoroughly. Like the other, he was provided with + holsters and portmanteau, a heavy blue cavalry cloak being + strapped over the unstuffed saddle-tree. Entering the + drawing-room, Colonel Washington presented his companion to + Miss Elliott as "Mr. Peyton of Virginia," and both gentlemen + were in turn presented to Miss Stead, who received their + courtly bows with one of those graceful, sweeping courtesies + which may be ranked among the lost arts of a past generation. + Billy had followed the guests to the parlor-door, where he + stood as if waiting orders.</p> + + <p>"You seem to have ridden far," said: the fair hostess when + the ordinary salutations had passed. "Let me order your horses + to the stable to be fed."</p> + + <p>"I thank you very kindly, miss, but there will be scarcely + time, for we are under marching orders, and must be in + Charleston before sunset," replied the colonel with a bow; and + there was something in his tone which faintly suggested a + mental desire to see the said marching orders in Jericho.</p> + + <p>Perhaps young Peyton detected this, for he said immediately, + "I think we had <span class="pagenum"><a name="page314" + id="page314"></a>[pg 314]</span> best accept Miss Elliott's + kindness, for we have a long ride before us, and we cannot + tell what orders may be awaiting us at the end of it."</p> + + <p>"I believe Peyton is right," said the colonel, "and if you + will permit me I will ask him to give some directions to the + servant."</p> + + <p>Billy, however, had heard enough to give him his cue, and + had disappeared, nor did the summons of the bell bring him back + until full ten minutes had elapsed. When he did return it was + to bring in two more tumblers of punch, but this time of "the + regulation size" and strength, which were handed to the guests + and disposed of with bow and sentiment; and then the young + orderly went out with him to see the horses stripped and the + holsters deposited on the piazza before the animals were led + off to be fed.</p> + + <p>"We shall have to defer accepting your invitation to attend + the dress parade until your return to camp," said Miss + Elliott.</p> + + <p>"I regret to be obliged to say that the fortunes of war have + deprived us for the present of that honor. My orders extend to + the command, which broke camp this morning and is now on its + march to Charleston."</p> + + <p>"Oh, what are we to do? We felt so safe while they were near + us."</p> + + <p>The remark burst involuntarily from Miss Stead, who blushed + and cast down her eyes as if conscious of having said too much + for maidenly propriety, but the smile of acknowledgment on + Colonel Washington's face gave way to a look of grave anxiety + as he replied, "No lady of Carolina shall ever need a defender + while a man of my command is left to draw a sword; but we have + news of movements on the enemy's part which require our + presence nearer to the city, and I have advised that all + noncombatants who can possibly move into Charleston should do + so at their earliest convenience. Perhaps we may meet there in + a few days."</p> + + <p>A momentary pallor had overspread Miss Elliott's face, but + it was succeeded immediately by a proud flush as she said, "It + is true, then, that General Clinton has left Savannah and is + moving on Charleston?"</p> + + <p>"Such is the report, and I fear we are badly prepared to + meet him."</p> + + <p>"We have a righteous cause, and God is on our side," replied + the brave girl with flashing eyes. "Governor Rutledge has + issued a call for all men not in service to take up arms, and + the whole upper country will swarm down to meet these hireling + British."</p> + + <p>"So we all hope and expect; and if they are only in good + time, there will be no fear of the result."</p> + + <p>"Fear! Who fears these upstart baronets and their insolent + soldiers? Oh, how I wish women could fight! If the men can't + drive them back, let <i>us</i> take the field, and Clinton + shall never set his foot in the streets of Charleston;" and the + brave little beauty looked as if she meant every word she + said.</p> + + <p>"The men cannot fail to be heroes when the eyes of such + women are upon them," exclaimed the gallant colonel, looking + with amused admiration at the lovely face all aglow with + patriotic excitement. "But you must let us do the fighting, + Miss Elliott, while you cheer and support us with your smiles + and your prayers.—Peyton, what do you think would be the + result of a charge by a squadron of ladies upon Tarleton's + Legion?"</p> + + <p>"I can't answer for Tarleton," laughingly replied the + orderly, who had just entered the room, "but I am afraid I + should throw down my arms and desert in the face of the + enemy."</p> + + <p>"You are an ungallant fellow, Peyton, to hint even that the + ladies could ever be your enemies."</p> + + <p>"Oh, do look there!" cried Miss Stead with a silvery laugh, + and pointing through the open window: "shall we take the issue + of that struggle as an omen?"</p> + + <p>The whole party rushed to the window and looked out on the + lawn. A brilliant redbird, the proximity of whose nest perhaps + had fired his timid heart with courage, had made a savage + assault on a bluejay, the colors of whose feathers were + strikingly suggestive of the Continental uniform. For a moment + the two <span class="pagenum"><a name="page315" + id="page315"></a>[pg 315]</span> combatants fluttered in + angry strife, and the result seemed doubtful, when a female + mocking-bird flew from her nest in the shrubbery and drove + them both ingloriously from the field.</p> + + <p>"That settles the matter," exclaimed Colonel Washington, + laughing gayly. "If Governor Rutledge calls out the ladies, I + shall throw up my commission at once, and retire in good order + to the security of private life."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps then Lieutenant Peyton would succeed to the + command?" rejoined Miss Elliott, glancing archly at the young + orderly.</p> + + <p>"I am almost sorry that your corps has not been organized, + miss, for I might then consider myself gazetted for promotion, + and claim my lieutenant's commission over your signature." The + young man spoke in a tone of gay badinage, but a shade of + annoyance came over his features as he added with a slight bow, + "I am only plain 'Mr.' Peyton as yet."</p> + + <p>"I beg pardon," said Miss Elliott, "but I thought + 'lieutenant' was an ensign's proper title."</p> + + <p>"If Peyton were the ensign of the troop, his office would be + a sinecure," laughed the colonel, "seeing we have no standard + for him to carry."</p> + + <p>"You surely don't mean, colonel, that your gallant corps + fights without colors?" said Miss Stead.</p> + + <p>"Why, we cannot use those that we captured from the enemy, + and I fear our lady friends will be unable to present us with a + stand until the war is over and silk becomes more + plentiful."</p> + + <p>Miss Elliott's eyes flashed with a sudden impulse, and the + color deepened on her cheek as she eagerly asked, "Would you + carry so poor a little flag as a Carolina girl can present to + you? Many a good knight has gone into battle with no richer + standard than a lady's scarf."</p> + + <p>"If Miss Elliott will honor my command by entrusting her + kerchief to its keeping, I swear to fly it in the face of + Tarleton's Legion and defend it to the last drop of my + blood."</p> + + <p>"Then let this be your flag," cried the noble girl with a + burst of enthusiasm which echoed that which rung in Colonel + Washington's tones. A large <i>fauteuil</i>, covered with heavy + crimson silk embroidered with raised laurel-leaves, was + standing near. Miss Elliott seized, as she spoke, the scissors + from her work-basket, and in a moment had cut out the + rectangular piece which covered the back and offered it to her + distinguished guest. Washington bowed low with courtly grace + and touched his lips to the fair hand which presented it, while + young Peyton, carried away by the excitement of the moment, + sprang to his feet with a cheer which started the wild birds + from the shrubbery: "Colonel Washington, I claim the right, by + Miss Elliott's commission, to carry that flag into action, and + I swear that it shall never be stained with dishonor while + Walter Peyton has a right hand to grasp its staff."</p> + + <p>"Take it, my boy," said the colonel in a voice tremulous + with emotion, "and guard it with your life. With God's help we + will make that flag a terror to the enemies of our + country.—Miss Elliott, accept a soldier's gratitude for + your precious gift to-day. No prouder banner ever waved over + battle-field or claimed the devotion of patriotic hearts. It + shall be fringed and mounted this very night in Charleston, and + I pledge my sacred honor that Washington's Light Horse shall + prove worthy of their trust."</p> + + <p>There was a pause in the conversation which was broken by + young Peyton, who rattled on for some time with Miss Stead in + that light vein which the most serious circumstances cannot + long repress when youth and beauty meet. Colonel Washington + spoke but little, and with an evident effort at gayety which + ill agreed with the earnest, thoughtful look which settled on + his features, while Miss Elliott could not conceal the + embarrassment which her heightened color and downcast eyes + betrayed as she toyed with her embroidery, avoiding the glances + of deep and ardent yet restrained admiration with which her + distinguished guest regarded her. The hour had arrived when the + soldiers must resume their journey; and while Rebecca Stead + stood watching from the piazza the final preparations which the + young orderly was making for the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page316" + id="page316"></a>[pg 316]</span> march, Colonel Washington + took the hand of his fair hostess and after a moment's + hesitation bowed low and pressed it to his lips, but with + somewhat more of warmth than was required by the stately + courtesy of the day. Their eyes met for an instant, and + then, without one word of spoken adieu, they parted. When + Miss Stead turned to join her friend she found herself alone + with old Billy, who was gazing after the fast-receding forms + of the troopers. "Mass' Tahlton done ketch de debbil ef he + meet dem Virginia man to-night," said the old fellow + sententiously as he slowly retired into his pantry.</p> + + <h3>II.</h3> + + <p>On the 12th of May, 1780, General Lincoln, after sustaining + a close siege of more than a month's duration, surrendered + Charleston, with five thousand men and four hundred pieces of + artillery, into the hands of Sir Henry Clinton. The dark cloud + which had long been threatening Lower Carolina now settled like + a pall over the whole State, and but for two causes the whole + issue of the war might have been changed. One of these was the + severity of Cornwallis, who succeeded Clinton in the command, + and who by his unwise policy drove the despondent people to + desperation: the other was the indomitable courage and + self-devoted heroism of the women, which encouraged and + strengthened the flagging patriotism of the men. The militia + who had been captured with the city regarded themselves as + absolved from a parole which did not protect them from + enlistment in the ranks of the Crown, and the irregular bands + of Marion, Pickens and Sumter received large accessions. + Mill-saws were roughly forged into sabres and pewter table-ware + melted and beaten into slugs for the shot-guns with which the + men were armed. The British dared not forage except in force, + the pickets were shot from ambushes, and their Tory allies hung + whenever captured. In August the disastrous battle of Camden + destroyed Gates's army, and the Congress sent Greene to + supersede him. Making his head-quarters in North Carolina, this + experienced commander divided his force and sent General + Morgan, with about one thousand men, into South Carolina to + harass Cornwallis in the rear. The latter at once sent Tarleton + with eleven hundred troopers, among them his famous Legion, to + cut off Morgan or drive him back upon Greene. In the latter + part of December the Americans were in the region of the upper + Broad River, in Spartanburg district, South Carolina, Morgan + having but one hundred and thirty mounted men—they could + hardly be called cavalry—among whom was Washington's + troop.</p> + + <p>It was about nine o'clock on the night of the 16th of + January, 1781, that the little army was encamped between the + Pacolet and Broad rivers, near a piece of thin woodland known + as Hannah's Cowpens. The weather was very cold, for the + elevation of that part of the country produces a temperature + equal in severity to that of a much higher latitude, but + neither tents nor shanties protected the sleeping soldiers from + the frosty air. Here and there a rough shelter of pine boughs + heaped together to windward of the smouldering camp-fires told + of a squad who had not been too weary to work for a little show + of comfort; but in most cases the men were stretched out on the + bare ground, their feet toward the embers and their arms + wrapped up with them in their tattered blankets, which scarcely + served to keep out the cold. The regular troops, who had seen + some service, might have been easily distinguished from the + less experienced militia by their superior sleeping + arrangements. Two and sometimes three men would be found + wrapped in one blanket, "spoon-fashion," with another blanket + stretched above them on four stakes to serve as a tent-fly, and + their fires were usually large and well covered with green + branches to prevent their burning out too rapidly. One and all, + however, slept as soundly as if reposing on beds of down, while + the same quiet stars smiled on them and on the anxious wives + and mothers who lay waking and praying in many a distant home. + In and out among the weird and shifting shadows of the outer + lines <span class="pagenum"><a name="page317" + id="page317"></a>[pg 317]</span> the dim figures of the + sentinels stalked with their old "Queen Anne" muskets at the + "right-shoulder shift," or tramped back and forth along + their beats at the double quick to keep their blood in + circulation. At a little distance from the infantry camp the + horses of Washington's dragoons and M'Call's mounted + Georgians were picketed in groups of ten, the saddles piled + together, and a sentinel paced between every two groups, + while the men were stretched around their fires, sleeping on + their arms like the infantry, for it was known that Tarleton + had crossed the Pacolet that day, and an attack was expected + at any time. A party of officers were asleep near one of the + fires, with nothing, however, to distinguish them from the + men but the red or buff facings of their heavy cloaks. One + of these lay with his face to the stars, sleeping as + placidly as if his boyish form were safe beneath his + mother's roof. One arm lay across his chest, clasping to his + body the staff of a small cavalry flag, while the other + stretched along his side, the hand resting unconsciously + upon a holster-case of pistols. As the glare of the + neighboring fire played over his features it was easy to + recognize Walter Peyton, guarding faithfully, even in his + sleep, the banner which Jane Elliott had cut from her + mother's parlor <i>fauteuil</i>, and which had already + become known to the enemy. A rough log cabin stood a little + way from the bivouac, before which two sentinels in the + uniform of the Continental regulars were pacing up and down. + The gleam of the roaring lightwood fire flashed through the + open seams between the logs, and heavy volumes of smoke + rolled out of the clay chimney. Just in front of the huge + fire-place stood the tall, burly figure of Morgan, and near + him were grouped, in earnest consultation, the manly figure + of William Washington, the brave and knightly John Eager + Howard of Maryland, McDowell, Triplett, Cunningham and other + officers of the field and staff. Determination not unmingled + with gloom was visible upon the faces of all. Every + arrangement had been made for the probable fight of the + morrow, and the council was about to disperse, when the + silence of the night was broken by the call of a distant + sentinel, taken up and repeated along the line. Morgan + instantly despatched an orderly, to the bivouac of the + guard, and the party were soon cheered by the intelligence + that a courier had just arrived who reported the near + approach of Pickens with three hundred Carolina + riflemen—a timely and valuable addition to the little + force of patriots.</p> + + <p>The first gray pencilings of dawn were scarcely visible when + the slumbering camp was roused by the rolling notes of the + reveille from the drum of little Solly + Barrett,<a id="footnotetag4" + name="footnotetag4"></a><a href="#footnote4"><sup>4</sup></a> + the drummer-boy of Howard's Maryland Regulars. Fully + refreshed by a good night's rest, the men prepared and ate + their breakfasts with but little delay, and by seven o'clock + the entire force was in line of battle, awaiting the + approach of the enemy.</p> + + <p>Tarleton, flushed with the assurance of easy victory, had + made a forced march during the night, and his command was much + jaded when at eight o'clock he came in sight of Morgan's + outposts: notwithstanding this, however, he determined, as was + fully expected by those who knew his disposition and mode of + warfare, to attack the American lines forthwith. It must be + left to the historian to tell how the battle raged with varying + fortunes until Howard's gallant Marylanders taught the British + regulars that the despised provincials had learned the trick of + the bayonet, and decided the issue of the day. Up to this + moment the cavalry, which had been posted in reserve behind a + slight wooded eminence, had been chafing for a hand in the + fray. As has been stated, these troops consisted of McCall's + mounted militia and Washington's Light Dragoons. The latter + were all well mounted and armed, for their frequent successes + in skirmishes with the enemy's horse kept them well supplied. + They were a crack corps, and well had they earned their + reputation. Just as Howard's regulars turned savagely + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page318" + id="page318"></a>[pg 318]</span> on their disorderly + pursuers and put them to the rout, a squadron of British + light horse made a dash at McCall, whose men were unused to + the sabre, and had been demoralized by the first + bayonet-charge of the enemy, which they had sustained on + foot. Now was Washington's chance.</p> + + <p>"Are you ready, men? Charge!" The words were scarcely off + his lips ere the noble mare which he rode shot forward, touched + by her rider's spur. With a wild yell, which drowned the + regular cheer of the Englishmen, the men dashed after their + brave and impetuous leader, who was ever the first to cross a + sabre with the enemy. Rising in his stirrups as the gallant + chestnut answered the spur, Walter Peyton looked backward at + the men as he raised the light staff of his little banner and + shook its folds to the breeze, and the next moment he was close + by the side of his chief in the very thickest of the + mêlée. For a moment all was dust and confusion, + for Tarleton's veterans were not the men to break at the first + onset, and they met the furious charge of the Virginians with a + determination which promised a bloody and doubtful struggle. + One stout fellow, mounted on a powerful horse, singled out the + young ensign as his special quarry, not noticing, in his ardor + to capture the daring little rebel flag, that the trooper who + rode next to it was the gallant colonel himself. Reining back + his horse almost upon its haunches, he had raised his sabre in + the very act to strike when that of Washington came down with + tremendous force, severing the upper muscles of his sword-arm, + and at the same instant Peyton, for the first time observing + his danger, dropped his rein and, grasping the flagstaff with + both hands, swung it full in the face of his assailant. The + man's horse shied violently as the folds of the little banner + flapped across his eyes, and as his rider fell heavily from the + saddle dashed at full speed through the British line. Already + this had begun to waver, and in another moment the + panicstricken troopers were flying in wild confusion toward + their reserve. To rally a body of frightened cavalry is no easy + matter under any circumstances, but when a determined pursuing + force is pressing hotly on the rear it becomes a simple + impossibility. The entire command gave way as the fugitives + approached, and in a little while was in full retreat. Colonel + Washington, as usual far in advance of his men, caught sight of + the British commander, who, with two of his aides, was + endeavoring to rally a favorite regiment, and without a thought + of support pressed toward the group, accompanied only by Peyton + with Jane Elliott's flag and a little bugler, a mere boy, who + carried no sword, but who had drawn a pistol from his holster + and kept close to the colors all through the day.</p> + + <p>Tarleton was not deficient in personal courage, and turned + to meet his old enemy in a hand-to-hand encounter. The officer + nearest him struck at Washington as he passed, but missed his + blow and received a bullet in his side from the young bugler's + pistol.</p> + + <p>"Carter," cried Tarleton to the other aide, who rode near + him, "a captain's brevet if you take that woman's petticoat," + pointing with his sword to the saucy little flag, the story of + which had reached the British camps.</p> + + <p>But it was no woman's hand which was there to defend it, and + as the Englishman wheeled his horse for the attack Peyton's + pistol flashed almost in his face, and he fell forward on his + charger's neck, convulsively clasping it as the animal ran + wildly forward unguided toward the American lines. Meanwhile, + the two commanders had crossed swords, and as both were good + fencers, a duel <i>à l'outrance</i> seemed imminent. But + Tarleton had no time for chivalrous encounters. His opponent + beat down his guard, and with a sudden thrust wounded the + British colonel in the hand. The latter drew a pistol, and as + he wheeled to follow his flying squadrons discharged it at his + adversary, the ball taking effect near the knee. The battle was + now really at an end, and the pursuit was abandoned at this + point.</p> + + <p>As Walter Peyton lay down beside his camp-fire that night it + was with a body <span class="pagenum"><a name="page319" + id="page319"></a>[pg 319]</span> worn down by excitement and + fatigue, but with a heart beating high with pride as he + looked at the flag he had so gallantly defended, and + remembered his colonel's words of commendation, which he + more than hoped meant promotion to a captain's + commission.</p> + + <p>In the city of Charleston all was gloom and sorrow except in + the little circle of society which boasted of its loyalty to + the Crown. Scarcely a family but had some representative in the + Continental ranks, and as all intelligence reached the city + through British channels, the darkest side of every encounter + between the armies was the first which the imprisoned patriots + saw. The non-combatant members of all the planters' families + had moved into the city before its capitulation, and while the + ladies permitted the visits and acquaintance of the English + officers, they never lost an opportunity to show them how + hateful they esteemed the royal cause.</p> + + <p>It was nearly a month after the victory at the Cowpens that + Miss Elliott was sitting with her mother one evening in the + parlor of their city residence. Conspicuous among the furniture + was a large and comfortable arm-chair upholstered in heavy + crimson silk damask, but while everything else in the room was + neat and even elegant, this chair appeared to be more fit for + the lumber-closet, the entire square of silk having been cut + from the back, leaving the underlining of coarse striped cotton + exposed to view. The tones of the curfew or "first bell," which + may still be heard nightly in the seagirt old city, had just + died away when a loud rap came from the heavy brass knocker on + the street-door, and in a few moments old Billy appeared to + announce "Captain Fraser."</p> + + <p>A look of slight annoyance passed over the face of the elder + lady as she arranged the snowy ruffles of her cap, while the + deepened color and sparkling eyes of the younger, with the + almost imperceptible sarcasm of her smile, seemed to indicate + mingled pleasure, defiance and contempt. The visitor who + entered was resplendent in the gay scarlet and glittering lace + of the British uniform, and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page320" + id="page320"></a>[pg 320]</span> his redundancy of ruffles, powder + and sword-knot betokened the military exquisite, his bearing + presenting a singular mixture of high breeding and haughty + insolence. With his right hand laid upon the spot where his + heart was supposed to be, while his left daintily supported the + leathern scabbard of his sword, he bowed until the stiff little + queue of his curled wig pointed straight at the heavy cornice. + The ladies swept the floor with their graceful courtesies, that + of the younger presenting the least touch of exaggeration as + with folded arms and downcast eyes she sank backward before her + guest. Another knock was heard, and when the names of three + more of the garrison officers were announced, Miss Elliott + whispered to Billy a hasty message to some of her fair friends + in the neighborhood to come in and help her entertain them. + These impromptu parties were quite common, and in a little + while the room was sparkling with beauty, gallantry and wit. It + may seem strange that the patriotic belles of the day, the fair + Brewtons and Pinckneys and Rutledges, the Ravenels and Mazycks, + should have cultivated such pleasant associations with the + enemies of their country. But among the officers they had many + old friends and acquaintances of <i>ante-bellum</i> days, and + not a few marriages had established even closer ties. Thus, + Lord Campbell, the last royal governor, was husband to Sarah + Izard, the sister of General Ralph Izard, who was + brother-in-law to our former acquaintance, Rebecca Stead; and + even General Washington had invited Admiral Fairfax to dine, on + the ground that a state of war did not preclude the exchange of + social civilities between gentlemen who served under opposing + flags.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Elliott received the attentions of her daughter's + visitors with dignified grace, but with a degree of reserve + which it was impossible altogether to conceal, and to which the + officers had become too much accustomed to feel any offence; + while the younger ladies drove the keen darts of their sarcasm + home to the feelings of their hostile guests, who were forced + to submit to it or forego entirely the pleasures of female + society.</p> + + <p>"May I ask if Company K has been on duty at the picket-lines + to-day?" asked Miss Elliott of Captain Fraser, who had just + sauntered up to her chair.</p> + + <p>"May I answer the question after the fashion of my + ancestors," was the reply, "by asking why you should think + so?"</p> + + <p>"Only because you seem to be suffering from fatigue, which a + long march might explain."</p> + + <p>Fraser's company was notoriously a "fancy corps," whose + severest duty was generally to furnish the guard at + head-quarters and to go through a dress parade every evening at + the Battery.</p> + + <p>"Ah, no, but I have been on inspection duty, and it's a + bore, I assure you."</p> + + <p>"Inspecting the flower-gardens, I presume, to be sure that + there are no rattlesnakes under the rose-bushes, or the + milliner-shops, to see that no palmetto cockades are made. May + I insist upon a seat for you? Not <i>that</i> chair," she added + hastily and with heightened color as the captain was about to + occupy the mutilated <i>fauteuil</i>: "excuse me, but that is a + 'reserved seat.'"</p> + + <p>"Ah, I see—beg pardon," said Fraser with a slight + sneer, for the story of Washington's flag was generally known, + and also Miss Elliott's aversion to the use of the chair by any + British officer. "Somebody seems to have carried off the back + of that one."</p> + + <p>"When last heard from," said the beauty with curling lip, + "it was at Colonel Tarleton's back."</p> + + <p>"Tarleton should be court-martialed for that affair at + Cowpens," said Fraser with some warmth, and forgetting the + proffered seat he prepared to take his leave.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps Captain Fraser would like to have had a hand in the + 'affair' also," added Miss Elliott with a demure smile. This + allusion to Tarleton's wound was too much for the gallant + captain, and again elevating the point of his queue toward the + ceiling, but this time without his hand to his heart, he left + the room with a face somewhat redder than his uniform.</p> + + <h3>III.</h3> + + <p>There are defeats which are more glorious than victory, and + one of these it was which, on the 8th of September, 1781, gave + to Jane Elliott's flag the title which has come down with it to + posterity. In the earlier days of its history the saucy little + standard was known to the gallant men who followed it to action + as "Tarleton's Terror," and sometimes it is even now spoken of + as "the Cowpens Banner." But the name by which its brave + custodians most love to call it is "the Eutaw Flag," It is hard + to realize as one stands beside the lovely fountains which flow + to-day as they did a hundred—or perhaps a + thousand—years ago, that close by these placid waters was + fought one of the most desperate and bloody struggles of a long + and cruel war. The sunfish and bream floated with quivering + fins or darted among the rippling shadows on that autumn + morning as we see them doing now. The mocking-bird sang among + the overhanging branches the same varied song which gladdens + our ears, and the wild deer then, as now, lay peacefully in the + shady coverts of the neighboring woods. Who knows what they may + have thought when they heard their only enemy, man, ring out + his bugle-call to slip the war-dogs on his fellows, or when the + sharp crack of the rifle told them for the first time of safety + to themselves and of death to their wonted destroyers?</p> + + <p>Already had "Light-horse Harry" Lee struck the first blow + victoriously in the capture of Coffin and the discomfiture of + his force. Already for several hours the old black oaks had + quivered beneath the thunder of artillery more fearfully + destructive than that of Heaven itself as Williams hurled back + from his field-battery the iron hail with which the enemy + strove to overwhelm him. Already had Howard's gallant + Marylanders, the heroes of the Cowpens, crossed bayonets with + the veteran "Irish Buffs" and forced them in confusion from the + field. Majoribanks, with his regulars, grenadiers and infantry, + was strongly posted behind a copse too dense to be forced by + cavalry, and yet to dislodge him was + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page321" + id="page321"></a>[pg 321]</span> Colonel Washington's + special duty. Pointing with his sword toward a narrow + passage near the water, he dashed the spurs into the flanks + of his gallant mare and called on his men to follow. There + was a momentary pause, for the duty was of the most + desperate character, but Captain Peyton snatched the little + banner which he had carried so long from the hand of the + sergeant who had succeeded to its charge, and raising it + above his head spurred after his leader. As the silken folds + fluttered out on the air a ringing cheer went up from the + troop, and the whole line, wheeling into sections so as to + pass through the narrow gap, dashed forward as one man. It + was a daring attempt, and terribly did they pay for their + audacity. A perfect storm of bullets greeted the brave + Virginians, and nearly one-half of them went down, horse and + man, beneath its fearful breath ere the other half were in + the midst of the enemy's ranks. Those were days when a + certain simplicity of character made the soldier believe + that bayonets and sabres were terrible weapons and meant to + do terrible work. No rewards were then offered for "a dead + cavalryman" or for "a bloody bayonet." There were cloven + skulls at Eutaw as at Crecy, and men were transfixed by each + other's deadly bayonet-thrusts. As Washington, maddened by + the loss of his brave troopers, swung his sharp blade like + the flail of death, a shot from the musket of a tall + grenadier pierced the lung of his noble bay, and as the + falling steed rolled over on her gallant rider the man + shortened his musket and buried the sharp steel in the + colonel's body. A second thrust would have followed with + deadly result had not the British major, Majoribanks, seized + the arm of the soldier and demanded the surrender of his + fallen and bleeding foe. The tide of battle had receded like + some huge swell of ocean, and as the wounded hero struggled + to his feet he found himself surrounded by enemies, to + contend with whom would have been folly. Turning his feeble + glance for a second toward the retreating remnant of his + shattered command, he caught a glimpse through the smoke and + dust of his little battle-flag fluttering in the distance, + and fast receding toward the point whence Hampton's bugles + were already sounding the rally. Neither William Washington + nor his "Eutaw Flag" was ever again in battle for the + country, for the captivity of the former terminated only + with the war, and the latter fades from history from that + date until, in 1827, Jane Washington, for seventeen years a + widow, presented it as a precious inheritance to the gallant + corps of Charleston citizen soldiery, who still guard its + folds from dishonor, as they do the name of the knightly + paladin which they bear. The wedding was celebrated soon + after the establishment of peace. Major Majoribanks escaped + the carnage of the day, but he lived not to deliver his + distinguished prisoner at Charleston. Sickening on the + retreat with the deadly malaria of the Carolina swamps, he + died near Black Oak, and his mossy grave may be seen to-day + by the roadside, marked by a simple stone and protected from + desecration by a wooden paling. It stands near the gate of + Woodboo plantation, which old Stephen Mazyck, the Huguenot, + first settled, about twenty-five miles from Eutaw and + forty-three from Charleston. On the banks of the Cooper, + amid the lovely scenes of "Magnolia," Charleston's city of + the dead, there stands a marble shaft enwreathed in the + folds of the rattlesnake, the symbol of Revolutionary + patriotism, and beneath it rests all that was mortal of + William Washington and Jane Elliott his wife.</p> + + <p>ROBERT WILSON.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page322" id="page322"></a></span> + CONVENT LIFE AND WORK.</h2> + + <p>To those who have had but little opportunity to examine the + inner workings of the Catholic Church the subject of the + conventual life has always been something of a puzzle. Of + course it has been difficult for them to obtain a personal + insight into its details, just as it would be difficult to gain + admittance into the mosque of St. Sophia or a Hindu community + of religious. Curiosity, unsatisfied, betakes itself to + hearsay, and since those who know most are generally most + silent about their knowledge, it is to the gossip of ignorance + or prejudice that curiosity looks for an answer. Distorted + views or imaginary descriptions end by being received into the + mill of public opinion, and issue thence ground into gospel + truth and invested with mysterious (because fictitious) + interest. It is strange that a phase of life which is in + constant practice at the present day, often within a stone's + throw of our own doors, and which has personal ramifications in + the families of our neighbors and acquaintances, should still + be so much of a phenomenon to the public mind. In England, + France, Italy, Germany and America I have been familiarly + acquainted with it, have studied its principles and its details + under many varying forms, and never found it less interesting + because it was <i>not</i> mysterious. Human, fallible beings + are the inhabitants of monasteries either for males or females, + with individual peculiarities and different sympathies—by + no means machines, but free and intelligent agents, each with a + character as individual as that of separate flowers in a large + garden—full of personality and of human imperfection.</p> + + <p>In Rome, not far from the Fountain of Trevi—of whose + waters it is said that they have the power to ensure the return + to Rome of any one who has drunk of them in a cup not + heretofore devoted to common purposes—is the spacious + convent called San Domenico e Sisto. Here the first convent of + Dominican friars was established, and the spot is historic + ground in the annals of the order of Preachers. In the + turbulent thirteenth century, when papal, feudal and democratic + parties opposed each other in Rome, and the vigorous sap of + half-tamed barbarian life still coursed through the pulses of + Italy, Saint Dominic rose like a reformer, a lawgiver and a + peace-maker. On the other side of the Tiber, entrenched behind + baronial walls and fiercely protected by baronial champions, + was a convent of women whose practice of their vows had become + too relaxed for such a bad example to be allowed to remain + unreproved. The ecclesiastical authorities wished peremptorily + to disestablish the convent and filter its inmates through some + neighboring religious houses more zealous and more edifying in + their conduct. But the nuns, who were mostly of noble families, + appealed to their charters, their immunities and exemption from + papal jurisdiction. Their fathers and brothers, the formidable + barons who held within the papal city many strongholds well + garrisoned, took up their quarrel and dared the world to + dispossess the refractory sisterhood. Saint Dominic had just + brought his friars to the dilapidated house then known as San + Sisto, had caused rapid repairs to be made, and in his fervor + had created round himself a nucleus of ardent reformers. The + Gordian knot was referred to him, and with characteristic + abruptness he promised to cut it at once. He came alone to the + gates of the convent, presented no credentials from pope or + cardinal, and asked an interview with the abbess. He spoke of + the holiness of an austere life, the reward of those that + "follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth," the merit of + obedience, the need of reform, the great work that his order + was doing for God, and the call for more laborers in the field: + he proposed to the nuns to be his helpers among their own sex, + and his coheiresses in the heavenly + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page323" + id="page323"></a>[pg 323]</span> reward of the future. His + eloquence and zeal soon melted the haughty resolve of the + rebellious but still noble-minded women. Roused to a new + sense of power and responsibility, they embraced his rigid + rule, and with the enthusiasm of their sex, that never halts + midway in reform, became models of austerity. The better to + signify to the world the spiritual change wrought in their + temper, they migrated from the abode which they had sworn to + make the symbol and palladium of their independence, and + went to San Sisto, Saint Dominic taking his monks to + repeople the convent across the Tiber left vacant by the + submissive sisterhood.</p> + + <p>It is with this new house, henceforth called San Domenico e + Sisto, that one of my earliest recollections of conventual life + is connected. The order is one which enjoins strict enclosure. + The dress is of coarse white serge or flannel, consisting of a + long, narrow tunic with flowing sleeves drawn over tight ones + of linen; a <i>scapular</i> or stole (i.e., a piece of straight + stuff half a yard broad worn hanging from the shoulders both + behind and before); a leathern girdle round the waist, from + which hangs a rosary, large, common and set in steel; strong, + thick sandals; a linen wimple enveloping the face and hiding + the ears, neck and roots of the hair; a woolen veil, black for + the professed nuns, white for the novices, and of white + <i>linen</i> for the lay sisters; and over all an immense black + cloak, falling around the figure in statuesque folds.</p> + + <p>In this order, and almost invariably in every other, a + candidate is admitted at first as a <i>postulant</i> for a + period of six months—a sort of preliminary trial of her + fitness for the religious life. She wears ordinary clothes + during this time—plain and black, of course, but not of + any prescribed shape. Sometimes, however, she is required by + custom to wear a plain black cap. After six months she is + admitted as a novice—<i>i.e.</i>, she solemnly puts off + the secular dress and wears the habit of the order, making the + vows of poverty, chastity and obedience for the space of one + year only. The details of the ceremony vary in different + orders, but the ceremony itself is called in all by the generic + name of "clothing" or "taking the white veil." In orders where + a white woolen veil is the badge of profession (these are not + many) a linen one is equally the mark of the novice and the lay + sister. Although there exists for convenience' sake a + distinction between choir-nuns and lay sisters—the former + paying a dowry to the common fund on the day of their entrance, + and the latter bringing their manual service to the house + instead of any offering—still, the difference is not + spiritual, and beyond the mere distribution of labor is not + practically discernible. In orders where the education of youth + is the primary object, the lay sisters, under the supervision + of the choir-nun to whose charge the housekeeping is directly + entrusted, perform all the menial service, which would + otherwise make too many inroads on the time of the teaching + nuns; but in other orders, the Carmelites for instance, the + lowest work, be it of the kitchen, the laundry or the chamber, + is undertaken in turn by every member of the community. When + Madame Louise, the daughter of Louis XV. of France, became a + Carmelite nun, the first task assigned her was the washing of + coarse dishes and the sweeping of floors. A parallel case is + that of the Cistercian monks, who to this day, at their famous + farm-monastery at Mount St. Bernard, England, are bound by + their rule to labor with their hands so many hours a day. No + exception is made for the abbot himself; and when we visited + the establishment a few years ago we had to wait some time for + the abbot, who was digging in a distant field. Scholar and + savant are not exempt any more than the humblest member of the + brotherhood; and as it is a very learned order, and attracts + many recent converts to Catholicism, it is not infrequently + that one recognizes in the monk-laborer, digging potatoes or + hoeing turnips, some Anglican clergyman of delicate nurture and + scholarly renown. To this monastery, entirely self-supported by + its extensive farm, is attached a boys' reformatory, one of + whose products is the most excellent + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page324" + id="page324"></a>[pg 324]</span> butter known in England. + Tailoring, shoemaking, carpentry, turning, etc. are all + taught under the supervision of the monks: those among the + boys who wish it are helped to emigrate, and others + apprenticed at the proper time to the trades they have + already been taught at Mount St. Bernard.</p> + + <p>To resume our sketch of the Dominican nuns in Rome. It is + the custom in Italy for a young lady about to "enter religion" + to choose a godmother or <i>madrina</i>, a lady of proper age + and mature experience, who acts as her chaperon during the few + weeks preceding the "clothing." She comes forth from the + convent where she has been a postulant, and, dressed in the + garb of the world, makes formal visits to all her relations, + friends and patrons, assists at public ceremonies in the local + churches, even visits some places of interest, such as museums + and galleries. This is her solemn farewell to the world, and + she is supposed thus to have another trial given to the + steadfastness of her resolve, another chance to abandon it + before it is too late. A young girl of an illustrious Roman + family, but of very slender fortune, was about to enter the + Dominican order at the time to which I allude, in 1853. Her + only sister had for some years been a nun of a strictly + enclosed order, and Mademoiselle G——, having chosen + as her madrina an English Catholic lady who had been enabled to + show her some kindness while still in the world, went to bid + farewell to this elder sister. The meeting was very affecting: + the sisters could not see each other face to face—a thick + grating separated them. The elder had long been a spiritual + guide to the younger: she had led her mind in the direction of + the cloister, and now rejoiced sincerely that God had smoothed + away the family difficulties and pecuniary embarrassments which + for some time had stood in the way of her vocation. Still, + natural affection was not stifled in the generous, unselfish + heart of the cloistered nun, and she wept with her sister at + the thought that, though the walls of the same city would hold + them both till death, and hardly a few blocks of houses + separate their convent homes, yet in the flesh they should + never meet again. The English godmother sat in a remote corner + of the cool, shady parlor, sympathizing in silence with the + touching scene, but keeping as much in the background as + etiquette and custom allowed, that she might not intrude on + this last farewell. At length the curtain behind the grating + fell, and the young girl had severed the tenderest link that + bound her to the world. Many other visits were paid—some + to friends of Mademoiselle G——'s parents (she had + long been an orphan), some to ecclesiastical personages who had + interested themselves to procure her admission into the + Dominican community. With repeated blessings the young girl + left their presence, every day advancing nearer to her + spiritual bridal.</p> + + <p>At last the day came. Early in the morning the madrina + arrived at the convent with her two little girls of six and + eight years old dressed in white as bridesmaids, or, as the + Italian term <i>angiolini</i> has it, little angels. They bore + delicate baskets filled with white flowers to strew before the + "bride," and their office during the ceremony was to hold the + novice's gloves, fan and handkerchief. The young girl herself, + looking pale and earnest, walked up the aisle of the convent + chapel in bridal robes of white silk, with a veil and wreath on + her head, and round her neck a string of pearls, an heirloom in + the G—— family. Her brother, the only male + representative of her once powerful house, was present in the + outer chapel, full of grief at a sacrifice which he had never + countenanced, and ready to claim that morning the only legacy + of his sister the promise of which he had been able to + secure—the thick coils of her black hair when they should + have been cut off preparatory to her taking the novice's veil. + The scene was very solemn. The nuns sat in their carved stalls + within the grating whose black bars divided them from the + "bride" and her friends in the ante-chapel: the chant of psalms + and versicles came down from a hidden gallery, and the priest + in rich vestments stood at the foot of the altar within the + railing. The service went on in the midst of a palpable hush; + the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page325" + id="page325"></a>[pg 325]</span> very air seemed hardly to + vibrate; the bride, attended by her two angiolini, left her + gorgeous kneeling-chair and advanced to the open door in the + grating, where the priest met her. Question and answer were + interchanged in Italian, and the young girl vowed that of + her own free will she left the world and joined the order of + St. Dominic. Prayers in Latin followed, then again a chanted + psalm, and Mademoiselle G—— was led away through + the iron-grated door, which was then closed. It was not long + ere she reappeared in the long close tunic of white serge, + her head covered with a temporary veil of coarse linen and + her feet shod in sandals. A procession of nuns, each bearing + a lighted taper, escorted her to the foot of the altar + (everything was visible through the grating), and she knelt + before the officiating priest. A white woolen veil was + handed to him, which he blessed with holy water, the sign of + the cross and the prescribed ejaculations accompanying these + rites: he then laid it on her head as a "symbol of the + virgin modesty" to which she was now pledged. Two nuns were + at hand to pin it into the right folds while a silver ring + was being blessed in the same manner as the veil. This was + placed on the ring-finger of the left hand as a "symbol of + the intimate union and espousal with Christ" signified by + her renunciation of the world. The scapular of white serge, + similarly blessed, was then laid upon her shoulders as a + type of the "yoke of obedience and sacrifice;" and lastly, + the black cloak, signifying charity, covering and enveloping + the whole person. Then in a loud, firm voice, instinct with + passion and resolve, she read, standing, the formal + declaration of her religious vows. When this was over the + mother-superior led the novice, now Sister Maria Colomba, to + a small table on which lay a bridal wreath of white roses + and a crown of thorns. She asked her solemnly which was her + choice in life, and the novice took up the crown of thorns + and placed it on her head. This typical ceremony I never saw + performed in any other order. Shortly after the crown of + thorns was exchanged for that of roses, the superior saying, + "Inasmuch as thou hast chosen the crown which thy Saviour + wore, He rewards thee with that which is a shadow of the + heavenly crown reserved for His spouses in heaven." This + bridal token the new nun wears during the whole day.</p> + + <p>To a few ladies and to the angiolini a special permission to + enter the enclosure was given in honor of the day: a festive + meal was served in the bare, cool refectory, the rule of + silence being relaxed for the special occasion, and the nuns + wearing a happy, child-like expression that hardly varied in + the face of the youngest novice and that of the septuagenarian + "mother." The strangers were shown through the dormitories, the + kitchen, the laundry, the garden, the community-room, where + embroidery, painting and study diversify the labors of the + broom and the dishcloth, and everywhere the same exquisite + neatness struck the eye. Everything used in the house was of + the coarsest description—the linen like sack-cloth, but + speckless; the delf as thick and rough as if made for sailors; + the floors mostly of brick or stone; the furniture of unpainted + deal. Over each bed, which is only a board on trestles covered + with heavy sacking, is a common crucifix and a sprig of box or + olive blessed on Palm Sunday. The sisters sleep in their + tunics. The library is common property, but no one may use or + read any book save by permission of the superioress. The rules + of fasting and abstinence are not exactly the same in every + convent of the order, but the broad rule is that meat should be + eaten only on great holidays, vegetables and farinaceous + preparations, such as most Italians are not unskilled in, + forming the staple of the nuns' food. Fish is almost as rare a + luxury as meat. Their bread is coarse and brown, and their + drink indifferently water or a wine so sour that it is + practically vinegar. Not that these nuns are not good cooks and + bakers: witness the delicate sweetmeats, biscuits and pastry + they offer to strangers on such festival days as the one just + described, the fruit-preserves in blocks sold for their + sustenance by the nuns at Funchal, Madeira, and the fairy + frostwork of sugar seen on great occasions in French + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page326" + id="page326"></a>[pg 326]</span> convents. No womanly art is + a stranger to the deft fingers of cloistered nuns. + Bookbinding is a pursuit well known among them, as is also + the mounting in delicate filigree of the "Agnus Dei" or + waxen representation of the Lamb of God, blessed by the pope + at Easter and distributed throughout Christendom from the + papal metropolis. Another convent industry is the + preparation of the wafers used in the celebration of + mass.</p> + + <p>These Dominicanesses rise at four in the morning and dine at + eleven, making after that only one slight meal in the + evening—bread and vegetables, for instance, or a + saucerful of macaroni. At stated times they assemble in the + chapel for the singing of the "divine office," and always have + an early mass, at which the whole community receives holy + communion. This is administered by the priest through a square + opening in the iron grating dividing the nuns from the altar. + At eight, or at latest nine o'clock in the evening, all are in + bed, whence they rise again at midnight (in some orders at two + o'clock in the morning, but this custom involves rising + somewhat later, generally five o'clock) for matins and + lauds.</p> + + <p>The duties of separate departments are judiciously divided + among the sisters. There is the infirmarian; the + <i>économe</i>, or housekeeper, to whose share falls the + supplying of the larder; the librarian, the sacristan, the + portress (often in cloistered orders this position, which is + exceptional in its exemptions, involves the ordering of outside + business matters), the care-taker of the garments and linen, + the gardener, the secretary, the mistress and sub-mistress of + novices. The house is managed like clockwork. Punctually as the + bell rings each sister goes to the task appointed for that + hour, and leaves it, no matter how important or absorbing it + may be, for the duty appointed by the rule for the next + division of time. Silence prevails among the sisters at almost + all hours: for at most three times a day speech is permitted, + and seldom for more than half an hour at a time. During meals + one sister reads the <i>Lives of the Saints</i> aloud. Each in + her turn takes the place of server at table. The superioress + alone has power to dispense with the rule of silence in case of + necessity, as she transacts most of the business, social or + legal, of her community.</p> + + <p>During the year of novitiate the novices are under the + direct rule of the mistress of novices, whose authority over + them is paramount, though she herself is of course under a vow + of obedience to the superior. When a novice receives a visit + from one in the world she is accompanied by the "mistress," and + if the visitor be a near relation and a woman the curtain + behind the grating is withdrawn; if only a friend, the visitor + does not even see the nun, as the thick curtain is drawn, and + the only communication possible is by speech. It is generally + possible, on any necessity arising, to obtain a special + permission to break through the rule of enclosure: this is done + by applying to the superior-general of the order, or in Rome to + the Holy Father, whose authority naturally supersedes all + others. Sometimes the power to dispense lies with the local + superior, but it is a prerogative seldom used, and wisely so. + In every order the internal government of each house is of an + elective form, but when once chosen the superiors exercise + absolute authority. The community meets every three years (in + some orders every year) and chooses by vote a superioress, an + assistant superioress and a mistress of novices. Only the + professed nuns have a vote, and the majority carry the day. + These "officers," once appointed, rule the house and choose all + minor deputies themselves. The heads alone of each house + assemble at the death of the superior-general (or abbess, as + she is styled in some of the more ancient orders) and choose + another, equally by vote, the election being sometimes decided + by only one vote. This assembly is called a "chapter." The + generals of most orders reside in Rome.</p> + + <p>The year after the "clothing" of Sister Maria Colomba we + witnessed the final ceremony of her "profession"—that is, + of her assuming the black veil and renewing her religious vows + <i>for life</i>. Hitherto, she had been free to return to the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page327" + id="page327"></a>[pg 327]</span> world and marry: henceforth + such a return (unless by a dispensation so rarely given that + it is practically non-existent) would be sacrilege. The + details of the ceremony vary in different orders, and with + those which are not cloistered the scene is far less + impressive. What we were going to see included the most + solemn forms ever used. This time the whole service took + place behind the grating: there were no "bridesmaids" now, + no shadow of worldly pomp was borrowed to enhance the last + and momentous consecration of religion. The novice knelt + between the superior and the mistress of novices, each + bearing a lighted taper. The white veil was taken from her + head, and a black one, previously blessed with holy water + sprinkled over it in the form of a cross, substituted: the + low chant of the unseen choir of nuns sounded impressively + as the echo of another world. Then came the renewal of the + dread vows, binding now until death, and the voice of the + young girl seemed firm though low: her face wore a calm, + peaceful look, subdued by the solemn occasion, yet + irrepressibly suggesting a joy unknown in the world, where + joy is seldom free from passion. The most interesting + ceremony, however, was yet to come. The slow chant shaped + itself into the words of the psalm <i>De Profundis</i>, the + special prayer which in the Catholic Church is reserved for + the dead, and four professed nuns advanced toward their new + sister, who was now prostrate at the foot of the altar. Each + held the corner of a funeral pall, which they slowly; + dropped over the figure of Sister Maria Colomba, and, + kneeling, held it over her until the last verse of the psalm + had been sung. This suggestive ceremony closed the service. + It is a forcible and picturesque type of the complete + severance of the nun's future life and interests from the + outside world, the death of her heart to all carnal + affections, the "dying daily" which Saint Paul calls the + "life" of the Christian soul. A long procession accompanied + the newly-professed nun to the inner rooms of the convent, + and for this one day again she wore over the black veil the + bridal wreath, which to-morrow would be put away until + required for her last adornment in the coffin.</p> + + <p>Ten years after our farewell to Sister Maria Colomba behind + the bars of the convent-parlor we saw her again, and, armed + with a papal permission, were shown by her over the whole + convent. Those rare occasions when a stranger is allowed to + penetrate the "enclosure" are always gala-days for the nuns. I + remarked the blithe, youthful look that shone on all their + faces: Sister Maria Colomba herself, from a pale, nervous girl, + had expanded into a strong, hale, buxom woman. The glow of + health was on her cheek, the sparkle of innocent mirth shone in + her eye. There was one among the sisters who gleefully asked me + to guess at her age. She was a sweet, fresh-complexioned, + matronly woman. "Not more than fifty, good mother," was the + answer.</p> + + <p>She laughed and gently clapped her hands. "Add twenty years + to that," she answered with an innocent burst of pride. Then + she told how she had entered the order while yet in her + "teens," had held half the offices of trust in the community, + and had never missed any of the most rigid fasts or absented + herself once from the midnight office, never having known so + much as a day's ill-health. "Ah, a nun's life is a healthy one, + child, as well as a happy one," she said in conclusion.</p> + + <p>We went over the kitchen, laundry, refectory, dormitories, + chapel, garden, etc. Just the same as before—a little + "calvary" at one end of the garden and a rough picture of a + Madonna in an arbor, the long, echoing corridors spotless as + the deck of a man-of-war, and the smiling faces making a very + flower-garden of the community-room. We left loaded with + specimens of the nuns' work—Agnus Deis in frames of + silver filigree dotted with white roses and hanging from white + satin ribbon-bows; flake-like biscuits of peculiar flavor; and + baskets, pincushions, etc. of delicate workmanship. I do not + know whether this convent is still in the hands of the + Dominicanesses, so many in Rome having become barracks since + the new royal <span class="pagenum"><a name="page328" + id="page328"></a>[pg 328]</span> authority superseded that + of the pope. But the picture of San Domenico e Sisto as it + was in 1853 and 1863 may yet interest many who perhaps will + never have the opportunity of seeing such an establishment + for themselves.</p> + + <p>This is a very fair sample of the convents of the stricter + and cloistered orders: there are some exceptional houses, such + as that of the Sepolte Vive, where the rule is far more + austere. There is but one convent of this description in Rome, + and I believe one or two in France. It is a noteworthy fact + that most of the strictest observances of penance originated in + France, and are continued there to this day. This convent of + the Sepolte Vive ("Buried Alive") is not formally sanctioned by + the papal authority, but only <i>tolerated</i>. The nuns were + forbidden more than ten years ago to admit any more novices, + and although the individual zeal of those who started the order + was not exactly censured, still a tacit intimation of its being + considered excessive and imprudent was given by the highest + ecclesiastical court. Among their customs (which much resemble + those of the Trappist monks) these nuns have that of digging + their own graves, and as the cemetery is small and included in + the "enclosure," the oldest graves are opened after a period of + forty or fifty years, and the crumbling contents ejected to + make room for the lately deceased. The death of a nun's nearest + relation, be it father, mother, brother or sister, is made + known to the superior alone, and she in her turn announces it, + <i>not</i> to the bereaved one, but to the whole sisterhood, in + this manner: They are all assembled in the community-room, and + admonished to "pray for the soul of the father or mother" (as + the case may be) "of one among their number." To the day of her + death the nun never knows how near and dear by the ties of + Nature may have been the soul for which she has prayed every + day since the announcement was made.</p> + + <p>The Sepolte Vive, when found guilty of any breach of the + rule, are labeled with a ticket attached to their habit, and on + which their fault is written in large, conspicuous + letters—for instance, "Disobedience," "Curiosity," + "Talkativeness"—and this they wear at their ordinary + avocations for as many hours as the superioress commands. They + never undress on going to bed, and wear the same habit winter + and summer, the stuff being too hot for the one and too cold + for the other; so that at all times the penance is the same. On + the wrists many of them wear iron manacles that graze the skin + and cause constant irritation at every turn of the hand: this + is sometimes imposed as a penance, but very often is + voluntarily inflicted on themselves by zealous members of the + sisterhood. Before the prohibition to receive additional + novices the sisterhood consisted of a fixed number, and when a + vacancy occurred by the death of one the place was filled by + the first on the list of postulants. <i>This list was always a + large one</i>, and generally contained many names belonging to + the noblest families of Rome. These details were gathered from + the same lady who acted as madrina to the Dominican nun Sister + Maria Colomba; and when she and a friend obtained permission + from the pope to penetrate the "enclosure," the nuns told her + that it was <i>twenty years</i> since the same privilege had + been granted. For almost the space of a generation no stranger + had been seen or heard by them, for not even the privilege of a + grated and curtained parlor interview is allowed to the Sepolte + Vive. And yet with all this unparalleled refinement of + austerity they were as blithe and healthy a body of women, as + cheerful and youthful in manner, as peaceful and calm in + appearance, as could be found among the Sisters of Charity or + the lay members of an association of Mercy.</p> + + <p>The Carmelites are an order spread wide over the Christian + world. The reform of Saint Teresa was sadly needed among these + nuns three hundred years ago, and the recital of the vehement + opposition made to her efforts shows the merit due to her. At + the present day the order is one of the strictest in existence. + The habit is of coarse brown serge, including the tunic and + scapular, a cord <span class="pagenum"><a name="page329" + id="page329"></a>[pg 329]</span> round the waist, sandals + (in England and other northern climates shoes are allowed), + a black veil and an ample white cloak. They rise at two + o'clock, winter and summer alike, to sing matins, and when + they retire to rest at night one of their number walks + through the corridors—in this order each nun has a + cell—springing a rattle and repeating in a clear tone + a verse of Scripture to serve as a subject of meditation + before going to sleep. In the choir the Carmelites are only + permitted the use of three notes, the reason alleged for + this restriction being that the service of God must not run + the risk of becoming an occasion of temptation to the + singers. These nuns are very strictly cloistered, and their + rules regarding visitors are much the same as those + described at length in the beginning of this paper.</p> + + <p>The cloistered orders are less numerous, but also less + known, than the communities formed for active duty, such as + education and nursing the sick; but in describing their + constitution and rules we show the reader the true basis on + which the more modern and active orders are constituted. The + traditions of the spiritual life came down through them, and + they represent the principle of vicarious oblation which + animates all the different phases of convent life; i.e. the + substitution of a small body of voluntary servants of God for + the entire world, which ought to be perpetually engaged in His + service and worship. The Benedictines, Capuchins and Visitation + nuns are also cloistered, but the last are the only ones of + this description who are likewise teachers of youth. Many very + superior women belong to this order, which, except for the + enclosure, practices no special physical austerities. The + principle of the rule is the subduing of the will and the + curbing of the spirit. The order is a recent one, and was + instituted by Saint Francis of Sales while Beza ruled in Geneva + and the Reformation had just disturbed the religious balance of + Europe. With consummate prudence the new order was directed to + employ the means best understood by the age. Cold calculation + had succeeded to ardent zeal: the public mind no longer + instinctively revered the old heroic type of dragon-tamers, be + they called Roland or Saint Benedict. The new current required + a new rudder, and the Visitation nuns supplied the need. At + first they were not even meant to be cloistered, but to form a + kind of missionary society (as their very name implies) among + the Calvinists of Savoy and France. This original intention was + soon overruled by the Italian advisers of Saint Francis: the + southern European mind has ever been slow to conceive the idea + of a more spiritual protection than bolts and bars. But even in + their cloistered sphere the Visitation nuns clung to useful, + active work, and became a teaching order. They and the + Ursulines (who in Italy, at least, are cloistered) shared this + task among them till the more modern order of the "Sacred + Heart" almost monopolized it. I have myself known women of the + most tried virtue and rare learning among the "Visitandines." + Their rule is less strict about visitors, and even strangers + are admitted to the parlor without a curtain being drawn behind + the grating. Their features are thus perfectly visible, and you + can even shake hands between the bars.</p> + + <p>Even to this day there is hardly a noble family of Catholic + Europe that has not one or more representatives among the + religious orders. In England, both among "converts" and + families of old Catholic stock, there are many girls whose + names have been absorbed into those given at the same time as + the ring and veil of a novice. In Flanders there are fully half + a dozen convents—at Bruges, Antwerp and + Louvain—emphatically called "English," and founded by + scions of great English families exiled for their adherence to + the old faith under Elizabeth and James I. They are mostly + Augustinians. The new order of the "Sacred Heart" has drawn to + it women from Russia, Spain, America, as well as from its + native land of France, and the Sisters of Charity have won a + worldwide fame in the hospitals of the East and the recent + battle-fields of the West.</p> + + <p>I have dwelt chiefly on the life of the old contemplative, + cloistered orders, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page330" + id="page330"></a>[pg 330]</span> because they are less known + to the public and more mistakes are made about their + constitution and rules, and also because in these old + cradle-institutions are hidden the roots of the whole + religious system which to this day crops out so vigorously + in works of mercy over every land where the Catholic Church + has a foothold. Among the uncloistered orders of religious + women—and here we expect to be better understood and + more fairly met by those whose knowledge of "religion" is + not personal—there are many that fulfill heroic + missions, perform useful tasks, or even silent, + uncomplaining drudgery. In all large European towns the + <i>cornette</i> of the Sister of St. Vincent of Paul is seen + in hospital, prison and asylum, in the garret of the dying + workman as well as by the bed where the warrior lies in + state—in the humble schools of the lowest suburbs and + in the <i>crèches</i> of the darkest byways.</p> + + <p>The crèche—so called in remembrance of the crib + of Bethlehem—is an institution of the greatest use to + poor women obliged to work for their living. They either find + their children an insuperable bar to their labor, or else a + source of constant anxiety during their absence. To the + crèche, however, they can take the little ones in the + early morning and leave them till late at night, paying only a + small sum, such as five cents a day, if they are able, while if + circumstances warrant their being exempted even this is not + required. The house is supported chiefly by voluntary + contributions, and the sisters often have lay assistants eager + to share in their labor of love. The children are taken in at + all ages, the tiniest, unweaned infant not excepted: there are + little cots of all sizes prepared for them, an abundance of + milk, toys for the older ones, picture-books, etc. They are fed + three times a day, washed and combed before being sent home + (although constant applicants are expected to bring their + children tidy and neat on first arrival), and if the mother + fails to return at night, they are of course housed with the + tenderest care. As there would be no room to accommodate + permanent baby-boarders without impairing the original + intention for which the crèche is opened, these little + waifs, if not claimed after three nights and days, are sent to + the foundling asylum: this, however, does not often occur. + There are many of these institutions scattered through France: + London has two, and New York will soon have one—perhaps + by this time it has already been opened. A woman earning her + bread by hard work would have to leave her children in the care + of some neighbor, who most likely would fail in her task or + teach the children bad things, and demand some compensation all + the same. If the eldest child were left in charge of younger + infants, as is so often the case with the honest poor, the + chances are that it will break or injure its spine by carrying + the little ones. All this anxiety is avoided by this beautiful + and inviting arrangement, which is generally under the + management of the Sisters of Charity. The London crèches + have a night school for working girls and grown women in + connection with the principal part of the institution; also a + Sunday school for children. Among the rules is one which + forbids the wearing of artificial flowers or any tawdry finery + during school-time. But in another part of London artificial + flowers in a Sunday bonnet are a sign of a reclaimed female + drunkard, as the clergyman has hit on the ingenious method of + advising the women to leave off drinking, that they may be able + to afford some Sunday finery wherewith to please their + husbands' eyes and to hold up their heads with the best in + church!</p> + + <p>Old age is as helpless as infancy, and less attractive in + its helplessness, so that the task undertaken by the Little + Sisters of the Poor is still more meritorious when performed in + the devoted spirit which characterizes them. They are literally + the servants of beggars: they are bound to possess nothing and + to hoard nothing; they live on the refuse of refuse, begging + the crumbs from rich men's tables to feed the hungry ones under + their care, and when these are satisfied sitting down to the + scanty remains. They have a large establishment in London, + which I once visited, but which has since been + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page331" + id="page331"></a>[pg 331]</span> divided into two, the aim + of both continuing the same. The sisters wear a very + unpretending black gown and cap: when out of doors they add + to this a poke-bonnet and thick veil, with a large black + shawl. They have a little donkey-cart, which they drive + themselves, and which makes daily pilgrimages all over town, + stopping at the houses of the rich of all denominations and + receiving contributions of that which is too often thought + below the cook's while to claim as a perquisite. So laden, + the Little Sisters return to their old people, and a + transformation begins in the vast kitchen. No one would + believe what savory dishes they manufacture out of the + leavings and parings of great houses: everything is sifted, + cleaned, washed, as the case requires; each kind of food is + carefully separated and placed in its appointed place; an + immense cauldron is continually on the fire, and soups and + jellies are in a constant state of fusion and preparation. + Puddings of all sorts come out of the renovating oven: + joints of roast meat are the only things which are + exceptional, and sometimes the more generous charity of some + outsider adds even this luxury to the usual fare. The Little + Sisters of the Poor clothe as well as feed their charges: + for this, too, they trust to charity, and left-off clothes + are a great boon to them. They are so ingenious that there + is hardly a thing of which they cannot make a deft use. They + have houses in New York and Philadelphia, and already do an + immense deal of good among the destitute aged poor.</p> + + <p>The Order of Sion is a rather peculiar one, its principal + object being the conversion to Christianity and subsequent + education of young Jewesses. It has been founded within the + last forty years by the brothers Ratisbonne, both of them Jews + of distinction converted to Christianity. The elder brother + (they are both priests now) superintends the order in Europe: + the younger resides at the mother-house at Jerusalem. The + convent is an educational establishment, where the daughters of + Orientals of all kinds are received—Jews, Arabs, Syrians, + Armenians, etc. In Europe the houses, of course, do not confine + themselves to Jewish pupils, else they would find less work + than their many hands could do, but receive boarders and give a + solid education like the other and more fashionable convents. + As a child I lived nearly a year in one of these houses, a + large, roomy, silent villa, two hours from Paris. Behind the + house was a garden and grove crossed in all directions by + bewildering little paths leading into unexpected hollows where + a rustic altar and statuette of Our Lady would be placed, or a + crucifix erected in startling loneliness on a little hillock. A + wide avenue of lime trees, where the pupils might be seen early + in the morning studying their tasks, or in the afternoon eating + their luncheon of grapes and brown bread, traversed this grove + in a straight line, and here on certain feast-days nuns and + pupils would form picturesque processions, with the customary + banners, tapers, white veils and swelling hymns. Here the + Ratisbonne brothers came to rest from their work of furthering + the interests of the order—the elder a fatherly, portly + man with white hair and a gentle manner, the younger a bronzed, + black-bearded man, a true Oriental, with enthusiasm expressed + in every line of his countenance and every flash of his + piercing eye. He was only on a visit at that time, and then, as + now, made Jerusalem his permanent home. There are one or two + convents of this order in England, but I think none as yet in + America.</p> + + <p>The convent of the Assumption at Auteuil, a suburb of Paris, + is one renowned for its excellent educational advantages. I + spent a week there one winter on a visit to a near relative + among the pupils, and had an opportunity to observe the + clock-like life of the place. All the girls I have known to be + educated there were better scholars than any brought up + elsewhere. There were many English and American girls, besides + Poles, Germans and West Indian Creoles. The war of 1860-64 left + traces of strange animosity among the Northern and Southern + children: it was hardly credible that such a spirit could + animate young children so long removed from the immediate home + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page332" + id="page332"></a>[pg 332]</span> influences that would + otherwise have accounted for the feeling. Among the nuns + were several English women, clever and deeply read, but + softer-hearted than most scholars who have had too much to + do with the world. There was also a sister of Père + Hyacinthe among the Assumptionists, and the great orator + himself often came to the convent-chapel to preach simple + little sermons to the school-girls. His sister was terribly + crushed by the news of his defection from the Catholic + Church, and, I believe, refused even to see him again.</p> + + <p>A very beautiful scene which I witnessed on the 8th of + December in this convent was the renewal of the vows. The mass + was celebrated in the chapel at five in the morning, of course + by gas- and candle-light. The body of the chapel was perfectly + clear, the community sat in carved wooden stalls round the + altar, the pupils assisted from the galleries above, and hidden + under the gallery was the small but very perfect choir of nuns + and children. The hymns of Père Hermann, a famous + pianist and composer, a pupil of Liszt, a convert from Judaism, + and afterward a Carmelite friar, are very popular in France, + and of these the music chiefly consisted. At the communion the + superioress stepped forward, wearing the white woolen mantle + (which with a purple tunic is the complete dress of this order) + and knelt to receive the holy sacrament. A nun in the same + costume, bearing a lighted taper and bowing almost to the + ground, stood on each side of her as the priest communicated + her, and so on till the whole sisterhood had each knelt + separately and the bowing figures, like attendant angels, had + done homage to each as the tabernacle, for a time, of the + blessed sacrament. When the mass was over each professed sister + solemnly read over the formula of her religious vows before a + table on which lay a crucifix, which each reverently kissed in + token of rededication of herself to the divine service.</p> + + <p>The order of the Good Shepherd is one that is known + throughout the world. It has branch houses in every country. + The one to which I shall specially refer is in New York. It + stands on the banks of the East River, overlooking Astoria and + Long Island, and from its top windows the eye reaches far up + the Sound. Like all convents, it is marvelously clean. The + order is devoted to the reclaiming of fallen women, and in this + instance the house is a government reformatory. A certain + annual subsidy is guaranteed by the city authorities, but + voluntary contributions and the industry of the inmates give + more than half toward the real support of the house. Three + sorts of women are under the care of the nuns: (1) those whom + the judges send there as criminals for a specified term; (2) + those whom their friends send in hope of their being quietly + reformed without the intervention of justice; and (3) those who + seek of their own accord to do penance and earn forgiveness for + their sins. This is of course the most hopeful class, and it + frequently happens that these penitents become in time + permanent inmates, and even nuns. In the latter case, as the + rule of the order does not allow of the reception of any woman + with a stain on her reputation, they are clothed in the habit + of the Carmelite Third Order (brown serge tunic and black + veil), in which the austerities are not very great. They go + through the usual novitiate and make their vows in the regular + manner: they are then called "Magdalens," and inhabit a portion + of the house reserved for them, say their office at stated + hours in their own chapel, contiguous to that of the Good + Shepherd nuns, and live under obedience to the superioress of + the latter. I saw about a dozen of them taking their evening + walk in a pretty enclosed garden by the river-side. Other women + who do not feel inclined to so full a renunciation of their + liberty bind themselves by a promise, good for one year only, + to the service of the house, and wear a semi-religious kind of + cap and a scarlet badge with the letter <i>P</i> or <i>F</i>: + they are divided into two classes, under the patronage of Saint + Joseph and Saint Patrick. They renew the promise from year to + year, and often spend their lives in this lay sisterhood of + penance. Every inmate, be she prisoner or penitent, is + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page333" + id="page333"></a>[pg 333]</span> taught to sew, first by + hand, then on the machine: many on their first entrance are + so ignorant that they do not know on which finger to place + the thimble, but after a while most are able to do a good + day's work on common shirts and linen articles which the + order contracts for with the wholesale shops. Another source + of profit to the house is the laundry, but this is conducted + exclusively by the nuns themselves. They do all the washing + of surplices, altar-cloths, etc. for most of the Catholic + churches of New York, for the convents and colleges, and for + many private families. The fluting on children's frocks and + the polish on shirts is something wonderful, and the young + nun who superintends the concern seemed to be a real + enthusiast in the matter. The nuns' dormitories, as well as + those of the prisoners, are miracles of neatness; the + refectories likewise. There are various immense airy halls + where the nuns and girls sit sewing, and where a stranger + sees a spectacle new to most people, certainly unexpected by + the greater number—that of an assemblage of ugly + faces, each belonging to an <i>unfortunate</i> whose + temptations are usually understood to lie originally in her + fatal beauty. Many of them are scarcely fourteen, and if + once admitted, the melancholy chance is that they will be + here again time after time: the sentences are seldom long + enough to afford room for thought and conversion. Among the + penitents the cases are far more hopeful, but the gentle + sisters never forget their kind, conciliatory manner toward + all; and unless a perverse demon whispers to their ear that + these nuns are their <i>jailers</i>, the poor prisoners see + little to remind them that they are not in a voluntarily + chosen home.</p> + + <p>Nuns are by no means a shiftless, unbusiness-like set of + women: they can look after themselves as well as after the poor + and forlorn: many of them, were they in the world, would be + called strong-minded, blue-stockinged women. At Montreal there + is a large establishment of the Sisters of the + Congrégation de Notre Dame, generally called + Congregation Sisters, founded by Margaret Bourgeoys. They are + the great educational sisters of Lower Canada. They own St. + Paul's Island, some distance above the city: this is their + farm, and one of the nuns, called the sister économe, + has to visit it frequently and superintend matters, being the + stewardess and committee of ways and means and revenue + department combined. Of course a good horse is desirable for + these drives, and their horses being one source of profit, the + économe feels that the reputation of the breed ought not + to be depreciated by her own "turnout." The young men of the + town often meet her on the road and try to distance her, but + this she will never permit, and her horse, faultlessly groomed + and in splendid condition, always comes off the winner in these + innocent races. One day, however, the bishop, having heard of + this rivalry on the road, sent for her and remonstrated, + alleging that such "fast" conduct might lend itself to + scandalous rumors, and was altogether unbecoming in a + <i>religious</i>. The nun smiled, and protested that she was + ready to obey her superiors' orders in every particular, as all + good Catholics and good religious are bound to do, but slyly + insinuated the following cogent argument: "Does not Your + Lordship think, however, that, since our convent lives partly + on the reputation of this famous breed of trotters, it is + hardly for the credit of the house that its representative + conveyance should drag along as dejectedly as a street-vendor's + donkey-cart?" What the bishop's reply was "the deponent sayeth + not," but we may infer that this shrewd woman was at least as + capable of controlling a wide meshwork of business details as + he was of managing his diocese. Now, there are many such women + in convents, for the religious life leads not, as people think, + to a renunciation of your own self-dependence, but on the + contrary to the highest kind of confidence in your own power + <i>when backed by the help of Almighty God</i>. Saint Teresa of + Spain once said these memorable words: "Teresa and tenpence are + nothing: Teresa, tenpence <i>and God</i> are omnipotent."</p> + + <p class="author">LADY BLANCHE + MURPHY.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page334" id="page334"></a></span> + THE ATONEMENT OF LEAM DUNDAS.</h2> + + <h4>BY MRS. E. LYNN LINTON, AUTHOR OF "PATRICIA KEMBALL."</h4> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXV.</h3> + + <h3>SMALL CAUSES.</h3> + + <p>The frost came early this year; and by the second week in + December the ponds and shallows in the neighborhood of North + Aston were covered with ice that made good sliding-grounds for + the children. Presently it grew and spread till the deeper + waters were frozen over, and a skating-rink was formed of the + Broad that bore the heavier weights without danger. It was a + merry time for the North Astonians; and even the elder men + strapped on their skates and took colds and contusions in their + endeavors to double back on their supple youth and to forget + the stiffer facts of time. As for the young people, they were + in the full swing of innocent enjoyment; and the girls wished + that the frost would last through the whole of the winter, so + that they might make up skating-parties with the boys every + day, and avoid the unmeaning deadness of "tender" weather.</p> + + <p>This ice had been in perfect condition for three days and + the Broad had been thronged, but Leam had not appeared. All the + other young ladies of the country had come, Adelaide Birkett + one of the most diligent in her attendance, for was not Edgar + Harrowby one of the most constant in his? But though more than + one pair of eyes had looked anxiously along the road that led + to Ford House, which some people still continued to call + Andalusia Cottage, no lithe, graceful figure had been seen + gliding between the frosted hedgerows, and Edgar, like Alick, + had skated in disappointment, the former with the feeling of an + actor playing to an empty house when he made his finest turns + and she was not there to see them; the latter with the + self-reproach of one taking enjoyment abroad while the beloved + is sitting in solitude and dreariness at home.</p> + + <p>At last, on the fourth day, she came down with her father; + and to at least two on the ground the advent of a + slender-waisted girl with dark eyes and small feet changed the + whole aspect of things, and made life for the moment infinitely + more beautiful and desirable than it had been. It was a + brilliant day, with as fine a sun as England can show in + winter—no wind, but a clear air, crisp, dry and + exhilarating, Every one was there—Edgar, the most + graceful of the skaters; Alick, the most awkward; Dr. Corfield, + essaying careful little spurts, schoolboy fashion, along the + edges; and the portly rector, proud to show his past + superiority in sharp criticism on the style of the present day + as a voucher for his own greater grace and skill in the days + when he too was an Adonis for the one part and an Admirable + Crichton for the other, and carried no superfluous flesh about + his ribs. Among them, too, looking on the scene as if it was + something in which he had no inherited share, as if these were + not men and women to whom he was sib on Adam's side, but + cunningly contrived machines whose movements he contemplated + with benign indifference, was to be seen the mild philosophic + occupant of Lionnet—that Mr. Gryce of whom no one knew + more than that he studied dead languages through the day and + caught moths and beetles in the twilight, had come without + letters of introduction and was never seen at church; hence + that he was a man of whom to beware, and a dangerous element + among them. The pendulum of acceptance, which had swung so far + on one side in the unguaranteed reception of Madame de + Montfort, had now gone back to the corresponding extent on the + other; and no one, not even Mr. Birkett as the clergyman, nor + Mr. Dundas as the landlord, had held out a finger to the + new-comer, not to speak of a hand; while all regarded his + presence at North Aston as rather a liberty than otherwise. + Nevertheless, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page335" + id="page335"></a>[pg 335]</span> as time would show, though + he had come there without purpose and lived among the people + without interest, he would not be found without his uses, + and one at least of the threads making up the skein of life + at North Aston would be placed in his hands.</p> + + <p>As Leam came to the side both Edgar Harrowby and Alick + Corfield turned to greet her, the usually sad face of the + curate, already brightened by fresh air and exercise, brighter + still at seeing her, the handsome head of the squire held a + little higher as his figure involuntarily straightened and he + put out his best powers in her honor. But Alick's shambling + legs carried him fastest, and he was first at the edge, the + neighborhood looking on, prepared to build a Tower of Babel + heaven high on the foundation of a single brick. Leam Dundas + had not yet been fitted with her hypothetical mate, and people + wanted to see to whom they were to give her.</p> + + <p>"Oh, come on with me!" cried Alick as soon as he came up, + speaking with the unconscious familiarity of gladness at the + advent for which he had watched so long. He held out his arm to + Leam crooked awkwardly at the elbow.</p> + + <p>"No," said Leam a little shortly.</p> + + <p>She always stiffened when Alick spoke to her before folk + with anything like intimacy in his manner. He was her good + friend, granted, and she liked him in a way and respected him + in a way, though he was still too much after the pattern of her + former slave and dog to gain her best esteem. She was one of + those women who are arbitrary and disdainful to masculine + weakness, and require to be absolutely dominated by men if they + are to respect them as men like to be respected by women, and + as—<i>pace</i> the Shriekers—the true woman likes + to respect men. And Alick, though he had her in his hands and + might destroy her at a word—clergyman, too, as he was, + and thus possessing the key to higher things than she + knew—was always so humble, so subservient, he made her + feel as if she was his superior—not, as it should have + been, that he was hers. In consequence, girl-like, proud and + shy, she treated him with more disdain than she ought to have + done, and used the power which he himself gave her without much + consideration as to its effect. Besides, she did not wish to + let people think he knew too much of her. With the nervous + fancy of youth, ever believing itself to be transparent and + understood all through, she imagined it would be seen that he + had the right to speak to her familiarly—that he had her + in his hand to destroy her at a word if so minded. Wherefore + she said "No" shortly, and turned away her eyes as her protest + against his glad face, crooked elbow and eager offer.</p> + + <p>"I will not let you fall, and it is very jolly," cried Alick + cheerily, more like the boyish Alick of former days than the + ascetic young curate of modern times.</p> + + <p>"I do not like it," said Leam.</p> + + <p>Alick's countenance fell; and when his face, always long, + became longer still, with a congealed-looking skin, sad, + red-lidded eyes and a hanging under lip, it was not lovely. + Indeed, according to the miserable fatality which so often + makes the spiritually best the physically worst—like the + gods whom the Athenians enclosed in outer cases of satyrs and + hideous masks of misshapen men—Alick's face was never + lovely. But his soul? If that could have been seen, the old + carved parable of the Greeks would have been justified.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Leam! Why cannot you do as others do?" cried Mr. + Dundas.</p> + + <p>He wanted to get rid of her for a while, and he was not + unwilling that Alick, whose affection he suspected, should rid + him of her for ever if he cared to saddle himself for life with + such an uncomfortable companion.</p> + + <p>"I do not like it," repeated Leam.</p> + + <p>"Nonsense!" said her father again. "Other girls are on. Why + should you not join them? I see Adelaide Birkett and the + Fairbairns. Why not go to them with Alick?"</p> + + <p>"It looks silly balancing one's self on the edge of a knife. + And I should fall," said Leam.</p> + + <p>"No, you shall not fall," Alick pleaded. "I will undertake + that you shall not."</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page336" id="page336"></a>[pg 336]</span> + His arm was still held out, always awkwardly crooked.</p> + + <p>Leam lifted her eyes. "No," she said with her old calm + decision, and moved away. Four years ago she would have + supplemented her refusal by the words, "You are stupid. You + tease me," Now she contented herself with action and + accent.</p> + + <p>Alick, very sorry, moist-eyed from disappointment, but not + caring to stand there and get chilled—for our good Alick + was a little afraid of cold, after the manner of mothers' sons + in general—skated off again to keep up his circulation, + his knees bent, his chin forward, his arms swinging as + balance-weights to his long body, the ends of his white woolen + comforter flying behind him, and his legs running anywhere, the + clumsiest and most ungraceful skater on the Broad. All the + same, he never fell, and he went faster than even Edgar in his + perfection of manly elegance.</p> + + <p>Edgar had watched the whole of this little scene between + Leam and Alick while seeming to be occupied only in executing + his spread eagles and outside curves to perfection, and it was + no secret to him what it meant. The demon of masculine vanity, + never far off where a pretty woman was concerned, entered and + took possession of him. He would succeed where Alick Corfield + had failed, and Leam, who refused her old friend, should + gratify her new. He had been guiding Adelaide over the ice, but + she was rather too stiff in her movements, not sufficiently + pliant nor yielding to be a very pleasant skating companion. + And he had been pushing Josephine along the slide, but Joseph + was too stout and short-breathed to be an ideal convoy; also he + had been racing and half romping with the Fairbairn girls, who + slipped and tumbled and laughed and screamed—more + hoydenish than he thought pleasing; but now he intended to + reward himself with Leam, whose action he was sure would be all + that was delightful, even though unaccustomed, and who would + look so well on his arm. Her slight and supple figure against + his breadth and height and sense of solidity and strength, her + dark hair and his beard of tawny brown, her large dark eyes and + his of true Saxon blue, her southern face, oval in shape, + cream-colored in tint, and his, square, open, ruddy, + Scandinavian,—yes, they would make a splendid pair by + their very contrast; and Edgar, narrowing his ambition to his + circumstances, was quietly resolved to win the day over Alick + Corfield by inducing Leam to cross the Broad with him after she + had so manifestly refused her old friend. It was but a small + object of ambition, but we must do what we can, thought Edgar; + and it is the best wisdom to content ourselves with mice when + we have no lions to destroy. He did not, however, rush up to + her with Alick's tactless precipitancy. He waited just long + enough for her to desire, and not so long as to disappoint; + then, speaking to Adelaide by the way, and giving her and + Josephine each a helping hand, he came in a series of clean, + showy curves to where Leam and her father were standing.</p> + + <p>Leam was glad to meet again this handsome man who had seen + so much and who talked so well. He was something different from + the rest, and so far superior to them all. But, not being one + of those instinctive girls who yield without pressure and fall + in love at first sight, there were no flushings nor + palpitations as Edgar came up; only a grave little smile stole + half timidly over her face, and she forgot that he had insulted + her mother's country by calling her the prettiest Andalusian he + had ever seen.</p> + + <p>"Do you skate, Miss Dundas?" asked Edgar after a while, + during which he had been talking of different matters, + beginning with the weather, that camel of English conversation, + and ending with the state of the ice and the chances of a thaw. + His five minutes of commonplaces seemed an eternity to + Adelaide, watching them jealously from a distance.</p> + + <p>"No," said Leam.</p> + + <p>"I want her to learn; and this is a good opportunity," put + in her father.</p> + + <p>"You are right. It is a capital exercise and a graceful + accomplishment," said Edgar. "I think a woman never + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page337" + id="page337"></a>[pg 337]</span> looks better than when she + is skating," he added carelessly.</p> + + <p>"I think she looks silly," said Leam.</p> + + <p>He laughed. "That is because you are not English <i>pur + sang</i>," he cried gayly. "If you had only the brave old Norse + blood in you, you would take to the frost and ice like second + nature."</p> + + <p>"No, I am not English <i>pur sang</i>," answered Leam + gravely. "I am more than half Spanish," a little proudly.</p> + + <p>"Hang it all, you can't make it more than half!" said her + father testily.</p> + + <p>"And that makes such a splendid combination," said Edgar, + slightly lowering his voice as, ignoring his remark, he turned + away from Mr. Dundas and gave himself wholly to Leam. "Spanish + for art and poetry and all the fervid beauty of the + South—English for the courage, the hardihood, the energy + of the North. You ought to cultivate the characteristics of + both nationalities, Miss Dundas," in a louder tone; "and to do + justice to one of them you ought to learn to skate."</p> + + <p>"That's right, Edgar; so I say," cried Mr. Dundas, who had + heard only the last part.</p> + + <p>"I cannot learn," said Leam; but her face became strangely + flushed, and she felt her resolution growing limp as her cheeks + grew red.</p> + + <p>"Yes, you can. I could teach you in half an hour," cried + Edgar, pulling down his coat-cuffs with an air.</p> + + <p>"Go, Leam: let Major Harrowby give you a lesson," said her + father. "Perhaps he is a better teacher than that + shambling-looking Alick. Go, child."</p> + + <p>"Shall I?" asked Edgar. "At least let me assist you to cross + the ice, if without skates at first."</p> + + <p>He held out his hand.</p> + + <p>"I shall fall," objected reluctant Leam.</p> + + <p>"No, you shall not. I will answer for that. Come. Will you + not trust me?" This last phrase was said half tenderly, half + with an offended kind of remonstrance, and he was still holding + out his hand.</p> + + <p>"Go, Leam," urged her father.</p> + + <p>"It is silly, and I shall fall," repeated Leam.</p> + + <p>Nevertheless, she put her hand in Edgar's, and he took her + on his arm in triumph.</p> + + <p>At first her steps were slow and timid; but as her feet grew + more accustomed to the unusual ground, as she gained more + confidence in the strong arm that held her like a bar of iron, + as her youth began to assert itself in the physical pleasure of + the fresh air and the gliding movement, she lost her shyness + and timidity, and she found herself almost laughing—she, + who never laughed and only so rarely smiled.</p> + + <p>"You like it?" he asked, looking down on her with a man's + admiration for a pretty woman marked in every line and + feature.</p> + + <p>"Yes, so much!" she answered, her usual reserved, + self-centred manner for the moment lost.</p> + + <p>"Now you will know how to trust me in future," he said not + very loudly.</p> + + <p>She looked up to him, carrying her eyes right into his. + "Yes, I will," she answered simply.</p> + + <p>At this moment Alick joined them, and Leam suddenly lost her + new-found joy.</p> + + <p>"I am glad you have come on at last," said her faithful dog, + effacing himself and his disappointment with an effort.</p> + + <p>"They made me," Leam replied.</p> + + <p>"I hope not against your will and not to your displeasure," + said Edgar, still looking down into her face with the man's + admiration of a woman's beauty so strongly marked in his + own.</p> + + <p>"No," she answered: "I have liked it."</p> + + <p>"Let us take her between us, major, and give her a good + spin," said Alick, grasping the upper part of her arm + uncomfortably.</p> + + <p>Edgar slightly pressed the hand he held crosswise. "Would + you like to double your protectors?" he asked. "Shall I share + my office?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Leam. "I like best to be with one person + only."</p> + + <p>"And possession being the nine points, let us go on," + laughed Edgar, whirling her away. "By the by, would you have + preferred my giving you to Mr. Corfield + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page338" + id="page338"></a>[pg 338]</span> as 'the one person only'?" + he asked with affected doubt, making pretence of wishing to + know her mind. He was skating rapidly now. It was as good as + flying to Leam, and she was happy and very grateful.</p> + + <p>"I would rather be with you," she answered.</p> + + <p>"Thanks!" said Edgar, and smiled.</p> + + <p>"He is awkward, and you are not," continued Leam, anxious to + explain. "But I like him very much. He is good and kind; and he + cannot help being awkward, can he?"</p> + + <p>"No," said Edgar coldly. "So you like him very much, do + you?"</p> + + <p>"Very much," repeated Leam with loyal emphasis, "He has + always been my friend here."</p> + + <p>"I hope for the future that I may be included in that sacred + place," said Edgar after a pause.</p> + + <p>Leam looked at him slowly, fixedly. "You will never be so + good to me as he is," she answered.</p> + + <p>It was the man's heart that beat now, the man's cheek that + flushed. Who could keep his pulses still when those eyes were + turned to his with, as it seemed, such maddening meaning? "I + will try," he said; and from that moment the die was cast. + Edgar put himself in competition with Alick: he lowered his + pride to such a rivalry as this, and threw his whole energies + into the determination to surpass and supplant a man for whom + even the least personable of his own sex need have had no + fear.</p> + + <p>He kept Leam for a long time after this, laying ground-lines + for the future; forgetting Adelaide and the suitability which + had hitherto been such an important factor in his calculations; + forgetting his horror of Pepita, whose daughter Leam was, and + his contempt for weak, fusionless Mr. Dundas, who was her + father; forgetting the conventional demands of his class, + intolerant of foreign blood; forgetting all but the words which + said that Alick was her best friend here, and doubted his + (Edgar's) ever being so good to her as that other had been. It + was on his heart now to convince her that he could be as good + to her as Alick, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page123" + id="page123"></a>[pg 123]</span> and, if she would allow + him, a great deal better. At last he slackened, and pulled + up at the group of which the Fairbairn girls and Adelaide + Birkett were the most conspicuous members.</p> + + <p>"What a long skate you have had!" said Susy Fairbairn + ruefully, for all that she was a good-tempered girl and not + disposed to measure her neighbor's wheat by her own bushel. But + this was a special matter; for Edgar Harrowby was the pride of + the place, and they took count of his doings as of their local + prince, and envied the lucky queen of the hour bitterly or + sadly according to the mood and the person.</p> + + <p>"It was the first time I had tried," said Leam, all aglow + with the unwonted exercise and unusual excitement.</p> + + <p>"I suppose you began by saying you could not and would not, + and then did more than any one else?" said Adelaide in an acrid + voice, veiling a very displeased face with a very unpleasant + smile; but the veil was too transparent and showed the + displeasure with palpable plainness.</p> + + <p>Leam looked at her in a half-surprised way. Jealousy was a + passion of which she was wholly ignorant, and she did not + understand the key-note. She knew nothing of the unspoken + affair between Edgar and the rector's daughter, and could not + read between the lines. Why was Adelaide cross because she had + been a long time upon the ice? Did it hurt her? They had not + been near her—not interfered with her in any way: why + should she be vexed that they, Major Harrowby and herself, had + been enjoying themselves? So she thought, gazing at Adelaide + with the serious, searching look which always irritated that + young lady, and at this moment almost unbearably.</p> + + <p>"I wonder they did not teach you at school that it was rude + to stare as you do, Leam," she cried with impolitic haste and + bitterness. "What are you looking at? Am I changing into a + monster, or what?"</p> + + <p>"I am looking at you because you are so cross about + nothing," answered Leam gravely. "What does it matter to any + one if I have been on the ice long or no? Why should you be + angry?" <span class="pagenum"><a name="page339" + id="page339"></a>[pg 339]</span> "Angry!" said Adelaide with + supreme disdain. "I am not sufficiently interested in what + you do, Leam, to be angry or cross, as you call it. I + confess I do not like affectation: that is all."</p> + + <p>"Neither do I like affectation," returned Leam. "People + should say what they feel."</p> + + <p>"Indeed! That might not always be agreeable," said Adelaide + with her most sarcastic air. "Perhaps it is as well that the + laws of politeness keep one's mouth shut at times, and that we + do not say what we feel."</p> + + <p>"It would be better," insisted Leam.</p> + + <p>"I wonder if you would say so were I to tell you what I + thought of you now?" Adelaide replied, measuring her scornfully + with her eyes.</p> + + <p>"Why should you not? What have I done to be ashamed of?" + Leam asked.</p> + + <p>"And you call yourself natural and not affected!" Adelaide + cried, turning away abruptly.—"How wrong," she said in a + low voice to Edgar, "turning the head of such a silly child as + this!"</p> + + <p>Edgar laughed. The vein of cruelty traversing his nature + made him find more amusement than chagrin in Adelaide's patent + jealousy: he thought she was silly, and he was rather amazed at + her want of dignity; still, it was amusing, and he enjoyed it + as so much fun.</p> + + <p>But when he laughed Leam's discomfiture was complete. "I am + sorry I came on the ice at all," she said with a mixture of her + old pride and new softness that made her infinitely lovely, the + proud little head held high, but the beautiful eyes dewy. "I + have offended every one, and I do not know why." Just then + Alick came rambling by. She held out her hand to him. Here at + least was her friend and faithful follower. He would not jeer + at her nor laugh, nor yet look cross and angry, as if she had + done wrong. "Take me to papa," she said superbly, making as if + to withdraw her other hand from Edgar.</p> + + <p>Alick's homely face brightened like the morning. + "Certainly," he said.</p> + + <p>"Certainly not," flashed Edgar proudly, taking both her + hands in his crosswise and grasping them even more firmly than + before. "You are in my charge, Miss Dundas, and I can give you + up to no one else—not even by your own desire."</p> + + <p>Adelaide's slight cast became an unmistakable squint; the + Fairbairn girls fluttered, half frightened at the chance of a + fracas; Alick looked irresolute; Edgar looked haughty and + displeased; Leam tragic and proud, partly bewildered, partly + distressed.</p> + + <p>Then Edgar cut the whole thing short by taking her away in + silence, but like a whirlwind, saying, when half over the + ground and well out of hearing, "What have I done to you, Miss + Dundas, that you should try to throw me over like that?"</p> + + <p>"You laughed at me," said Leam.</p> + + <p>"Laughed at you? You are dreaming."</p> + + <p>"You did," she persisted.</p> + + <p>"Pardon me: I laughed because my little friend Adelaide was + so cross at your skating. It was fun to see her so angry."</p> + + <p>"I saw no fun in it," Leam returned. "I only saw that she + was angry with me, and impertinent, and that then you laughed + at me."</p> + + <p>"I swear to you I did not," cried Edgar earnestly. "Will you + believe me? Tell me, Miss Dundas, that you exonerate me from + such a charge. Tell me that you are sure I did not laugh at + you."</p> + + <p>Leam looked at him with her large luminous eyes serious, + questioning. "If you say so, I must believe you," she answered + slowly, "but I thought you did."</p> + + <p>"If you could read my heart, you would know I did not," he + said emphatically.</p> + + <p>They were close on the bank now, where Mr. Dundas was + walking with the rector.</p> + + <p>"Say you believe me," Edgar almost whispered in his rich + musical voice, so sweet and tender. "Say it, I beseech you! You + do not know how I shall suffer else."</p> + + <p>She looked at him again. "I do," she said in the manner of a + surrender, the grave little smile which was her most eloquent + expression of pleasure stealing over her face.</p> + + <p>"Thank you," said Edgar: "now you have made me + happy."</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page340" id="page340"></a>[pg 340]</span> + "I do not understand why," she answered with serious + simplicity.</p> + + <p>"Perhaps you will some day," he replied as her father came + down to receive her, rather more content with her than he + usually was, seeing that Edgar Harrowby—Major Harrowby, + the possessor of the Hill and some thousands a year—had + singled her out for his special attention, and had made a + picture on the ice almost as pretty as an illustrated + weekly.</p> + + <p>But Edgar, not wishing to go too far in the way of + provocation, nor to burn his boats behind him before he had + decided on his settlement, skated off to Adelaide so soon as he + had deposited Leam, and by a few judicious praises and + well-administered tendernesses of voice and look succeeded in + bringing her back to her normal condition of quiescent resolve + and satisfaction. Then, when she was her smiling self + again—for if she had frowns for many others, she had + always smiles for the Harrowbys as a race, and specially for + Edgar as an individual—he said, in the manner of one + wishing to know the truth of a thing, "What made you so savage + to Miss Dundas just now?"</p> + + <p>"I cannot bear her," said Adelaide with energy.</p> + + <p>"No, I see that you dislike her; but why?"</p> + + <p>"I can hardly tell you: she has never done anything very + bad, but I always feel as if she could, she is so silent, so + reserved, so odd altogether."</p> + + <p>"A woman's reason!" he laughed, "Dr. Fell over again."</p> + + <p>"It may be," returned Adelaide coldly, "but I believe in my + own instinctive dislikes. I felt the same kind of mistrust for + that wretched woman who called herself Madame de Montfort, + about whom papa and mamma and the whole place went mad. And + after her death quite odd-enough stories came out to justify my + doubts and condemn her faithful friends. Every one said she + poisoned herself because she knew that she would be unmasked + and she was afraid to face the ordeal. And her debts, I + believe, were frightful; though it served that ridiculous Mr. + Dundas right for marrying such a creature."</p> + + <p>"But granting that this woman was an adventuress, as you + say, what has that to do with Miss Dundas?"</p> + + <p>"Nothing, of course: I only mentioned her to show you that I + have some accuracy of judgment, and that when I say I dislike + Leam Dundas my opinion ought to be taken as worth + consideration."</p> + + <p>Adelaide said this quietly, in the well-bred but absolutely + positive manner which she would have when they were married and + she differed from him in opinion. It was the moral + arbitrariness of the superior being, which, amusing now in the + maiden, might become wearisome, not to say oppressive, in the + wife.</p> + + <p>"Well, I do not know her as you do, of course, but I cannot + see why you should dislike her so much," persisted Edgar.</p> + + <p>"Trust me, some day it will be seen why," she answered. "I + feel confident that before long Leam will show herself in her + true colors, and those will be black. I pity the man who will + ever be her husband."</p> + + <p>Edgar laughed somewhat forcedly, then looked at Leam walking + up the road alone, and thought that her husband would not need + much pity for his state. Her beauty stood with him for moral + qualities and intellectual graces. Given such a face as hers, + such a figure, and all the rest was included. And when he + thought of her eyes and the maddening way in which they looked + into his; of the grave little smile, evanescent, delicate, + subtle, the very aroma of a smile, so different from the coarse + hilarity of your commonplace English girls; of the reticence + and pride which gave such value to her smaller graces; of the + enchanting look and accent which had accompanied her act of + self-surrender just now—that acceptance of his word and + renunciation of her own fancy which had put him in the place + and given him the honor of a conqueror,—he accused + Adelaide in his heart of prejudice and jealousy, and despised + her for her littleness. In fact, he was nearer to loving Leam + Dundas because of these strictures than he would have been had + the rector's daughter praised her; and Adelaide, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page341" + id="page341"></a>[pg 341]</span> usually so politic, had + made a horribly bad move by her unguarded confession of + distrust and dislike.</p> + + <p>The whole episode, however, had been lost in its true + meaning to all save one—that one the Mr. Gryce of + Lionnet, who already knew what there was to be known of every + family in the place, and who had the faculty of dovetailing + parts into a whole characteristic of the born detective.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXVI.</h3> + + <h3>THE GREEN YULE.</h3> + + <p>The frost broke suddenly, and was succeeded by damp, close, + unseasonable weather, continuing up to Christmas, and giving + the "green yule" which the proverb says "makes a fat + churchyard." That proverb was justified sadly enough at North + Aston, for typhus set in among the low-lying cottages, and, as + in olden times, when jail-fever struck the lawyer at the bar + and the judge on the bench in stern protest against the + foulness they fostered, so now the sins of the wealthy + landlords in suffering such cottages as these in the bottom to + exist reacted on their own class, and the fever entered other + dwellings beside those of the peasants.</p> + + <p>Two of the gentry were struck down by it—Alick + Corfield and the new occupant of Lionnet, that Mr. Gryce who + never went to church, and who was assumed in consequence to + have neither a soul to be saved by God nor a heart to be + touched by man. And these were just the two who, according to + the theory of the good or evil of a man's deeds returned to him + in kind, had the most reason to expect exemption. For Alick had + spent his strength in visiting the sick as a faithful pastor + should, and Mr. Gryce had taken them material help with royal + abundance. Both together they had to pay the price of + principle, always an expensive luxury, and never personally so + safe a card to play in the game of life as selfishness. For + virtue has not only to be contented with its own reward, as we + constantly hear, but has to accept punishment for its good + deeds, vice for the most part carrying off the blue ribbons and + the gold medals, while poor virtue, shivering in the corner, + gets fitted with the fool's cap or is haled into the + marketplace to be pelted in the pillory. As was seen now in + North Aston.</p> + + <p>The rector, who never went into an infected cottage nor + suffered a parishioner to stand between the wind and his + security, kept his portly strength and handsome flesh intact, + but Alick nearly lost his life as the practical comment on his + faithful ministry; and Mr. Gryce, who, if he did not carry + spiritual manna wherewith to feed hungry souls, did take + quinine and port wine, money and comforting substances + generally, for half-starved aching bodies, was also laid hold + of by that inexorable law which knows nothing about + providential immunities from established consequences on + account of the good motives of the actors. This would have been + called heresy by the North Astonian families, who professed to + trust themselves to superior care, but none the less used + Condy's Fluid as a means whereby the work of Providence might + be rendered easier to it, nor disdained precipitate flight from + the protection in which they all said dolefully they believed. + But there is a wide difference between saying and doing, and + men who are shocked by words of frank unbelief find faithless + deeds both natural and in reason.</p> + + <p>In spite, then, of that expressed trust in Providence which + is part of the garniture of English respectability, a great + fear fell on the North Aston gentry when these two of their own + circle were attacked. The fever, while it had confined itself + to the ill-drained, picturesque little cottages below, was + lamentable enough, but not more than lamentable on the broad + platform of a common humanity; and those who had lost nothing + told those who had lost all that they must bear their cross + with patience, seeing that it was the divine will that it + should be so. Now, when the fiery epidemic had come upon the + gentry face to face in their homes, it was a monster from which + they must flee without delay, for no one knew whose house was + safe, nor for how long his own might remain + uninfected.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page342" id="page342"></a>[pg 342]</span> + Mrs. Harrowby and her daughters went off to Cheltenham two + days after Alick was announced as "down," to find there the + security of living which had failed them here. They were people + of the highest respectability—people who are the very + pith and marrow of English social virtue; but they had not been + touched with the divine fire of self-sacrifice for humanity, + and they had no desire to hush the groans of the afflicted if + they thereby ran the risk of having to gnash their own teeth. + They could do no good at home. As Mrs. Harrowby said, as one + propounding a self-evident paradox, how could they go and see + the sick or help to nurse ploughmen and their children? They + would only catch the fever themselves, and so spread it still + farther. And every one knows what a wicked thing that is to do. + Cook had orders to supply a certain amount of soup and wine + when asked for, which was more to the purpose than any mere + sentimental kindness, of no use to the one and highly dangerous + to the other; and as Edgar had a great deal to do in the house + and stables, it was as well, she said with the air of one + undergoing something disagreeable for high principles, to get + out of his way and leave him to his bricks and mortar + undisturbed. Gentlemen, she said, as the clamp holding all + together, do not like to be interfered with in their own + domain. That fever in the bottom was such an admirable lever of + womanly good sense! So they went and enjoyed themselves at + Cheltenham as much as it was in the Harrowby nature to do, and + even Josephine's kind heart consoled itself in the Pump-room + while their miserable tenants at home sickened and died as + comfortably as circumstances would allow.</p> + + <p>The Fairbairns, too, found themselves obliged to pay a + long-promised visit to London now on the instant, and swept out + of the place with even more than their characteristic + promptitude; and the rector would have given up his charge to a + substitute if he could. But floating clerical labor was just + then scarce, and he could not find any one to take his place in + the Valley of the Shadow, though he offered the liberal terms + which are dictated by fear. He sent away his wife and daughter, + but he himself was bound to his post, and had to make the best + of the bad bit of cord that held him. He used to say with his + grand manner of martyrdom that, whatever he suffered, he must + pull the laboring-oar to the end, and attend to the sheep + committed to his charge. And he said it so often that he got at + last to believe in his own devotion. All the same, that + laboring-oar of his pulled nothing heavier than a cock-boat, + and in waters no stormier than a duck-pond; and when his sheep + had the rot he was too delicate about the hands to meddle with + them. He preached to the living and he buried the dead + surrounded by all the protective appliances that science has + devised or money can supply. When the epidemic was over he too + talked of Providence and his trust therein, and how he had been + mercifully spared as his reward.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Birkett's native indolence would have kept her at home, + well fumigated and isolated, even in such a strait of fear and + danger as this in which they all were, and Adelaide was racked + with torment at leaving Leam unwatched and unhindered in the + same place as Edgar; yet, being more afraid of the fever than + even of a potential rival, she agreed with her father that in + justice to themselves they ought to go now at once; and Pace, + who was to remain to take care of the rector, packed up their + best dresses, and sent them off with Adelaide's maid shared + between them. She prophesied, however, that their things would + all be spoiled before they returned, and then they would know + her value. As Mr. Dundas elected to remain at home, not being + afraid of infection and being tired of travel, Mrs. Birkett + insisted on taking little Fina with her. This was her + contribution to the sum of philanthropy and self-sacrifice in + the world, and it was not despicable; for Fina was restless and + only six years of age, and Mrs. Birkett was indolent and soon + tired.</p> + + <p>Thus, the whole society of the place was reduced now to the + rector, Mr. Dundas and Leam, with Edgar Harrowby left + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page343" + id="page343"></a>[pg 343]</span> alone at the Hill. The + Corfields did not count, because of Alick's illness, by + which they were put in quarantine; and if Mr. Gryce at + Lionnet had not been the cipher he was, his illness too + would have disbarred him.</p> + + <p>There was nothing of the saint by nature nor of the + instinctive philanthropist about Leam. She was too concentrated + for general benevolence, and men and women whom she did not + know were little more than symbols to her. When she loved it + was with her whole heart, her whole being: failing this kind of + love, she had but weak affections and no curiosity, in which + much of our ordinary charity consists. When the servants told + her of such and such distressing circumstances, she was sorry + because they were sorry, not because she realized in her own + emotions the troubles she did not share or see. When prompted + she sent improper things in the way of diet and useless things + in the way of dress for the benefit of the poor fever + patients—and she sent generously—but it never + occurred to her as possible that she should go to see them in + their own homes. When we read of a cyclone in China which has + killed half a hundred mandarins and a small army of coolies, we + realize the sorrow of the survivors no more than we realize the + distress of a disturbed ant-hill; and Leam's attitude of mind + toward the poor of her native village was precisely the same as + ours toward the Chinese killed in a cyclone or the ants + murdered in their hill.</p> + + <p>But she went daily to Steel's Corner, because she knew the + Corfields and in her own way liked Alick. Mrs. Corfield assured + her there was no danger, not a particle, with her free use of + disinfectants and her cunning devices of ventilation. And Leam + believed her, and acted on her belief, which gave her a false + look of heroism and devotion that won the heart of poor + Pepita's "crooked stick" for ever. She thought it so good of + the girl, so brave and unselfish; and you could scarcely have + expected such nice feeling from Leam, now could you? she used + to ask her husband half a dozen times a day, ringing the + changes on Leam's good qualities as no one in the place had + ever rung them before, and disturbing the poor doctor in his + calculations on the varying strength of henbane and aconite + till he wished that Leam Dundas had never been born. Mrs. + Corfield was just as wrong in ascribing heroic qualities to the + girl for her daily visits to ask after Alick as she had been + when she had credited her with moral faults because of her + intellectual ignorance. She was not afraid because she knew + nothing about infection, and had therefore the boldness of + ignorance, and she went daily to ask after Alick because she + somehow slipped into the groove of doing so; and a groove was a + great thing to conservative Leam. Nevertheless, she was really + concerned at the illness of her first North Astonian friend, + and wished that he would soon get well. She never thought that + if he died she would be rid of the only person who knew her + deadly secret. Leam was not one who would care to buy her own + safety at the price of another's destruction; and, more than + this, she was not afraid that Alick would betray her.</p> + + <p>This, then, was the condition of things at North Aston at + this moment: the villagers dying of fever in the bottom, the + families seeking safety in flight, Leam going daily to Steel's + Corner to ask after Alick and sit for precisely half an hour + with Mrs. Corfield, and Edgar not so much taken up with bricks + and mortar as not to understand times and habits, and + therefore, through that understanding, seeing her for some part + of every day. And the more he saw of her the more he yearned to + see, and the stronger grew her strange fascination over him. To + him, at least, the fever had not been an unmitigated evil; and + though he was sometimes inclined to quarrel with the fact that + Leam went daily to Steel's Corner to inquire after Alick + Corfield, yet, as he got the grain and Alick only the husk, he + submitted to the process by which the best was winnowed to his + side. As the gain of that winnowing process became more evident + he grew philosophically convinced that nothing is so charming + in a woman as faithful friendship for + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page344" + id="page344"></a>[pg 344]</span> a sick man, and that + sitting daily for half an hour, always at exactly the same + time, with an afflicted mother is the most delightful act of + charity to be imagined.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXVII.</h3> + + <h3>IN THE BALANCE.</h3> + + <p>Riding was one of the accomplishments brought by Leam from + school, though she had never been able to thoroughly conquer + either her timidity or her reluctance. Her childish days of + inaction and inclusion had left their mark on her for life, + and, moreover, she was not of the race or kind whence, by any + process of education possible, could have been evolved a girl + of the florid, fearless, energetic kind usually held as the + type of the English maiden. Hence she was never quite happy on + horseback, and always wondered how it was that people could be + enthusiastic about riding. Nevertheless, she had learnt to sit + with grace, if not with confidence, and she was too proud to + show the discomfort she felt. Her father had bought for her use + the showiest chestnut to be had in the market; and as he wished + her to ride sometimes with him, if oftener with only the groom + at her heels, and as, again, she had honestly set herself to + please him, she used to mount her Red Coat, as she called her + beast, punctually every other day, and carry her dislike to the + exercise as the penance it was fitting she should perform. And + besides all this, that devouring fever in her blood, that + oppressive consciousness rather than active remembrance, lying + always at the back of her life, was best soothed by long hours + alone in the open air. For when she had only the groom behind + her, Leam—to whom all men were as yet powers + undesignated, and a man of low degree a mere animal that made + intelligible sounds on occasions and was of a little more use + than a dog—forgot him altogether, and was as much alone + as if he had not been there.</p> + + <p>Once or twice before the hegira of the gentry she had + chanced to meet Major Harrowby in her rides, and he had turned + with her and accompanied her, which was half a pain to' Leam + and half a pleasure. The pain was connected with her reins and + her stirrups, her saddle and the girths, the restless way in + which the chestnut moved his ears, the discomposing toss of his + small impatient head, the snorts which frightened her as the + heralds of an outbreak, and his inclination to dance sideways + into the hedge rather than walk discreetly in the middle of the + road, whereby her seat was disturbed and her courage tried, she + all the while not liking to show that she was ill at ease. The + pleasure was personal, arising from the strange sense of + protection that she felt in Edgar's society and the charming + way in which he talked to her. He had seen a great deal, and he + had a facile tongue, and between fact and color, memory and + make-up, his stories were delightful. Also, after the manner of + men who seek to influence a young girl's mind and heart, he + lent her books to read, and he marked his favorite passages, + which he discussed afterward. They were not passages of + abstract thought and impersonal sentiment, like the penciled + notes in Alick Corfield's literary loans, but scenes of passion + or of pathos, going straight to the heart of youth, which feels + rather than reflects, or descriptions of places which were + equal to pictures of human life. Under Alick's guidance she had + fallen asleep over Wordsworth—under Edgar's she dreamed + beneath the stars over Byron, and had heartaches without + knowing why.</p> + + <p>If they had met sometimes, and by chance, before the + families went away, they met now continually, and not by + chance. But as Edgar's passion and reason were not in accord, + he restrained himself, for him marvelously, and neither made + love to her in earnest nor flirted with her in jest. Indeed, + Leam was too intense to be approached at any time with levity. + As well dress the Tragic Muse in the costume of a Watteau + shepherdess as ply Leam Dundas with the pretty follies found so + useful with other women. She did not understand them, and it + seemed useless to try to make her. If Edgar paid her any of the + trivial <span class="pagenum"><a name="page345" + id="page345"></a>[pg 345]</span> compliments always on his + lips for women, Leam used to look at him with her serious + eyes and ask him how could he possibly know what she was + like—he, who scarcely knew her at all. If he praised + her beauty, she used to turn away her head offended and tell + him he was rude. He felt as if he could never touch her, + never hold her: his ways were not as hers; and if her + fascination for him increased, so did his trouble.</p> + + <p>He was in doubt on both sides—for her and for + himself. He could not read that silent, irresponsive nature + nor measure his influence over her. By no blushes when they + met, no girlish poutings when he kept away, by no covert + reproaches, no ill-concealed gladness, no tremors and no + consciousness could he gain the smallest clew to guide him. She + was always the same—grave, gentle, laconic, + self-possessed. But who that looked into her eyes could fail to + see underneath her Spanish pride and more than Oriental reserve + that fund of passion lying hidden like the waters of an + artesian well, waiting only to be brought to the surface? He + had not yet brought that hidden treasure into the light of the + sun and of love, and he wondered if ever he should. And if he + should, would it be for happiness? Leam was the kind of girl to + love madly under the orange trees and myrtles, to break one's + heart for when brothers interposed in the moonlight with + rapiers and daggers and caught her away for conventual + discipline or for marriage with the don; but as the mistress of + an English home, the every-day wife of an English squire with a + character to keep up and an example to set, was she fit for + that? She was so quaint, so original, there were such depths of + passionate thought and feeling side by side with such strange + shallows of social and intellectual ignorance—though + reticent she was so direct, though tenacious so simple, her + love, if difficult to win, had such marvelous vitality when + won—that he felt as if she spoke a language sweeter and + purer in many of its tones than the current speech of society, + but a language with which neither his own people nor that + society would ever be familiar.</p> + + <p>Amorous and easily impressed as he was, her beauty drew him + with its subtle charm, but his doubt and her pride interposed + barriers which even he dared not disregard; and at the end of + two months he was no nearer than at the beginning that + understanding which he would have established with any other + pretty woman in less than a week. And he was no surer of + himself and what he did really desire. Yet, accustomed as he + was to loves as easily won as the gathering of a flower by the + wayside, and to the knowledge that Adelaide Birkett, his social + match in all things, was ready to pick up the handkerchief when + he should think fit to throw it, this very doubt both of + himself and Leam made half the interest if all the perplexity + of the situation. He knew, as well as he knew that the + Corinthian shaft should bear the Corinthian capital, if it was + Leam whom he loved it was Adelaide whom he ought to marry. She + would carry incense to the gods of British respectability as a + squire's lady should, doing nothing that should not be done and + leaving as little undone that should be done. She would preside + at the Hill dinners with grace and join the meet at the + coverside with punctuality; she would dress as became her + position, but neither extravagantly nor questionably, and she + would be more likely to stint than to squander; she would live + as a polite Christian should, in the odor of genteel + righteousness, not a fibre laid cross to the conventional + grain, not a note out of tune with the orthodox chord. Yes, it + was the rector's daughter whom he ought to marry, but it was + Pepita's whom he loved. Yet how would things go with such a + perplexing iconoclast at the head of affairs? Imagine the + feelings of an English squire, M.H. of his county, loving dogs + and horses as some women love children, and regarding poaching + and vulpicide as crimes almost as bad as murder—imagine + his feelings when his beautiful wife, grave and simple, should + say at a hunt-dinner, "I do not like riding. I think hunting + stupid and cruel: an army of men in red coats after a poor + little hare—it is horrid! I think poaching + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page346" + id="page346"></a>[pg 346]</span> quite right. God gave + beasts and birds to us all alike, and your preserves are + robberies. I would like to save all the foxes, and I hate + the dogs when they catch them;" for be sure she would never + learn to call them hounds. What would he feel? It would be + an incongruous kind of thing altogether, Edgar used to think + when meditating on life as seen through the curling clouds + of his cigar.</p> + + <p>But he loved her—he loved her: daily with more + passion, because daily holding a stronger check on himself, and + so accumulating by concentration. It was the old combat between + love and reason, personal desires and social feelings, and as + yet it was undecided which side would win. Now it was Adelaide + and her exact suitability for her part, when he would avoid + Leam Dundas for days; now it was Leam and his fervid love for + her, his passion of doubt, his fever of longing, when he would + all but commit himself and tempt the fortune of the future + irrevocably.</p> + + <p>One day, during this, time of sickness in the village and + Edgar's lonely residence at the Hill, Leam was riding along the + Green Lanes, a pretty bit of quiet country, when she heard the + well-known hoofs thundering rapidly behind her, and in due time + Major Harrowby drew rein at her side. "I saw you from the + Sherrington road," he said, his eyes kindling with pleasure at + the meeting.</p> + + <p>Leam smiled, that pretty little fluttering smile which was + so peculiarly her own, playing like a flicker of tender + sunshine over her face, but she felt gladder than she showed. + It was not her way to flourish her feelings like flags in the + face of men. Her reticence was part of her dislike to noise and + glare. "I am glad to see you," she returned quietly, her eyes + raised for a moment to his.</p> + + <p>"I sometimes fear I annoy you by joining you so often," said + Edgar.</p> + + <p>"No, you do not annoy me," Leam answered.</p> + + <p>"It is a pleasure to know at least as much as that," he + returned with a forced laugh.</p> + + <p>"Yes? But why should you think that you annoy me?" she + asked.</p> + + <p>"Oh, perhaps you see too much of me, and so get tired of me. + The thing is possible," he said, stroking his horse's ears.</p> + + <p>Leam looked at him as she had looked before, but this time + without the smile. "Are you tired of me that you say so?" she + asked.</p> + + <p>"No, no, no! How can you say such a thing—how dream + it?" cried Edgar. "How could I be tired of you? Why, you are + the sunshine of my life, the one thing I "—he checked + himself—"I look forward to meeting," he added + awkwardly.</p> + + <p>"Then why should I be tired of you?" she returned. "You are + kind to me; you tell me things I do not know; and," with + maddening unconsciousness of how her words might be taken, + "there is no one else."</p> + + <p>This was the nearest approach to a compliment that Leam had + ever made. She meant simply that, as there was no one else to + tire her, how could her pleasant friend Major Harrowby possibly + do so? But Edgar naturally took her words awry. "And if there + were anyone else I suppose I should be nowhere? My part has not + often been that of a <i>pis aller</i>," with a deep flush of + displeasure.</p> + + <p>"Why do you say that?" she asked in a slight tone of + surprise. "You would be always where you are."</p> + + <p>"With you?"</p> + + <p>Her face asked his meaning.</p> + + <p>"I mean, would you always hold me as much your friend, + always care for me as much as you do now—if, indeed, you + care for me at all—if any one else was here?" he + explained.</p> + + <p>Leam turned her troubled eyes to the ground. "I do not + change like the wind," she answered, wishing he would not talk + of her at all.</p> + + <p>"No, I do not think you do or would," returned Edgar, + bending his head nearer to hers as he drew his horse closer. "I + should think that once loved would be always loved with you, + Miss Dundas?" He said this in a low voice that slightly + trembled.</p> + + <p>She was silent. She had a consciousness of unknown dangers, + sweet and <span class="pagenum"><a name="page347" + id="page347"></a>[pg 347]</span> perilous, closing around + her—dangers which she must avoid she scarcely knew + how, only vaguely conscious as she was that they were about. + Then she said, with an effort, "I do not like myself talked + of. It does not matter what I am."</p> + + <p>"To me everything!" cried Edgar impulsively.</p> + + <p>"You say what you do not mean," returned Leam. "I am not + your sister; how, then, should it matter?"</p> + + <p>Her grave simplicity was more seductive to him than the most + coquettish wiles would have been. She was so entirely at sea in + the art of love-making that her very ignorance provoked a more + explicit declaration. "Are there only sisters in the world?" + he asked passionately, yet angry with himself for skirting so + near to the edge of peril.</p> + + <p>"No: there are mothers," said Leam.</p> + + <p>Edgar caught his breath, but again checked himself just in + time to prevent the words "and wives," that rose to his lips. + "And friends," he substituted, with evident constraint and as + awkwardly as before. It was not often that a woman had been + able to disconcert Edgar Harrowby so strangely as did this + ignorant and innocent half-breed Spanish girl.</p> + + <p>"And friends," repeated Leam. "But they are not much."</p> + + <p>"Alick Corfield? He is my good friend," she answered + quietly.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know how much you like him." An understanding ear + would have caught the sneering undertone in these words.</p> + + <p>"Yes, I like him," responded Leam with unmoved gravity.</p> + + <p>"And you are sorry that he is ill—very sorry, awfully + sorry?"</p> + + <p>"I am sorry."</p> + + <p>"Would you be as pained if I were ill? and would you come + every day to the Hill to ask after me, as you go to Steel's + Corner to ask after him?"</p> + + <p>"I would be pained if you were ill, but I would not go to + the Hill every day," said Leam.</p> + + <p>"No? Why this unfair preference?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Because I am not afraid of Mrs. Corfield," she + answered.</p> + + <p>"And you are of my mother?"</p> + + <p>"Yes. She is severe."</p> + + <p>"It is severe in you to say so," said Edgar gently.</p> + + <p>"No," said Leam with her proud air. "It is true."</p> + + <p>"Then you would not like to be my mother's daughter?" asked + Edgar, both inflamed and troubled.</p> + + <p>Leam looked him straight in the face, utterly unconscious + of his secret meaning. "No," she answered, her head held high, + her dark eyes proud and fixed, and her small mouth resolute, + almost hard. "I would like to be no one's daughter but + mamma's."</p> + + <p>"I do love your fidelity," cried Edgar with a burst of + admiration. "You are the most loyal girl I know."</p> + + <p>She turned pale: her head drooped. "Let us talk of something + else," she said in an altered voice. "Myself is displeasing to + me."</p> + + <p>"But if it pleases me?"</p> + + <p>"That is impossible," said Leam. "How can it please + you?"</p> + + <p>Was it craft? was it indifference? or was it honest + ignorance of the true motive of a man's words and looks? Edgar + pondered for a moment, but could come to no definite conclusion + save rejection of that one hypothesis of craft. Leam was too + savagely direct, too uncompromising, to be artful. No man who + understood women only half so well as Edgar Harrowby understood + them could have credited such a character as hers with + deception.</p> + + <p>He wavered, then, between the alternative of indifference or + ignorance. If the one, he felt bound by self-respect to + overcome it—that self-respect which a man of his + temperament puts into his successes with women; if the other, + he must enlighten it. "Does it not please you to talk of those + you like?" he asked after a short pause.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Leam, her face suddenly softening into + tenderness as she thought of her mother; of whom Edgar did not + think. "Talk to me of Spain and all that you did + there."</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page348" id="page348"></a>[pg 348]</span> + "And that would be of what you like?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Of what I love," returned Leam in a low voice, her eyes + lifted to his, soft and humid.</p> + + <p>"How can I read you? What can I think? What do you want me + to believe?" cried Edgar in strange trouble.</p> + + <p>"What have I said?" she asked with grave surprise. "Why do + you speak like this?"</p> + + <p>"Are you playing with me, or do you want me to understand + that you have made me happy?" he cried, his face, voice, + bearing, all changed, all full of an unknown something that + half allured and half frightened her.</p> + + <p>She turned aside her head with her cold, proud, shrinking + air. "I am not playing with you; and you are silly to say I + have made you happy," she said, shaking her reins lightly and + quickening her chestnut's uneasy pace; and Edgar, quickening + the pace of his heavy bay, thought it wiser to let the moment + pass, and so stand free and still wavering—in doubt and + committed to nothing.</p> + + <p>Thus the time wore on, with frequent meetings, always + crowded with doubts and fears, hopes, joys, displeasures in a + tangled heap together, till the drying winds of March set in + and cleared off the last of the fever, which had by now worn + itself away, and by degrees the things of North Aston went back + to their normal condition. The families came into residence + again, and save for the widow's wail and the orphan's cry in + the desolated village below, life passed as it had always + passed, and the strong did not spend their strength in bearing + the burdens of the weak.</p> + + <p>The greatest social event that had taken place in + consequence of the epidemic was, that Mr. Dundas had made + acquaintance with his new tenant at Lionnet. Full of painful + memories for him as the place was, he could not let the poor + fellow die, he said, with no Christian soul near him. As a + landlord he felt that he owed this mark of humanity to one of + whom, if nothing absolutely good was known, neither was there + anything absolutely bad, save that negative misdemeanor of not + coming to church. As this was not an unpardonable offence to a + man who had traveled much if he had thought little, Mr. Dundas + let his humanity get the upper hand without much difficulty. By + which it came about that he and his new tenant became friends, + as the phrase goes, and that thus another paragraph was added + to the restricted page of life as North Aston knew it.</p> + + <h3>CHAPTER XXVIII.</h3> + + <h3>ONLY A DREAM.</h3> + + <p>Of all those who lived through the fever, poor Alick + Corfield's case had been the most desperate while it lasted. + Mr. Gryce, his fellow-sufferer, had been up and about his usual + work, extracting Aryan roots and impaling Lepidoptera for a + month and more, while Alick was still in bed among ice-bags and + Condy's Fluid, and as bad as at the beginning—indeed, + worse, having had a relapse which nothing but his wiry + constitution, backed by his mother's scientific nursing, could + have pulled him through. Gradually the danger passed, and this + time his convalescence was solid, and, though slow, + uninterrupted. He began to creep about the house by the aid of + sticks and arms, and he came down stairs for the first time on + the day when the Harrowbys and Birketts returned home; but he + remained in strict quarantine, and Steel's Corner was + scrupulously avoided by the neighbors as the local lazaretto + which it would be sinful to invade. By all but Leam, who went + daily to ask after the invalid, and to keep the mother company + for exactly half an hour by the clock.</p> + + <p>One day when she went on her usual errand Mrs. Corfield met + her at the hall-door, "Alick will be glad to see you, my dear," + she called out, radiant with happiness, as the girl crossed the + threshold. "We are in the drawing-room to-day, as brisk and + bonny as a bird: such a treat for him, poor dear!"</p> + + <p>"I am glad," said Leam, who held a basket of early spring + flowers in her hand. "Now you are happy." + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page349" + id="page349"></a>[pg 349]</span> Tears came into the poor + mother's haggard eyes. "Happy, child! You do not know what I + feel," she said with tremulous emotion. "Only a mother who + has been so near to the loss of her dearest, so near to + heartbreak and despair, as I have been, can know the blessed + joy of the reprieve."</p> + + <p>"How you love him!" said Leam in a half whisper. "I loved + mamma like that."</p> + + <p>"Yes, poor child! I remember," said Mrs. Corfield with + compassion. She forgot that at the time she had thought the + girl's love and despair, both the one and the other, + exaggerated and morbid. She met her now on the platform of + sympathy, and her mind saw what it brought to-day as it had + seen what it had brought before, but she was not conscious of + the contradiction.</p> + + <p>"I thought I should have died too when she did. I wish I + had," said Leam, looking up to the sky with dreamy love, as if + she still thought to meet her mother's face in the blue + depths.</p> + + <p>"My poor dear! it was terrible for you," sighed the elder + woman sympathetically. "But you must not always mourn, you + know. There is a time for everything, even for forgetting, and + for being happy after sorrow."</p> + + <p>"Never a time for me to forget mamma, nor to be happy," said + Leam.</p> + + <p>"Why not?" answered Mrs. Corfield in her impatient way. "You + are young, nice-looking, in tolerably good health, but you are + black round your eyes to-day. You have friends: I am sure all + of us, from my husband downward, think a great deal of you. And + Alick has always been your friend. Why should you not be + happy?"</p> + + <p>Leam put the question by. "Yes, you have always been kind to + me," she answered. "I remember when mamma died how you wanted + to be kind then. But I did not understand you as I do now. And + how good Alick was! How sorry I should have been if anything + had happened to him now!" Her beautiful face grew tender with + the thought. She did really love Alick in her girlish, sisterly + way.</p> + + <p>Mrs. Corfield looked at her. "Have you never loved any one + else as you loved your poor mother?" she asked.</p> + + <p>Leam lifted her eyes. "Never," she answered simply. "I have + liked a few people since, but love as I loved mamma? No!"</p> + + <p>"Leam, I am going to ask you a straightforward question, and + you must give me a straightforward answer: Which do you like + best, my boy or Edgar Harrowby?" Mrs. Corfield asked this + suddenly, as if she wanted to surprise the girl's secret + thought rather than have a deliberate answer.</p> + + <p>"I like them differently," began Leam without affectation. + "Alick is so unlike Major Harrowby in every way. And then I + have known him so long—since I was a mere child. I feel + that I can say what I like to him: I always did. But Major + Harrowby is a stranger, and I am—I don't know: it is all + different. I cannot say what I mean." She hesitated, stopped, + grew pale, glanced aside and looked disturbed; then putting on + her old air of cold pride, she drew herself a few paces away + and said, "Why do you ask me such a question, Mrs. Corfield? + You should not."</p> + + <p>Mrs. Corfield sighed. If Edgar was undecided between his + personal desires and conventional fitness, she was undecided + between her longing to see Alick happy and her dislike to his + being happy in any way but the one she should design for him. + He had raved a good deal during his illness, and had said many + mad things connected with Leam—always Leam; and since his + convalescence his mother had seen clearly enough how his heart + was toward her. His pleasure when he heard that she had been + there, his childish delight in anything that she had brought + for him, the feverishness with which he waited to hear her + step, her voice from a distance, always demanding that the + doors should be left open so that he might hear her,—all + betrayed to his mother as plainly as confession would have done + the real thoughts of his heart, and cast a trouble into her own + whence she saw no present satisfactory issue. Though she was + fond of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page350" + id="page350"></a>[pg 350]</span> Leam now, and grateful to + her for her faithful visits during Alick's illness, yet, + just as Edgar doubted of her fitness as a wife for the + master of the Hill, so did she doubt of her fitness as a + daughter-in-law for Steel's Corner. As a friend she was + pleasant enough, with her quaint ways and pretty face; but + as one of the Corfield family, bound to them for ever + —what then would she be? But again, if Alick really + loved her, she would not like to see him disappointed. So, + what between her dislike to the marriage should it ever be, + and her fear for Alick's unhappiness should he ask and be + refused, the poor mother was in a state of confused feelings + and contradictory wishes which did not agree with a nature + like hers, given to mathematical certainties and averse to + loose ends and frayed edges anywhere. As nothing more was to + be got out of Leam at this moment, and as Mrs. Corfield knew + that Alick would be impatient, they went into the + drawing-room together, Leam carrying her basket of spring + flowers for her old friend.</p> + + <p>It was pitiful to see the poor fellow. Thin, gaunt, plainer + than ever, if also ennobled by that almost saintly dignity + which is given by illness, the first impression made on Leam + was one of acute physical repulsion: the second only gave room + to compassion. Fortunately, that little shudder of hers was + unnoticed, and Alick saw only the beloved face, more beautiful + to him than anything out of heaven, with its grave intensity of + look that seemed so full of thought and feeling, turned to + him—saw only those glorious eyes fixed once more straight + on his— felt only the small hand which seemed to give him + new life to touch lying clasped in his own, weak, wasted, + whitened, like a dead hand for color against the warm olive of + her skin. It was almost worth while to have been separated so + long to have this joy of meeting; and he thought his pain and + danger not too dearly bought by this exquisite pleasure of + knowing that she had pitied him and cared for him.</p> + + <p>He raised himself from his pillows as he took her small, + warm, fibrous hand, and his pallid face brightened into a + tearful smile. "Ah!" he said, drawing a deep breath, "I am so + glad to see you again!"</p> + + <p>"I am glad to see you too," said Leam with a certain sudden + embarrassment, she did not know why, but it came from something + that she saw in his eyes and could not explain even to + herself.</p> + + <p>"Are you?" He pressed her hand, which he still held. "It + does me good to hear you say so," he replied.</p> + + <p>"I have brought you some flowers," then said Leam, a little + coldly, drawing away her hand, which she hated to have either + held or pressed.</p> + + <p>He took them with a pleased smile. "Our pretty + wild-flowers!" he said gratefully, burying his face in them, so + cool and fresh and fragrant as they were. "They are like the + giver," he added after a pause, "only not so sweet."</p> + + <p>"Do you remember when I persisted to you there were no + wild-flowers in England?" asked Leam, wishing that Alick would + not pay her compliments.</p> + + <p>"Do I remember? That was the first time I saw you," cried + Alick. "Of what else have I thought ever since?"</p> + + <p>"You like wild-flowers and celandine, do you not?" asked + poor Leam, desperately disturbed. "I found them in the wood as + I came here."</p> + + <p>"And picked them for me?—up in the corner there by + Barton's? I know. And you went up the lane for them—for + me?" he repeated.</p> + + <p>"Yes," said Leam.</p> + + <p>"For me?" he asked again.</p> + + <p>"Why, yes: for whom else could it have been?" answered Leam + in the tone of grave rebuke he knew so well—the tone + which always expressed, "You are stupid."</p> + + <p>Alick's lip quivered. "You are so good," he said.</p> + + <p>"Am I?" asked Leam seriously.</p> + + <p>Then something passed over her face, a kind of gray shadow + of remembrance, and she dropped her eyes. Was she good? and + could he think so?</p> + + <p>A silence fell between them, and each knew of what the other + was thinking; then Leam said suddenly, to break that terrible + silence, which she felt was more betraying than even speech + would have been, "I am sorry you have been so ill. How + dreadfully ill you have been!"</p> + + <p>"Yes," he said, "I have been bad enough, I believe, but by + God's grace I have been spared."</p> + + <p>"It would have been more grace not to have let you get ill + in the beginning," said Leam gravely.</p> + + <p>Alick looked distressed. Should he never Christianize this + pagan? "Don't say that, dear," he remonstrated. "We must not + call in question His will."</p> + + <p>"Things are things," said Leam with her quiet positiveness. + "If they are bad, they are bad, whoever sends them."</p> + + <p>"No. God cannot send us evil," cried Alick.</p> + + <p>"Then He does not send us disease or sorrow," answered Leam. + "If He does, it is silly to say they are good, or that He is + kind to make us ill and wretched. I cannot tell stories. And + all you people do."</p> + + <p>"Leam, you pain me so much when you talk like this. It is + bad, dear—impious and unchristian. Ah! can I never bring + you to the true way?" he cried with real pain.</p> + + <p>"You cannot make me tell stories or talk nonsense because + you say it is religious," replied Leam, impervious and + unconvinced. "I like better to tell the truth and call things + by their right names."</p> + + <p>"And you cannot feel that we are little children walking in + the dark and that we must accept by faith?" said Alick.</p> + + <p>She shook her head, then answered with a certain tone of + triumph in her voice, "Well, yes, it is the dark: so let it be + the dark, and do not pretend you understand when you do not. Do + not say God made you ill in one breath, and in another that He + is kind. It is silly."</p> + + <p>"Now, my boy, don't excite yourself," said Mrs. Corfield, + bustling into the room and noting how the thin cheek had + flushed and how bright and feverish the hollow eyes of her + invalid were looking. "You know the doctor says you are not to + be excited or tired. It is the worst thing in the world for + you."</p> + + <p>"I am neither, mother: don't alarm yourself," he answered; + "but I must have a little talk with Leam. I have not seen her + for so long. How long is it, mother?"</p> + + <p>"Well, my dear, you have been ill for over ten weeks," she + said as she went to the window with a sudden gasp.</p> + + <p>"Ten weeks gone out of my life!" he replied.</p> + + <p>"We have all been sorry," said Leam a little vaguely.</p> + + <p>His eyes grew moist. He was weak and easily moved. "Were you + very sorry?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"Very," she answered, for her quite warmly.</p> + + <p>"Then you did not want me to die?" He said this with a + yearning look, raising himself again on his elbow to meet her + eyes more straightly.</p> + + <p>"Want you to die?" she repeated in astonishment. "Why should + I want you to die? I want you to get well and live."</p> + + <p>He took her hand again. "God bless you!" he said, and turned + his face to the pillow to conceal that he was weeping.</p> + + <p>Again that gray look of remembrance, passed over her face. + She knew now what he had meant. "No," she said slowly, "I do + not want you to die. You are good, and would harm no one."</p> + + <p>After this visit Leam saw Alick whenever she called at the + house, which, however, was not so often as heretofore, and week + by week became still more seldom. Something was growing up in + her heart against him that made his presence a discomfort. It + was not fear nor moral dislike, but it was a personal distaste + that threatened to become unconquerable. She hated to be with + him; hated to see his face looking at her with such yearning + tenderness as abashed her somehow and made her lower her eyes; + hated his endeavors to convert her to an orthodox acceptance of + mysteries she could not understand and of explanations she + could not believe; hated his sadness, hated his joy: she only + wished that he would go away and leave her alone. What did he + mean? What did he want? He was changing from the blushing, + awkward, subservient dog of his early youth, and from the still + subservient if also more argumentative pastor of these later + days alike, and she did not like the new Alick who was + gradually creeping into the place of the old.</p> + + <p>When Mrs. Corfield spoke of taking him to the sea for change + of air, her heart bounded as if a weight had been suddenly + removed, and she said, "Yes, he ought to go," so warmly that + the mother was surprised, wondering if she cared so much for + him that the idea of his getting good elated her beyond herself + and made her forget her usual reserve. She instinctively + contrived not to see him alone now when she went to Steel's + Corner during his tedious convalescence, for the poor fellow + mended but slowly, if surely. Either she had only a short time + to stay, and so stood for a moment, making serious talk + impossible, or she took little Fina with her, or maybe she + entangled Mrs. Corfield in the conversation so that she should + not leave them alone, the vague fear and distaste possessing + her making her strangely <i>rusée</i> and on the alert. + But one day she was caught. It had to come, and it was only a + question of time. She knew that, as we know when our doom is + upon us.</p> + + <p>Leam had not intended to go in to-day, but Alick, who was in + the garden rejoicing in the warmth and freshness of this tender + April noontide, came to meet her at the second gate, and asked + her to come and sit with him on the garden-seat, there where + the budding lilacs began to show their bloom, and there where + they sat on that fatal day when she had hidden the little phial + in her hair and bade him tell her of flowers till she + tired.</p> + + <p>She hesitated, and was on the point of refusing, when he + took her by the upper part of her arm as if to hold her. "Do," + he pleaded. "I want to say something to you."</p> + + <p>"I have no time to stay," she answered, shrinking from his + touch.</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes, time enough for all I have to say," he returned. + "I beg you to come with me to-day, Leam—I beg it; and I + do not often ask a favor of you."</p> + + <p>There was something in his manner that seemed to compel Leam + to consent in spite of herself. True, he besought, but also he + seemed almost to command; and if he did not command, then his + earnestness was so strong that she was forced to yield to it. + Trembling, but with her proud little head held + straight—wondering what was coming, and vaguely conscious + that whatever it was it would be pain—Leam let him take + her to the garden-seat where the budding lilacs spoke of + springtime freshness and summer beauty. Alick was trembling + too, but from excitement, not from fear. He had made up his + mind now, and when he had once resolved he was not wavering. He + would ask her to share his life, accept his love, and he would + thus take on himself half the burden of her sin. This was how + he felt it. If he married her, knowing all that he knew, he + would make himself the partner of her crime, because he would + accept her past like her present—like her future; and + thus he would be equally guilty with her before God. But he + would trust to prayer and the Supreme Mercy to save her and + him. He would carry no merits of devotion as his own claim, but + he would have freed her of half her guilt, and he would be + content to bear his own portion of punishment for this + unfathomable gain. It was the man's love, but also the soul's + passionate promise of sacrifice and redemption, that gave him + boldness to plead, power to ask for a grace to which, had this + deep stain of sin never tainted her, he would not have dared to + aspire. But, as it was, his love was her greater safety, and + what he gained in earthly joy he would lose in spiritual peace, + while her partial forgiveness would be bought by the loss of + his security of salvation. Not that she understood all this or + ever should, but it gave him courage.</p> + + <p>"When you first saw me, Leam, after my illness you said that + you wanted me to live," he began in a low voice, husky with + emotion. "Do you mean this?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," she said, looking straight before her.</p> + + <p>"Live for you?" he asked.</p> + + <p>"For us all," she answered.</p> + + <p>"No, not for us all—for you," he returned with + insistence.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page353" id="page353"></a>[pg 353]</span> + "That would be silly," said Leam quietly. "I am not the only + person in the world: you have your mother."</p> + + <p>"For my mother, perhaps; but for the world, nothing. You are + the world to me," said Alick. "Give me your love, and I care + for nothing else. Tell me you will be my wife, and I can live + then—live as nothing else can make me. Leam, can you love + me, dear? I have loved you from the first moment I saw you. + Will you be my wife?"</p> + + <p>"Your wife!" cried Leam with an involuntary gesture of + repulsion. "You are dreaming."</p> + + <p>"No, no: I am in full earnest. Tell me that you love me, + Leam. Oh, I believe that you do. Surely I have not deceived + myself so far. Why should you have come every day—every + day, as you have done—if you do not love me? Yes, you + do—I know you, do. Say so, Leam, my darling, my beloved, + and put me out of my misery of suspense."</p> + + <p>"You are my good friend: I love you like a friend; but a + wife—that is different," faltered Leam.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but it will come if you try," pleaded Alick, shifting + his point from confidence to entreaty. "Won't you try to love + me as I love you, Leam? Won't you try to love me as a wife + loves her husband?"</p> + + <p>She turned away. "I cannot," she answered in a low voice, + yet firm and distinct. It was a voice in which even the most + sanguine must have recognized the accent of hopeless certainty, + inevitable despair.</p> + + <p>"Leam, it will be your salvation," cried Alick, taking her + hands. He meant her spiritual salvation, not her personal + safety: it was a prayer, not a threat.</p> + + <p>"You would not force me by anything you may know?" asked + Leam in the same low, firm, distinct voice. "Not even for + safety, Alick."</p> + + <p>"Which I would buy with my own," he answered—"with my + eternal salvation."</p> + + <p>"I am not worthy of such love," said Leam trembling. "And + oh, dear Alick, do not blame me, but I cannot return it," she + added piteously.</p> + + <p>She saw him start and heard him moan when she said this, but + for a moment he was silent. He seemed half stunned as if by a + heavy blow, but one that he was doing his best to bear. "Tell + me so again, Leam. Let me be convinced," he then said with + pathetic calmness, looking into her face. "You cannot love + me?—never? never?"</p> + + <p>"Never," she said, her voice breaking.</p> + + <p>Alick covered his face in his hands, and she saw the tears + trickle slowly through his fingers. He made no com-plaint, no + protestation, only covered up his face and prayed, weeping, + recognizing his fate.</p> + + <p>She was sorry and heart-struck. She felt cruel, selfish, + ungrateful, but for all that she could not yield nor say that + she would marry him, trying to love him. Confused images of + something dearer than this as the love of her life passed + before her mind. They were images without recognizable form or + tangible substance, but they were the true love, and this was + not like them. No, she could not yield. Sorry as she might be + for him, and was, she could not promise to marry him.</p> + + <p>"Yes," he then said after a pause, lifting up his wan face, + tear-stained and disordered, but making a sad attempt to + smile—"yes, dear Leam, I was, as you say, dreaming. We + shall always be friends, though—brother and sister, as we + have been—to the end of our lives, shall we not?"</p> + + <p>"Yes," was her answer, tears in her own eyes and a kind of + wonder at her hardness running through her repugnance.</p> + + <p>"Thank you, darling, thank you! If you want a friend, and I + can be that friend and can serve you, you will come to me, will + you not? You may want me some day, and you know that I shall + not fail you. Don't you know that, my royal Leam?"</p> + + <p>"I am sure of you," she half whispered, shuddering. To be in + his power and to have rejected him! It all seemed very terrible + and confused to Leam, to whom things complex and entangled were + abhorrent.</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page354" id="page354"></a>[pg 354]</span> + "And now forget all this. I was only dreaming, dear. Why, + no, of course you could not have married me—never + could—never, never! I know that well enough now. You see + I have been ill," nervously plucking at his hands, "and have + had strange fancies, and I do not know myself or anything about + me quite yet. But forget it all. It was only a sick fancy, and + I thought what did not exist"</p> + + <p>"I am sorry to have hurt you even in fancy," said Leam; + giving a sigh of relief. "I do not like to see you unhappy, + Alick. You are so-good to me."</p> + + <p>"And to the end of my life I shall be what I have been," he + said earnestly. "You can trust me, Leam."</p> + + <p>"I am sorry I have hurt you," she said again, bending + forward and looking up into his face. "But it was only a + dream, was it not?" pleadingly.</p> + + <p>He smiled pitifully, "Yes, dear, only a dream," he answered, + turning away his head. After a while he took her hand and + looked into her face, "And now it has passed," he said, calm + that she should not be sorry.</p> + + <p class="center">[TO BE CONTINUED.]</p> + + <h2>LOVE'S SEPULCHRE.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Build for my love a costly sepulchre;</p> + + <p class="i2">Not underneath cathedral arches dim,</p> + + <p>Where the sad soul may wake to comfort her</p> + + <p class="i2">The stately music of a funeral hymn;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Nor on some wind-swept hill, whose wavering + grass</p> + + <p class="i2">Sways to the summer breezes blowing + free,</p> + + <p>While the great cedars, rustling as they pass,</p> + + <p class="i2">Murmur a cadence of the mournful sea;</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Not in the arched depths of the solemn woods,</p> + + <p class="i2">Within the flickering shadows cool and + deep,</p> + + <p>Where the still wing of silence ever broods,</p> + + <p class="i2">And woos the weary soul to dreamless + sleep.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But build it in the temple of my heart,</p> + + <p class="i2">And from the sacred and mysterious + shrine</p> + + <p>A flame of deathless memory shall start,</p> + + <p class="i2">Tended by Sorrow and by Love divine.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>All sweetest recollections of past joy</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall haunt that shrine, to make it + heavenly fair:</p> + + <p>All memories of bliss without alloy</p> + + <p class="i2">Shall cluster in undying beauty + there.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>There quiet peace shall hold resistless sway:</p> + + <p class="i2">Softer than snow the holy hush shall + be.</p> + + <p>Till even Sorrow gently glide away,</p> + + <p class="i2">And Love divine alone keep watch with + me.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="author">KATE + HILLARD.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page355" id="page355"></a>[pg 355]</span> + LETTERS FROM SOUTH AFRICA.</h2> + + <h3>BY LADY BARKER.</h3> + + <p class="author">ALGOA BAY, October 23, 1875.</p> + + <p>Two days ago we steamed out of Table Bay on just such a + gray, drizzling afternoon as that on which we entered it. But + the weather cleared directly we got out to sea, and since then + it has carried us along as though we had been on a pleasant + summer cruise. All yesterday we were coasting along the low + downs which edge the dangerous sea-board for miles upon miles. + From the deck of the Edinburgh Castle the effect is monotonous + enough, although just now everything is brightly green; and, + with their long ribbon fringe of white breaker-foam glinting in + the spring sunshine, the stretches of undulating hillocks + looked their best. This part of the coast is well lighted, and + it was always a matter of felicitation at night when, every + eighty miles or so, the guiding rays of a lighthouse shone out + in the soft gloom of the starlight night. One of these lonely + towers stands more than eight hundred feet above the sea-level, + and warns ships off the terrible Agulhas Bank.</p> + + <p>We have dropped our anchor this fresh bright morning a mile + or so from the shore on which Port Elizabeth stands. Algoa Bay + is not much of a shelter, and it is always a chance whether a + sudden south-easter may not come tearing down upon the + shipping, necessitating a sudden tripping of anchors and + running out to sea to avoid the fate which is staring us + warningly in the face in the shape of the gaunt ribs or rusty + cylinders of sundry cast-away vessels. To-day the weather is on + its good behavior; the south-easter rests on its</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p class="i10">aëry nest</p> + + <p>As still as a brooding dove;</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>and sun and sea are doing their best to show off the queer + little straggling town creeping up the low sandy hills that lie + before us. I am assured that Port Elizabeth is a flourishing + mercantile place. From the deck of our ship I can't at all + perceive that it is flourishing, or doing anything except + basking in the pleasant sunshine. But when I go on shore an + hour or two later I am shown a store which takes away my + breath, and before whose miscellaneous contents the + stoutest-hearted female shopper must needs <i>baisser son + pavilion</i>. Everything in this vast emporium looked as neat + and orderly as possible, and, though the building was twice as + big as the largest co-operative store in London, there was no + hurry or confusion. Thimbles and ploughs, eau-de-cologne and + mangles, American stoves, cotton dresses of astounding patterns + to suit the taste of Dutch ladies, harmoniums and + flat-irons,—all stood peaceably side by side together. + But these were all "unconsidered trifles" next the more serious + business of the establishment, which was wool—wool in + every shape and stage and bale. In this department, however, + although for the sake of the dear old New Zealand days my heart + warms at the sight of the huge packages, I was not supposed to + take any interest; so we pass quickly out into the street + again, get into a large open carriage driven by a black + coachman, and make the best of our way up to a villa on the + slope of the sandy hill. Once I am away from the majestic + influence of that store the original feeling of Port Elizabeth + being rather a dreary place comes back upon me; but we drive + all about—to the Park, which may be said to be in its + swaddling-clothes <i>as</i> a park, and to the Botanic Gardens, + where the culture of foreign and colonial flowers and shrubs is + carried on under the chronic difficulties of too much sun and + wind and too little water. Everywhere there is building going + on—very modest building, it is true, with rough-and-ready + masonry or timber, and roofs of zinc painted in strips of light + colors, but everywhere there are + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page356" + id="page356"></a>[pg 356]</span> signs of progress and + growth. People look bored, but healthy, and it does not + surprise me in the least to hear that though there are a + good many inhabitants, there is not much society. A pretty + little luncheon and a pleasant hour's chat in a cool, shady + drawing-room, with plenty of new books and music and + flowers, gave me an agreeable impression to carry back on + board the ship; which, by the way, seemed strangely silent + and deserted when we returned, for most of our + fellow-passengers had disembarked here on their way to + different parts of the interior.</p> + + <p>As I saunter up and down the clean, smart-looking deck of + what has been our pleasant floating home during these past four + weeks, I suddenly perceive a short, squat pyramid on the shore, + standing out oddly enough among the low-roofed houses. If it + had only been red instead of gray, it might have passed for the + model of the label on Bass's beer—bottles; but, even as + it is, I feel convinced that there is a story connected with + it: and so it proves, for this ugly, most unsentimental-looking + bit of masonry was built long ago by a former governor as a + record of the virtues and perfections of his dead wife, whom, + among other lavish epithets of praise, he declares to have been + "the most perfect of women." Anyhow, there it stands, on what + was once a lonely strip of sand and sea, a memorial—if + one can only believe the stone story, now nearly a hundred + years old—of a great love and a great sorrow; and one can + envy the one and pity the other just as much when looking at + this queer, unsightly monument as when one stands on the pure + marble threshold of the exquisite Taj Mahal at Agra, and reads + that it too, in all its grace and beauty, was reared "in memory + of an undying love."</p> + + <p>Although the day has been warm and balmy, the evening air + strikes chill and raw, and our last evening on board the dear + old ship has to be spent under shelter, for it is too cold to + sit on deck. With the first hours of daylight next morning we + have to be up and packing, for by ten o'clock we must be on + board the Florence, a small, yacht-like coasting-steamer which + can go much closer into the sand-blocked harbors scooped by the + action of the rivers all along the coast. It is with a very + heavy heart that I, for one, say good-bye to the Edinburgh + Castle, where I have passed so many happy hours and made some + pleasant acquaintances. A ship is a very forcing-house of + friendship, and no one who has not taken a voyage can realize + how rapidly an acquaintance grows and ripens into a friend + under the lonely influences of sea and sky. We have all been so + happy together, everything has been so comfortable, everybody + so kind, that one would indeed be cold-hearted if, when the + last moment of our halcyon voyage arrived, it could bring with + it anything short of a regret.</p> + + <p>With the same chivalrous goodness and courtesy which has + taken thought for the comfort of our every movement since we + left Dartmouth, our captain insists on seeing us safely on + board the Florence (what a toy-boat she looks after our stately + ship!) and satisfying himself that we can be comfortably + settled once more in our doll's house of a new cabin. Then + there comes a reluctant "Good-bye" to him and all our kind + care-takers of the Edinburgh Castle; and the last glimpse we + catch of her—for the Florence darts out of the bay like a + swallow in a hurry—is her dipping her ensign in courteous + farewell to us.</p> + + <p>In less than twenty-four hours we had reached another little + port, some hundred and fifty miles or so up the coast, called + East London. Here the harbor is again only an open roadstead, + and hardly any vessel drawing more than three or four feet of + water can get in at all near the shore, for between us and it + is a bar of shifting sand, washed down, day by day, by the + strong current of the river Buffalo. All the cargo has to be + transferred to lighters, and a little tug steamer bustles + backward and forward with messages of entreaty to those said + lighters to come out and take away their loads. We had dropped + our anchor by daylight, yet at ten o'clock scarcely a boat had + made its appearance alongside, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page357" + id="page357"></a>[pg 357]</span> and every one was fuming + and fretting at the delay and consequent waste of fine + weather and daylight. That is to say, it was a fine bright + day overhead, with sunshine and sparkle all round, but the + heavy roll of the sea never ceased for a moment. From one + side to the other, until her ports touched the water, + backward and forward, with slow, monotonous heaving, our + little vessel swayed with the swaying rollers until + everybody on board felt sick and sorry. "This is + comparatively a calm day," I was told: "you can't possible + imagine from this what rolling really is." But I <i>can</i> + imagine quite easily, and do not at all desire a closer + acquaintance with this restless Indian Ocean. Breakfast is a + moment of penance: little G—— is absolutely + fainting from agonies of sea-sickness, though he has borne + all our South-Atlantic tossings with perfect equanimity; and + it is with real joy that I hear the lifeboat is alongside, + and that the kind-hearted captain of the Florence + (<i>how</i> kind sailors are!) offers to take babies, nurse + and me on shore, so as to escape a long day of this + agonizing rolling. In happy unconsciousness of what landing + at East London, even in a lifeboat, meant when a bar had to + be crossed, we were all tumbled and bundled, more or less + unceremoniously, into the great, roomy boat, and were + immediately taken in hand by the busy little tug. For half a + mile or more we made good progress in her wake, being in a + position to set at naught the threatening water-mountains + which came tumbling in furious haste from seaward. It was + not until we seemed close to the shore and all our troubles + over that the tug was obliged to cast us off, owing to the + rapidly shoaling water, and we prepared to make the best of + our own way in. Bad was that best, indeed, though the peril + came and went so quickly that it is but a confused + impression I retain of what seemed to me a really terrible + moment. One instant I hear felicitations exchanged between + our captain—who sits protectingly close to me and + poor, fainting little G——, who lies like death + in my arms—and the captain of the lifeboat. The next + moment, in spite of sudden panic and presence of danger, I + could laugh to hear the latter sing out in sharpest tones of + terror and dismay, "Ah, you would, would you?" coupled with + rapid orders to the stout rowers and shouts to us of "Look + out!" and I <i>do</i> look out, to see on one side sand + which the retreating wave has sucked dry, and in which the + boat-seems trying to bury herself as though she were a mole: + on the other hand there towers above us a huge green wave, + white-crested and curled, which is rushing at us like a + devouring monster. I glance, as I think, for the last time, + at the pale nurse, on whose lap lies the baby placidly + sucking his bottle. I see a couple of sailors lay hold of + her and the child with one hand each, whilst with the other + they cling desperately to the thwarts. A stout seafaring man + flings the whole weight of his ponderous pilot-coated body + upon G—— and me: I hear a roar of water, and, + lo! we are washed right up alongside of the rude + landing-place, still <i>in</i> the boat indeed, but wet and + frightened to the last degree. Looking back on it all, I can + distinctly remember that it was not the sight of the + overhanging wave which cost me my deadliest pang of + sickening fright, but the glimpse I caught of the shining, + cruel-looking sand, sucking us in so silently and greedily. + We were all trembling so much that it seemed as impossible + to stand upright on the earth as on the tossing waters, and + it was with reeling, drunken-looking steps that we rolled + and staggered through the heavy sand-street until we reached + the shelter of an exceedingly dirty hotel. Everything in it + required courage to touch, and it was with many qualms that + I deposited limp little G—— on a filthy sofa. + However, the mistress of the house looked clean, and so did + the cups and saucers she quickly produced; and by the time + we had finished a capital breakfast we were all quite in + good spirits again, and so sharpened up as to be able to + "mock ourselves" of our past perils and present discomforts. + Outside there were strange, beautiful shrubs in flower, tame + pigeons came cooing and bowing in at the door, and above all + there was an enchanting + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page358" + id="page358"></a>[pg 358]</span> freshness and balminess in + the sunny air.</p> + + <p>In about an hour "Capting Florence" (as G—— + styles our new commander) calls for us and takes us out + sight-seeing. First and foremost, across the river to the + rapidly-growing railway lines, where a brand-new locomotive was + hissing away with full steam up. Here we were met and welcomed + by the energetic superintendent of this iron road, and, to my + intense delight, after explaining to me what a long distance + into the interior the line had to go and how fast it was + getting on, considering the difficulties in the way of doing + anything in South Africa, from washing a pocket-handkerchief up + to laying down a railway, he proposed that we should get + <i>on</i> the engine and go as far as the line was open for + anything like safe traveling. Never were such delightful five + minutes as those spent in whizzing along through the park-like + country and cutting fast through the heavenly air. In vain did + I smell that my serge skirts were getting dreadfully singed, in + vain did I see most uncertain bits of rail before me: it was + all too perfectly enchanting to care for danger or disgrace, + and I could have found it in my heart to echo G——'s + plaintive cry for "More!" when we came to the end and had to + get off. But it consoled us a little to watch the + stone-breaking machine crunching up small rocks as though they + had been lumps of sugar, and after looking at that we set off + for the unfinished station, and could take in, even in its + present skeleton state, how commodious and handsome it will all + be some day. You are all so accustomed to be whisked about the + civilized world when and where you choose that it is difficult + to make you understand the enormous boon the first line of + railway is to a new country—not only for the convenience + of travelers, but for the transport of goods, the setting free + of hundreds of cattle and horses and drivers—all sorely + needed for other purposes—and the fast-following effects + of opening up the resources of the back districts. In these + regions labor is the great difficulty, and one needs to hold + both patience and temper fast with both one's hands when + watching either Kafir or Coolie at work. The white man cannot + or will not do much with his hands out here, so the navvies are + slim-looking blacks, who jabber and grunt and sigh a good deal + more than they work.</p> + + <p>It is a fortunate circumstance that the delicious air keeps + us all in a chronic state of hunger, for it appears in South + Africa that one is expected to eat every half hour or so. And, + shamed am I to confess, we <i>do</i> eat—and eat with a + good appetite too—a delicious luncheon at the + superintendent's, albeit it followed closely on the heels of + our enormous breakfast at the dirty hotel. Such a pretty little + bachelor's box as it was!—so cool and quiet and + neat!—built somewhat after the fashion of the Pompeian + houses, with a small square garden full of orange trees in the + centre, and the house running round this opening in four + corridors. After lunch a couple of nice, light Cape carts came + to the door, and we set off to see a beautiful garden whose + owner had all a true Dutchman's passion for flowers. Here was + fruit as well as flowers. Pine-apples and jasmine, + strawberries and honeysuckle, grew side by side with bordering + orange trees, feathery bamboos and sheltering gum trees. In the + midst of the garden stood a sort of double platform, up whose + steep border we all climbed: from this we got a good idea of + the slightly undulating land all about, waving down like + solidified billows to where the deep blue waters sparkled and + rolled restlessly beyond the white line of waves ever breaking + on the bar. I miss animal life sadly in these parts: the dogs I + see about the streets are few in number, and miserably currish + specimens of their kind. "Good dogs don't answer out here," I + am told: that is to say, they get a peculiar sort of distemper, + or ticks bite them, or they got weak from loss of blood, or + become degenerate in some way. The horses and cattle are small + and poor-looking, and hard-worked, very dear to buy and very + difficult to keep and to feed. I don't even see many cats, and + a pet bird is a rarity. However, as we stood on the breezy + platform I saw a most beautiful wild bird fly over the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page359" + id="page359"></a>[pg 359]</span> rose-hedge just below us. + It was about as big as a crow, but with a strange iridescent + plumage. When it flitted into the sunshine its back and + wings shone like a rainbow, and the next moment it looked + perfectly black and velvety in the shade. Now a + turquoise-blue tint comes out on its spreading wings, and a + slant in the sunshine turns the blue into a chrysoprase + green. Nobody could tell me its name: our Dutch host spoke + exactly like Hans Breitmann, and declared it was a "bid of a + crow," and so we had to leave it and the platform and come + down to more roses and tea. There was so much yet to be seen + and to be done that we could not stay long, and, laden with + magnificent bouquets of <i>gloire de Dijon</i> roses and + honeysuckle, and divers strange and lovely flowers, we drove + off again in our Cape carts. I observed that instead of + saying "Whoa!" or checking the horses in anyway by the + reins, the driver always whistles to them—long, low + whistle—and they stand quite still directly. We bumped + up and down, over extraordinarily rough places, and finally + slid down a steep cutting to the brink of the river Buffalo, + over which we were ferried, all standing, on a big punt, or + rather pontoon. A hundred yards or so of rapid driving then + took us to a sort of wharf which projected into the river, + where the important-looking little tug awaited us; and no + sooner were we all safely on board—rather a large + party by this time, for we had gone on picking up stragglers + ever since we started, only three in number, from the + hotel—than she sputtered and fizzed herself off + up-stream. By this time it was the afternoon, and I almost + despair of making you see the woodland beauty of that broad + mere, fringed down to the water's edge on one side with + shrubs and tangle of roses and woodbine, with ferns and + every lovely green creeping thing. That was on the bank + which was sheltered from the high winds: the other hillside + showed the contrast, for there, though green indeed, only a + few feathery tufts of pliant shrubs had survived the force + of some of these south-eastern gales. We paddled steadily + along in mid-stream, and from the bridge (where little + G—— and I had begged "Capting Florence" to let + us stand) one could see the double of each leaf and tendril + and passing cloud mirrored sharp and clear in the + crystalline water. The lengthening shadows from rock and + fallen crag were in some places flung quite across our + little boat, and so through the soft, lovely air, flooded + with brightest sunshine, we made our way, up past Picnic + Creek, where another stream joins the Buffalo, and makes + miniature green islands and harbors at its mouth, up as far + as the river was navigable for even so small a steamer as + ours. Every one was sorry when it became time to turn, but + there was no choice: the sun-burned, good-looking captain of + the tug held up a warning hand, and round we went with a + wide sweep, under the shadows, out into the sunlight, down + the middle of the stream, all too soon to please us.</p> + + <p>Before we left East London, however, there was one more + great work to be glanced at, and accordingly we paid a hasty + visit to the office of the superintendent of the new + harbor-works, and saw plans and drawings of what will indeed be + a magnificent achievement when carried out. Yard by yard, with + patient under-sea sweeping, all that waste of sand brought down + by the Buffalo is being cleared away; yard by yard, two massive + arms of solidest masonry are stretching themselves out beyond + those cruel breakers: the river is being forced into so narrow + a channel that the rush of the water must needs carry the sand + far out to sea in future, and scatter it in soundings where it + cannot accumulate into such a barrier as that which now + exists.</p> + + <p>Lighthouses will guard this safe entrance into a tranquil + anchorage, and so, at some not too far distant day, there is + good hope that East London may be one of the most valuable + harbors on this vast coast; and when her railway has reached + even the point to which it is at present projected, nearly two + hundred miles away, it will indeed be a thriving place. Even + now, there is a greater air of movement and life and progress + about the little seaport, what with the railway + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page360" + id="page360"></a>[pg 360]</span> and the harbor-works, than + at any other place I have yet seen; and each great + undertaking is in the hands of men of first-rate ability and + experience, who are as persevering as they are energetic. + After looking well over these most interesting plans there + was nothing left for us to do except to make a sudden raid + on the hotel, pick up our shawls and bags, pay a most + moderate bill of seven shillings and sixpence for breakfast + for three people and luncheon for two, and the use of a room + all day, piteously entreat the mistress of the inn to sell + us half a bottle of milk for G——'s breakfast + to-morrow—as he will not drink the preserved + milk—and so back again on board the tug. The + difficulty about milk and butter is the first trouble which + besets a family traveling in these parts. Everywhere milk is + scarce and poor, and the butter such as no charwoman would + touch in England. In vain does one behold from the sea + thousands of acres of what looks like undulating green + pasturage, and inland the same waving green hillocks stretch + as far as the eye can reach: there is never a sheep or cow + to be seen, and one hears that there is no water, or that + the grass is sour, or that there is a great deal of sickness + about among the animals in that locality. Whatever the + cause, the result is the same—namely, that one has to + go down on one's knees for a cupful of milk, which is but + poor, thin stuff at its best, and that Irish salt butter out + of a tub is a costly delicacy.</p> + + <p>Having secured this precious quarter of a bottle of milk, + for which I was really as grateful as though it had been the + Koh-i-noor, we hastened back to the wharf and got on board the + little tug again. "Now for the bridge!" cry G—— and + I, for has not Captain Florence promised us a splendid but safe + tossing across the bar? And faithfully he and the bar and the + boat keep their word, for we are in no danger, it seems, and + yet we appear to leap like a race-horse across the strip of + sand, receiving a staggering buffet first on one paddle-wheel + and then on the other from the angry guardian breakers, which + seem sworn foes of boats and passengers. Again and again are we + knocked aside by huge billows, as though the poor little tug + were a walnut-shell; again and again do we recover ourselves, + and blunder bravely on, sometimes with but one paddle in the + water, sometimes burying our bowsprit in a big green wave too + high to climb, and dashing right through it as fast as if we + shut our eyes and went at everything. The spray flies high over + our heads, G—— and I are drenched over and over + again, but we shake the sparkling water off our coats, for all + the world like Newfoundland dogs, and are all right again in a + moment, "Is that the very last?" asks G—— + reluctantly as we take our last breaker like a five-barred + gate, flying, and find ourselves safe and sound, but quivering + a good deal, in what seems comparatively smooth water. Is it + smooth, though? Look at the Florence and all the other vessels. + Still at it, see-saw, backward and forward, roll, roll, roll! + How thankful we all are to have escaped a long day of + sickening, monotonous motion! But there is the getting on board + to be accomplished, for the brave little tug dare not come too + near to her big sister steamboat or she would roll over on her. + So we signal for a boat, and quickly the largest which the + Florence possesses is launched and manned—no easy task in + such a sea, but accomplished in the smartest and most + seamanlike fashion. The sides of the tug are low, so it is not + very difficult to scramble and tumble into the boat, which is + laden to the water's edge by new passengers from East London + and their luggage. When, however, we have reached the rolling + Florence it is no easy matter to get out of the said boat and + on board. There is a ladder let down, indeed, from the + Florence's side, but how are we to use it when one moment half + a dozen rungs are buried deep in the sea, and the next instant + ship and ladder and all have rolled right away from us? It has + to be done, however, and what a tower of strength and + encouragement does "Capting Florence" prove himself at this + juncture! We are all to sit perfectly still: no one is to move + until his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page361" + id="page361"></a>[pg 361]</span> name is called, and then he + is to come unhesitatingly and do exactly what he is + told.</p> + + <p>"Pass up the baby!" is the first order which I hear given, + and that astonishing baby is "passed up" accordingly. I use the + word "astonishing" advisedly, for never was an infant so + bundled about uncomplainingly. He is just as often upside down + as not; he is generally handed from one quartermaster to the + other by the gathers of his little blue flannel frock; seas + break over his cradle on deck, but nothing disturbs him. He + grins and sleeps and pulls at his bottle through everything, + and grows fatter and browner and more impudent every day. On + this occasion, when—after rivaling Léotard's most + daring feats on the trapeze in my scramble up the side of a + vessel which was lurching away from me—I at last reached + the deck, I found the ship's carpenter nursing the baby, who + had seized the poor man's beard firmly with one hand, and with + the finger and thumb of the other was attempting to pick out + one of his merry blue eyes. "Avast there!" cried the + long-suffering sailor, and gladly relinquished the mischievous + bundle to me.</p> + + <p>Up with the anchor, and off we go once more into the + gathering darkness of what turns out to be a wet and windy + night. Next day the weather had recovered its temper, and I was + called upon deck directly after breakfast to see the "Gates of + St. John," a really fine pass on the coast where the river + Umzimvubu rushes through great granite cliffs into the sea. If + the exact truth is to be told, I must confess I am a little + disappointed with this coast-scenery. I have heard so much of + its beauty, and as yet, though I have seen it under + exceptionally favorable conditions of calm weather, which has + allowed us to stand in very close to shore, I have not seen + anything really fine until these "Gates" came in view. It has + all been monotonous, undulating downs, here and there dotted + with trees, and in some places the ravines were filled with + what we used to call in New Zealand <i>bush</i>—i.e., + miscellaneous greenery. Here and there a bold cliff or tumbled + pile of red rock makes a landmark for the passing ships, but + otherwise the uniformity is great indeed. The ordinary weather + along this coast is something frightful, and the great + reputation of our little Florence is built on the method in + which she rides dry and safe as a duck among these stormy + waters. Now that we are close to "fair Natal," the country + opens out and improves in beauty. There are still the same + sloping, rolling downs, but higher downs rise behind them, and + again beyond are blue and purpling hills. Here and there, too, + are clusters of fat, dumpy haystacks, which in reality are no + haystacks at all, but Kafir kraals. Just before we pass the + cliff and river which marks where No-Man's Land ends and Natal + begins these little locations are more frequently to be + observed, though what their inhabitants subsist on is a marvel + to me, for we are only a mile or so from shore, and all the + seeing power of all the field-glasses on board fails to discern + a solitary animal. We can see lots of babies crawling about the + hole which serves as door to a Kafir hut, and they are all as + fat as little pigs; but what do they live on? Buttermilk, I am + told—that is to say, sour milk, for the true Kafir palate + does not appreciate fresh, sweet milk—and a sort of + porridge made of <i>mealies</i>. I used to think "mealies" was + a coined word for potatoes, but it really signifies maize or + Indian corn, which is rudely crushed and ground, and forms the + staple food of man and beast.</p> + + <p>In the mean time, we are speeding gayly over the bright + waters, never very calm along this shore. Presently we come to + a spot clearly marked by some odd-colored, tumbled-down cliffs + and the remains of a great iron butt, where, more than a + hundred years ago, the Grosvenor, a splendid clipper ship, was + wrecked. The men nearly all perished or were made away with, + but a few women were got on shore and carried off as prizes to + the kraals of the Kafir "inkosis" or chieftains. What sort of + husbands these stalwart warriors made to their reluctant brides + tradition does not say, but it is a fact that almost all the + children were born mad, and their descendants are, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page362" + id="page362"></a>[pg 362]</span> many of them, lunatics or + idiots up to the present time. As the afternoon draws on a + chill mist creeps over the hills and provokingly blots out + the coast, which gets more beautiful every league we go. I + wanted to remain up and see the light on the bluff just + outside Port d'Urban, but a heavy shower drove me down to my + wee cabin before ten o'clock. Soon after midnight the + rolling of the anchor-chains and the sudden change of motion + from pitching and jumping to the old monotonous roll told us + that we were once more outside a bar, with a heavy sea on, + and that there we must remain until the tug came to fetch + us. But, alas! the tug had to make short work of it next + morning, on account of the unaccommodating state of the + tide, and all our hopes of breakfasting on shore were dashed + by a hasty announcement at 5 A.M. that the tug was + alongside, the mails were rapidly being put on board of her, + and that she could not wait for passengers or anything else, + because ten minutes later there would not be water enough to + float her over the bar.</p> + + <p>"When shall <i>we</i> be able to get over the bar?" I asked + dolefully.</p> + + <p>"Not until the afternoon," was the prompt and uncompromising + reply, delivered through my keyhole by the authority in charge + of us. And he proved to be quite right; but I am bound to say + the time passed more quickly than we had dared to hope or + expect, for an hour later a bold little fishing-boat made her + way through the breakers and across the bar in the teeth of + wind and rain, bringing F—— on board. He has been + out here these eight months, and looks a walking advertisement + of the climate and temperature of our new home, so absolutely + healthy is his appearance. He is very cheery about liking the + place, and particularly insists on the blooming faces and + sturdy limbs I shall see belonging to the young Natalians. + Altogether, he appears thoroughly happy and contented, liking + his work, his position, everything and everybody; which is all + extremely satisfactory to hear. There is so much to tell and so + much to behold that, as G—— declares, "it is + afternoon directly," and, the signal-flag being up, we trip our + anchor once more and rush at the bar, two quartermasters and an + officer at the wheel, the pilot and captain on the bridge, all + hands on deck and on the alert, for always, under the most + favorable circumstances, the next five minutes hold a peril in + every second, "Stand by for spray!" sings out somebody, and we + do stand by, luckily for ourselves, for "spray" means the top + of two or three waves. The dear little Florence is as plucky as + she is pretty, and appears to shut her eyes and lower her head + and go <i>at</i> the bar. Scrape, scrape, scrape! "We've stuck! + No, we haven't! Helm hard down! Over!" and so we are. Among the + breakers, it is true, buffeted hither and thither, knocked + first to one side and then to the other; but we keep right on, + and a few more turns of the screw take us into calm water under + the green hills of the bluff. The breakers are behind us, we + have twenty fathoms of water under our keel, the voyage is + ended and over, the captain takes off his straw hat to mop his + curly head, everybody's face loses the expression of anxiety + and rigidity it has worn these past ten minutes, and boats + swarm like locusts round the ship. The baby is passed over the + ship's side for the last time, having been well kissed and + petted and praised by every one as he was handed from one to + the other, and we row swiftly away to the low sandy shore of + the "Point."</p> + + <p>Only a few warehouses, or rather sheds of warehouses, are to + be seen, and a rude sort of railway-station, which appears to + afford indiscriminate shelter to boats as well as to engines. + There are leisurely trains which saunter into the town of + D'Urban, a mile and a half away, every half hour or so, but one + of these "crawlers" had just started. The sun was very hot, and + we voyagers were all sadly weary and headachy. But the best of + the colonies is the prompt, self-sacrificing kindness of + old-comers to new-comers. A gentleman had driven down in his + own nice, comfortable pony-carriage, and without a moment's + hesitation he insisted on our all getting into it and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page363" + id="page363"></a>[pg 363]</span> making the best of our way + to our hotel. It is too good an offer to be refused, for the + sun is hot and the babies are tired to death; so we start, + slowly enough, to plough our way through heavy sand up to + the axles. If the tide had been out we could have driven + quickly along the hard, dry sand; but we comfort ourselves + by remembering that there had been water enough on the bar, + and make the best of our way through clouds of impalpable + dust to a better road, of which a couple of hundred yards + land us at our hotel. It looks bare and unfurnished enough, + in all conscience, but it is a new place, and must be + furnished by degrees. At all events, it is tolerably clean + and quiet, and we can wash our sunburned faces and hands, + and, as nurse says, "turn ourselves round."</p> + + <p>Coolies swarm in every direction, picturesque fish- and + fruit-sellers throng the verandah of the kitchen a little way + off, and everything looks bright and green and fresh, having + been well washed by the recent rains. There are still, however, + several feet of dust in the streets, for they are <i>made</i> + of dust; and my own private impression is, that all the water + in the harbor would not suffice to lay the dust of D'Urban for + more than half an hour. With the restlessness of people who + have been cooped up on board ship for a month, we insist, the + moment it is cool enough, on being taken out for a walk. + Fortunately, the public gardens are close at hand, and we amuse + ourselves very well in them for an hour or two, but we are all + thoroughly tired and worn out, and glad to get to bed, even in + gaunt, narrow rooms on hard pallets.</p> + + <p>The two following days were spent in looking after and + collecting our cumbrous array of boxes and baskets. Tin baths, + wicker chairs and baskets, all had to be counted and recounted, + until one got weary of the word "luggage;" but that is the + penalty of drafting babies about the world. In the intervals of + the serious business of tracing No. 5 or running No. 10 to + earth in the corner of a warehouse, I made many pleasant + acquaintances and received kindest words and notes of welcome + from unknown friends. All this warm-hearted, unconventional + kindness goes far to make the stranger forget his "own people + and his father's house," and feel at once at home amid strange + and unfamiliar scenes. After all, "home" is portable, luckily, + and a welcoming smile and hand-clasp act as a spell to create + it in any place. We also managed, after business-hours, when it + was of no use making expeditions to wharf or custom-house after + recusant carpet-bags, to drive to the Botanic Gardens. They are + extensive and well kept, but seem principally devoted to + shrubs. I was assured that this is the worst time of year for + flowers, as the plants have not yet recovered from the winter + drought. A dry winter and wet summer is the correct atmospheric + fashion here: in winter everything is brown and dusty and dried + up, in summer green and fragrant and well watered. The gardens + are in good order, and I rather regretted not being able to + examine them more thoroughly. Another afternoon we drove to the + Berea, a sort of suburban Richmond, where the rich + semi-tropical vegetation is cleared away in patches, and villas + with pretty pleasure-grounds are springing up in every + direction. The road winds up the luxuriantly-clothed slopes, + with every here and there lovely sea-views of the harbor, with + the purpling lights of the Indian Ocean stretching away beyond. + Every villa must have an enchanting prospect from its front + door, and one can quite understand how alluring to the + merchants and business—men of D'Urban must be the idea of + getting away after office-hours, and sleeping on such; high + ground in so fresh and healthy an: atmosphere. And here I must + say that we Maritzburgians (I am only one in prospective) wage + a constant and deadly warfare with the D'Urbanites on the score + of the health and convenience of our respective cities. + <i>We</i> are two thousand feet above the sea and fifty-two + miles inland, so we talk in a pitying tone of the poor + D'Urbanites as dwellers in a very hot and unhealthy place. + "Relaxing" is the word we apply to their climate when we want + to be particularly nasty, and they retaliate by reminding + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page364" + id="page364"></a>[pg 364]</span> us that they are ever so + much older than we are (which is an advantage in a colony), + and that they are on the coast, and can grow all manner of + nice things which we cannot compass, to say nothing of their + climate being more equable than ours, and their + thunderstorms, though longer in duration, mere flashes in + the pan compared to what we in our amphitheatre of hills + have to undergo at the hands of the electric current. We + never can find answer to that taunt, and if the D'Urbanites + only follow up their victory by allusions to their abounding + bananas and other fruits, their vicinity to the shipping, + and consequent facility of getting almost anything quite + easily, we are completely silenced, and it is a wonder if we + retain presence of mind enough to murmur "Flies." On the + score of dust we are about equal, but I must in fairness + confess that D'Urban is a more lively and a better-looking + town than Maritzburg when you are in it, though the effect + from a distance is not so good. It is very odd how unevenly + the necessaries of existence are distributed in this + country. Here at D'Urban anything hard in the way of stone + is a treasure: everything is soft and friable: sand and + finest shingle, so fine as to be mere dust, are all the + available material for road-making. I am told that later on + I shall find that a cartload of sand in Maritzburg is indeed + a rare and costly thing: there we are all rock, a sort of + flaky, slaty rock underlying every place. Our last day, or + rather half day, in D'Urban was very full of sightseeing and + work. F—— was extremely anxious for me to see + the sun rise from the signal-station on the bluff, and + accordingly he, G—— and I started with the + earliest dawn. We drove through the sand again in a hired + and springless Cape cart down to the Point, got into the + port-captain's boat and rowed across a little strip of sand + at the foot of a winding path cut out of the dense + vegetation which makes the bluff such a refreshingly green + headland to eyes of wave-worn voyagers. A stalwart Kafir + carried our picnic basket, with tea and milk, bread and + butter and eggs, up the hill, and it was delightful to + follow the windings of the path through beautiful bushes + bearing strange and lovely flowers, and knit together in + patches in a green tangle by the tendrils of a convolvulus + or clematis, or sort of wild, passion-flower, whose blossoms + were opening to the fresh morning air. It was a cool but + misty morning, and though we got to our destination in ample + time, there was never any sunrise at all to be seen. In + fact, the sun steadily declined to get up the whole day, so + far as I knew, for the sea looked gray and solemn and + sleepy, and the land kept its drowsy mantle of haze over its + flat shore; which haze thickened and deepened into a Scotch + mist as the morning wore on. We returned by the leisurely + railway—a railway so calm and stately in its method of + progression that it is not at all unusual to see a passenger + step calmly out of the train when it is at its fullest speed + of crawl, and wave his hand to his companions as he + disappears down the by-path leading to his little home. The + passengers are conveyed at a uniform rate of sixpence a + head, which sixpence is collected promiscuously by a small + boy at odd moments during the journey. There are no nice + distinctions of class, either, for we all travel amicably + together in compartments which are a judicious mixture of a + third-class carriage and a cattle-truck. Of course, wood is + the only fuel used, and that but sparingly, for it is + exceedingly costly.</p> + + <p>There was still much to be done by the afternoon—many + visitors to receive, notes to write and packages to arrange, + for our traveling of these fifty-two miles spreads itself over + a good many hours, as you will see. About three o'clock the + government mule-wagon came to the door. It may truly and + literally be described as "stopping the way," for not only is + the wagon itself a huge and cumbrous machine, but it is drawn + by eight mules in pairs, and driven by a couple of black + drivers. I say "driven by a couple of drivers," because the + driving was evidently an affair of copartnership: one held the + reins—such elaborate reins as they were! a confused + tangle of leather—and the other had the care of two or + three whips of differing lengths. The + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page365" + id="page365"></a>[pg 365]</span> drivers were both jet + black—not Kafirs, but Cape blacks—descendants of + the old slaves taken by the Dutch. They appeared to be great + friends, these two, and took earnest counsel together at + every rut and drain and steep pinch of the road, which + stretched away, over hill and dale, before us, a broad red + track, with high green hedges on either hand. Although the + rain had not yet fallen long or heavily, the ditches were + all running freely with red, muddy water, and the dust had + already begun to cake itself into a sticky, pasty red clay. + The wagon was shut in by curtains at the back and sides, and + could hold eight passengers easily. Luckily for the poor + mules, however, we were only five grown-up people, including + the drivers. The road was extremely pretty, and the town + looked very picturesque as we gradually rose above it and + looked down on it and the harbor together. Of a fine, clear + afternoon it would have been still nicer, though I was much + congratulated on the falling rain on account of the absence + of its alternative—dust. Still, it was possible to + have too much of a good thing, and by the time we reached + Pine Town, only fourteen miles away, the heavy roads were + beginning to tell on the poor mules, and the chill damp of + the closing evening made us all only too thankful to get + under the shelter of a roadside inn (or hotel, as they are + called here), which was snug and bright and comfortable + enough to be a credit to any colony. It seemed the most + natural thing in the world to be told that this inn was not + only a favorite place for people to come out to from D'Urban + to spend their holiday time in fine weather (there is a + pretty little church in the village hard by), but also that + it was quite <i>de rigueur</i> for all honeymoons to be + spent amid its pretty scenery.</p> + + <p>A steady downpour of rain all through the night made our + early start next day an affair of doubt and discouragement and + dismal prophecy; but we persevered, and accomplished another + long stage through a cold persistent drizzle before reaching an + inn, where we enjoyed simply the best breakfast I ever tasted, + or at all events the best I have tasted in Natal. The mules + were also unharnessed, and after taking, each, a good roll on + the damp grass, turned out in the drizzling rain for a rest and + a nibble until their more substantial repast was ready. The + rain cleared up from time to time, but an occasional heavy + shower warned us that the weather was still sulky. It was in + much better heart and spirits, however, that we made a second + start about eleven o'clock, and struggled on through heavy + roads up and down weary hills, slipping here, sliding there, + and threatening to stick everywhere. Our next stage was to a + place where the only available shelter was a filthy inn, at + which we lingered as short a time as practicable—only + long enough, in fact, to feed the mules—and then, with + every prospect of a finer afternoon, set out once more on the + last and longest stage of our journey. All the way the road has + been very beautiful, in spite of the shrouding mist, especially + at the Inchanga Pass, where round the shoulder of the hill as + fair a prospect of curved green hills, dotted with clusters of + timber exactly like an English park, of distant ranges rising + in softly-rounded outlines, with deep violet shadows in the + clefts and pale green lights on the slopes, stretches before + you as the heart of painter could desire. Nestling out of sight + amid this rich pasture-land are the kraals of a large Kafir + location, and no one can say that these, the children of the + soil, have not secured one of the most favored spots. To me it + all looked like a fair mirage. I am already sick of beholding + all this lovely country lying around, and yet of being told + that food and fuel are almost at famine-prices. People say, + "Oh, but you should see it in winter. <i>Now</i> it is green, + and there is plenty of feed on it, but three months ago no + grass-eating creature could have picked up a living on all the + country-side. It is all as brown and bare as parchment for half + the year. <i>This</i> is the spring." Can you not imagine how + provoking it is to hear such statements made by old settlers, + who know the place only too well, and to find out that all the + radiant beauty which greets the traveler's eye is illusive, for + in many places there are + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page366" + id="page366"></a>[pg 366]</span> miles and miles without a + drop of water for the flock and herds; consequently, there + are no means of transport for all this fuel until the days + of railways? Besides which, through Natal lies the great + highway to the Diamond Fields, the Transvaal and the Free + States, and all the opening-up country beyond; so it is more + profitable to drive a wagon than to till a farm. Every beast + with four legs is wanted to drag building materials or + provisions. The supply of beef becomes daily more precarious + and costly, for the oxen are all "treking," and one hears of + nothing but diseases among animals—"horse sickness," + pleuro-pneumonia, fowl sickness (I feel it an impertinence + for the poultry to presume to be ill), and even dogs set up + a peculiar and fatal sort of distemper among themselves.</p> + + <p>But to return to the last hours of our journey. The mules + struggle bravely along, though their ears are beginning to flap + about any way, instead of being held straight and sharply + pricked forward, and the encouraging cries of "Pull up, + Capting! now then, Blue-bok, hi!" become more and more + frequent: the driver in charge of the whips is less nice in his + choice of a scourge with which to urge on the patient animals, + and whacks them soundly with whichever comes first. The + children have long ago wearied of the confinement and darkness + of the back seats of the hooded vehicle; we are all black and + blue from jolting in and out of deep holes hidden by mud which + occur at every yard; but still our flagging spirits keep pretty + good, for <i>our</i> little Table Mountain has been left + behind, whilst before us, leaning up in one corner of an + amphitheatre of hills, are the trees which mark where + Maritzburg nestles. The mules see it too, and, sniffing their + stables afar off, jog along faster. Only one more rise to pull + up: we turn a little off the high-road, and there, amid a young + plantation of trees, with roses, honeysuckle and + passion-flowers climbing up the posts of the wide verandah, a + fair and enchanting prospect lying at our feet, stands our new + home, with its broad red tiled roof stretching out a friendly + welcome to the tired, belated travelers.</p> + + <h2>A SYLVAN SEARCH.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <h4>I.</h4> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>From tales of rural gods I rose,</p> + + <p class="i2">And sought them through the woody + deeps,</p> + + <p>Where, held in shadowy, sweet repose,</p> + + <p class="i2">The sunshine, like Endymion, + sleeps—</p> + + <p>Where murmurous waters softly sing</p> + + <p class="i2">To listening branches, bended low,</p> + + <p>And tuneful birds on waving wing,</p> + + <p class="i2">As Zephyrus, gently come and go.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"></div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <h4>II.</h4> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Vainly I sought the gods, yet heard</p> + + <p class="i2">Their whispering spirits say to mine,</p> + + <p>"Who seeks us finds the forests stirred</p> + + <p class="i2">By myriad voices all divine,</p> + + <p>And learns that still the mystic spell</p> + + <p class="i2">Of fauns and dryads fills the place</p> + + <p>With beauty myths have failed to tell—</p> + + <p class="i2">One god in every hidden face."</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="author">MARY B. + DODGE.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page367" id="page367"></a></span> + THE SONGS OF MIRZA-SCHAFFY.</h2> + + <p>It was in Vienna during the stormy days of October, 1848. + The sky was lurid with the glow of surrounding conflagrations: + roof and turret were illumined by the glaring reflection of the + sea of fire, while the broad Danube madly stretched forth its + blood-red tongue to the blood-red walls of the city. The + clashing of weapons and rolling of drums resounded through the + streets. Every house became in its turn a fortress, every + window a porthole. During these days of horror there assembled + in the evening at the dwelling of Friedrich Bodenstedt a circle + of friends, who sought in conversation on literary topics some + relief after the agitating experiences of the day.</p> + + <p>"Bodenstedt," exclaimed Auerbach on one of these occasions, + "tell us of your adventures in the East. Awake with blithesome + touch the memories of your past: transport us into a new world + where will be dispelled the gloom of the present."</p> + + <p>"Yes, do," chimed in the rest, drawing their chairs closer + together.</p> + + <p>"Tell us, above all, of your famous teacher, Mirza-Schaffy," + added Kaufmann.</p> + + <p>One usually narrates one's experiences best in a circle of + sympathetic listeners, and even under ordinary circumstances + Bodenstedt was esteemed a good talker. Soon a spirit of + cheerfulness prevailed, and as the friends sat far into the + night, the tumult without, the burning suburbs, the beat of + drums and the firing of cannons were forgotten.</p> + + <p>Night after night the friends met—poets, philosophers, + men of learning, artists—and sat, to use Bodenstedt's own + words, "on the carpet of expectation, smoked the pipe of + satisfaction, saw the sunshine of wine sparkle up from the + flask, and fished for words of pearls with the delicate nets of + the ears." The story of Eastern life grew and rounded in its + proportions, and Auerbach, who seemed most of all entranced, + insisted that the source of so fascinating a narrative should + be guided through the "canal of the pen into the sea of + publicity." Bodenstedt demurred, maintaining that the "art-hewn + path from the head to the hand" was far more difficult to + traverse than the natural one from the mouth to the ear.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but it leads farther," rejoined Auerbach, "and what + pleases us, who listen, you may rest assured, with critical + ears, cannot fail to please in more extended circles."</p> + + <p>Upon this foundation arose that delightful book, <i>A + Thousand and One Days in the Orient</i>, which was the occasion + of one of the most amusing mystifications and controversies + that ever occupied the German literary world.</p> + + <p>Friedrich Bodenstedt was born at Peine in Hanover, April 21, + 1819. Notwithstanding his precocious intellectuality and + remarkable poetic talents, he was condemned by his parents to a + mercantile career. After a mournful apprenticeship he managed, + however, to escape from this uncongenial employment, and + pursued a course of study at Göttingen, Munich and Berlin, + devoting himself chiefly to philology and history. The year + 1840 found him in Moscow as private tutor in the family of + Prince Galitzin, and shortly after he published his first + volume of poetry. Later, he was appointed teacher of languages + at the Tiflis Gymnasium, and the result of his learned + investigations here were given to the world in his <i>People of + Caucasus</i>, in which, however, were wholly thrust into the + background poetical reminiscences evoked, as we have seen, by + gifted and genial friends.</p> + + <p>During his sojourn in Tiflis, the mountain-encompassed + capital of Georgia, Bodenstedt undertook the study of the + Tartar language, finding it to be a universally-employed means + of communication with the many-tongued races of Caucasus. Among + the numerous teachers recommended to him, he selected one + called <span class="pagenum"><a name="page368" + id="page368"></a>[pg 368]</span> Mirza-Schaffy, "the wise + man of Gjändsha," being attracted to him partly because + of his calm, dignified demeanor, partly because he possessed + a sufficient knowledge of Russian, with which Bodenstedt was + perfectly familiar, to render intercourse easy and + agreeable.</p> + + <p>Here it may not be amiss to observe that "Mirza" is a title + which placed before a proper name signifies + "scribe"—after a name it designates a prince. Thus, + Mirza-Schaff[^y] means "Scribe Schaffy," but + Schaffy-Mirzâ would mean "Prince Schaffy." Each word, + when pronounced separately, has the accent on the last + syllable, but together they are pronounced as one word, with + the accent on the final syllable.</p> + + <p>The Tartars possess no such brilliant stores of literature + as the Persians, but they are endowed with a manly vigor which + the latter have lost. Mirza-Schaffy was a Tartar by birth, + nurtured with Persian culture, and was, when Bodenstedt made + his acquaintance, in December, 1843, a man of some forty years + of age, of very stately appearance and excessive neatness. He + wore a soft silken suit, about which he carelessly draped a + blue Turkish cloak, while a tall black sheep-skin hat of + sugar-loaf form adorned his shapely head. A dark, well-tended + beard framed his handsomely chiseled face, whose calm, earnest + expression was heightened by the deep, rich hue of his + complexion, and his large, serious eyes were void of the usual + cunning of his class. His high-heeled slippers, whose purity he + miraculously preserved unimpaired when mud was at its height in + the streets of Tiflis, he left always at the threshold of his + pupil's room, pressing carpet and divan only with his + immaculate variegated stockings.</p> + + <p>But Mirza-Schaffy's main charm lay in his thorough + genuineness, his earnestness of purpose and the tranquillity of + his whole being. Misfortune and sorrow had visited him in many + forms, leaving their impress on his brow, yet he had not been + crushed; and thoroughly as he appreciated the refined + enjoyments of life, he could most gracefully renounce luxuries + attainable only by Fortune's favorites. So long as he could + have his <i>tschibuq</i> filled with good tobacco and his + goblet with good wine, both of which were plentiful in Tiflis, + he seemed content with the entire dispensation of the world. + Highly as he prized, however, the beneficent effects of wine, + he was an enemy to excess, having made moderation in all things + the law of his life.</p> + + <p>The whole atmosphere surrounding the man produced a deep and + lasting impression on Bodenstedt, who, longing to immortalize + the name of one who had unfolded to him the treasures of + Eastern lore, and from whom he had derived so much pleasure and + profit, conceived the idea of representing his teacher in his + public characterization with poetic freedom, as a type of the + Eastern poet and man of learning. Poet, Mirza-Schaffy was not + in reality, for although he was skilled in the art of rhyming, + and could translate with ease any simple song from the Persian + into the Tartar language, Bodenstedt found only one of his + original efforts which was worthy of preservation. The song + referred to was one hurled, as it were, at the head of an + offending mullah who had derided Mirza-Schaffy for his + tenderness to wine, and reads as follows:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Mullah! pure is our wine:</p> + + <p class="i2">It to revile were sin.</p> + + <p>Shouldst thou censure my word,</p> + + <p class="i2">May'st find truth therein!</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No devotion hath me</p> + + <p class="i2">To thy mosque led to pray:</p> + + <p>Through wine render'd free,</p> + + <p class="i2">I have chanced there to stray.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>All other poems introduced into the <i>Thousand and One Days + in the Orient</i> are entirely of Bodenstedt's own composition, + were designed to add flavor to the picture of an Eastern divan + of wisdom, and were usually written while the impression was + fresh of intercourse with the wise man of Gjändsha. + Shortly after the appearance of the book, which was well + received by the public, the publisher proposed to Bodenstedt to + issue separately the poems contained in it; and this was + finally done in an attractive volume entitled <i>The Songs of + Mirza-Schaffy</i>, many additions being made to the original + collection. Of these, one of the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page369" + id="page369"></a>[pg 369]</span> most fresh and sparkling is + a spring song, which has never before appeared in English, + and which we present as a fitting introduction:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When young Spring up mountain-peaks doth hie,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the sunbeams scatter stores of + snow—</p> + + <p>When the trees put forth their leaflets shy,</p> + + <p class="i2">And amid grass the first wild flower doth + blow—</p> + + <p class="i4">When in yonder vale</p> + + <p class="i4">Fleeth in a gale</p> + + <p class="i2">All the dolesome rain and wintry + wail,</p> + + <p class="i4">Rings from upland air</p> + + <p class="i6">Forth to many a clime,</p> + + <p class="i4">"Oh, how wond'rous fair</p> + + <p class="i6">Is the glad spring-time!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>When the glaciers quail 'neath hot sunbeams,</p> + + <p class="i2">And all Nature into life doth + spring—</p> + + <p>When from mountain-sides gush forth cool + streams,</p> + + <p class="i2">And with sounds of glee the forests + ring—</p> + + <p class="i4">Fragrant zephyrs too</p> + + <p class="i4">Stray the green meads through</p> + + <p class="i2">And the heavens smile, serene and + blue.</p> + + <p class="i4">While from upland air</p> + + <p class="i6">Rings to many a clime,</p> + + <p class="i4">"Oh, how wond'rous fair</p> + + <p class="i6">Is the glad spring-time!"</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And was it not in the days of spring</p> + + <p class="i2">That thy heart and mine, O maiden + fair!</p> + + <p>Were united, while our lips did cling</p> + + <p class="i2">In their first long kiss, so sweet and + rare?</p> + + <p class="i4">What the glad grove sang</p> + + <p class="i4">Through the wide vale rang,</p> + + <p class="i2">And the fresh stream from the mountain + sprang.</p> + + <p class="i4">While the upland air</p> + + <p class="i6">Wafted forth its rhyme,</p> + + <p class="i4">"Oh, how wond'rous fair</p> + + <p class="i6">Is the glad spring-time!"</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Seldom has a volume of poems been received with more general + applause. Their renown spread rapidly through their native + land; constantly increasing demand for copies rendered needful + frequent new editions, to which at divers times were added by + the author freshly-created poems; and the interest is still + alive, now nearly quarter of a century after their first + appearance, when they have passed their fiftieth edition. They + have been at one time or other translated into most of the + modern tongues of Europe; and that they have never gained + popularity with us is due probably to the fact that in those + which have been translated into our tongue neither the essence + nor the form of the original has been preserved. By the title + no mystification was ever designed: it came, as it were, of + itself, and the purport of the narrative through which the main + songs were interwoven being well known, it was never, supposed + that a doubt concerning the authorship could arise. + Nevertheless, the critics accepted them as translations from + the Persian, and sharp lines of distinction were drawn between + the poet, Mirza-Schaffy, and his translator, Friedrich + Bodenstedt, not precisely to the advantage of the latter. Many + a hearty laugh did Bodenstedt indulge in on reading in one or + another learned dissertation that he was the possessor of a + very neat poetic talent, and frequently reminded one in his + original compositions of the works of his genial teacher, + Mirza-Schaffy, of which he had given admirable translations, + though without attaining to the excellence of the original. + Now, a poet, in the wildest flights of his imagination, could + not hope for a more brilliant success for the poetic fiction of + his own creation than to have it accepted by the world as a + living reality. In this he would naturally delight, even though + his own personality were for a time thrust into the background, + precisely like a loving father whose children meet with better + fortune in life than himself. Sundry renditions into foreign + tongues were even announced as direct translations from the + Persian.</p> + + <p>After the death of the real Mirza-Schaffy in 1852, which was + duly announced by the press, sundry efforts were made by + Eastern travelers to visit his grave in Tiflis and gain those + particulars concerning him and his writings which Bodenstedt + was supposed to have selfishly withheld from the public. Of + these, one of the most prominent was Professor H. Brugsch, + secretary of the Prussian embassy to Persia in 1860, who in his + book of travels thus descants on his futile efforts: "No one + could inform us where the last earthly remains of a certain + Mirza-Schaffy were laid to rest. We consoled ourselves with the + reflection that neither mounds nor monuments are requisite to + preserve a poet's fame, but that through his songs is his name + transmitted to posterity. Yet even here we were doomed to + disappointment. No one whom we encountered knew aught of the + songs of the jovial, genial Mirza-Schaffy which in our German + Fatherland <span class="pagenum"><a name="page370" + id="page370"></a>[pg 370]</span> have penetrated to the very + life of the people."</p> + + <p>Some years later the Russian imperial state counselor + Bergé, while chief of educational institutions in + Caucasus, also made the matter a subject of investigation, and + in the year 1870 gave the history thereof to the world in the + <i>Journal of the German Oriental Society</i>. He tells of his + vain efforts to learn something of the genius of Mirza-Schaffy + in his own land, and the amusement he created by his queries + concerning possible posthumous works, and finally settles the + question beyond dispute concerning the authorship of the + poems.</p> + + <p>After this, Bodenstedt yielded to the solicitations of + friends to give in the pages of the popular German magazine + <i>Daheim</i> a correct version of the whole affair.</p> + + <p>Let the reader present to his mind's eye a picture of the + Eastern scribe, clad in the apparel before described, seated on + the comfortable divan, with legs crossed after the fashion of + the country, the long <i>tschibuq</i> caressingly held in one + hand, the other uplifted, and with finger pointed to his brow, + haranguing the German man of letters at his side on the + advantages to be enjoyed under his tuition, and on the idle + pretensions of those who call themselves learned without so + much as comprehending the sacred languages. He cherished, + however, the pious hope that in the course of time, thanks to + his efforts, the enlightenment of the East might take effect in + the West, which hope was strengthened by the encouraging fact + that Bodenstedt was the fifth scholar who had felt the need of + migrating to Tiflis to profit by his instructions. In his + excess of national modesty the wise man of Gjändsha only + styled himself the first wise man of the East, but since the + children of the West dwelt under a dark cloud of unbelief, it + resulted as a matter of course that he must be the wisest of + all men.</p> + + <p>"I, Mirza-Schaffy," said he to his pupil, "am the first wise + man of the East, consequently thou, as my disciple, art the + second. But misunderstand me not. I have a friend, Omar + Effendi, an extremely wise man, who verily is not third among + the learned scribes of the land. Did not I live, and were Omar + Effendi thy teacher, he would be first, and thou the second + wise man."</p> + + <p>On being asked what he should do if told that the wise men + of the West would consider him as deficient in enlightenment as + he did them, he rejoined, "What could I do but be amazed at + their folly? What new thing can I learn from their opinions + when they merely repeat my own?" Hence the song:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Shall I laugh or fall to wailing</p> + + <p class="i2">That the most of men so dumb are,</p> + + <p>Ever borrowed thoughts retailing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And in mother-wit so mum are?</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>No: thanksgiving heavenward rise</p> + + <p class="i2">That fools so crowd this generation,</p> + + <p>Else the wisdom of the wise</p> + + <p class="i2">Would be lost to observation.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Numerous rivals envied Mirza-Schaffy his lessons, for each + of which he was paid a whole silver ruble—an unusually + high tuition-fee. Most formidable among these was Mirza-Jussuf + (Joseph), the wise man of Bagdad, who called one day on + Bodenstedt and boldly informed him that the revered + Mirza-Schaffy was an Ischekj ("an ass") among the bearers of + wisdom—that he could not write properly, and could not + sing at all. "And what is wisdom without song?" he exclaimed. + "What is Mirza-Schaffy compared with me?" With bewildering + eloquence he set forth his own superior accomplishments, + dwelling largely on his name, which had been exalted by the + Hebrew poet Moses as well as by the Persian poet Hafiz, and + exerting himself to prove that the significance of a great name + must be transmitted to all future bearers thereof. He was still + speaking when a measured tread was heard in the ante-chamber, + and Mirza-Schaffy himself drew near. He appeared to comprehend + intuitively the cause of the guest's presence, for he cast on + Jussuf, who had become suddenly stricken with modesty, a glance + of withering contempt, and was about giving vent to his + emotions when Bodenstedt interposed with the words, + "Mirza-Schaffy, wise man of Gjändsha, what have my ears + heard? You undertake to instruct me, and you can neither write + nor sing! You are an <span class="pagenum"><a name="page371" + id="page371"></a>[pg 371]</span> Ischekj among the bearers + of wisdom: thus sayeth Mirza-Jussuf, the wise man of + Bagdad."</p> + + <p>Without deigning a word of reply, Mirza-Schaffy clapped his + hands, a sign at which the servant usually brought him a fresh + pipe, but this time he demanded his thick-soled slippers. With + one of these he proceeded to so unmercifully belabor the wise + man of Bagdad that the latter besought mercy with the most + appealing words and gestures. But the chastiser was inexorable. + "What?" said he. "I cannot sing, dost thou say? Wait, I will + make music for thee! And I cannot write, either? Let it be, + then, on thy head!" Whimpering and writhing beneath the blows + accompanying these words, the wise man of Bagdad staggered + toward the door and vanished from sight.</p> + + <p>More calmly than might have been anticipated did + Mirza-Schaffy return from the contest of wisdom, and promptly + taking his usual seat on the divan, he began to exhort his + German disciple to lend no ear to such false teachers as Jussuf + and his fellows, whose name, he said, was legion, whose avarice + was greater than their wisdom, and whose aim was to plunder, + not teach, their pupils.</p> + + <p>Later, Jussuf strove to win Bodenstedt by repeated messages, + accompanied by songs in the most exquisite handwriting. + Mirza-Schaffy's opinion concerning these compositions is + embodied in quite a number of songs, of which space must be + found for one:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Forsooth! is Mirza-Jussuf a very well-read man!</p> + + <p>Now searcheth he Hafiz, now searcheth the Koran,</p> + + <p>Now Dshamy and Chakany, and now the + <i>Gülistan</i>.</p> + + <p>Here stealeth he a symbol, and there doth steal a + flower,</p> + + <p>Here robbeth precious thoughts, and there a true + word's power.</p> + + <p>He giveth as his own what has been said before,</p> + + <p>Transplanted! the whole world into his tedious + lore;</p> + + <p>And proudly decketh he his prey with borrowed + plumes,</p> + + <p>Then flauntingly that this is poetry assumes.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>How differently lives and sings Mirza-Schaffy!</p> + + <p>A glowing star his heart to lighten paths of + gloom,</p> + + <p>His mind a blooming garden, filled with sweet + perfume,</p> + + <p>And in his rich creations no plagiarist is he:</p> + + <p>His songs are full of beauty, and perfect as can + be.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Mirza-Schaffy himself was a miracle of skill in chirography: + none could equal him in wielding the <i>kalem</i>. His aim was + not to impart a precise regularity to the characters, but to + indicate by the writing the matter and style. Proverbs or + utterances of wisdom were indited by him in a firm, bold hand + with unadorned simplicity; love-songs with delicate, clear-cut + lines, attractive capricious curves, enigmatical, almost + illegible minuteness, designed to set forth the type of female + character. The chirography of the songs to wine and earthly + pleasure is full of fire and flourish—that of the songs + of lamentation neat, legible and unadorned. To impart this + skill to his pupil was one of his most earnest endeavors.</p> + + <p>One day, when inspired by choice wine and soothed by the + fragrant fumes of his <i>tschibuq</i>, Mirza-Schaffy was moved + to tell of the love his heart had cherished—love such as + man had never before known. The object of his adoration was + Zuléikha, daughter of Ibrahim, the chan of + Gjändsha. Her eyes, darker than the night, shone with a + brighter glow than the stars of heaven: passing description + were the graceful loveliness of her form, the dainty perfection + of hands and feet, her soft hair long as eternity, and the + sweet mouth whose breath was more fragrant than the roses of + Schiraz. He who was destined to be her slave had watched her + daily for six months—as she sat on the housetop at midday + with her companions, or on moonlight evenings when she amused + herself with the dancing of her slaves—before he received + so much as a sign that she deemed him worthy of her regard. He + rejoiced in the splendor of her countenance, but dared no more + approach her than the sun in whose warm rays he might bask. By + day he was compelled to exercise the utmost caution, as his + life would have been in jeopardy had Ibrahim Chan descried him + casting loving looks at Zuléikha, but in the evening he + was safe to draw attention to himself, as after eight o'clock + the old man never crossed his threshold. Then the flames of the + lover's heart burst into song, and he gave utterance to a + <i>ghazel</i> now of <span class="pagenum"><a name="page372" + id="page372"></a>[pg 372]</span> Hafiz, now of Firdusa, + while still more frequently he sang his own songs.</p> + + <p>Finally, Ibrahim Chan set forth on an expedition against the + enemies of Moscow, and thus was afforded a rare opportunity for + the enamored Mirza to present himself and his songs to the fair + one's notice. One dark evening, when the ladies had failed to + appear on the housetop, as Mirza-Schaffy was turning + disappointed away he was accosted by a closely-veiled female, + who, bidding him follow her, led the way to a secluded spot + where interruption would be improbable, and thus addressed him: + "I am Fatima, the confidential attendant of Zuléikha. My + mistress hath gazed on thee with the eye of satisfaction. The + resonance of thy voice hath delighted her ear, the purport of + thy songs touched her heart. I am come of my own accord, + without my lady's bidding, to let thee drink hope from the + fountain of my words, because I wish thee well."</p> + + <p>"Has, then, Zuléikha not closed her ear to the + poorest of her slaves?" exclaimed the overjoyed Mirza. "And + will my heart not be lacerated by the thorn of her displeasure? + Allah min! Allah bir! The God of thousands is one only God! + Great is His goodness and wonderful are His ways! What have I + done that He hath guided the stream of my songs to the sea of + beauty?"</p> + + <p>Fatima told him he did well to prize the merciful goodness + of Allah and the loveliness of her mistress, who was a "jewel + in the ring of beauty, a pearl in the shell of fortune." Her + noble lady, she said, would have given token of her favor + before had not her virtuous modesty exceeded her beauty, and + had she not feared the displeasure of her father, who tenderly + loved her and would never consent to her stooping to a poor + mirza. Then she proceeded to tell how Achmed Chan of Avaria, + who was at the war with Ibrahim Chan, was suing for + Zuléikha's hand, which was promised by the father should + he return triumphant from the campaign. This would render + prompt action desirable, and Fatima suggested that + Mirza-Schaffy should appear on the following evening, when the + call to prayer resounded from the minaret, before the garden + with his choicest offering of song, to which, the messenger was + ready to wager, would be accorded a rosebud. Intoxicated with + joy, Mirza-Schaffy bestowed on the friendly Fatima his purse, + his watch and all the valuables about him, also promising a + talisman to cure a black spot on her left cheek; and they + parted with the understanding that they should meet, again for + further communication.</p> + + <p>And here, in exemplification of the learned scribe's + rejoinders to his pupil's queries concerning the significance + of the thorn of displeasure and the rosebud, is introduced the + song:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>The thorn is token of rejection,</p> + + <p class="i2">Of disapproval and of scorn:</p> + + <p>If she to union hath objection,</p> + + <p class="i2">She giveth me as sign a thorn.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Yet if, instead, the maiden throws me</p> + + <p class="i2">A tender rosebud as a token,</p> + + <p>That fate propitious is it shows me,</p> + + <p class="i2">And bids me wait with faith unbroken.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>But if a full-blown rose she tenders,</p> + + <p class="i2">Its open chalice is a token</p> + + <p>Which boldest hope in me engenders;</p> + + <p class="i2">Through it her love is clearly + spoken.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>On the ensuing evening Mirza-Schaffy presented himself + promptly at the appointed place, prepared with a love-song + which he knew none of womankind could resist. The evening was + calm and clear, and on the housetop, alone with Fatima, was + plainly discernible Zuléikha, her veil slightly drawn + aside in token of favor. Taking courage, the enamored Mirza + pushed back his cap in order to display his freshly shaven + head, of whose whiteness he was excessively proud, and which he + felt to be irresistible to maidens' eyes, and began to sing his + song, having first cast a written copy folded about a double + almond-kernel, as a keepsake at the feet of beauty. The song + given at this point is excessively flowery, and declares the + maiden's eyes to be brighter than those of the wild gazelle, + her form more ethereal than the slender pine, and pronounces + the wooer, his heart and his tuneful lay to be but slaves of + her loveliness. This by way of preparation, the highest point + of the offering being the concluding + stanzas: + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page373" id="page373"></a>[pg 373]</span> + </p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>With faithful heart and hopefully</p> + + <p class="i2">Approach I now Love's sacred bower,</p> + + <p>And cast this wistful song at thee,</p> + + <p class="i2">This fragrant song, as + question-flower.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Accept with joy or scornfully,</p> + + <p class="i2">Give my heart death or consolation,</p> + + <p>Cast rosebud, rose, or thorn at me,</p> + + <p class="i2">I humbly wait thy revelation.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Smilingly the maiden cast a rosebud at her waiting suitor, + and for the first time fully displayed to him her beauteous + face. From this moment new life dawned on our Mirza, and for + six weeks he basked in the sunshine of felicity ere threatening + clouds loomed up in his horizon. Then Ibrahim Chan returned + from the war, and with him came his daughter's suitor. A troop + of horsemen had been despatched to Avaria for the bridal gift, + and on their return they were to conduct Achmed Chan and his + chosen lady home. Prize combats and festivities were planned to + celebrate the return of the heroes, and at Zuléikha's + request a singing festival was likewise to take place. All the + singers of the land were invited and bidden to prepare their + choicest lays extolling the sovereign lady of the fête: + to the victorious competitor would be accorded the right to + break the instruments of his opponents.</p> + + <p>Now was the time for Mirza-Schaffy to gather all his + courage, for he knew the crisis of his destiny to be at hand. + He arranged with Fatima that the day of the singing festival + should be likewise that of his flight with Zuléikha, for + he was troubled with no doubt concerning the success of his + lyrical efforts. An Armenian who was about setting forth with a + caravan was confided in, and engaged to reserve camels for and + accord protection to the fugitives.</p> + + <p>The minutes seemed like days, the hours like years, until + the announcement was heralded that Ibrahim Chan had sallied + forth with his guests to the prize combat, and that the ladies + awaited the minstrels. They were assembled on the housetop, + lovely matrons and maidens, and there was spread a large carpet + on which set two players on the <i>sass</i> and + <i>tshengir</i>, between whom each singer in turn took his + place to sing his offering to the sound of strings. The + handsomest boy in Gjändsha was appointed to hand to each + singer a silver plate, wherewith to conceal from the eye of + beauty the emotions depicted in his countenance while singing. + Twenty singers stood in a circle and stepped forth one after + the other, Mirza-Schaffy, as the youngest of the number, coming + last. All other emanations he felt to be faint sparks in + comparison with the fire of his own. How could it be otherwise, + considering the source of his inspiration? As he sang his heart + swelled with ecstasy, and when he concluded there lay at his + feet a full-blown rose. He was victor of the festival, yet so + filled was he with thoughts of his beloved that he remembered + not to break the instruments of the vanquished.</p> + + <p>The flight was effected; the bride, although awaiting the + coming of the bridegroom in bridal array, offering all due + resistance as he led her from her home; indeed, so zealous was + she to be faithful to the customs of her country that her cries + would have roused the household had not the prudent Fatima + interposed. On reaching the caravan a double security seemed to + arise from the Armenian proving to be the accepted lover of + Fatima; and Zuléikha, although deeming it a degradation + for a daughter of Ali to unite her destinies with an + unbeliever, was herself too strongly in the bondage of love to + withhold her consent. Then how happy were they all! and what + precautions were taken for their safety! Nevertheless, they + were overtaken by the angry father and the outraged suitor of + his choice. Zuléikha and Fatima were rudely snatched + from the protection of their lovers, and the learned + scribe—we blush to write it—received on the very + soles which had borne him to the summit of bliss the + ignominious blows of the bastinado.</p> + + <p>From that day Mirza-Schaffy had felt indisposed to bestow + his affections on mortal woman, and since the sun of his hopes + had set dwelt serenely in the moonlight of remembrance. As + Zuléikha, the embodiment of all virtue and beauty, had + loved him, he believed himself to be an object of adoration to + all feminine hearts, and grimly resolved that all + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page374" + id="page374"></a>[pg 374]</span> womankind must suffer in + expiation of his own sufferings.</p> + + <p>During the winter there arrived another student from + Germany, who, becoming acquainted with Bodenstedt, arranged to + share with him the lessons in Tartar and Persian, which + Mirza-Schaffy was pleased to call "hours of wisdom." In course + of time other friends joined the circle, so that finally arose + a formal divan, where the wise man of Gjändsha discoursed + less on personalities, dwelling chiefly on general effusions of + wisdom, interspersed with many a song. One of the latter reads + as though designed by Bodenstedt to indicate the relation borne + by Mirza-Schaffy to his own productions:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou art of my song the begetter;</p> + + <p class="i2">Its drapery putteth my wand on;</p> + + <p>Thou yieldest the purest of marble,</p> + + <p class="i2">And I lay the sculpturing hand on.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Thou givest the spirit, the essence:</p> + + <p class="i2">Me for utt'rance alone mak'st demand + on—</p> + + <p>Oft my power's deficient, and madly</p> + + <p class="i2">Thy crude thoughts I haste to expand + on.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>Sundry songs extolling the beneficence of wine and earthly + pleasure arose at this period. Of these we find none more + attractive than that which owed its origin to a conversation + held in the divan of wisdom concerning certain Russians and + Georgians who drank wine more freely than the camels drank + water, yet had gained no inspiration therefrom:</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>From wine's fiery fascination</p> + + <p class="i2">From the goblet's mystic pleasure,</p> + + <p>Poison foams, and sweet refreshment,</p> + + <p>Beauty flows, and degradation,</p> + + <p class="i2">As the drinker's worth may measure,</p> + + <p>According to his brain's assessment.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>In debasement deeply sunken</p> + + <p class="i2">Lies the fool, through wine's might + captur'd:</p> + + <p>When <i>he</i> drinks becomes he drunken;</p> + + <p class="i2">When <i>we</i> drink we are + enraptured.</p> + + <p class="i2">Sparkling gleams of wit, worth + dreaming,</p> + + <p class="i2">Flash from tongues like angel's + seeming,</p> + + <p class="i2">And with ardor we are teeming,</p> + + <p>And alone with beauty drunken.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Well resembles wine the shower</p> + + <p class="i2">Which to mire fresh mire amasses,</p> + + <p>But to fair fields brings a dower</p> + + <p class="i2">Rich in blessing as it passes.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>One evening Bodenstedt discovered his worthy teacher singing + before a house on whose roof sat a graceful maiden, and from + the man's whole manner then and thereafter concluded that in + the long-faithful heart had been at last replaced the image of + Zuléikha. And so it proved. On the very evening when he + was returning home with softened heart after the recital of the + joys and sorrows of his first love, Mirza-Schaffy's attention + had been arrested by a lovely maiden who, as he pushed back his + cap—solely, of course, to cool his heated brow—gave + incontestable evidences of being smitten with him. When he went + to his couch that night sleep refused to visit his eyelids, and + as he restlessly tossed to and fro, the image of + Zuléikha haunting him with reproachful mien, his + thoughts turned ever to the peerless maiden who menaced further + fidelity to the old love. Ere morning dawned he had resolved to + break the spell, and for several days avoided the locality of + the fair enticer. But the attraction became finally too strong + to resist. He went, he saw the maiden, and she bestowed on him + a glance which rendered him her slave for life;</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A wond'rous glance hath met my eyes:</p> + + <p class="i2">The magic of this moment rare</p> + + <p>Worketh for aye a fresh surprise,</p> + + <p class="i2">A miracle beyond compare.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>A question, therefore, ask I thee—</p> + + <p class="i2">Pay heed, sweet life whom I + adore—</p> + + <p>Was that fond glance bestowed on me?</p> + + <p class="i2">A token give, then, I implore.</p> + </div> + + <div class="stanza"> + <p>And round thee could my strong arm cling,</p> + + <p class="i2">Might I to thee life consecrate,</p> + + <p>Loud jubilees my heart would sing,</p> + + <p class="i2">And these to thee I'd dedicate.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>The first interview presents decidedly a comical side. By a + confidential attendant Mirza-Schaffy was introduced on the roof + disguised in female costume, his face and flowing beard + modestly covered with a long veil. Luckily, he was not doomed + long to such undignified concealment, for he soon managed, + through his beauty and genius, to win favor in the eyes of the + lady's mother, and she promised to intercede in his behalf with + the stern old father. The latter, however, having eyes neither + for beauty nor poetry, thought only to demand what means of + support the bold intruder had to offer his daughter, and when + he learned how small these were, withheld his consent until the + suitor could secure a professorship in some institution of + learning. <span class="pagenum"><a name="page375" + id="page375"></a>[pg 375]</span> Although loath to renounce + his freedom, Mirza-Schaffy determined for Hafisa's sake to + make application, as he had often been advised to do, at the + Tiflis Gymnasium for the position of teacher of Tartaric. + But, alas! there was prepared for our poor Mirza a + humiliation second only to the bastinado. His reply was a + portentous document in the Russian language, of which he + could not read a word. Hafisa's father demanded sight of it, + had it interpreted by a learned mullah, and it proved to be + a summons for the applicant to appear at an appointed hour + for examination. This was too much. Mirza-Schaffy, the first + wise man of the East, the pride of his race, the pearl in + the shell of poetry, to be examined in his own language! + Hafisa's father declared his belief that the mirza's wisdom + was as doubtful as his fortune, and the wise man himself + began to wonder whether his wisdom had not gone "pleasuring + in the dusk of the evening." Moreover, during the conference + with the mullah certain revelations came to light concerning + the lack of orthodoxy in the mirza's belief and the frequent + slurs it was his wont to cast on the powerful mullahs; and + this set the old father hopelessly against him, causing him + to revoke all promise of possible consent. Such being the + case, Mirza-Schaffy had no heart to brave the humiliation of + an examination. Shortly after, however, he was honored with + a call to the new school at Gjändsha, and Hafisa's + father dying about the same time, all obstacles were removed + to a union with the maiden of his choice. And so with his + bride he returned to his native place, and felt that the + summit of earthly bliss was attained.</p> + + <p>Friedrich Bodenstedt has been a very prolific author, having + published several volumes of poetry, besides numerous romances, + tales and miscellaneous works. He is one of a committee of + poets and men of learning appointed not long since to + retranslate the works of Shakespeare. At present he is adding + to his well-earned laurels through his volume <i>Aus dem + Nachlasse Mirza-Schaffys</i>. The book is divided into seven + parts, the first of which is dedicated to love. Then there are + songs of earthly pleasure, songs of consolation, sayings of + wisdom, stories in rhyme of Eastern romance, a series of + problems and a "bouquet of cypresses and roses."</p> + + <p class="author">AUBER FORESTIER.</p> + + <h2>TO CHARLOTTE CUSHMAN.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>Look where a three-point star shall weave his + beam</p> + + <p>Into the slumb'rous tissue of some stream,</p> + + <p>Till his bright self o'er his bright copy seem</p> + + <p>Fulfillment dropping on a come-true dream;</p> + + <p>So in this night of art thy soul doth show</p> + + <p>Her excellent double in the steadfast flow</p> + + <p>Of wishing love that through men's hearts doth + go:</p> + + <p>At once thou shin'st above and shin'st below.</p> + + <p>E'en when thou strivest there within Art's sky</p> + + <p>(Each star must round an arduous orbit fly),</p> + + <p>Full calm thine image in our love doth lie,</p> + + <p>A Motion glassed in a Tranquillity.</p> + + <p>So triple-rayed, thou mov'st, yet stay'st, + serene—</p> + + <p>Art's artist, Love's dear woman, Fame's good + queen!</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p class="author">SIDNEY + LANIER.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page376" id="page376"></a></span> + CHARLES KINGSLEY: A REMINISCENCE.</h2> + + <p>The heat of London in the midsummer of 1857, even to my + American apprehension, was intense. The noise of the streets + oppressed me, and perhaps the sight now and again of + freshly-watered flowers which beautify so many of the + window-ledges, and which seem to flourish and bloom whatever + the weather, filled me the more with a desire for the quiet of + green fields and the refreshing shade of trees. I had just + returned from Switzerland, and the friends with whom I had been + journeying in that land of all perfections had gone back to + their home among the wealds and woods of Essex. I began to feel + that sense of solitude which weighs heavily on a stranger in + the throng of a great city; so that it was with keen pleasure I + looked forward to a visit to Mr. Kingsley. A most kind + invitation had come from him, offering me "a bed and all + hospitality in their plain country fashion."</p> + + <p>At four in the afternoon of a hot July day I started for + Winchfield, which is the station on the London and Southampton + Railway nearest to Eversley—a journey of an hour and a + half. I took a fly at Winchfield for Eversley, a distance of + six miles. My way lay over wide silent moors: now and then a + quiet farmstead came in view—<i>moated granges</i> they + might have been—but these were few and far between, this + part of Hampshire being owned in large tracts. It was a little + after six when I drew near to the church and antique brick + dwelling-house adjoining it which were the church and rectory + of Eversley. There were no other houses near, so that it was + evidently a wide and scattered parish. Old trees shaded the + venerable irregularly-shaped parsonage, ivy and creeping plants + covered the walls, and roses peeped out here and there. Mr. + Kingsley himself met me at the open hall-door, and there was + something in his clear and cheerful tone that gave a peculiar + sense of welcome to his greeting. "Very glad to see you," said + he. Then taking my bag from the fly, "Let me show you your room + at once, that you may make yourself comfortable." So, leading + the way, he conducted me up stairs and along a somewhat + intricate passage to a room in the oldest part of the house. It + was a quaint apartment, with leaden casements, a low ceiling, + an uneven floor—a room four hundred years old, as Mr. + Kingsley told me, but having withal a very habitable look. "I + hope you'll be comfortable here," said my host as he turned to + go—"as comfortable as one can be in a cottage. Have you + everything you want? There will be a tea-dinner or a dinner-tea + in about half an hour." Then, as he lingered, he asked, "When + did you see Forster last?"</p> + + <p>"Six weeks ago," I said—"in London. He had just + received news of the vacancy at Leeds, and at once determined + to offer himself as the Liberal candidate. He went to Leeds for + this purpose, but subsequently withdrew his name. I gather from + his speech at the banquet his supporters gave him afterward + that this was a mistake, and that if he had stood he would have + been elected."</p> + + <p>"Ah," said Kingsley, "I should like to see Forster in + Parliament. He is not the man, however, to make head against + the <i>tracasseries</i> of an election contest."</p> + + <p>Some other talk we had, and then he left me, coming back + before long to conduct me to the drawing-room. Two gentlemen + were there—one a visitor who soon took leave; the other, + the tutor to Mr. Kingsley's son. Mrs. Kingsley came in now and + shook hands with me cordially, and I had very soon the sense of + being at one with them all. Our having mutual friends did much + toward this good understanding, but it was partly that we + seemed at once to have so much to talk of on the events of the + day, and on English matters in which I took keen interest.</p> + + <p>India was naturally our first subject, + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page377" + id="page377"></a>[pg 377]</span> and the great and absorbing + question of the mutiny. I told what the London news was in + regard to it, and how serious was the look of things. + Kingsley said there must be great blame somewhere—that + as to the British rule in India, no man could doubt that it + had been a great blessing to the country, but the individual + Englishman had come very far short of his duty in his + dealings with the subject race: a reckoning was sure to + come. <i>Oakfield</i> was mentioned—a story by William + Arnold of which the scene was laid in India, and which + contained evidence of this ill-treatment of the Hindoos by + their white masters. Kingsley spoke highly of this book. I + said I thought it had hardly been appreciated in England. + Kingsley thought the reason was it was too + didactic—there was too much moralizing. Only the few + could appreciate this: the many did not care for it in a + novel.</p> + + <p>Our tea-dinner was announced: it was served in the hall. + Mrs. Kingsley spoke laughingly of their being obliged to make + this their dining-room. The talk at the table fell on American + affairs. Sumner's name was mentioned. I said he was in London, + and that I had had a long conversation with him a few days + before. Would I give them his address? they asked: they must + have a visit from him. I said he would be glad to visit them, I + was sure, for when I told him I was coming here he said he + envied me. He was at present engaged in a round of + dinners—expected to go to France in August to stay with + De Tocqueville, but would be again in England in the autumn. + Kingsley spoke of Brooks's death—of the suddenness of it + seeming almost a judgment. I said Brooks, as I happened to + know, was thought a good fellow before the assault—that + he really had good qualities, and was liked even by Northern + men. "So we have heard from others," said Kingsley, "and one + can well believe it. The man who suffers for a bad system is + often the best man—one with attractive qualities." + Charles I. and Louis XVI. were instances he gave to illustrate + this. A recent article in the <i>Edinburgh Review</i> on + slavery was spoken of. I said it had attracted a good deal of + attention with us, because we saw immediately it could only + have been written by an American. Of slavery Mr. Kingsley spoke + in calm and moderate words. I told him his introductory chapter + to <i>Two Years Ago</i> showed that he appreciated the + difficulties with which the question was encumbered. He said it + would be strange if he did not see these difficulties, + considering that he was of West Indian descent (his grandfather + had married a West Indian heiress). He admitted that the result + of emancipation in the West Indies was not encouraging as it + regarded the material condition of the islands, especially of + Jamaica, and he was quite able to understand how powerfully + this fact would weigh on our Southern planters, and how it + tended to close their ears to all anti-slavery argument. They + could hardly be expected to look beyond this test of + sugar-production to the moral progress of the black race which + freedom alone could ensure.</p> + + <p>Our pleasant meal being over, we strolled out on the lawn + and sat down under one of the fine old trees, where we + continued our talk about slavery. Mr. Kingsley said he could + quite believe any story he might hear of cruelty practiced upon + slaves. He knew too well his own nature, and felt that under + the influence of sudden anger he would be capable of deeds as + violent as any of which we read. This, of course, was putting + out of view the restraints which religion would impose; but it + was safe for no man to have the absolute control of others.</p> + + <p>He left us to go into the house, and Mrs. Kingsley then + spoke of his parochial labors. She wished I could spend a + Sunday with them—"I should so like you to see the + congregation he has. The common farm-laborers come morning and + afternoon: the reason is, he preaches so that they can + understand him. I wish you could have been with us last Sunday, + we had such an interesting person here—Max Müller, + the great linguist and Orientalist. But we can't have pleasant + <i>meets</i> here: we have only one spare + room."</p> + + <p><span class="pagenum"><a name="page378" id="page378"></a>[pg 378]</span> + "How old is Max Müller?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"Twenty-eight, and he scarcely looks to be twenty-two."</p> + + <p>"How long has Mr. Kingsley been here?" I asked.</p> + + <p>"Fifteen years—two years as curate, and then the + living becoming vacant, it was given to him."</p> + + <p>She told me a funeral was to take place directly—that + of a poor woman who had been a great sufferer. "Ah, here it + comes," she said.</p> + + <p>There was the bier borne on men's shoulders and a little + company of mourners, the peasantry of the neighborhood, the men + wearing smock-frocks. They were awaiting the clergyman at the + lichgate. Mr. Kingsley appeared at the moment in his surplice, + and the procession entered the churchyard, he saying as he + walked in front the solemn sentences with which the service + begins. It was the scene which I had witnessed in another part + of Hampshire some years before, when the author of <i>The + Christian Year</i> was the officiating clergyman. Mrs. Kingsley + and I joined the procession and entered the church. It was a + small, oddly-arranged interior—brick pavements, + high-backed pews, the clerk's desk adjoining the reading-desk, + but a little lower. Mr. Kingsley read the service in a measured + tone, which enabled him to overcome the defect in his utterance + noticeable in conversation. At the grave the rest of the office + was said, and here the grief of the poor mourners overcame + them. The family group consisted of the husband of the + deceased, a grown-up daughter and a son, a boy of fifteen. All + were much moved, but the boy the most. He cried + bitterly—a long wail, as if he could not be comforted. + Mr. Kingsley tried to console him, putting his arm over his + shoulders. He said words of sympathy to the others also. They + went their way over the heath to their desolate home. Mr. and + Mrs. Kingsley spoke of the life of toil which had thus ended, + and of the patience with which long-continued bodily pain had + been borne. It was clear that the popular author was first of + all a parish priest.</p> + + <p>We now went into his study, where he lighted a long pipe, + and we then returned to a part of the lawn which he called his + quarter-deck, and where we walked up and down for near an hour. + What an English summer evening it was!—dewy and still. + Now and then a slight breeze stirred in the leaves and brought + with it wafts of delicate odors from the flowers somewhere + hidden in the deep shadows, though as yet it was not night and + the sweet twilight lay about us like a charm. He asked if I + knew Maurice. I did slightly—had breakfasted with him six + weeks before, and had seen enough of him to understand the + strong personal influence he exerted. "I owe all that I am to + Maurice," said Kingsley, "I aim only to teach to others what I + get from him. Whatever facility of expression I have is God's + gift, but the views I endeavor to enforce are those which I + learn from Maurice. I live to interpret him to the people of + England."</p> + + <p>A talk about the influence of the Oxford writers came next: + on this subject I knew we should not agree, though of course it + was interesting to me to hear Mr. Kingsley's opinion. He spoke + with some asperity of one or two of the leaders, though his + chief objection was to certain young men who had put themselves + forward as champions of the movement. Of Mr. Keble he spoke + very kindly. He said he had at one time been much under the + influence of these writings. I mentioned Alexander Knox as + being perhaps the forerunner of the Oxford men. "Ah," he said, + "I owe my knowledge of that good man to Mrs. Kingsley: you must + talk with her about him." We joined the party in the + drawing-room, and there was some further conversation on this + subject.</p> + + <p>At about ten o'clock the bell was rung, the servants came + in, prayers were said, and the ladies (Mrs. Kingsley and their + daughter's governess) bid us good-night. Then to Mr. Kingsley's + study, where the rest of the evening was spent—from + half-past ten to half-past twelve—the pipe went on, and + the talk—a continuous flow. Quakerism was a subject. + George <span class="pagenum"><a name="page379" + id="page379"></a>[pg 379]</span> Fox, Kingsley said, was his + admiration: he read his <i>Journal</i> + constantly—thought him one of the most remarkable men + that age produced. He liked his hostility to Calvinism. "How + little that fellow Macaulay," he said, "could understand + Quakerism! A man needs to have been in Inferno himself to + know what the Quakers meant in what they said and did." He + referred me to an article of his on Jacob Boehme and the + mystic writers, in which he had given his views in regard to + Fox.</p> + + <p>We talked about his parish work: he found it, he said, a + great help to him, adding emphatically that his other labor was + secondary to this. He had trained himself not to be annoyed by + his people calling on him when he was writing. If he was to be + their priest, he must see them when it suited them to come; and + he had become able if called off from his writing to go on + again the moment he was alone. I asked him when he wrote. He + said in the morning almost always: sometimes, when much pushed, + he had written for an hour in the evening, but he always had to + correct largely the next morning work thus done. Daily + exercise, riding, hunting, together with parish work, were + necessary to keep him in a condition for writing: he aimed to + keep himself in rude health. I asked whether <i>Alton Locke</i> + had been written in that room. "Yes," he said—"from four + to eight in the mornings; and a young man was staying with me + at the time with whom every day I used to ride, or perhaps + hunt, when my task of writing was done."</p> + + <p>A fine copy of St. Augustine attracted my attention on his + shelves—five volumes folio bound in vellum. "Ah," he + said, "that <i>is</i> a treasure I must show you;" and taking + down a volume he turned to the fly-leaf, where were the words + "Charles Kingsley from Thomas Carlyle," and above them "Thomas + Carlyle from John Sterling." One could understand that Carlyle + had thus handed on the book, notwithstanding its sacred + associations, knowing that to Kingsley it would have a + threefold value. My eye caught also a relic of curious + interest—a fragment from one of the vessels of the + Spanish Armada. It lay on the mantelpiece: I could well + understand Kingsley's pleasure in possessing it.</p> + + <p>At the breakfast-table the next morning we had much talk in + regard to American writers. Kingsley admitted Emerson's high + merit, but thought him too fragmentary a writer and thinker to + have enduring fame. He had meant that this should be implied as + his opinion in the title he gave to + <i>Phaethon</i>—"Loose Thoughts for Loose + Thinkers"—a book he had written in direct opposition to + what he understood to be the general teaching of Emerson. I + remarked upon the great beauty of some of Emerson's later + writings and the marvelous clearness of insight which was shown + in his <i>English Traits</i>. Kingsley acquiesced in this, but + referred to some American poetry, so called, which Emerson had + lately edited, and in his preface had out-Heroded Herod. + Kingsley said the poems were the production of a coarse, + sensual mind. His reference, of course, was to Walt Whitman, + and I had no defence to make. Of Lowell, Mr. Kingsley spoke + very highly: his <i>Fable for Critics</i> was worthy of + Rabelais. Mr. Froude, who is Kingsley's brother-in-law, had + first made him acquainted with Lowell's poetry. Hawthorne's + style he thought was exquisite: there was scarcely any modern + writing equal to it. Of all his books he preferred the + <i>Blithedale Romance</i>.</p> + + <p>We talked of Mr. Froude, whom Kingsley spoke of as his + dearest friend: he thought Froude sincerely regretted ever + having written the <i>Nemesis of Faith</i>. Mr. Helps, author + of <i>Friends in Council</i>, he spoke of as his near neighbor + there in Hampshire, and his intimate friend. Mr. Charles Reade + he knew, and I think he said he was also a neighbor: his + <i>Christie Johnston</i> he thought showed high original power. + Mrs. Gaskell we talked of, whose <i>Life of Charlotte + Bronté</i> had just then been published: Mr. Kingsley + thought it extremely interesting and "slightly slanderous." He + told me of the author of <i>Tom Brown's School-days</i>, a copy + of which, fresh from the publishers, was lying on his table. + Mr. Hughes <span class="pagenum"><a name="page380" + id="page380"></a>[pg 380]</span> is now so well known to us + I need only mention that Mr. Kingsley spoke of him as an old + pupil of Arnold's and a spiritual child of Maurice. He spoke + most warmly of him, and offered me a letter of introduction + to him. I could not avail myself of this, having so little + time to remain in London.</p> + + <p>I must mention, as showing further Mr. Kingsley's state of + mind toward Maurice, that he had named his son after him. He + spoke of the boy as being intended for the army: the family, he + said, had been soldiers for generations. "That is the + profession England will need for the next five-and-twenty + years." Of Forster he said, "What a pity he had not been put in + the army at the age of eighteen!—he would have been a + general now. England has need of such men." I note this as + showing the curious apprehension of war which he, an + Englishman, felt eighteen years ago, and which he expressed to + me, an American. How little either of us thought of the + struggle which men of English blood were to engage in in three + years from that time! How little I could dream that one of the + decisive battles of the world was so soon to be fought in my + own State, Pennsylvania!</p> + + <p>Our morning was spent in all this varied talk, walking + partly on the lawn, partly in the study. His pipe was still his + companion. He seemed to need to walk incessantly, such was his + nervous activity of temperament. He asked me if it annoyed me + for him to walk so much up and down his study. The slight + impediment in his speech one forgot as one listened to the flow + of his discourse. He talked a volume while I was with him, and + what he said often rose to eloquence. There was humor too in + it, of which I can give no example, for it was fine and + delicate. But what most impressed me was his perfect simplicity + of character. He talked of his wife with the strongest + affection—wished I could remain longer with them, if only + to know her better. Nothing could be more tender than his + manner toward her. He went for her when we were in the study, + and the last half hour of my stay she sat with us. She is one + of five sisters who are all married to eminent men.</p> + + <p>It occurs to me to note, as among my last recollections of + our talk, that I spoke of Spurgeon, whom I had heard in London + a short time before, and was very favorably impressed with. I + could not but commend his simple, strong Saxon speech, the + charm of his rich full voice, and above all the earnest aim + which I thought was manifest in all he uttered. Mr. Kingsley + said he was glad to hear this, for he had been told of + occasional irreverences of Spurgeon's, and of his giving way + now and then to a disposition to make a joke of things. Not + that he objected altogether to humor in sermons: he had his own + temptations in this way. "One must either weep at the follies + of men or laugh at them," he added. I told him Mr. Maurice had + spoken to me of Mr. Spurgeon as no doubt an important influence + for good in the land, and he said this was on the whole his own + opinion. He told me, however, of teaching of quite another + character, addressed to people of cultivation mainly, and to + him peculiarly acceptable. His reference was to Robertson's + <i>Sermons</i>: he showed me the volume—the first series + —just then published. The mention of this book perhaps + led to a reference by Mr. Kingsley to the Unitarians of New + England, of whom he spoke very kindly, adding, in effect, that + their error was but a natural rebound from Calvinism, that + dreary perversion of God's boundless love.</p> + + <p>But I had now to say good-bye to these new friends, who had + come to seem old friends, so full and cordial had been their + hospitality, and so much had we found to talk of in the + quickly-passing hours of my visit. Mr. Kingsley drove me three + miles on my way to Winchfield. His talk with me was + interspersed with cheery and friendly words to his horse, with + whom he seemed to be on very intimate terms. "Come and see us + again," he said as we parted: "the second visit, you know, is + always the best."</p> + + <p class="author">ELLIS + YARNALL.</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page381" id="page381"></a></span> + OUR MONTHLY GOSSIP.</h2> + + <h3>A WOMAN'S OPINION OF PARIS AND THE PARISIANS.</h3> + + <p>I have now lived in Paris two consecutive years, and during + this time the question has often been put to me, "How do you + like Paris and the Parisians?" That question I will now try to + answer.</p> + + <p>Like Paris? Of course I do—heartily and truly. Cold + indeed must the heart be that does not find space in its depths + for a true affection for the fair queen-city which welcomes all + strangers so kindly and hospitably, which has a smile for all, + and which at the wide banquet of her bounty sets forth food for + every phase of mental hunger. Do you wish to study? Her + libraries lie open to your research—her monuments, her + galleries, her public institutions are given to your + inspection, freely and without price. Do you seek amusement? + Paris, in that respect, is like the rollicking heroine of + <i>Barbe-Bleu:</i> there is none like Boulotte, "quand il + s'agit de batifoler." Do you wish to hide yourself in depths of + unbroken quiet? There are in her very heart lonely streets + where scarce a cart ever penetrates, and in her suburbs green + shaded nooks where the spirit of Solitude reigns supreme.</p> + + <p>Life runs on such smooth and well-oiled wheels for all + humanity in Paris that half the cares that torture us are cast + aside as soon as we enter her precincts. Take, for instance, + the grand question of housekeeping. Fancy living in a land + where all the servants are skilled and civil, if not all + trustworthy and honest; where washing-days and ironing-days and + baking-days are unknown; where there are no staircases to sweep + down and no front-door steps to scour; where rents and eating + and all other household expenses may be gauged in accordance + with one's purse. If you wish to entertain, you may give a + soirée that will cost ten dollars if you cannot afford + to give a ball that costs five thousand. Nothing is <i>de + rigueur</i> in Paris. It is neither incumbent upon you to be + housed splendidly nor to feast sumptuously—to drive your + own carriage nor to entertain an army of servants. "Do the best + you can" is the motto of Parisian life. And so it often happens + that in a small room, up half a dozen flights of stairs, with a + cup of tea for sole refreshment and music or conversation for + sole amusement, one will find some of the pleasantest society + in Paris. You do not get champagne and boned turkey and the + German, but you hear sometimes a little music, such as one pays + untold gold to hear at the opera, or a fragment of declamation + by some noted elocutionist, or a new poem fresh from the pen of + some celebrated writer. And you have always conversation; that + is to say, the wit and sparkle of the wittiest and brightest + nation on the face of the earth. In a world that is becoming + more and more a Paradise of Fools the charm of sheer brain and + brightness is irresistible. To live in such an intellectual + centre is in itself delightful. Paris is a veritable <i>Foire + aux Idées</i>. Its criticism, keen as the sword of + Saladin, overwhelming as the battle-axe of Coeur de Lion, is in + itself a study. It is not so much the intellectual productions + of Paris as the comments they call forth that are at once + instructive and fascinating.</p> + + <p>When we turn from the world of intellect to that of ordinary + life the same charm haunts our footsteps. Everything is so well + done, so gracefully and so winningly presented! The exquisite + perfume of refinement hangs about every trivial detail. Your + washerwoman is a lady, and your coalman a Chesterfield. If a + Frenchman is ever rude, he is rude with malice prepense and + aforethought. He knows better, we may be sure. Patrick may err + on the score of politeness from ignorance, but Alphonse is a + beast only because he chooses to be bestial. All the traditions + of his race run counter <span class="pagenum"><a name="page382" + id="page382"></a>[pg 382]</span> to his conduct when he + forgets the supreme suavity that should characterize a + Gaul.</p> + + <p>And yet it is possible for an American—or rather an + Anglo-Saxon—to live for years in the midst of this + brilliant, polished, fascinating people, and never to feel + specially interested in them, either individually or + nationally. What is the reason? Why is it that, loving Paris + like a second home, we do not take the Parisians to our hearts + as brothers and sisters, or at least as dear first cousins? The + causes are many and various. In the first place, the Parisians + do not like us. The popularity which Americans were said to + possess in Paris has vanished with the Empire—that is, if + it really existed. It probably was nothing more at any time + than the courtesy shown by an astute sovereign of a nation of + shopkeepers to a nation of purchasers. To-day Americans are not + popular in Parisian society. It is almost impossible that they + should be. Our ideas, our social customs, our notions of right + and wrong, are diametrically opposed to all the social theories + of France. Our girls, with their free frank ways and their + liberty of speech and action, are so many disreputable horrors + in Parisian eyes. Madame la Comtesse de St. Germain would as + soon think of taking her daughters to see Schneider as of + permitting them to associate with young ladies who are allowed + to receive morning calls from gentlemen without the presence of + their parents—who call the male friends of their + childhood by their first names—and who are suffered to + witness <i>Faust</i> at the opera and <i>La Haine</i> at La + Gaîté. Americans, especially wealthy ones, usually + draw around them a vast circle of French acquaintances, it is + true, but these are mostly sponges and adventurers, well born + and well bred, it may be, but decidedly, to use a vulgar but + expressive American idiom, "on the make." Of the pure and inner + sanctuary of French society scarce a glimpse is afforded to + these alien eyes. It would not amuse them very much if it were, + for, by all accounts, this hallowed inner circle is as dull as + it is exclusive. The charm of French society is to be found in + those salons which are frequented by the kings of Parisian + Bohemia—journalists, poets, dramatists, + artists—wherein the Republic is queen and Victor Hugo a + god.</p> + + <p>Two great and ineradicable defects underlie the brightness + and fascination of the external part of French + character—namely, selfishness and insincerity. Perfect in + manner, in dress, in grace, in suavity, in sweetness it may be, + the French are utterly and wholly unreliable. They resemble the + phantom woman in the story told by Leigh Hunt, that was only a + suit of clothes, with no face beneath the hood and no body + inside of the robes; or rather those malignant spirits that + look like fair women when seen in front, but when seen from + behind show only as hollow shells.</p> + + <p>And the tradespeople, the bourgeoisie—your dressmaker, + your milliner, your tailor, your butcher and baker and + candlestick-maker—skilled and suave and generally + charming—O heaven and earth! how they do lie! Not + occasionally, not when hard-pressed, not when truth will not do + as well, but persistently, calmly, eternally. "I swear to you, + monsieur," will your Parisian say, "that your work shall be + done in two hours," Esteem yourself fortunate if it is finished + in two days: very probably two weeks will see it still + uncompleted. Send for a workman to execute some little job + about your house. "He will come at once—yes, at once." + Days roll round, and he never comes at all. Your dressmaker + agrees to make you a dress for a certain price: your bill comes + home for half as much again. An American in Paris ordered an + extra door-key, giving the original key as a pattern. The key + was to cost four francs. Here is a copy of the bill as + presented:</p> + + <table summary="bill for door-key"> + <tr> + <td></td> + + <td>Francs.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>For taking off lock (a process wholly unnecessary, + by the by), </td> + + <td>1-1/2</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>For putting it on again,</td> + + <td>1-1/2</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Workman's time,</td> + + <td>1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Journey from shop (about half a square),</td> + + <td>1</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Key,</td> + + <td>4</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td> </td> + + <td>——</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td> Total</td> + + <td>9</td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>Another American sent for a bell-hanger to inspect an + electric bell which was <span class="pagenum"><a name="page383" + id="page383"></a>[pg 383]</span> thought to be out of order, + but which proved on inspection to be all right. He got a + bill of five francs, whereof one item ran thus: "<i>For + looking at the bell</i>, 2 francs." He had not touched the + thing, be it borne in mind.</p> + + <p>I cannot refrain from here making answer to a remark too + often heard from American lips, that America is as immoral as + France—that American society is every whit as depraved as + the French. It is <i>not</i>. The immorality of America is as a + festering wound on an otherwise healthy body: the immorality of + France is like a scrofulous taint that poisons the whole + life-current. One gets weary and heartsick with the old eternal + song, the everlasting theme, which is sung and told and + dramatized and written about and painted—that flies in + your face at every corner and stares up at you from every inch + of printed paper, every square of colored canvas, in the whole + nationality. And to sum up at last this, "a woman's opinion," I + will freely state that the longer I live in France the more I + admire the Parisians and the less I like them.</p> + + <p class="author">L. H. H.</p> + + <h3>THE COLLEGIO ROMANO.</h3> + + <p>The Collegio Romano was always worth a visit, because it + contained the celebrated Kircherian Museum and the admirable + observatory presided over by Father Secchi, the + world-celebrated astronomer. But these are matters sufficiently + treated of by the guide-books, and may be left to them. Of the + story of the enormous building they have less to tell, though + there is much of curious interest to be told. But neither is + that my object on the present occasion. My purpose is to speak + of the strangely-changed fortunes and destinies of the old + historic pile, and of what it now is and is to be. But little + in Rome, as we all know, has remained unchanged in these + strange latter days. But few things—at least few material + things—have experienced such a change as the Collegio + Romano. The "Collegio Romano" was in fact nothing more than + the principal convent of the Jesuits. The establishment was + founded immediately after the institution of the order, and + mainly by the care and energy of Saint Francisco Borgia, the + third general of the order. The present building, however, was + raised in the pontificate of Gregory XIII. by the Florentine + architect Ammanati, the first stone having been laid in 1582. + It is an enormous mass of building—enormous even among + the huge structures for which Rome above all other cities is + remarkable—situated near the church of the Gesù + and not far from the Piazza di Venezia. There is nothing + remarkable in its outward appearance save the vast size, the + object of the builders having evidently been only to adapt it + in a business-like way to the purposes to which it was + destined. These included not only the provision of a residence + for the fathers of the order resident in Rome, and for the + all-but all-powerful general of the terrible order—the + "Black Pope," as the Romans were wont to call him—but + also all the <i>locale</i> necessary for a very large + educational establishment, whence the building took its + name.</p> + + <p>The Jesuits, like all other members of the almost + innumerable monastic establishments in Rome, have, as we all + know, been turned out of their homes, their property has + been—or rather is being—sold, and the convents have + become national property. Many of these are vast buildings, but + no one of them is to be compared with the great Jesuit convent, + which was the central home and head-quarters of the "Company of + Jesus." And a memorable day it was in Rome, and a very singular + sight, when, the dreaded fathers of the terrible "Company" + having taken their departure, the few remaining goods and + chattels in the convent were sold by public auction. Few and + not of much value were the articles to be sold; for the fathers + are not men to take no heed of those shadows which coming + events cast before them, and they had long foreseen that their + day in Rome was at an end, and had contrived to leave as little + as might be to the spoiler. None the less was it a strange + sight, as I say, to see the <i>profanum vulgus</i> of the + buyers of old furniture, and the still more numerous herd + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page384" + id="page384"></a>[pg 384]</span> of the curious, looking on + with very diversified feelings—some with bitterness + enough in their hearts—pushing and tramping through + those noble corridors and vast halls and secret cells, on + which no profane gaze had rested for more than three hundred + years.</p> + + <p>There has been abundance of doubt, but no difficulty, in + disposing of the great number of buildings which have thus come + into the possession of the nation. Many of the smaller convents + have been sold in the same manner as the other property of the + ousted communities. But this has not been done—and indeed + could hardly have been done—in the case of the larger + buildings; and there has been a competition very much in the + nature of a scramble for the appropriation of them by the heads + of the several governmental departments. That of Public + Instruction, now worthily represented by Signor Bonghi, has + succeeded in laying hands on perhaps the grandest prize of all, + the great Jesuit establishment of the Collegio Romano; and, + looking to the uses to which it is being put by Signor Bonghi, + it may, I think, be said that it could not have been better + bestowed. Under his auspices it is intended to assume, and is + indeed rapidly assuming, the functions of the still vaster pile + of building in Great Russell street, London, known to all the + world as the British Museum, as will be seen from the following + statement of the purposes it is intended to serve and of the + various matters to be housed in it.</p> + + <p>On the ground-floor there is already established a "Museo + Scolastico-Pedagogico"—a museum of all the means and + appurtenances that are used, or have been used, in different + countries for the ends and purposes of instruction. This is the + idea and the creation of Signor Bonghi; and it will, I think, + be admitted that it is a very happy one and likely to be + fruitful in good results. A visit to it is more interesting + than might perhaps at first sight be imagined. I may mention + that on asking the very competent and enlightened director of + the establishment what people he considered to have done most + and as foremost in the work of educating the masses, he said + that the Germans had done most theoretically and in the way of + thinking on the philosophy of the matter, but that the + Americans had done most practically in the way of improving the + material means for popular education.</p> + + <p>On the first and second floors the great national library, + the "Biblioteca Vittorio Emmanuele," is—or, it would + perhaps be more accurate to say, will be—placed and made + accessible to the public. At Florence there exists the + celebrated Magliabecchian Library, which when Florence became + the capital of Italy was called the National + Library—somewhat ungratefully, it will probably be + thought, to the learned and indefatigable collector who gave + his life and his means to the formation of it, and then + bequeathed it to his native city. And I am inclined to believe + that this library is still, for all the general working + purposes of a nineteenth-century student, the best in Italy. In + Rome, when the Eternal City in its turn became the capital of a + New Italy, there existed nothing that deserved to be called a + national library, and the present minister of Public + Instruction set about doing what was possible to supply the + want. The Company of Jesus possessed a fine and valuable + library, containing about one hundred and seventy thousand + volumes. This, when the Jesuits were turned out, was declared + national property, and it forms the nucleus of the new Victor + Emmanuel Library. While the Jesuits inhabited their old home it + was arranged in one very fine hall built in the form of a + cross, which will continue to be one of the principal + receptacles, in the new establishment. It was in the middle of + 1874 that the Italian government took possession of this + collection. To this have been added forty-eight other + libraries, the former property of the suppressed convents of + the city and provinces of Rome. They were placed for the nonce + in the cells which had been inhabited by the Jesuit fathers. + The mass of books thus collected amounts to about four hundred + thousand volumes. It will be seen at + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page385" + id="page385"></a>[pg 385]</span> once that the labor of + reducing to order, classifying and arranging such a confused + mass must be truly herculean. But the first librarian of the + Victor Emmanuel Library, Signor Carlo Castellani, well known + in the literary world as a palaeographer of great eminence, + is laboring at the colossal task with an energy and a zeal + that have already accomplished much, and is daily making + sensible advances in the work. It is, however, also evident + that four hundred thousand volumes thus collected must + include an immense number of duplicates; and, worse still, + that (as may be readily supposed from the sources whence the + books have come) one special branch of general literature + will be represented in very undue proportion. Of course, the + greater portion of the conventual libraries was theological. + It may be presumed that classical and (old) historical + literature will be found to exist, the former in tolerable + completeness (so far as regards old and in many cases now + obsolete editions), and the latter in considerable + abundance. But of modern literature little or nothing can be + expected, even of Italian, and still less of any other + language. Among the number of volumes which has been + mentioned there are some seven or eight thousand + manuscripts, and perhaps an equal number of the editions of + the fifteenth century, which go far to make the library an + interesting one to the learned and to the student and lover + of bibliography, but are of very little avail toward + rendering the collection worth much as a national + <i>working</i> library. The question then arises, What means + has Italy of procuring such a library for her capital? + Something may be probably expected from the liberality of + her Parliament in furtherance of this great national object. + But for the present, in the depressed (though improving) + state of the Italian finances, this cannot be much. There + exists in Italy a law similar to that on the same subject in + England, by which every publisher is obliged to deposit one + copy of every book published in the national library. But + this copy at present is sent to the Magliabecchian Library + at Florence. Signor Castellani hopes that the privilege may + be transferred, as seems but reasonable, to Rome. But I do + not see why it should be necessary thus to impoverish + Florence to enrich the capital. In England the law requires + eleven copies which are distributed to the great libraries + of the three kingdoms. It is true that this exaction has + sometimes been complained of, and it is said that in the + case of very costly illustrated works the tax is a very + heavy one, and that in some instances it has operated to + make the production of certain books impossible. And perhaps + it may be reasonable to make some regulation by which such + works should be exempted from the obligation. But in + ordinary cases the tax is an almost inappreciable one, and, + such as it is, must of course fall ultimately on the writers + and readers of books—mainly on the latter—for + the benefit of which classes libraries exist. It seems to + me, therefore, that a somewhat larger number of copies than + one or two might reasonably and advantageously be exacted + from publishers. And if three or four copies were delivered + to the great Roman library, there would be the means of + effecting very advantageous exchanges with other countries. + I asked Signor Castellani what increase in the number of + volumes the <i>locale</i> now at the disposal of the library + would be capable of accommodating. He said that there would + be room for about seven hundred thousand volumes, evidently + a quite inadequate provision for the future. Many years will + not elapse before the measure which is now demanded at the + British Museum—viz., the removal of all the various + collections housed there to other localities, and the + dedication of the entire building to the library—will + become necessary at the old Collegio Romano. Vast as the + building is, the entirety of it is not at all too large for + the Roman library of the future. Or—since we + <i>are</i> allowing our thoughts to consider events which + cast their shadows before as if they were accomplished + facts—may it not perhaps be found better some of these + days to move the whole of the present collection to the + Vatican, to be united with the + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page386" + id="page386"></a>[pg 386]</span> colossal and almost unknown + hoards there buried in one collection? As it is, a new + reading-room, after the model of that existing at the + National Library in Paris, is about to be built in the + courtyard of the Collegio Romano. The classification, + arrangement and methods of working the library will be + copied in great measure from those introduced by Mr. Panizzi + at the British Museum. Unlike the liberal practice of the + great German libraries, no volume will be on any account + permitted to leave the library. I was sorry to find that in + one all-important respect the Roman practice as regards the + national library will differ from that of London. The + collection is being catalogued in slips, to be kept, after + the fashion of booksellers, in boxes made for the purpose, + and there is no present intention of making any catalogue in + volumes accessible to the public. Of course it is impossible + to allow the public to have access to the slips; and all who + have ever really used a great library know but too well that + a library the catalogue of which is not accessible to the + student is at least <i>half</i> useless. Even putting aside + the numerous cases in which an inquirer knows of the + existence of such or such a work, but is not aware of the + author's name, and cannot therefore ask for or obtain the + book in question, it happens more often than not that a + person inquiring on any given subject finds his best guide + to the available sources of information in the + catalogue.</p> + + <p>I have not left myself room, I fear, to say anything on the + present occasion of the other highly interesting collections + which are at present lodged, or in the course of being placed, + under the all-sheltering roof of the Collegio Romano. I must + content myself with simply enumerating them, with the hope of + giving some account of them at some future time. I may briefly + state, then, that the celebrated Kircherian Museum, formed + toward the close of the sixteenth century by the learned Jesuit + father Kircher, still occupies the rooms on the ground-floor, + with a somewhat improved arrangement, which it occupied when + the fathers of the Company inhabited the building. The + collection of ancient Roman marbles discovered in the + excavations of the buried city of Ostia have been brought + thence, and arranged in rooms also on the third floor—a + fact which strikes one as not a little to the credit of the + handiwork of Ammanati, the Florentine architect. Also on the + third floor there is an exceedingly interesting collection, of + which I hope to speak somewhat more at length another time. It + is called a palaeo-ethnographical museum, and consists of a + large collection of the implements of all sorts of the people + belonging to the pre-historic period, together with a similar + gathering of articles used by the uncivilized races of the + present day. The interest of such a comparative study as is + here suggested is, as may be readily understood, very great. On + the fourth floor there is a very considerable collection of + objects illustrating Italian art of the ante-Roman period, and + also a Museum of Industrial Art, conceived on the plan of the + English School of Art at South Kensington.</p> + + <p class="author">T. A. T.</p> + + <h3>TRADES UNIONISM IN ITS INFANCY.</h3> + + <p>In these days of trades unionism and strikes an account of + the germ of such associations in this country is not without + interest. So far back as 1806 a remarkable trial arising out of + such a combination took place before the recorder of + Philadelphia and a jury. It lasted three days and excited + extraordinary interest. Jared Ingersoll and Joseph Hopkinson + were counsel for the prosecution, and Caesar A. Rodney and + Walter Franklin for the defence.</p> + + <p>The defendants, eight in number, were indicted for not being + content to work at the usual prices, but contriving to increase + and augment them, and for endeavoring to prevent by threats, + menaces and other unlawful means other artificers from working + at the usual rate, and uniting into a club or combination to + make and ordain unlawful and arbitrary rules to govern those + engaged in their trade, and unjustly exact great sums of money + by means thereof.</p> + + <p>The evidence went to show in the clearest manner that a + system of frightful <span class="pagenum"><a name="page387" + id="page387"></a>[pg 387]</span> thralldom had been put in + force. A witness named Harrison stated that when he reached + the United States in 1794 he found this system of terrorism + prevalent. He went to work for a Mr. Bedford, and presently + got a hint that if he did not join the association of + journeymen shoemakers he was liable to be "scabbed," which + meant that men would not work in the same shop, nor board or + lodge in the same house, nor would they work at all for the + same employer. The case of this man seemed exceptionally + hard. He made shoes exclusively, and when "a turn-out came + to raise the wages on boots" he remonstrated, pleading that + shoes did not enter into the question, and urging that he + had a sick wife and a large family. But it was all to no + purpose. He then resolved that he would turn a "scab" + unknown to the association, and continue his work; but + having a neighbor whom it was impossible for him to deceive, + he went to him and said that he knew his circumstances, and + that his family must perish or go to "the bettering-house" + unless he continued to work. This neighbor, Swain, replied + that he knew his condition was desperate, but that a man had + better make any sacrifice than turn a "scab" at that time. + He presently informed against him, and Mr. Bedford (his + employer) was warned that he must discharge his "scabs." He + refused, saying that, "Let the consequence be what it might, + we should sink or swim together." However, one Saturday + night, when all but Harrison and a man named Logan had left + him, Bedford's resolution gave way, and he exclaimed, "I + don't know what the devil I am to do: they will ruin me in + the end. I wish you would go to the body and pay a fine, if + not very large, in order to set the shop free once more." + The fine offered was refused, and Mr. Bedford's shop + remained "under scab" for a year. Still, Mr. Bedford, who + must have been a very plucky fellow, would not give Harrison + up, but removed in 1802 to Trenton. Harrison stated that + although he could not, had Mr. Bedford given him up, have + got work anywhere else, and that he might have ground him + down to any terms, yet he (Bedford) very nobly always gave + him full price. At length, by paying a fine, Harrison became + reconciled to his persecutors, and Bedford's shop was once + more free.</p> + + <p>William Forgrave said that "the name of a 'scab' is very + dangerous: men of this description have been hurt when out at + night." He had been threatened, and joined the association from + fear of personal injury. A vast deal more of evidence was given + and eloquent speeches delivered by counsel, but the foregoing + gives the sum and substance of the case.</p> + + <p>In the course of the summing up Recorder Levy said: "To make + an artificial regulation is not to regard the excellence of the + work or quality of the material, but to fix a positive and + arbitrary price, governed by no standard, but dependent on the + will of the few who are interested.... What, then, is the + operation of this kind of conduct upon the commerce of the + city? It exposes it to inconveniences, if not to ruin: + therefore it is against the public welfare. How does it operate + upon the defendants? We see that those who are in indigent + circumstances, and who have families to maintain, have declared + here on oath that it was impossible for them to hold out. They + were interdicted from all employment in future if they did not + continue to persevere in the measures taken by the journeymen + shoemakers. Does not such a regulation tend to involve + necessitous men in the commission of crimes? If they are + prevented working for six weeks, it might lead them to procure + support for their wives and children by burglary, larceny or + highway robbery."</p> + + <p>The jury found the defendants "guilty of a combination to + raise their wages," and the court sentenced them to pay a fine + of eight dollars each, with costs of suit, and to stand + committed till paid.</p> + + <h3>MORAL TRAINING IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.</h3> + + <p>One of our popular clergymen, in a late Sunday discourse + upon the Bible in the public schools, labored to show that the + question was a very unimportant one. + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page388" + id="page388"></a>[pg 388]</span> because none were much + interested in it except infidels and politicians—a + sufficiently absurd position for a professed teacher of the + people to assume. Doubtless it is a folly to fan into flame + the slumbering embers of a quarrel, but it is a greater + folly to pretend, in the face of the common sense of the + people, that all signs of fire are extinguished or never + existed where there is so much inflammable material about + and the "wind of doctrine" running high.</p> + + <p>This question of secular education for our public schools is + in fact one of the most difficult of solution. Chicago has met + it in a summary manner by excluding the Bible from all her free + schools, but this does not settle the question, because both + believers and unbelievers in the various creeds of the churches + admit that there should be provision made for the training of + the moral faculties of the children in our public schools. Many + of them, especially in cities and large manufacturing centres, + come out of the dark alleys where intemperance, poverty and + ignorance tend to arrest the development of their higher + sentiments. For the unfortunate children of such homes the + sessions of the public school afford the only glimpse of a + better life, the only chance for moral and æsthetic + culture. Protestants, as a rule, honestly believe that the + reading of the Bible at the opening of school tends to waken + and develop the moral aspirations of the child. Just as + honestly and conscientiously do Catholics disbelieve in the + efficacy of Bible reading, while they boldly condemn secular + education as a principle. Father Muller, priest of the + congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer, in his work upon public + school education, published three years ago in Boston, says: + "The language of the Vicar of Christ in regard to godless + education is very plain and unmistakable".... "Our Holy Father, + Pope Pius IX., has declared that Catholics cannot approve of a + system of educating youth unconnected with the Catholic faith + and the power of the Church".... "The voice of common sense, + the voice of sad experience, the voice of Catholic bishops, and + especially the voice of the Holy Father, is raised against and + condemns the public school system as a huge humbug, injuring + and not promoting personal virtue and good citizenship, and as + being most pernicious to the Catholic faith and life and all + good morals. A pastor, therefore, cannot maintain the contrary + opinion without incurring guilt before God and the Church. He + cannot allow parents to send their children to such schools of + infidelity. He cannot give them absolution and say, <i>Innocens + sum</i>."</p> + + <p>According to the <i>American Annual Cyclopædia</i> for + 1875, the Roman Catholic Church has in the United States 1 + cardinal, 8 archbishops, 54 bishops, 4872 priests, 4731 + churches, 1902 chapels, 68 colleges, 511 academies, and a lay + membership numbering over 6,000,000. This shows a great and + increasing prosperity of that Church in this country; yet our + institutions have nothing to fear from that prosperity unless + the principles of Catholicity support the "one-man power" + against the doctrine of the sovereignty of the people, the + foundation-principle of republicanism. Patriotic Catholic + citizens claim that there is no conflict. They love their + Church and their country, and will labor to preserve peace and + harmony. Yet how can harmony be maintained while a large and + increasing number of our tax-paying citizens, accepting their + Church and its head as infallible, are forced by their + spiritual allegiance to send their children to Catholic + schools, though at the same time paying taxes to support those + "godless" public schools condemned by the infallible Church? To + take the ground that these two powers, the Catholic Church and + our government, do not conflict, because one is a spiritual and + the other a civil power, is simply absurd. We see that they + <i>do</i> conflict. The pope interferes with the civil rights + of our citizens when—as, for example, in his encyclical + letter of December 8, 1874—he commands all Catholics to + treat the liberty of speech, of the press, of conscience and of + worship, the separation of Church and State and the secular + education of youth, as "<i>reprobatas, proscriptas, atque + damnatas</i>."</p> + + <h3><span class="pagenum"><a name="page389" id="page389"></a></span> + THE EARLIEST PRINTED BOOKS.</h3> + + <p>A recent lecture of the Rev. Dr. Storrs in New York, before + the Society for the Advancement of Science and Art, must have + been very interesting to an ordinary audience, but for one + composed of professed promoters of learning it could hardly + have been sufficiently exact to give general satisfaction if + the newspaper reports of it were at all correct. They represent + the lecturer as saying that an immense number of books date + back to 1450. Now, the first printed book bearing a date is the + <i>Psalter</i> of Füst and Schoeffer, 1457. A + <i>portion</i> of the Bible was printed by Gutenberg and + Füst in 1450, but the work was so expensive and so + imperfect that it was abandoned. In 1452, after Schoeffer + joined the firm, another Bible is supposed to have been + printed, but no copy of it is known to exist. Of course it is + well known that many of the earliest printed books are without + date, but none could have been printed before 1450; and there + is no proof, we believe, that the Bible said to be of 1455 bore + that or any date. In that year the firm of Gutenberg, Füst + and Schoeffer dissolved. L. Grégoire in his + <i>Dictionnaire Encyclopédique</i>, published in Paris + in 1817, says that there are only three or four copies of the + Füst Bible known to exist. Dr. Storrs, however, says, + without giving his authority, that there are fifteen.</p> + + <p>The sole idea of the early printers was to imitate exactly + the manuscript characters of the scribes. The initial letters + of the Bibles and the numbers of the chapters were therefore + added with a pen in blue and red ink alternately; and there is + not the slightest doubt that these first books were palmed off + upon an unsuspecting public as manuscripts. All the servants or + employés of Füst and Schoeffer were put under + solemn oath to divulge nothing of the secret concerning + printing. It is to the policy which the first printers exerted + to conceal their art that we owe the tradition of the Devil and + Dr. Faustus. Füst having printed off quite a number of + Bibles, and had the large initial letters added by hand, he + took them to Paris and sold them for about fifty dollars + apiece. The scribes demanded about ten times that sum, and they + earned the money, for it must have been an herculean task to + copy, as they did, every letter of the Bible with such + exquisite care, and then draw and illuminate the heads of the + chapters and the initial letters. It was a marvel how this new + man could produce these ponderous books at so low a rate. And + then the uniformity of the letters and the pages increased the + wonder, until the cry of "sorcerer" was raised: complaints + before the magistrates were made against him, his lodgings were + searched and a great number of copies were found and + confiscated. The populace in their ignorance and superstition + declared that he was in league with the devil, and that the red + ink with which the books were embellished was his blood. It is + a satisfaction to know that the Parliament of Paris passed an + act to discharge the sorcerer from all prosecution in + consideration of <i>the usefulness of his art</i>.</p> + + <p class="author">M. H.</p> + + <h3>FLOWERS VS. FLIES.</h3> + + <p>An Irish clergyman is said to have discovered last autumn a + charming antidote to flies, which it is only a pity he could + not have lighted on rather earlier in the season. Having + occasion to change his abode, he sent on his window-plants, + calceolarias and geraniums, to that which he intended to occupy + several days before he went himself, and immediately found that + he was pestered with flies, whereas previously he had enjoyed + perfect immunity from the nuisance. A more agreeable remedy + cannot be conceived. Next autumn let our windows be a blaze of + brilliancy, so that all visitors to the Centennial may say, at + all events, "There are no flies in + Philadelphia."</p> + + <h2><span class="pagenum"><a name="page390" id="page390"></a></span> + LITERATURE OF THE DAY.</h2> + + <p>Shakespeare Hermeneutics; or, The Still Lion. Being an Essay + towards the Restoration of Shakespeare's Text. By C.M. Ingleby, + M.A., LL.D. London: Trübner & Co.</p> + + <p>Setting aside those who care merely to see a play on the + stage, it may be said that of Shakespeare there are readers and + readers; and both classes have rights and privileges which + should be treated with deference. The reader who studies every + line should not fleer at him who studies not at all. Have we + not a right to read a play of Shakespeare's through in two + short hours, surrendering ourselves, unvexed by logic or + grammar, to the enchantment which scenes and phrases and words + conjure up as they glide through our minds? When all the + atmosphere is tremulous with airs from heaven or blasts from + hell, must we, forsooth! stop and philosophically investigate + what Hamlet means by a "<i>dram of eale"</i>? Must we lose a + scruple of the sport by turning aside to find out what Malvolio + means by the "<i>lady of the Strachey</i>"? If Timon chooses to + invite <i>Ullorxa</i> to his feast, are we to bar the door + because no one ever heard the name before? No: let us have our + Shakespeare (is he not as much ours as yours?) free from all + notes, on a page purified from the musty cobwebs of + black-letter pedants. We want no jargon of bickering critics to + drown the music that sings at Heaven's gate. Give us those + immortal plays just as Shakespeare wrote them, that we may read + them without let or hinderance.</p> + + <p>But, fair and softly, is not this the very point at which we + are striving? With all our twistings and turnings, our + patchings and piecings, have we aught else in view than to + decipher just what Shakespeare wrote? Where are Shakespeare's + exact words to be found? Not in the so-called Quartos; for they + are said by Shakespeare's intimate and dear friends to have + been "maimed and deformed by the frauds and stealthes of + injurious impostors," and taken down perhaps from the lips of + some of the actors, bribed by stoops of liquor at + <i>Yaughan's</i> (and from the gibberish here and there set + down it is to be feared that the potations were at times pottle + deep). Nor can we take the Folio in which all his dramas were + first collected: Shakespeare never saw a line of it; for seven + years he had been hid in death's dateless night when that + volume was printed. What, then, is to be done? The Quartos and + Folios are all the authority we have, and none of them present + what can be held to have been undeniably Shakespeare's exact + words. In dealing with the text we must never for a moment + forget that there stands, and will for ever stand, as + interpreters between us and Shakespeare, a crew of dishonest + actors or of more or less ignorant compositors. Is such a text, + thus transmitted, to be held in reverence so deep that not a + syllable is to be changed for fear of the cry that we are + tampering with the words of Shakespeare? Is the curse in his + epitaph on the mover of his bones to hang over his text? Small + reverence for Shakespeare does it betoken, in our opinion, to + believe this. Rather, let us regard these pages of the Folio as + what they virtually are in so many cases—namely, as but + little better than our modern proof-sheets. And they should be + dealt with accordingly by a modern critic; but only on one + condition precedent: he must be Shakespeare's peer. In default + of this we can only humbly erase here, and reverently suggest + there, summoning to our aid all possible knowledge, lest in + plucking up the tares we pluck up the wheat also.</p> + + <p>And this is really all that textual criticism for the last + hundred and forty years has aimed at—merely to get at + what Shakespeare really wrote. We know that he could not write + sheer nonsense, and yet at times sheer nonsense mows at us from + his printed page. Those who clamor for Shakespeare's text, pure + and simple, divested of all notes and annotations, have no idea + how much thought and time have been expended on every line, + —nay, on every word, on every comma,—in the text of + any good modern edition of his dramas, and with the single aim, + be it remembered, of revealing exactly what the poet wrote.</p> + + <p>It must not, however, be thought that since the original + texts of Shakespeare's plays are so corrupt, any criticaster + has good leave to expunge or expand at will, under a roving + commission to hack and hew wheresoever and howsoever it may + please him, under the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page391" + id="page391"></a>[pg 391]</span> plea of restoring the text. + On the contrary, since we cannot fulfill the condition + precedent of being Shakespeare's peers, we must exercise the + greatest caution in changing a reading of the Quartos or + Folios, lest in condemning the text as corrupt we pass + judgment on our own wit.</p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <p>He who the sword of Heaven would bear</p> + + <p>Must be as holy as severe.</p> + </div> + </div> + + <p>And we must be very sure that the passage is corrupt before + we set about amending it. First and last, we must remember that + primal elder law, that of two readings the more difficult is to + be preferred. <i>Durior lectio preferenda 'st</i> should be a + frontlet between our brows. The weaker reading or the plainer + meaning is more likely to be a printer's interpretation of what + he failed to comprehend.</p> + + <p>But to understand Shakespeare's meaning in a degree that + will authorize us to amend the text, we must understand + Shakespeare's speech; that is, we must be thoroughly familiar + with the words and usages of Elizabethan English; and not only + with Elizabethan words and phrases, but also, as far as + possible, with the very pronunciation.</p> + + <p>This fundamental principle is well enforced and illustrated + in Dr. Ingleby's book, which was originally published in one of + the Annuals of the German Shakespeare Society under the title + of <i>The Still Lion</i>, a title suggested by a passage in De + Quincey, where the danger of meddling with Milton's text is + compared to that of meddling with a still lion, which may be + neither dead nor sleeping, but merely shamming. Dr. Ingleby + substitutes Shakespeare for Milton, and maintains that the mass + of Shakespearian emendations that have been proposed during the + last twenty years are needless; and that corruptions have been + assumed where none exist, owing to the limited knowledge + possessed by the critics. Thus, for instance, in the <i>Comedy + of Errors</i> (I. i. 152) the Duke bids Aegeon to "seek thy + <i>help</i> by beneficial <i>help</i>." At once there is a + chorus from all of us, sciolists, of "Corruption!" + "Sophistication!" "Cacophonous repetition!" etc. etc. "But + gently, friends," says Dr. Ingleby: "may not 'help' have borne + a different or a special meaning in Elizabethan English?" and + turning to medical writers and books on medicine of the + sixteenth and seventeenth centuries (among them Dr. John Hall, + Shakespeare's own son-in-law), he proves that <i>heal</i> and + <i>help</i> having a common origin, <i>help</i> was used by + Shakespeare's contemporaries as a synonym for <i>cure, + deliverance</i>. The text, then, is perfectly correct, + Ægeon being bid to seek his <i>deliverance</i> from the + doom of death by the <i>help</i> of what friends he can find. + The lion's slumbers were here of the lightest, and happy men be + our dole to have escaped with whole skins. Thus Dr. Ingleby + takes up passage after passage of Shakespeare that has been + pronounced corrupt, and shows that the fault imputed to it lies + not in the text, but in the lack of requisite knowledge, be it + of language, of usage, of manners and customs, or even of + Elizabethan spelling and grammar, on the part of the critic. + The mischief that ignorance has done in the past is + irrevocable, but such impressive warnings as Dr. Ingleby gives + us may help, in both senses of the word, in the future. We may + be spared, hereafter, the infliction of numberless "felicitous" + conjectures, on which the following is scarcely a parody. It + was proposed many years ago in sport by the late + deeply-lamented Chauncey Wright, and, as far as we know, has + never yet appeared in print, though it may live to be gravely + noted down in some future Variorum, being a genuine echo of + many a note by Zachary Jackson or Andrew Beckett. In <i>As You + Like It</i> occur the familiar lines, "And thus our life ... + finds ... books in the running brooks, sermons in stones," etc. + "This is stark nonsense, and must be remedied. Who ever found a + <i>book</i> in a <i>rivulet</i> or a <i>sermon</i> in a + <i>rock?</i> It is clearly an error of a most ignorant or + careless compositor, who has transposed the nouns. Read, + '<i>stones in the running brooks and sermons in books</i>.' + Sense is vindicated. Stones are frequently found in brooks. + David chose smooth <i>pebbles from the brook</i>, and sermons + are quite frequently printed and sold in a book-form. By this + restoration Shakespeare's wonderful observation is," etc., + etc., etc.</p> + + <p>Great as is the service done in particular cases, the most + valuable part of <i>The Still Lion</i> is the moral which it + points, that "successful emendation is the fruit of severe + study and research on the one hand, and of rare sensibility and + sense on the other." And in our opinion Dr. Ingleby might have + gone even farther, and demanded for it a spark of that creative + power which is genius. But it must not be inferred that all the + difficult passages in Shakespeare can be thus explained away. + Despite all learning, or acuteness, or genius, there remains a + considerable number that have never yet been solved, and + <span class="pagenum"><a name="page392" + id="page392"></a>[pg 392]</span> never will be, in general + acceptation, till the crack of doom. These, however, bear so + small a proportion to the vast mass of perplexing riddles + that have been satisfactorily settled that, like an + infinitely small quantity in mathematics, they may be + neglected. Therefore, let not him who wishes to read his + Shakespeare unalloyed by notes and textual comment, despise + the painful critic or accuse him of playing at loggats with + the words of Shakespeare. It is through the labors of + critics that the text is in such a shape that the work-a-day + reader can read it at all. In the Folios and Quartos we see + Shakespeare as through a glass darkly, but, thanks to those + drudges, the commentators, in numberless places we can now + see him face to face.</p> + + <p>The Orphan of Pimlico, and other Sketches, Fragments and + Drawings. By William Makepeace Thackeray. With some notes by + Anne Isabella Thackeray. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & + Co.</p> + + <p>The artistic sense—the vivid conception of things and + persons in their external aspects and with a constant regard to + their groupings and the effect upon the spectator—made + itself peculiarly prominent in all that Thackeray wrote. It is + not that he gives us elaborate descriptions: this, indeed, is + the resource of writers who are lacking in the faculty + mentioned, and are consequently obliged to reach the result, if + at all, by inferior means. His power lay in the selection of + traits which were strictly characteristic, in making every act + or phrase indicative of individuality. An astute critic, + therefore—one gifted with that keenness of vision to + which the exercise of the office unhappily implies a + claim—should have been able to infer Thackeray's + dexterity with the pencil from the methods of his literary + work. There was, however, no room for conjecture on this point, + as the fact was early a matter of notoriety, and many of the + illustrations in his books were known to be from his own + sketches. Recently, too, a publication containing some of his + earliest and slightest work in this way attracted considerable + attention, with the fortunate result of calling out the volume + before us, which embodies the best specimens of his skill + reproduced by a method that renders every line an exact + transcript, and accompanied by facsimiles of whatever written + text or comment appeared on the same page. Many of them partake + more or less of the nature of caricature, and if the execution + alone be considered, they show that Thackeray might, in default + of talents of a different order, have pursued this line with as + much success as some of its cleverest cultivators. But what + distinguishes the drolleries in this book is the inventiveness + shown in the conception and the characteristic ingenuity of the + details. The designs for "Playing Cards," in which the tray of + spades is represented by the figures of Johnson, Boswell and + Gibbon, and a scene at "Dr. Birch's School" does duty for the + seven of hearts, are especially felicitous in this way; while a + different but not less familiar trait is exhibited in some + carefully-drawn "Initial Letters," embodying charming bits of + child-life and quaint allusions to well-known scenes in history + and romance. "Othello" in the form of "Dandy Jim of Souf + Caroline," and "The Little Assessor of Tübingen"—a + mysterious personage of whom the author refused to reveal the + secret—are equally amusing and suggestive. There are some + half hundred subjects of the same or other kinds in the volume, + which, as a mere picture-book, is full of entertainment for + readers of all ages, while for those with whom the name of + Thackeray is a dear household word it will have a still higher + charm, calling up as it does so many associations connected + with the author and the man, and seeming like a fragment of the + biography which has been vainly looked for.</p> + + <h3><i>Books Received.</i></h3> + + <p>The Illustrated Annual Register of Rural Affairs for 1876. + By J.J. Thomas. Albany: Luther Tucker & Son.</p> + + <p>The Chevalier Casse-Cou: The Red Camellia. By Fortuné + Du Boisgobey. Translated from the French by Thos. Picton. New + York: Robert M. De Witt.</p> + + <p>Household Elegancies. By Mrs. C.S. Jones and Henry T. + Williams. New York: Henry T. Williams.</p> + + <p>The Children's Treasury of English Song. By Francis Turner + Palgrave. New York: Macmillan & Co.</p> + + <p>Stories from the Lips of the Teacher. By O.B. Frothingham. + New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons.</p> + + <p>Songs of Three Centuries. Edited by J.G. Whittier. Boston: + James R. Osgood & Co.</p> + + <p>Roddy's Reality. By Helen Kendrick Johnson. New York: G.P. + Putnam's Sons.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <p> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a><b>Footnote 1:</b> <a href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + </p> + <p>See the article entitled "The House on the Beach," in + <i>Lippincott's Magazine</i> for January. Since the + publication of that paper a letter of distinction has been + received by General Albert J. Myer from the International + Congress of Geographical Sciences, held in Paris in 1875, + which states that the United States signal service appeared + to the Congress to deserve an exceptional reward. "This + service, so remarkably organized, has been the cause of + such progress in meteorological science that the + distinctions provided by the regulations of the Congress + would not be commensurate for it." The letter of + distinction was therefore sent as the highest award decreed + by the Congress.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> +<p> + <a id="footnote2" + name="footnote2"></a><b>Footnote 2:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> +</p> + <p>Houses of refuge.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> +<p> + <a id="footnote3" + name="footnote3"></a><b>Footnote 3:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> +</p> + <p>This fine old relic of the Revolution is preserved by + the Washington Light Infantry of Charleston, South + Carolina. It was borne by Colonel William Washington's + corps at Cowpens and Eutaw.</p> + </blockquote> + + <blockquote class="footnote"> +<p> + <a id="footnote4" + name="footnote4"></a><b>Footnote 4:</b> + <a href="#footnotetag4">(return)</a> +</p> + <p>"Solly" resided for many years after the war at Easton, + Maryland. A good portrait of him is still there.</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 13655 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/13655-h/images/265.jpg b/13655-h/images/265.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..db6d6a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/265.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/266.jpg b/13655-h/images/266.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..30a6eb1 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/266.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/267.jpg b/13655-h/images/267.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..b437b7d --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/267.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/268.jpg b/13655-h/images/268.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..4c0e73b --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/268.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/270.jpg b/13655-h/images/270.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..db1ca77 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/270.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/272.jpg b/13655-h/images/272.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a9d85fb --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/272.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/274.jpg b/13655-h/images/274.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1583a1e --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/274.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/276.jpg b/13655-h/images/276.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c99367c --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/276.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/277.jpg b/13655-h/images/277.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1e24f55 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/277.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/278.jpg b/13655-h/images/278.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..16d28aa --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/278.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/279.jpg b/13655-h/images/279.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..83324ad --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/279.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/280.jpg b/13655-h/images/280.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e3180a2 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/280.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/281.jpg b/13655-h/images/281.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..a8cd2ed --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/281.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/284.jpg b/13655-h/images/284.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..89794c6 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/284.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/286.jpg b/13655-h/images/286.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1960007 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/286.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/287.jpg b/13655-h/images/287.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..82d84fe --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/287.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/288.jpg b/13655-h/images/288.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..3177167 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/288.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/290.jpg b/13655-h/images/290.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1476ff9 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/290.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/291.jpg b/13655-h/images/291.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..1867255 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/291.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/292.jpg b/13655-h/images/292.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..f19e456 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/292.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/294.jpg b/13655-h/images/294.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..5065cb6 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/294.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/296.jpg b/13655-h/images/296.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..943c1ae --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/296.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/298.jpg b/13655-h/images/298.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e617694 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/298.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/300.jpg b/13655-h/images/300.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..aa346c4 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/300.jpg diff --git a/13655-h/images/Illus---0001-1.png b/13655-h/images/Illus---0001-1.png Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..87cc878 --- /dev/null +++ b/13655-h/images/Illus---0001-1.png |
