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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Curiosities of Human Nature, by Anonymous
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: Curiosities of Human Nature
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+Release Date: April 1, 2012 [EBook #39333]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CURIOSITIES OF HUMAN NATURE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: PASCAL MAKING DISCOVERIES IN GEOMETRY.]
+
+
+
+
+  CURIOSITIES
+  OF
+  HUMAN NATURE.
+
+[Illustration: THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON.]
+
+  BOSTON:
+  J. E. HICKMAN, 12 SCHOOL STREET.
+
+
+
+
+  CURIOSITIES
+  OF
+  HUMAN NATURE:
+
+  BY THE AUTHOR OF
+
+  PETER PARLEY'S TALES.
+
+  BOSTON:
+  J. E. HICKMAN.
+  12 School Street.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                      PAGE
+
+  ZERAH COLBURN,                         7
+  BARATIERE,                            26
+  GASSENDI,                             29
+  PASCAL,                               33
+  GROTIUS,                              39
+  NEWTON,                               43
+  MAGLIABECCHI,                         48
+  CRICHTON,                             52
+  BERONICIUS,                           59
+  MASTER CLENCH,                        64
+  JEDEDIAH BUXTON,                      67
+  WILLIAM GIBSON,                       72
+  EDMUND STONE,                         76
+  RICHARD EVELYN,                       78
+  QUENTIN MATSYS,                       82
+  WEST,                                 87
+  BERRETINI,                            93
+  HENRY KIRK WHITE,                     96
+  MOZART,                              100
+  ELIHU BURRITT,                       108
+  GEORGE MORLAND,                      112
+  WILLIAM PENN,                        119
+  JOHN SMITH,                          129
+  ETHAN ALLEN,                         144
+  DAVID CROCKETT,                      153
+  DANIEL BOONE,                        163
+  CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN,              172
+  THE CID,                             181
+  ROBIN HOOD,                          191
+  PAUL JONES,                          203
+  MASANIELLO,                          213
+  RIENZI,                              219
+  SELKIRK,                             222
+  JOHN LAW,                            226
+  TRENCK,                              230
+  JOHN DUNN HUNTER,                    236
+  CASPAR HAUSER,                       254
+  PSALMANAZAR,                         262
+  VALENTINE GREATRAKES,                265
+  MATTHEW HOPKINS,                     268
+  PETER, THE WILD BOY,                 271
+  JOHN KELSEY,                         274
+  BAMFYLDE MOORE CAREW,                278
+  JOHN ELWES,                          282
+  BARON D'AGUILAR,                     290
+  THOMAS GUY,                          292
+  OLD PARR,                            294
+  O'BRIEN,                             298
+  MAXAMILLIAN CHRISTOPHER MILLER,      300
+  HUYALAS,                             301
+  THOMAS TOPHAM,                       303
+  FOSTER POWELL,                       305
+  JOSEPH CLARK,                        307
+  EDWARD BRIGHT,                       309
+  DANIEL LAMBERT,                      310
+  JEFFREY HUDSON,                      312
+  JOSEPH BORUWLASKI,                   314
+  THE SIAMESE TWINS,                   318
+
+
+
+
+CURIOUS BIOGRAPHIES.
+
+
+
+
+ZERAH COLBURN.
+
+
+Among the intellectual prodigies which sometimes appear to excite the
+wonder and astonishment of mankind, Zerah Colburn was certainly one of
+the most remarkable. He was born at Cabot, Vermont, Sept. 1st, 1804. He
+was the sixth child of his parents, who were persons in low
+circumstances and of little education. He was regarded as the most
+backward of the children till he was about six years old, when he
+suddenly attracted attention by the display of his astonishing powers.
+
+In August, 1810, when his father, Abia Colburn, was one day employed at
+a joiner's work-bench, Zerah was on the floor, playing among the chips;
+suddenly, he began to say to himself,--5 times 7 are 35--6 times 8 are
+48, &c. His father's attention was immediately arrested by hearing this,
+so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no
+advantages, except perhaps six weeks' attendance at the district
+school, that summer. He therefore left his work, and turning to the
+child, began to examine him in the multiplication table. He thought it
+possible that Zerah had learnt this from the other boys; but finding him
+perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed, and he asked
+the product of 13×97, to which 1261 was instantly given as the answer.
+He now concluded that something unusual had actually taken place;
+indeed, he has often said he should not have been more surprised if some
+one had risen up out of the earth and stood erect before him.
+
+It was not long before a neighbor rode up, and stopping at the house,
+was informed of the singular occurrence. He desired to be a witness of
+the fact. Zerah was called, and the result of the examination astonished
+every one present. The strange phenomenon was now rapidly spread
+throughout the town. Though many were inclined to doubt the correctness
+of the reports they heard, a personal examination attested their truth.
+Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year found
+its way not only through the United States, but also reached Europe, and
+extorted expressions of wonder from foreign journals of literature and
+science in England, France and other countries.
+
+Very soon after the discovery of his remarkable powers, many gentlemen,
+at that time possessing influence and public confidence throughout the
+state, being made acquainted with the circumstances, were desirous of
+having such a course adopted as might most directly lead to a full
+development of Zerah's talents, and their application to purposes of
+general utility. Accordingly, it was proposed that Mr. Colburn should
+carry his son to Danville, to be present during the session of the
+court. This was done, and the boy was very generally seen and questioned
+by the judges, members of the bar, and others.
+
+The legislature of Vermont being about to convene at Montpelier, Mr.
+Colburn was advised to visit that place with his son, which they did in
+October. Here large numbers had an opportunity of witnessing his
+calculating powers, and the conclusion was general that such a thing had
+never been known before. Many questions, which were out of the common
+limits of arithmetic, were proposed, with a view to puzzle the child,
+but he answered them correctly; as, for instance,--which is the most,
+twice twenty-five, or twice five and twenty? Ans. Twice twenty-five.
+Which is the most, six dozen dozen, or half a dozen dozen? Ans. Six
+dozen dozen. Somebody asked him how many black beans would make five
+white ones. Ans. Five, if you skin them! Thus it appeared that the boy
+could not only compute and combine numbers readily, but that he also
+possessed a quickness of thought, somewhat uncommon among children, as
+to other things.
+
+Soon after this, Mr. Colburn took his son to other large towns, and at
+last to Boston. Here the boy excited the most extraordinary sensation,
+and several gentlemen of the highest standing proposed to undertake his
+education. The terms, though very liberal, were not equal to the
+high-raised expectations of the father. The offer was therefore refused,
+and Mr. Colburn proceeded to the southern cities, exhibiting his son in
+public, his performances everywhere exciting the utmost wonder.
+
+The author of these pages had an opportunity of seeing Zerah Colburn, at
+this period. He was a lively, active boy, of light complexion, his head
+being rather larger than that of boys generally at his age. He was then
+six years old, and had the manners common to children of his age. He was
+playful, even while performing his calculations. The quickness and
+precision with which he gave answers to arithmetical questions was
+amazing. Among those proposed to him at Boston, in the autumn of the
+year 1810, were the following:
+
+What is the number of seconds in 2000 years? The answer, 63,072,000,000,
+was readily and accurately given. Another question was this: Allowing
+that a clock strikes 156 times in a day, how many times will it strike
+in 2000 years? The child promptly replied, 113,800,000 times.
+
+What is the product of 12,225, multiplied by 1,223? Ans. 14,951,175.
+What is the square of 1,449? Ans. 2,099,601. Suppose I have a
+corn-field, in which are seven acres, having seventeen rows to each
+acre, sixty-four hills to each row, eight ears on a hill, and one
+hundred and fifty kernels on an ear; how many kernels in the corn-field?
+Ans. 9,139,200.
+
+It will be recollected that the child who answered these questions was
+but six years old; that he had then had no instruction whatever in
+arithmetic; that he could neither read nor write, and that he performed
+these immense calculations by mental processes, wholly his own. His
+answers were usually given, and the calculations performed, while
+engaged in his sports, and the longest process seemed hardly to divert
+his mind from his amusements. His answers were often made almost as soon
+as the question was proposed, and in most cases before the process could
+be performed on paper.
+
+His faculty for calculation seemed to increase, and as he became
+acquainted with arithmetical terms, his performances were still more
+remarkable. In June, 1811, he was asked the following question: If the
+distance between Concord and Boston be sixty-five miles, how many steps
+must I take in going this distance, supposing each step to be three
+feet? The answer, 114,400 steps, was given in ten seconds. He was asked
+how many days and hours had elapsed since the Christian era commenced.
+In twenty seconds he replied, 661,015 days, 15,864,360 hours.
+
+Questions still more difficult were answered with similar promptitude.
+What sum multiplied by itself will produce 998,001? In less than four
+seconds he replied 999. How many hours in thirty-eight years, two
+months, and seven days? The answer, 334,488, was given in six seconds.
+
+These extraordinary performances, witnessed by thousands of people, and
+among them persons of the highest standing, were soon reported in the
+papers, and attracted scarcely less attention in Europe than in this
+country. In England, particularly, great curiosity was expressed, and
+the plan of taking young Colburn thither was suggested. After some
+deliberation, this project was resolved upon; and in the spring of
+1812, the father and son embarked at Boston for Liverpool, where they
+landed on the 11th of May. They proceeded to London, and taking rooms at
+Spring Gardens, commenced their exhibition.
+
+Great numbers came to witness the performances of the boy, among whom
+Zerah, in his Life, enumerates the dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland,
+Lord Ashburton, Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Humphrey Davy, and the
+Princess Charlotte. The latter, attended by her tutor, the bishop of
+Salisbury, remained a full hour, and asked a number of questions. Among
+the rest was this: What is the square of 4001? The answer, 16,008,001,
+was immediately given. The duke of Cambridge asked the number of seconds
+in the time elapsed since the commencement of the Christian era, 1813
+years, 7 months, 27 days. The answer was correctly given,
+57,234,384,000.
+
+An extraordinary interest was excited in London in respect to this
+remarkable youth, and schemes for giving him an education suited to his
+turn of mind were suggested. At a meeting of several distinguished
+gentlemen, to mature some plan of this sort, various questions were
+proposed to the child. He multiplied the number eight by itself, and
+each product by itself, till he had raised it to the sixteenth power,
+giving, as the almost inconceivable result, 281,474,976,710,656. He was
+asked the square root of 106,929, and before the number could be written
+down, he answered 327. He was then requested to name the cube root of
+268,336,125, and with equal facility and promptness he replied, 645.
+
+A likeness of the young prodigy, drawn by Hull and engraved by Meyer,
+was now published, and sold at a guinea each. Many were sold, and a
+considerable profit was realized. Another scheme was now started,--a
+memoir of the child,--and among the committee to superintend its
+publication, were Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Humphrey Davy and Basil
+Montague. Several hundred subscribers were obtained, but, though many
+paid in advance, for some reason or other the work was never published.
+Young Colburn and his father now made a tour to Ireland and Scotland.
+Among his visitors in Scotland, were Dugald Stewart, Professor Playfair,
+Doctor Brewster and Doctor Macknight. In March, 1814, they returned to
+London. By the advice of friends, they now proceeded to Paris, where
+they arrived in July, 1814.
+
+Zerah was carefully examined before the French Institute. It is curious
+that on this occasion he was longer in giving his answers than ever
+before; probably owing to some embarrassment. His performances, however,
+excited here, as everywhere else, the greatest astonishment. La Place,
+the author of the Méchanique Celeste, was present. Guizot received the
+youth at his house, and expressed in his behalf the liveliest interest.
+
+Such was the feeling excited, that a project was set on foot for giving
+Zerah an education at the Royal College of Henry IV. Nothing was wanting
+but the sanction of the king; but at the precise moment when measures
+were in progress to secure this object, Bonaparte came back from Elba,
+sweeping everything before him. The Bourbons fled, and the emperor was
+reinstated upon his throne. Application was now made to him in behalf of
+young Colburn; his assent was obtained, and on the 13th May, 1815, he
+entered the seminary, which was now restored to its original title, the
+Lyceum Napoleon.
+
+Mr. Colburn had, in England, Scotland and Paris, obtained a large number
+of subscribers to the memoir. Having placed his son in the Lyceum, he
+went to London to attend to the publication of the work. Here he met
+with bitter disappointment. His agent, who had been authorized to
+collect the money, had received about one third of the whole
+subscriptions, and appropriated the money to his own use. As he was
+poor, the whole sum was irretrievably lost. At the same time, Mr.
+Colburn found that his former friends were greatly chagrined to find
+that the French government, more liberal than themselves, had made
+provision for his son. Under this influence, the project of the memoir
+was abandoned, and a new scheme was proposed, the object of which was to
+raise two hundred pounds a year for six years, to defray the expenses of
+the boy's education.
+
+While Mr. Colburn was pursuing this scheme, Zerah was at the Lyceum at
+Paris, which now became the theatre of the most interesting events. The
+battle of Waterloo was fought, Napoleon fled, and the French army
+retreated toward the capital. To this point, the hostile armies were now
+directing their march, and the citizens of Paris were roused for its
+defence. Every effort was made to strengthen the walls and throw up
+entrenchments. The scholars at the Lyceum received permission to join in
+this work, and with enthusiastic ardor, heightened by their sympathy
+for Napoleon, they went to their tasks, crying, "_Vive l'Empereur_." Our
+little mathematician was among the number, and if he could have
+multiplied forts as easily as he managed figures, Paris would,
+doubtless, have been saved. But the fortune of war decided otherwise.
+Paris was overwhelmed, Napoleon dethroned, and Louis XVIII. restored.
+
+Zerah Colburn might have continued at the Lyceum, but his foolish
+father, having embraced the London scheme, proceeded to Paris, and
+carried him thence again to London, where they arrived February 7, 1816.
+
+The scheme which had excited Mr. Colburn's hopes, was, however, a mere
+illusion. His friends were worn out with his importunities, and,
+doubtless, disgusted with his fickleness. They were dissatisfied by
+discovering that while he wished to obtain a provision for his son, he
+desired also that some emolument, sufficient for his own wants, should
+come to himself. The result was, that both the father and son were
+reduced to a state of poverty. While attempting, by means scarcely
+better than beggary, to obtain transient support, they chanced to call
+upon the Earl of Bristol, who received them kindly, and expressed great
+interest in the youthful calculator. He invited them to his country
+residence at Putney, whither they went, and spent several days. The
+result of this fortunate acquaintance was, that the Earl made a
+provision of six hundred and twenty dollars a year for young Colburn's
+education at Westminster school, where he was regularly entered on the
+19th September. At this period, he was a few days over twelve years old.
+
+It now seemed that better fortunes had dawned upon this gifted, but
+still unfortunate boy; but these were soon clouded by disappointment.
+The custom of fagging existed in this school, as in all the higher
+seminaries of England. By this system, the boys of the under classes
+were required to be waiters and servants of those in the upper classes.
+Zerah was subjected to this arrangement, and a youth in the upper school
+was pitched upon for his master. This was the son of a baronet, Sir John
+L. Kaye.
+
+Soon after he had been initiated into these menial duties, one of the
+upper scholars called upon him to perform some servile task. This he
+accomplished, but not to the satisfaction of his employer. He therefore
+complained to young Kaye, his proper master, whose wrath being greatly
+excited, he fell upon poor Zerah, twisted his arm nearly out of joint,
+and, placing him in a helpless situation, beat his shoulder black and
+blue. Zerah went to his father, who immediately proceeded to Mr. Knox,
+the usher. The latter expressed regret for the abuse Zerah had received,
+but when the father claimed exemption for his son from the custom of
+fagging, the usher positively refused compliance. Mr. Colburn enjoined
+it upon his son by no means to submit to this system of drudgery again,
+and departed. In the evening, he was called upon to clean a pair of
+shoes. This he refused; whereupon, a number of the larger boys, who had
+gathered around him, first threatened, and then beat him without mercy,
+until at last he complied. All this occurred under the same roof where
+the usher then was. In the morning, the father came, and appealing to
+him, was treated with contempt. As he was going across the yard to see
+Dr. Page, the head master, the boys yelled at him from their windows,
+calling him Yankee; doubtless, deeming it the most opprobrious of
+epithets. The final result of this matter was, that Zerah was exempted
+from the custom of fagging, though no relaxation of the custom,
+generally, was made in the school.
+
+Zerah continued at Westminster, spending his vacations with the Reverend
+Mr. Bullen, Lord Bristol's chaplain, at the village of Danton. His
+father, in the mean time, picked up the means of subsistence, partly by
+boarding his son and a few other scholars, and partly by contributions.
+At length, the Earl, who was now in Germany, made an arrangement for the
+removal of Zerah from the Westminster school to the exclusive charge of
+Mr. Bullen. Mr. Colburn objected to this, and wrote accordingly to Lord
+Bristol. The latter persisted in his plan, and in order to reconcile the
+father to it, offered him fifty pounds a year for his own personal use.
+With stubbornness, amounting to infatuation, he rejected the generous
+offer, and withdrew his son from the Westminster school, and the
+patronage of his noble friend.
+
+Young Colburn had spent two years and nine months at the Westminster
+seminary, where his progress in the acquisition of languages and other
+studies was extremely rapid. Euclid's Elements of Geometry were mastered
+with ease; but it is a curious fact that while the boy was fascinated
+with arithmetical calculations, as he advanced into the abstruser
+portions of mathematics, his taste revolted from a pursuit that was dry
+and repulsive.
+
+Again the father and son were afloat in the sea of London. What was to
+be done now? The education of his son was, doubtless, an object to Mr.
+Colburn; but, with blind selfishness, he seems to have thought more of
+turning him to account as a means of raising money. With this view he
+proposed that he should go upon the stage; no doubt supposing that the
+youth's notoriety would render him available in this capacity. He was
+put in training, under the care of Charles Kemble. After four months'
+tuition, he appeared at Margate in the character of Norval. His
+reception was tolerably flattering, but he obtained no compensation. Mr.
+Colburn now determined to exhibit his son in his new profession, in
+Scotland and Ireland; but being almost entirely destitute of money, they
+were obliged to take a steerage passage in a vessel, and subsist upon
+hard fare. They arrived at Edinburgh, but received no encouragement in
+the theatrical line. Mr. Colburn called upon his former friends, and
+they contributed to his immediate relief. They now proceeded by
+canal-boat to Greenock, and thence in a vessel to Belfast. Here they
+found a strolling company of players, with whom an arrangement was made
+for Zerah's appearance at Londonderry, whither the party were about to
+proceed; to that place father and son journeyed on foot. Here the latter
+performed in some inferior characters, and soon returned with the band
+to Belfast. At this place he played the part of Richard the Third--but
+alas! even this master-stroke of policy failed. The father and son
+pushed on to Dublin, but they could get no engagement at the theatre.
+
+The inventive resources of Abia Colburn were not yet exhausted. Zerah
+must now turn author--and the future Methodist preacher must write a
+play! The subject chosen was that of Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. The
+drama was composed--and we believe it was actually performed. But, alas!
+says Zerah, in his honest, modest book--"it never had any merit or any
+success."
+
+After an absence of two months, the wanderers returned to London. A long
+period of inaction follows, during which Zerah wrote plays, which were
+never printed or performed, and the father picked up a precarious living
+by levying contributions upon his former friends. These were at last
+worn out with his importunities, and finally, one of the best of them
+deliberately turned Zerah out of doors, when he came upon some errand
+from his father.
+
+Deprived of all other means save that of begging, which was now a poor
+resource, the youth obtained employment in October, 1821, as an usher in
+a school, and soon after established one on his own account. This
+afforded so poor a support, that still another effort was made to raise
+funds, ostensibly to provide for his permanent relief. To obtain
+subscribers to this proposal, Zerah went to Edinburgh, Glasgow and
+Belfast. At the former place, Mr. Combe took a cast of his head, seeking
+thereby to throw light upon his phrenological theories. He returned to
+London, with little success, and resumed his school.
+
+The health of his father now began to give way. Unhappily, he had, from
+the first discovery of his son's extraordinary gifts, looked upon them
+with mercenary feelings--as a source of revenue. It is true he had a
+father's love for his child--and in this respect, Zerah, in the simple
+memoir of his own life, does his parent more than justice; but still, it
+was this short-sighted selfishness which made him convert his child's
+endowments into a curse to him, to his friends, and Zerah himself. His
+expectations had been lifted to such a pitch, that nothing could satisfy
+them. The most generous offers fell short of what he felt to be his due;
+liberality was turned, in his mind, to parsimony--and even friends were
+regarded as little short of enemies. His sanguine temper led him
+constantly to indulge high hopes, which were as constantly doomed to
+disappointment. Such a struggle could not always last. His mind was torn
+with thoughts of his home and family neglected for twelve years; of his
+life wasted; his prospects defeated; of fond dreams, ending at last in
+failure, shame and poverty. He failed gradually, and on the 14th
+February, 1824, he died. A few days after, the body was consigned to the
+tomb, and Zerah, in his life, notices the fact that John Dunn Hunter was
+among the mourners. We mention this, as coinciding with the account we
+have given in this volume of that extraordinary character.
+
+Zerah continued in London for a few months, in the employment of Mr.
+Young, in making astronomical calculations. He had, however, a desire,
+enforced by his father's death-bed injunctions, to return to his
+country, and his mother, at Cabot. Again aided by his friend, Lord
+Bristol, he was provided with necessary means, and in June, 1824, he
+arrived at New York. On the third of July he approached his mother's
+door. He found there an elderly woman, and being uncertain who it was,
+he asked if she could tell him where the widow Colburn lived. "I am
+she," was the reply.
+
+The mother of Zerah Colburn was a remarkable woman. During the long
+absence of her husband, with a family of eight children, and almost
+entirely destitute of property, she had sustained the burthen with
+indomitable energy. She wrought with her own hands, in house and field;
+bargained away the little farm for a better; and, as her son says, "by a
+course of persevering industry, hard fare, and trials such as few women
+are accustomed to, she has hitherto succeeded in supporting herself,
+besides doing a good deal for her children."
+
+Zerah Colburn was now unable to offer much aid to his mother or the
+family. He found employment for a time as a teacher; but his mind at
+last was impressed with religious views, and after some vicissitudes of
+life, and many fluctuations of feeling, he finally adopted the Methodist
+faith, and became a humble but sincere preacher of that sect. With
+pious, patient assiduity he continued in this career for a number of
+years. He published a modest memoir of his life and adventures, from
+which we have gathered the greater part of our account,--and at last
+became professor of the Greek, Latin, French and Spanish languages, as
+well as of classical literature, in the "Vermont University," at
+Norwich. At this place he died, March 2d, 1840, in the thirty-eighth
+year of his age.
+
+Whoever has carefully attended to the facts stated in the early part of
+this notice, will be prepared to admit that Zerah Colburn was one of the
+most astonishing intellectual prodigies that has ever appeared. Totally
+uninstructed in figures, at the age of six years, he was able to perform
+mental operations which no man living, by all the training of art, is
+able to accomplish. It had been stated by scientific men, that no rule
+existed for finding the factors of numbers; yet this child discovered a
+rule by which he ascertained results of this kind, accessible only to
+skilful arithmeticians. In the London prospectus, the following facts,
+in relation to this point, are stated, which cannot fail to excite
+astonishment.
+
+At one of his exhibitions, among various questions, it was proposed that
+he should give the factors of 171,395--and he named the following as the
+only ones: 5×34279; 7×22485; 59×2905; 83×2065; 35×4897; 295×581;
+413×415. He was then asked to give the factors of 36,083; but he
+immediately replied that it had none, which is the fact, it being a
+prime number. "It had been asserted and maintained by the French
+mathematicians that 4294967297, was a prime number; but the celebrated
+Euler detected the error by discovering that it was equal to
+641×6,700,417. The same number was proposed to this child, who found out
+the factors by the mere operation of his mind."
+
+Great pains were taken to discover the processes by which this boy
+performed his operations. For a long time he was too ignorant of terms,
+and too little accustomed to watch the operations of his mind, to do
+this. He said to a lady, in Boston, who sought to make him disclose his
+mode of calculation, "I cannot tell you how I do these things. God gave
+me the power." At a subsequent time, however, while at the house of Mr.
+Francis Bailey, in London, upon some remark being made, the boy said
+suddenly, and without being asked--"I will tell you how I extract
+roots." He then proceeded to tell his operations. This is detailed in
+Zerah's book; but it in no degree abates our wonder. The rule does not
+greatly facilitate the operation; it still demands an effort of mind
+utterly beyond the capacity of most intellects; and after all, the very
+rule itself was the invention of a child.
+
+As he did not at first know the meaning of the word factor, when desired
+to find the factors of a particular number, the question was put in this
+form--"What two numbers multiplied together will produce such a number?"
+His rule for solving such problems was sought for with much curiosity.
+At last this was discovered. While in Edinburgh, in 1813, he being then
+nine years old, he waked up one night, and said suddenly to his
+father--"I can tell you how I find the factors!" His father rose,
+obtained a light, and wrote down the rule, at Zerah's dictation.
+
+It appears that when he came to maturity, these faculties did not
+improve; and after a time he was even less expert in arithmetical
+calculations than when he was ten years old. It is probable, his whole
+mind was weakened, rather than strengthened, by the peculiar
+circumstances of his life. As a preacher, he was in no way
+distinguished. He says this in his book, with simple honesty; and seems
+at a loss to understand the design of Providence in bestowing upon him
+so stupendous a gift, which, so far as he was able to discover, had
+produced no adequate results.
+
+He suggests, indeed, a single instance, in which an atheist in Vermont,
+who witnessed his performances in childhood, was induced to reflect upon
+the almost miraculous powers of the mind, and led to the conclusion that
+it must have an intelligent author. He saw that which was as hard to
+believe, as much beyond the routine of experience, as any miracle--and
+hence fairly concluded that miracles could be true. By this course of
+reflection he was induced to reject his infidelity, and afterwards
+became a sincere Christian.
+
+This, we doubt not, was one of the designs of Providence, in the
+bestowment of Zerah Colburn's wonderful gifts. But their use should not
+be confined to an individual case. If there is argument for God in a
+flower, how much more in a child of Zerah Colburn's endowments? What
+infidelity can withstand such an instance, and still say, there is no
+God? And farther, let us reflect upon the noble powers of the mind, and
+rejoice, yet with fear and trembling, that we are possessors of an
+inheritance, which, at God's bidding, is capable of such mighty
+expansion.
+
+The history of Zerah Colburn may teach us one thing more--that the gifts
+of genius are not always sources of happiness to the possessor; that
+mental affluence, like worldly riches, often brings sorrow, rather than
+peace to the possessor; and that moderate natural gifts, well
+cultivated, are generally the most useful in society, and most conducive
+to the happiness of the possessor.
+
+[Illustration: _Zerah Colburn, at eight years of age._]
+
+
+
+
+BARATIERE.
+
+
+John Philip Baratiere was a most extraordinary instance of the early and
+rapid exertion of mental faculties. He was the son of Francis Baratiere,
+minister of the French church at Schwoback, near Nuremberg, where he was
+born, January 10, 1721. The French was his mother tongue, and German was
+the language of the people around him. His father talked to him in
+Latin, and with this he became familiar; so that, without knowing the
+rules of grammar, he, at four years of age, talked French to his mother,
+Latin to his father, and High Dutch to the servants and neighboring
+children, without mixing or confounding the respective languages.
+
+About the middle of his fifth year, he acquired a knowledge of the
+Greek: so that in fifteen months he perfectly understood all the Greek
+books in the Old and New Testament, which he translated into Latin. When
+five years and eight months old, he entered upon Hebrew; and in three
+years more, was so expert in the Hebrew text, that, from a Bible without
+points, he could give the sense of the original in Latin or French, or
+translate, extempore, the Latin or French versions into Hebrew. He
+composed a dictionary of rare and difficult Hebrew words; and about his
+tenth year, amused himself, for twelve months, with the rabbinical
+writers.
+
+He now obtained a knowledge of the Chaldaic, Syriac and Arabic; and
+acquired a taste for divinity and ecclesiastical antiquity, by studying
+the Greek fathers of the first four ages of the church. In the midst of
+these occupations, a pair of globes coming into his possession, he
+could, in eight or ten days, resolve all the problems upon them; and in
+January, 1735, at the age of fourteen, he devised his project for the
+discovery of the longitude, which he communicated to the Royal Society
+of London, and the Royal Academy of Sciences at Berlin!
+
+In June, 1731, he was matriculated in the university of Altorf; and at
+the close of 1732, he was presented by his father at the meeting of the
+reformed churches of the circle, at Franconia; who, astonished at his
+wonderful talents, admitted him to assist in the deliberations of the
+synod; and, to preserve the memory of so singular an event, it was
+registered in their acts. In 1734, the Margrave of Brandenburg, Anspach,
+granted this young scholar a pension of fifty florins; and his father
+receiving a call to the French church at Stettin, in Pomerania, young
+Baratiere was, on the journey, admitted master of arts. At Berlin, he
+was honored with several conversations with the king of Prussia, and was
+received into the Royal Academy.
+
+Towards the close of his life, he acquired a considerable taste for
+medals, inscriptions, and antiquities, metaphysical inquiries, and
+experimental philosophy. He wrote several essays and dissertations; made
+astronomical remarks and laborious calculations; took great pains
+towards a history of the heresies of the Anti-Trinitarians, and of the
+thirty years' war in Germany. His last publication, which appeared in
+1740, was on the succession of the bishops of Rome. The final work he
+engaged in, and for which he had gathered large materials, was Inquiries
+concerning the Egyptian Antiquities. But the substance of this blazing
+meteor was now almost exhausted; he was always weak and sickly, and died
+October 5th, 1740, aged nineteen years, eight months, and sixteen days.
+Baratiere published eleven different pieces, and left twenty-six
+manuscripts, on various subjects, the contents of which may be seen in
+his Life, written by Mr. Formey, professor of philosophy at Berlin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+GASSENDI
+
+
+Pierre Gassendi, one of the most famous naturalists and philosophers of
+France, was born at Chantersier, January 22, 1592, of poor parents. They
+were, however, wise and virtuous people, and perceiving the
+extraordinary gifts of their son, did everything in their power to
+promote his education. At the age of four years, young Pierre used to
+declaim little sermons of his own composition, which were quite
+interesting. At the age of seven, he would steal away from his parents,
+and spend a great part of the night in observing the stars. This made
+his friends say he was born an astronomer. At this age, he had a dispute
+with some boys, whether it was the moon or the clouds that moved so
+rapidly; to convince them that it was the latter, he took them behind a
+tree, and made them take notice that the moon kept its situation between
+the same leaves, while the clouds passed on.
+
+This early disposition to observation led his parents to place him under
+the care of the clergyman of the village, who gave him the first
+elements of learning. His ardor for study then became extreme: the day
+was not long enough for him; and he often read a great part of the night
+by the light of the lamp that was burning in the church of the village,
+his family being too poor to allow him candles for his nocturnal
+studies. He often took only four hours sleep in the night. At the age of
+ten, he harangued his bishop in Latin, who was passing through the
+village on his visitation; and he did this with such ease and spirit,
+that the prelate exclaimed--"That lad will, one day or other, be the
+wonder of his age." The modest and unassuming conduct of Gassendi gave
+an additional charm to his talents.
+
+[Illustration: _Gassendi and the Boys._]
+
+In his manners, this remarkable youth was in general silent, never
+ostentatiously obtruding upon others, either the acuteness of his
+understanding, or the eloquence of his conversation; he was never in a
+hurry to give his opinion before he knew that of the persons who were
+conversing with him. When men of learning introduced themselves to him,
+he was contented with behaving to them with great civility, and was not
+anxious to surprise them into admiration. The entire tendency of his
+studies was to make himself wiser and better; and to have his intention
+more constantly before his eyes, he had all his books inscribed with
+these words, _Sapere aude_; "Dare to be wise."
+
+Such was Gassendi's reputation, that at sixteen he was called to teach
+rhetoric at the seminary of Digne; in 1614, he was made professor of
+theology in the same institution; and two years after, he was invited to
+fill the chair of divinity and philosophy at Aix. After passing through
+various promotions, and publishing several works of great merit on
+philosophical subjects, Gassendi went at last to Paris, where he gained
+the friendship of Cardinal Richelieu, and shared the admiration of the
+learned world with the famous philosopher, Descartes.
+
+Being appointed a professor of mathematics in the College Royal of
+Paris, he gave his attention to astronomical subjects, and greatly
+increased his reputation. After a life devoted to science, in which his
+achievements were wonderful, he died at Paris, October 14, 1655, aged
+sixty-three years. Distinguished by his vast learning, his admirable
+clearness of mind, the diversity of his acquirements, the calmness and
+dignity of his character, and the amiableness of his manners, Gassendi
+was alike one of the brightest ornaments of his age and of human nature.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PASCAL.
+
+
+Blaise Pascal "perhaps the most brilliant intellect that ever lighted on
+this lower world," was born at Clermont, in the province of Auvergne, on
+the 19th of June, 1623. He was descended from one of the best families
+in that province. As soon as he was able to speak, he discovered marks
+of extraordinary capacity. This he evinced, not only by the general
+pertinency and acuteness of his replies, but also by the questions which
+he asked concerning the nature of things, and his reasonings upon them,
+which were much superior to what is common at his age. His mother having
+died in 1626, his father, who was an excellent scholar and an able
+mathematician, and who lived in habits of intimacy with several persons
+of the greatest learning and science at that time in France, determined
+to take upon himself the whole charge of his son's education.
+
+One of the instances in which young Pascal displayed his disposition to
+reason upon everything, is the following. He had been told that God
+rested from his labors on the seventh day, and hallowed it, and had
+commanded all mankind to suspend their labor and do no work on the
+Sabbath. When he was about seven years of age, he was seen, of a Sabbath
+morning, measuring some blades of grass. When asked what he was doing,
+he replied that he was going to see if the grass grew on Sunday, and if
+God ceased working on the Sabbath, as he had commanded mankind to do!
+
+Before young Pascal had attained his twelfth year, two circumstances
+occurred, which deserve to be recorded, as they discovered the turn, and
+evinced the superiority, of his mind. Having remarked one day, at table,
+the sound produced by a person accidentally striking an earthenware
+plate with a knife, and that the vibrations were immediately stopped by
+putting his hand on the plate, he became anxious to investigate the
+cause of this phenomenon; he employed himself in making a number of
+experiments on sound, the results of which he committed to writing, so
+as to form a little treatise on the subject, which was found very
+correct and ingenious.
+
+The other occurrence was his first acquisition, or, as it might not be
+improperly termed, his invention of geometry. His father, though very
+fond of mathematics, had studiously kept from his son all the means of
+becoming acquainted with this subject. This he did, partly in conformity
+to the maxim he had hitherto followed, of keeping his son superior to
+his task; and partly from an apprehension that a science so engaging,
+and at the same time so abstracted, and which, on that account, was
+peculiarly suited to the turn of his son's mind, would probably absorb
+too much of his attention, and stop the progress of his other studies,
+if he were at once initiated into it.
+
+But the activity of an inquisitive and penetrating mind is not to be so
+easily restrained. As, from respect to his father's authority, however,
+the youth had so far regarded his prohibition as to pursue this study
+only in private, and at his hours of recreation, he went on for some
+time undiscovered. But one day, while he was employed in this manner,
+his father accidentally came into the room, unobserved by Pascal, who
+was wholly intent on the subject of his investigation. His father stood
+for some time unperceived, and observed, with the greatest astonishment,
+that his son was surrounded with geometrical figures, and was then
+actually employed in finding out the proportion of the angles formed by
+a triangle, one side of which is produced; which is the subject of the
+thirty-second proposition in the First Book of Euclid.
+
+The father at length asked his son what he was doing. The latter,
+surprised and confused to find his father was there, told him he wanted
+to find out this and that, mentioning the different parts contained in
+that theorem. His father then asked how he came to inquire about that.
+He replied, that he had found out such a thing, naming some of the more
+simple problems; and thus, in reply to different questions, he showed
+that he had gone on his own investigations, totally unassisted, from the
+most simple definition in geometry, to Euclid's thirty-second
+proposition. This, it must be remembered, was when Pascal was but twelve
+years of age.
+
+His subsequent progress perfectly accorded with this extraordinary
+display of talent. His father now gave him Euclid's Elements to peruse
+at his hours of recreation. He read them, and understood them, without
+any assistance. His progress was so rapid that he was soon admitted to
+the meetings of a society of which his father, Roberval, and some other
+celebrated mathematicians were members, and from which afterwards
+originated the Royal Academy of Sciences, at Paris.
+
+During Pascal's residence with his father at Rouen, and while he was
+only in his nineteenth year, he invented his famous arithmetical
+machine, by which all numerical calculations, however complex, can be
+made by the mechanical operation of its different parts, without any
+arithmetical skill in the person who uses it. He had a patent for this
+invention in 1649. His studies, however, began to be interrupted when he
+reached his eighteenth year by some symptoms of ill health, which were
+thought to be the effect of intense application, and which never
+afterwards entirely quitted him; so that he was sometimes accustomed to
+say, that from the time he was eighteen, he had never passed a day
+without pain. But Pascal, though out of health, was still Pascal; ever
+active, ever inquiring, and satisfied only with that for which an
+adequate reason could be assigned. Having heard of the experiments
+instituted by Torricelli, to find out the cause of the rise of water in
+fountains and pumps, and of the mercury in the barometer, he was induced
+to repeat them, and to make others, to satisfy himself upon the
+subject.
+
+In 1654, he invented his arithmetical triangle, for the solution of
+problems respecting the combinations of stakes, in unfinished games of
+hazard; and long after that, he wrote his Demonstrations of the Problems
+relating to the Cycloid; besides several pieces on other subjects in the
+higher branches of the mathematics, for which his genius was probably
+most fitted. Pascal, though not rich, was independent in his
+circumstances; and as his peculiar talents, his former habits, and the
+state of his health, all called for retirement, he adopted a secluded
+mode of life. From 1655, he associated only with a few friends of the
+same religious opinions with himself, and lived for the most part in
+privacy in the society of Port Royal.
+
+At this period, the Catholics being divided into Jesuits and Jansenists,
+Pascal, being of the latter, published his famous Provincial Letters.
+These are so distinguished for their admirable wit, their keen argument,
+and their exquisite beauty of style, as to have even extorted praise
+from Voltaire and D'Alembert. He also wrote other pieces against the
+Jesuits, marked with great talent.
+
+Pascal's health, however, continued to decline; and it is probable that
+his mind suffered in consequence. Though his life had been singularly
+blameless, still he seemed to be pained with a sense of inward sin. He
+was accustomed to wear an iron belt around his waist, in which were
+sharp points, upon which he would strike his elbows, or his arms, when
+any unholy passion crossed his mind. He continued to practise charity
+toward all mankind, and severe austerities to himself, until at last he
+was attacked with sickness, and on the 19th of August, 1662, he died.
+His last words were, "May God never forsake me!"
+
+The latter part of his life was wholly spent in religious meditations,
+though he committed to paper such pious thoughts as occurred to him.
+These were published after his death, under the title of "Thoughts on
+Religion and other Subjects." They have been greatly admired for their
+depth, eloquence and Christian spirit.
+
+[Illustration: _Pascal._]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+GROTIUS.
+
+
+Hugo Grotius, celebrated for his early display of genius and learning,
+as well as for his adventures and writings in after life, was born at
+Delft, in Holland, April 10, 1583. He had the best masters to direct his
+education, and from childhood, was not only distinguished by the great
+brilliancy of his mind, but also by his application to study. Such was
+his progress, that, at eight years of age, he composed Latin elegiac
+verses of great cleverness, and at fourteen, he maintained public theses
+in mathematics, law, and philosophy with general applause. His
+reputation by this time was established, and he was mentioned by the
+principal scholars of the age, as a prodigy of learning, and as
+destined to make a conspicuous figure in the republic of letters.
+
+In 1598, he accompanied Barnevelt, ambassador extraordinary of the Dutch
+Republic, in a journey to France, where he was introduced to Henry IV.,
+who was so pleased with his learning, that he presented him with his
+picture and a gold chain. While in France, he took the degree of doctor
+of laws. The following year he commenced practice as an advocate, and
+pleaded his first cause at Delft. In the same year, though then only
+seventeen, he was chosen historiographer to the United Provinces, in
+preference to several learned men who were candidates for that office.
+
+Grotius now rapidly rose in rank and reputation: he published several
+works of great merit, and was appointed to various public offices of
+high trust. On one occasion he was sent by the government to England to
+attend to some negotiations, at which time he became acquainted with
+King James II. But serious religious difficulties now began to agitate
+Holland. In 1618, a synod met at Dort to take these into consideration.
+They proceeded to condemn the Arminian doctrines, and to banish all the
+preachers who upheld them. Barnevelt, who was a celebrated statesman,
+Grotius, and Hoogurbetz, advocated these sentiments; they were tried and
+condemned; the first was executed and the two others were sentenced to
+perpetual imprisonment.
+
+In his prison of Louvestien, Grotius found consolation in literary
+pursuits. His wife, after much entreaty, was permitted to visit him, and
+she did everything which the most devoted affection could suggest, to
+alleviate his confinement. She was accustomed to send him books in the
+chest which was conveyed out and in, with his linen: this was carefully
+examined by the jailer, for a time, but finding nothing amiss, he became
+less suspicious and careful.
+
+Taking notice of this, the wife of Grotius, after he had been confined
+about two years, devised a scheme for his escape. She pretended to have
+a large quantity of books to send away. Having a small chest of drawers,
+about three feet and a half long, she packed her husband into it, and it
+was carried out by two soldiers, who supposed they were transporting a
+quantity of books. The chest was now put on a horse, and carried to
+Gorcum, where the illustrious prisoner was set at liberty.
+
+Disguised in the dress of a mason, with a rule and a trowel in his hand,
+he fled to Antwerp, which was not under the government of the
+Stadtholder, Prince Maurice, who had caused his imprisonment. Here he
+wrote to the State's General of Holland, asserting his innocence of any
+wrong, in the course he had taken, and for which he had been deprived of
+liberty. He afterwards went to Paris, where he received a pension from
+the king.
+
+After the death of Prince Maurice, his confiscated property and estates
+were restored, and he returned to Holland; but he still found such a
+spirit of rancor against him, among the principal persons, that he left
+the country forever, and took up his residence at Hamburgh. Here he
+received the most flattering proposals from the kings of Portugal,
+Spain, Denmark, and other countries, who admired his great abilities,
+and desired him to seek shelter and protection with them.
+
+He finally adopted Sweden as his country, and becoming the queen's
+ambassador to France, he proceeded, in that character, to Paris, where,
+for eight years, he sustained the interests of his patron with firmness
+and dignity. At last, being weary of public life, he solicited his
+recall. In August, 1648, he embarked for Lubec, where he intended to
+reside; but, meeting with a dreadful storm, he was driven upon the coast
+of Pomerania, and obliged to take a land journey of sixty miles, in
+order to reach Rostock, during which he was exposed to the rain and
+inclement weather. A fever soon set in, and at midnight, on the 28th of
+August, the illustrious stranger died.
+
+Grotius has left behind him many works, some of them of great value. His
+treatise upon the "Truth of the Christian Religion," written in Latin,
+like his other productions, is one of the best defences of that system
+which has ever appeared. His work on the law of Peace and War, is still
+of high authority. We must look upon Grotius as a man of great
+acuteness, as well as vast expanse of mind. He was, indeed, in advance
+of his generation, and, like other patriots and philanthropists, who see
+farther than those around them, he was an object of hatred and disgust,
+for those very things which in an after age brought him the homage and
+gratitude of mankind. In an intolerant age, Grotius was in favor of
+toleration, and this alone was a crime which his generation could not
+forget or forgive.
+
+
+
+
+NEWTON.
+
+
+Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest of natural philosophers, was born at
+Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire, December 25, 1642, old style. At his birth
+he was so small and weak that his life was despaired of. On the death of
+his father, which took place while he was yet an infant, the manor of
+Woolsthorpe became his heritage. His mother sent him, at an early age,
+to the village school, and in his twelfth year, to the seminary of
+Grantham.
+
+While here he displayed a decided taste for mechanical and philosophical
+inventions; and avoiding the society of other children, provided himself
+with a collection of saws, hammers, and other instruments, with which he
+constructed models of many kinds of machinery. He also made
+hour-glasses, acting by the descent of water. A new windmill, of a
+peculiar construction, having been erected in the town, he studied it
+until he succeeded in imitating it, and placed a mouse inside, which he
+called the miller.
+
+Some knowledge of drawing being necessary in these operations, he
+applied himself, without a master, to the study; and the walls of his
+room were covered with all sorts of designs. After a short period,
+however, his mother took him home, for the purpose of employing him on
+the farm and about the affairs of the house. She sent him several times
+to market, at Grantham, with the produce of the farm. A trusty servant
+was sent with him, and the young philosopher left him to manage the
+business, while he himself employed his time in reading. A sundial,
+which he constructed on the wall of the house at Woolsthorpe, is still
+shown. His irresistible passion for study and science finally induced
+his mother to send him back to Grantham. Here he continued for a time,
+and was entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, 1660.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At the latter place he studied mathematics with the utmost assiduity. In
+1667, he obtained a fellowship; in 1669, the mathematical professorship;
+and in 1671, he became a member of the Royal Society. It was during his
+abode at Cambridge that he made his three great discoveries, of
+fluxions, the nature of light and colors, and the laws of gravitation.
+To the latter of these his attention was first turned by his seeing an
+apple fall from a tree. The Principia, which unfolded to the world the
+theory of the universe, was not published till 1687. In that year also
+Newton was chosen one of the delegates to defend the privileges of the
+university against James II.; and in 1688 and 1701 he was elected one of
+the members of the university. He was appointed warden of the mint in
+1696; he was made master of it in 1699; was chosen president of the
+Royal Society in 1703; and was knighted in 1705. He died March 20,
+1727.
+
+His "Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse"
+appeared in 1733, in quarto. "It is astonishing," says Dr. Hutton, "what
+care and industry Newton employed about the papers relating to
+chronology, church history, &c.; as, on examining them, it appears that
+many are copies over and over again, often with little or no variation."
+All the works of this eminent philosopher were published by Dr. Samuel
+Horsley, in 1779, in five volumes, quarto; and an English translation of
+his "Philosophæ Naturalis Principia Mathematicæ," is extant.
+
+The character of this great man has been thus drawn by Mr. Hume, in his
+history of England. "In Newton, Britain may boast of having produced the
+greatest and rarest genius that ever rose for the ornament and
+instruction of the human species. Cautious in admitting no principles
+but such as were founded on experiment, but resolute to adopt every such
+principle, however new or unusual; from modesty, ignorant of his
+superiority over the rest of mankind, and thence less careful to
+accommodate such reasonings to common apprehensions; more anxious to
+merit than acquire fame:--he was from these causes long unknown to the
+world; but his reputation at last broke out with a lustre, which
+scarcely any writer, during his own lifetime, had ever before attained.
+While Newton seemed to draw off the veil from some of the mysteries of
+nature, he showed at the same time some of the imperfections of the
+mechanical philosophy; and thereby restored her ultimate secrets to that
+obscurity in which they ever did and ever will remain."
+
+The remains of Sir Isaac Newton were interred in Westminster Abbey,
+where a magnificent monument is erected to his memory, with a Latin
+inscription, concluding thus:--"Let mortals congratulate themselves that
+so great an ornament of human nature has existed." His character is
+shown, by Dr. Brewster, to have been that of the humble and sincere
+Christian. Of nature, antiquity, and the Holy Scriptures, he was a
+diligent, sagacious, and faithful interpreter. He maintained by his
+philosophy the dignity of the Supreme Being, and in his manners he
+exhibited the simplicity of the Gospel. "I seem to myself," he said, "to
+be like a child, picking up a shell here and there on the shore of the
+great ocean of truth." He would hardly admit that he had a genius above
+other men, but attributed his discoveries to the intentness with which
+he applied to the study of philosophy. We cannot better close our notice
+of this great man, than in the words of Pope:
+
+  "Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night--
+  God said, 'let Newton be'--and all was light!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MAGLIABECCHI.
+
+
+Antony Magliabecchi was born at Florence, on the 29th of October, in the
+year 1633. His parents were so poor as to be well satisfied when they
+got him into the service of a man who sold greens. He had not yet
+learned to read, but he was perpetually poring over the leaves of old
+books, that were used as waste paper in his master's shop. A bookseller
+who lived in the neighborhood, observed this, and knowing that the boy
+could not read, asked him one day what he meant by staring so much at
+pieces of printed paper? He said, that he did not know how it was, but
+that he loved it of all things; that he was very uneasy in the business
+he was in, and should be the happiest creature in the world if he could
+live with him, who had always so many books about him.
+
+The bookseller was pleased with this answer; and at last told him, that
+if his master were willing to part with him, he would take him. Young
+Magliabecchi was highly delighted, and the more so, when his master,
+agreeably to the bookseller's desire, gave him leave to go. He went,
+therefore, directly to his new business. He had not long been there,
+before he could find out any book that was asked for, as readily as the
+bookseller himself. In a short period he had learned to read, and then
+he was always reading when he could find time.
+
+He seems never to have applied himself to any particular study. A love
+of reading was his ruling passion, and a prodigious memory his great
+talent. He read all kinds of books, almost indifferently, as they came
+into his hands, and that with a surprising quickness; yet he retained
+not only the sense, but often the words and the very manner of spelling.
+
+His extraordinary application and talents soon recommended him to
+Ermina, librarian to the Cardinal de Medicis, and Marmi, the Grand
+Duke's librarian. He was by them introduced to the conversation of the
+learned, and made known at court. He now began to be looked upon
+everywhere as a prodigy, particularly for his unbounded memory.
+
+In order to make an experiment in respect to this, a gentleman of
+Florence, who had written a piece, which was to be printed, lent the
+manuscript to Magliabecchi. Sometime after it had been returned, he came
+to the librarian with a melancholy face, and told him that by some
+accident he had lost his manuscript; and seemed almost inconsolable,
+entreating Magliabecchi, at the same time, to endeavor to recollect as
+much of it as he possibly could, and write it down. Magliabecchi assured
+him he would do so, and on setting about it, wrote down the whole,
+without missing a word.
+
+By treasuring up everything he read, in this wonderful manner, or at
+least the subject, and all the principal parts of the books he ran over,
+his head became at last, as one of his acquaintance expressed it, "an
+universal index, both of titles and matter."
+
+By this time, Magliabecchi was grown so famous for the vast extent of
+his reading, and his amazing retention of what he had read, that it
+began to grow common amongst the learned to consult him when they were
+writing on any subject. Thus, for instance, if a priest was going to
+compose a panegyric upon any favorite saint, and came to communicate his
+design to Magliabecchi, he would immediately tell him who had said
+anything of that saint, and in what part of their works, and that,
+sometimes, to the number of above a hundred authors. He would tell them
+not only who had treated of their subject designedly, but of such, also,
+as had touched upon it incidentally, in writing on other subjects. All
+this he did with the greatest exactness, naming the author, the book,
+the words, and often the very number of the page in which the passage
+referred to was inserted. He did this so often, so readily, and so
+exactly, that he came at last to be looked upon almost as an oracle, for
+the ready and full answers that he gave to all questions proposed to him
+in respect to any subject or science whatever.
+
+It was his great eminence in this way, and his almost inconceivable
+knowledge of books, that induced the Grand Duke, Cosmo the third, to
+make him his librarian. What a happiness must it have been to one like
+Magliabecchi, who delighted in nothing so much as reading, to have the
+command and use of such a collection of books as that in the Duke's
+palace! He was also very conversant with the books in the Lorenzo
+library; and had the keeping of those of Leopoldo, and Francisco Maria,
+the two cardinals of Tuscany.
+
+Magliabecchi had a local memory, too, of the places where every book
+stood, in the libraries which he frequented; he seems, indeed, to have
+carried this even farther. One day the Grand Duke sent for him to ask
+whether he could get him a book that was particularly scarce. "No, sir,"
+answered Magliabecchi, "for there is but one in the world, and that is
+in the Grand Signior's library at Constantinople; it is the seventh book
+on the second shelf, on the right hand, as you go in."
+
+Though Magliabecchi lived so sedentary a life, with such an intense and
+almost perpetual application to books, yet he arrived to a good old age.
+He died in his eighty-first year, on the 14th of July, 1714. By his will
+he left a very fine library, of his own collection, for the use of the
+public, with a fund to maintain it; and whatever should remain over, to
+the poor.
+
+In his manner of living, Magliabecchi affected the character of
+Diogenes; three hard eggs, and a draught or two of water, were his usual
+repast. When his friends went to see him, they generally found him
+lolling in a sort of fixed wooden cradle, in the middle of his study,
+with a multitude of books, some thrown in heaps, and others scattered
+about the floor, around him. His cradle, or bed, was generally attached
+to the nearest pile of books by a number of cobwebs: at the entrance of
+any one, he used to call out, "Don't hurt my spiders!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+JAMES CRICHTON.
+
+
+James Crichton, commonly called 'The Admirable,' son of Robert Crichton,
+of Eliock, who was Lord Advocate to King James VI., was born in
+Scotland, in the year 1561. The precise place of his birth is not
+mentioned, but he received the best part of his education at St.
+Andrews, at that time the most celebrated seminary in Scotland, where
+the illustrious Buchanan was one of his masters. At the early age of
+fourteen, he took his degree of Master of Arts, and was considered a
+prodigy, not only in abilities, but in actual attainments.
+
+It was the custom of the time for Scotchmen of birth to finish their
+education abroad, and serve in some foreign army, previously to entering
+that of their own country. When he was only sixteen or seventeen years
+old, Crichton's father sent him to the Continent. He had scarcely
+arrived in Paris, which was then a gay and splendid city, famous for
+jousting, fencing, and dancing, when he publicly challenged all scholars
+and philosophers to a disputation at the College of Navarre. He proposed
+that it should be carried on in any one of twelve specified languages,
+and have relation to any science or art, whether practical or
+theoretical. The challenge was accepted; and, as if to show in how
+little need he stood of preparation, or how lightly he held his
+adversaries, he spent the six weeks that elapsed between the challenge
+and the contest, in a continual round of tilting, hunting, and dancing.
+
+On the appointed day, however, and in the contest, he is said to have
+encountered all the gravest philosophers and divines, and to have
+acquitted himself to the astonishment of all who heard him. He received
+the public praises of the president and four of the most eminent
+professors. The very next day he appeared at a tilting match in the
+Louvre, and carried off the ring from all his accomplished and
+experienced competitors.
+
+Enthusiasm was now at its height, particularly among the ladies of the
+court, and from the versatility of his talents, his youth, the
+gracefulness of his manners, and the beauty of his person, he was named
+_L'Admirable_. After serving two years in the army of Henry III., who
+was engaged in a civil war with his Huguenot subjects, Crichton repaired
+to Italy, and repeated at Rome, in the presence of the Pope and
+cardinals, the literary challenge and triumph that had gained him so
+much honor at Paris.
+
+From Rome he went to Venice, at which gay city he arrived in a depressed
+state of spirits. None of his Scottish biographers are very willing to
+acknowledge the fact, but it appears quite certain, that, spite of his
+noble birth and connexions, he was miserably poor, and became for some
+time dependent on the bounty of a Venetian printer--the celebrated Aldus
+Manutius. After a residence of four months at Venice, where his
+learning, engaging manners, and various accomplishments, excited
+universal wonder, as is made evident by several Italian writers who were
+living at the time, and whose lives were published, Crichton went to the
+neighboring city of Padua, in the learned university of which he reaped
+fresh honors by Latin poetry, scholastic disputation, an exposition of
+the errors of Aristotle and his commentators, and as a playful wind-up
+of the day's labors, a declamation upon the happiness of ignorance.
+
+Another day was fixed for a public disputation in the palace of the
+bishop of Padua; but this being prevented from taking place, gave some
+incredulous or envious men the opportunity of asserting that Crichton
+was a literary impostor, whose acquirements were totally superficial.
+His reply was a public challenge. The contest, which included the
+Aristotelian and platonic philosophies, and the mathematics of the time,
+was prolonged during three days, before an innumerable concourse of
+people. His friend, Aldus Manutius, who was present at what he calls
+"this miraculous encounter," says he proved completely victorious, and
+that he was honored by such a rapture of applause as was never before
+heard.
+
+Crichton's journeying from university to university to stick up
+challenges on church doors, and college pillars, though it is said to
+have been in accordance with customs not then obsolete, certainly
+attracted some ridicule among the Italians; for Boccalini, after copying
+one of his placards, in which he announces his arrival, and his
+readiness to dispute extemporaneously on all subjects, says that a wit
+wrote under it, "and whosoever wishes to see him, let him go to the
+Falcon Inn, where he will be shown,"--which is the formula used by
+showmen for the exhibition of a wild beast, or any other monster.
+
+We next hear of Crichton at Mantua, and as the hero of a combat more
+tragical than those carried on by the tongue or the pen. A certain
+Italian gentleman, "of a mighty, able, nimble, and vigorous body, but by
+nature fierce, cruel, warlike, and audacious, and superlatively expert
+and dexterous in the use of his weapon," was in the habit of going from
+one city to another, to challenge men to fight with cold steel, just as
+Crichton did to challenge them to scholastic combats. This itinerant
+gladiator, who had marked his way through Italy with blood, had just
+arrived in Mantua, and killed three young men, the best swordsmen of
+that city. By universal consent, the Italians were the ablest masters of
+fence in Europe; a reputation to which they seem still entitled. To
+encounter a victor among such masters, was a stretch of courage; but
+Crichton, who had studied the sword from his youth, and who had probably
+improved himself in the use of the rapier in Italy, did not hesitate to
+challenge the redoubtable bravo.
+
+Though the duke was unwilling to expose so accomplished a gentleman to
+so great a hazard, yet, relying upon the report he had heard of his
+warlike qualifications, he agreed to the proposal; and the time and
+place being appointed, the whole court attended to behold the
+performance. At the beginning of the combat, Crichton stood only upon
+his defence, while the Italian made his attack with such eagerness and
+fury, that, having exhausted himself, he began to grow weary. The young
+Scotsman now seized the opportunity of attacking his antagonist in
+return; which he did with so much dexterity and vigor, that he ran him
+through the body in three different places, of which wounds he
+immediately died.
+
+The acclamations of the spectators were loud and long-continued upon
+this occasion; and it was acknowledged by all, that they had never seen
+nature second the precepts of art in so lively and graceful a manner as
+they had beheld it on that day. To crown the glory of the action,
+Crichton bestowed the rich prize awarded for his victory, upon the
+widows of the three persons who had lost their lives in fighting with
+the gladiator.
+
+In consequence of this and his other wonderful performances, the duke of
+Mantua made choice of him for preceptor to his son, Vicentio de Gonzago,
+who is represented as being of a riotous temper, and dissolute life. The
+appointment was highly pleasing to the court. Crichton, to testify his
+gratitude to his friends and benefactors, and to contribute to their
+diversion, framed a comedy, wherein he exposed and ridiculed the
+weaknesses and failures of the several occupations and pursuits in which
+men are engaged. This composition was regarded as one of the most
+ingenious satires that ever was made upon mankind. But the most
+astonishing part of the story, is, that Crichton sustained fifteen
+characters in the representation of his own play. Among the rest, he
+acted the divine, the philosopher, the lawyer, the mathematician, the
+physician, and the soldier, with such inimitable skill, that every time
+he appeared upon the theatre, he seemed to be a different person.
+
+From being the principal actor in a comedy, Crichton soon became the
+subject of a dreadful tragedy. One night, during the time of Carnival,
+as he was walking along the streets of Mantua, and playing upon his
+guitar, he was attacked by half a dozen people in masks. The assailants
+found that they had no ordinary person to deal with, for they were not
+able to maintain their ground against him. At last the leader of the
+company, being disarmed, pulled off his mask, and begged his life,
+telling Crichton that he was the prince, his pupil. Crichton immediately
+fell upon his knees, and expressed his concern for his mistake; alleging
+that what he had done was only in his own defence, and that if Gonzago
+had any design upon his life, he might always be master of it. Then,
+taking his own sword by the point, he presented it to the prince, who
+immediately received it, and was so irritated by the affront which he
+thought he had sustained, in being foiled with all his attendants, that
+he instantly ran Crichton through the heart.
+
+His tragical end excited very great and general lamentation. The whole
+court of Mantua went three-quarters of a year into mourning for him; and
+numerous epitaphs and elegies were composed upon his death.
+
+To account in some manner for the extent of Crichton's attainments, it
+must be recollected that the first scholars of the age were his
+instructors: for, besides having Rutherford as a tutor, it is stated by
+Aldus Manutius, that he was also taught by Buchanan, Hessburn, and
+Robertson; and hence his extraordinary proficiency in the languages, as
+well as in the sciences, as then taught in the schools of Europe. It
+must also be recollected that no expense would be spared in his
+education, as his father was Lord Advocate in Queen Mary's reign, from
+1561 to 1573, and his mother, the daughter of Sir James Stuart, was
+allied to the royal family. It is evident, however, that these
+advantages were seconded by powers of body and mind rarely united in any
+human being.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BERONICIUS.
+
+
+The history of this man is involved in some obscurity, yet enough is
+known to show that he was a person of wonderful endowments, and great
+eccentricity of life and character.
+
+In the year 1674, the celebrated Dutch poet, Antonides Vander Goes,
+being in Zealand, happened to be in company with a young gentleman, who
+spoke of the wonderful genius of his language master. Vander Goes
+expressed a desire to see him, and while they were talking upon the
+subject, the extraordinary man entered. He was a little, sallow dumpling
+of a fellow, with fiery eyes, and nimble, fidgety motions; he was withal
+a sight to see for the raggedness of his garments.
+
+The strange man soon showed that he was drunk, and shortly after took
+his leave. But in a subsequent interview with the Dutch poet, he fully
+justified the character his pupil had given him. His great talent lay in
+being able with almost miraculous quickness, to turn any written theme
+into Latin or Greek verse. Upon being put to the trial, by Vander Goes,
+he succeeded, to the admiration of all present.
+
+The poet had just shown him his verses, and asked his opinion of them.
+Beronicius read them twice, praised them, and said, "What should hinder
+me from turning them into Latin instantly?" The company viewed him with
+curiosity, and encouraged him by saying, "Well, pray let us see what you
+can do." In the meantime, the man appeared to be startled. He trembled
+from head to foot, as if possessed. However, he selected an epigram from
+the poems, and asked the precise meaning of two or three Dutch words, of
+which he did not clearly understand the force, and requested that he
+might be allowed to Latinize the name of _Hare_, which occurred in the
+poem, in some manner so as not to lose the pun. They agreed; and he
+immediately said, "I have already found it,--I shall call him
+_Dasypus_," which signifies an animal with rough legs, and is likewise
+taken by the Greeks for a hare. "Now, read a couple of lines at a time
+to me, and I shall give them in Latin," said he;--upon which a poet
+named Buizero, began to read to him, and Beronicius burst out in the
+following verses:--
+
+  Egregia Dasypus referens virtute leonem
+  In bello, adversus Britonas super æquora gesto,
+  Impavidus pelago stetit, aggrediente molossum.
+  Agmine quem tandem glans ferrea misit ad astra,
+  Vindictæ cupidum violato jure profundi.
+  Advena, quisquis ades, Zelandæ encomia gentis
+  Ista refer, lepores demta quod pelle leonem,
+  Assumant, quotquot nostro versantur in orbe.
+  Epitaphium Herois Adriani de Haze, ex Belgico versum.
+
+When the poet had finished, he laughed till his sides shook; at the same
+time he was jeering and pointing at the company, who appeared surprised
+at his having, contrary to their expectations, acquitted himself so
+well; everybody highly praised him, which elated him so much that he
+scratched his head three or four times; and fixing his fiery eyes on
+the ground, repeated without hesitation, the same epigram in Greek
+verse, calling out, "There ye have it in Greek." Every one was
+astonished, which set him a-laughing and jeering for a quarter of an
+hour.
+
+The Greek he repeated so rapidly, that no one could write from his
+recitation. John Frederick Gymnick, professor of the Greek language at
+Duisburgh, who was one of the auditors, said that he esteemed the Greek
+version as superior to the Latin. Beronicius was afterwards examined in
+various ways, and gave such proofs of his wonderful learning, as amazed
+all the audience.
+
+This singular genius spoke several languages so perfectly, that each
+might have passed for his mother tongue; especially Italian, French, and
+English. But Greek was his favorite, and he used it as correctly and as
+fluently as if he had always spoken it. He knew by heart the whole of
+Horace and Virgil, the greatest part of Cicero, and both the Plinys; and
+would immediately, if a line were mentioned, repeat the whole passage,
+and tell the exact work, volume, chapter, and verse, of all these, and
+many more, especially poets. The works of Juvenal were so interwoven
+with his brain, that he retained every word.
+
+Of the Greek poets, he had Homer strongly imprinted on his memory,
+together with some of the comedies of Aristophanes; he could directly
+turn to any line required, and repeat the whole contiguous passage. His
+Latin was full of words selected from the most celebrated writers.
+
+The reader will probably be desirous of knowing to what country
+Beronicius belonged; but this is a secret he never would disclose. When
+he was asked what was his native land, he always answered, "that the
+country of every one, was that in which he could live most comfortably."
+It was well known that he had wandered about many years in France,
+England, and the Netherlands, carrying his whole property with him. He
+was sometimes told that he deserved to be a professor in a college;--but
+his reply was, that he could have no pleasure in such a worm-like life.
+
+Strange to say, this eccentric being gained his living chiefly by
+sweeping chimneys, grinding knives and scissors, and other mean
+occupations. But his chief delight was in pursuing the profession of a
+juggler, mountebank, or merry-andrew, among the lowest rabble. He never
+gave himself any concern about his food or raiment; for it was equal to
+him whether he was dressed like a nobleman or a beggar. His hours of
+relaxation from his studies were chiefly spent in paltry wine-houses,
+with the meanest company, where he would sometimes remain a whole week,
+or more, drinking without rest or intermission.
+
+His miserable death afforded reason to believe that he perished whilst
+intoxicated, for he was found dead at Middleburgh, drowned and smothered
+in mud, which circumstance is alluded to in the epitaph which the before
+named poet, Buizero, wrote upon him, and which was as follows:--
+
+  Here lies a wonderful genius,
+  He lived and died like a beast;
+  He was a most uncommon satyr--
+  He lived in wine, and died in water.
+
+This is all that is known of Beronicius. The poet, Vander Goes, often
+witnessed the display of his talents, and he says that he could at once
+render the newspapers into Greek and Latin verse. Professor John de
+Raay, who was living at the time of Beronicius's death, which occurred
+in 1676, saw and affirms the same wonderful fact.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MASTER CLENCH.
+
+
+Of this astonishing youth, we have no information except what is
+furnished by the following account, extracted from Mr. Evelyn's diary,
+of 1689, very shortly after the landing of William III. in England.
+
+"I dined," says Mr. Evelyn, "at the Admiralty, where a child of twelve
+years old was brought in, the son of Dr. Clench, of the most prodigious
+maturity of knowledge, for I cannot call it altogether memory, but
+something more extraordinary. Mr. Pepys and myself examined him, not in
+any method, but with promiscuous questions, which required judgment and
+discernment, to answer so readily and pertinently.
+
+"There was not anything in chronology, history, geography, the several
+systems of astronomy, courses of the stars, longitude, latitude,
+doctrine of the spheres, courses and sources of rivers, creeks, harbors,
+eminent cities, boundaries of countries, not only in Europe, but in
+every part of the earth, which he did not readily resolve, and
+demonstrate his knowledge of, readily drawing with a pen anything he
+would describe.
+
+"He was able not only to repeat the most famous things which are left us
+in any of the Greek or Roman histories, monarchies, republics, wars,
+colonies, exploits by sea and land, but all the Sacred Scriptures of the
+Old and New Testaments; the succession of all the monarchies,
+Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman; with all the lower emperors,
+popes, heresiarchs, and councils; what they were called about; what they
+determined; or in the controversy about Easter; the tenets of the
+Sabellians, Arians, Nestorians; and the difference between St. Cyprian
+and Stephen about re-baptization; the schisms.
+
+"We leaped from that to other things totally different,--to Olympic
+years and synchronisms; we asked him questions which could not be
+answered without considerable meditation and judgment; nay, of some
+particulars of the civil wars; of the digest and code. He gave a
+stupendous account of both natural and moral philosophy, and even of
+metaphysics.
+
+"Having thus exhausted ourselves, rather than this wonderful child, or
+angel rather, for he was as beautiful and lovely in countenance as in
+knowledge, we concluded with asking him, if, in all he had ever heard or
+read of, he had ever met with anything which was like the expedition of
+the Prince of Orange, with so small a force, as to obtain three kingdoms
+without any contest. After a little thought, he told us that he knew of
+nothing that resembled it, so much as the coming of Constantine the
+Great out of Great Britain, through France and Italy, so tedious a
+march, to meet Maxentius, whom he overthrew at Pons Melvius, with very
+little conflict, and at the very gates of Rome, which he entered, and
+was received with triumph, and obtained the empire not of three kingdoms
+only, but of the then known world.
+
+"He was perfect in the Latin authors, spoke French naturally, and gave
+us a description of France, Italy, Savoy and Spain, anciently and
+modernly divided; as also of ancient Greece, Scythia, and the northern
+countries and tracts.
+
+"He answered our questions without any set or formal repetitions, as one
+who had learned things without book, but as if he minded other things,
+going about the room, and toying with a parrot, seeming to be full of
+play, of a lively, sprightly temper, always smiling, and exceedingly
+pleasant; without the least levity, rudeness, or childishness."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JEDEDIAH BUXTON.
+
+
+This extraordinary man was born in 1705, at Elmeton, in Derbyshire. His
+father was a schoolmaster; and yet, from some strange neglect, Jedediah
+was never taught either to read or write. So great, however, were his
+natural talents for calculation, that he became remarkable for his
+knowledge of the relative proportions of numbers, their powers and
+progressive denominations. To these objects he applied all the powers of
+his mind, and his attention was so constantly rivetted upon them, that
+he was often totally abstracted from external objects. Even when he did
+notice them, it was only with respect to their numbers. If any space of
+time happened to be mentioned before him, he would presently inform the
+company that it contained so many minutes; and if any distance, he
+would assign the number of hair-breadths in it, even though no question
+were asked him.
+
+Being, on one occasion, required to multiply 456 by 378, he gave the
+product by mental arithmetic, as soon as a person in company had
+completed it in the common way. Being requested to work it audibly, that
+his method might be known, he first multiplied 456 by 5, which produced
+2,280; this he again multiplied by 20, and found the product 45,600,
+which was the multiplicand, multiplied by 100. This product he again
+multiplied by 3, which gave 136,800, the product of the multiplicand by
+300. It remained, therefore, to multiply this by 78, which he effected
+by multiplying 2,280, or the product of the multiplicand, multiplied by
+5, by 15, as 5 times 15 is 75. This product being 34,200, he added to
+136,800, which gave 171,000, being the amount of 375 times 456. To
+complete his operation, therefore, he multiplied 456 by 3, which
+produced 1,368, and this being added to 171,000, yielded 172,368, as the
+product of 456 multiplied by 378.
+
+From these particulars, it appears that Jedediah's method of calculation
+was entirely his own, and that he was so little acquainted with the
+common rules of arithmetic, as to multiply first by 5, and the product
+by 20, to find the amount when multiplied by 100, which the addition of
+two ciphers to the multiplicand would have given at once.
+
+A person who had heard of these efforts of memory, once meeting with him
+accidentally, proposed the following question, in order to try his
+calculating powers. If a field be 423 yards long, and 383 broad, what
+is the area? After the figures were read to him distinctly, he gave the
+true product, 162,009 yards, in the space of two minutes; for the
+proposer observed by the watch, how long it took him. The same person
+asked how many acres the said field measured; and in eleven minutes, he
+replied, 33 acres, 1 rood, 35 perches, 20 yards and a quarter. He was
+then asked how many barley-corns would reach eight miles. In a minute
+and a half, he answered 1,520,640. The next question was: supposing the
+distance between London and York to be 204 miles, how many times will a
+coach-wheel turn round in that space, allowing the circumference of that
+wheel to be six yards. In thirteen minutes, he answered, 59,840 times.
+
+On another occasion a person proposed to him this question: in a body,
+the three sides of which are 23,145,789 yards, 5,642,732 yards, and
+54,965 yards, how many cubic eighths of an inch? In about five hours
+Jedediah had accurately solved this intricate problem, though in the
+midst of business, and surrounded by more than a hundred laborers.
+
+Next to figures, the only objects of Jedediah's curiosity were the king
+and royal family. So strong was his desire to see them, that in the
+beginning of the spring of 1754, he walked up to London for that
+purpose, but returned disappointed, as his majesty had removed to
+Kensington just as he arrived in town. He was, however, introduced to
+the Royal Society, whom he called the _Folk of the Siety Court_. The
+gentlemen present asked him several questions in arithmetic to try his
+abilities, and dismissed him with a handsome present.
+
+During his residence in the metropolis, he was taken to see the tragedy
+of King Richard the Third, performed at Drury Lane, Garrick being one of
+the actors. It was expected that the novelty of everything in that
+place, together with the splendor of the surrounding objects, would have
+filled him with astonishment; or that his passions would have been
+roused in some degree, by the action of the performers, even though he
+might not fully comprehend the dialogue. This, certainly, was a rational
+idea; but his thoughts were far otherwise employed. During the dances,
+his attention was engaged in reckoning the number of steps; after a fine
+piece of music, he declared that the innumerable sounds produced by the
+instruments perplexed him beyond measure, but he counted the words
+uttered by Mr. Garrick, in the whole course of the entertainment; and
+declared that in this part of the business, he had perfectly succeeded.
+
+Heir to no fortune, and educated to no particular profession, Jedediah
+Buxton supported himself by the labor of his hands. His talents, had
+they been properly cultivated, might have qualified him for acting a
+distinguished part on the theatre of life; he, nevertheless, pursued the
+"noiseless tenor of his way," content if he could satisfy the wants of
+nature, and procure a daily subsistence for himself and family. He was
+married and had several children. He died in the year 1775, aged seventy
+years. Though a man of wonderful powers of arithmetical calculation,
+and generally regarded as a prodigy in his way--it is still obvious
+that, after the practice of years, he was incapable of solving
+questions, which Zerah Colburn, at the age of six or seven years,
+answered in the space of a few seconds.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM GIBSON.
+
+
+William Gibson was born in the year 1720, at the village of Bolton, in
+Westmoreland, England. On the death of his father, he put himself to a
+farmer to learn his business. When he was about eighteen or nineteen, he
+rented a small farm of his own, at a place called Hollins, where he
+applied himself assiduously to study.
+
+A short time previous to this, he had admired the operation of figures,
+but labored under every disadvantage, for want of education. As he had
+not yet been taught to read, he got a few lessons in English, and was
+soon enabled to comprehend a plain author. He then purchased a treatise
+on arithmetic; and though he could not write, he soon became so expert a
+calculator, from mental operations only, that he could tell, without
+setting down a figure, the product of any two numbers multiplied
+together, although the multiplier and the multiplicand each of them
+consisted of nine figures. It was equally astonishing that he could
+answer, in the same manner, questions in division, in decimal fractions,
+or in the extraction of the square or cube roots, where such a
+multiplicity of figures is often required in the operation. Yet at this
+time he did not know that any merit was due to himself, conceiving that
+the capacity of other people was like his own.
+
+Finding himself still laboring under farther difficulties for want of a
+knowledge of writing, he taught himself to write a tolerable hand. As he
+had not heard of mathematics, he had no idea of anything, in regard to
+numbers, beyond what he had learned. He thought himself a master of
+figures, and challenged all his companions and the members of a society
+he attended, to a trial. Something, however, was proposed to him
+concerning Euclid. As he did not understand the meaning of the word, he
+was silent; but afterwards found it meant a book, containing the
+elements of geometry; this he purchased, and applied himself very
+diligently to the study of it, and against the next meeting he was
+prepared with an answer in this new science.
+
+He now found himself launching out into a field, of which before he had
+no conception. He continued his geometrical studies; and as the
+demonstration of the different propositions in Euclid depend entirely
+upon a recollection of some of those preceding, his memory was of the
+utmost service to him. Besides, it was a study exactly adapted to his
+mind; and while he was attending to the business of his farm, and
+humming over some tune or other, his attention was often engaged with
+some of his geometrical propositions. A few figures with a piece of
+chalk, upon the knee of his breeches, or any other convenient spot, were
+all he needed to clear up the most difficult parts of the science.
+
+He now began to be struck with the works of nature, and paid particular
+attention to the theory of the earth, the moon, and the rest of the
+planets belonging to this system, of which the sun is the centre; and
+considering the distance and magnitude of the different bodies belonging
+to it, and the distance of the fixed stars, he soon conceived each of
+them to be the centre of a different system. He well considered the law
+of gravity, and that of the centripetal and centrifugal forces, and the
+cause of the ebbing and flowing of the tides; also the projection of the
+sphere--stereographic, orthographic, and gnomical; also trigonometry and
+astronomy. By this time he was possessed of a small library.
+
+He next turned his thoughts to algebra, and took up Emerson's treatise
+on that subject, and went through it with great success. He also
+grounded himself in the art of navigation and the principles of
+mechanics; likewise the doctrine of motion, of falling bodies, and the
+elements of optics, &c., as a preliminary to fluxions, which had but
+lately been discovered by Sir Isaac Newton; as the boundary of the
+mathematics, he went through conic sections, &c. Though he experienced
+some difficulty at his first entrance, yet he did not rest till he made
+himself master of both a fluxion and a flowing quantity. As he had paid
+a similar attention to the intermediate parts, he soon became so
+conversant with every branch of the mathematics, that no question was
+ever proposed to him which he could not answer.
+
+He used to take pleasure in solving the arithmetical questions then
+common in the magazines, but his answers were seldom inserted, except by
+or in the name of some other person, for he had no ambition to make his
+abilities known. He frequently had questions from his pupils and other
+gentlemen in London; from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and
+different parts of the country, as well as from the university of
+Gottingen in Germany. These, however difficult, he never failed to
+answer; and from the minute inquiry he made into natural philosophy,
+there was scarcely a phenomenon in nature, that ever came to his
+knowledge or observation, but he could, in some measure at least,
+reasonably account for it.
+
+He went by the name of Willy-o'-th'-Hollins, for many years after he
+left his residence in that place. The latter portion of his life was
+spent in the neighborhood of Cartmell, where he was best known by the
+name of Willy Gibson, still continuing his former occupation. For the
+last forty years he kept a school of about eight or ten gentlemen, who
+boarded and lodged at his own farm-house; and having a happy turn in
+explaining his ideas, he formed a great number of very able
+mathematicians, as well as expert accountants. This self-taught
+philosopher and wonderful man, died on the 4th of October, 1792, at
+Blaith, near Cartmell, in consequence of a fall, leaving behind him a
+widow and ten children.
+
+
+
+
+EDMUND STONE.
+
+
+Of the life of this extraordinary man we have little information. He was
+probably born in Argyleshire, Scotland, at the close of the seventeenth
+century. His father was gardener to the Duke of Argyle, and the son
+assisted him. The duke was walking one day in his garden, when he
+observed a Latin copy of Newton's Principia, lying on the grass, and
+supposing it had been brought from his own library, called some one to
+carry it back to its place. Upon this, young Stone, who was in his
+eighteenth year, claimed the book as his own. "Yours!" replied the duke;
+"do you understand geometry, Latin, and Newton?" "I know a little of
+them," said the young man.
+
+The duke was surprised, and having a taste for the sciences, he entered
+into conversation with the young mathematician. He proposed several
+inquiries, and was astonished at the force, the accuracy and the
+clearness of his answers. "But how," said the duke, "came you by the
+knowledge of all these things?" Stone replied, "A servant taught me to
+read ten years since. Does one need to know anything more than the
+twenty-six letters, in order to learn everything else that one wishes?"
+
+The duke's curiosity was now greatly increased, and he sat down upon a
+bank and requested a detail of the whole process by which he had
+acquired such knowledge. "I first learned to read," said Stone;
+"afterwards, when the masons were at work at your house, I approached
+them one day, and observed that the architect used a rule and compass,
+and that he made calculations. I inquired what might be the meaning and
+use of these things; and I was informed that there was a science called
+arithmetic. I purchased a book of arithmetic, and studied it. I was told
+that there was another science, called geometry. I bought the necessary
+books, and learned geometry.
+
+"By reading, I found there were good books on these two sciences in
+Latin; I therefore bought a dictionary and learned Latin. I understood,
+also, that there were good books of the same kind in French; I bought a
+dictionary and learned French; and this, my lord, is what I have done.
+It seems to me that we may learn everything when we know the twenty-six
+letters of the alphabet."
+
+Under the duke's patronage, Stone rose to be a very considerable
+mathematician, and was elected a member of the Royal Society of London,
+in 1725. He seems to have lost the favor of the Duke of Argyle, for, in
+the latter part of his life, he gave lessons in mathematics, and at last
+died in poverty.
+
+
+
+
+RICHARD EVELYN.
+
+
+John Evelyn, a very learned English writer, was born in 1620, and died
+in 1706. He published several works, all of which are valuable. His
+treatises upon Natural History are greatly valued. He kept a diary,
+which has been published, and which contains much that is interesting.
+Of one of his children, who died early, he gives us the following
+account:
+
+"After six fits of ague, died, in the year 1658, my son Richard, five
+years and three days old, but, at that tender age, a prodigy of wit and
+understanding; for beauty of body, a very angel; for endowment of mind,
+of incredible and rare hopes. To give only a little taste of some of
+them, and thereby glory to God:
+
+"At two years and a half old, he could perfectly read any of the
+English, Latin, French, or Gothic letters, pronouncing the three first
+languages exactly. He had, before the fifth year, not only skill to read
+most written hands, but to decline all the nouns, conjugate the verbs
+regular and most of the irregular; learned Pericles through; got by
+heart almost the entire vocabulary of Latin and French primitives and
+words, could make congruous syntax, turn English into Latin, and _vice
+versa_, construe and prove what he read, and did the government and use
+of relative verbs, substantives, ellipses, and many figures and tropes,
+and made a considerable progress in Comenius's Janua; began himself to
+write legibly, and had a strong passion for Greek.
+
+"The number of verses he could recite was enormous; and when seeing a
+Plautus in one's hand, he asked what book it was, and being told it was
+comedy and too difficult for him, he wept for sorrow. Strange was his
+apt and ingenious application of fables and morals, for he had read
+Æsop. He had a wonderful disposition to mathematics, having by heart
+divers propositions of Euclid, that were read to him in play, and he
+would make lines and demonstrate them.
+
+"As to his piety, astonishing were his applications of Scripture upon
+occasion, and his sense of God: he had learned all his catechism early,
+and understood the historical part of the Bible and Testament to a
+wonder--how Christ came to mankind; and how, comprehending these
+necessaries himself, his godfathers were discharged of their promise.
+These and like illuminations, far exceeding his age and experience,
+considering the prettiness of his address and behavior cannot but leave
+impressions in me at the memory of him. When one told him how many days
+a Quaker had fasted, he replied, that was no wonder, for Christ had said
+'man should not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.'
+
+"He would, of himself, select the most pathetic Psalms, and chapters out
+of Job, to read to his maid during his sickness, telling her, when she
+pitied him, that all God's children must suffer affliction. He declaimed
+against the vanities of the world, before he had seen any. Often he
+would desire those who came to see him, to pray by him, and a year
+before he fell sick, to kneel and pray with him, alone in some corner.
+How thankfully would he receive admonition! how soon be reconciled! how
+indifferent, yet continually cheerful! He would give grave advice to his
+brother John, bear with his impertinences, and say he was but a child.
+
+"If he heard of, or saw any new thing, he was unquiet till he was told
+how it was made; he brought to us all such difficulties as he found in
+books, to be expounded. He had learned by heart divers sentences in
+Greek and Latin, which on occasions he would produce even to wonder. He
+was all life, all prettiness, far from morose, sullen, or childish in
+anything he said or did. The last time he had been at church, which was
+at Greenwich, I asked him, according to custom, what he remembered of
+the sermon. 'Two good things, father,' said he, '_bonum gratiæ_, and
+_bonum gloriæ_;" the excellence of grace, and the excellence of
+glory,--with a just account of what the preacher said.
+
+"The day before he died, he called to me, and, in a more serious manner
+than usual, told me, that for all I loved him so dearly, I should give
+my house, land, and all my fine things to his brother Jack,--he should
+have none of them; and next morning, when he found himself ill, and I
+persuaded him to keep his hands in bed, he demanded whether he might
+pray to God with his hands unjoined; and a little after, whilst in
+great agony, whether he should not offend God by using his holy name so
+often by calling for ease.
+
+"What shall I say of his frequent pathetical ejaculations uttered of
+himself: 'Sweet Jesus, save me, deliver me, pardon my sins, let thine
+angels receive me!' So early knowledge, so much piety and perfection!
+But thus God, having dressed up a saint fit for himself, would no longer
+permit him with us, unworthy of the future fruits of this incomparable,
+hopeful blossom. Such a child I never saw! for such a child I bless God,
+in whose bosom he is! May I and mine become as this little child, which
+now follows the child Jesus, that lamb of God, in a white robe,
+whithersoever he goes! Even so, Lord Jesus, let thy will be done. Thou
+gavest him to us, thou hast taken him from us; blessed be the name of
+the Lord! That I had anything acceptable to thee was from thy grace
+alone, since from me he had nothing but sin; but that thou hast
+pardoned, blessed be my God forever! Amen."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+QUENTIN MATSYS.
+
+
+This great painter was born at Antwerp, in 1460, and followed the trade
+of a blacksmith and farrier, till he approached manhood. His health at
+that time was feeble, and rendered him unfit for so laborious a pursuit;
+he therefore undertook to execute lighter work. He constructed an iron
+railing around a well near the great church of Antwerp, which was
+greatly admired for its delicacy and the devices with which it was
+ornamented. He also executed an iron balustrade for the college of
+Louvain, which displayed extraordinary taste and skill.
+
+His father had died, when he was young, leaving him and his mother
+entirely destitute. Notwithstanding his feeble constitution, he was
+obliged to support both himself and her. While necessity thus urged him,
+his taste guided his efforts toward works of art. At Louvain there was
+an annual procession of lepers, who were accustomed to distribute little
+images of saints upon that occasion. Matsys devoted himself to the
+making of these, in which he was very successful.
+
+[Illustration: MATSYS' WELL, AT ANTWERP.]
+
+He had now reached the age of twenty, when it appears that he fell in
+love with the daughter of a painter, of some cleverness, in Antwerp. His
+affection was returned, but when he applied to the father to obtain his
+consent to their union, he was answered by a flat refusal, and the
+declaration, that no man but a painter, as good as himself, should wed
+his daughter. Matsys endeavored in vain to overcome this resolution, and
+finally, despairing of other means to accomplish the object which now
+engrossed his whole soul, he determined to become a painter. The
+difficulties in his way vanished before that confidence which genius
+inspires, and taking advantage of his leisure hours, he began to
+instruct himself secretly in the art of painting. His progress was
+rapid, and the time of his triumph speedily approached.
+
+He was one day on a visit to his mistress, where he found a picture on
+the easel of her father, and nearly finished. The old man was absent,
+and Quentin, seizing the pencil, painted a bee upon a flower in the
+foreground of the painting, and departed. The artist soon returned, and
+in sitting down to his picture, immediately discovered the insect, which
+had so strangely intruded itself upon his canvass. It was so life-like
+as to make it seem a real insect, that had been deceived by the mimic
+flower, and had just alighted upon it. The artist was in raptures, for
+it appears that he had a heart to appreciate excellence, even if it was
+not his own. He inquired of his daughter who had painted the bee. Though
+the details of the interview which followed are not handed down to us,
+we may be permitted to fill up the scene.
+
+_Father._ Tell me, child, who painted the insect?
+
+_Daughter._ Who painted the insect? Really, how should I know?
+
+_F._ You ought to know,--you must know. It was not one of my pupils. It
+is beyond them all.
+
+_D._ Is it as good as you could have done yourself, father?
+
+_F._ Yes; I never painted anything better in my life. It is like
+nature's own work, it is so light, so true; on my soul, I was deceived
+at first, and was about to brush the insect away with my handkerchief.
+
+_D._ And so, father, you think it is as well as you could have done
+yourself?
+
+_F._ Yes.
+
+_D._ Well, I will send for Quentin Matsys; perhaps he can tell you who
+did it.
+
+_F._ Aye, girl, is that it? Did Quentin do it? Then he is a clever
+fellow, and shall marry you.
+
+Whether such a dialogue as this actually took place, we cannot say; but
+it appears that Quentin's acknowledged excellence as an artist soon won
+the painter's consent, and he married the daughter. From this time he
+devoted his life to the art which love alone had at first induced him to
+pursue. He soon rose to the highest rank in his profession, and has left
+behind him an enduring fame. Though he was destitute of early education,
+and never had the advantage of studying the great masters of the Italian
+school, he rivalled, in some respects, even their best productions. His
+designs were correct and true to nature, and his coloring was forcible.
+His pictures are now scarce and command great prices. One of them,
+called the Two Misers, is in the Royal Gallery of Windsor, England, and
+is greatly admired. Matsys died at Antwerp, in 1529.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+WEST.
+
+
+Benjamin West was born at Springfield, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1738.
+His father was a merchant, and Benjamin was the tenth child. The first
+six years of his life passed away in calm uniformity, leaving only the
+placid remembrance of enjoyment. In the month of June, 1745, one of his
+sisters who was married, came with her infant daughter to spend a few
+days at her father's. When the child was asleep in her cradle, Mrs. West
+invited her daughter to gather flowers in the garden, and committed the
+infant to the care of Benjamin, during their absence; giving him a fan
+to drive away the flies from molesting his little charge.
+
+After some time, the child happened to smile in its sleep, and its
+beauty attracted the boy's attention. He looked at it with a pleasure,
+which he never before experienced; and observing some paper on a table,
+together with pens, and red and black ink, he seized them with
+agitation, and endeavored to delineate a portrait, although at this
+period, he was only in the seventh year of his age.
+
+Hearing the approach of his mother and sister, he endeavored to
+conceal what he had been doing; but the old lady observing his
+confusion, inquired what he was about, and requested him to show her the
+paper. He obeyed, entreating her not to be angry. Mrs. West, after
+looking at the drawing with evident pleasure, said to her daughter, "I
+declare, he has made a likeness of little Sally;" she kissed him with
+much fondness and satisfaction. This encouraged him to say that if it
+would give her any pleasure, he would make pictures of the flowers which
+she held in her hand; for the instinct of his genius was now awakened,
+and he felt that he could imitate the forms of those things which
+pleased his sight.
+
+[Illustration: _Christ healing the sick._]
+
+Some time after this, Benjamin having heard that pencils for painting
+were made in Europe of camel's hair, determined to manufacture a
+substitute, for his own use: accordingly, seizing upon a black cat, kept
+in the family, he extracted the requisite hairs from her tail for his
+first brush, and afterwards pillaged it again for others.
+
+Such was the commencement of a series of efforts which raised West to be
+a favorite painter in England, and, at last, president of the Royal
+Academy of London. His parents were Quakers, but they encouraged his
+efforts. He, however, had no advantages, and for some time he was
+obliged to pursue his labors with such pencils as he made himself, and
+with red and yellow colors, which he learned to prepare from some
+Indians who roamed about the town of Springfield: to these, his mother
+added a little indigo.
+
+He had a cousin by the name of Pennington, who was a merchant, and
+having seen some of his sketches, sent him a box of paints and pencils,
+with canvass prepared, and six engravings. The possession of this
+treasure almost prevented West's sleeping. He now went into a garret as
+soon as it was light, and began his work. He was so wrapt up in his
+task, as to stay from school. This he continued till his master called
+to inquire what had become of him. A search was consequently made, and
+he was found at his easel, in the garret. His mother's anger soon
+subsided, when she saw his picture, now nearly finished. He had not
+servilely copied one of the engravings, as might have been expected, but
+had formed a new picture by combining the parts of several of them. His
+mother kissed the boy with rapture, and procured the pardon of his
+father and teacher. Mr. Galt, who wrote West's life, says, that,
+sixty-seven years after, he had the pleasure of seeing this very piece,
+hanging by the side of the sublime picture of Christ Rejected.
+
+Young West's fame was soon spread abroad, and he was shortly crowded
+with applications for portraits, of which he painted a considerable
+number. He was now of an age to require a decision of his parents in
+respect to the profession he was to follow, in life. They deliberated
+long and anxiously upon this subject, and at last concluded to refer the
+matter to the society of Quakers to which they belonged. These decided,
+that, although they did not acknowledge the utility of painting to
+mankind, yet they would allow the youth to follow a path for which he
+had so evident a genius.
+
+At the age of eighteen, he established himself in Philadelphia, as a
+portrait painter, and afterwards spent some time at New York, in the
+same capacity. In both places, his success was considerable. In 1760,
+aided by friends, he proceeded to Italy, to study his art; in 1763, he
+went to London, where he soon became established for life. The king,
+George III., was his steadfast friend, and he became painter to his
+majesty. He was offered a salary of seven hundred pounds a year, by the
+Marquis of Rockingham, to embellish his mansion at Yorkshire with
+historical paintings, but this he declined.
+
+On the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds, he was elected president of the
+Royal Academy, and took his place in March, 1792. In his sixty-fifth
+year, he painted his great picture of Christ healing the sick, to aid
+the Quakers of Philadelphia in the erection of a hospital for that city.
+It was so much admired that he was offered no less than fifteen thousand
+dollars for this performance. He accepted the offer, as he was not rich,
+upon condition that he should be allowed to make a copy for the Friends
+of Philadelphia, for whom he had intended it. This great picture, of
+which we give an engraving, was long exhibited at Philadelphia, and the
+profits essentially aided the benevolent object which suggested the
+picture.
+
+West continued to pursue his profession, and painted several pictures of
+great size, under the idea that his talent was best suited to such
+performances. In 1817, his wife, with whom he had long lived in
+uninterrupted happiness, died, and he followed her in 1820. If his
+standing, as an artist, is not of the highest rank, it is still
+respectable, and his history affords a striking instance of a natural
+fitness and predilection for a particular pursuit. If we consider the
+total want of encouragement to painting, in a Quaker family, in a
+country town in Pennsylvania, more than a century ago, and advert to the
+spontaneous display of his taste and its persevering cultivation, we
+shall see that nature seems to have given him an irresistible impulse in
+the direction of the art to which he devoted his life.
+
+West was tall, firmly built, and of a fair complexion. He always
+preserved something of the sedate, even and sober manners of the sect to
+which his parents belonged; in disposition, he was mild, liberal and
+generous. He seriously impaired his fortune by the aid he rendered to
+indigent young artists. His works were very numerous, and the exhibition
+and sale of those in his hands, at the time of his death, yielded a
+handsome sum to his family. Though his early education was neglected, he
+supplied the defect by study and observation, and his writings connected
+with the arts are very creditable to him as a man, a philosopher and an
+artist.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BERRETINI.
+
+
+Pietro Berretini was born 1596, at Cortona, in Italy. He is called
+Pietro Da Cortona, from the place of his birth. Even when a child, he
+evinced uncommon genius for painting; but he appeared likely to remain
+in obscurity and ignorance, as the extreme poverty of his situation
+precluded him from the usual means of improving natural talent. He
+struggled, however, with his difficulties, and ultimately overcame every
+obstacle which opposed him.
+
+When twelve years old, he went, alone and on foot, to Florence, the seat
+of the fine arts, possessed of no money, and, in fact, completely
+without resources of any kind. Notwithstanding this gloomy aspect of
+affairs, he did not lose his courage, but still persevered in a
+resolution he had thus early formed, to become "an eminent painter."
+Pietro knew of no person to whom he could apply for assistance in
+Florence, excepting a poor boy from Cortona, who was then a scullion in
+the kitchen of Cardinal Sachetti. Pietro sought him out; his little
+countryman welcomed him very kindly, shared with him his humble meal,
+offered him the half of his little bed as a lodging, and promised to
+supply him with food from the spare meat of his kitchen.
+
+Thus provided with the necessaries of life, Pietro applied himself with
+indefatigable diligence to the art to which he had devoted himself, and
+soon made such progress in it, as, in his own opinion, amply recompensed
+him for all the toil, privation and difficulties he had undergone. It
+was interesting to observe this poor, destitute child, without a friend
+to guide his conduct or direct his studies, devoting himself with such
+unceasing assiduity to his own improvement. His little friend, the
+scullion, did not relax in kindness and generosity towards him; for all
+that he possessed he shared with Pietro, and the latter, in return,
+brought him all the drawings he made, and with these he adorned the
+walls of the little garret in which they slept.
+
+Pietro was in the habit of wandering to a distance from Florence, to
+take views of the beautiful scenery in the environs of that city. When
+night overtook him unawares, which was often the case, he very
+contentedly slept under the shelter of a tree, and arose as soon as
+daylight dawned to renew his employment. During his absence, on one of
+these excursions, some of his pictures accidentally fell into the hands
+of Cardinal Sachetti, who, struck with the merit that distinguished
+them, inquired by what artist they were executed. He was not a little
+astonished to hear that they were the performances of a poor child, who
+had, for more than two years, been supported by the bounty of one of his
+kitchen boys. The cardinal desired to see Pietro; and when the young
+artist was brought before him, he received him in a kind manner,
+assigned him a pension and placed him as a scholar under one of the best
+painters of Rome.
+
+Pietro afterwards became a very eminent painter, and made the most
+grateful returns to his friend, the scullion, for the kindness he had
+shown him in poverty and wretchedness. He spent the latter part of his
+life at Rome, where he enjoyed the patronage of successive pontiffs, and
+was made a knight by Pope Alexander III. He was an architect as well as
+a painter, and designed the church of Saint Martin, at Rome, where he
+was buried, and to which he bequeathed a hundred thousand crowns. He
+died 1669, full of wealth and honors. His works display admirable
+talents, and his history affords a striking example of native genius,
+overcoming all obstacles, and hewing its way to success in that pursuit
+for which nature had seemed to create it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HENRY KIRK WHITE.
+
+
+This youthful bard, whose premature death was so sincerely regretted by
+every admirer of genius, was the son of a butcher of Nottingham,
+England, and born March 21, 1788. He manifested an ardent love of
+reading in his infancy; this was, indeed, a passion to which everything
+else gave way. "I could fancy," says his eldest sister, "that I see him
+in his little chair, with a large book upon his knee, and my mother
+calling, 'Henry, my love, come to dinner,' which was repeated so often
+without being regarded, that she was obliged to change the tone of her
+voice, before she could rouse him."
+
+When he was seven years old, he would creep unperceived into the
+kitchen, to teach the servant to read and write; and he continued this
+for some time before it was discovered that he had been thus laudably
+employed. He wrote a tale of a Swiss emigrant, which was probably his
+first composition, and gave it to this servant, being ashamed to show it
+to his mother. "The consciousness of genius," says his biographer, Mr.
+Southey, "is always, at first, accompanied by this diffidence; it is a
+sacred, solitary feeling. No forward child, however extraordinary the
+promise of his childhood, ever produced anything truly great."
+
+When Henry was about eleven years old, he one day wrote a separate theme
+for every boy in his class, which consisted of about twelve or fourteen.
+The master said he had never known them write so well upon any subject
+before, and could not refrain from expressing his astonishment at the
+excellence of Henry's own composition.
+
+At the age of thirteen, he wrote a poem, "On being confined to school
+one pleasant morning in spring," from which the following is an extract:
+
+  "How gladly would my soul forego
+  All that arithmeticians know,
+  Or stiff grammarians quaintly teach,
+  Or all that industry can reach,
+  To taste each morn of all the joys
+  That with the laughing sun arise;
+  And unconstrained to rove along
+  The bushy brakes and glens among;
+  And woo the muse's gentle power
+  In unfrequented rural bower;
+  But ah! such heaven-approaching joys
+  Will never greet my longing eyes;
+  Still will they cheat in vision fine,
+  Yet never but in fancy shine."
+
+The parents of Henry were anxious to put him to some trade, and when he
+was nearly fourteen, he was placed at a stocking loom, with the view, at
+some future period, of getting a situation in a hosier's warehouse; but
+the youth did not conceive that nature had intended to doom him to spend
+seven years of his life in folding up stockings, and he remonstrated
+with his friends against the employment. His temper and tone of mind at
+this period, are displayed in the following extracts from his poems:
+
+  ----"Men may rave,
+  And blame and censure me, that I don't tie
+  My ev'ry thought down to the desk, and spend
+  The morning of my life in adding figures
+  With accurate monotony; that so
+  The good things of this world may be my lot,
+  And I might taste the blessedness of wealth.
+  But oh! I was not made for money-getting."
+
+  * * * * * * *
+
+  ----"For as still
+  I tried to cast, with school dexterity,
+  The interesting sums, my vagrant thoughts
+  Would quick revert to many a woodland haunt,
+  Which fond remembrance cherished; and the pen
+  Dropt from my senseless fingers, as I pictur'd
+  In my mind's eye, how on the shores of Trent
+  I erewhile wander'd with my early friends
+  In social intercourse."
+
+  * * * * * * *
+
+  "Yet still, oh contemplation! I do love
+  T' indulge thy solemn musings; still the same
+  With thee alone I know how to melt and weep,
+  In thee alone delighting. Why along
+  The dusty track of commerce should I toil,
+  When with an easy competence content,
+  I can alone be happy, where with thee
+  I may enjoy the loveliness of nature,
+  And loose the wings of Fancy? Thus alone
+  Can I partake of happiness on earth;
+  And to be happy here is man's chief end,
+  For, to be happy, he must needs be good."
+
+Young White was soon removed from the loom to the office of a solicitor,
+which afforded a less obnoxious employment. He became a member of a
+literary society in Nottingham, and delivered an extempore lecture on
+genius, in which he displayed so much talent, that he received the
+unanimous thanks of the society, and they elected him their professor of
+literature.
+
+At the age of fifteen, he gained a silver medal for a translation from
+Horace; and the following year, a pair of globes, for an imaginary tour
+from London to Edinburgh. He determined upon trying for this prize one
+evening when at tea with his family, and at supper, he read them his
+performance. In his seventeenth year, he published a small volume of
+poems which possessed considerable merit.
+
+Soon after, he was sent to Cambridge, and entered Saint John's College,
+where he made the most rapid progress. But the intensity of his studies
+ruined his constitution, and he fell a victim to his ardent thirst for
+knowledge. He died October 19, 1806, leaving behind him several poems
+and letters, which gave earnest of the high rank he would have attained
+in the republic of letters, had his life been spared. His productions
+were published, with an interesting memoir, by Mr. Southey.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MOZART.
+
+
+John Chrysostomus Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born at Salzburg, in
+1756. His father was an eminent musician, and the early proficiency of
+his son in music was almost incredible. He began the piano at three
+years of age; and from this period lost all pleasure in his other
+amusements. His taste was so scientific that he would spend his time in
+looking for thirds, and felt charmed with their harmony. At five years
+old, he began to compose little pieces, of such ingenuity that his
+father wrote them down.
+
+He was a creature of universal sensibility, a natural enthusiast--from
+his infancy fond, melancholy and tearful. When scarcely able to walk,
+his first question to his friends, who took him on their knee, was,
+whether they loved him; and a negative always made him weep. His mind
+was all alive; and whatever touched it, made it palpitate throughout.
+When he was taught the rudiments of arithmetic, the walls and tables of
+his bed-chamber were found covered with figures. But the piano was the
+grand object of his devotion.
+
+At six years old, this singular child commenced, with his father, and
+sister two years older than himself, one of those musical tours common
+in Germany; and performed at Munich before the Elector, to the great
+admiration of the most musical court on the continent. His ear now
+signalized itself, by detecting the most minute irregularities in the
+orchestra. But its refinement was almost a disease; a discord tortured
+him; he conceived a horror of the trumpet, except as a single
+accompaniment, and suffered from it so keenly, that his father, to
+correct what he regarded as the effect of ignorant terror, one day
+desired a trumpet to be blown in his apartment. The child entreated him
+not to make the experiment; but the trumpet sounded. Young Mozart
+suddenly turned pale, fell on the floor, and was on the point of going
+into convulsions, when the trumpeter was sent out of the room.
+
+When only seven years old, he taught himself the violin; and thus, by
+the united effort of genius and industry, mastered the most difficult of
+all instruments. From Munich, he went to Vienna, Paris, and London. His
+reception in the British metropolis was such as the curious give to
+novelty, the scientific to intelligence, and the great to what
+administers to stately pleasure. He was flattered, honored, and
+rewarded. Handel had then made the organ a favorite, and Mozart took the
+way of popularity. His execution, which on the piano had astonished the
+English musicians, was equally wonderful on the organ, and he overcame
+all rivalry. On his departure from England, he gave a farewell concert,
+of which all the symphonies were composed by himself. This was the
+career of a child nine years old.
+
+With the strengthening of his frame, the acuteness of his ear became
+less painful; the trumpet had lost its terror for him at ten years old;
+and before he had completed that period, he distinguished the church of
+the Orphans, at Vienna, by the composition of a mass and a trumpet duet,
+and acted as director of the concert.
+
+Mozart had travelled the chief kingdoms of Europe, and seen all that
+could be shown to him there, of wealth and grandeur. He had yet to see
+the empire of musical genius. Italy was an untried land, and he went at
+once to its capital. He was present at the performance of Handel's
+admirable chant, the Miserere, which seems then to have been performed
+with an effect unequalled since. The singers had been forbidden to give
+a copy of this composition. Mozart bore it away in his memory, and wrote
+it down. This is still quoted among musicians, as almost a miracle of
+remembrance; but it may be more truly quoted as an evidence of the power
+which diligence and determination give to the mind. Mozart was not
+remarkable for memory; what he did, others may do; but the same triumph
+is to be purchased only by the same exertion. The impression of this day
+lasted during Mozart's life; his style was changed; he at once adopted a
+solemn reverence for Handel, whom he called "The Thunderbolt," and
+softened the fury of his inspiration, by the taste of Boccherini. He now
+made a grand advance in his profession, and composed an opera,
+"Mithridates," which was played twenty nights at Milan.
+
+Mozart's reputation was soon established, and he was liberally
+patronised by the Austrian court. The following anecdote shows the
+goodness of his heart, and the estimation in which he was held. One
+day, as he was walking in the suburbs of Vienna, he was accosted by a
+mendicant, of a very prepossessing appearance and manner, who told his
+tale of wo with such effect, as to interest the musician strongly in his
+favor; but the state of his purse not corresponding with the impulse of
+his humanity, he desired the applicant to follow him to a coffee-house.
+Here Mozart, drawing paper from his pocket, in a few minutes composed a
+minuet, which, with a letter, he gave to the distressed man, desiring
+him to take it to his publisher. A composition from Mozart was a bill
+payable at sight; and to his great surprise, the now happy beggar was
+immediately presented with five double ducats.
+
+The time which Mozart most willingly employed in compositions, was the
+morning, from six or seven o'clock till about the hour of ten. After
+this, he usually did no more for the rest of the day, unless he had to
+finish some piece that was wanted. He however always worked irregularly.
+When an idea struck him, he was not to be drawn from it, even if he were
+in the midst of his friends. He sometimes passed whole nights with his
+pen in his hand. At other times, he had such a disinclination to work,
+that he could not complete a piece till the moment of its performance.
+It once happened, that he put off some music which he had engaged to
+furnish for a court concert, so long, that he had not time to write out
+the part he was to perform himself. The Emperor Joseph, who was peeping
+everywhere, happening to cast his eyes on the sheet which Mozart seemed
+to be playing from, was surprised to see nothing but empty lines, and
+said to him, "Where's your part?" "Here," said Mozart, putting his hand
+to his forehead.
+
+The Don Giovanni of this eminent composer, which is one of the most
+popular compositions ever produced, was composed for the theatre at
+Prague, and first performed in that city in 1787. This refined and
+intellectual music was not at that time understood in Germany; a
+circumstance which Mozart seems to have anticipated, for, previous to
+its first representation, he remarked to a friend, "This opera is not
+calculated for the people of Vienna; it will be more justly appreciated
+at Prague; but in reality I have written it principally to please myself
+and my friends." Ample justice has however at length been rendered to
+this great production; it is heard with enthusiasm in nearly all the
+principal cities of that quarter of the globe where music is cultivated
+as a science--from the frozen regions of Russia, to the foot of Mount
+Vesuvius. Its praise is not limited by the common attributes of good
+musical composition; it is placed in the higher rank of fine poetry; for
+not only are to be found in it exquisite melodies and profound
+harmonies, but the playful, the tender, the pathetic, the mysterious,
+the sublime, and the terrible, are to be distinctly traced in its
+various parts.
+
+The overture to this opera is generally esteemed Mozart's best effort;
+yet it was only composed the night previous to the first representation,
+after the general rehearsal had taken place. About eleven o'clock in the
+evening, when retired to his apartment, he desired his wife to make him
+some punch, and to stay with him, in order to keep him awake. She
+accordingly began to tell him fairy tales, and odd stories, which made
+him laugh till the tears came. The punch, however, made him so drowsy,
+that he could go on only while his wife was talking, and dropped asleep
+as soon as she ceased. The efforts which he made to keep himself awake,
+the continual alternation of sleep and watching, so fatigued him, that
+his wife persuaded him to take some rest, promising to awake him in an
+hour's time. He slept so profoundly that she suffered him to repose for
+two hours. At five o'clock in the morning, she awoke him. He had
+appointed the music copiers to come at seven, and by the time they
+arrived, the overture was finished. They had scarcely time to write out
+the copy necessary for the orchestra, and the musicians were obliged to
+play it without a rehearsal. Some persons pretend, that they can
+discover in this overture the passages where Mozart dropped asleep and
+those where he suddenly awoke again.
+
+This great composer was so absorbed in music, that he was a child in
+every other respect. He was extremely apprehensive of death; and it was
+only by incessant application to his favorite study, that he prevented
+his spirits from sinking totally under the fears of approaching
+dissolution. At all other times he labored under a profound melancholy,
+during which he composed some of his best pieces, particularly his
+celebrated Requiem. The circumstances attending this were remarkable.
+
+One day, when his spirits were unusually oppressed, a stranger, of a
+tall, dignified appearance, was introduced. His manners were grave and
+impressive. He told Mozart that he came from a person who did not wish
+to be known, to request that he would compose a solemn mass, as a
+requiem for the soul of a friend, whom he had recently lost, and whose
+memory he was desirous of commemorating by this imposing service. Mozart
+undertook the task, and engaged to have it completed in a month. The
+stranger begged to know what price he set upon his work; and immediately
+paying him one hundred ducats, he departed.
+
+The mystery of this visit seemed to have a strong effect on the mind of
+the musician. He brooded over it for some time; and then suddenly
+calling for writing materials, began to compose with extraordinary
+ardor. This application, however, was more than his strength could
+support; it brought on fainting fits, and his increasing illness obliged
+him to suspend his work. "I am writing the requiem for myself," said he
+one day to his wife; "it will serve for my own funeral service;" and
+this impression never afterwards left him. At the expiration of the
+month, the mysterious stranger appeared, and demanded the requiem. "I
+have found it impossible," said Mozart, "to keep my word; the work has
+interested me more than I expected, and I have extended it beyond my
+first design. I shall require another month to finish it."
+
+The stranger made no objection; but observing that for this additional
+trouble it was but just to increase the premium, laid down fifty ducats
+more, and promised to return at the time appointed. Astonished at his
+whole proceeding, Mozart ordered a servant to follow this singular
+personage, and, if possible, to find out who he was. The man, however,
+lost sight of him, and was obliged to return as he went. Mozart, now
+more than ever persuaded that he was a messenger from the other world,
+sent to warn him that his end was approaching, applied with fresh zeal
+to the requiem; and in spite of his exhausted state, both of body and
+mind, he completed it before the end of the month. At the appointed day,
+the stranger returned; the requiem was finished; but Mozart was no more!
+He died at Vienna, 1791, aged 35 years.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+ELIHU BURRITT.
+
+
+In an address delivered by Governor Everett, before a Mechanics'
+Association, in Boston, 1837, he introduced a letter from Elihu Burritt,
+a native of Connecticut, and then a resident of Worcester,
+Massachusetts, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+"I was the youngest of many brethren, and my parents were poor. My means
+of education were limited to the advantages of a district school, and
+those again were circumscribed by my father's death, which deprived me,
+at the age of fifteen, of those scanty opportunities which I had
+previously enjoyed.
+
+"A few months after his decease, I apprenticed myself to a blacksmith in
+my native village. Thither I carried an indomitable taste for reading,
+which I had previously acquired through the medium of the society
+library,--all the historical works in which I had at that time perused.
+At the expiration of a little more than half my apprenticeship, I
+suddenly conceived the idea of studying Latin.
+
+"Through the assistance of an elder brother, who had himself obtained a
+collegiate education by his own exertions, I completed my Virgil during
+the evenings of one winter. After some time devoted to Cicero, and a few
+other Latin authors, I commenced the Greek: at this time it was
+necessary that I should devote every hour of daylight, and a part of the
+evening, to the duties of my apprenticeship.
+
+"Still I carried my Greek grammar in my hat, and often found a moment,
+when I was heating some large iron, when I could place my book open
+before me against the chimney of my forge, and go through with _tupto_,
+_tupteis_, _tuptei_, unperceived by my fellow-apprentices. At evening I
+sat down, unassisted, to the Iliad of Homer, twenty books of which
+measured my progress in that language during the evenings of another
+winter.
+
+"I next turned to the modern languages, and was much gratified to learn
+that my knowledge of Latin furnished me with a key to the literature of
+most of the languages of Europe. This circumstance gave a new impulse to
+the desire of acquainting myself with the philosophy, derivation, and
+affinity of the different European tongues. I could not be reconciled to
+limit myself in these investigations, to a few hours, after the arduous
+labors of the day.
+
+"I therefore laid down my hammer, and went to New Haven, where I recited
+to native teachers, in French, Spanish, German, and Italian. I returned,
+at the expiration of two years, to the forge, bringing with me such
+books in those languages as I could procure. When I had read these
+books through, I commenced the Hebrew, with an awakened desire of
+examining another field; and, by assiduous application, I was enabled in
+a few weeks to read this language with such facility, that I allotted it
+to myself as a task to read two chapters in the Hebrew Bible before
+breakfast, each morning; this, and an hour at noon, being all the time
+that I could devote to myself during the day.
+
+"After becoming somewhat familiar with this language, I looked around me
+for the means of initiating myself into the fields of Oriental
+literature; and, to my deep regret and concern, I found my progress in
+this direction hedged in by the want of requisite books. I began
+immediately to devise means of obviating this obstacle; and, after many
+plans, I concluded to seek a place as a sailor on board some ship bound
+to Europe, thinking in this way to have opportunities of collecting, at
+different ports, such works in the modern and Oriental languages as I
+found necessary for this object. I left the forge at my native place, to
+carry this plan into execution.
+
+"I travelled on foot to Boston, a distance of more than a hundred miles,
+to find some vessel bound to Europe. In this I was disappointed; and,
+while revolving in my mind what steps next to take, I accidentally heard
+of the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester. I immediately bent my
+steps toward this place. I visited the hall of the American Antiquarian
+Society, and found there, to my infinite gratification, such a
+collection in ancient, modern, and Oriental languages, as I never before
+conceived to be collected in one place; and, sir, you may imagine with
+what sentiments of gratitude I was affected, when, upon evincing a
+desire to examine some of these rich and rare works, I was kindly
+invited to unlimited participation in all the benefits of this noble
+institution.
+
+"Availing myself of the kindness of the directors, I spent three hours
+daily at the hall, which, with an hour at noon, and about three in the
+evening, make up the portion of the day which I appropriate to my
+studies, the rest being occupied in arduous manual labor. Through the
+facilities afforded by this institution, I have added so much to my
+previous acquaintance with the ancient, modern, and Oriental languages,
+as to be able to read upwards of FIFTY of them with more or less
+facility."
+
+This statement, however extraordinary it may seem, is well known to be
+but a modest account of Mr. Burritt's wonderful acquirements. He is
+still (1843) a practical blacksmith, yet he finds time to pursue his
+studies. Nor are his acquisitions his only merit. He has been frequently
+invited to deliver lectures before lyceums, and other associations, and
+in these he has displayed no small degree of eloquence and rhetorical
+power. As he is still a young man, we may venture to affirm that his
+history affords an instance of self-cultivation, which, having regard to
+all the circumstances, is without a parallel.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+GEORGE MORLAND.
+
+
+This eccentric man and clever artist was born in London, in 1763. He
+gave very early indications of genius, and when quite a child, used to
+draw objects on the floor, with the implements of his father, who was a
+painter, in crayons. He executed pictures of pencils, scissors, and
+other things of the kind, with so much perfection, that his father often
+mistook them for real ones, and stooped down to pick them up. Some of
+George's drawings, executed before he was five years old, were exhibited
+with great applause at the society of artists in London.
+
+These and other evidences of talent rendered him a favorite child; his
+father saw the germs of excellence in his own art, and, at the age of
+fourteen, had him apprenticed to himself, for seven years, during which
+his application was incessant. His father appears to have been harsh,
+unfeeling and selfish, and to have thought more of obtaining money from
+the talents and exertions of his son, than of giving him such training
+as should insure his success in life.
+
+During his apprenticeship, George was confined to an upper room, copying
+drawings or pictures, and drawing from plaster casts. Being almost
+entirely restricted from society, all the opportunities he had for
+amusement were obtained by stealth, and his associates were a few boys
+in the neighborhood. The means of enjoyment were obtained by such close
+application to his business, as secretly to produce a few drawings or
+pictures more than his father imagined he could complete in a given
+time. These he lowered by a string from the window of his apartment, to
+his youthful companions, by whom they were converted into money, which
+they spent in common when opportunities offered.
+
+In this manner passed the first seventeen years of the life of George
+Morland; and to this unremitted diligence and application he was
+indebted for the extraordinary power he possessed over the implements of
+his art. Avarice, however, was the ruling passion of his father, and
+this was so insatiable, that he kept his son incessantly at work, and
+gave him little, if any, education, except as an artist. To this cause
+must doubtless be attributed the irregularities of his subsequent life.
+
+Morland's earlier compositions were small pictures of two or three
+figures, chiefly from the ballads of the day. These his father put into
+frames and sold for from one to three guineas. They were remarkable for
+their simple truth, and were much admired. Many of them were engraved,
+and widely circulated, which gave the young artist an extensive
+reputation. About this time, he went to Margate to spend the summer,
+and, by the advice of a friend, commenced portrait painting there. Great
+numbers of fashionable persons came to sit to him, and he commenced
+several pictures.
+
+But the society of accomplished people made him feel his own ignorance
+to such a degree as to render him unhappy, and he sought relief at pig
+races and in other coarse amusements, projected for the lower order of
+visitors at Margate. These at last engaged his whole attention, and the
+portraits were thrown aside, to be finished in town. He at last
+returned, with empty pockets and a large cargo of unfinished canvasses.
+
+Morland continued, however, to rise rapidly in his profession, and he
+might easily have secured an ample fortune. The subjects he selected for
+his pencil, were, generally, rural scenes, familiar to every eye, and
+the sentiment they conveyed was felt by every beholder. Many of these
+were admirably engraved by the celebrated J. B. Smith, and immense
+numbers were sold. Morland now had demands for more pictures than he
+could execute, and at almost any price.
+
+But, unhappily, this gifted artist had already become addicted to the
+society of low picture dealers, and other dissipated persons, and his
+habits were, consequently, exceedingly irregular. His chief pleasures
+seemed to be--a ride into the country to a grinning match, a jolly
+dinner with a drinking bout after it, and a mad scamper home with a
+flounce in the mud.
+
+Such, at last, was Morland's dislike of the society of gentlemen, and
+his preference of low company, that he would not paint pictures for the
+former class, but preferred selling them to certain artful dealers, who
+were his associates, and who flattered his vices, so that they might
+prey upon his genius. Of these persons, who pretended to be his friends,
+he did not obtain more than half price for his paintings. This system
+was carried to such an extent that Morland was at last entirely cut off
+from all connection with the real admirers of his works. If a gentleman
+wished to get one of his pictures, he could only do it by employing one
+of these harpies who had access to the artist, and who would wheedle a
+picture out of him for a mere trifle, and all under the mask of
+friendship.
+
+About the year 1790, Morland lived in the neighborhood of Paddington. At
+this period, he had reached the very summit of his professional fame,
+and also of his extravagance. He kept, at one time, no less than eight
+saddle horses at livery, at the sign of the White Lion, opposite to his
+house, and affected to be a good judge of horse-flesh. Frequently,
+horses, for which one day he would give thirty or forty guineas, he
+would sell the next, for less than half that sum; but as the honest
+fraternity of horse-dealers knew their man, and would take his note at
+two months, he could the more easily indulge this propensity, and
+appear, for a short time, in cash, until the day of payment came, when a
+picture was produced as a douceur for a renewal of the notes.
+
+This was one source of calamity which neither his industry, for which he
+was not remarkable, nor his talents, were by any means adequate to
+overcome. His wine merchant, who was also a gentleman in the discounting
+line, would sometimes obtain a picture worth fifty pounds, for the
+renewal of a bill. By this conduct, he heaped folly upon folly, to such
+a degree, that a fortune of ten thousand a year would have proved
+insufficient for the support of his waste and prodigality.
+
+Morland's embarrassments, which now crowded upon him, were far from
+producing any change in his conduct; and, at length, they conducted him,
+through the hands of a bailiff, into prison, of which, by the way, he
+had always entertained a foreboding apprehension. This, however, did not
+render him immediately unhappy, but rather afforded him an opportunity
+of indulging, without restraint of any kind, his fatal propensities.
+There, he could mingle with such companions as were best adapted to his
+taste, and there too, in his own way, he could, without check or
+control, reign or revel, surrounded by the very lowest of the vicious
+rabble.
+
+When in confinement, and even sometimes when he was at liberty, it was
+common for him to have four guineas a day and his drink,--an object of
+no small consequence, as he began to drink before he began to paint, and
+continued to do both alternately, till he had painted as much as he
+pleased, or till the liquor had completely overcome him, when he claimed
+his money, and business was at an end for that day.
+
+This laid his employer under the necessity of passing his whole time
+with him, in order to keep him in a state fit for labor, and to carry
+off the day's work when it was done; otherwise some eavesdropper snapped
+up his picture, and his employer was left to obtain what redress he
+could. By pursuing this fatal system, he ruined his health, enfeebled
+his genius, and sunk himself into general contempt. His constitution
+could not long sustain such an abuse of its powers. He was attacked with
+paralysis, and soon after, he died.
+
+Thus perished George Morland, at the early age of forty-one years; a man
+whose best works will command esteem as long as any taste for the art of
+painting remains; one whose talents might have insured him happiness and
+distinction, if he had been educated with care, and if his entrance into
+life had been guided by those who were able and willing to caution him
+against the snares which are continually preparing by knavery for the
+inexperience and heedlessness of youth. Many of the subjects of
+Morland's pencil, are such as, of themselves, are far from pleasing. He
+delighted in representations of the pigsty. Yet even these, through the
+love we possess of truthful imitations, and the hallowing powers of
+genius, excite emotions of pleasure. His pictures of scenery around the
+cottage door, and of those rustic groups familiar to every eye, have the
+effect of poetry, and call into exercise those gentle sentiments, which,
+however latent, exist in every bosom. It is sad to reflect, that one who
+did so much to refine and civilize mankind, should himself have been the
+victim of the coarsest of vices.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+WILLIAM PENN.
+
+
+This remarkable man was born in the parish of St Catherine's, near the
+tower of London, on the 14th day of October, 1644. His father, who
+served in the time of the Commonwealth, in some of the highest maritime
+offices, was knighted by Charles the Second, and became a peculiar
+favorite of the then Duke of York.
+
+Young Penn had good advantages for education, and made such early
+improvement, that, about the fifteenth year of his age, he was entered a
+student in Christ's Church College, Oxford, where he continued two
+years. He delighted much in manly sports at times of recreation; but at
+length, being influenced by an ardent desire after pure and spiritual
+religion, of which he had before received some taste through the
+ministry of Thomas Lee, one of the people denominated Friends, or
+Quakers, he, with certain other students of that University, withdrew
+from the national way of worship, and held private meetings for the
+exercise of religion. Here they both preached and prayed among
+themselves. This gave great offence to the heads of the college, and
+young Penn, being but sixteen years of age, was fined for
+non-conformity, and at length, for persevering in his peculiar religious
+practices, was expelled the college.
+
+Having in consequence returned home, he still took great delight in the
+company of sober and religious people. His father, perceiving that this
+would be an obstacle in the way of his son's preferment, endeavored by
+words, and even very severe measures, to persuade him to change his
+conduct. Finding these methods ineffectual, he was at length so
+incensed, that he turned young William out of doors. The latter was
+patient under this trial, and at last the father's affection subdued his
+anger. He then sent his son to France, in company with some persons of
+quality that were making a tour thither.
+
+He continued in France a considerable time, and, under the influence of
+those around him, his mind was diverted from religious subjects. Upon
+his return, his father, finding him not only a proficient in the French
+language, but also possessed of courtly manners, joyfully received him,
+hoping now that his point was gained. Indeed, some time after his return
+from France, his carriage was such as justly to entitle him to the
+character of a finished gentleman.
+
+"Great about this time," says one of his biographers, "was his spiritual
+conflict. His natural inclination, his lively and active disposition,
+his father's favor, the respect of his friends and acquaintance,
+strongly pressed him to embrace the glory and pleasures of this world,
+then, as it were, courting and caressing him, in the bloom of youth, to
+accept them. Such a combined force seemed almost invincible; but the
+earnest supplication of his soul being to the Lord for preservation, He
+was pleased to grant such a portion of his power or spirit, as enabled
+him in due time to overcome all opposition, and with an holy resolution
+to follow Christ, whatsoever reproaches or persecutions might attend
+him."
+
+About the year 1666, and when he was twenty-two years of age, his father
+committed to his care and management a considerable estate in Ireland,
+which occasioned his residence in that country. Thomas Lee, whom we have
+before mentioned, being at Cork, and Penn hearing that he was to be
+shortly at a meeting in that city, went to hear him; and by the
+preaching of this man, which had made some impression on his mind ten
+years before, he was now thoroughly and effectually established in the
+faith of the Friends, and afterwards constantly attended the meetings of
+that people. Being again at a meeting at Cork, he, with many others, was
+apprehended, and carried before the mayor, and, with eighteen of his
+associates, was committed to prison; but he soon obtained his discharge.
+This imprisonment was so far from terrifying, that it strengthened him
+in his resolution of a closer union with that people, whose religious
+innocence was the only crime for which they suffered. He now openly
+joined with the Quakers, and brought himself under the reproach of that
+name, then greatly ridiculed and hated. His former companions turned
+their caresses and compliments into bitter gibes and malignant derision.
+
+His father, receiving information of what had passed, ordered him home;
+and the son readily obeyed. His deportment attested the truth of the
+information his father had received. He now again attempted, by every
+argument in his power, to move him; but finding it impossible to obtain
+a general compliance with the customs of the times, he would have borne
+with him, provided he would have taken off his hat, in the presence of
+the king, the duke of York, and himself.
+
+This being proposed to the son, he desired time to consider of it. His
+father, supposing this to be with an intention of consulting his
+friends, the Quakers, assured him that he should see the face of none of
+them, but retire to his chamber till he could return him an answer.
+"Accordingly he withdrew, humbling himself before God, with fasting and
+supplication, to know his heavenly mind and will, and became so
+strengthened in his resolution, that, returning to his father, he humbly
+signified that he could not comply with his desire."
+
+All endeavors proving ineffectual to shake his constancy, his father,
+seeing himself utterly disappointed in his hopes, again turned him out
+of doors. After a considerable time, his steady perseverance evincing
+his integrity, his father's wrath became somewhat abated, so that he
+winked at his return to, and continuance with, his family; and though he
+did not publicly seem to countenance him, yet, when imprisoned for being
+at meetings, he would privately use his interest to get him released. In
+the twenty-fourth year of his age, he became a minister among the
+Quakers, and continued his useful labors, inviting the people to that
+serenity and peace of conscience he himself witnessed, till the close of
+his life.
+
+A spirit warmed with the love of God, and devoted to his service, ever
+pursues its main purpose; thus, when restrained from preaching, Penn
+applied himself to writing. The first of his publications appears to
+have been entitled "Truth Exalted." Several treatises were also the
+fruits of his solitude, particularly the one entitled "No Cross, no
+Crown."
+
+In the year 1670, came forth the Conventicle Act, prohibiting
+Dissenters' meetings, under severe penalties. The edge of this new
+weapon was soon turned against the Quakers, who, not accustomed to
+flinch in the cause of religion, stood particularly exposed. Being
+forcibly kept out of their meeting-house in Grace Church street, they
+met as near it, in the open street, as they could: and Penn, preaching
+there, was apprehended, and committed to Newgate. At the next sessions
+of the Old Bailey, together with William Mead, he was indicted for
+"being present at, and preaching to, an unlawful, seditious, and riotous
+assembly." At his trial he made a brave defence, discovering at once
+both the free spirit of an Englishman and the undaunted magnanimity of a
+Christian, insomuch that, notwithstanding the frowns and menaces of the
+bench, the jury acquitted him.
+
+Not long after this trial, and his discharge from Newgate, his father
+died, perfectly reconciled to his son, and left him both his paternal
+blessing, and an estate of fifteen hundred pounds a year. He took leave
+of his son with these remarkable words: "Son William, if you and your
+friends keep to your plain way of preaching, and keep to your plain way
+of living, you will make an end of the priests to the end of the world.
+Bury me by my mother; live all in love; shun all manner of evil; and I
+pray God to bless you all; and he will bless you."
+
+In February, 1670, Penn was preaching at a meeting in Wheeler street,
+Spitalfields, when he was pulled down, and led out by soldiers into the
+street, and carried away to the Tower, by order of Sir John Robinson,
+lieutenant of the Tower. He was examined before Sir John and several
+others, and then committed, by their orders, to Newgate, for six months.
+Being at liberty at the expiration of that time, he soon after went to
+Holland and Germany, where he zealously endeavored to propagate the
+principles of the Quakers.
+
+In March, 1680, he obtained from Charles II. a grant of the territory
+which now bears the name of Pennsylvania. This was in compensation of a
+crown debt due to his father. Having previously published an account of
+the province, inviting emigrants to accompany him thither, he set sail
+in June, 1682, with many friends, especially Quakers, and after a
+prosperous voyage of six weeks, they came within sight of the American
+coast. Sailing up the river Delaware, they were received by the
+inhabitants with demonstrations of joy and satisfaction. Having landed
+at Newcastle, a place mostly inhabited by the Dutch, Penn next day
+summoned the people to the court-house, where possession of the country
+was legally given him.
+
+Having invited the Indians to meet him, many chiefs and persons of
+distinction, appointed to represent them, came to see him. To these he
+gave several valuable presents, the produce of English manufactures, as
+a testimony of that treaty of amity and good understanding, which, by
+his benevolent disposition, he ardently wished to establish with the
+native inhabitants. He made a most favorable impression upon the
+savages, and thus secured to Pennsylvania their favor. He then more
+fully stated the purpose of his coming, to the people, and the
+benevolent object of his government, giving them assurances of the free
+enjoyment of liberty of conscience in things spiritual, and of perfect
+civil freedom in matters temporal. He recommended to them to live in
+sobriety and peace one with another. After about two years residence in
+the country, all things being in a thriving and prosperous condition, he
+returned to England; and James II. coming soon after to the throne, he
+was taken into favor by that monarch, who, though a bigot in religion,
+was nevertheless a friend to toleration.
+
+At the revolution, being suspected of disaffection to the government,
+and looked upon as a Papist or a Jesuit, under the mask of a Quaker, he
+was examined before the Privy Council, Dec., 1688; but, on giving
+security, was discharged. In 1690, when the French fleet threatened a
+descent on England, he was again examined before the council, upon an
+accusation of corresponding with King James, and was held to bail for
+some time, but was released in Trinity Term. He was attacked a third
+time the same year, and deprived of the privilege of appointing a
+governor for Pennsylvania; till, upon his vindication, he was restored
+to his right of government. He designed now to go over a second time to
+Pennsylvania, and published proposals in print for another settlement
+there; when a fresh accusation appeared against him, backed by one
+William Fuller, who was afterwards declared by parliament to be a
+notorious imposter. A warrant was granted for Penn's apprehension, which
+he narrowly escaped at his return from the funeral of George Fox, the
+founder and head of the Quakers. He now concealed himself for two or
+three years, and during this recess, wrote several pieces. At the end of
+1693, through the interest of Lord Somers and others, he was allowed to
+appear before the king and council, when he represented his innocence so
+effectually that he was acquitted.
+
+In 1699, he again went out to Pennsylvania, accompanied by his family,
+and was received by the colonists with demonstrations of the most
+cordial welcome. During his absence, some persons endeavored to
+undermine the American proprietary governments, under pretence of
+advancing the prerogative of the crown, and a bill for that purpose was
+brought into the H. of Lords. Penn's friends, the proprietors and
+adventurers then in England, immediately represented the hardships of
+their case to the parliament, soliciting time for his return, to answer
+for himself, and accordingly pressing him to come over as soon as
+possible. Seeing it necessary to comply, he summoned an assembly at
+Philadelphia, to whom, Sept. 15th, 1701, he made a speech, declaring his
+reasons for leaving them; and the next day he embarked for England,
+where he arrived about the middle of December. After his return, the
+bill, which, through the solicitations of his friends, had been
+postponed the last session of parliament, was wholly laid aside.
+
+In the year 1707, he was unhappily involved in a suit at law with the
+executors of a person who had been formerly his steward, against whose
+demands he thought both conscience and justice required his endeavors to
+defend himself. But his cause, though many thought him aggrieved, was
+attended with such circumstances, that the court of chancery did not
+think it proper to relieve him; wherefore he was obliged to dwell in the
+Old Bailey, within the rules of the Fleet, some part of this and the
+ensuing year, until such time as the matter in dispute was accommodated.
+
+In the year 1710, the air of London not agreeing with his declining
+constitution, he took a seat at Rushcomb, in Buckinghamshire. Here he
+experienced three successive shocks of apoplexy in 1712, the last of
+which sensibly impaired his memory and his understanding. His religious
+zeal, however, never abated, and up to 1716, he still frequently went to
+the meeting at Reading. Two friends calling upon him at this time,
+although very weak, he expressed himself sensibly, and when they were
+about to take leave of him, he said, "My love is with you; the Lord
+preserve you, and remember me in the Everlasting Covenant."
+
+After a life of ceaseless activity and usefulness, Penn closed his
+earthly career on the 13th of May, 1718, in the seventy-sixth year of
+his age. He was buried at Jourdans, in Buckinghamshire, where several of
+his family had been interred.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN SMITH.
+
+
+There are few names that excite more interest or awaken more romantic
+associations than that of Captain John Smith. He passed through a series
+of the most remarkable events in Europe; and coming to our country at a
+period which was favorable to the exercise of his peculiar genius, he
+became the hero of many stirring adventures.
+
+He was born at Willoughby, in the county of Lincolnshire, England, in
+the year 1579, and was descended from an ancient family. He displayed a
+love of enterprise in his early childhood, and he says that at thirteen
+years old he was "set upon brave adventures." This disposition led him
+to dispose of his books, his satchel, and what other little property he
+had, for the purpose of raising money to take him to sea; but losing his
+parents about this time, he received from them a considerable fortune.
+He was now induced to change his plans, and became apprenticed to an
+eminent merchant in London.
+
+As might be expected, the drudgery and confinement of a compting house
+were very distasteful to one who was bent upon adventure; accordingly,
+with but ten shillings in his pocket, he became a follower of the son of
+Lord Willoughby, who was going to France. When he arrived there, he went
+into the service of Captain Joseph Duxbury, with whom he remained four
+years in Holland. How he was occupied during this period is uncertain.
+About this time, a Scotch gentleman kindly gave him some money, and
+letters to Scotland, assuring him of the favor of King James.
+
+Smith now set sail, and arrived in Scotland after many disasters by sea,
+and great sickness of body. He delivered his letters, and was treated
+with kindness and hospitality; but his stay was short. Returning to his
+native town, and disappointed in not having found food for his wild love
+of adventure, he went into a forest, built himself a sort of hut, and
+studied military history and tactics. Here he lived for a time, being
+provided by his servant with the comforts of civilization, at the same
+time that he pleased his imagination with the idea of being a hermit.
+Accident throwing him into the society of an Italian gentleman, in
+military service, his ardor for active life was revived, and he set out
+again upon his travels, intending to fight against the Turks.
+
+Being robbed of all his baggage and property in the Low Countries by
+some dastardly Frenchmen, he fortunately met with great kindness and
+generosity from several noble families. Prompted, however, by the same
+restless spirit with which he commenced life, he left those who were
+strongly interested in his welfare, and set out upon a journey, with a
+light purse and a good sword. In the course of his travels, he was soon
+in such a state of suffering from hunger and exposure, that he threw
+himself down in a wood, and there expected to die. But relief again
+appeared; a rich farmer chanced to come that way, who, upon hearing his
+story, supplied his purse, thus giving him the means of prosecuting his
+journey. There is scarcely an instance on record of a stranger receiving
+such kindness from his fellow-men, as did this same Smith.
+
+He now went from port to port in search of a ship of war. During his
+rambles, he met, near a town in Brittany, with one of the villains who
+had robbed him. Smith immediately fought and vanquished him, making him
+confess his villany before a crowd of spectators. He then went to the
+seat of the Earl of Ployer, who gave him money, with which he embarked
+from Marseilles for Italy, in a ship in which there was a number of
+Catholic pilgrims of various nations. A furious storm arising, these
+devotees took it into their heads that Heaven, in anger at the presence
+of a heretic, thus manifested its displeasure. They, therefore, set upon
+our hero, who, in spite of a valorous defence, was, like a second
+Jonah, thrown into the sea; but whether the angry elements were appeased
+by the offering, history saith not.
+
+Being near the island of Saint Mary's, Smith easily swam thither, and
+was the next day taken on board a French ship, the commander of which,
+fortunately for Smith, was a friend of the Earl of Ployer, and treated
+him with great kindness. They then sailed to Alexandria, in Egypt. In
+the course of their voyage in the Levant, they met with a rich Venetian
+merchant ship, which, taking the French ship for a pirate, fired a
+broadside into her. This rough salutation, of course, brought on an
+engagement, in which the Venetians were defeated, and her cargo taken on
+board the victorious ship. Smith here met with something congenial to
+his wild and reckless spirit; and showing great valor on the occasion,
+he was rewarded with a large share of the booty. With this, he was
+enabled to travel in Italy, gratifying his curiosity by the interesting
+objects with which that country is filled. He at length set off for
+Gratz, the residence of Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, and afterwards
+emperor of Germany.
+
+The war was now raging between Rodolph, emperor of Germany, and Mahomet
+III., Grand Seignor of Turkey. Smith, by the aid of two of his
+countrymen, became introduced to some officers of distinction in the
+imperial army, who were very glad to obtain so valiant a soldier as
+Smith was likely to prove. This was in the year 1601. The Turkish army,
+under the command of Ibrahim Pasha, had besieged and taken a fortress in
+Hungary, and were ravaging the country. They were also laying siege to
+Olympach, which they had reduced to extremity.
+
+Baron Kissel, who annoyed the besiegers from without, was desirous of
+sending a message to the commander of the garrison. Here was now an
+opportunity for Smith's talents and prowess to come into play. He
+entered upon his duty, and by means of telegraphs, he communicated the
+desired intelligence to the besieged fortress; and then, exercising his
+ingenuity, he arranged some thousands of matches on strings, so that
+when they were fired, the report deceived the Turks into the idea that a
+body of men were there. They consequently marched out to attack them.
+Smith's forces, with those of the garrison, which had been duly apprized
+of the scheme, fell upon them, and routed them. The Turks were now
+obliged to abandon the siege. This brilliant and successful exploit
+placed our hero at the head of a troop of two hundred and fifty horse,
+in the regiment of Count Meldritch.
+
+The next adventure in which Smith's ingenuity was called into exercise
+was at the siege of Alba Regalis, in Hungary. He here contrived a sort
+of bomb, by which the Turks were greatly annoyed and their city set on
+fire; a bold military manoeuvre being adopted at the critical moment,
+the place was taken, the Turks suffering great loss. A number of sieges
+and undecisive skirmishes now followed, which brought upon the
+Christians the jeers and scoffs of the Turks. One of their number, Lord
+Turbashaw, a man of military renown, sent a challenge to any captain of
+the Christian army to fight with him in single combat. The choice fell
+upon Smith, who ardently desired to meet the haughty Mussulman.
+
+The day was appointed, the ground selected and lined with warlike
+soldiers and fair ladies. Lord Turbashaw entered the lists in splendid
+gilt armor, with wings on his shoulders, of eagle's feathers, garnished
+with gold and jewels. A janizary bore his lance, and two soldiers walked
+by the side of his horse. Smith was attended only by a page, bearing his
+lance. He courteously saluted his antagonist, and, at the sound of the
+trumpet, their horses set forward. They met with a deadly shock. Smith's
+lance pierced the visor of the Turk, and he fell dead from his horse.
+The day after, another challenge was sent to Smith; another encounter
+took place; and he was again victorious. Still another challenge met
+with the same result, and Smith was rewarded for his prowess in a signal
+manner, being made major of his regiment, and receiving all sorts of
+military honors. The Prince of Transylvania gave him a pension of three
+hundred ducats a year, and bestowed upon him a patent of nobility.
+
+These events occurred about the year 1600. Various military movements
+followed in Moldavia, Smith taking an active part in whatever of
+enterprise and daring was going forward. In one instance, he narrowly
+escaped with his life.
+
+In a mountainous pass, he was decoyed into an ambuscade, and though the
+christians fought desperately, they were nearly all cut to pieces. Smith
+was wounded and taken, but his life was spared by the cupidity of the
+conquerors, who expected a large sum for his ransom. He was sold as a
+slave and sent to Constantinople. He was afterwards removed to Tartary,
+where he suffered abuse, cruelty, and hardships of every description. At
+last he seized a favorable opportunity, rose against his master, slew
+him, clothed himself in his dress, mounted his horse, and was again at
+liberty.
+
+Roaming about in a vast desert for many days, chance at length directed
+him to the main road, which led from Tartary to Russia, and in sixteen
+days he arrived at a garrison, where the governor and his lady took off
+his irons and treated him with great care and kindness. Thence he
+travelled into Transylvania, where he arrived in 1603. Here he met many
+of his old companions in arms, who overwhelmed him with honors and
+attentions. They had thought him dead, and rejoiced over him as one
+risen from the grave.
+
+Still unsatisfied with perils and honors, hearing that a civil war had
+broken out in Barbary, he sailed to Africa, but, not finding the cause
+worthy of his sword, he returned to England in 1604, where a new field
+of adventure opened before him. Attention had been awakened in England
+upon the subject of colonizing America, by the representation of Captain
+Gosnold, who, in 1602, had made a voyage to the coast of New England. He
+gave delightful accounts of the fertility of the country and salubrity
+of the climate, and was anxious to colonize it. Of course, this plan was
+embraced with ardor by Smith, being a project just suited to his roving
+disposition, and his love for "hair breadth 'scapes."
+
+James I., who was now king, being inclined to the plan, an expedition
+was fitted out in 1606, of one hundred and five colonists, in three
+small vessels. Among the foremost of the adventurers were Gosnold and
+Smith, who seemed to be drawn together by a kind of instinct. After a
+voyage of four months, in which dissensions and mutiny caused much
+trouble and uneasiness, and which resulted in Smith's imprisonment
+during the voyage, the colonists arrived at Chesapeake Bay in April,
+1607. The landscape, covered with the new grass of spring, and varied
+with hills and valleys, seemed like enchantment to the worn-out
+voyagers. With joy they left their ships, and passed many days in
+choosing a spot for a resting-place and a home.
+
+Here new troubles assailed them. The Indians in the vicinity looked upon
+their encroachments with jealous eyes, and attacked them with their
+arrows, but the colonists quickly dispersed them with muskets. Others,
+however, more peaceable, treated our adventurers with kindness. A
+settlement was now made upon a peninsula on James's river, to which they
+gave the name of Jamestown.
+
+Of course, in a settlement like this, there must be suffering, and
+consequently, discontent. Much of this was manifested towards Smith,
+who, by his energy and perseverance, excited the envy of those
+associated with him in the management of the infant colony. At the same
+time, he became the object of dread to the Indians, by his bravery and
+resources. Many of the colonists died of hunger and disease; many were
+dispirited; and at last, in despair, they turned to our adventurer as
+their only hope in this hour of need. Like all generous spirits, he
+forgot his injuries, and set himself to work to remedy the evils that
+beset them. By his ingenuity and daring, he obtained from the Indians
+liberal supplies of corn, venison, and wild fowl, and, under the
+influence of good cheer, the colonists became, comparatively, happy.
+
+But a new and unforeseen calamity awaited our hero. Having penetrated
+into the country, with but few followers, he was beset by a large party
+of Indians, and, after a brave resistance, was taken prisoner. But the
+spirit and presence of mind of this remarkable man did not forsake him
+in this alarming crisis. He did not ask for life, for this would,
+probably, have hastened his death; but requesting that he might see the
+Indian chief, he at the same time drew from his pocket a compass, and
+directed attention to it, partly by signs and partly by words which he
+had learned. The curious instrument amused and surprised his savage
+captors, and averted, for a time, the fate that awaited him.
+
+They soon, however, tied him to a tree, and prepared to shoot him with
+their arrows. Changing their plans suddenly, they led him in a
+procession to a village, where they confined him and fed him so
+abundantly, that Smith thought they were probably fattening him for
+food. After a variety of savage ceremonies, the Indians took him to
+Werowcomoco--the residence of Powhatan, a celebrated chief, of a noble
+and majestic figure, and a countenance bespeaking the severity and
+haughtiness of one whose nod is law.
+
+Powhatan was seated on a throne, with one of his daughters on each side
+of him. Many Indians were standing in the hut, their skins covered with
+paint, and ornamented with feathers and beads. As Smith was brought
+bound into the room, there was a loud shout of triumph, which warned him
+that his last hour had arrived. They gave him water to wash, and food to
+eat, and then, holding a consultation, they determined to kill him. Two
+large stones were brought in and placed before the unbending chief.
+Smith was dragged forward, his head placed upon the stones, and the
+fatal club raised for the cruel deed.
+
+But what stays the savage arm? A child of twelve or thirteen, Pocahontas
+by name, the chief's favorite child, melted by the pity that seldom
+moves the heart of her race, ran to our hero, clasped his head in her
+arms, laid herself down with him on the block, determined to share his
+fate. Surely, of the numberless acts of kindness and benevolence which
+had been showered at different times upon Smith, this transcended them
+all! Startled by the act, and perhaps sympathizing with the feelings of
+his child, Powhatan raised Smith from the earth, and in two days, sent
+him with twelve Indian guides to Jamestown, from which place he had been
+absent seven weeks.
+
+Smith found the colony disheartened by his absence, and in want of
+provisions. These he procured from the Indians, bartering blue beads for
+corn and turkeys. A fire broke out about this time, and burned up many
+of the houses of the colony; this damage, however, Smith set about
+repairing--his patience and energy surmounting every evil.
+
+In June, 1608, our adventurer, tired of his mode of life, set out, with
+fourteen others, to explore Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac river. They
+encountered many tribes of Indians, but Smith's boldness always averted
+their assaults; and his frank and open demeanor generally turned his
+enemies into friends. The party returned to Jamestown in July, when
+Smith was made the president of the colony.
+
+He now made several expeditions, frequently meeting with adventures, and
+falling in with numerous tribes of Indians. He and his party had many
+skirmishes, and suffered considerably from the assaults of the savages;
+but Smith's sagacity and ingenuity rendered them comparatively harmless.
+He explored the whole of Chesapeake Bay, sailing nearly 3000 miles, in
+the space of three months.
+
+About this time, an expedition arrived from the mother country, under
+Capt. Newport, whose object was to make discoveries, and as they were to
+pass through Powhatan's territories, it was thought best to secure his
+favor by various presents. Accordingly, a bed and hangings, a chair of
+state, a suit of scarlet clothes, a crown, and other articles, were
+presented to him with great ceremony. At his coronation, having been
+with difficulty persuaded by the English to kneel, the moment the crown
+touched his head, a volley was fired from the boats, which caused the
+newly-made monarch to start up with affright. By way of return for these
+honors, Powhatan generously presented Captain Newport with his old shoes
+and mantle!
+
+Notwithstanding Smith's exertions in behalf of the colony, the council
+in England were constantly dissatisfied with him. But he did not allow
+anything to abate his zeal for the welfare of the colony under his
+command; even though they were harassed by the Indians, and suffering
+from sickness and privation, he still kept up his courage and energy. He
+entreated the managers in England to send them out mechanics and
+husbandmen, instead of the idle young gentlemen who had come with
+Newport, and took every step in his power to promote the prosperity of
+the settlement.
+
+The colony being now in great want of supplies, Smith made many
+exertions to procure them, but the Indians refused to part with any more
+provisions. A great war of words ensued between Smith and Powhatan,
+which ended in hostilities, Smith endeavoring to take the latter
+prisoner. The Indians, in their turn, made preparations to attack the
+English by night. Of this, they were warned by Pocahontas, who continued
+her kind interpositions in favor of Smith.
+
+Our hero had now experienced, it would seem, enough of adventure and
+peril to satisfy his desires. He often narrowly escaped with his life,
+for the Indians held him in dread, as one to whose prowess they were
+always obliged to yield, and whose address was always an overmatch for
+their own. If they suspected him of any hostile intentions towards them,
+they propitiated him by loads of provisions. To give some idea of
+this--Smith returned from one of his expeditions with two hundred pounds
+of deer's flesh, and four hundred and seventy-nine bushels of corn. But
+at length, growing weary of exertion, and of the animadversion of the
+English company, with trouble abroad, and mutiny and sickness at home,
+he returned to England in 1609.
+
+From this period to 1614, little or nothing is known of him. At this
+date, we again find him, true to his nature, sailing with two ships to
+Maine, for the purpose of capturing whales and searching for gold.
+Failing in these expectations, Smith left his men fishing for cod, while
+he surveyed the coast, from Penobscot to Cape Cod, trafficking with the
+Indians for furs. He then returned to England, and gave his map to the
+king, Charles I., and requested him to change some of the barbarous
+names which had been given to the places discovered. Smith gave the
+country the name of New England. Cape Cod, the name given by Gosnold, on
+account of the number of cod-fish found there, was altered by King
+Charles to Cape James, but the old title has always been retained. With
+the modesty ever manifested by Smith, he gave his own name only to a
+small cluster of islands, which, by some strange caprice, are now called
+the Isles of Shoals.
+
+In January, 1615, Captain Smith set sail for New England, with two
+ships, from Plymouth in England, but was driven back by a storm. He
+embarked again in June, but met with all kinds of disasters, and was at
+last captured by a French squadron, and obliged to remain all summer in
+the admiral's ship. When this ship went to battle with English vessels,
+Smith was sent below; but when they fell in with Spanish ships, they
+obliged him to fight with them. They at length carried him to Rochelle,
+where they put him on board a ship in the harbor. This was but a
+miserable existence to our hero, and he sought various opportunities of
+escape.
+
+At length, a violent storm arising, all hands went below, to avoid the
+pelting rain, and Smith pushed off in a boat, with a half pike for an
+oar, hoping to reach the shore. But a strong current carried him out to
+sea, where he passed twelve hours in imminent danger, being constantly
+covered with the spray. At last, he was thrown upon a piece of marshy
+land, where some fowlers found him, nearly drowned. He was relieved and
+kindly treated at Rochelle, and soon returned to England.
+
+While these adventures were happening to Smith, Pocahontas became
+attached to an English gentleman, of the name of Rolfe, having
+previously separated herself from her father. This would seem an
+unnatural step, were it not for the fact that she had a more tender and
+mild nature than that of her nation, and could not endure to see the
+cruelties practised against the English, in whom she felt so strong an
+interest. She was married in 1613, and by means of this event a lasting
+peace was established with Powhatan and his tribe.
+
+In 1616, Pocahontas visited England with her husband. She had learned to
+speak English well, and was instructed in the doctrines of Christianity.
+As soon as Smith heard of her arrival, he went immediately to see her,
+and he describes her in this interview as "turning about and obscuring
+her face," no doubt, overcome by old recollections. She afterwards,
+however, held a long conversation with Smith. This interesting creature
+was not destined to return to her own land, for, being taken sick at
+Gravesend, in 1617, she died, being only twenty-two years old.
+
+Much has been written concerning this friend of the whites, and all
+agree in ascribing to her character almost every quality that may
+command respect and esteem. She combined the utmost gentleness and
+sweetness, with great decision of mind and nobleness of heart. Captain
+Smith has immortalized her by his eloquent description of her kindness
+to him and his people. From her child are descended some honorable
+families now living in Virginia.
+
+Captain Smith intended to sail for New England in 1617, but his plans
+failed, and he remained in England, using constant exertions to persuade
+his countrymen to settle in America. In 1622, the Indians made a
+dreadful massacre at Jamestown, destroying three hundred and forty-seven
+of the English settlers. This news affected Smith very much, and he
+immediately made proposals to go over to New England, with forces
+sufficient to keep the Indians in check. But the people of England made
+so many objections to the plan, that it was given up by our hero, though
+with great regret. From this period, his story is little known, and we
+are only told that he died in 1631. His life is remarkable for the
+variety of wild adventures in which he was engaged; his character is
+marked as well by courage and daring, as by the somewhat opposite
+qualities of boldness and perseverance. He seems also to have possessed
+many noble and generous qualities of heart. He had, indeed, the elements
+of greatness, and had he been called to a wider field of action, he
+might have left a nobler fame among the annals of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+ETHAN ALLEN.
+
+
+This extraordinary man was born at Litchfield, or Salisbury,
+Connecticut, about the year 1740. He had five brothers and two sisters,
+named Heman, Heber, Levi, Zimri, Ira, Lydia and Lucy. Four or five of
+the former emigrated to Vermont, with Ethan, where their bold, active
+and enterprising spirits found an abundant opportunity for its display.
+Many a wild legend, touching their adventures, still lingers among the
+traditions of the Green Mountains.
+
+About the year 1770, a dispute between New York and New Hampshire, as to
+the dividing line between the two provinces, and which had long been
+pending, came to a crisis. The territory of Vermont was claimed by both
+parties; and some of the settlers who had received grants from Governor
+Wentworth, of New Hampshire, were threatened with being ejected from
+their lands by legal processes, proceeding from the province of New
+York.
+
+The Allens had selected their lands in the township of Bennington, which
+had now become a considerable place. The New York government, in
+conformity with their interpretation of their rights, had proceeded to
+grant patents, covering these very lands on which farms had now been
+brought to an advanced state of culture, and where houses had been built
+and orchards planted by the original purchasers. These proprietors were
+now called upon to take out new patents, at considerable expense, from
+New York, or lose their estates.
+
+This privilege of purchasing their own property was regarded by the
+Vermonters as rather an insult, than a benefit, and most of them refused
+to comply. The question was at last brought to trial at Albany, before a
+New York court, Allen being employed by the defendants as their agent.
+The case was, of course, decided against them, and Allen was advised, by
+the king's attorney-general, to go home and make the best terms he could
+with his new masters, remarking, that "might generally makes right." The
+reply of the mountaineer was brief and significant: "The gods of the
+valley are not the gods of the hills;" by which he meant that the agents
+of the New York government would find themselves baffled at Bennington,
+should they undertake to enforce the decision of the court, against the
+settlers there.
+
+Allen's prediction was prophetic. The sheriffs sent by the government
+were resisted, and finally, a considerable force was assembled, and
+placed under the command of Allen, who obliged the officers to desist
+from their proceedings. A proclamation was now issued by the governor of
+New York, offering a reward of twenty pounds for the apprehension of
+Allen. The latter issued a counter proclamation, offering a reward of
+five pounds to any one who would deliver the attorney-general of the
+colony into his power.
+
+Various proceedings took place, and for several years, the present
+territory of Vermont presented a constant series of disturbances. The
+New York government persevered in its claims, and the settlers as
+obstinately resisted. In all these measures, whether of peace or war,
+Allen was the leader of the Green Mountain yeomanry. Various plots were
+laid for his apprehension, but his address and courage always delivered
+him from the impending danger. At last, the revolution broke out, and
+the dispute was arrested by events which absorbed the public attention.
+The rival claims being thus suspended, the people of Vermont were left
+to pursue their own course.
+
+A few days after the battle of Lexington, a project was started at
+Hartford, Connecticut, for the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, then
+belonging to the British. Several persons set out upon this enterprise,
+and taking Bennington in their way, Allen joined them with some of his
+"Green Mountain Boys," and was appointed commander of the expedition.
+The little band arrived, without molestation, on the banks of Lake
+George, opposite the fort. They procured boats sufficient to carry
+eighty-three men. These crossed in the night, and landed just at the
+dawn of day. While the boats were gone back with the remainder of the
+troops, Allen resolved to attack the fort.
+
+He drew up the men in three ranks, addressed them in a short harangue,
+ordered them to face to the right, and placing himself at the head of
+the middle file, led them silently, but with a quick step, up the
+heights where the fortress stood; and before the sun rose, he had
+entered the gate, and formed his men on the parade between the barracks.
+Here they gave three huzzas, which aroused the sleeping inmates. When
+Colonel Allen passed the gate, a sentinel snapped his fusee at him, and
+then retreated under a covered way. Another sentinel made a thrust at an
+officer with a bayonet, which slightly wounded him. Colonel Allen
+returned the compliment with a cut on the side of the soldier's head, at
+which he threw down his musket, and asked quarter.
+
+No more resistance was made. Allen now demanded to be shown to the
+apartment of Captain Delaplace, the commander of the garrison. It was
+pointed out, and Allen, with Beman, his guide, at his elbow, hastily
+ascended the stairs, which were attached to the outside of the barracks,
+and called out with a voice of thunder at the door, ordering the
+astonished captain instantly to appear, or the whole garrison should be
+sacrificed.
+
+Startled at so strange and unexpected a summons, the commandant sprang
+from his bed and opened the door, when the first salutation of his
+boisterous and unseasonable visitor was an order immediately to
+surrender the fort. Rubbing his eyes, and trying to collect his
+scattered senses, the captain asked by what authority he presumed to
+make such a demand. "In the name of the Great Jehovah, and the
+Continental Congress!" said Allen.
+
+Not accustomed to hear much of the continental congress in this remote
+corner, nor to respect its authority when he did, the commandant began
+to remonstrate; but Colonel Allen cut short the thread of his
+discourse, by lifting his sword over his head, and reiterating the
+demand for an immediate surrender. Having neither permission to argue,
+nor power to resist, Captain Delaplace submitted, ordering his men to
+parade, without arms, and the garrison was given up to the victors.[A]
+
+The fruit of this victory was about fifty prisoners, with one hundred
+and twenty pieces of cannon, beside other arms and military stores. A
+few days after, the fort at Crown Point was taken, and some other
+successful enterprises were achieved. Allen obtained great credit by
+these performances.
+
+In the following autumn, he was twice despatched into Canada, to engage
+the inhabitants to lend their support to the American cause. In the last
+of these expeditions, he formed a plan, in concert with Colonel Brown,
+to reduce Montreal. Allen, accordingly, crossed the river in September,
+1775, at the head of one hundred and ten men, but was attacked, before
+Brown could join him, by the British troops, consisting of five hundred
+men, and, after a most obstinate resistance, was taken prisoner. The
+events of his captivity he himself has recorded in a narrative compiled
+after his release, in the most singular style, but apparently with great
+fidelity.
+
+For some time he was kept in irons, and treated with much severity. He
+was sent to England as a prisoner, with an assurance that, on his
+arrival there, he would meet with the halter. During the passage,
+extreme cruelty was exercised towards him and his fellow-prisoners. They
+were all, to the number of thirty-four, thrust, handcuffed, into a small
+place in the vessel, not more than twenty feet square. After about a
+month's confinement in Pendennie castle, near Falmouth, he was put on
+board a frigate, January 8, 1776, and carried to Halifax. Thence, after
+an imprisonment of five months, he was removed to New York.
+
+On the passage from Halifax to the latter place, he was treated with
+great kindness by Captain Smith, the commander of the vessel, and he
+evinced his gratitude by refusing to join in a conspiracy on board to
+kill the British captain and seize the frigate. His refusal prevented
+the execution of the plan. He remained at New York for a year and a
+half, sometimes in confinement, and sometimes at large, on parole.
+
+In 1778, Allen was exchanged for Colonel Campbell, and immediately
+afterwards, repaired to the head quarters of General Washington, by whom
+he was received with much respect. As his health was impaired, he
+returned to Vermont, after having made an offer of his services to the
+commander-in-chief, in case of his recovery. His arrival in Vermont was
+celebrated by the discharge of cannon; and he was soon appointed to the
+command of the state militia, as a mark of esteem for his patriotism and
+military talents. A fruitless attempt was made by the British to bribe
+him to lend his support to a union of Vermont with Canada. He died
+suddenly at his estate at Colchester, February 13, 1789.
+
+Allen was a man of gigantic stature, being nearly seven feet in height,
+and every way of relative proportions. He possessed undaunted courage,
+and blended bold enterprise with much sagacity. His early education was
+imperfect, but he was the master-spirit in the society among which he
+lived, and he exercised a powerful influence in laying the foundations
+of the state of Vermont. He was a sincere friend of his country, and did
+much in behalf of the revolution. When applied to by the rebel Shays, to
+become the leader of the insurrection in 1786, he rejected the proffer
+with indignation.
+
+Allen was a man of great determination, and, living in the midst of
+turmoil, was somewhat reckless in his temper. While he held a military
+command, during the revolution, a notorious spy was taken and brought to
+his quarters. Allen immediately sentenced him to be hung at the end of
+two or three days, and arrangements were accordingly made for the
+execution. At the appointed time, a large concourse of people had
+collected around the gallows, to witness the hanging. In the mean time,
+however, it had been intimated to Allen that it was necessary to have a
+regular trial of the spy.
+
+This was so obvious, that he felt compelled to postpone the execution of
+the culprit. Irritated, however, at this delay of justice, he proceeded
+to the gallows, and, mounting the scaffold, harangued the assembly
+somewhat as follows: "I know, my friends, you have all come here to see
+Rowley hanged, and, no doubt, you will be greatly disappointed to learn
+that the performances can't take place to-day. Your disappointment
+cannot be greater than mine, and I now declare that if you'll come here
+a fortnight from this day, Rowley shall be hung, or I will be hung
+myself."
+
+The rude state of society in which Allen spent the greater part of his
+life was little calculated to polish his manners. Being at Philadelphia,
+before the election of General Washington as president, he was invited
+to dinner, by the general upon an occasion of some ceremony. He took his
+seat by the side of Mrs. Washington, and in the course of the meal,
+seeing some Spanish olives before him, he took one of them, and put it
+in his mouth. It was the first he had ever tasted, and, of course, his
+palate revolted. "With your leave, ma'am," said he, turning to Lady
+Washington, "I'll take this plaguy thing out of my mouth."
+
+When Allen was in England, a prisoner, persons who had heard him
+represented as a giant in stature, and scarcely short of a cannibal in
+habits and disposition, came to see him, and gazed at him with mingled
+wonder and disgust. It is said, that, on one occasion, a tenpenny nail
+was thrown in to him, as if he were a wild animal. He is reported to
+have picked it up, and, in his vexation, to have bitten it in two. It is
+in allusion to this that Doctor Hopkins wrote,--
+
+  "Lo, Allen 'scaped from British jails,
+  His tushes broke by biting nails," &c.
+
+But however rude were Allen's manners, he was a man of inflexible
+integrity. He was sued, upon a certain occasion, for a note of hand,
+which was witnessed by an individual residing at Boston. When the case
+came on for trial in one of the Vermont courts, the lawyer whom Allen
+had employed to manage it so as to get time, rose, and, for the purpose
+of securing this object, pleaded a denial of the signature.
+
+It chanced that Allen was in the court-house at this moment, and hearing
+this plea, he strode across the court-room, and, while his eyes flashed
+with indignation, he spoke to the court as follows: "May it please your
+honors, that's a lie! I say I did sign that note, and I didn't employ
+Lawyer C****** to come here and tell a falsehood. That's a genuine note,
+and I signed it, please your honors, and I mean to pay it; all I want is
+to put it over till next court, when I expect to have money enough to
+meet it!" This speech gratified the opposing counsel so much, that he
+immediately consented to the delay which Allen desired.
+
+Though Allen's education was limited, by reading and reflection he had
+acquired a considerable amount of knowledge. Presuming upon this, and
+guided by the eccentricity which marked his character, he ventured to
+assail the Christian religion, in a book entitled, "The Oracles of
+Reason." Though he here expressed belief in a God, and a future state of
+rewards and punishments, he rejected the Bible, and seemed to favor the
+Pythagorian doctrine of transmigration of souls. He entertained the idea
+that he was himself destined to reappear on earth in the condition of a
+great white horse! These absurdities show into what depths of folly a
+great man may be led, if he permit his self-conceit to involve him in
+the discussion of subjects beyond his grasp.
+
+
+
+
+DAVID CROCKETT.
+
+
+This individual was one of those remarkable characters, formed by the
+rough and adventurous circumstances of western life. His paternal
+grandfather and grandmother, who were of Irish descent, were murdered by
+the Creek Indians, in Tennessee. He had an uncle who was wounded at the
+same time, and remained in captivity with the savages for seventeen
+months. The subject of our memoir was born in 1786, on the banks of
+Nola-chucky river, he being the fifth son.
+
+At this period, Tennessee was nearly a wilderness, and the forests were
+still, to a great extent, the dominion of the Indian and the wild beast.
+Brought up in this condition, his youthful imagination tinged by the
+tragic story of his ancestors, it was natural that our young hero should
+have become an early lover of those wild enterprises and hazardous
+adventures which belong to border life.
+
+In the memoir with which Crockett has favored us, he gives an account of
+many events, some of which are not a little marvellous, though we have
+no reason to doubt their truth. The following will serve as a specimen
+of his style, as well as of the circumstances which attended his
+childhood. "Joseph Hawkins, who was a brother to my mother, was in the
+woods hunting for deer. He was passing near a thicket of brush, in which
+one of our neighbors was gathering some grapes, as it was in the fall of
+the year, and the grape season. The body of the man was hid by the
+brush, and it was only as he would raise his hand to pull the bunches,
+that any part of him could be seen. It was a likely place for deer; and
+my uncle, having no suspicion that it was any human being, but supposing
+the raising of the hand to be the occasional twitch of a deer's ear,
+fired at the lump, and as the devil would have it, unfortunately shot
+the man through the body. I saw my father draw a silk handkerchief
+through the bullet hole, and entirely through his body; yet, after a
+little while, he got well, as little as any one would have thought it.
+What became of him, or whether he is dead or alive, I don't know; but I
+reckon he didn't fancy the business of gathering grapes in an
+out-of-the-way thicket again."
+
+When David was about eight years old, his father settled in Jefferson
+county, Tennessee, and opened a small tavern, chiefly for wagoners. He
+was poor, and his son says, "Here I remained with him, till I was twelve
+years old. About that time, you may _guess_, if you are a yankee, and
+_reckon_, if, like me, you belong to the backwoods, that I began to make
+my acquaintance with hard times, and plenty of them."
+
+At this period, an old Dutchman, who was proceeding to Rockbridge, a
+distance of four hundred miles, stopped over night at his father's
+house. He had a large stock of cattle, and needing assistance, David was
+hired by him, and proceeded on foot the whole of the journey. He was
+expected to continue with the Dutchman, but his love of home mastered
+him, and taking his clothes in a bundle on his back, he stole away one
+night, and begged his way among the straggling settlements, till he
+reached his father's residence.
+
+David was now sent to school; but at the end of four days he had a
+quarrel with one of his mates, and having scratched his face badly, he
+did not dare to go again. He therefore spent several days in the woods,
+during school hours, leaving his father to suppose he was at his
+lessons. When he found out, from the master, what David had done, he cut
+a hickory stick, and approached him in great wrath, intending to
+chastise him severely. The boy saw the danger, and fled. It was a tight
+race, but youth had the advantage. David escaped, hid himself in the
+woods for a time, and then, bidding adieu to his home, set forth upon
+his adventures.
+
+Passing through a great variety of conditions, he at last reached
+Baltimore, and for the first time looked forth upon the blue ocean and
+the ships that navigate it. He had heard of these things, but he tells
+us, that until he actually saw them, he did not in his heart believe in
+their existence. It seems that his first sight of the sea excited in his
+bosom those deep, yet indescribable emotions, known only to those who
+have had experience like his own.
+
+He set out at length to return to his father's house; but, owing to a
+variety of causes, it was three years before he reached it. It was
+evening when he came to the tavern, and he concluded to ask for
+lodging, and not make himself known, till he saw how the land lay. He
+gives an account of what followed, in these terms:--
+
+"After a while, we were all called to supper: I went with the rest. We
+sat down to the table, and began to eat, when my eldest sister
+recollected me: she sprung up, ran and seized me around the neck, and
+exclaimed, 'Here is my lost brother!'
+
+"My feelings at this time it would be vain and foolish for me to attempt
+to describe. I had often thought I felt before, and I suppose I had; but
+sure I am, I never had felt as I then did. The joy of my sisters, and my
+mother, and indeed of all the family, was such that it humbled me, and
+made me sorry that I hadn't submitted to a hundred whippings, sooner
+than cause so much affliction as they had suffered on my account. I
+found the family had never heard a word of me from the time my brother
+left me. I was now almost fifteen years old, and my increased age and
+size, together with the joy of my father, occasioned by my unexpected
+return, I was sure would secure me against my long-dreaded whipping; and
+so they did. But it will be a source of astonishment to many, who
+reflect that I am now a member of the American Congress--the most
+enlightened body of men in the world--that at so advanced an age, the
+age of fifteen, I did not know the first letter in the book."
+
+The following passage, continuing the narrative, evinces sense and
+feeling, which are honorable to our hero's head and heart. "I had
+remained for some short time at home with my father, when he informed
+me that he owed a man, whose name was Abraham Wilson, the sum of
+thirty-six dollars; and that if I would set in and work out the note, so
+as to lift it for him, he would discharge me from his service, and I
+might go free. I agreed to do this, and went immediately to the man who
+held my father's note, and contracted with him to work six months for
+it. I set in, and worked with all my might, not losing a single day in
+the six months. When my time was out, I got my father's note, and then
+declined working with the man any longer, though he wanted to hire me
+mighty bad. The reason was, it was a place where a heap of bad company
+met to drink and gamble, and I wanted to get away from them, for I
+knowed very well if I staid there I should get a bad name, as nobody
+could be respectable that would live there. I therefore returned to my
+father, and gave him up his paper, which seemed to please him mightily,
+for, though he was poor, he was an honest man, and always tried mighty
+hard to pay off his debts.
+
+"I next went to the house of an honest old Quaker, by the name of John
+Kennedy, who had removed from North Carolina, and proposed to hire
+myself to him, at two shillings a day. He agreed to take me a week on
+trial, at the end of which he appeared pleased with my work, and
+informed me that he held a note on my father for forty dollars, and that
+he would give me that note if I would work for him six months. I was
+certain enough that I should never get any part of the note; but then I
+remembered it was my father that owed it, and I concluded it was my
+duty, as a child, to help him along, and ease his lot as much as I
+could. I told the Quaker I would take him up at his offer, and
+immediately went to work. I never visited my father's house during the
+whole of this engagement, though he lived only fifteen miles off. But
+when it was finished, and I had got the note, I borrowed one of my
+employer's horses, and, on a Sunday evening, went to pay my parents a
+visit. Some time after I got there, I pulled out the note, and handed it
+to my father, who supposed Mr. Kennedy had sent it for collection. The
+old man looked mighty sorry, and said to me he had not the money to pay
+it, and didn't know what he should do. I then told him I had paid it for
+him, and it was then his own; that it was not presented for collection,
+but as a present from me. At this, he shed a heap of tears; and as soon
+as he got a little over it, he said he was sorry he couldn't give me
+anything, but he was not able, he was too poor."
+
+David continued to work for the Quaker, during which time he became
+enamored of a girl in the vicinity, and when he was eighteen he engaged
+to marry her; she, however, proved faithless, and wedded another man.
+The youth took it much to heart, and observes, "I now began to think
+that in making me, it was entirely forgotten to make my mate; that I was
+born odd, and should always remain so." He, however, recovered, and paid
+his addresses to a little girl of the neighborhood, whom he met one day
+when he had got lost in the woods, and married her. She had for her
+marriage portion two cows and two calves; and, with fifteen dollars'
+worth of furniture, they commenced house-keeping. He rented a small
+farm, and went to work. After a few years, he removed to another part
+of the state, where there was plenty of game, in consequence of which he
+became a hunter. About the year 1810, he settled on Bear Creek, where he
+remained till after the war of 1812.
+
+During the Creek war in Tennessee, in 1812, Crockett served as a private
+soldier under General Jackson, and displayed no small share of
+enterprise and daring. He also served in one of the expeditions to
+Florida, meeting with a great variety of adventures. Soon after the
+close of the war, in 1815, he lost his wife, but married again, and, as
+he says, "went ahead."
+
+After a time, he removed, with his family, to Shoal Creek, where the
+settlers, living apart from the rest of the world, set up a government
+for themselves; they established certain laws, and Crockett was elected
+one of the magistrates. The operations of this forest republic are thus
+described by our hero:--
+
+"When a man owed a debt, and wouldn't pay it, I and my constable ordered
+our warrant, and then he would take the man, and bring him before me for
+trial. I would give judgment against him, and then an order for an
+execution would easily scare the debt out of him. If any one was charged
+with marking his neighbor's hogs, or with stealing anything,--which
+happened pretty often in those days,--I would have him taken, and if
+there was tolerable grounds for the charge, I would have him well
+whipped, and cleared. We kept this up till our legislature added us to
+the white settlements in Giles county, and appointed magistrates by law,
+to organize matters in the parts where I lived. They appointed every
+man a magistrate who had belonged to our corporation. I was then, of
+course, made a squire according to law, though now the honor rested more
+heavily on me than before. For, at first, whenever I told my constable,
+says I,--'Catch that fellow, and bring him up for trial,' away he went;
+and the fellow must come, dead or alive; for we considered this a good
+warrant, though it was only in verbal writings. But after I was
+appointed by the assembly, they told me my warrants must be in real
+writing, and signed; and that I must keep a book, and write my
+proceedings in it. This was a hard business on me, for I could just
+barely write my own name."
+
+Crockett now rose rapidly; he was elected a colonel in the militia, and,
+by request of his friends, became a candidate for the state legislature.
+He made an electioneering tour of nearly three months, addressing the
+voters at various points. His account of this part of his life is full
+of wit; and not only throws much light upon western manners, but
+suggests many keen and sagacious reflections upon the character and
+conduct of political leaders, seeking the suffrages of the people. His
+success upon the stump was great, though he confesses he knew nothing
+about government, and dared not even touch the subject. He told droll
+stories, however, which answered a better purpose, and in the result,
+was triumphantly elected. We must not omit to give Crockett's own
+account of himself at this period.
+
+"A short time after this," says he, "I was in Pulaski, where I met with
+Colonel Polk, now a member of Congress from Tennessee. He was at that
+time a member elected to the legislature, as well as myself; and in a
+large company he said to me, 'Well, Colonel, I suppose we shall have a
+radical change of the judiciary at the next session of the legislature.'
+'Very likely, sir,' says I; and I put out quicker, for I was afraid some
+one would ask me what the judiciary was; and if I knowed, I wish I may
+be shot. I don't indeed believe I had ever before heard that there was
+any such thing in all nature; but still I was not willing that the
+people there should know how ignorant I was about it. When the time for
+meeting of the legislature arrived, I went on, and before I had been
+there long, I could have told what the judiciary was, and what the
+government was too; and many other things that I had known nothing about
+before."
+
+Crockett now removed to the borders of the Obion, and settled in the
+woods, his nearest white neighbor being seven miles off. The country
+around gradually became peopled, and in the course of a few years he was
+again put in nomination, without his own consent or knowledge, for the
+legislature. His antagonist was Dr. Butler, a relative of General
+Jackson's, and, as Crockett describes him, "a clever fellow, and the
+most talented man I ever run against, for any office." Two other
+candidates were in the field, but David beat them all by a handsome
+majority. This occurred in 1825. In 1827, he was elected to Congress,
+and re-elected in 1829, by a majority of 3500 votes. No man could at
+that time stand against him, with hopes of success. In 1831, however, he
+lost his election, but succeeded in 1833. He was defeated in 1835, and,
+having gone to Texas, engaged in the defence of Bexar, and was slain in
+the storming of that place, March 6th, 1836.
+
+The character of David Crockett is by no means to be set up as a model
+for imitation, yet he was a man of excellent traits of character. Brave,
+hospitable, honest, patriotic, and sincere, he was the representative of
+the hardy hunters of the west--a race of men fast fading away, or
+receding with the remote borders of our western settlements. Destitute
+of school education, he supplied the defect, in a great degree, by ready
+wit, and that talent which is developed strongly by the necessities of a
+hard and hazardous course of life. In civilized society, he retained the
+marks of his forest breeding, as well as the innate eccentricity of his
+character, and became conspicuous as one of those humorists, whom
+nothing can change from their original conformation.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+DANIEL BOONE.
+
+
+There are few names in the West better known, or more respected, than
+that of Colonel Daniel Boone. He is regarded as the founder of Kentucky,
+and in his character, was a good specimen of the early settler, who
+united in his own person the offices of hunter and husbandman, soldier
+and statesman. He was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1746, and in his
+boyhood gave earnest of his future career, by his surpassing skill in
+the use of a gun, as exercised against squirrels, raccoons, and
+wild-cats.
+
+A love of hunting became his ruling passion, and he would wander, for
+whole days alone, through the woods, seeming to take great delight in
+these rambles, even if he found no game. One morning, when he was about
+fourteen years old, he was observed, as usual, to throw the band that
+suspended his shot bag, over the shoulder, and go forth, accompanied by
+his dog. Night came, but, to the astonishment and alarm of his parents,
+the boy came not. Another day and another night passed, and still he did
+not return. The nearest neighbors, sympathizing with the distressed
+parents, who considered him lost, at length turned out, to aid in
+finding him.
+
+After a long and weary search, a smoke was seen arising from a temporary
+hovel of sods and branches, at a distance of a league from any
+plantation, in which the astonished father found his child; he was,
+apparently, most comfortably occupied in making an experiment in
+housekeeping. Numerous skins of wild animals were stretched upon his
+cabin, as trophies of his hunting prowess. Ample fragments of their
+flesh were around--either thrown aside or prepared for cookery.
+
+A few years after this, Boone removed, with his father, to North
+Carolina, where they founded a settlement upon the banks of the Yadkin.
+The country was new, and almost totally uninhabited; the game was
+abundant, and afforded ample scope for young Boone's talents as a
+hunter. One night, he went out with a friend, upon what is called a
+_fire hunt_, the object of which was to shoot deer. In this sport, an
+iron pan, filled with blazing knots of pitch pine, is carried by one of
+the sportsmen. This casts a ruddy glare deep into the forest; and the
+deer, as if bound by a spell of enchantment, stands still, and gazes at
+the unwonted apparition. The lustrous eye of the animal is easily seen
+by the hunter, and thus becomes a mark for the rifle.
+
+On the present occasion, the two hunters had reached the corner of a
+farmer's field early in the evening, when Boone's companion, who held
+the fire pan, gave the signal that he _shined_ the eyes of a deer. Boone
+approached with his ready rifle, and, perceiving the glistening eyes,
+was about to fire, when the deer suddenly retreated. He pursued, and,
+after a rapid chase through the woods, came suddenly out at the
+farmer's house. What was the young hunter's astonishment then to
+discover that the object upon which he had levelled his rifle a few
+minutes before, was a beautiful girl of sixteen, and the daughter of the
+farmer! Boone could do no less than enter the house. The scene that
+followed is thus described by the biographer:
+
+"The ruddy, flaxen-haired girl stood full in view of her terrible
+pursuer, leaning upon his rifle, and surveying her with the most eager
+admiration. 'Rebecca, this is young Boone, son of our neighbor,' was the
+laconic introduction, offered by the father. Both were young, beautiful,
+and at the period when the affections exercise their most energetic
+influence. The circumstances of the introduction were favorable to the
+result, and the young hunter felt that the eyes of the deer had _shined_
+his bosom as fatally as his rifle-shot had ever done the innocent deer
+of the thickets.
+
+"She, too, when she saw the high, open, bold forehead--the clear, keen,
+yet gentle and affectionate eye--the firm front, and the visible impress
+of decision and fearlessness of the hunter; when she interpreted a look,
+which said, as distinctly as looks could say it, 'how terrible it would
+have been to have fired!' she can hardly be supposed to have regarded
+him with indifference. Nor can it be wondered at that she saw in him her
+_beau ideal_ of excellence and beauty.
+
+"The inhabitants of cities, who live in splendid mansions, and read
+novels stored with unreal pictures of life and the heart, are apt to
+imagine that love, with all its golden illusions, is reserved
+exclusively for them. It is a most egregious mistake. A model of ideal
+beauty and perfection is woven in almost every youthful heart, of the
+finest and most brilliant threads that compose the web of existence. It
+may not be said that this forest maiden was deeply and foolishly smitten
+at first sight. All reasonable time and space were granted to the claims
+of maidenly modesty. As for Boone, he was incurably wounded by her,
+whose eyes he had _shined_, and as he was remarkable for the backwoods'
+attribute of never being beaten out of his track, he ceased not to woo,
+until he gained the heart of Rebecca Bryan. In a word, he courted her
+successfully, and they were married."
+
+Boone removed with his wife to the head waters of the Yadkin, where he
+remained for several years, engaged in the quiet pursuits of a
+husbandman. But in process of time, the country was settled around him,
+and the restraints of orderly society became established. These were
+disagreeable to his love of unbounded liberty, and he began to think of
+seeking a new home in the yet unoccupied wilderness. Having heard an
+account of Kentucky from a man by the name of Finley, who had made an
+expedition thither, he determined to explore the country. Accordingly,
+in 1769, he set out with four associates, and soon, bidding adieu to the
+habitations of man, plunged into the boundless forest.
+
+They ascended and crossed the Alleganies, and at last stood on the
+western summit of the Cumberland Ridge. What a scene opened before
+them!--the illimitable forest, as yet unbroken by civilized man, and
+occupied only by savage beasts and more savage men. Yet it bore the
+marks of the highest fertility. Trees of every form, and touched with
+every shade of verdure, rose to an unwonted height on every side. In the
+distance, broad rivers flashed beneath the sun. How little did these
+hunters imagine that this noble country, within the compass of fifty
+years, was to be dotted with villages, and crowned with cities!
+
+The party proceeded in their march. They met with an abundance of every
+species of game. The buffalo occupied the plains by thousands; and on
+one occasion, the whole party came near being crushed by a herd of these
+animals, that came rushing like a torrent across a prairie.
+
+They spent the summer in the woods, and in December divided themselves
+into two parties, for the purpose of extending their means of
+observation. Boone and Stewart formed one division of the party. As they
+proceeded toward the Kentucky river, they were never out of sight of
+buffaloes, deer and wild turkeys. While they were one day leisurely
+descending a hill, the Indian yell suddenly broke upon their ears; a
+moment after, they were surrounded by savages, who sprung up from the
+cane-brakes around, and made them captives. Their hands were bound, and
+they were compelled to march, a long distance, to the Indian camp. On
+the second night, they escaped, and returned to the place where they
+expected to meet their former companions. These, it appears, had
+returned to Kentucky. That very day, however, Boone's brother arrived
+with a single companion, having made his way through the trackless
+forest, from his residence on the Yadkin.
+
+The four adventurers now devoted themselves to hunting; but, one day,
+while they were out, Boone and Stewart, being separated from their
+companions, were attacked by Indians, and the latter was shot dead by an
+arrow. Boone, with some difficulty, escaped to the camp. A short time
+after this, the companion of the elder Boone wandered into the woods,
+and was lost. The two brothers sought for him with anxious care, and at
+last found traces of blood and fragments of his clothes in the vicinity
+of a place where they had heard the howling of wolves. There was little
+doubt that he had fallen a sacrifice to these terrible animals. Boone
+and his brother were now the only white men west of the mountains, yet
+their spirits were not damped by their condition or by the sad fate
+which had befallen their companions. They hunted by day; cooked their
+game, sat by their bright fires and sung the airs of their country at
+night. They also devoted much of their time to the preparation of a
+cabin for the approaching winter.
+
+This came at length and passed away; but they were now in want of many
+things, especially ammunition, which was beginning to fail them. After
+long consultation, it was agreed that the elder Boone should return to
+North Carolina, and bring back ammunition, horses, and supplies.
+
+The character of Daniel Boone, in consenting to be left alone in the
+wilderness, surrounded by perils from the Indians and wild beasts, of
+which he had so recently and terribly been made aware, appears in its
+true light. We have heard of a Robinson Crusoe, made so by the
+necessities of shipwreck; but all history can scarcely furnish another
+instance of a man, voluntarily consenting to be left alone among savages
+and wild beasts, seven hundred miles from the nearest white inhabitants.
+
+The separation at last came. The elder brother disappeared in the
+forest, and Daniel Boone was left in the cabin, entirely alone. Their
+only dog followed the departing brother, and our hunter had nothing but
+his unconquerable spirit to sustain him during the long and lonely days
+and nights, visited by the remembrance of his distant wife and children.
+
+To prevent the recurrence of dark and lonely thoughts, soon after his
+brother's departure, Boone set out on a tour of observation, and made an
+excursion to the Ohio river. He returned at last to his camp, which he
+found undisturbed. From this point he continued to make trips into the
+woods, in which he met with a variety of adventures. It was in May that
+his brother left him, and late in July he returned, with two horses and
+an abundant supply of needful articles. He brought also the welcome
+intelligence of the welfare of his brother's family and their kind
+remembrance of him.
+
+The two brothers now set about selecting a situation for a settlement,
+where they intended to bring their families. One day, as they were
+passing through the woods, they saw a herd of buffaloes in great uproar.
+They were running, plunging, and bellowing, as if roused to fury. The
+hunters approached the throng, and perceived that a panther had leaped
+upon the back of one of these huge animals, and was gnawing away the
+flesh. The buffalo, maddened by the agony, dashed among the herd, and
+these were soon thrown into wild confusion. Boone picked his flint, took
+a deliberate aim, and fired; the panther fell from his seat, and the
+herd passed on.
+
+We cannot pursue the history of our hero, in all its adventurous
+details. We have told enough to display the leading traits of his
+character, and we must now hasten on, only noting the principal events.
+He returned with his brother to North Carolina, and in September, 1773,
+commenced his removal to Kentucky, with his own family and five others,
+for the purpose of settling there. They were joined by forty men, who
+placed themselves under Boone's guidance. On their route they were
+attacked by the Indians; six of the men were killed, and the cattle were
+dispersed. The emigrants, therefore, returned as far as Clinch river,
+where they made a temporary settlement.
+
+In 1775, Boone assisted in building a fort at a place which was called
+Boonesburgh, and when completed, he removed his family thither. Two
+years after, he here sustained two formidable sieges from the Indians,
+whom he repulsed. In the following year he was taken while hunting, by
+the savages, and carried to Detroit. He escaped, and at last returned to
+his family. Again the fort was invested by the Indians and Canadian
+Frenchmen, four hundred and fifty strong. Boone, with fifty men, held
+out, and finally the assailants withdrew. This was the last attack upon
+Boonesburgh.
+
+In 1792, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as a state, and soon
+after, Boone, being involved in one of the innumerable law-suits which
+were about this time inflicted upon Kentucky, was deprived of his whole
+estate by an adverse decision. The indignation of the old hunter, at
+first, knew no bounds; but his tranquillity soon returned. He was,
+however, thoroughly disgusted with civilized society, and determined
+again, though gray with years, to find a home in the unbroken forest.
+
+In 1798, having obtained a grant of two thousand acres of land from the
+Spanish authorities in upper Louisiana, now Missouri, he removed thither
+with his family, and settled at Charette. Here he devoted himself to his
+familiar pursuits of hunting and trapping, and in September, 1822, he
+died, being in his eighty-fifth year.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN.
+
+
+Charles XII. was born on the 27th June, 1682. He was the son of Charles
+XI., a harsh and despotic prince. From his earliest years, he glowed to
+imitate the heroic character of Alexander, and, in his eagerness to
+reign, caused himself to be declared king of Sweden at the age of
+fifteen. At his coronation, he boldly seized the crown from the hands of
+the archbishop of Upsal, and set it on his own head.
+
+His youth seemed to invite the attacks of his neighbors, of Poland,
+Denmark and Russia; but Charles, unawed by the prospect of hostilities,
+and though scarcely eighteen, determined to assail his enemies, one
+after the other. He besieged Copenhagen, and, by his vigorous measures,
+so terrified the Danish monarch, that, in less than six weeks, he
+obliged him to sue for peace.
+
+From humbled Denmark, he marched against the Russians; and though at the
+head of only eight thousand men, he attacked the enemy who were
+besieging Narva with one hundred thousand men. The conflict was
+dreadful; thirty thousand were slain, twenty thousand asked for quarter,
+and the rest were taken or destroyed; while the Swedes had only twelve
+hundred killed, and eight hundred wounded. From Narva, the victorious
+monarch advanced into Poland, defeated the Saxons who opposed his march,
+and obliged the Polish king, in suing for peace, to renounce his crown
+and acknowledge Stanislaus for his successor.
+
+It was a disgraceful condition of the treaty made with Augustus that he
+should give up Reinhold Patkul, a Polish nobleman, to the Swedish king.
+This patriot had nobly defended the liberties of his country against its
+enemies, and to escape the consequences, when Poland had fallen, went to
+Russia, and entered into the service of the Czar. Peter sent him as
+ambassador to Poland, and Augustus delivered him up to Charles. He was
+taken to Stockholm, tried as a rebel and traitor, and broke on the
+wheel. Such was the justice, such the mercy, of the chivalrous Charles
+XII.!
+
+Fixing his head quarters near Leipsic, with a victorious army of fifty
+thousand veteran Swedes, he now attracted the attention of all Europe.
+He received ambassadors from the principal powers, and even the Duke of
+Marlborough paid him a visit to induce him to join the allies against
+Louis XIV. But Charles had other views, which were to dethrone his
+rival, Peter of Russia. Accordingly, after adjusting various matters, he
+proceeded to the north, with forty-three thousand men, in September,
+1707.
+
+In January, he defeated the Russians in Lithuania, and in June, 1708,
+met Peter on the banks of the Berezina. The Swedes crossed the river,
+and the Russians fled. Charles pursued them as far as Smolensk; but in
+September he began to experience the real difficulties of a Russian
+campaign. The country was desolate, the roads wretched, the winter
+approaching, and the army had hardly provisions for a fortnight.
+Charles, therefore, abandoned his plan of marching upon Moscow, and
+turned to the south towards the Ukraine, where Mazeppa, hetman or chief
+of the Cossacks, had agreed to join him against Peter.
+
+Charles advanced towards the river Desna, an affluent of the Dnieper,
+which it joins near Kiew; but he missed his way among the extensive
+marshes which cover a great part of the country, and in which almost all
+his artillery and wagons were lost. Meantime, the Russians had dispersed
+Mazeppa's Cossacks, and Mazeppa himself came to join Charles as a
+fugitive with a small body of followers. Lowenhaupt, also, who was
+coming from Poland with fifteen thousand men, was defeated by Peter in
+person.
+
+Charles thus found himself in the wilds of the Ukraine, hemmed in by the
+Russians, without provisions, and the winter setting in with unusual
+severity. His army, thinned by cold, hunger, fatigue and the sword, was
+now reduced to twenty-four thousand men. In this condition, he passed
+the winter in the Ukraine, his army subsisting chiefly by the exertions
+of Mazeppa. In the spring, with eighteen thousand Swedes and as many
+Cossacks, he laid siege to the town of Pultowa, where the Russians had
+collected large stores. During the siege, he was severely wounded in the
+foot; and soon after, Peter himself appeared to relieve Pultowa, at the
+head of seventy thousand men. Charles had now no choice but to risk a
+general battle, which was fought on the 8th of July, 1709, and ended in
+the total defeat of the Swedes.
+
+At the close of the battle, Charles was placed on horseback, and,
+attended by about five hundred horse, who cut their way through more
+than ten Russian regiments, was conducted, for the space of a league, to
+the baggage of the Swedish army. In the flight, the king's horse was
+killed under him, and he was placed upon another. They selected a coach
+from the baggage, put Charles in it, and fled towards the Borysthenes
+with the utmost precipitation. He was silent for a time, but, at last,
+made some inquiries. Being informed of the fatal result of the battle,
+he said, cheerfully, "Come then, let us go to the Turks."
+
+While he was making his escape, the Russians seized his artillery in the
+camp before Pultowa, his baggage and his military chest, in which they
+found six millions in specie, the spoils of Poland and Saxony. Nine
+thousand men, partly Swedes and partly Cossacks, were killed in the
+battle, and about six thousand were taken prisoners. There still
+remained about sixteen thousand men, including the Swedes, Poles and
+Cossacks, who fled towards the Borysthenes, under conduct of General
+Lowenhaupt.
+
+He marched one way with his fugitive troops, and the king took another
+with some of his horse. The coach in which he rode broke down by the
+way, and they again set him on horseback. To complete his misfortune, he
+was separated from his troops and wandered all night in the woods;
+here, his courage being no longer able to support his exhausted spirits,
+the pain of his wound became more intolerable from fatigue, and his
+horse falling under him through excessive weariness, he lay some hours,
+at the foot of a tree, in danger of being surprised every moment by the
+conquerors, who were searching for him on every side.
+
+At last, on the 10th July, at night, Charles reached the banks of the
+Borysthenes. Lowenhaupt had just arrived with the shattered remains of
+his army. It was with a mixture of joy and sorrow that the Swedes beheld
+their king, whom they had supposed dead. The victorious enemy was now
+approaching. The Swedes had neither a bridge to pass the river, nor time
+to make one, nor powder to defend themselves, nor provisions to support
+an army which had eaten nothing for two days. But more than all this,
+Charles was reduced to a state of extreme weakness by his wound, and was
+no longer himself. They carried him along like a sick person, in a state
+of insensibility.
+
+Happily there was at hand a sorry calash, which by chance the Swedes had
+brought along with them; this they put on board a little boat, and the
+king and General Mazeppa embarked in another. The latter had saved
+several coffers of money; but the current being rapid, and a violent
+wind beginning to blow, the Cossacks threw more than three fourths of
+his treasure overboard to lighten the boat. Thus the king crossed the
+river, together with a small troop of horse, belonging to his guards,
+who succeeded in swimming the river. Every foot soldier who attempted
+to cross the stream was drowned.
+
+Guided by the dead carcasses of the Swedes, that thickly strewed their
+path, a detachment of the Russian army came upon the fugitives. Some of
+the Swedes, reduced to despair, threw themselves into the river, while
+others took their own lives. The remainder capitulated, and were made
+slaves. Thousands of them were dispersed over Siberia, and never again
+returned to their country. In this barbarous region, rendered ingenious
+through necessity, they exercised trades and employments, of which they
+had not before the least idea.
+
+All the distinctions which fortune had formerly established between them
+before, were now banished. The officer, who could not follow any trade,
+was obliged to cleave and carry wood for the soldier, now turned tailor,
+clothier, joiner, mason, or goldsmith, and who got a subsistence by his
+labors. Some of the officers became painters, and others architects;
+some of them taught the languages and mathematics. They even established
+some public schools, which in time became so useful and famous, that the
+citizens of Moscow sent their children thither for education.
+
+The Swedish army, which had left Saxony in such a triumphant manner, was
+now no more. Three fourths had perished in battle, or by starvation, and
+the rest were slaves. Charles XII. had lost the fruit of nine years'
+labor, and almost one hundred battles. He had escaped in a wretched
+calash, attended by a small troop. These followed, some on foot, some on
+horseback, and others in wagons, through a desert, where neither huts,
+tents, men, beasts, nor roads were to be seen. Everything was wanting,
+even water itself.
+
+It was now the beginning of July; the country lay in the forty-seventh
+degree of latitude; the dry sand of the desert rendered the heat of the
+sun the more insupportable; the horses fell by the way, and the men were
+ready to die with thirst. A brook of muddy water, which they found
+towards evening, was all they met with; they filled some bottles with
+this water, which saved the lives of the king's troops.
+
+Triumphing over incredible difficulties, Charles and his little guard at
+last reached Benda, in the Turkish territory. He was hospitably received
+by the governor; and the sultan, Achmet III., gave orders that he should
+have entertainment and protection. He now attempted to induce the sultan
+to engage in his cause, but the Russian agents at the Turkish court
+produced an impression against him, and orders were sent to the governor
+of Benda, to compel the king to depart, and in case he refused, to bring
+him, living or dead, to Adrianople.
+
+Little used to obey, Charles determined to resist. Having but two or
+three hundred men, he still disposed them in the best manner he could,
+and when attacked by the whole force of the Turkish army, he only
+yielded step by step. His house at last took fire, yet the king and his
+soldiers still resisted. When, involved in flames and smoke, he was
+about to abandon it, his spurs became entangled, and he fell and was
+taken prisoner. His eyelashes were singed by powder and his clothes were
+covered with blood. He was now removed to Demotica, near Adrianople.
+Here he spent two months in bed, feigning sickness, and employed in
+reading and writing.
+
+Convinced, at last, that he could expect no assistance from the Porte,
+he set off, in disguise, with two officers. Accustomed to every
+deprivation, he pursued his journey on horseback, through Hungary and
+Germany, day and night, with such haste, that only one of his attendants
+was able to keep up with him. Exhausted and haggard, he arrived before
+Stralsund, about one o'clock, on the night of the 11th November, 1714.
+
+Pretending to be a courier with important despatches from Turkey, he
+caused himself to be immediately introduced to the commandant, Count
+Dunker, who questioned him concerning the king, without recognising him
+till he began to speak, when he sprang, joyfully from his bed, and
+embraced the knees of his master. The report of Charles' arrival spread
+rapidly through the city. The houses were illuminated, and every
+demonstration of joy was exhibited.
+
+A combined army of Danes, Saxons, Russians and Prussians now invested
+Stralsund. Charles performed miracles of bravery in its defence, but was
+obliged, at last, to surrender the fortress. Various events now took
+place, and negotiations were entered into for pacification with Russia.
+In the mean time, Charles had laid siege to Friedrichshall, in Norway.
+On the 3d of November, 1718, while in the trenches, and leaning against
+the parapet, examining the workmen, he was struck on the head by a
+cannon ball, and instantly killed. He was found dead in the same
+position, his hand on his sword; in his pocket were the portrait of
+Gustavus Adolphus, and a prayer-book. It is probable that the fatal ball
+was fired, not from the hostile fortress, but from the Swedish side; his
+adjutant, Siguier, has been accused as an accomplice in his murder.
+
+The life of Charles XII. presents a series of marvellous events, yet his
+character inspires us with little respect or sympathy. He aspired only
+to be a military hero, and to reign by the power of his arms. He had the
+bravery, perseverance, and decision suited to the soldier, and that
+utter selfishness, and recklessness of human life and happiness, which
+are necessary ingredients in the character of a mere warrior. His
+cheerfulness in adversity, and his patient endurance of pain and
+privation, were counterbalanced by obstinacy, amounting almost to
+insanity. Charles had, indeed, the power of attaching friends strongly
+to his person; and there is something almost sublime in the utter
+disregard of comfort, pleasure, and even life, displayed by his soldiers
+and officers, in their care of his person, and their obedience to his
+commands. Yet, however elevating may be the sentiment of loyalty, we
+cannot feel that, in the present instance, it was bestowed upon a worthy
+object.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CID.
+
+
+This celebrated hero of Spanish history has been for more than eight
+centuries the theme of eulogy and song, and doubtless his wonderful
+achievements and romantic fame have contributed to kindle an emulous
+flame in many a youthful bosom, and to stir up even a nation to the
+resistance of oppression. It is by no means improbable that many of the
+deeds of valor and patriotic devotion witnessed during the invasion of
+Spain by Napoleon's armies, had their source in the name and fame of the
+Cid. In one of the numerous ballads which recount his history, and which
+are among the popular poetry of Spain to this day, he is addressed in
+the following vigorous lines:--
+
+  "Mighty victor, never vanquished,
+    Bulwark of our native land,
+  Shield of Spain, her boast and glory,
+    Knight of the far-dreaded brand,
+  Venging scourge of Moors and traitors,
+    Mighty thunderbolt of war,
+  Mirror bright of chivalry,
+    Ruy, my Cid Campeador!"
+
+This chivalrous knight was born at Burgos, in the year 1025. His name
+was Rodrigo, or Ruy Diaz, Count of Bivar. He was called the _Cid_, which
+means lord; and the name of _Campeador_, or champion without an equal,
+was appropriated as his peculiar title. At this period, the greater part
+of the Peninsula was in the hands of the Arabs or Moors, who had invaded
+them three centuries before. The few Goths who had remained unconquered
+among the mountains, maintained a constant warfare upon the infidels,
+and by the time of which we speak, they had recovered a large portion of
+the country lying in the northwestern quarter. This territory was
+divided into several petty kingdoms, or counties, the principal of
+which, at the time of our hero's birth, were united under Ferdinand I.,
+the founder of the kingdom of Castile. The rest of the Peninsula,
+subject to the Arabs, was also divided into petty kingdoms.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The father of Rodrigo, Don Diego Lainez, was the representative of an
+ancient, wealthy, and noble race. When our hero was a mere stripling,
+his father was grossly insulted by the haughty and powerful Count of
+Gormaz, Don Lozano Gomez, who smote him in the face, in the very
+presence of the king and court. The dejection of the worthy hidalgo, who
+was very aged, and therefore incapable of taking personal vengeance for
+his wrong, is thus strongly depicted in one of the ballads:--
+
+  "Sleep was banished from his eyelids;
+    Not a mouthful could he taste;
+  There he sat with downcast visage,--
+    Direly had he been disgraced.
+
+  Never stirred he from his chamber;
+    With no friends would he converse,
+  Lest the breath of his dishonor
+    Should pollute them with its curse."
+
+When young Rodrigo, the son, was informed of the indignity offered to
+his father, he was greatly incensed, and determined to avenge it. He
+accordingly took down an old sword, which had been the instrument of
+mighty deeds in the hands of his ancestors, and, mounting a horse,
+proceeded to challenge the haughty Count Gomez, in the following
+terms:--
+
+  "How durst thou to smite my father?
+    Craven caitiff! know that none
+  Unto him shall do dishonor,
+    While I live, save God alone.
+
+  For this wrong, I must have vengeance,--
+    Traitor, here I thee defy!
+  With thy blood alone my sire
+    Can wash out his infamy!"
+
+The count despised his youth, and refused his challenge; but the boy set
+bravely upon him, and, after a fierce conflict, was victorious. He bore
+the bleeding head of his antagonist to his father, who greeted him with
+rapture. His fame was soon spread abroad, and he was reckoned among the
+bravest squires of the time.
+
+But now there appeared before king Ferdinand and the court of Burgos the
+lovely Ximena, daughter of the Count Gomez, demanding vengeance of the
+sovereign for the death of her father. She fell on her knees at the
+king's feet, crying for justice.
+
+  "Justice, king! I sue for justice--
+    Vengeance on a traitorous knight;
+  Grant it me! so shall thy children
+    Thrive, and prove thy soul's delight."
+
+When she had spoken these words, her eye fell on Rodrigo, who stood
+among the attendant nobles, and she exclaimed,--
+
+  "Thou hast slain the best and bravest
+    That e'er set a lance in rest,
+  Of our holy faith the bulwark,--
+    Terror of each Paynim breast.
+
+  Traitorous murderer, slay me also!
+    Though a woman, slaughter me!
+  Spare not! I'm Ximena Gomez,
+    Thine eternal enemy!
+
+  Here's my heart,--smite, I beseech thee!
+    Smite! and fatal be thy blow!
+  Death is all I ask, thou caitiff,--
+    Grant this boon unto thy foe."
+
+Not a word, however, did Rodrigo reply, but, seizing the bridle of his
+steed, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode slowly away. Ximena turned
+to the crowd of nobles, and seeing that none prepared to follow him and
+take up her cause, she cried aloud, "Vengeance, sirs, I pray you
+vengeance!" A second time did the damsel disturb the king, when at a
+banquet, with her cries for justice. She had now a fresh complaint.
+
+  "Every day at early morning,
+    To despite me more, I wist,
+  He who slew my sire doth ride by,
+    With a falcon on his fist.
+
+  At my tender dove he flies it;
+    Many of them hath it slain.
+  See, their blood hath dyed my garments,
+    With full many a crimson stain."
+
+Rodrigo, however, was not punished, and the king suspected that this
+conduct of the young count was only typical of his purpose to hawk at
+the lady himself, and make her the captive of love. He was therefore
+left to pursue his career; and he soon performed an achievement which
+greatly increased his fame. Five Moorish chiefs or kings, and their
+attendants, had made a foray into the Castilian territories, and, being
+unresisted, were bearing off immense booty and many captives. Rodrigo,
+though still a youth under twenty, mounted his horse, Babieca, as famous
+in his story as is Bucephalus in that of Alexander, hastily gathered a
+host of armed men, and fell suddenly upon the Moors, among the mountains
+of Oca. He routed them with great slaughter, captured the five kings,
+and recovered all that they had taken.
+
+The spoil he divided among his followers, but reserved the kings for his
+own share, and carried them home to his castle of Bivar, to present
+them, as proofs of his prowess, to his mother. With his characteristic
+generosity, which was conspicuous even at this early age, he then set
+them at liberty, on their agreeing to pay him tribute; and they departed
+to their respective territories, lauding his valor and magnanimity.
+
+The fame of this exploit soon spread far and wide, through the land, and
+as martial valor in those chivalrous times was the surest passport to
+ladies' favor, it must have had its due effect on Ximena's mind, and
+will, in a great measure, account for the entire change in her
+sentiments towards the youth, which she manifested on another visit to
+Burgos. Falling on her knees before the king, she spoke thus:--
+
+  "I am daughter of Don Gomez,
+    Count of Gormaz was he hight;
+  Him Rodrigo by his valor
+    Did o'erthrow in mortal fight.
+
+  King! I come to crave a favor--
+    This the boon for which I pray,
+  That thou give me this Rodrigo
+    For my wedded lord this day.
+
+  Grant this precious boon, I pray thee;
+    'Tis a duty thou dost owe;
+  For the great God hath commanded
+    That we should forgive a foe."
+
+There is a touch of nature in all this, that is quite amusing: while the
+lady's anger burns, she cries for justice; when love has taken
+possession of her heart, she appeals to religion to enforce her wishes.
+"Now I see," said the king, "how true it is, what I have often heard,
+that the will of woman is wild and strange. Hitherto this damsel hath
+sought deadly vengeance on the youth, and now she would have him to
+husband. Howbeit, with right good will I will grant what she desireth."
+
+He sent at once for Rodrigo, who, with a train of three hundred young
+nobles, his friends and kinsmen, all arrayed in new armor and robes of
+brilliant color, obeyed with all speed the royal summons. The king rode
+forth to meet him, "for right well did he love Rodrigo," and opened the
+matter to him, promising him great honors and much land if he would make
+Ximena his bride. Rodrigo, who desired nothing better, and who doubtless
+had hoped for this issue, at once acquiesced.
+
+  "King and lord! right well it pleaseth
+    Me thy wishes to fulfil:
+  In this thing, as in all others,
+    I obey thy sovereign will."
+
+The young pair then plighted their troth in presence of the king, and in
+pledge thereof gave him their hands. He kept his promise, and gave
+Rodrigo Valduerna, Saldana, Belforado, and San Pedro de Cardena, for a
+marriage portion.
+
+The wedding was attended by vast pomp and great festivities. Rodrigo,
+sumptuously attired, went with a long procession to the church. After a
+while, Ximena came, with a veil over her head and her hair dressed in
+large plaits, hanging over her ears. She wore an embroidered gown of
+fine London cloth, and a close-fitting spencer. She walked on
+high-heeled clogs of red leather. A necklace of eight medals or plates
+of gold, with a small pendent image of St. Michael, which together were
+"worth a city," encircled her white neck.
+
+The happy pair met, seized each other's hands, and embraced. Then said
+Rodrigo, with great emotion, as he gazed on his bride,--
+
+  "I did slay thy sire, Ximena,
+    But, God wot, not traitorously;
+  'Twas in open fight I slew him:
+    Sorely had he wronged me.
+
+  A man I slew,--a man I give thee,--
+    Here I stand thy will to bide!
+  Thou, in place of a dead father,
+    Hast a husband at thy side."
+
+  All approved well his prudence,
+    And extolled him with zeal;
+  Thus they celebrate the nuptials
+    Of Rodrigo of Castile.
+
+We cannot attend this renowned hero through his long and brilliant
+career. We must be content to say, that on all occasions he displayed
+every noble and heroic quality. His life was an almost perpetual strife
+with the Moors, whom he defeated in many combats. Having collected a
+considerable force, on one occasion, he penetrated to the southeastern
+extremity of Arragon, and established himself in a strong castle, still
+called the Rock of the Cid. He afterwards pushed his victories to the
+borders of the Mediterranean, and laid siege to the rich and powerful
+Moorish city of Valencia, which he captured. Here he established his
+kingdom, and continued to reign till his death, about the year 1099, at
+the age of seventy-five.
+
+While the Cid was living, his reputation was sufficient to keep the
+Moors in awe; but when he was dead, their courage revived, and they
+boldly attacked the Spaniards, even in Valencia, the city where his
+remains were laid. The Spaniards went forth to meet them; and behold, a
+warrior, with the well known dress of the Cid, but with the aspect of
+death, was at their head. The Moors recognised his features, and they
+fled in superstitious horror, fancying that a miracle had been performed
+in behalf of the Spaniards. The truth was, however, that the latter had
+taken him from the tomb, set him on his warhorse, and thus, even after
+his death, he achieved a victory over his foes. This incident
+sufficiently attests the wonderful power which the Cid's name exerted,
+as well over his countrymen as their enemies.
+
+The Spaniards have an immense number of ballads and romances, founded
+upon the life of this wonderful hero. They all depict him as a noble and
+high-minded chief, without fear and without reproach, the very _beau
+ideal_ of a knight of the olden time. Some of these ballads are finely
+rendered into English by Mr. Lockhart, and they have been published in a
+style of unsurpassed beauty and splendor.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+ROBIN HOOD.
+
+
+It may seem strange that an outlaw, a thief and a robber, should be a
+favorite theme of song and of story, and continue to command the respect
+of mankind for centuries after the period of his existence: yet such is
+the fact in respect to the subject of the present sketch. He was born at
+Lockslay, near Nottingham, about the year 1150, and flourished during
+the time of Richard I. of England.
+
+Nearly a century before this, William of Normandy had conquered England,
+and established the Norman sway in that realm. The great estates passed
+into the hands of French chiefs and barons; and while nearly all the
+higher ranks of society, at the period of which we speak, were French,
+the other classes consisted of native Saxons. Between these distinct
+races and orders, a natural jealousy existed, which was in no small
+degree cherished by the laws and policy of the government, which tended
+at once to oppress the people and extend the privileges of the nobles.
+
+The game laws, which punished those who should kill game in the royal
+forests, by putting out the eyes, and other mutilations, excited the
+deepest indignation. The yeomanry of the country were, at this time,
+universally trained in the use of the bow, and, notwithstanding the
+severity of the laws, those living around the king's parks frequently
+shot the game. These persons were so numerous, that they finally
+associated together in considerable bands, for mutual protection. Many
+of them devoted themselves entirely to robbing the parks, and became not
+only skilful in the use of the bow, but familiar with the recesses and
+hiding-places of the forests, and expert in every device, either for
+plunder, concealment, or escape.
+
+Of all the leaders of these several bands, Robin Hood became the most
+famous; for he was not only bold and skilful in forest craft, but he
+appears to have been guided by noble and patriotic sentiments. According
+to one of the many ballads which set forth his adventures, he displayed
+his courage and dexterity at a very early age.
+
+  "Robin Hood would into Nottingham go,
+    When the summer days were fine,
+  And there he saw fifteen foresters bold,
+    A drinking good ale and wine.
+
+  'What news? what news?' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'The news I fain would know;
+  If our king hath ordered a shooting match,
+    I am ready with my bow.'"
+
+The foresters stared at him, and said, "We hold it a scorn for one so
+young, presuming to bear a bow, who is not able to draw a string." "I'll
+hold you twenty marks," said Robin, "that I will hit a mark a hundred
+rods off, and cause a hart to die." "We hold you twenty marks, by our
+lady's leave," replied the foresters, "that you neither hit the mark at
+that distance, nor kill a hart."
+
+  "Then Robin Hood bent his noble bow,
+    And a broad arrow he let fly;
+  He hit the mark a hundred rod,
+    And he caused a hart to die.
+
+  The hart did skip, and the hart did leap,
+    And the hart lay on the ground;
+  'The wager is mine,' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'An' 'twere for a thousand pounds.'"
+
+The foresters laughed, and taunted the proud archer, and also refused to
+pay the twenty marks, and advised him to be gone, lest blows should
+follow. He picked up his arrows and his bow, and was observed to smile
+as he retired from these discourteous churls. When at some distance, he
+paused,--
+
+  "Then Robin he bent his noble bow,
+    And broad arrows he let flye;
+  Till fourteen of these fifteen foresters
+    Upon the ground did lye."
+
+Sherwood forest, near Nottingham, was the chief theatre of Robin Hood's
+achievements. At one time he had no less than a hundred archers at his
+command, a gallant woodsman, by the name of Little John, being his
+particular friend and favorite. There was also among the merry crew, a
+mock friar, by the name of Tuck, who appears to have been full of mirth
+and humor.
+
+Robin's orders to his men were, always to spare the common people; to
+aid and assist the weak; to be scrupulous never to injure or insult a
+woman; to be the friend of the poor, the timid, and the oppressed; but
+to plunder fat bishops, lazy friars, purse-proud squires, and haughty
+barons. His system was, to take from the rich, and give to the poor;
+and while he ever observed this rule himself, he enforced it rigorously
+among all his followers. His history is full of details in which he
+illustrates these principles.
+
+Robin became so notorious at last, that a price was offered for his
+apprehension, and several attempts were made to deliver him up; but his
+courage and dexterity, or his faithful friends, always saved him. One of
+the old ballads relates an adventure with a stout tinker, who, among
+others, sought to capture the redoubted outlaw. According to this story,
+Robin met him in the greenwood, and bade him good morrow; adding, "pray
+where live ye, and what is your trade? I hear there are sad news
+stirring." "Aye, indeed!" answered the other; "I am a tinker, and live
+at Banbury, and the news of which you speak have not reached me."
+
+  "'As for the news,' quoth Robin Hood,
+    'It is but, as I hear,
+  Two tinkers were set in the stocks,
+    For drinking ale and beer.'
+
+  'If that be all,' the tinker said,
+    'As I may say to you,
+  Your tidings are not worth a groat,
+    So be they were all true.'"
+
+"Well," said Robin, "I love ale and beer when they are good, with all my
+heart, and so the fault of thy brethren is small: but I have told all my
+news; now tell me thine."
+
+  "'All the news I have,' the tinker said,
+    'And they are news for good;
+  It is to seek the bold outlaw,
+    Whom men call Robin Hood.
+
+  I have a warrant from the king,
+    To take him where I can,
+  And if you can tell me where he dwells,
+    I will make of you a man.'"
+
+"That I can readily do," replied the outlaw; "let me look at the
+warrant." "Nay, nay," said the tinker, "I'll trust that with no man."
+"Well," answered the other, "be it as you please; come with me, and I'll
+show you Robin Hood." To accomplish this, Robin took him to an inn,
+where the ale and wine were so good and plentiful, and the tinker so
+thirsty, that he drank till he fell asleep; and when he awoke, he found
+that the outlaw had not only left him to pay the reckoning, which was
+beyond his means, but had stolen the king's warrant. "Where is my
+friend?" exclaimed the tinker, starting up. "Your friend?" said mine
+host; "why, men call him Robin Hood, and he meant you evil when he met
+with you." The tinker left his working-bag and hammer as a pledge for
+the reckoning, and, snatching up his crab-tree club, sallied out after
+Robin. "You'll find him killing the king's deer, I'll be sworn," shouted
+the landlord; and, accordingly, among the deer he found him. "What knave
+art thou," said the outlaw, "that dare come so near the king of
+Sherwood?"
+
+  "'No knave, no knave,' the tinker said,
+    'And that you soon shall know;
+  Which of us have done most wrong,
+    My crab-tree staff shall show.'
+
+  Then Robin drew his gallant blade,
+    Made of the trusty steel,
+  But the tinker he laid on so fast,
+    That he made Robin reel."
+
+This raised the outlaw's wrath, and he exerted his skill and courage so
+well, that the tinker more than once thought of flight; but the man of
+Banbury was stubborn stuff, and at last drove Robin to ask a favor.
+
+  "'A boon, a boon,' Robin he cries,
+    'If thou wilt grant it me;'
+  'Before I'll do 't,' the tinker said,
+    'I'll hang thee on a tree.'
+
+  But the tinker looking him about,
+    Robin his horn did blow;
+  Then unto him came Little John,
+    And brave Will Scarlet too."
+
+"Now what is the matter, master," said Little John, "that you sit thus
+by the way-side?" "You may ask the tinker there," said Robin; "he hath
+paid me soundly." "I must have a bout with him, then," said the other,
+"and see if he can do as much for me." "Hold, hold," cried Robin; "the
+tinker's a jovial fellow, and a stout."
+
+  "'In manhood he's a mettled man,
+    And a metal man by trade;
+  Never thought I that any man
+    Should have made me so afraid.
+
+  And if he will be one of us,
+    We will take all one fare;
+  Of gold and good, whate'er we get,
+    The tinker he shall share.'"
+
+The tinker was not a man of many words; he nodded assent, and added
+another bold forester to the ranks of the outlaw.
+
+Robin and his friends were so sharply hunted by the sheriff of
+Nottinghamshire, that they deemed it prudent to retire to the forests
+of Barnesdale, where they gaily pursued their calling. Their
+interference in church matters, in various ways, gave offence to his
+reverence, the Bishop of Hereford, who declared that measures should be
+taken to repress the insolence of the outlaw, and he promised to look
+strictly into the matter the first time he chanced to be near
+Barnesdale. It was on a sunny morning that Robin heard of the bishop's
+approach, "with all his company," and his joy was excessive.
+
+  "'Go, kill me a fat buck,' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'Go slay me a fair fat deer;
+  The Bishop of Hereford dines with me to-day,
+    And he shall pay well for his cheer.'"
+
+Accordingly, the deer was killed and skinned, and laid to the fire, and,
+with six of his men habited like shepherds, Robin was pacing round and
+round, as the wooden spit with its savory load revolved, when up came
+the Bishop of Hereford, who halted, and exclaimed, "What is all this, my
+masters? For whom do you make such a feast, and of the king's venison?
+Verily, I must look into this." "We are shepherds, simple shepherds,
+sir," replied the outlaw meekly. "We keep sheep the whole year round,
+and as this is our holiday, we thought there was no harm in holding it
+on one of the king's deer, of which there are plenty." "You are fine
+fellows," said the bishop, "mighty fine fellows; but the king shall know
+of your doings; so quit your roast, for to him you shall go, and that
+quickly."
+
+  "'O pardon, pardon,' cried bold Robin Hood,
+    'O pardon of thee I pray;
+  O it ill becomes a holy bishop's coat,
+    For to take men's lives away.'
+
+  'No pardon, no pardon,' the bishop he said,
+    'No pardon to thee I owe;
+  Therefore make haste, for I swear by St. Paul
+    Before the king you shall go.'"
+
+Upon this, the outlaw sprung back against a tree, and setting his horn
+to his mouth, made in a moment all the wood to ring. It was answered, as
+usual, by the sudden appearance of threescore and ten of his comrades,
+who, with Little John at their head, overpowered the bishop's guard, and
+then inquired of Robin what was the matter that he blew a blast so sharp
+and startling.
+
+  "'O here is the Bishop of Hereford,
+    And no pardon shall we have;'
+  'Ho, cut off his head, then,' quoth Little John,
+    'And I'll go make him a grave.'
+
+  'O pardon, pardon,' then cried the bishop,
+    'O pardon of thee I pray;
+  O had I known that you were so near,
+    I'd have gone some other way.'"
+
+Now Robin had no pleasure in shedding blood, but he loved to enjoy the
+terrors of those whom he captured: and to keep them in suspense, while
+he feasted them on the best, was a favorite practice of his. It was in
+this spirit that he now spoke:
+
+  "'No pardon, no pardon,' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'No pardon to thee I owe;
+  Therefore make haste, for I swear by my bow
+    That to Barnesdale with me you go.'
+
+  Then Robin he took the bishop by the hand,
+    And led him to merry Barnesdale,
+  And he supped that night in the clear moonlight,
+    On the good red wine and ale."
+
+How this was to end, the bishop seems to have had a guess. The parody
+which the outlaw made on his threats of carrying him to the king, showed
+that he was in a pleasant mood; and the venison collops, and the wine
+and ale, all evinced a tendency to mercy; of which, as it was now late,
+he took advantage. "I wish, mine host," said the bishop, with a sort of
+grave good-nature, "that you would call a reckoning; it is growing late,
+and I begin to fear that the cost of such an entertainment will be
+high." Here Little John interposed, for Robin affected great ignorance
+in domestic matters, leaving the task of fleecing his guests to his
+expert dependents. "Lend me your purse, master," said his scrupulous
+deputy to the bishop, "and I'll tell you all by-and-by."
+
+  "Then Little John took the bishop's cloak,
+    And spread it upon the ground,
+  And out of the bishop's portmanteau
+    He told three hundred pound.
+
+  'Here's gold enough, master,' said Little John,
+    ''Tis a comely thing for to see;
+  It puts me in charity with the good bishop,
+    Though he heartily loveth not me.'
+
+  Robin Hood took the bishop by the hand,
+    And causing the music to play,
+  He made the good bishop to dance in his boots,
+    And glad he could so get away."
+
+If we may put trust in ballad and song, the loss of the three hundred
+pounds dwelt on the bishop's mind, and at the head of a fair company he
+went in quest of his entertainer. He had well nigh taken Robin by
+surprise, for he was upon him before he was aware; but the outlaw
+escaped into an old woman's house, to whom he called, "Save my life; I
+am Robin Hood, and here comes the bishop, to take me and hang me." "Aye,
+that I will," said the old woman, "and not the less willingly that you
+gave me hose and shoon, when I greatly needed them." It was thus that
+the robber always found friends among the poor, for he was uniformly
+their protector and benefactor.
+
+According to one of the ballads, king Edward had become deeply incensed
+against Robin, and went to Nottingham to bring him to justice. But in
+vain did he seek to get a sight of him; at last, however, dressed in the
+disguise of a monk, he met him, and dined with him and his merry men in
+the forest. After a time, the king was recognised by the outlaw, who
+bent his knee in homage, and, upon an assurance of safety, went with him
+to Nottingham, where he was nobly entertained, in the midst of the
+court. He soon, however, became sick of this kind of life, and joyfully
+returned to the greenwood.
+
+But there is no safeguard against the approach of death. Time and toil
+began to do with Robin Hood all that they do with lesser spirits. One
+morning he had tried his shafts, and found that they neither flew so far
+as they were wont, nor with their usual accuracy of aim; and he thus
+addressed Little John, the most faithful of his companions:--
+
+  "'I am not able to shoot a shot more,
+    Mine arrows refuse to flee;
+  But I have a cousin lives down below,
+    Who, please God, will bleed me.'"
+
+Now this cousin was prioress of Kirkley Nunnery, in Yorkshire, and seems
+to have had no good-will to Robin, whom she doubtless regarded as a
+godless and graceless person, who plundered church and churchmen, and
+set laws, both sacred and profane, at defiance.
+
+  "Now Robin is to fair Kirkley gone,
+    He knocked low at the ring;
+  And none came there save his cousin dear,
+    To let bold Robin in.
+
+  'Thrice welcome now, cousin Robin,' she said;
+    'Come drink some wine with me;'
+  'No, cousin, I'll neither eat nor drink
+    Till I blooded am by thee.'"
+
+She took him to a lonely room, and bled him, says the ballad, till one
+drop more refused to run: then she locked him in the place, with the
+vein unbound, and left him to die. This was in the morning; and the day
+was near the close, when Robin, thinking the prioress was long in
+returning, tried to rise, but was unable, and, bethinking him of his
+bugle when it was too late, snatched it up, and blew three blasts. "My
+master must be very ill," said Little John, "for he blows wearily," and,
+hurrying to the nunnery, was refused admittance; but, "breaking locks
+two or three," he found Robin all but dead, and, falling on his knee,
+begged as a boon to be allowed to "burn Kirkley Hall, with all its
+nunnery." "Nay, nay," replied Robin, "I never hurt a woman in all my
+life, nor yet a man in woman's company. As it has been during my life,
+so shall it be at my end."
+
+  "'But give me my bent bow in my hand,
+    A broad arrow I'll let flee,
+  And where this shaft doth chance to fall,
+    There shall my grave digged be.
+
+  And lay my bent bow by my side,
+    Which was my music sweet;
+  And cover my grave with sod so green,
+    As is both right and meet.
+
+  And let me have breadth and length enough,
+    By the side of yon green wood,
+  That men may say, when they look on it,
+    Here lies bold Robin Hood.'"
+
+Having given these directions, he died, and was buried as he directed,
+under some fine trees near Kirkley, and a stone with an inscription was
+laid on the grave. Little John, it is said, survived only to see his
+master buried. His burial-place is claimed by Scotland as well as by
+England; but tradition inclines to the grave in the church-yard of
+Hathersage.
+
+The bond of union which had held his men so long together, was now
+broken; some made their peace with the government, others fled to
+foreign parts, and nothing remained of Robin Hood but a name which is to
+be found in history, in the drama, in ballads, in songs, in sayings, and
+in proverbs.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+PAUL JONES.
+
+
+This hero of the American Revolution was born on the 6th of July, 1747,
+on the estate of Arbigland, in the parish of Kirkbean, Scotland. His
+father was a gardener, whose name was Paul, but the son assumed that of
+Jones, after his settlement in America. The birthplace of young Paul was
+a bold promontory, jutting into the sea, and was well calculated to
+excite a love of the briny element, for which he soon displayed a
+decided predilection.
+
+At the age of twelve, he was bound apprentice to a merchant of
+Whitehaven, in the American trade. He soon after went to sea, in a
+vessel bound for Virginia. While in port, he spent his time on shore
+with his brother William, who was a respectable planter in the colony.
+He devoted himself to the study of navigation and other subjects
+connected with the profession he had chosen. These he pursued with great
+steadiness, displaying those habits of industrious application, which
+raised him to the distinguished place he afterwards attained. His good
+conduct secured him the respect of his employers, and he rose rapidly in
+his profession.
+
+At the age of nineteen, he had become the chief mate of the Two Friends,
+a slave ship, belonging to Jamaica. At this period, the traffic in
+slaves was exceedingly profitable, and was followed without scruple or
+reproach by the most respectable merchants of Bristol and Liverpool. But
+young Paul had pursued this business for only a short time, when he
+became so shocked and sickened at the misery which it inflicted upon the
+negroes, that he left it forever in disgust.
+
+In 1768, he sailed from Jamaica for Scotland, as a passenger. Both the
+master and mate dying of fever on the voyage, he assumed the command,
+and arrived safely at port. Gratified by his conduct, the owners placed
+him on board the brig John, as master and supercargo, and despatched him
+to the West Indies. He made a second voyage in the same vessel, during
+which he inflicted punishment on the carpenter, named Maxwell, for
+mutinous conduct. As Maxwell died of fever, soon after, Paul was
+charged, by persons who envied his rising reputation, with having
+caused his death by excessive punishment. This has been since abundantly
+disproved. Paul continued some time in the West India trade, but in
+1773, he went to Virginia to arrange the affairs of his brother William,
+who had died without children, leaving no will. His brother was reported
+to have left a large estate; but as Paul was, soon after, in a state of
+penury, it is probable that this was a mistake. He now devoted himself
+to agriculture, but his planting operations do not seem to have
+prospered.
+
+The American Revolution soon broke out, and considering himself a
+settled resident of the country, he determined to take her part in the
+bloody struggle which was about to follow. Impelled by a noble
+enthusiasm for the cause of liberty, a spirit of adventure, and a
+chivalrous thirst for glory, he offered his services to Congress, which
+were accepted, and he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the navy, in
+December, 1775. At this time, he bore the name of Jones, which he had
+perhaps assumed to conceal his conduct from his family, who might be
+pained to know that one of their name had taken part against England.
+
+Jones was appointed first lieutenant of the Alfred, a flag-ship, and
+when the commander-in-chief came on board, he hoisted the American flag,
+with his own hands, being the first time it was ever displayed. At that
+time, the flag is said to have borne a device, representing a pine tree,
+with a rattlesnake coiled at the root, as if about to strike. The
+standard of the stars and stripes was not adopted till nearly two years
+later.
+
+At this period, our hero was in the twenty-ninth year of his age. His
+figure was light, graceful and active, yet his health was good, his
+constitution vigorous, and he was capable of great endurance. There was
+in his countenance an expression of mingled sternness and melancholy,
+and his bearing was decidedly officer-like.
+
+The first American squadron fitted out during the revolution, sailed in
+1776. Jones was on board the Alfred in this expedition, but subsequently
+received the command of the sloop of war Providence. In this he cruised
+along the coast, meeting with a variety of adventures, in which he
+displayed admirable skill and coolness of conduct. On one occasion, he
+was chased by the British frigate Milford, off the Isle of Sable.
+Finding his vessel the faster of the two, he hovered near the frigate,
+yet beyond the reach of her shot. She, however, continued to pour forth
+her broadsides. This excited the contempt of Jones, and, with a humor
+peculiar to himself, he ordered the blustering battery of the frigate to
+be answered by a single shot from the musket of a marine.
+
+Jones pursued his career with great industry and success. He seemed to
+glide over the seas like a hawk, passing rapidly from point to point,
+and pouncing upon such prey as he could master. Some of his feats
+resemble the prodigies of the days of chivalry. He seemed to court
+adventure and to sport with danger, yet a cool discretion presided over
+his conduct. In the year 1776, he captured no less than sixteen prizes
+in the space of six weeks.
+
+Notwithstanding these signal services, Jones was superseded in the
+command of the Alfred, probably through the mean jealousy of Commodore
+Hopkins. There is, perhaps, no higher proof of elevation of character
+than is furnished by a calm and dignified endurance of injustice and
+ingratitude. This evidence was afforded by Jones, who, while he
+remonstrated against the injury that was done him, steadily adhered to
+the cause he had espoused, and exerted his abilities to the utmost to
+bear it forward with success. His letters of this period are full of
+enlightened views on the subject of naval affairs, and of hearty zeal in
+the cause of liberty. They show that his mind was far above mere
+personal considerations, and that even with statesman-like sagacity he
+looked forward to the establishment of a naval power in the United
+States, suited to the exigencies of the country.
+
+The time for a recognition of his services speedily arrived. In 1777, he
+received orders from Congress to proceed in the French merchant ship
+Amphitrite, with officers and seamen, to take command of a heavy ship,
+to be provided for him by the American commissioners, Franklin, Dean and
+Lee, on his arrival in Europe. These he met at Paris, and arrangements
+were made by which he received the command of the Ranger, in which he
+sailed from Brest, on the 10th of April, 1778.
+
+An insight into the views of Jones, at this period, as well as his
+general character, may be gathered from the following extract from one
+of his letters:--"I have in contemplation several enterprises of some
+importance. When an enemy thinks a design against him improbable, he can
+always be surprised and attacked with advantage. It is true, I must run
+great risk, but no gallant action was ever performed without danger.
+Therefore, though I cannot ensure success, I will endeavor to deserve
+it."
+
+In fulfilment of these views, he set sail, and in four days after,
+captured and burnt a brigantine loaded with flaxseed, near Cape Clear.
+On the 17th, he took a ship bound for Dublin, which he manned and
+ordered to Brest. On the 19th, he took and sunk a schooner; on the 20th,
+a sloop; and soon after, made a daring, but unsuccessful attempt to
+capture, by surprise, the English sloop of war Drake, of twenty guns,
+lying in the loch of Belfast.
+
+On the 22d, he determined to attack Whitehaven, with which he was of
+course well acquainted. The number of ships lying here amounted to two
+hundred and fifty, and were protected by two batteries, mounting thirty
+pieces of artillery. The attack was made in the dead of night, and while
+the unsuspecting inhabitants lay wrapped in repose. Roused to this
+daring enterprise by the fires, massacres, and ravages inflicted by the
+British forces upon the unprotected inhabitants of the American coast,
+and determined to check them by one signal and fearful act of
+retaliation, Jones pursued his measures with a stern and daring hand.
+
+He proceeded, in the first place, to secure the forts, which were
+scaled, the soldiers made prisoners, and the guns spiked. He now
+despatched the greater portion of his men to set fire to the shipping,
+while he proceeded with a single follower to another fort, the guns of
+which he spiked. On returning to the ships, he found, to his
+mortification, that his orders had not been obeyed, from a reluctance,
+on the part of the seamen, to perform the task assigned them. One ship
+only was destroyed, which was set on fire by Jones himself.
+
+Greatly disappointed at the partial failure of his scheme, Jones
+proceeded to the Scottish shore, for the purpose of carrying off the
+person of the Earl of Selkirk, whose gardener his father had been. The
+earl, however, was absent, and this part of the design failed. His men,
+however, proceeded to the earl's residence, and carried off his plate.
+Lady Selkirk was present, but she was treated with respect. Jones took
+no part in this enterprise, and only consented to it upon the urgent
+demands of his crew.
+
+By this time, the people on both sides of the Irish channel were
+thoroughly roused by the daring proceedings of the Ranger. On the
+morning of the 24th April, Jones was hovering near Belfast, and the
+Drake worked out of the bay, to meet him. She had on board a large
+number of volunteers, making her crew amount to one hundred and sixty
+men. Alarm smokes were now seen rising on both sides of the channel, and
+several vessels loaded with people, curious to witness the coming
+engagement, were upon the water. As evening was approaching, however,
+they prudently put back.
+
+Soon after, the two vessels met, and Jones poured in his first
+broadside. This was returned with energy, and a fearful conflict ensued.
+Running broadside and broadside, the most deadly fire was kept up. At
+last, after the struggle had been sustained at close quarters for more
+than an hour, the captain of the Drake was shot through the head, and
+his crew called for quarter. The loss of the Drake, in killed and
+wounded, was forty-two, while the Ranger had one seaman killed and seven
+wounded.
+
+This victory was the more remarkable as the Drake carried twenty guns,
+and the Ranger but eighteen, and moreover belonged to a regular navy;
+while the Ranger was fitted up with little experience and under few
+advantages. Jones now set sail with his prize, and both vessels arrived
+safely at Brest, on the 8th May. Immediately after, Jones despatched a
+very romantic epistle to Lady Selkirk, apologizing for the violence that
+had been committed at the estate of the earl, and explaining the motives
+of his conduct. He promised to return the plate, which he afterwards
+accomplished with infinite difficulty.
+
+It eventually reached England, though some years after, in the same
+condition in which it had been taken; even the tea leaves in the tea-pot
+remaining as they were found. An acknowledgment of its receipt, by the
+earl, was sent to Jones, with a recognition of the courteous behavior of
+the Ranger's crew when they landed on Saint Mary's Isle.
+
+Being now at Brest with two hundred prisoners of war, Jones became
+involved in a variety of troubles, for want of means to support them,
+pay his crew and refit his ship. After many delays and vexations, he
+sailed from the road of Saint Croix, August 14, 1779, with a squadron of
+seven sail, designing to annoy the coasts of England and Scotland. The
+principal occurrence of this cruise was the capture of the British ship
+of war Serapis, after a bloody and desperate engagement, off Flamborough
+Head, September 23, 1779. The Serapis was a vessel much superior in
+force to Jones' vessel, the Bon Homme Richard, which sunk not long after
+the termination of the engagement.
+
+The sensation produced by this battle was unexampled, and raised the
+fame of Jones to its height. In a letter to him, Franklin says, "For
+some days after the arrival of your express, scarce anything was talked
+of at Paris and Versailles but your cool conduct and persevering bravery
+during that terrible conflict. You may believe that the impression on my
+mind was not less than on that of the others. But I do not choose to
+say, in a letter to yourself, all I think on such an occasion."
+
+His reception at Paris, whither he went on the invitation of Franklin,
+was of the most flattering kind. He was everywhere caressed; the king
+presented him with a gold sword, and requested permission of Congress to
+invest him with the military order of merit--an honor never conferred on
+any one before, who had not borne arms under the commission of France.
+
+In 1781, Jones sailed for the United States, and arrived in
+Philadelphia, February 18, of that year, after a variety of escapes and
+encounters, where he underwent a sort of examination before the board of
+admiralty, which resulted greatly to his honor. The board gave it as
+their opinion, "that the conduct of Paul Jones merits particular
+attention, and some distinguished mark of approbation from Congress."
+That body accordingly passed a resolution highly complimentary to his
+"zeal, prudence, and intrepidity." General Washington wrote him a letter
+of congratulation, and he was afterwards voted a gold medal by Congress.
+
+From Philadelphia, he went to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to superintend
+the building of a ship of war, and, while there, drew up some admirable
+observations on the subject of the American navy. By permission of
+Congress, he subsequently went on board the French fleet, where he
+remained until the peace, which put a period to his naval career in the
+service of the United States. He then went to Paris as agent for prize
+money, and while there, joined in a plan to establish a fur-trade
+between the north-west coast of America and China, in conjunction with a
+kindred spirit, the celebrated John Ledyard.
+
+In Paris he continued to be treated with the greatest distinction. He
+afterwards was invited into the Russian service, with the rank of
+rear-admiral, where he was disappointed in not receiving the command of
+the fleet acting against the Turks in the Black Sea. He condemned the
+conduct of the prince of Nassau, the admiral; became restless and
+impatient; was intrigued against at court, and calumniated by his
+enemies; and had permission from the empress Catherine to retire from
+the service with a pension, which, however, was never paid. He returned
+to Paris, where he gradually sunk into poverty, neglect and ill health,
+and finally died of dropsy, July 18, 1792.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MASANIELLO.
+
+
+Thomaso Aniello, called by corruption Masaniello, was born at Amalfi, in
+Italy, about the year 1622. He established himself at Naples, where he
+obtained a living by catching and vending fish. At this period, Naples
+belonged to Spain, and the Duke D'Arcos governed it as viceroy. The city
+was suffering under many political evils. Its treasures went to Spain,
+and its youth were sent to fill up the ranks of the Spanish army; and
+both were wasted in ruinous wars, for the ambition and selfish views of
+a distant court.
+
+In addition to all this, the people were oppressed with taxes, and
+outraged by the wanton tyranny of the officers of a foreign power. At
+last, in the year 1647, the Duke D'Arcos, in order to defray the
+expenses of a war against France, laid a tax on fruit and vegetables,
+the common articles of food of the Neapolitan people. This edict
+occasioned the greatest ferment, especially among the poorer
+inhabitants. Masaniello, who was now about twenty-five years of age, and
+a great favorite at the market-place, on account of his natural
+quickness and humor, denounced the tax in no measured terms. He seems to
+have perceived and felt the despotism that oppressed the people, and
+was, moreover, incited to opposition by an event which touched him
+personally.
+
+His wife was one day arrested, as she was entering the city, attempting
+to smuggle a small quantity of flour,--an article which bore a heavy
+tax. She was accordingly, seized and imprisoned; nor could Masaniello
+obtain her release, but upon paying a considerable sum. Thus the fire
+which was soon to burst forth into conflagration was already kindling in
+his soul. Opportunity was only wanting, and this was soon offered.
+
+Masaniello was at the head of a troop of young men who were preparing
+for the great festival of our Lady of the Carmel, by exhibiting sham
+combats, and a mock attack on a wooden castle. On the 7th July, 1647, he
+and his juvenile troops were standing in the market-place, where, in
+consequence of the obnoxious tax, but few countrymen had come with the
+produce of their gardens. The people looked sullen and dissatisfied. A
+dispute arose between a countryman and a customer who had bought some
+figs, as to which of the two was to bear the burden of the tax.
+
+The _eletto_, a municipal magistrate, acting as provost of the trade,
+being appealed to, decided against the countryman; upon which the
+latter, in a rage, upset the basket of figs upon the pavement. A crowd
+soon collected round the man, who was cursing the tax and the
+tax-gatherer. Masaniello ran to the spot, crying out, "No taxes, no more
+taxes!" The cry was caught and repeated by a thousand voices. The
+_eletto_ tried to speak to the multitude, but Masaniello threw a bunch
+of figs in his face; the rest of the people fell upon him, and he and
+his attendants escaped with difficulty.
+
+Masaniello then addressed the people round him in a speech of coarse,
+hot, fiery eloquence; he described their common grievances and miseries,
+and pointed out the necessity of putting a stop to the oppression and
+avarice of their rulers. "The Neapolitan people," said he, "must pay no
+more taxes!" The people cried out, "Let Masaniello be our chief!"
+
+The crowd now set itself in motion, with Masaniello at their head; it
+rolled onward, increasing its numbers at every step. Their rage first
+fell on the toll-houses and booths of the tax collectors, which were
+burned, and next on the houses and palaces of those who had farmed the
+taxes, or otherwise supported the obnoxious system. Armed with such
+weapons as they could procure from the gunsmiths and others, they
+proceeded to the viceroy's palace, forced their way in spite of the
+guards; and Masaniello and others, his companions, having reached the
+viceroy's presence, peremptorily demanded the abolition of all taxes.
+
+The viceroy assented to this; but the tumult increasing, he tried to
+escape, was personally ill-treated, and at last contrived, by throwing
+money among the rioters, to withdraw himself into the castle. The
+palaces were emptied of their furniture, which was carried into the
+midst of the square, and there burnt by Masaniello's directions. He was
+now saluted by acclamation, as "Captain General of the Neapolitan
+people." A platform was immediately raised in the square, and he entered
+upon the duties of his office.
+
+The revolution was soon complete, and Naples, the metropolis of many
+fertile provinces, the queen of many noble cities, the resort of
+princes, of cavaliers, and of heroes;--Naples, inhabited by more than
+six hundred thousand souls, abounding in all kinds of resources,
+glorying in its strength, and proud of its wealth--saw itself forced in
+one short day to yield to a man esteemed one of its meanest sons, such
+obedience as in all its history it had never before shown to the
+mightiest of its legitimate sovereigns.
+
+In a few hours, the fisherman found himself at the head of one hundred
+and fifty thousand men; in a few hours, there was no will in Naples but
+his; and in a few hours, it was freed from all sorts of taxes and
+restored to its ancient privileges. In a short space, the fishing wand
+was exchanged for the truncheon of command; the sea-boy's jacket for
+cloth of silver and gold. He set about his new duties with astonishing
+vigor; he caused the town to be entrenched; he placed sentinels to guard
+it against danger from without, and he established a system of police
+within, which awed the worst banditti in the world, into fear.
+
+Armies passed in review before him; even fleets owned his sway. He
+dispensed punishments and rewards with the like liberal hand; the bad he
+kept in awe; the disaffected he paralyzed; the wavering he resolved by
+exhortation; the bold were encouraged by incitements; the valiant were
+made more valiant by his approbation. Obeyed in whatever he commanded,
+gratified in whatever he desired, never was there a chief more absolute,
+never was an absolute chief, for a time, more powerful. He ordered that
+all the nobles and cavaliers should deliver up their arms to such
+officers as he should give commission to receive them. The order was
+obeyed. He ordered that all men of all ranks should go without cloaks or
+gowns, or wide cassocks, or any other sort of loose dress, under which
+arms might be concealed; nay, that even the women, for the same reason,
+should throw aside their farthingales, and tuck up their gowns somewhat
+high.
+
+This order changed in an instant the whole fashions of the people; not
+even the proudest and the fairest of Naples' daughters daring to
+dispute, in the least, the pleasure of the people's idol. Nor was it
+over the high and noble alone, that he exercised this unlimited
+ascendancy. The fierce democracy were as acquiescent as the titled few.
+On one occasion, when the people in vast numbers were assembled, he
+commanded, with a loud voice, that every one present should, under the
+penalty of death, retire to his home. The multitude instantly
+dispersed. On another, he put his finger on his mouth, to command
+silence; in a moment, every voice was hushed. At a sign from him, all
+the bells tolled and the people shouted "_Vivas!_" at another, they all
+became mute.
+
+Yet the reign of this prodigy of power was short, lasting only from the
+7th till the 16th of July, 1647; when he perished, the victim of another
+political revolution. His sudden rise, and the multiplicity of affairs
+that crowded upon him, began to derange his intellect. He complained of
+sensations like that of boiling lead, in his head; he became suspicious,
+wavering and cruel. In a fit of frenzy he went to one of the churches
+and talked incoherently to the multitude. He was taken by the priests to
+an adjoining convent, and advised to rest and calm himself. After
+reposing for a time, he arose, and stood looking forth upon the tranquil
+bay of Naples, no doubt thinking of happier days, when, as a poor
+fisherman, he glided out contented upon its bosom--when all at once a
+cry was heard, of "Masaniello!" At the same instant armed men appeared
+at the cell door. "Here am I,--O, my people want me," said he. The
+discharge of guns was their only reply; and the victim fell, exclaiming,
+"Ungrateful traitors!" His head was now cut off, fixed on a pole, and
+carried to the viceroy, while the body was dragged through the streets
+and thrown into a ditch, by those who had followed it with acclamations
+a few hours before!
+
+
+
+
+RIENZI.
+
+
+Nicholas Gabrine de Rienzi was a native of Rome, and son of one of the
+lowest order of tavernkeepers. He was, however, well educated, and early
+distinguished himself by his talents and the elevation of his
+sentiments. The glory of ancient Rome excited his enthusiasm, and he
+soon came to be regarded by the people as destined to rescue them from
+the despotism of the aristocracy that ruled the city.
+
+The pope, Clement VI., had removed the papal see from Rome to Avignon,
+in France, leaving the people under the sway of certain noble families,
+who exercised every species of brutal and insolent tyranny towards their
+inferiors. Rienzi saw this, and he felt all the indignation which a
+generous sympathy for the oppressed could excite. His sentiments being
+known, he was appointed, in 1346, among others, to proceed to Avignon,
+and exhort the pope to bring back the papal court to its original seat.
+He acted, on this occasion, with so much energy and eloquence, that the
+pope, though he refused compliance with the request, conferred upon him
+the office of apostolic notary, which, on his return, he executed with
+the strictest probity.
+
+It appears that Rienzi had long meditated some great effort for the
+liberation of his countrymen. He now lost no opportunity to instruct the
+people in their rights, and stir up indignation against their
+oppressors. Having prepared men's minds for a change, and having
+secretly engaged persons of all orders in his designs, he proceeded to
+put them in execution. In April, 1347, Stephen Colonna, a nobleman, who
+was governor of Rome, being absent from the city, Rienzi secretly
+assembled his followers upon Mount Aventine, and, by an energetic
+speech, induced them all to subscribe an oath for the establishment of a
+new government, to be entitled the _Good Estate_.
+
+Proceeding now with more boldness, another assembly was held in the
+capital; a constitution of fifteen articles was produced and ratified,
+and Rienzi was pronounced Tribune by acclamation, with the power of life
+and death, and all the attributes of sovereignty. Colonna returned, and
+threatened him with punishment; but the power had changed hands, and
+Colonna himself was obliged to fly. Rienzi proceeded in the exercise of
+his authority with strict justice. Some of the more culpable nobles were
+executed, and others banished.
+
+The power of the new tribune was established, and his reputation
+extended throughout Italy. His friendship was solicited by kings and
+princes; the pope sanctioned his authority, and even Petrarch, the
+immortal poet, addressed him letters, which are still extant, bestowing
+upon him eloquent praise, and urging him to perseverance in his glorious
+career. But, unhappily, there was a weakness in Rienzi's character,
+which disqualified him for this giddy elevation. Intoxicated with the
+possession of supreme power, and the flatteries bestowed upon him, he
+became capricious and tyrannical, and, in short, commenced a reign of
+terror.
+
+His descent was as rapid as his rise; soon finding that he had lost the
+affection of the people, in 1348, he withdrew for safety to Naples. Two
+years after, during a public jubilee at Rome, he secretly returned to
+that city, but being discovered, he withdrew to Prague. He now fell into
+the hands of Pope Clement, who kept him in prison for three years. His
+successor, Innocent VI., caused him to be released, and sent him to
+Rome, to oppose another demagogue, named Boroncelli.
+
+The Romans received him with joy, and he suddenly recovered his former
+authority. But he was still a tyrant, and after a turbulent
+administration of a few months, another sedition was excited against
+him, and he was stabbed to the heart. The fickle people now bestowed
+every indignity upon the senseless remains of him, whom they had almost
+worshipped a few weeks before. Such was the career of Rienzi, who was
+endowed with noble sentiments and remarkable eloquence, but was
+deficient in that steadiness of mind and firmness of principle, which
+are necessary to the just exercise of unlimited sway.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+SELKIRK.
+
+
+Alexander Selkirk was born at Largo, Scotland, in 1676, and bred to the
+sea. Having engaged in the half piratical, half exploring voyages in the
+American seas, into which the spirit of adventure had led so many
+Englishmen, he quarrelled with his captain, one Straddling, by whom he
+was left ashore, September, 1704, on the uninhabited island of Juan
+Fernandez, with a few books, his nautical instruments, a knife, boiler,
+axe, gun, powder and ball. These constituted his whole equipment.
+
+The island of Juan Fernandez lies in the Pacific Ocean, and is about
+three hundred and thirty miles west of Chili. It is twelve miles long
+and six wide. It is beautifully diversified with hills and valleys, and
+has been long resorted to for water, fruits, and game, by vessels
+navigating the Pacific Ocean. Upon this island, Selkirk now found
+himself alone. He saw the vessel depart with sadness and sickness at
+heart. His emotions of terror and loneliness overwhelmed him for a time,
+and he remained in a state of stupor and inactivity.
+
+But these feelings gradually faded away, and though his situation was
+appalling, he concluded to make the best of it. He now set about
+erecting himself two huts, one of which served him for a kitchen, the
+other for a dining-room and bed-chamber. The pimento wood supplied him
+with fire and candles, burning very clearly, and yielding a most
+fragrant smell. The roofs of his huts were covered with long grass.
+
+The island was stocked with wild goats. He supplied himself with meat by
+shooting these, so long as his ammunition lasted. When this was
+exhausted, he caught them by running; and so practised was he at last in
+this exercise, that the swiftest goat on the island was scarcely a match
+for him. When his clothes were worn out, he made himself a covering of
+goat-skins. After a short space, he had no shoes, and was obliged to go
+barefoot; his feet, however, became so callous, that he did not seem to
+need them.
+
+Soon after he had become settled in his hut, he was annoyed by rats,
+which became so bold as to gnaw his clothes and nibble at his feet while
+he slept. However, the same ships which had supplied the island with
+rats, had left some cats ashore. Some of these, Selkirk domesticated,
+and the rats were taught to keep themselves at a distance. He caught
+also some young goats, which he reared, and amused himself by teaching
+them to dance and perform many other tricks. During his stay upon the
+island, Selkirk caught and killed nearly five hundred goats. A few he
+set at liberty, having cropped their ears. Thirty years after, Lord
+Anson's crew shot a goat upon the island, and found its ears marked in
+the manner described.
+
+Selkirk generally enjoyed good health, but in one case he nearly lost
+his life by accident. In the eager pursuit of a goat among the
+mountains, he fell over a precipice, and lay there for some time in a
+state of insensibility. On recovering his senses, he found the animal
+which had caused his fall, lying dead beneath him.
+
+Selkirk often saw vessels pass by the island, and made frequent, but
+vain attempts to hail them. At length, after he had lived here in
+perfect solitude for four years and four months, he was taken off by an
+English vessel, commanded by Captain Rogers. This occurred in February,
+1709. Although he felt great joy at his deliverance, he still manifested
+much difficulty in recovering his speech, and in returning to such food
+as he found on board the ship. It was a long time before he could again
+accustom himself to shoes.
+
+Captain Rogers made him a mate of his ship, and he returned to England
+in 1711. It has been supposed that he gave his papers to De Foe, who
+wove, out of his adventures, the admirable story of Robinson Crusoe. It
+appears, however, that he made little use of Selkirk's narrative, beyond
+the mere idea of a man living alone for several years upon an
+uninhabited island.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN LAW.
+
+
+This celebrated financial projector was born at Edinburgh, in April,
+1671. His father was a goldsmith, and gave him a liberal education. He
+made considerable progress in polite literature, but his favorite study
+was finance as connected with national prosperity.
+
+In 1694, he visited London, where his talents and accomplishments gained
+him access to the first circles. He possessed an easy address, with an
+elegant person, and being a favorite with the fair, he acquired some
+notoriety in fashionable life. He became involved in a duel, in which he
+killed his antagonist, and was consequently committed to prison. He
+contrived, however, to escape, and took refuge on the continent.
+
+In 1700, he returned to Edinburgh, where he broached a scheme for
+removing the difficulties which then existed in consequence of the
+scarcity of money and the failure of the banks. Having confounded
+currency with credit, he adopted the notion that paper money, equal to
+the whole property of the nation, might safely be issued. Upon this
+egregious error, his project was founded, and was, of course, rejected
+by his wary and sagacious countrymen.
+
+Law now visited the principal cities of Europe; his address gaining him
+admittance to the highest circles in all countries. He finally settled
+in Paris, and was there during the regency of the Duke of Orleans, as
+guardian of Louis XV. The government of France was then on the verge of
+bankruptcy, in consequence of the enormous expenditures of Louis XIV.
+Law now brought forward his schemes for a free supply of money, and they
+were seized upon with avidity.
+
+He established a bank, for which, a royal charter was granted in 1718.
+It was first composed of twelve hundred shares, of three thousand livres
+each, but the number was afterwards increased and the price reduced.
+This bank became the office at which all public moneys were received. A
+Mississippi company was also attached to it, which had grants of land in
+Louisiana, and which was expected to realize immense sums by planting
+and commerce. One privilege after another was granted, until the
+prospects of advantage appeared to be so great that crowds came forward
+to make investments in the stock of what was called the Mississippi
+Company.
+
+Thousands embarked in the scheme with enthusiasm. The shares were
+greedily bought up, and such was the rage for speculation, that even the
+unimproved parts of the new colony were actually sold for thirty
+thousand livres the square league! But the delusion did not stop here.
+In consequence of the company promising an annual dividend of two
+hundred livres per share, the price rose from five hundred and fifty to
+five thousand livres, and the mania for purchasing the stock spread over
+the nation like a tempest. Every class, clergy and laity, peers and
+plebeians, statesmen and princes,--nay, even ladies, who had, or could
+produce money for that purpose, turned stock-jobbers, outbidding each
+other with such avidity, that, in November, 1719, after some
+fluctuations, the price of shares rose to more than sixty times the sum
+for which they were originally sold!
+
+Law was now at the pinnacle of his fame. He was considered a man of so
+great consequence, that his levee was constantly crowded by persons of
+eminence, who flocked to Paris to partake of the golden shower. On one
+occasion, he was taken sick, and such was the feverish state of the
+public mind, that the shares of the company immediately fell nearly
+eight per cent., and, upon the rumor of his convalescence, immediately
+rose, even beyond their former price.
+
+But the mighty bubble, now inflated to the utmost, was about to burst.
+On the 21st of April, 1719, a royal order, under pretence of a previous
+depreciation of the value of coin, declared it necessary to reduce the
+nominal value of bank notes to one half, and the shares of the
+Mississippi Company from nine thousand to five thousand livres. It is
+not possible to describe the calamitous effects which immediately
+followed, throughout France. The bank notes could not be circulated for
+more than one tenth of their nominal value. Another order was issued,
+intended to counteract the effect of the first; but the charm was
+broken, and nothing could restore the confidence of the public. All was
+panic and confusion. Bank notes were refused in all transactions of
+business, and even a royal order, commanding their acceptance, was of no
+avail. The public alarm was carried to its height, and at last the bank
+suspended the payment of its notes.
+
+The splendid scheme had now exploded; the institution was bankrupt, and
+the shares were utterly worthless. Thousands of families, once wealthy,
+were suddenly reduced to indigence. The indignation of the public was
+speedily turned against the chief instrument of these delusions, and Law
+found it necessary to seek safety by flight. He resided, for some time,
+in different places in Germany, and settled at length in Venice, where
+he died, in 1729.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TRENCK.
+
+
+Frederick, Baron Trenck was born in Konigsberg, in Prussia, on the 16th
+February, 1726, of one of the most ancient families of the country. His
+father, who died in 1740, with the rank of major-general of cavalry,
+bestowed particular care on the education of his son, and sent him, at
+the age of thirteen, to the university of his native city, where he made
+a rapid progress in his studies. He soon began to manifest that
+impetuous disposition and those violent passions, which were probably
+the source of his subsequent misfortunes. By the time he was sixteen, he
+had been engaged in three duels, in each of which he wounded his
+antagonist.
+
+He went into the army at an early period, and soon obtained the notice
+and favor of the king. When arrived at manhood, he was remarkable for
+personal beauty and mingled grace and dignity of bearing. Being
+stationed at Berlin, he became acquainted with the Princess Amelia,
+sister of Frederick the Great, and a mutual attachment followed. This
+became a subject of conversation, and soon reached the ears of
+Frederick. He warned Trenck to break off his intercourse with the
+princess; but this being unheeded, the king sent him to Glatz, under
+some pretext, and caused him to be imprisoned.
+
+His confinement soon became insupportable to his impatient temper, and
+he resolved to avail himself of the first opportunity of escape. The
+window of his apartment looked toward the city, and was ninety feet from
+the ground, in the tower of the citadel. With a notched penknife, he
+sawed through three iron bars, and with a file, procured from one of the
+officers, he effected a passage through five more, which barricaded the
+windows. This done, he cut his leathern portmanteau into thongs, sewed
+them end to end, added the sheets of his bed, and safely descended from
+the astonishing height.
+
+The night was dark, and everything seemed to promise success; but a
+circumstance he had never considered was, that he had to wade through
+moats full of mud, before he could enter the city. He sunk up to the
+knees, and, after long struggling and incredible efforts to extricate
+himself, he was obliged to call the sentinel, and desire him to go and
+tell the governor that Trenck was stuck fast in the ditch!
+
+After the failure of several other attempts, he finally succeeded in
+effecting his escape, and fled to Vienna. From thence, he went to St.
+Petersburg, where he was received with the highest distinction, and the
+road to honors and emoluments was laid open before him. But at this
+period, the death of a wealthy cousin in Austria, induced him to return
+thither. Here, an immense property slipped through his hands, in
+consequence of some legal flaws.
+
+In 1754, his mother died, from whose estate he received a considerable
+sum. With a view to the settlement of her affairs, he went to Dantzic,
+not permitting his name to be known. He was, however, betrayed into the
+hands of Frederick's officers, and being conveyed to the castle of
+Magdeburg, was immured in a dungeon, and loaded with irons.
+
+Round his neck was a broad band of iron, to the ring of which his chains
+were suspended. These were of such weight, that, when he stood up, he
+was obliged to sustain them with his hands, to prevent being strangled.
+Various other massive irons were riveted to his body, and the whole were
+fastened to a thick staple, which was set in the stone wall. Under this
+staple was a seat of bricks, and on the opposite side a water jug.
+Beneath his feet was a tombstone, with the name of Trenck carved over a
+death's head.
+
+His confinement in this dreadful cell continued for nine years and five
+months. In vain did he attempt to bribe the sentinels, and by other
+ingenious means, to effect his escape. His furniture consisted of a
+bedstead, a mattress, and a small stove. His food was a pound and a half
+of mouldy bread and a jug of water a day. He was permitted to hold no
+intercourse with any one except his keepers, and even these returned no
+answer to his thousand questions.
+
+Such, however, were the vigor of his constitution and the elasticity of
+his spirits, that, amid the gloomy horrors of his prison, he seemed
+still to seek amusement by the exertion of his talents. He composed
+verses, and, having no ink, wrote them with his blood. He also carved
+curious emblems upon tin cups with his knife. His great ingenuity
+excited the attention of many persons of rank, particularly the Empress
+Maria Theresa, who ordered her minister to employ all his influence at
+the court of Berlin to obtain his enlargement.
+
+The Baron, in his Life, relates the following curious anecdote:--"I
+tamed a mouse so perfectly that the little animal was continually
+playing with me, and used to eat out of my mouth. One night it skipped
+about so much, that the sentinels heard a noise, and made their report
+to the officer of the guard. As the garrison had been changed at the
+peace, and as I had not been able to form, at once, so close a
+connection with the officers of the regular troops, as I had done with
+those of the militia, an officer of the former, after ascertaining the
+truth of the report with his own ears, sent to inform the commanding
+officer that something extraordinary was going on in my prison.
+
+"The town major arrived, in consequence, early in the morning,
+accompanied by locksmiths and masons. The floor, the walls, my chains,
+my body, everything, in short, was strictly examined. Finding all in
+order, they asked me the cause of last evening's bustle. I had heard the
+mouse myself, and told them frankly by what the noise had been
+occasioned. They desired me to call my little favorite; I whistled, and
+the mouse immediately leaped on my shoulder. I solicited its pardon, but
+the officer of the guard took it into his possession, promising,
+however, on his word of honor, to give it to a lady who would take great
+care of it. Turning it afterwards loose in his chamber, the mouse, who
+knew nobody but me, soon disappeared and hid itself in a hole.
+
+"At the usual hour of visiting my prison, when the officers were just
+going away, the poor little animal darted in, climbed up my legs, seated
+itself on my shoulder, and played a thousand tricks to express the joy
+it felt at seeing me again. Every one was astonished and wished to have
+it. The major, to terminate the dispute, carried it away and gave it to
+his wife, who had a light cage made for it; but the mouse refused to
+eat, and a few days afterwards was found dead."
+
+Trenck was at length released, and soon after married an amiable lady,
+by whom he had eleven children. On the death of Frederick the Great, his
+successor granted him a passport to Berlin, and restored his
+confiscated estates, which he had not enjoyed for forty-two years. He
+soon set off for Konigsburg, where he found his brother, who was very
+sick, waiting for him with impatience, and who adopted his children as
+his heirs. He was also received by all his friends with testimonies of
+joy. Here, it would appear, that Trenck might have spent the remainder
+of his days, in peace and quiet, but his restless disposition again made
+him the football of fortune. After many vicissitudes, he terminated his
+career in obscurity, and died in 1797.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+JOHN DUNN HUNTER.
+
+
+About the year 1822, there appeared at New York a young man, of small
+stature, light hair, light eyes, and in every respect of ordinary
+appearance, who told of himself a strange and interesting story, which
+was briefly this.
+
+At an early period of his childhood, he, with two other white children,
+living on the farthest bound of the western settlements, were one day
+carried off by a party of Indians, probably Kickapoos. One of the
+children was killed before his eyes, and he was soon separated from the
+other. He was carried to a considerable distance by the Indians, who at
+last arrived at their hunting grounds. He became gradually reconciled to
+his situation, and, though he was occasionally taunted by being _white_,
+he was finally regarded as one of the tribe.
+
+He continued to live among the Indians for many years; travelled with
+them in their migrations over the vast western wilds, visited the
+borders of the Pacific Ocean, and shared in the wild adventures of
+Indian life. He came, with his Indian friends, at last, to the Osage
+settlements on the Arkansas, where he found some white traders, among
+whom was a Colonel Watkins, who treated him with kindness, and sought
+to persuade him to leave the Indians, and return to civilized life.
+Such, however, was his attachment to his adopted friends, that he
+rejected these suggestions.
+
+Soon after, however, under the influence of intoxication, his Indian
+friends having laid a deep scheme for murdering Colonel Watkins and his
+party of hunters, the hero of our story deserted his tribe, and gave
+timely notice to Watkins, thus saving his life, and that of his friends.
+
+Though his mind was greatly agitated by a feeling of self-disgust for
+the treachery he had committed toward his Indian brethren, he continued
+with the party of Watkins for a time, and descended the Arkansas river
+with them, nearly to its junction with the Mississippi. Here he left
+them, having made up his mind to join some Indian tribe which might not
+be acquainted with his breach of faith to the band of Osages, with whom
+he had lived so long.
+
+Being supplied with a rifle and plenty of ammunition, he struck into the
+wilderness in a northerly direction, and pursued his wanderings alone,
+amid the boundless solitude. In the volume which he afterwards
+published, he thus describes this portion of his adventures:--
+
+"The hunting season for furs had now gone by, and the time and labor
+necessary to procure food for myself, was very inconsiderable. I knew of
+no human being near me; my only companions were the grazing herds, the
+rapacious animals that preyed on them, the beaver and other animals that
+afforded pelts, and birds, fish and reptiles. Notwithstanding this
+solitude, many sources of amusement presented themselves to me,
+especially after I had become somewhat familiarized to it.
+
+"The country around was delightful, and I roved over it almost
+incessantly, in ardent expectation of falling in with some party of
+Indians, with whom I might be permitted to associate myself. Apart from
+the hunting that was essential to my subsistence, I practised various
+arts to take fish, birds, and small game; frequently bathed in the
+river, and took great pleasure in regarding the dispositions and habits
+of such animals as were presented to my observation.
+
+"The conflicts of the male buffaloes and deer, the attack of the latter
+on the rattlesnake, the industry and ingenuity of the beaver in
+constructing its dam, and the attacks of the panther on its prey,
+afforded much interest, and engrossed much time. Indeed, I have lain for
+half a day at a time, in the shade, to witness the management and policy
+observed by the ants in storing up their food, the manoeuvres of the
+spider in taking its prey, the artifice of the mason-fly in constructing
+and storing its clayey cells, and the voraciousness and industry of the
+dragon-fly to satisfy its appetite.
+
+"In one instance, I vexed a rattlesnake, till it bit itself, and
+subsequently saw it die from the poison of its own fangs. I also saw one
+strangled in the wreathed folds of its inveterate enemy--the black
+snake. But, in the midst of this extraordinary employment, my mind was
+far from being satisfied. I looked back with the most painful
+reflections on what I had been, and on what sacrifices I had made,
+merely to become an outcast, to be hated and despised by those I
+sincerely loved and esteemed. But, however much I was disposed to be
+dissatisfied and quarrel with myself, the consolation of the most entire
+conviction that I had acted rightly, always followed, and silenced my
+self-upbraidings.
+
+"The anxiety and regrets about my nation, country and kindred, for a
+long time held paramount dominion over all my feelings; but I looked
+unwaveringly to the Great Spirit, in whom experience had taught me to
+confide, and the tumultuous agitations of my mind gradually subsided
+into a calm; I became satisfied with the loneliness of my situation,
+could lie down to sleep among the rocks, ravines, and ferns, in careless
+quietude, and hear the wolf and panther prowling around me; and I could
+almost feel the venomous reptiles seeking shelter and repose under my
+robe, with sensations bordering on indifference.
+
+"In one of my excursions, while sitting in the shade of a large tree,
+situated on a gentle declivity, with a view to procure some mitigation
+from the oppressive heat of the mid-day sun, I was surprised by a
+tremendous rushing noise. I sprang up, and discovered a herd, I believe,
+of a thousand buffaloes, running at full speed, directly towards me;
+with a view, as I supposed, to beat off the flies, which, at this
+season, are inconceivably troublesome to those animals.
+
+"I placed myself behind the tree, so as not to be seen, not apprehending
+any danger, because they ran with too great rapidity, and too closely
+together, to afford any one of them an opportunity of injuring me,
+while protected in this manner.
+
+"The buffaloes passed so near me on both sides that I could have touched
+several of them, merely by extending my arm. In the rear of the herd,
+was one on which a huge panther had fixed, and was voraciously engaged
+in cutting off the muscles of the neck. I did not discover this
+circumstance till it had nearly passed beyond rifle-shot distance, when
+I discharged my piece, and wounded the panther. It instantly left its
+hold on the buffalo, and bounded, with great rapidity, towards me. On
+witnessing the result of my shot, the apprehensions I suffered can
+hardly be imagined. I had, however, sufficient presence of mind to
+retreat, and secrete myself behind the trunk of the tree, opposite to
+its approaching direction. Here, solicitous for what possibly might be
+the result of my unfortunate shot, I prepared both my knife and tomahawk
+for what I supposed would be a deadly conflict with the terrible animal.
+
+"In a few moments, however, I had the satisfaction to hear it in the
+branches of the tree over my head. My rifle had just been discharged,
+and I entertained fears that I could not reload it without discovering
+and exposing myself to the fury of its destructive rage. I looked into
+the tree with the utmost caution, but could not perceive it, though its
+groans and vengeance-breathing growls told me that it was not far off,
+and also what I had to expect in case it should discover me.
+
+"In this situation, with my eyes almost constantly directed upwards to
+observe its motions, I silently loaded my rifle, and then, creeping
+softly round the trunk of the tree, saw my formidable enemy resting on a
+considerable branch, about thirty feet from the ground, with his side
+fairly exposed. I was unobserved, took deliberate aim, and shot it
+through the heart. It made a single bound from the tree to the earth,
+and died in a moment afterwards.
+
+"I reloaded my rifle before I ventured to approach it, and even then not
+without some apprehension. I took its skin, and was, with the assistance
+of fire and smoke, enabled to preserve and dress it. I name this
+circumstance, because it afterwards afforded a source of some amusement;
+for I used frequently to array myself in it, as near as possible to the
+costume and form of the original, and surprise the herds of buffaloes,
+elk and deer, which, on my approach, uniformly fled with great
+precipitation and dread.
+
+"On several occasions, when I waked in the morning, I found a
+rattlesnake coiled up close alongside of me: some precaution was
+necessarily used to avoid them. In one instance, I lay quiet till the
+snake saw fit to retire; in another, I rolled gradually and
+imperceptibly away, till out of its reach; and in another, where the
+snake was still more remote, but in which we simultaneously discovered
+each other, I was obliged, while it was generously warning me of the
+danger I had to fear from the venomous potency of its fangs, to kill it
+with my tomahawk."
+
+After Hunter had been engaged in roving about in this manner for several
+months, hoping to meet with some party of Indians to whom he might
+attach himself, he met with a company of French hunters, whom he
+accompanied to Flee's settlement, on the White river. From this point,
+after a stay of some months, in which he acquired a good deal of credit
+for cures which he performed by means of Indian remedies, he set out on
+a hunting expedition, during which he collected a large quantity of
+furs. These he sold to a Yankee, for 650 dollars, as he supposed, but,
+being ignorant on the subject of money, he found, on having the cash
+counted, that it was only 22 dollars!
+
+This took place at Maxwell's fort, on the White river. Disgusted with
+the white people, by this act of plunder, he determined to quit them
+forever, and set off again to join the Indians. He was, however,
+diverted from his purpose, and went with a hunting party up the west
+fork of the river St. Francis. Spending the season here, he returned,
+and making his way down the Mississippi, sold his furs for 1100 dollars.
+Thence he proceeded as a boatman to New Orleans, where his mind was
+greatly astonished at the scenes he beheld, the streets, the houses, the
+wharves, ships, &c.
+
+He retraced his steps, and came to Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, where he
+remained some time, acquiring the rudiments of the English language. His
+acquaintances had given him the name of Hunter, because of his
+expertness and success in the chase. His Christian name was adopted, as
+he says in his book, from the following circumstance. "As Mr. John Dunn,
+a gentleman of high respectability, of Cape Girardeau county, state of
+Missouri, had treated me in every respect more like a brother or a son
+than any other individual had, since my association with the white
+people, I adopted his for that of my distinctive, and have since been
+known by the name of John Dunn Hunter." It is important for the reader
+to mark this passage, for important results afterwards turned upon it.
+
+He now spent two or three years, a part of the time at school, making,
+however, several expeditions to New Orleans, to dispose of furs he had
+either taken in hunting or obtained by purchase. At last, in the autumn
+of 1821, he crossed the Alleganies, and entered upon a new career. So
+far, his story is told by himself, in his book, which we shall notice
+hereafter.
+
+On his way, Hunter paid a visit to Mr. Jefferson, who received him
+kindly, and, taking a strong interest in his welfare, gave him letters
+of introduction to several persons at Washington. Hunter went thither,
+and, passing on, came to Philadelphia, and at last to New York,
+everywhere exciting a lively interest, by the remarkable character of
+his story, and the manner in which he related it. He was found to be
+well-informed as to many things, then little known, respecting the
+western country; he was, accordingly, much sought after, patronized and
+flattered, especially by persons distinguished for science and wealth.
+He was, in short, a lion. The project was soon suggested, that he should
+write a book, detailing his adventures, and giving an account of the
+Indians, and the Indian country, as far as he was acquainted with these
+subjects. A subscription was started, and readily filled with a long
+list of great names. The book was written by Mr. Edward Clark, and, in
+1823, it was published, under the title of "Manners and Customs of the
+several Indian Tribes located west of the Mississippi, &c."
+
+This work, written in a clever style, detailed the wonderful life and
+adventures of the hero, and gave a view of the Far West--the country,
+the animals, the plants; and it described the Indian tribes, their
+numbers, character, customs, &c. It also gave an account of their system
+of medicine, and their practice of surgery. The book was well received,
+and Hunter was borne along upon the full tide of public favor.
+
+And now, another view was opened to him. It was suggested that he should
+go to England, and publish his work there. Taking letters from several
+men of the highest standing, and especially one to the Duke of Sussex,
+from Mr. Jefferson, as we are informed, he crossed the Atlantic, and
+made his appearance in the great metropolis. The career upon which he
+now entered, affords a curious piece of history.
+
+Hunter's letters, of course, secured him the favor and kind offices of
+some of the leading men in London. His book was immediately published
+and heralded forth by the press, as one of the most remarkable
+productions of the day. The information it contained was treated as a
+revelation of the most interesting facts, and the tale of the hero was
+regarded as surpassing that of Robinson Crusoe, in point of interest.
+
+Hunter was a man of extraordinary endowments, and sustained the part he
+had to play with wonderful consistency. But all this would hardly
+account for his success, without considering another point. In London,
+as well among the high as the low, there is a yearning desire for
+excitement. Imprisoned in a vast city, and denied companionship with the
+thousand objects which occupy the mind and heart in the country, they go
+about crying, "Who will show us any new thing?" Thus it is, that, in a
+crowded street, there is always a mob ready to collect, like vultures to
+the carcass, around every accident or incident that may happen: and
+these seem to consist of persons who have no profession but to see what
+is going on.
+
+In high life, this passion for novelty is more refined, but it is
+equally craving. There are thousands in the circles of rank and fashion,
+who, having no business to occupy them, no cares, no sources of hope and
+fear, are like travellers athirst in a desert; and to them, a new
+scandal, a new fashion, a late joke, a strange animal, a queer monster,
+is an oasis, greatly to be coveted. One quality this novelty must have;
+it must, in some way or other, belong to "good society"--my Lord, or my
+Lady, must have a finger in it: they must, at least, patronize it, so
+that in naming it, the idea of rank may be associated with it.
+
+Such a new thing was John Dunn Hunter. He was, supposing his story to be
+true, remarkable for his adventures. There was something exceedingly
+captivating to the fancy in the idea of a white man, who had lived so
+long with savages, as to have been transformed into a savage himself:
+beside, there was a mystery about him. Who was his father?--who his
+mother? What a tale of romance lay in these pregnant inquiries, and
+what a beautiful development might yet be in the womb of time!
+
+Nor was this all: Hunter, as we have said, was a man of talent. Though
+small and mean in his personal appearance, his manner was remarkable,
+and his demeanor befitted his story. He had taken lodgings in Warwick
+street, and occupied the very rooms which Washington Irving had once
+inhabited. Another American author, of no mean fame, was his
+fellow-lodger. He held free intercourse with all Americans who came to
+London. He sought their society, and, in the height of his power, he
+loved to exercise it in their behalf, and to their advantage.
+
+In dress, Hunter adopted the simplest garb of a gentleman; in
+conversation, he was peculiar. He said little till excited; he then
+spoke rapidly, and often as if delivering an oration. He was accustomed
+to inveigh against civilized society,--its luxuries and its vices,--and
+to paint in glowing hues the pleasures and virtues of savage life. He
+was very ingenious, and often truly eloquent. It was impossible,
+believing in the genuineness of his character and the sincerity of his
+motives, not to be touched by his wild enthusiasm.
+
+It is easy to see, that such a man, unsuspected, introduced into society
+by the brother of the king, and patronized by the heads of the learned
+societies--launched upon the full tide of fashionable society, in the
+world's metropolis,--had a brilliant voyage before him. During the
+winter of 1823-4, Hunter was the lion of the patrician circles of
+London. There was a real strife even among countesses, duchesses, and
+the like, to signalize their parties by the presence of this
+interesting wonder. In considering whether to go to a ball, a soirée, or
+a jam, the deciding point of inquiry was, "Will Hunter be there?"--If
+so, "Yes."--If not, "No!"
+
+Nothing could be more curious than to see this singular man, in the
+midst of a gorgeous party, where diamonds flashed and titles hung on
+every individual around him. He seemed totally indifferent to the scene;
+or, at least, unobservant of the splendors that encircled him. He was
+the special object of regard to the ladies. There was something quite
+piquant in his indifference. He seemed not to acknowledge the
+flatteries, that fell like showers of roses, and that too from the ruby
+lips and lustrous eyes of princes' daughters, thick upon him. He seldom
+sat down: he stood erect, and, even when encircled by ladies, gazed a
+little upward, and over them. He often answered a question without
+looking at the querist. Sometimes, though quite rarely, he was roused,
+and delivered a kind of speech. It was a great thing, if the oracle
+would but hold forth! The lass or lady who chanced to hear this, was but
+too happy. The burden of the oration was always nearly the same:--the
+advantages of simple savage life over civilization. It was strange to
+see those who were living on the pinnacle of artificial society,
+intoxicated with such a theme; yet, such was the art of the juggler,
+that even their fancy was captivated. Those who had been bred in the
+downy lap of luxury, were charmed with tales of the hardy chase and
+deadly encounter; those to whom the artifices of dress constituted more
+than half the pleasures of existence, delighted to dwell upon the
+simplicity of forest attire: those who gloried in the splendors of a
+city mansion,--halls, boudoirs, saloons, and conservatories,--thought
+how charming it would be to dwell beneath the wide canopy, or a
+deer-skin tent! Surely, such triumphs display the skill and power of a
+master.
+
+During the winter of which we speak, Hunter's card-rack was crowded with
+cards, notes, and invitations, from lords and ladies of the very highest
+rank and fashion, in London. Many a fair hand indited and sent billets
+to him, that would have turned some loftier heads than his. On one
+occasion, by some accident, he had dislocated his shoulder. The next
+morning, Dr. Petingale, surgeon to the Duke of Sussex, called to see
+him, by command of his Grace, and delivered to him a long note of
+consolation. This note, from his Royal Highness, was somewhat in the
+style of Hannah More, and kindly suggested all the topics of comfort
+proper to such an hour of tribulation.
+
+Hunter did not spend his whole time in fashionable dissipation. He
+visited the various institutions of London, and often with persons of
+the highest rank. He fell in with Robert Owen, of Lanarck, who had not
+yet been pronounced mad, and the two characters seemed greatly delighted
+with each other. Hunter seemed interested in the subject of education,
+and made this a frequent topic of discussion. He visited the infant
+school of Wilderspin, consisting of two hundred scholars, all of the
+lower classes. When he heard forty of these children, under three years
+of age, unite in singing "God save the King," his heart was evidently
+touched, and the tears gathered in his eyes. It is not one of the least
+curious facts in his history, that he patronized his countrymen, and was
+the means of establishing a portrait painter from Kentucky, in his
+profession. He induced the Duke of Sussex, with whom he regularly dined
+once a week, to sit for him: the portrait was exhibited at Somerset
+House, and our artist was at once famous.
+
+Hunter now took a tour to Scotland. In his way, he spent some weeks with
+Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, and experienced the noble hospitalities of that
+truly noble gentleman. He passed on to Scotland, where he excited a deep
+interest among such persons as the Duke of Hamilton, Sir Walter Scott,
+Mr. Jeffrey, and others of the highest eminence. The ladies, also,
+manifested the very liveliest sensations in his behalf.
+
+During his stay in Scotland, he was invited to spend a few days at a
+charming seat, in the vicinity of Edinburgh. Thither he went. One day,
+as he was walking in the park with a fair lady, daughter of the
+proprietor, they came to an open space, through which a bright stream
+was running. At a particular point, and near the path of the ramblers,
+was a large rock, at the base of which the rivulet swept round, forming
+a small eddying pool. Over this the wild shrubs had gathered, growing
+luxuriously, as if escaped from the restraints of culture. Hunter
+paused, folded his arms, and gazed at the picturesque group of rock,
+shrub, and stream. The lady looked at him with interest. She hesitated,
+then gathered courage, and asked what it was that so moved him.
+
+"Nothing! nothing!" said he, half starting, and passing on. "Nay, nay,"
+said the fair one, "you must tell me." "Well, if I must," was the reply,
+"I must. You may think it foolish, yet such is the truth,--that little
+pool, gathered in the shelter of the rock and briar, reminds me of early
+days--of my childhood, and the forest. Past memories come over my bosom,
+like summer upon the snow; I think how I have often stooped at such a
+stream as this, and quenched my thirst, with a relish nothing can now
+bestow. I feel an emotion I can hardly resist; it seems to call me from
+these scenes, this voluptuous, yet idle life. I have a sense of wrong,
+of duty neglected, of happiness missed, which makes me sad even in such
+a place as this, and with society like yours."
+
+By this time Hunter had framed a design, either real or pretended, of
+doing some great thing for the Indians. He insisted that the attempt to
+civilize them at once, was idle and fallacious; he proposed, therefore,
+to select some spot along the banks of the Wabash, and which he
+represented as a wild kind of paradise, and here he would gather the
+Indians, and, adopting a system which might blend the life of the hunter
+with that of the cultivator, wile them gradually, and without shocking
+their prejudices, into civilization. This scheme he set forth as the
+great object of his wishes. He spoke of it frequently, and in Edinburgh,
+especially, delighted his hearers with his enthusiastic eloquence in
+dilating upon the subject. No one suspected his sincerity, and the
+greatest men in Scotland avowed and felt the deepest interest in his
+project.
+
+The summer came, and Hunter went back to London. He now announced his
+intention to return to America: still, he lingered for several months.
+His friends noticed that he was dejected, yet he assigned no cause for
+this. Presents were made to him, and hints of assistance, to further his
+scheme of Indian civilization, were suggested. He availed himself of
+none of these advantages, save that he accepted a watch, richly
+jewelled, from the Duke of Sussex, and a splendid set of mathematical
+instruments, from Mr. Coke, of Norfolk. He also borrowed a hundred
+pounds of a friend. He took his farewell of London, and bearing with him
+the best wishes of all who had known him on that side of the Atlantic,
+he embarked at Liverpool for America.
+
+Immediately after his arrival, he hastened to the south, spent a few
+days at New Orleans, and pushed into the wilds bordering upon Texas. In
+some way, he excited the jealousy of the Indians, who resolved to take
+his life. On a journey through the wilderness, he was attended by an
+Indian guide. Having occasion to pass a river, he stopped a moment in
+the middle of it, to let his horse drink. The guide was behind: obedient
+to his orders, he lifted his carbine, and shot Hunter through the back.
+He fell, a lifeless corpse, into the stream, and was borne away, as
+little heeded as a forest leaf.
+
+Such are the facts, as we have been able to gather them, in respect to
+this remarkable man. The writer of this article saw him in London, and
+the incidents related of him while he was in England and Scotland, are
+stated upon personal knowledge. The events subsequent to his departure
+are derived from current rumor. The question has often been asked, What
+was the real character of John Dunn Hunter? That he was, to some extent,
+an impostor, can hardly be doubted. Mr. Duponceau, of Philadelphia,
+examined into some Indian words which Hunter had given him, and found
+them to be fabrications. Mr. John Dunn, of Missouri, mentioned by Hunter
+as his friend and benefactor, was written to, and he declared that he
+had known no such person. These facts, with others, were laid before the
+public in the North American Review, and were regarded as fatal to the
+character of Hunter. The common judgment has been, that he was wholly an
+impostor; we incline, however, to a different opinion.
+
+We believe that the story of his early life, was, in the main,
+correct;[B] that he did not originally intend any deception; that he
+came to New York with honest intentions, but that the flatteries he
+received led him by degrees to expand his views, and finally drew him
+into a deliberate career of fraud. So long as he was in the tide of
+prosperity abroad, he did not seem to reflect, and glided down contented
+with the stream: when the time came that he must return, his real
+situation presented itself, and weighed upon his spirits. It is to be
+remarked, however, that, even in this condition, he availed himself of
+no opportunities to amass money, which he might have done to the amount
+of thousands. These facts, at war with the supposition that he was a
+mere impostor, seem to show that he had still some principle of honor
+left, and some hope as to his future career. At all events, he was a man
+of extraordinary address, and his story shows how high a course of
+duplicity may elevate a man, yet only to hurl him down the farther and
+the more fatally, upon the sharp rocks of retribution.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CASPER HAUSER.
+
+
+In the year 1828, a great sensation was created throughout the civilized
+world, by the story of Casper Hauser. This, as it appears, was in
+substance as follows:--
+
+On the 20th May, in the year above named, as a citizen of Nuremburg, in
+Bavaria, was proceeding along one of the streets, he happened to see a
+young man in the dress of a peasant, who was standing like one
+intoxicated, attempting to move forward, yet appearing hardly to have
+command of his legs. On the approach of the citizen, this stranger held
+out to him a letter directed to a well-known and respectable military
+officer, living in Nuremburg.
+
+As the house of this person lay in the direction of the citizen's walk,
+he took the youth thither with him. When the servant opened the door,
+the stranger put the letter into his hand, uttering some unintelligible
+words. The various questions which were asked, as to his name, whence he
+came, &c., he seemed not to comprehend. He appeared excessively
+fatigued, staggered as if exhausted, and pointed to his feet, shedding
+tears, apparently from pain. As he seemed to be suffering from hunger, a
+piece of meat was given to him, but scarcely had he tasted it, when he
+spat it out, and shuddered as if with abhorrence. He manifested the same
+aversion to beer. He ate some bread and drank water, with signs of
+satisfaction.
+
+Meantime, all attempts to gain any information from him were fruitless.
+To every question he answered with the same unintelligible jargon. He
+seemed to hear without understanding, and to see without perceiving. He
+shed many tears, and his whole language seemed to consist of moans and
+unintelligible sounds.
+
+The letter to the officer, above mentioned, contained no satisfactory
+information. It stated that the writer was a poor day-laborer, with a
+family of ten children; that the bearer had been left with him in
+October, 1812, and he had never since been suffered to leave his house:
+that he had received a Christian education, been baptized, &c. He was
+sent to the officer with the request that he might be taken care of till
+seventeen years old, and then be made a trooper, and placed in the sixth
+regiment, as his father had been of that corps. This letter was
+supposed, of course, to be designed to mislead, and no reliance was
+placed upon it.
+
+The officer, suspecting some imposition, sent the stranger to the
+police. To all inquiries the latter replied as before, displaying a kind
+of childish simplicity, and awkward dulness. He was continually
+whimpering, and pointing to his feet. While he had the size of a young
+man, his face had the expression of a child. When writing materials were
+placed before him, he took the pen with alacrity, and wrote _Kaspar
+Hauser_. This so contrasted with his previous signs of ignorance and
+dulness, as to excite suspicions of imposture, and he was therefore
+committed to a tower used for the confinement of rogues and vagabonds.
+In going to this place, he sank down, groaning at every step.
+
+The body of Caspar seemed perfectly formed, but his face bore a decided
+aspect of vulgarity. When in a state of tranquillity, it was either
+destitute of expression, or had a look of brutish indifference. The
+formation of his face, however, changed in a few months, and rapidly
+gained in expression and animation. His feet bore no marks of having
+been confined by shoes, and were finely formed; the soles were soft as
+the palms of his hands. His gait was a waddling, tottering progress,
+groping with his hands as he went, and often falling at the slightest
+impediment. He could not, for a long time, go up and down stairs
+without assistance. He used his hands with the greatest awkwardness. In
+all these respects, however, he rapidly improved.
+
+Caspar Hauser soon ceased to be considered either an idiot or an
+impostor. The mildness, good nature, and obedience he displayed,
+precluded the idea that he had grown up with the beasts of the forest.
+Yet he was destitute of words, and seemed to be disgusted with most of
+the customs and habits of civilized life. All the circumstances combined
+to create a belief that he had been brought up in a state of complete
+imprisonment and seclusion, during the previous part of his existence.
+
+He now became an object of general interest, and hundreds of persons
+came to see him. He could be persuaded to taste no other food than bread
+and water. Even the smell of most articles of food was sufficient to
+make him shudder. When he first saw a lighted candle, he appeared
+greatly delighted, and unsuspectingly put his fingers into the blaze.
+When a mirror was shown him, he looked behind to find the image it
+reflected. Like a child, he greedily reached for every glittering
+object, and cried when any desired thing was denied him. His whole
+vocabulary seemed hardly to exceed a dozen words, and that of ross
+(horse) answered for all quadrupeds, such as horses, dogs, and cats.
+When, at length, a wooden horse was given as a plaything, it seemed to
+effect a great change in him; his spirits revived, and his lethargy and
+indifference were dissipated. He would never eat or drink without first
+offering a portion to his horse.
+
+His powers seemed now to be rapidly developed; he soon quitted his toy,
+and learned to ride the living horse with astonishing rapidity. He,
+however, was greatly oppressed, as he acquired knowledge, at discovering
+how much inferior he was in knowledge to those around him, and this led
+him to express the wish that he could go back to the hole in which he
+had always been confined. From his repeated statements, now that he had
+learned to speak, it appeared that he had been, from his earliest
+recollections, confined in a narrow space, his legs extended forward
+upon the floor, and his body upright; and here, without light, and
+without the power of locomotion, he had remained for years. The date or
+period of his confinement he knew not, for in his dungeon there was no
+sunrise or sunset, to mark the lapse of time. When he awoke from sleep,
+he found some bread and water at his side; but who ministered to his
+wants, he knew not; he never saw the face of his attendant, who never
+spoke to him, except in some unintelligible jargon. In his hole he had
+two wooden horses and some ribands as toys--and these afforded him his
+only amusement. One day had passed as another; he had no dreams; time
+run on, and life ebbed and flowed, with a dull and almost unconscious
+movement. After a time his keeper gave him a pencil, of which he learned
+the use; he was then partially taught to walk, and shortly after, was
+carried from his prison, a letter put into his hand, and he was left,
+as the beginning of our story finds him, in the streets of Nuremburg.
+
+The journals were now filled with accounts of this mysterious young man.
+A suspicion was at last started that he was of high birth, and that
+important motives had led to the singular treatment he had received. He
+was himself haunted with the fear of assassination, from the idea that
+the circumstances which led to his incarceration, now that his story was
+known, might tempt his enemies to put a period to his life--thus seeking
+at once the removal of a hated object, and security against detection.
+His fears were at last partially realized; while he was under the care
+and protection of Professor Daumer, he was attacked and seriously
+wounded by a blow upon the forehead.
+
+After this event, Earl Stanhope, who happened to be in that part of
+Germany, caused him to be removed to Anspach, where he was placed under
+the care of an able schoolmaster. Here his fears subsided; but in
+December, 1833, a stranger, wrapped in a large cloak, accosted him,
+under the pretence of having an important communication to make, and
+proposed a meeting. Caspar agreed, and they met in the palace garden,
+alone. The stranger drew some papers from beneath his cloak, and while
+Hauser was examining them, the russian stabbed him in the region of the
+heart. The wound did not prove immediately fatal. He was able to return
+home, and relate what had happened. Messengers were sent in pursuit of
+the assassin, but in vain. Hauser lingered three or four days--that is,
+till the 17th December, 1833, when he died. On dissection, it appeared
+that the knife had pierced to the heart, making an incision in its outer
+covering, and slightly cutting both the liver and stomach. A reward of
+five thousand florins was offered by Lord Stanhope, for the discovery of
+the assassin, but without effect--nor was the mystery which involved
+Caspar's story ever fully unravelled.
+
+Such was the tale of this extraordinary individual, as it appeared a few
+years ago. Since that period, the facts in the case have been carefully
+sifted, and the result is a settled conviction, that Hauser was an
+impostor; that the story of his confinement was a fabrication; that his
+pretended ignorance, his stupidity, his childishness, were but skilful
+acting to enforce his story; and, strange as it may appear, there is no
+good reason to doubt that the wounds he received, in both instances,
+were inflicted by himself. Such were the deliberate convictions of Earl
+Stanhope, and others who investigated the facts on the spot, and with
+the best advantages for the discovery of the truth. Caspar's motive for
+wounding himself doubtless was, to revive the flagging interest of the
+public in his behalf--a source of excitement he had so long enjoyed, as
+to feel unhappy without it. In the latter instance, he doubtless
+inflicted a severer wound than he intended, and thus put an undesigned
+period to his existence.
+
+His story presents one of the most successful instances of imposture, on
+record. It appears probable that he was aided in his imposition by the
+narrative of Fuerbach, one of the judges of Bavaria, who adopted some
+theory on the subject, which he supported with gross, though perhaps
+undesigned misrepresentation. He published an interesting account of
+Hauser, in which he rather colored and exaggerated the facts, thus
+making the narrative far more wonderful than the reality would warrant.
+It was, doubtless, owing to these statements of Fuerbach, that an
+extraordinary interest in the case was everywhere excited; and it is
+highly probable that Hauser himself was encouraged to deeper and more
+extended duplicity, by the aid which the mistaken credulity of the judge
+afforded him, than, at first, he had meditated. He probably looked with
+surprise and wonder at the success of his trick, and marvelled at seeing
+himself suddenly converted from a poor German mechanic, as he doubtless
+was, into a prodigy and a hero--exciting a sensation throughout the four
+quarters of the globe. The whole story affords a good illustration of
+the folly of permitting the imagination to lead us in the investigation
+of facts, and the extended impositions that may flow from the want of
+exact and scrupulous veracity in a magistrate.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PSALMANAZAR.
+
+
+George Psalmanazar was born about the year 1679. All that we know of his
+early history is from his own memoirs, which were published after his
+death; but they do not tell us his true name, nor that of his native
+country, though it is generally believed that he was born in the south
+of France. His education was excellent, probably obtained in some of the
+colleges of the Jesuits.
+
+At an early period, he became a wandering adventurer, sometimes passing
+himself off as a pilgrim, then as a Japanese, and then as a native of
+Formosa--a large island lying to the east of China, and subject to that
+country. His extensive learning and various knowledge enabled him to
+sustain these and other disguises. Thus he travelled over several parts
+of Europe, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. He was by turns a
+soldier, a beggar, a menial, a monk; a preceptor, a Christian, a
+heathen, a man of all trades. At last, he came to Liege in Belgium,
+pretending to be a Formosan, converted to Christianity. Here he became
+acquainted with the chaplain of an English regiment, and was solemnly
+baptized.
+
+He now went to London, and was kindly received by Bishop Compton, who
+gave him entertainment in his own house, and treated him with the utmost
+confidence. His great abilities and extraordinary story, seconded by the
+patronage of the bishop of London, gave him immediate currency with
+literary men, and he soon became the wonder of the day.
+
+Psalmanazar played his part to admiration. He shunned, rather than
+sought, the notice of the public, and, avoiding meat, lived chiefly on
+fruits, and a simple vegetable diet. At the same time, he appeared to
+display the Christian characteristics, and devoted himself to study. He
+began to prepare a grammar of the Formosan language, which he finally
+completed. This was, of course, a fiction, yet he proceeded to translate
+the Church Catechism into this fabricated tongue. He finally wrote an
+extensive history of Formosa, which was also a fable; yet such was the
+reputation of the author, that it was received with general confidence,
+and speedily passed through several editions.
+
+During this period, he had been sent to study at Oxford, where a
+controversy was carried on between his patrons, and Dr. Halley, Dr.
+Mead, and some others, in respect to his pretensions. Certain
+discrepancies were at last detected in his history of Formosa, and, in
+the result, Psalmanazar was completely exposed, and finally confessed
+his imposture. Soon after this, a moral change took place in him: he
+grew ashamed of his dishonorable courses, and determined to reform. He
+applied himself intensely to study, and, after a time, became engaged in
+literary pursuits, by which he earned an honest subsistence, and
+considerable reputation during the rest of his life. He died in London,
+in 1753.
+
+He wrote for the large work, styled the Universal History, most of the
+parts concerning ancient history, except that of Rome, and his writings
+met with great success. He wrote a volume of essays on several
+scriptural subjects, a version of the Psalms, beside his own memoirs,
+already mentioned. He also wrote for the "Complete System of Geography,"
+an article on the Island of Formosa, founded upon authentic information,
+as a reparation for the stories which he had palmed upon the public in
+his former account.
+
+Psalmanazar is the name that he had assumed when he began his wandering
+life, and which he retained till his death. Of the sincerity of his
+piety, there can be no doubt. Dr. Johnson said that he never witnessed a
+more beautiful example of humility, and tranquil resignation, combined
+with an active discharge of duty, than was displayed by him during the
+latter portion of his life!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+VALENTINE GREATRAKES.
+
+
+This person, renowned in the annals of quackery, was born at Affane, in
+Ireland, in 1628. He received a good education at the classical free
+school of that town, and was preparing to enter Trinity College, Dublin,
+when the rebellion broke out, and his mother, with a family of several
+children, was obliged to fly to England for refuge.
+
+Some years after, Valentine returned, but was so affected by the
+wretched state of his country, and the scenes of misery that were
+witnessed on every hand, that he shut himself up for a whole year,
+spending his time in moody contemplations. He afterwards became a
+lieutenant in the army, but in 1656, he retired to his estate in Affane,
+where he was appointed justice of the peace for the county of Cork.
+
+Greatrakes was now married, and appears to have held a respectable
+station in society. About the year 1662, he began to conceive himself
+possessed of an extraordinary power of removing scrofula, or king's
+evil, by means of touching or stroking the parts affected, with his
+hands. This imagination he concealed for some time, but, at last,
+revealed it to his wife, who ridiculed the idea.
+
+Having resolved, however, to make the trial, he began with one William
+Maher, who was brought to the house by his father, for the purpose of
+receiving some assistance from Mrs. Greatrakes, a lady who was always
+ready to relieve the sick and indigent, as far as lay in her power. This
+boy was sorely afflicted with the king's evil, but was to all appearance
+cured by Mr. Greatrakes' laying his hand on the parts affected. Several
+other persons having applied to him, to be cured, in the same manner, of
+different disorders, his efforts seemed to be attended with success, and
+he acquired considerable fame in his neighborhood.
+
+His reputation now increased, and he was induced to go to England, where
+he gained great celebrity by his supposed cures. Several pamphlets were
+issued upon the subject; it being maintained by some that Greatrakes
+possessed a sanative quality inherent in his constitution; by others,
+that his cures were miraculous; and by others still, that they were
+produced merely by the force of imagination. The reality of the cures
+seemed to be admitted, and the reputation of the operator rose to a
+prodigious height; but, after a brief period, it rapidly declined, and
+the public became convinced that the whole excitement was the result of
+illusion. Greatrakes, himself, possessed a high character for humility,
+virtue and piety, and was doubtless the dupe of his own bewildered
+fancy. He died in 1680, having afforded the world a striking caution not
+to mistake recovery for cure, and not to yield to imagination and
+popular delusion, especially in respect to the pretended cure of
+diseases.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MATTHEW HOPKINS.
+
+
+About 250 years ago, the reality of witchcraft was very generally
+admitted throughout Europe. The belief in the active agency of the
+Spirit of Evil in human affairs, had existed among Christians from the
+earliest period, and the legends of saints, their trials and
+temptations, in which the devil plays so important a part, served to
+extend and confirm these popular notions. At last, the direct agency of
+diabolical powers, and its open manifestation, was assumed, and, at the
+period of which we speak, was held to be a point of Christian faith. The
+pious Baxter considered the disbelief of witchcraft as equivalent to
+infidelity; the just and sagacious Sir Matthew Hale admitted its
+reality, and pronounced sentence against those who were convicted of it;
+and, alas! the pedantic king, James I. of England, wrote a book
+entitled, "Dæmonologia, or a Discourse on Witchcraft."
+
+The purpose of this work was to prove the reality of witchcraft, its
+prevalence among mankind, its great enormity, and the means of its
+detection and punishment. Its effect was to extend the belief in
+witchcraft, and, of course, to multiply the apparent instances of its
+existence. The insane fancies of diseased minds, unusual phenomena of
+nature, and the artful machinery of designing malignity, ambition, or
+hypocrisy, were all laid at Satan's door. Of the horrors that followed,
+history furnishes a melancholy account. It is supposed that 30,000
+persons were executed in England, from the year 1500 to 1722. The same
+dreadful delusion prevailed in other parts of Europe, and extended in
+due time to this country, and about the year 1692, twenty persons were
+executed in Salem, Massachusetts, for the crime of witchcraft.
+
+During the period in which this fearful mania was prevalent in England,
+Matthew Hopkins, denominated Witch-Finder General, acted a conspicuous
+part. He pretended to be a great critic in special marks or signs of
+witchcraft. Moles, warts, scorbutic spots, were in his eyes teats to
+suckle imps, and were sufficient evidences to bring a victim to the
+halter. He was assisted by one John Stern, a kindred genius, and in the
+year 1644, 5 and 6, they brought a great number of poor wretches to the
+fatal tree. Matthew, himself, hung in one year no less than sixty
+reputed witches of his own county of Essex. He received twenty shillings
+a head from the public authorities for every witch he discovered. The
+old, the ignorant, and the indigent,--such as could neither plead their
+own cause nor hire an advocate, were the miserable victims of his
+credulity, avarice, and spleen.
+
+When other evidences of guilt were wanting, Hopkins adopted the trial by
+water, which had been suggested by king James, who remarks that "as some
+persons have renounced their baptism by water, so water refuses to
+receive them." Those accused of diabolical practices, therefore, were
+thrown into a pond. If they floated or swam, according to king James'
+notion the water refused to receive them, and they were therefore
+guilty. These were consequently taken out and burnt, or hung. If they
+were innocent, they sunk, and were only drowned.
+
+Suspicion was at last turned against Hopkins himself, and the ordeal of
+swimming was applied in his own case. In consequence of this experiment,
+he was convicted and executed as a wizard. An allusion to this
+extraordinary character is made in the third canto of Hudibras, who
+says,
+
+  Has not the present parliament
+  A lodger to the devil sent,
+  Fully empowered to treat about
+  Finding revolted witches out?
+  And has he not within a year
+  Hanged threescore of them in one shire?
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+PETER, THE WILD BOY.
+
+
+On the continent of Europe, portions of which are interspersed with vast
+forests and uncultivated tracts, various individuals of the human
+species have, at different times, been discovered in a state no better
+than that of the brute creation. One of the most singular of these
+unfortunate creatures was Peter the Wild Boy, whose origin and history,
+previous to his discovery, must remain forever a secret. He was found in
+the year 1725, in the woods, about twenty-five miles from Hanover, in
+Germany. He walked on all fours, climbed trees like a squirrel, and fed
+on grass and moss.
+
+When he was taken, he was about thirteen years old, and could not speak.
+He soon made his escape into the woods, where he concealed himself amid
+the branches of a tree, which was sawed down to recover him. He was
+brought over to England, in the year 1726, and exhibited to the king and
+many of the nobility. He received the title of Peter the Wild Boy, which
+name he ever afterwards retained.
+
+He appeared to have scarcely any ideas, was uneasy at being obliged to
+wear clothes, and could not be induced to lie in a bed, but sat and
+slept in a corner of a room, whence it was conjectured that he used to
+sleep on a tree for security against wild beasts. He was committed to
+the care of Dr. Arbuthnot, at whose house he was to have been baptized;
+but, notwithstanding all the doctor's pains, he never could bring the
+wild youth to the use of speech, or the pronunciation of more than a
+very few words. As every effort to give him an education was found to be
+vain, he was placed with a farmer at a small distance from London, and a
+pension was allowed him by the king, which he enjoyed till his death,
+which occurred in 1785, at the age of about seventy-three years.
+
+Peter was low of stature, and always wore his beard. He occasionally
+wandered away from his place of residence, but either returned or was
+brought back. He was never mischievous; was remarkable for his
+strength; became fond of finery and dress, and at last, was taught to
+love beer and gin. He was a lover of music, and acquired several tunes.
+He also became able to count as far as twenty, and could answer a few
+simple questions. He learned to eat the food of the family where he
+lived, but in his excursions, he subsisted upon raw herbage, berries and
+roots of young trees. He was evidently not an idiot, but seemed to
+continue in a state of mental infancy, thinking of little beyond his
+physical wants, and never being able to conceive of the existence of a
+God.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN KELSEY.
+
+
+It is well for every person to be apprized of the fact, that, in all
+ages and all countries, there are religious enthusiasts, who, having
+given themselves up to heated imaginations, lose the power of judging
+according to truth and reason upon this particular subject. They see
+things by a false vision, and are not only deluded but they often delude
+others. These persons are monomaniacs--insane upon the subject of
+religion, though often sane upon all others.
+
+It appears that every person is liable to this species of delusion, if
+he gives up the reins to his fancy, and ceases to be guided by common
+sense; and the frequency of such occurrences shows that this liability
+is by no means remote. In a recent case, a man by the name of Elijah
+Thayer, a native of Massachusetts, conceived the idea that the present
+dispensation was speedily to pass away, and that the second coming of
+Christ was to be realized in his own person.
+
+Believing himself to be commanded by God to announce this event to the
+great powers of England, Rome, and Jerusalem, he took passage in the
+steamer Britannia, in September, 1842, and proceeded upon his mission.
+He was a common laborer, but he possessed a good deal of knowledge,
+especially of the Bible. He was rational and sagacious upon all subjects
+except that of his peculiar religious views; and even in maintaining
+these, he displayed much skill, and was singularly dexterous in the
+quoting of Scripture.
+
+Soon after his arrival, he proceeded to Windsor, where Queen Victoria
+was then residing. He made application for an interview with her
+majesty, saying that he had a most important communication to make to
+her. Being requested to state the substance of it, he sent her word that
+Elijah Thayer, the prophet of God, had come, by the command of the Most
+High, to announce a mighty change, which was speedily to take place
+throughout the universe. The present system of things was to pass away;
+crowns, thrones and sceptres were to be trampled in the dust; kings and
+queens were to be reduced to the level of common mortals; universal
+equality was to be established among mankind; an era of peace was to
+begin, and he himself, Elijah Thayer, passing from the prophetic to the
+kingly state, was to reign in righteousness over the earth as Christ
+himself.
+
+This message was delivered by Elijah, in his fur cap, and his
+long-skirted blue coat, with a perfectly sober face, to the queen's
+servants at Windsor Castle. These received the extraordinary tidings
+with decorous politeness, promised faithfully to deliver the message,
+and the prophet, well satisfied, went his way. He now proceeded to
+London, and visited the several Jewish synagogues, announcing to the
+high priests his wonderful mission. The last we heard of him, he was
+preparing to make his way to Rome, in fulfilment of his insane project.
+
+It would be easy to add numerous instances of similar delusion. In 1790,
+an Englishman, by the name of Richard Brothers, announced that he had a
+mission for the restoration of the Jews and to make Jerusalem the
+capital of the world. He said that he was commanded to notify the king,
+the lords and the commons of the same, which he did in a manner so
+obstreperous, that he was lodged in Newgate prison.
+
+Roger North gives us an account of one John Kelsey, a Quaker, who, about
+the year 1680, "went on a sort of pilgrimage to Constantinople, for
+converting the Great Turk; and the first scene of his action was
+standing up in a corner of the street, and preaching to the people. They
+stared at him, and concluding him to be out of his wits, he was taken
+and carried to the madhouse; there he lay six months. At last, some of
+the keepers heard him speak the word _English_, and told of it so that
+it came to the ambassador, Lord Winchelsea's ear, that he had a subject
+in the madhouse.
+
+"His lordship sent and had him at his house. The fellow stood before the
+ambassador, with a dirty, ragged hat on, and would not put it off,
+though he was so charged and admonished; thereupon the ambassador
+ordered him down, and had him drubbed upon the feet, after the Turkish
+manner. Then he was anything and would do anything, and afterwards did
+own that that drubbing had a great effect upon his spirit.
+
+"Upon searching him, there was found in his pouch, among a few beans, a
+letter to the Grand Signior, very long and canting; but the substance
+was to let him know that he was the scourge in God's hand with which he
+chastised the wicked Christians; and now, their wickedness was so great,
+that God, by the spirit, had sent him, to let him know that he must come
+forthwith to scourge them.
+
+"He was sent for England, but got off by the way, and came up a second
+time to Constantinople, from whence he was more surely conveyed; and
+some that knew John, told Sir Dudley North that they had seen him on the
+Exchange, where he recognised the admirable virtue of Turkish
+drubbing."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BAMFYLDE MOORE CAREW.
+
+
+This eccentric character was born in 1693, at Bickley, in Devonshire, of
+which place his father was many years rector. Being descended from an
+ancient and honorable family, he was educated agreeably to his
+condition. At the age of twelve, he was sent to the Tiverton school,
+where his good behavior led his friends to hope that he might some day
+shine in the clerical profession. But the Tiverton scholars having at
+their command a fine pack of hounds, Carew, and two or three of his
+companions, devoted themselves more to hunting than study.
+
+One day they engaged in the chase of a deer, just before the
+commencement of harvest. The animal took his course through the fields
+of grain, and the young sportsmen, with their hounds, followed,
+reckless of the damage that was done. The mischief was so considerable,
+that the proprietors complained to the school-master. Carew and his
+companions were so much frightened, that they absconded, and joined a
+gang of gipsies, who happened to be in the neighborhood. This society
+consisted of about eighteen persons of both sexes, who carried with them
+such an air of mirth and gaiety, that the youngsters were quite
+delighted with their company, and, expressing an inclination to enter
+into their society, the gipsies admitted them, after the performance of
+the requisite ceremonies and the administration of the customary oaths.
+
+Young Carew was speedily initiated into all the arts of the wandering
+tribe, for which he seemed to have a happy genius. His parents,
+meanwhile, lamented him as one that was no more, for, though they had
+repeatedly advertised his name and person, they could not obtain the
+least intelligence of him. At length, after an interval of a year and a
+half, hearing of their grief and repeated inquiries after him, his heart
+relented, and he returned to Bickley. Being greatly disguised, both in
+dress and appearance, he was not known at first by his parents; but when
+he discovered himself, a scene followed which no words can describe, and
+there were great rejoicings, both in Bickley and the neighboring parish
+of Cadley.
+
+Everything was done to render his home agreeable; but Carew had
+contracted such a fondness for the society of the gipsies, that, after
+various ineffectual struggles with the suggestions of filial piety, he
+once more eloped to his former connections, and soon gave new proofs of
+his aptitude for their peculiar calling.
+
+Having remained with the gipsies for some time, he left them, and
+proceeded on a voyage to Newfoundland. He soon returned, and, landing at
+Newcastle, eloped with a young lady, the daughter of an eminent
+apothecary of that town. Proceeding to Bath, they were married, and paid
+a visit to Carew's uncle, a distinguished clergyman of Dorchester. He
+received them with great kindness, and endeavored to persuade his nephew
+to take a final leave of his gipsey life. This, however, proved vain,
+for Carew soon returned to that vagrant community, with whom he spent
+the remainder of his days.
+
+He now led an adventurous career, seeming to be guided more by the humor
+of enterprise than the love of gain. His art in transforming his person
+so as to represent various characters, extorted from the gipsies
+themselves the greatest applause, and, at last, when Clause Patch, their
+king, died, Carew had the honor of being elected in his stead.
+
+Though his character was known, he was rather a favorite with many
+persons of good standing, and was on one occasion invited to spend
+several days in hunting with Colonel Strangeways, at Milbury. The
+conversation happened one day, at dinner, to turn on Carew's ingenuity,
+and the colonel remarked that he would defy him to practise deception on
+him. The next day, while the colonel was out with his hounds, he met
+with a miserable object upon a pair of crutches, with a wound in his
+thigh, a coat of rags, and a venerable, pity-moving beard. His
+countenance expressed pain and sorrow, and as the colonel stopped to
+gaze upon him, the tears trickled down his silver beard. As the colonel
+was not proof against such an affecting sight, he threw him half a
+crown, and passed on. While he was at dinner, the miserable object came
+in, when lo, it was Carew himself!
+
+The life of this singular man has afforded materials for a volume. His
+friends in vain offered to provide him with a respectable maintenance;
+no entreaty could prevail upon him to abandon the kind of life he had
+adopted. He spent about forty years with gipsies and beggars, and died
+in 1770, aged 77.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN ELWES.
+
+
+A monomaniac is generally made by dwelling for a long period upon one
+object with intense interest, to the exclusion of others. By this
+process, this one object at last occupies the whole soul, fills the
+entire vision, and makes the mind blind to the relative importance of
+other things. A man in this condition is insane, and resembles the
+bedlamite, who, being asked why he was confined, replied, "I thought the
+world mad, and the world thought me mad, and they outvoted me!" While
+the world, guided by common sense, assigns to each subject its relative
+importance, the monomaniac we have imagined, sees but one thing, his own
+hobby, and pronounces mankind mad because they do not agree with him.
+
+There are a thousand forms and shades of this insanity; one of the most
+common is displayed by the miser, who has dwelt so long and so intently
+upon the acquisition of money, that money becomes his idol: he thinks it
+the supreme good: he has a mad delight in amassing it: his eagerness to
+increase his store, quenches the lights of the soul--pity, benevolence,
+charity, and mercy; he is beset by a horrid fear of its being taken from
+him; and, as age creeps on and weakens his powers of body and mind, the
+demon of avarice takes possession of the bosom, and, putting out the
+light of reason, holds its revel in darkness and fear, till death closes
+the scene.
+
+Of misers, history has furnished us a long list. We are told of M.
+Osterwald, a wealthy banker of Paris, who died in 1790, of want, yet
+leaving an estate of 600,000 dollars! When he began life, and bought a
+bottle of beer for his dinner, he took away the cork in his pocket. He
+practised this for a long period, and had at last collected such a
+quantity that they sold for nearly one hundred dollars! A few months
+before his death, he refused to buy meat for soup. "I should like the
+soup," said he, "well enough, but I do not want the meat. What, then, is
+to become of that?" The fear of losing the meat, led him to starve
+himself; yet, at the very moment, he had 800 assignats, of 200 dollars
+each, in a silken bag, around his neck!
+
+Another Frenchman, by the name of Fortescue, affords a curious piece of
+history. He was a farmer-general of the taxes, and amassed an immense
+fortune by grinding the poor. The government at length called upon him
+for a considerable sum, but he pleaded poverty. Fearing that some of his
+neighbors should testify to his wealth, he determined to conceal it. He
+therefore dug a vault beneath his wine-cellar, where he deposited his
+gold. He went down to it by a ladder, and fastened the door by a spring
+lock. One day, while he was in the vault, the door closed, and the lock
+fastened him in! In vain were his cries for help! There he remained,
+till, worn out by horror of mind and starvation of body, he perished in
+the very midst of his heaps of gold! His miserable fate was not known
+till some years after, when, his house being sold, his bones were
+discovered in the vault with his treasures.
+
+The celebrated John Elwes, whose portrait we have placed at the head of
+this article, has furnished a memorable instance of the inconsistency of
+man. He has showed that the most sordid parsimony may be combined with
+the greatest negligence and profusion, and that principles of the purest
+honor may be associated with a degree of meanness, that is utterly
+degrading to the human character. He was born in London, about the year
+1714, his father's name being Meggot. He was educated at Westminster
+school, and afterwards went to Geneva, where he seems to have led rather
+a gay life.
+
+On his return to England, his father being dead, he went to live with
+his uncle, Sir Harvey Elwes, a wealthy miser, who resided at Stoke, in
+Suffolk. In order to make a favorable impression upon his uncle, the
+nephew doffed his gay attire, at the little inn at Chelmsford, and
+appeared at Stoke with an old worn-out coat, a tattered waistcoat,
+darned worsted stockings, and small iron buckles in his shoes. He was
+received by Sir Harvey with satisfaction, who now adopted him as his
+heir. Here the two lived together, shivering with a single stick on the
+fire, occasionally dividing a glass of wine between them, and railing
+against the extravagance of the times. When night approached, they went
+to bed, to save the expense of candles!
+
+But at last, Sir Harvey paid the debt of nature, and left his fortune,
+of more than a million of dollars, to his nephew. John Meggot, who was
+now about forty years old, adopted his uncle's surname agreeably to the
+will, and, while he inherited Sir Harvey's parsimony, he still addicted
+himself to gambling. He became a member of various clubs in London, and
+often played for very high sums. He once played two days and a night
+without intermission, the Duke of Northumberland being one of the party;
+and, as it was the custom among these gamblers in high life to throw
+aside the cards after being once used--at the close of the sitting, the
+party were nearly up to their knees in cards.
+
+While Elwes was thus engaged, he had the most grasping desire of money,
+and, having sat up all night at play with persons of the highest rank,
+he would walk out at four o'clock in the morning, to Smithfield, to meet
+his cattle coming to market from his estates in Essex. There,
+forgetting the scenes he had just left, he would stand in the cold or
+rain, higgling with the butcher for a shilling. Sometimes, if the beasts
+had not arrived, he would walk on in the mire to meet them; and more
+than once he has gone on foot the whole way to his farm, which was
+seventeen miles from London, without stopping, after sitting up all
+night.
+
+Mr. Elwes usually resided at Meacham, in Berkshire. In travelling
+between this place and London, he used to put two or three eggs, boiled
+hard, with a few crusts of bread, into his great-coat pocket; then,
+mounting one of his hunters, he would set off, taking the route with the
+fewest turnpike gates. Avoiding the taverns, he would stop under a
+hedge, and, while he ate his frugal meal, the horse would refresh
+himself by nibbling the grass.
+
+Notwithstanding this excessive meanness, Mr. Elwes displayed many
+instances of generosity. On one occasion, he lent Lord Abington £7000,
+at a very critical moment, and entirely unsolicited, and when he had
+little reason to suppose the money would ever be repaid. Beside, he made
+it a principle never to ask for money which he won at play, and thus he
+lost many thousands of pounds, which he might have received by demanding
+it. At the same time, he had an equanimity of temper which nothing could
+disturb, and a gentleness and urbanity of manner, which never forsook
+him.
+
+When he was somewhat advanced in life, he dismissed his fox-hounds,
+retrenched his expenses, and lived in the most parsimonious manner.
+Riches now rolled in upon him like a torrent; at the same time, his
+mean, miserly propensities increased. When in London, he would walk home
+in the rain, rather than pay a shilling for a coach; and sit in his wet
+clothes, rather than have a fire to dry them. On one occasion, he wore a
+black wig above a fortnight, which he picked out of a rut in a lane, and
+which had probably been discarded by a beggar. While the black, stray
+wig was thus atop of his own gray hair, he one day tore his coat, and,
+in order to supply himself, resorted to an old chest of Sir Jervaise,
+his uncle's father. From this, he took the first he came to, which was a
+full-dress, green, velvet coat, with slashed sleeves. In this attire, he
+sat down to dinner: not even the solemn severity of his poor old servant
+could resist the ludicrous effect of his appearance.
+
+In order to invest his immense property, Mr. Elwes erected a great
+number of buildings in London, particularly about the Hay-Market. He was
+the founder of a large part of Mary-le-bone, Portman Place, Portman
+Square, and several of the adjacent streets. It was his custom in town,
+to occupy any one of his numerous houses that was vacant. Two beds, two
+chairs, a table and an old woman, comprised all his furniture. Thus he
+travelled from street to street, and it was often difficult to find him.
+
+One day, his nephew, Colonel Timms, came to town, and, wishing very much
+to see him, made a long, but ineffectual search for him. At last, he was
+directed to a particular house, which he found, and knocked loudly at
+the door, but no answer was returned. He then entered, but all was
+silent below. On ascending to one of the chambers, he found Mr. Elwes
+on a shabby pallet bed, in a state of insensibility. The poor old woman,
+the partner of his journeys, was found lifeless on a rug in one of the
+garrets, where she had apparently been dead for at least two days, and
+where she had probably expired for want of the comforts of life. Mr.
+Elwes, being restored by cordials, stated that he had been sick for a
+long time, and wondered that the old woman did not come to his
+assistance.
+
+Notwithstanding the unfavorable traits in Mr. Elwes' character, yet such
+was the confidence reposed in his integrity, that, without his own
+solicitation, he was elected a member of the House of Commons, for
+Berkshire, which he represented for three successive parliaments.
+Nothing could exceed the rigid fidelity with which he fulfilled his
+duties here. His vote was always given according to his conscience, and,
+in all weathers, and during the latest sittings, he was in his seat.
+
+One night, as he was returning from the House of Commons, it being
+extremely dark, he ran against the pole of a sedan chair, and cut both
+his legs very badly. As usual, he refused to have medical assistance,
+but Colonel Timms insisted upon some one being called in. At length he
+submitted, and a surgeon was sent for, who immediately began to
+expatiate on the ill consequences of breaking the skin, the good fortune
+of his being sent for, and the peculiarly bad appearance of the wounds.
+"Very probable," replied Mr. Elwes, "but, Mr. ----, I have one thing to
+say to you. In my opinion my legs are not much hurt; now you think they
+are; so I will make this agreement. I will take one leg, and you shall
+take the other; you shall do what you please with yours; I will do
+nothing to mine; and I will wager your bill that my leg gets well before
+yours." He exultingly beat the surgeon by a fortnight.
+
+About the year 1785, Mr. Elwes paid a visit to his seat at Stoke, which
+he had not seen for some years. On his arrival, he complained of the
+expensive furniture of the rooms. To save fire, he would sit with a
+servant in the kitchen, or walk about the remains of a ruinous
+greenhouse. During harvest, he amused himself with gleaning the corn
+upon the grounds of his own tenants. In the autumn, he would pick up
+stray chips and carry them to the fire in his pocket. On one occasion,
+he was seen robbing a crow's nest for fuel. He denied himself the common
+necessaries of life: one day, he dined on a moor-fowl, which a rat had
+drawn out of a river, and, on another, he ate the undigested part of a
+pike, which was taken from the stomach of a larger fish, caught in a
+net.
+
+At last, the powers of life began to decay, and, in the autumn of 1786,
+his memory entirely failed him. On the 18th of November he sank into a
+state of extreme debility; yet he lingered till the 26th, when he
+expired without a sigh, leaving property to the amount of four millions
+of dollars. More than half of this was bequeathed to his two natural
+sons; the rest, being entailed, was inherited by Colonel Timms. Such was
+John Elwes, a singular compound of parsimony and profusion, of
+generosity and meanness, of honesty and avarice, of virtue and vice.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BARON D'AGUILAR.
+
+
+This strange character presents another remarkable instance of
+inconsistency; of avarice and liberality, of cruelty and kindness, of
+meanness and integrity, of misanthropy and benevolence. He was the son
+of a German Jew, who settled in London, and left him his title, and a
+large estate. In 1758, he was married to a lady whose fortune amounted
+to 150,000 pounds. In 1763, being left a widower, he married a few days
+after, another lady of fortune. Up to this time, he had lived in the
+highest style of fashion, but, owing to the loss of an estate in
+America, and domestic disagreements, he now suddenly withdrew from his
+family connections and the society of the gay world, and established
+himself at a farm-house in Islington. Here he professed to be a farmer;
+he stocked his yard with cattle, pigs, and poultry, yet he kept them in
+such a lean and miserable condition, that the place acquired the name of
+Starvation Farmyard.
+
+Everything in his establishment was conducted on the meanest scale; yet
+D'Aguilar, at this very time, was a liberal patron of public
+institutions, and profuse in his charities. While his cattle were
+actually in the agonies of starvation, he was doing some kindly, yet
+secret act, to alleviate the distresses of the poor. His wife had been
+obliged to leave him, but, after a separation of twenty years, he called
+to see her, and a reconciliation took place. In a short time, however,
+his extreme rigor compelled her again to leave him, and, by the advice
+of friends, she instituted legal proceedings against him. In this suit
+she was successful, and he was compelled to make a liberal provision for
+her.
+
+At last, he was taken severely ill, and a physician was sent for, but he
+would not permit him to see him. He was therefore obliged to prescribe
+from a report of his symptoms. His youngest daughter begged permission
+to see him, but the stern father refused. In March, 1802, he died,
+leaving a property estimated at a million of dollars. His diamonds alone
+were worth thirty thousand pounds!
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THOMAS GUY.
+
+
+This gentleman was bred a bookseller, and began trade in the city of
+London, with no more than two hundred pounds. By his industry and
+uncommon frugality, but more particularly by purchasing seamen's tickets
+in Queen Anne's wars, and by speculations in the South Sea stock, in the
+memorable year 1720, he amassed an immense fortune.
+
+In proof of his penurious disposition, it is recorded of him that he
+invariably dined alone, and a soiled proof sheet, or an old newspaper,
+was his common substitute for a table-cloth. One winter evening, as he
+was sitting in his room, meditating over a handful of half-lighted
+embers confined within the narrow precincts of a brick stove, and
+without any candle, a person, who came to inquire for him, was
+introduced, and, after the first compliments were passed and the guest
+requested to take a seat, Mr. Guy lighted a farthing candle which lay on
+the table by him, and desired to know the purport of the gentleman's
+visit.
+
+The stranger was the famous Vulture Hopkins, characterized by Pope in
+his satires. "I have been told," said Hopkins, "that you, sir, are
+better versed in the prudent and necessary art of saving than any man
+now living, and I therefore wait upon you for a lesson of frugality; an
+art in which I used to think I excelled, but I have been told by all who
+know you, that you are greatly my superior." "And is that all you are
+come about?" said Guy; "why, then, we can talk this matter over in the
+dark." So saying, he extinguished his new-lighted farthing candle.
+Struck with this instance of economy, Hopkins acknowledged that he was
+convinced of Guy's superior thrift, and took his leave.
+
+The penuriousness of this singular man seemed, however, to have for its
+object the indulgence of a systematic benevolence. He was the founder of
+a celebrated institution called Guy's Hospital, which cost him nearly
+100,000 dollars, and, at his death, he endowed it with a fund amounting
+to a million of dollars. Nor were his benefactions confined to this
+institution. He made provision for his poor relations, founded a
+hospital at Tamworth, and made various donations for benevolent and
+charitable objects. He died in 1724, at the age of 81 years, having
+never been married.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+OLD PARR.
+
+
+The extreme limit of human life, and the art of attaining it, has
+attracted the attention of mankind in ancient as well as modern times.
+Cornaro, an Italian, who died at the age of one hundred and four years,
+in 1566, wrote several treatises on this subject, the purpose of which
+was to prove that sobriety of life is the great secret of longevity. He
+shows that in his own case he restored a constitution prostrated by
+indulgence, to health and vigor. One of his papers was written at the
+age of ninety-five, and is commended by Addison in the 195th paper of
+the Spectator.
+
+Sir George Baker gives us the history of a remarkable restoration of a
+constitution broken down by indulgence, in the case of Thomas Wood, a
+miller of Essex, England. He had been long addicted to high living and
+the free use of fermented liquors, but, at the age of forty-five,
+finding himself overwhelmed with a complication of painful disorders, he
+set about changing his mode of life. He gradually became abstemious in
+his diet, and in 1765 he began to drink nothing but water. Finding
+himself one day better without taking any liquid, he at last took leave
+of drinking altogether, and from October, 1765, to the time when Sir
+George Baker's account was drawn up, in August, 1771, he had not tasted
+a drop of water, or any other liquid, except in one instance. During all
+this period his health seemed to improve, under the strict regimen he
+had adopted.
+
+The oldest man of whom we have any account in modern times, was Henry
+Jenkins, who resided in Bolton, Yorkshire. The only history we have of
+him was given by Mrs. Saville, who conversed with him, and made
+inquiries respecting him of several aged persons in the vicinity. He was
+twelve years old at the time the battle of Flodden Field was fought, in
+1513, and he died, December 8th, 1670. He was, therefore, 169 years old
+when he died.
+
+Of the celebrated Thomas Parr, we have a more particular account,
+furnished by Taylor, the Waterman, or Water-poet, as he is usually
+called. This is entitled "The Olde, Olde, very Olde Man; or the Age and
+Long Life of Thomas Parr, &c." It appears that the Earl of Arundel,
+being in Thropshire, heard of Parr, who was then, 1635, one hundred and
+fifty-two years old. Being interested in this extraordinary case of
+longevity, the earl caused Parr to be brought to London, upon a litter
+borne by two horses. His daughter-in-law, named Lucy, attended him, and,
+"to cheer up the olde man, and make him merry, there was an
+antique-faced fellow, called Jacke, or John the Foole," of the party.
+Parr was taken to court, and presented to Charles I. He died in London
+soon after his arrival, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, 1635.
+
+Whether Parr's long life was greatly lengthened beyond that of ordinary
+men by a peculiar mode of living, we have not the means of telling. It
+is probable that there was something peculiar in his constitution. His
+body was dissected after death, and all the organs were found in a
+perfect state. We are also informed by an eye-witness, that
+
+  "From head to heel, his body had all over
+  A quick-set, thick-set, nat'ral hairy cover."
+
+We may here mention an instance of longevity attained by an individual
+who spent his whole life in London. This was Thomas Laugher, who was
+born in 1700. His father died at the age of 97, and his mother at the
+age of 108. Though he was a liquor dealer during the early part of his
+life, yet he drank only milk, water, coffee, and tea. After a severe fit
+of illness at the age of eighty, he had a fresh head of hair, and new
+nails, both on his fingers and toes. He had a son who died at the age of
+eighty, some years before him, whom he called "Poor Tommy," and who
+appeared much older than his father. Laugher was greatly respected for
+his gentle manners and uninterrupted cheerfulness. He died at the age of
+107. We have placed a sketch of him at the head of this article.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+O'BRIEN.
+
+
+That men of extraordinary stature, called giants, have frequently
+existed, we know, but there is no good reason to believe that the
+general stature of man was ever different from what it now is. If men
+were either smaller or larger than they are, they would be ill
+proportioned to the condition of things around them; beside, those of
+extraordinary height have usually a feeble pulse, and short lives.
+Those greatly below the usual stature, generally die early. It is fair
+to infer from these facts, that the present average height of man is the
+permanent standard. Among the mummies of Egypt, or the ancient remains
+of mankind found in other countries, there appears to be no general
+deviation from the common height.
+
+Of the individual instances of great stature, Patrick O'Brien, born in
+the county of Kinsale, Ireland, in 1761, affords a memorable instance.
+He was put to the trade of a bricklayer, but such was his height at
+eighteen, that he was taken to England, and shown as the Irish giant. At
+twenty-five he attained the height of eight feet and seven inches; and,
+though not well made, his bulk was proportioned to his height. He
+continued to exhibit himself for several years, when, having realized an
+independence, he retired to the vicinity of Epping forest, where he
+died, in 1806. He was peculiarly mild and gentle in his character and
+manners. His body was enclosed in a leaden coffin, 9 feet 2 inches long,
+and to prevent any attempt to disturb his remains, his grave, by his own
+direction, was sunk twelve feet in the solid rock.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MAXAMILLIAN CHRISTOPHER MILLER.
+
+
+This man was born at Leipsic, in 1694, and finally attained the height
+of eight feet. He travelled through Europe, being exhibited as a giant.
+He went to England in 1733, where he attracted attention by his great
+size, his enormous head and face, and his fantastic attire. His hand
+measured a foot, and his finger nine inches. He died in London, in 1734,
+aged 40.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HUYALAS.
+
+
+It was formerly said that the Patagonians were a race of giants, but it
+seems that they are but little larger than other races of men. South
+America appears to furnish its share of persons of extraordinary height.
+An instance is furnished in Basileo Huyalas, who was a native Indian of
+Peru, and was brought from the city of Ica to Lima, in May, 1792, to be
+exhibited on account of his enormous stature and extraordinary
+appearance.
+
+His height was seven feet two inches and a half: his head, and the upper
+parts of his body, were monstrous. His arms were of such length as to
+touch his knees, when he stood erect. His whole weight was 360 pounds.
+At this period he was twenty-four years old. The annexed sketch gives a
+good idea of his appearance.
+
+We are furnished with an account of a giant of New Grenada, an Indian,
+named Pedro Cano, who was seven feet five and a half inches high. His
+shoe was half a yard in length!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THOMAS TOPHAM.
+
+
+This man, whose feats of strength might have figured with those of the
+heroes of Homer, was born in London, about the year 1710. He was bred a
+carpenter, and attained the height of five feet ten inches, being well
+proportioned in other respects. At the age of twenty-four, he took a
+tavern on the city road, and displayed his extraordinary powers in the
+gymnastic exhibitions then common at Moorfields. He was here accustomed
+to stop a horse by pulling against him, his feet being placed against a
+low wall. A table six feet long, with half a hundred weight upon it, he
+lifted with his teeth, and held it for some time in a horizontal
+position!
+
+His fame for strength spread over the country, and his performances
+excited universal wonder. He would throw a horse over a turnpike gate,
+carry the beam of a house as a soldier his firelock, break a rope
+capable of sustaining twenty-two hundred weight, and bend a bar of iron
+an inch in diameter by striking it against his naked arm, into a bow! On
+one occasion, he found a watchman asleep in his box; he took them both
+on his shoulder, and carried them to the river, where he tipped them
+into the water. In May, 1741, he lifted three hogsheads of water,
+weighing 1836 pounds!
+
+Though possessed of such wonderful strength, Topham was of a mild and
+pacific temper. His mind does not appear to have possessed the energy of
+his body, for, being deceived by a faithless woman, he resorted to the
+desperate resolution of taking his own life, and died by suicide in the
+flower of his age.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOSTER POWELL.
+
+
+This famous pedestrian was born near Leeds, in 1734. In 1762, he came to
+London, and articled himself to an attorney in the Temple. After the
+expiration of his clerkship, he was in the service of different persons,
+and in 1764, he walked fifty miles on the Bath road, in seven hours. He
+now visited several parts of Switzerland and France, where he gained
+much praise as a pedestrian. In 1773, he walked from London to York,
+and back again, upon a wager, a distance of 402 miles, in five days and
+eighteen hours. In 1778, he attempted to run two miles in ten minutes,
+but lost it by half a minute.
+
+In 1787, he undertook to walk from Canterbury to London bridge and back
+again, in twenty-four hours, the distance being 112 miles, and he
+accomplished it, to the great astonishment of thousands of spectators.
+He performed many other extraordinary feats, and died in 1793. Though he
+had great opportunities of amassing money, he was careless of wealth,
+and died in indigent circumstances. His disposition was mild and gentle,
+and he had many friends.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOSEPH CLARK.
+
+
+In a work devoted to the curiosities of human nature, we must not omit
+Joseph Clark, of London, a man whose suppleness of body rendered him the
+wonder of his time. Though he was well made, and rather gross than thin,
+he could easily exhibit every species of deformity. The powers of his
+face were even more extraordinary than the flexibility of his body. He
+would suddenly transform himself so completely as not to be recognised
+by his familiar acquaintances. He could dislocate almost any of the
+joints of his body, and he often amused himself by imposing upon people
+in this way.
+
+He once dislocated the vertebræ of his back and other parts of his body,
+in such a manner, that Molins, the famous surgeon, before whom he
+appeared as a patient, was shocked at the sight, and would not even
+attempt his cure. On one occasion, he ordered a coat of a tailor. When
+the latter measured him, he had an enormous hump on his left shoulder;
+when the coat came to be tried on, the hump was shifted to the right
+side! The tailor expressed great astonishment, begged a thousand
+pardons, and altered the coat as quickly as possible. When he again
+tried it on, the deformity appeared in the middle of his back!
+
+Of the life of this remarkable person, we have few details, and we can
+only add that he died about the year 1700.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+EDWARD BRIGHT.
+
+
+This individual, who was remarkable for his great size, combined with
+active habits, was born in Essex, England, about the year 1720. He
+weighed 144 pounds at the age of twelve years. When he grew to manhood,
+he established himself as a grocer at Malden, about forty miles from
+London. He gradually increased in size, till he weighed nearly 500
+pounds. He was still industrious and active in his mode of life, riding
+on horseback, and walking with ease. He paid close attention to his
+business, and went frequently to London to purchase goods.
+
+At the age of twenty-three, he was married, and had five children. He
+was cheerful and good-natured, a kind husband, a tender father, a good
+master, and an honest man. When thirty years of age, he was taken with
+fever, and died, November 10th, 1750. At the period of his death he
+weighed 616 pounds.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+DANIEL LAMBERT.
+
+
+This individual was born at Leicester, England, in 1770, and was
+apprenticed to the business of a die sinker and engraver. He afterwards
+succeeded his father as keeper of the prison; and from this period, his
+size began to increase in a remarkable degree. In this situation he
+continued for some years, and so exemplary was his conduct, that when
+his office was taken away, in consequence of some new arrangements, he
+received an annuity of fifty pounds for life, as a mark of esteem, and
+the universal satisfaction he had given in the discharge of his duties.
+
+His size increased to such a degree, that he was an object of universal
+wonder, and was at last persuaded to exhibit himself in London. Here he
+was visited by crowds of people, and, among the rest, by Count
+Boruwlaski, the Polish dwarf. The contrast between the two must have
+been striking indeed; for as Lambert was the largest man ever known, so
+the count was one of the smallest. The one weighed 739 pounds, and the
+other probably not over 60. Here were the two extremes of human stature.
+
+In general, the health of Lambert was good, his sleep sound, his
+respiration free. His countenance was manly and intelligent; he
+possessed great information, much ready politeness, and conversed with
+ease and propriety. It is remarkable that he was an excellent singer,
+his voice being a melodious tenor, and his articulation clear and
+unembarrassed. He took several tours through the principal cities and
+towns of Great Britain, retaining his health and spirits till within a
+day of his death, which took place in June, 1809. His measure round the
+body was 9 feet 4 inches, and a suit of clothes cost him a hundred
+dollars!
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JEFFREY HUDSON.
+
+
+In the early ages of the world, when knowledge chiefly depends upon
+tradition, it is natural for mankind to people the universe with a
+thousand imaginary beings. Hence the stories of dragons, giants, and
+dwarfs, all of which have some foundation in reality; but when these are
+scrutinized, the dragon becomes only some wild beast of the forest, the
+giant is a man of uncommon size, and the dwarf of uncommon littleness.
+
+We have already given some account of giants: we must say a few words in
+respect to dwarfs. These have never been known to be distinguished for
+their talents, though their figures are often perfectly well formed.
+They have generally one trait in common with children--a high opinion of
+their own little persons, and great vanity. In the middle ages, and even
+down to a much later period, dwarfs were a fashionable appendage to
+royal courts and the families of nobles.
+
+Among the most celebrated of this class of persons was Jeffrey Hudson,
+born at Oakham, England, in 1619. At seven years of age, he was taken
+into the service of the Duke of Buckingham, being then but eighteen
+inches high. He afterwards was taken into the service of the queen of
+Charles I., who sent him to the continent on several confidential
+commissions. His size never exceeded three feet nine inches, but he
+possessed a good share of spirit, and, on the breaking out of the civil
+wars, he became a captain of horse.
+
+On one occasion, he went to sea, and was taken by a Turkish corsair, and
+sold for a slave; but he was fortunately ransomed, and enabled to return
+to England. When the infamous Titus Oates pretended to reveal a plot
+against the king, Charles II., Hudson was one of the suspected persons,
+and, in consequence, lay some time in prison. He was at length released,
+and died in 1678.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOSEPH BORUWLASKI.
+
+
+This little personage was one of the most famous and agreeable of the
+pigmy race to which he belonged. He was a native of Poland, and, on
+account of his diminutive size, was early taken under the care of a lady
+of rank. She soon married, however, and he was transferred to the
+Countess Humieska, and accompanied her to her residence in Podolia. Here
+he remained for six months, and then attended the countess on a tour of
+pleasure through Germany and France. At Vienna, he was presented to the
+empress queen, Maria Theresa, being then fifteen years old. Her majesty
+was pleased to say that he was the most astonishing being she ever saw.
+
+She took him into her lap, and asked him what he thought most curious
+and interesting at Vienna. "I have observed nothing," said the little
+count, smartly, "so wonderful as to see such a little man on the lap of
+so great a woman." This delighted the queen, and, taking a fine diamond
+from the finger of a child five or six years old, who was present,
+placed it on his finger. This child was Marie Antoinette, afterwards
+queen of France; and it may be easily imagined that Boruwlaski preserved
+the jewel, which was a very splendid one, with religious care.
+
+From Vienna, they proceeded to Munich and other German cities, the
+little companion of the countess everywhere exciting the greatest
+interest and curiosity. At Luneville, they met with Bébé, a famous
+French dwarf. A friendship immediately commenced between the two little
+men, but Bébé was four inches the tallest, and Boruwlaski, being
+therefore the smaller of the two, was the greatest wonder. He was also
+remarkable for his amiable and cheerful manners. These things excited
+the jealousy of Bébé, and he determined to take revenge. One day, when
+they were alone, slily approaching his rival, he caught him by the
+waist, and endeavored to push him into the fire. Boruwlaski sustained
+himself against his adversary, till the servants, alarmed by the noise
+of the scuffle, came in and rescued him. Bébé was now chastised and
+disgraced with the king, his master, and soon after died of
+mortification and spleen.
+
+The travellers now proceeded to Paris, where they passed more than a
+year, indulging in all the gaieties of that gay city. They were
+entertained by the royal family and the principal nobility. M. Bouret,
+renowned for his ambition and extravagance, gave a sumptuous
+entertainment in honor of Boruwlaski, at which all the table service,
+plates, knives and forks, were of a size suited to the guest. The chief
+dishes consisted of ortolans and other small game.
+
+The countess and her charge returned to Warsaw, where they resided for
+many years. At twenty-five the count fell in love with a French actress,
+but she made sport of his passion, and his little heart was nearly
+broken. When he was forty years old, the black eyes of Isalina
+Barboutan, a domestic companion of the countess, again disturbed his
+peace; he declared his affection, but was again rejected. He, however,
+persevered, even against the injunctions of his patroness. She was so
+much offended with his obstinacy, that she ordered him to leave her
+house forever, and sent Isalina home to her parents.
+
+He now applied to prince Casimir, and, through his recommendation, was
+taken under the patronage of the king. Continuing his addresses to
+Isalina Barboutan, he was accepted, and they were soon after married. By
+the recommendation of his friends, he set out in 1780 to exhibit himself
+in the principal cities in Europe. His wife accompanied him, and, about
+a year after their marriage, presented her husband with a daughter.
+
+Passing through the great cities of Germany and France, the count
+arrived in London, where he was liberally patronized. He not only had
+exhibitions of his person, but he gave concerts which were well
+attended. In 1788, he wrote his life, which was published in an octavo
+volume, and was patronized by a long list of nobility. He at last
+acquired a competence, and retired to Durham with his family, where he
+spent the remainder of his days, and died at the age of nearly 100
+years. He had several children, and lived happily with his wife, though
+it is said, that, in an interview with Daniel Lambert, he remarked that
+she used to set him on the mantel-piece, whenever he displeased her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SIAMESE TWINS.
+
+
+In the year 1829, Captain Coffin, of the American ship Sachem, arrived
+in the United States, with two youths, born in the kingdom of Siam, and
+united by a strong gristly ligature at the breast. Their names were Eng
+and Chang, and they were natives of Maklong, a village on the coast of
+Siam. They were born in May, 1811, of Chinese parents, who were in
+humble circumstances. They were engaged in fishing, keeping poultry, and
+manufacturing cocoa-nut oil, till they left their country. When they
+arrived, they were five feet two inches in height, well made, and
+muscular. They have been known to carry a person weighing 280 pounds.
+
+The band that united these two persons was a cartilaginous substance, an
+eighth of an inch thick, and an inch and a half wide. It was flexible,
+and permitted the youths to turn in either direction. It was covered
+with skin, and seemed to be without pulsation. It was very strong, and
+of so little sensibility, that it might be smartly pulled, without
+seeming to give uneasiness. When touched in the centre, it was equally
+felt by both; but at half an inch from the centre, it was felt by only
+one.
+
+They were agile, could walk or run with swiftness, and could swim well.
+Their intellectual powers were acute; they played at chess and draughts
+remarkably well, but never against each other. Their feelings were warm
+and affectionate, and their conduct amiable and well-regulated. They
+never entered into conversation with each other, beyond a simple remark
+made by one to the other, which seemed to be rationally accounted for by
+the fact, that, their experience being all in common, they had nothing
+to communicate. The attempt has frequently been made to engage them in
+separate conversations with different individuals, but always without
+success, as they are invariably inclined to direct their attention to
+the same thing at the same time.
+
+In their movements perfect equanimity is observed; the one always
+concurring with the other, so that they appear as if actuated by a
+common mind. In their employments and amusements, they have never been
+known to utter an angry word towards each other. Whatever pleases or
+displeases one, has the same effect on the other. They feel hunger and
+thirst at the same time, and the quantity of food taken by them as
+nearly alike as possible. Both feel the desire to sleep simultaneously,
+and they always awake at the same moment. Upon the possibility of
+separating them with safety, there is some difference of opinion among
+medical men.
+
+These two youths excited an extraordinary sensation upon their arrival
+in this country. For three or four years, they were exhibited here, and
+in Europe, and, finally, having obtained a competence, they purchased a
+farm in North Carolina, and established themselves as planters, where
+they still reside. They furnish the only instance in which two
+individuals have been thus united, and their case has probably excited
+more interest than any other freak of nature that has ever happened.
+
+The most curious part of the story of Eng and Chang, is, that on the
+13th of April, 1843, they were married to two sisters, Sarah and
+Adelaide Yeates, of Wilkes county, North Carolina!
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+
+  [Footnote A: Sparks' Biography.]
+
+  [Footnote B: We have been informed that Mr. Catlin, in his excursions
+  among the western Indians, often met with tribes who had known Hunter,
+  and their accounts corroborated that which the latter gave in his
+  book.]
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:
+
+
+  Text in italics is surrounded with underscores: _italics_.
+
+  Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+
+  Inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation, and capitalization have
+  been retained from the original.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Curiosities of Human Nature, by Anonymous
+
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Curiosities of Human Nature, by Anonymous
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: Curiosities of Human Nature
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+Release Date: April 1, 2012 [EBook #39333]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CURIOSITIES OF HUMAN NATURE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/cover.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption">PASCAL MAKING DISCOVERIES IN GEOMETRY.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_i" id="Page_i">[Pg i]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">CURIOSITIES</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">OF</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="giant">HUMAN NATURE.</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/title.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption">THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON.</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="big">BOSTON:</span><br/>
+J. E. HICKMAN, 12 SCHOOL STREET.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_ii" id="Page_ii">[Pg ii]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iii" id="Page_iii">[Pg iii]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">CURIOSITIES</span></p>
+<p class="center">OF</p>
+<p class="center"><span class="giant">HUMAN NATURE:</span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center">BY THE AUTHOR OF</p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">PETER PARLEY'S TALES.</span></p>
+
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">BOSTON:<br />
+J. E. HICKMAN.</span><br/>
+12 School Street.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_iv" id="Page_iv">[Pg iv]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_v" id="Page_v">[Pg v]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">CONTENTS.</span></p>
+
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="1" summary="table">
+
+<tr><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="right"><small>PAGE</small></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Zerah Colburn</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_7">      7</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Baratiere</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_26">      26</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Gassendi</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_29">      29</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Pascal</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_33">      33</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Grotius</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_39">      39</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Newton</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_43">      43</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Magliabecchi</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_48">      48</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Crichton</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_52">      52</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Beronicius</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_59">      59</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Master Clench</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_64">      64</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Jedediah Buxton</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_67">      67</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">William Gibson</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_72">      72</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Edmund Stone</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_76">      76</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Richard Evelyn</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_78">      78</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Quentin Matsys</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_82">      82</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">West</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_87">     87</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Berretini</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_93">      93</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Henry Kirk White</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_96">      96</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Mozart</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_100">      100</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Elihu Burritt</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_108">      108</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">George Morland</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_112">      112</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">William Penn</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_119">      119</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">John Smith</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_129">      129</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Ethan Allen</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_144">      144</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">David Crockett</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_153">      153</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Daniel Boone</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_163">      163</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Charles XII. of Sweden</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_172">      172</a><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_vi" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</a></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Cid</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_181">      181</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Robin Hood</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_191">      191</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Paul Jones</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_203">      203</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Masaniello</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_213">      213</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Rienzi</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_219">      219</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Selkirk</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_222">      222</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">John Law</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_226">      226</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Trenck</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_230">      230</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">John Dunn Hunter</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_236">      236</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Caspar Hauser</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_254">      254</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Psalmanazar</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_262">      262</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Valentine Greatrakes</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_265">      265</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Matthew Hopkins</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_268">      268</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Peter, the wild boy</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_271">      271</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">John Kelsey</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_274">      274</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Bamfylde Moore Carew</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_278">      278</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">John Elwes</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_282">      282</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Baron D'Aguilar</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_290">      290</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Thomas Guy</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_292">      292</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Old Parr</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_294">      294</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">O'Brien</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_298">      298</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Maxamillian Christopher Miller</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_300">      300</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Huyalas</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_301">      301</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Thomas Topham</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_303">      303</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Foster Powell</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_305">      305</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Joseph Clark</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_307">      307</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Edward Bright</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_309">      309</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Daniel Lambert</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_310">      310</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Jeffrey Hudson</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_312">      312</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">Joseph Boruwlaski</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_314">      314</a></td></tr>
+<tr><td><span class="smcap">The Siamese Twins</span>,</td><td align="right"><a href="#Page_318">      318</a></td></tr></table>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[Pg 7]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="giant">CURIOUS BIOGRAPHIES.</span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">ZERAH COLBURN.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Among</span> the intellectual prodigies which sometimes appear to excite the
+wonder and astonishment of mankind, Zerah Colburn was certainly one of
+the most remarkable. He was born at Cabot, Vermont, Sept. 1st, 1804. He
+was the sixth child of his parents, who were persons in low
+circumstances and of little education. He was regarded as the most
+backward of the children till he was about six years old, when he
+suddenly attracted attention by the display of his astonishing powers.</p>
+
+<p>In August, 1810, when his father, Abia Colburn, was one day employed at
+a joiner's work-bench, Zerah was on the floor, playing among the chips;
+suddenly, he began to say to himself,&mdash;5 times 7 are 35&mdash;6 times 8 are
+48, &amp;c. His father's attention was immediately arrested by hearing this,
+so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no
+advantages, except perhaps six weeks' attendance at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[Pg 8]</a></span> the district
+school, that summer. He therefore left his work, and turning to the
+child, began to examine him in the multiplication table. He thought it
+possible that Zerah had learnt this from the other boys; but finding him
+perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed, and he asked
+the product of 13&times;97, to which 1261 was instantly given as the answer.
+He now concluded that something unusual had actually taken place;
+indeed, he has often said he should not have been more surprised if some
+one had risen up out of the earth and stood erect before him.</p>
+
+<p>It was not long before a neighbor rode up, and stopping at the house,
+was informed of the singular occurrence. He desired to be a witness of
+the fact. Zerah was called, and the result of the examination astonished
+every one present. The strange phenomenon was now rapidly spread
+throughout the town. Though many were inclined to doubt the correctness
+of the reports they heard, a personal examination attested their truth.
+Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year found
+its way not only through the United States, but also reached Europe, and
+extorted expressions of wonder from foreign journals of literature and
+science in England, France and other countries.</p>
+
+<p>Very soon after the discovery of his remarkable powers, many gentlemen,
+at that time possessing influence and public confidence throughout the
+state, being made acquainted with the circumstances, were desirous of
+having such a course adopted as might most directly lead to a full
+development of Zerah's talents, and their application to purposes of
+general<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[Pg 9]</a></span> utility. Accordingly, it was proposed that Mr. Colburn should
+carry his son to Danville, to be present during the session of the
+court. This was done, and the boy was very generally seen and questioned
+by the judges, members of the bar, and others.</p>
+
+<p>The legislature of Vermont being about to convene at Montpelier, Mr.
+Colburn was advised to visit that place with his son, which they did in
+October. Here large numbers had an opportunity of witnessing his
+calculating powers, and the conclusion was general that such a thing had
+never been known before. Many questions, which were out of the common
+limits of arithmetic, were proposed, with a view to puzzle the child,
+but he answered them correctly; as, for instance,&mdash;which is the most,
+twice twenty-five, or twice five and twenty? Ans. Twice twenty-five.
+Which is the most, six dozen dozen, or half a dozen dozen? Ans. Six
+dozen dozen. Somebody asked him how many black beans would make five
+white ones. Ans. Five, if you skin them! Thus it appeared that the boy
+could not only compute and combine numbers readily, but that he also
+possessed a quickness of thought, somewhat uncommon among children, as
+to other things.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this, Mr. Colburn took his son to other large towns, and at
+last to Boston. Here the boy excited the most extraordinary sensation,
+and several gentlemen of the highest standing proposed to undertake his
+education. The terms, though very liberal, were not equal to the
+high-raised expectations of the father. The offer was therefore refused,
+and Mr. Colburn proceeded to the southern cities, exhibiting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[Pg 10]</a></span> his son in
+public, his performances everywhere exciting the utmost wonder.</p>
+
+<p>The author of these pages had an opportunity of seeing Zerah Colburn, at
+this period. He was a lively, active boy, of light complexion, his head
+being rather larger than that of boys generally at his age. He was then
+six years old, and had the manners common to children of his age. He was
+playful, even while performing his calculations. The quickness and
+precision with which he gave answers to arithmetical questions was
+amazing. Among those proposed to him at Boston, in the autumn of the
+year 1810, were the following:</p>
+
+<p>What is the number of seconds in 2000 years? The answer, 63,072,000,000,
+was readily and accurately given. Another question was this: Allowing
+that a clock strikes 156 times in a day, how many times will it strike
+in 2000 years? The child promptly replied, 113,800,000 times.</p>
+
+<p>What is the product of 12,225, multiplied by 1,223? Ans. 14,951,175.
+What is the square of 1,449? Ans. 2,099,601. Suppose I have a
+corn-field, in which are seven acres, having seventeen rows to each
+acre, sixty-four hills to each row, eight ears on a hill, and one
+hundred and fifty kernels on an ear; how many kernels in the corn-field?
+Ans. 9,139,200.</p>
+
+<p>It will be recollected that the child who answered these questions was
+but six years old; that he had then had no instruction whatever in
+arithmetic; that he could neither read nor write, and that he performed
+these immense calculations by mental processes, wholly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[Pg 11]</a></span> his own. His
+answers were usually given, and the calculations performed, while
+engaged in his sports, and the longest process seemed hardly to divert
+his mind from his amusements. His answers were often made almost as soon
+as the question was proposed, and in most cases before the process could
+be performed on paper.</p>
+
+<p>His faculty for calculation seemed to increase, and as he became
+acquainted with arithmetical terms, his performances were still more
+remarkable. In June, 1811, he was asked the following question: If the
+distance between Concord and Boston be sixty-five miles, how many steps
+must I take in going this distance, supposing each step to be three
+feet? The answer, 114,400 steps, was given in ten seconds. He was asked
+how many days and hours had elapsed since the Christian era commenced.
+In twenty seconds he replied, 661,015 days, 15,864,360 hours.</p>
+
+<p>Questions still more difficult were answered with similar promptitude.
+What sum multiplied by itself will produce 998,001? In less than four
+seconds he replied 999. How many hours in thirty-eight years, two
+months, and seven days? The answer, 334,488, was given in six seconds.</p>
+
+<p>These extraordinary performances, witnessed by thousands of people, and
+among them persons of the highest standing, were soon reported in the
+papers, and attracted scarcely less attention in Europe than in this
+country. In England, particularly, great curiosity was expressed, and
+the plan of taking young Colburn thither was suggested. After some
+deliberation, this project was resolved upon; and in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[Pg 12]</a></span> spring of
+1812, the father and son embarked at Boston for Liverpool, where they
+landed on the 11th of May. They proceeded to London, and taking rooms at
+Spring Gardens, commenced their exhibition.</p>
+
+<p>Great numbers came to witness the performances of the boy, among whom
+Zerah, in his Life, enumerates the dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland,
+Lord Ashburton, Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Humphrey Davy, and the
+Princess Charlotte. The latter, attended by her tutor, the bishop of
+Salisbury, remained a full hour, and asked a number of questions. Among
+the rest was this: What is the square of 4001? The answer, 16,008,001,
+was immediately given. The duke of Cambridge asked the number of seconds
+in the time elapsed since the commencement of the Christian era, 1813
+years, 7 months, 27 days. The answer was correctly given,
+57,234,384,000.</p>
+
+<p>An extraordinary interest was excited in London in respect to this
+remarkable youth, and schemes for giving him an education suited to his
+turn of mind were suggested. At a meeting of several distinguished
+gentlemen, to mature some plan of this sort, various questions were
+proposed to the child. He multiplied the number eight by itself, and
+each product by itself, till he had raised it to the sixteenth power,
+giving, as the almost inconceivable result, 281,474,976,710,656. He was
+asked the square root of 106,929, and before the number could be written
+down, he answered 327. He was then requested to name the cube root of
+268,336,125, and with equal facility and promptness he replied, 645.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[Pg 13]</a></span>A likeness of the young prodigy, drawn by Hull and engraved by Meyer,
+was now published, and sold at a guinea each. Many were sold, and a
+considerable profit was realized. Another scheme was now started,&mdash;a
+memoir of the child,&mdash;and among the committee to superintend its
+publication, were Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Humphrey Davy and Basil
+Montague. Several hundred subscribers were obtained, but, though many
+paid in advance, for some reason or other the work was never published.
+Young Colburn and his father now made a tour to Ireland and Scotland.
+Among his visitors in Scotland, were Dugald Stewart, Professor Playfair,
+Doctor Brewster and Doctor Macknight. In March, 1814, they returned to
+London. By the advice of friends, they now proceeded to Paris, where
+they arrived in July, 1814.</p>
+
+<p>Zerah was carefully examined before the French Institute. It is curious
+that on this occasion he was longer in giving his answers than ever
+before; probably owing to some embarrassment. His performances, however,
+excited here, as everywhere else, the greatest astonishment. La Place,
+the author of the Méchanique Celeste, was present. Guizot received the
+youth at his house, and expressed in his behalf the liveliest interest.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the feeling excited, that a project was set on foot for giving
+Zerah an education at the Royal College of Henry IV. Nothing was wanting
+but the sanction of the king; but at the precise moment when measures
+were in progress to secure this object, Bonaparte came back from Elba,
+sweeping everything before him. The Bourbons fled, and the emperor<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[Pg 14]</a></span> was
+reinstated upon his throne. Application was now made to him in behalf of
+young Colburn; his assent was obtained, and on the 13th May, 1815, he
+entered the seminary, which was now restored to its original title, the
+Lyceum Napoleon.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Colburn had, in England, Scotland and Paris, obtained a large number
+of subscribers to the memoir. Having placed his son in the Lyceum, he
+went to London to attend to the publication of the work. Here he met
+with bitter disappointment. His agent, who had been authorized to
+collect the money, had received about one third of the whole
+subscriptions, and appropriated the money to his own use. As he was
+poor, the whole sum was irretrievably lost. At the same time, Mr.
+Colburn found that his former friends were greatly chagrined to find
+that the French government, more liberal than themselves, had made
+provision for his son. Under this influence, the project of the memoir
+was abandoned, and a new scheme was proposed, the object of which was to
+raise two hundred pounds a year for six years, to defray the expenses of
+the boy's education.</p>
+
+<p>While Mr. Colburn was pursuing this scheme, Zerah was at the Lyceum at
+Paris, which now became the theatre of the most interesting events. The
+battle of Waterloo was fought, Napoleon fled, and the French army
+retreated toward the capital. To this point, the hostile armies were now
+directing their march, and the citizens of Paris were roused for its
+defence. Every effort was made to strengthen the walls and throw up
+entrenchments. The scholars at the Lyceum received permission to join in
+this work, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[Pg 15]</a></span> with enthusiastic ardor, heightened by their sympathy
+for Napoleon, they went to their tasks, crying, "<i>Vive l'Empereur</i>." Our
+little mathematician was among the number, and if he could have
+multiplied forts as easily as he managed figures, Paris would,
+doubtless, have been saved. But the fortune of war decided otherwise.
+Paris was overwhelmed, Napoleon dethroned, and Louis XVIII. restored.</p>
+
+<p>Zerah Colburn might have continued at the Lyceum, but his foolish
+father, having embraced the London scheme, proceeded to Paris, and
+carried him thence again to London, where they arrived February 7, 1816.</p>
+
+<p>The scheme which had excited Mr. Colburn's hopes, was, however, a mere
+illusion. His friends were worn out with his importunities, and,
+doubtless, disgusted with his fickleness. They were dissatisfied by
+discovering that while he wished to obtain a provision for his son, he
+desired also that some emolument, sufficient for his own wants, should
+come to himself. The result was, that both the father and son were
+reduced to a state of poverty. While attempting, by means scarcely
+better than beggary, to obtain transient support, they chanced to call
+upon the Earl of Bristol, who received them kindly, and expressed great
+interest in the youthful calculator. He invited them to his country
+residence at Putney, whither they went, and spent several days. The
+result of this fortunate acquaintance was, that the Earl made a
+provision of six hundred and twenty dollars a year for young Colburn's
+education at Westminster school, where he was regularly entered on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[Pg 16]</a></span> the
+19th September. At this period, he was a few days over twelve years old.</p>
+
+<p>It now seemed that better fortunes had dawned upon this gifted, but
+still unfortunate boy; but these were soon clouded by disappointment.
+The custom of fagging existed in this school, as in all the higher
+seminaries of England. By this system, the boys of the under classes
+were required to be waiters and servants of those in the upper classes.
+Zerah was subjected to this arrangement, and a youth in the upper school
+was pitched upon for his master. This was the son of a baronet, Sir John
+L. Kaye.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after he had been initiated into these menial duties, one of the
+upper scholars called upon him to perform some servile task. This he
+accomplished, but not to the satisfaction of his employer. He therefore
+complained to young Kaye, his proper master, whose wrath being greatly
+excited, he fell upon poor Zerah, twisted his arm nearly out of joint,
+and, placing him in a helpless situation, beat his shoulder black and
+blue. Zerah went to his father, who immediately proceeded to Mr. Knox,
+the usher. The latter expressed regret for the abuse Zerah had received,
+but when the father claimed exemption for his son from the custom of
+fagging, the usher positively refused compliance. Mr. Colburn enjoined
+it upon his son by no means to submit to this system of drudgery again,
+and departed. In the evening, he was called upon to clean a pair of
+shoes. This he refused; whereupon, a number of the larger boys, who had
+gathered around him, first threatened, and then beat him without mercy,
+until at last he complied. All<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[Pg 17]</a></span> this occurred under the same roof where
+the usher then was. In the morning, the father came, and appealing to
+him, was treated with contempt. As he was going across the yard to see
+Dr. Page, the head master, the boys yelled at him from their windows,
+calling him Yankee; doubtless, deeming it the most opprobrious of
+epithets. The final result of this matter was, that Zerah was exempted
+from the custom of fagging, though no relaxation of the custom,
+generally, was made in the school.</p>
+
+<p>Zerah continued at Westminster, spending his vacations with the Reverend
+Mr. Bullen, Lord Bristol's chaplain, at the village of Danton. His
+father, in the mean time, picked up the means of subsistence, partly by
+boarding his son and a few other scholars, and partly by contributions.
+At length, the Earl, who was now in Germany, made an arrangement for the
+removal of Zerah from the Westminster school to the exclusive charge of
+Mr. Bullen. Mr. Colburn objected to this, and wrote accordingly to Lord
+Bristol. The latter persisted in his plan, and in order to reconcile the
+father to it, offered him fifty pounds a year for his own personal use.
+With stubbornness, amounting to infatuation, he rejected the generous
+offer, and withdrew his son from the Westminster school, and the
+patronage of his noble friend.</p>
+
+<p>Young Colburn had spent two years and nine months at the Westminster
+seminary, where his progress in the acquisition of languages and other
+studies was extremely rapid. Euclid's Elements of Geometry were mastered
+with ease; but it is a curious fact that while the boy was fascinated
+with arithmetical<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[Pg 18]</a></span> calculations, as he advanced into the abstruser
+portions of mathematics, his taste revolted from a pursuit that was dry
+and repulsive.</p>
+
+<p>Again the father and son were afloat in the sea of London. What was to
+be done now? The education of his son was, doubtless, an object to Mr.
+Colburn; but, with blind selfishness, he seems to have thought more of
+turning him to account as a means of raising money. With this view he
+proposed that he should go upon the stage; no doubt supposing that the
+youth's notoriety would render him available in this capacity. He was
+put in training, under the care of Charles Kemble. After four months'
+tuition, he appeared at Margate in the character of Norval. His
+reception was tolerably flattering, but he obtained no compensation. Mr.
+Colburn now determined to exhibit his son in his new profession, in
+Scotland and Ireland; but being almost entirely destitute of money, they
+were obliged to take a steerage passage in a vessel, and subsist upon
+hard fare. They arrived at Edinburgh, but received no encouragement in
+the theatrical line. Mr. Colburn called upon his former friends, and
+they contributed to his immediate relief. They now proceeded by
+canal-boat to Greenock, and thence in a vessel to Belfast. Here they
+found a strolling company of players, with whom an arrangement was made
+for Zerah's appearance at Londonderry, whither the party were about to
+proceed; to that place father and son journeyed on foot. Here the latter
+performed in some inferior characters, and soon returned with the band
+to Belfast. At this place he played the part of Richard the Third&mdash;but
+alas! even this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[Pg 19]</a></span> master-stroke of policy failed. The father and son
+pushed on to Dublin, but they could get no engagement at the theatre.</p>
+
+<p>The inventive resources of Abia Colburn were not yet exhausted. Zerah
+must now turn author&mdash;and the future Methodist preacher must write a
+play! The subject chosen was that of Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. The
+drama was composed&mdash;and we believe it was actually performed. But, alas!
+says Zerah, in his honest, modest book&mdash;"it never had any merit or any
+success."</p>
+
+<p>After an absence of two months, the wanderers returned to London. A long
+period of inaction follows, during which Zerah wrote plays, which were
+never printed or performed, and the father picked up a precarious living
+by levying contributions upon his former friends. These were at last
+worn out with his importunities, and finally, one of the best of them
+deliberately turned Zerah out of doors, when he came upon some errand
+from his father.</p>
+
+<p>Deprived of all other means save that of begging, which was now a poor
+resource, the youth obtained employment in October, 1821, as an usher in
+a school, and soon after established one on his own account. This
+afforded so poor a support, that still another effort was made to raise
+funds, ostensibly to provide for his permanent relief. To obtain
+subscribers to this proposal, Zerah went to Edinburgh, Glasgow and
+Belfast. At the former place, Mr. Combe took a cast of his head, seeking
+thereby to throw light upon his phrenological theories. He returned to
+London, with little success, and resumed his school.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[Pg 20]</a></span>The health of his father now began to give way. Unhappily, he had, from
+the first discovery of his son's extraordinary gifts, looked upon them
+with mercenary feelings&mdash;as a source of revenue. It is true he had a
+father's love for his child&mdash;and in this respect, Zerah, in the simple
+memoir of his own life, does his parent more than justice; but still, it
+was this short-sighted selfishness which made him convert his child's
+endowments into a curse to him, to his friends, and Zerah himself. His
+expectations had been lifted to such a pitch, that nothing could satisfy
+them. The most generous offers fell short of what he felt to be his due;
+liberality was turned, in his mind, to parsimony&mdash;and even friends were
+regarded as little short of enemies. His sanguine temper led him
+constantly to indulge high hopes, which were as constantly doomed to
+disappointment. Such a struggle could not always last. His mind was torn
+with thoughts of his home and family neglected for twelve years; of his
+life wasted; his prospects defeated; of fond dreams, ending at last in
+failure, shame and poverty. He failed gradually, and on the 14th
+February, 1824, he died. A few days after, the body was consigned to the
+tomb, and Zerah, in his life, notices the fact that John Dunn Hunter was
+among the mourners. We mention this, as coinciding with the account we
+have given in this volume of that extraordinary character.</p>
+
+<p>Zerah continued in London for a few months, in the employment of Mr.
+Young, in making astronomical calculations. He had, however, a desire,
+enforced by his father's death-bed injunctions, to return to his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[Pg 21]</a></span>
+country, and his mother, at Cabot. Again aided by his friend, Lord
+Bristol, he was provided with necessary means, and in June, 1824, he
+arrived at New York. On the third of July he approached his mother's
+door. He found there an elderly woman, and being uncertain who it was,
+he asked if she could tell him where the widow Colburn lived. "I am
+she," was the reply.</p>
+
+<p>The mother of Zerah Colburn was a remarkable woman. During the long
+absence of her husband, with a family of eight children, and almost
+entirely destitute of property, she had sustained the burthen with
+indomitable energy. She wrought with her own hands, in house and field;
+bargained away the little farm for a better; and, as her son says, "by a
+course of persevering industry, hard fare, and trials such as few women
+are accustomed to, she has hitherto succeeded in supporting herself,
+besides doing a good deal for her children."</p>
+
+<p>Zerah Colburn was now unable to offer much aid to his mother or the
+family. He found employment for a time as a teacher; but his mind at
+last was impressed with religious views, and after some vicissitudes of
+life, and many fluctuations of feeling, he finally adopted the Methodist
+faith, and became a humble but sincere preacher of that sect. With
+pious, patient assiduity he continued in this career for a number of
+years. He published a modest memoir of his life and adventures, from
+which we have gathered the greater part of our account,&mdash;and at last
+became professor of the Greek, Latin, French and Spanish languages, as
+well as of classical literature, in the "Vermont<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[Pg 22]</a></span> University," at
+Norwich. At this place he died, March 2d, 1840, in the thirty-eighth
+year of his age.</p>
+
+<p>Whoever has carefully attended to the facts stated in the early part of
+this notice, will be prepared to admit that Zerah Colburn was one of the
+most astonishing intellectual prodigies that has ever appeared. Totally
+uninstructed in figures, at the age of six years, he was able to perform
+mental operations which no man living, by all the training of art, is
+able to accomplish. It had been stated by scientific men, that no rule
+existed for finding the factors of numbers; yet this child discovered a
+rule by which he ascertained results of this kind, accessible only to
+skilful arithmeticians. In the London prospectus, the following facts,
+in relation to this point, are stated, which cannot fail to excite
+astonishment.</p>
+
+<p>At one of his exhibitions, among various questions, it was proposed that
+he should give the factors of 171,395&mdash;and he named the following as the
+only ones: 5&times;34279; 7&times;22485; 59&times;2905; 83&times;2065; 35&times;4897; 295&times;581;
+413&times;415. He was then asked to give the factors of 36,083; but he
+immediately replied that it had none, which is the fact, it being a
+prime number. "It had been asserted and maintained by the French
+mathematicians that 4294967297, was a prime number; but the celebrated
+Euler detected the error by discovering that it was equal to
+641&times;6,700,417. The same number was proposed to this child, who found out
+the factors by the mere operation of his mind."</p>
+
+<p>Great pains were taken to discover the processes by which this boy
+performed his operations. For a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[Pg 23]</a></span> long time he was too ignorant of terms,
+and too little accustomed to watch the operations of his mind, to do
+this. He said to a lady, in Boston, who sought to make him disclose his
+mode of calculation, "I cannot tell you how I do these things. God gave
+me the power." At a subsequent time, however, while at the house of Mr.
+Francis Bailey, in London, upon some remark being made, the boy said
+suddenly, and without being asked&mdash;"I will tell you how I extract
+roots." He then proceeded to tell his operations. This is detailed in
+Zerah's book; but it in no degree abates our wonder. The rule does not
+greatly facilitate the operation; it still demands an effort of mind
+utterly beyond the capacity of most intellects; and after all, the very
+rule itself was the invention of a child.</p>
+
+<p>As he did not at first know the meaning of the word factor, when desired
+to find the factors of a particular number, the question was put in this
+form&mdash;"What two numbers multiplied together will produce such a number?"
+His rule for solving such problems was sought for with much curiosity.
+At last this was discovered. While in Edinburgh, in 1813, he being then
+nine years old, he waked up one night, and said suddenly to his
+father&mdash;"I can tell you how I find the factors!" His father rose,
+obtained a light, and wrote down the rule, at Zerah's dictation.</p>
+
+<p>It appears that when he came to maturity, these faculties did not
+improve; and after a time he was even less expert in arithmetical
+calculations than when he was ten years old. It is probable, his whole
+mind was weakened, rather than strengthened, by the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[Pg 24]</a></span> peculiar
+circumstances of his life. As a preacher, he was in no way
+distinguished. He says this in his book, with simple honesty; and seems
+at a loss to understand the design of Providence in bestowing upon him
+so stupendous a gift, which, so far as he was able to discover, had
+produced no adequate results.</p>
+
+<p>He suggests, indeed, a single instance, in which an atheist in Vermont,
+who witnessed his performances in childhood, was induced to reflect upon
+the almost miraculous powers of the mind, and led to the conclusion that
+it must have an intelligent author. He saw that which was as hard to
+believe, as much beyond the routine of experience, as any miracle&mdash;and
+hence fairly concluded that miracles could be true. By this course of
+reflection he was induced to reject his infidelity, and afterwards
+became a sincere Christian.</p>
+
+<p>This, we doubt not, was one of the designs of Providence, in the
+bestowment of Zerah Colburn's wonderful gifts. But their use should not
+be confined to an individual case. If there is argument for God in a
+flower, how much more in a child of Zerah Colburn's endowments? What
+infidelity can withstand such an instance, and still say, there is no
+God? And farther, let us reflect upon the noble powers of the mind, and
+rejoice, yet with fear and trembling, that we are possessors of an
+inheritance, which, at God's bidding, is capable of such mighty
+expansion.</p>
+
+<p>The history of Zerah Colburn may teach us one thing more&mdash;that the gifts
+of genius are not always sources of happiness to the possessor; that
+mental affluence, like worldly riches, often brings sorrow,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[Pg 25]</a></span> rather than
+peace to the possessor; and that moderate natural gifts, well
+cultivated, are generally the most useful in society, and most conducive
+to the happiness of the possessor.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img01.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption"><i>Zerah Colburn, at eight years of age.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[Pg 26]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">BARATIERE.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">John Philip Baratiere</span> was a most extraordinary instance of the early and
+rapid exertion of mental faculties. He was the son of Francis Baratiere,
+minister of the French church at Schwoback, near Nuremberg, where he was
+born, January 10, 1721. The French was his mother tongue, and German was
+the language of the people around him. His father talked to him in
+Latin, and with this he became familiar; so that, without knowing the
+rules of grammar, he, at four years of age, talked French to his mother,
+Latin to his father, and High Dutch to the servants and neighboring
+children, without mixing or confounding the respective languages.</p>
+
+<p>About the middle of his fifth year, he acquired a knowledge of the
+Greek: so that in fifteen months he perfectly understood all the Greek
+books in the Old and New Testament, which he translated into Latin. When
+five years and eight months old, he entered upon Hebrew; and in three
+years more, was so expert in the Hebrew text, that, from a Bible without
+points, he could give the sense of the original in Latin or French, or
+translate, extempore, the Latin or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[Pg 27]</a></span> French versions into Hebrew. He
+composed a dictionary of rare and difficult Hebrew words; and about his
+tenth year, amused himself, for twelve months, with the rabbinical
+writers.</p>
+
+<p>He now obtained a knowledge of the Chaldaic, Syriac and Arabic; and
+acquired a taste for divinity and ecclesiastical antiquity, by studying
+the Greek fathers of the first four ages of the church. In the midst of
+these occupations, a pair of globes coming into his possession, he
+could, in eight or ten days, resolve all the problems upon them; and in
+January, 1735, at the age of fourteen, he devised his project for the
+discovery of the longitude, which he communicated to the Royal Society
+of London, and the Royal Academy of Sciences at Berlin!</p>
+
+<p>In June, 1731, he was matriculated in the university of Altorf; and at
+the close of 1732, he was presented by his father at the meeting of the
+reformed churches of the circle, at Franconia; who, astonished at his
+wonderful talents, admitted him to assist in the deliberations of the
+synod; and, to preserve the memory of so singular an event, it was
+registered in their acts. In 1734, the Margrave of Brandenburg, Anspach,
+granted this young scholar a pension of fifty florins; and his father
+receiving a call to the French church at Stettin, in Pomerania, young
+Baratiere was, on the journey, admitted master of arts. At Berlin, he
+was honored with several conversations with the king of Prussia, and was
+received into the Royal Academy.</p>
+
+<p>Towards the close of his life, he acquired a considerable taste for
+medals, inscriptions, and antiquities,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[Pg 28]</a></span> metaphysical inquiries, and
+experimental philosophy. He wrote several essays and dissertations; made
+astronomical remarks and laborious calculations; took great pains
+towards a history of the heresies of the Anti-Trinitarians, and of the
+thirty years' war in Germany. His last publication, which appeared in
+1740, was on the succession of the bishops of Rome. The final work he
+engaged in, and for which he had gathered large materials, was Inquiries
+concerning the Egyptian Antiquities. But the substance of this blazing
+meteor was now almost exhausted; he was always weak and sickly, and died
+October 5th, 1740, aged nineteen years, eight months, and sixteen days.
+Baratiere published eleven different pieces, and left twenty-six
+manuscripts, on various subjects, the contents of which may be seen in
+his Life, written by Mr. Formey, professor of philosophy at Berlin.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img02.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[Pg 29]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">GASSENDI</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Pierre Gassendi</span>, one of the most famous naturalists and philosophers of
+France, was born at Chantersier, January 22, 1592, of poor parents. They
+were, however, wise and virtuous people, and perceiving the
+extraordinary gifts of their son, did everything in their power to
+promote his education. At the age of four years, young Pierre used to
+declaim little sermons of his own composition, which were quite
+interesting. At the age of seven, he would steal away from his parents,
+and spend a great part of the night in observing the stars. This made
+his friends say he was born an astronomer. At this age, he had a dispute
+with some boys, whether it was the moon or the clouds that moved so
+rapidly; to convince them that it was the latter, he took them behind a
+tree, and made them take notice that the moon kept its situation between
+the same leaves, while the clouds passed on.</p>
+
+<p>This early disposition to observation led his parents to place him under
+the care of the clergyman of the village, who gave him the first
+elements of learning.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[Pg 30]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img03.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption"><i>Gassendi and the Boys.</i></p>
+
+<p>His<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[Pg 31]</a></span> ardor for study then became extreme: the day
+was not long enough for him; and he often read a great part of the night
+by the light of the lamp that was burning in the church of the village,
+his family being too poor to allow him candles for his nocturnal
+studies. He often took only four hours sleep in the night. At the age of
+ten, he harangued his bishop in Latin, who was passing through the
+village on his visitation; and he did this with such ease and spirit,
+that the prelate exclaimed&mdash;"That lad will, one day or other, be the
+wonder of his age." The modest and unassuming conduct of Gassendi gave
+an additional charm to his talents.</p>
+
+<p>In his manners, this remarkable youth was in general silent, never
+ostentatiously obtruding upon others, either the acuteness of his
+understanding, or the eloquence of his conversation; he was never in a
+hurry to give his opinion before he knew that of the persons who were
+conversing with him. When men of learning introduced themselves to him,
+he was contented with behaving to them with great civility, and was not
+anxious to surprise them into admiration. The entire tendency of his
+studies was to make himself wiser and better; and to have his intention
+more constantly before his eyes, he had all his books inscribed with
+these words, <i>Sapere aude</i>; "Dare to be wise."</p>
+
+<p>Such was Gassendi's reputation, that at sixteen he was called to teach
+rhetoric at the seminary of Digne; in 1614, he was made professor of
+theology in the same institution; and two years after, he was invited to
+fill the chair of divinity and philosophy at Aix.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[Pg 32]</a></span> After passing through
+various promotions, and publishing several works of great merit on
+philosophical subjects, Gassendi went at last to Paris, where he gained
+the friendship of Cardinal Richelieu, and shared the admiration of the
+learned world with the famous philosopher, Descartes.</p>
+
+<p>Being appointed a professor of mathematics in the College Royal of
+Paris, he gave his attention to astronomical subjects, and greatly
+increased his reputation. After a life devoted to science, in which his
+achievements were wonderful, he died at Paris, October 14, 1655, aged
+sixty-three years. Distinguished by his vast learning, his admirable
+clearness of mind, the diversity of his acquirements, the calmness and
+dignity of his character, and the amiableness of his manners, Gassendi
+was alike one of the brightest ornaments of his age and of human nature.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img04.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">PASCAL.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Blaise Pascal</span> "perhaps the most brilliant intellect that ever lighted on
+this lower world," was born at Clermont, in the province of Auvergne, on
+the 19th of June, 1623. He was descended from one of the best families
+in that province. As soon as he was able to speak, he discovered marks
+of extraordinary capacity. This he evinced, not only by the general
+pertinency and acuteness of his replies, but also by the questions which
+he asked concerning the nature of things, and his reasonings upon them,
+which were much superior to what is common at his age. His mother having
+died in 1626, his father, who was an excellent scholar and an able
+mathematician, and who lived in habits of intimacy with several persons
+of the greatest learning and science at that time in France, determined
+to take upon himself the whole charge of his son's education.</p>
+
+<p>One of the instances in which young Pascal displayed his disposition to
+reason upon everything, is the following. He had been told that God
+rested from his labors on the seventh day, and hallowed it, and had
+commanded all mankind to suspend their labor and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span> do no work on the
+Sabbath. When he was about seven years of age, he was seen, of a Sabbath
+morning, measuring some blades of grass. When asked what he was doing,
+he replied that he was going to see if the grass grew on Sunday, and if
+God ceased working on the Sabbath, as he had commanded mankind to do!</p>
+
+<p>Before young Pascal had attained his twelfth year, two circumstances
+occurred, which deserve to be recorded, as they discovered the turn, and
+evinced the superiority, of his mind. Having remarked one day, at table,
+the sound produced by a person accidentally striking an earthenware
+plate with a knife, and that the vibrations were immediately stopped by
+putting his hand on the plate, he became anxious to investigate the
+cause of this phenomenon; he employed himself in making a number of
+experiments on sound, the results of which he committed to writing, so
+as to form a little treatise on the subject, which was found very
+correct and ingenious.</p>
+
+<p>The other occurrence was his first acquisition, or, as it might not be
+improperly termed, his invention of geometry. His father, though very
+fond of mathematics, had studiously kept from his son all the means of
+becoming acquainted with this subject. This he did, partly in conformity
+to the maxim he had hitherto followed, of keeping his son superior to
+his task; and partly from an apprehension that a science so engaging,
+and at the same time so abstracted, and which, on that account, was
+peculiarly suited to the turn of his son's mind, would probably absorb
+too<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> much of his attention, and stop the progress of his other studies,
+if he were at once initiated into it.</p>
+
+<p>But the activity of an inquisitive and penetrating mind is not to be so
+easily restrained. As, from respect to his father's authority, however,
+the youth had so far regarded his prohibition as to pursue this study
+only in private, and at his hours of recreation, he went on for some
+time undiscovered. But one day, while he was employed in this manner,
+his father accidentally came into the room, unobserved by Pascal, who
+was wholly intent on the subject of his investigation. His father stood
+for some time unperceived, and observed, with the greatest astonishment,
+that his son was surrounded with geometrical figures, and was then
+actually employed in finding out the proportion of the angles formed by
+a triangle, one side of which is produced; which is the subject of the
+thirty-second proposition in the First Book of Euclid.</p>
+
+<p>The father at length asked his son what he was doing. The latter,
+surprised and confused to find his father was there, told him he wanted
+to find out this and that, mentioning the different parts contained in
+that theorem. His father then asked how he came to inquire about that.
+He replied, that he had found out such a thing, naming some of the more
+simple problems; and thus, in reply to different questions, he showed
+that he had gone on his own investigations, totally unassisted, from the
+most simple definition in geometry, to Euclid's thirty-second
+proposition. This, it must be remembered, was when Pascal was but twelve
+years of age.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span>His subsequent progress perfectly accorded with this extraordinary
+display of talent. His father now gave him Euclid's Elements to peruse
+at his hours of recreation. He read them, and understood them, without
+any assistance. His progress was so rapid that he was soon admitted to
+the meetings of a society of which his father, Roberval, and some other
+celebrated mathematicians were members, and from which afterwards
+originated the Royal Academy of Sciences, at Paris.</p>
+
+<p>During Pascal's residence with his father at Rouen, and while he was
+only in his nineteenth year, he invented his famous arithmetical
+machine, by which all numerical calculations, however complex, can be
+made by the mechanical operation of its different parts, without any
+arithmetical skill in the person who uses it. He had a patent for this
+invention in 1649. His studies, however, began to be interrupted when he
+reached his eighteenth year by some symptoms of ill health, which were
+thought to be the effect of intense application, and which never
+afterwards entirely quitted him; so that he was sometimes accustomed to
+say, that from the time he was eighteen, he had never passed a day
+without pain. But Pascal, though out of health, was still Pascal; ever
+active, ever inquiring, and satisfied only with that for which an
+adequate reason could be assigned. Having heard of the experiments
+instituted by Torricelli, to find out the cause of the rise of water in
+fountains and pumps, and of the mercury in the barometer, he was induced
+to repeat them, and to make others, to satisfy himself upon the
+subject.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span>In 1654, he invented his arithmetical triangle, for the solution of
+problems respecting the combinations of stakes, in unfinished games of
+hazard; and long after that, he wrote his Demonstrations of the Problems
+relating to the Cycloid; besides several pieces on other subjects in the
+higher branches of the mathematics, for which his genius was probably
+most fitted. Pascal, though not rich, was independent in his
+circumstances; and as his peculiar talents, his former habits, and the
+state of his health, all called for retirement, he adopted a secluded
+mode of life. From 1655, he associated only with a few friends of the
+same religious opinions with himself, and lived for the most part in
+privacy in the society of Port Royal.</p>
+
+<p>At this period, the Catholics being divided into Jesuits and Jansenists,
+Pascal, being of the latter, published his famous Provincial Letters.
+These are so distinguished for their admirable wit, their keen argument,
+and their exquisite beauty of style, as to have even extorted praise
+from Voltaire and D'Alembert. He also wrote other pieces against the
+Jesuits, marked with great talent.</p>
+
+<p>Pascal's health, however, continued to decline; and it is probable that
+his mind suffered in consequence. Though his life had been singularly
+blameless, still he seemed to be pained with a sense of inward sin. He
+was accustomed to wear an iron belt around his waist, in which were
+sharp points, upon which he would strike his elbows, or his arms, when
+any unholy passion crossed his mind. He continued to practise charity
+toward all mankind, and severe austerities to himself, until at last he
+was attacked with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span> sickness, and on the 19th of August, 1662, he died.
+His last words were, "May God never forsake me!"</p>
+
+<p>The latter part of his life was wholly spent in religious meditations,
+though he committed to paper such pious thoughts as occurred to him.
+These were published after his death, under the title of "Thoughts on
+Religion and other Subjects." They have been greatly admired for their
+depth, eloquence and Christian spirit.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img05.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption"><i>Pascal.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img06.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p>&nbsp;</p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">GROTIUS.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hugo Grotius</span>, celebrated for his early display of genius and learning,
+as well as for his adventures and writings in after life, was born at
+Delft, in Holland, April 10, 1583. He had the best masters to direct his
+education, and from childhood, was not only distinguished by the great
+brilliancy of his mind, but also by his application to study. Such was
+his progress, that, at eight years of age, he composed Latin elegiac
+verses of great cleverness, and at fourteen, he maintained public theses
+in mathematics, law, and philosophy with general applause. His
+reputation by this time was established, and he was mentioned by the
+principal scholars of the age, as a prodigy of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span> learning, and as
+destined to make a conspicuous figure in the republic of letters.</p>
+
+<p>In 1598, he accompanied Barnevelt, ambassador extraordinary of the Dutch
+Republic, in a journey to France, where he was introduced to Henry IV.,
+who was so pleased with his learning, that he presented him with his
+picture and a gold chain. While in France, he took the degree of doctor
+of laws. The following year he commenced practice as an advocate, and
+pleaded his first cause at Delft. In the same year, though then only
+seventeen, he was chosen historiographer to the United Provinces, in
+preference to several learned men who were candidates for that office.</p>
+
+<p>Grotius now rapidly rose in rank and reputation: he published several
+works of great merit, and was appointed to various public offices of
+high trust. On one occasion he was sent by the government to England to
+attend to some negotiations, at which time he became acquainted with
+King James II. But serious religious difficulties now began to agitate
+Holland. In 1618, a synod met at Dort to take these into consideration.
+They proceeded to condemn the Arminian doctrines, and to banish all the
+preachers who upheld them. Barnevelt, who was a celebrated statesman,
+Grotius, and Hoogurbetz, advocated these sentiments; they were tried and
+condemned; the first was executed and the two others were sentenced to
+perpetual imprisonment.</p>
+
+<p>In his prison of Louvestien, Grotius found consolation in literary
+pursuits. His wife, after much entreaty, was permitted to visit him, and
+she did<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> everything which the most devoted affection could suggest, to
+alleviate his confinement. She was accustomed to send him books in the
+chest which was conveyed out and in, with his linen: this was carefully
+examined by the jailer, for a time, but finding nothing amiss, he became
+less suspicious and careful.</p>
+
+<p>Taking notice of this, the wife of Grotius, after he had been confined
+about two years, devised a scheme for his escape. She pretended to have
+a large quantity of books to send away. Having a small chest of drawers,
+about three feet and a half long, she packed her husband into it, and it
+was carried out by two soldiers, who supposed they were transporting a
+quantity of books. The chest was now put on a horse, and carried to
+Gorcum, where the illustrious prisoner was set at liberty.</p>
+
+<p>Disguised in the dress of a mason, with a rule and a trowel in his hand,
+he fled to Antwerp, which was not under the government of the
+Stadtholder, Prince Maurice, who had caused his imprisonment. Here he
+wrote to the State's General of Holland, asserting his innocence of any
+wrong, in the course he had taken, and for which he had been deprived of
+liberty. He afterwards went to Paris, where he received a pension from
+the king.</p>
+
+<p>After the death of Prince Maurice, his confiscated property and estates
+were restored, and he returned to Holland; but he still found such a
+spirit of rancor against him, among the principal persons, that he left
+the country forever, and took up his residence at Hamburgh. Here he
+received the most flattering proposals from the kings of Portugal,
+Spain, Denmark,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span> and other countries, who admired his great abilities,
+and desired him to seek shelter and protection with them.</p>
+
+<p>He finally adopted Sweden as his country, and becoming the queen's
+ambassador to France, he proceeded, in that character, to Paris, where,
+for eight years, he sustained the interests of his patron with firmness
+and dignity. At last, being weary of public life, he solicited his
+recall. In August, 1648, he embarked for Lubec, where he intended to
+reside; but, meeting with a dreadful storm, he was driven upon the coast
+of Pomerania, and obliged to take a land journey of sixty miles, in
+order to reach Rostock, during which he was exposed to the rain and
+inclement weather. A fever soon set in, and at midnight, on the 28th of
+August, the illustrious stranger died.</p>
+
+<p>Grotius has left behind him many works, some of them of great value. His
+treatise upon the "Truth of the Christian Religion," written in Latin,
+like his other productions, is one of the best defences of that system
+which has ever appeared. His work on the law of Peace and War, is still
+of high authority. We must look upon Grotius as a man of great
+acuteness, as well as vast expanse of mind. He was, indeed, in advance
+of his generation, and, like other patriots and philanthropists, who see
+farther than those around them, he was an object of hatred and disgust,
+for those very things which in an after age brought him the homage and
+gratitude of mankind. In an intolerant age, Grotius was in favor of
+toleration, and this alone was a crime which his generation could not
+forget or forgive.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">NEWTON.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sir Isaac Newton</span>, the greatest of natural philosophers, was born at
+Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire, December 25, 1642, old style. At his birth
+he was so small and weak that his life was despaired of. On the death of
+his father, which took place while he was yet an infant, the manor of
+Woolsthorpe became his heritage. His mother sent him, at an early age,
+to the village school, and in his twelfth year, to the seminary of
+Grantham.</p>
+
+<p>While here he displayed a decided taste for mechanical and philosophical
+inventions; and avoiding the society of other children, provided himself
+with a collection of saws, hammers, and other instruments, with which he
+constructed models of many kinds of machinery. He also made
+hour-glasses, acting by the descent of water. A new windmill, of a
+peculiar construction, having been erected in the town, he studied it
+until he succeeded in imitating it, and placed a mouse inside, which he
+called the miller.</p>
+
+<p>Some knowledge of drawing being necessary in these operations, he
+applied himself, without a master, to the study; and the walls of his
+room were covered with all sorts of designs. After a short period,
+however, his mother took him home, for the purpose of employing him on
+the farm and about the affairs of the house. She sent him several times
+to market, at Grantham, with the produce of the farm. A trusty servant
+was sent with him, and the young philosopher left him to manage the
+business, while he himself employed his time in reading. A sundial,
+which he constructed on the wall of the house at Woolsthorpe, is still
+shown. His irresistible passion for study and science finally induced
+his mother to send him back to Grantham. Here he continued for a time,
+and was entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, 1660.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img07.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span>At the latter place he studied mathematics with the utmost assiduity. In
+1667, he obtained a fellowship; in 1669, the mathematical professorship;
+and in 1671, he became a member of the Royal Society. It was during his
+abode at Cambridge that he made his three great discoveries, of
+fluxions, the nature of light and colors, and the laws of gravitation.
+To the latter of these his attention was first turned by his seeing an
+apple fall from a tree. The Principia, which unfolded to the world the
+theory of the universe, was not published till 1687. In that year also
+Newton was chosen one of the delegates to defend the privileges of the
+university against James II.; and in 1688 and 1701 he was elected one of
+the members of the university. He was appointed warden of the mint in
+1696; he was made master of it in 1699; was chosen president of the
+Royal Society in 1703; and was knighted in 1705. He died March 20,
+1727.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span>His "Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse"
+appeared in 1733, in quarto. "It is astonishing," says Dr. Hutton, "what
+care and industry Newton employed about the papers relating to
+chronology, church history, &amp;c.; as, on examining them, it appears that
+many are copies over and over again, often with little or no variation."
+All the works of this eminent philosopher were published by Dr. Samuel
+Horsley, in 1779, in five volumes, quarto; and an English translation of
+his "Philosophæ Naturalis Principia Mathematicæ," is extant.</p>
+
+<p>The character of this great man has been thus drawn by Mr. Hume, in his
+history of England. "In Newton, Britain may boast of having produced the
+greatest and rarest genius that ever rose for the ornament and
+instruction of the human species. Cautious in admitting no principles
+but such as were founded on experiment, but resolute to adopt every such
+principle, however new or unusual; from modesty, ignorant of his
+superiority over the rest of mankind, and thence less careful to
+accommodate such reasonings to common apprehensions; more anxious to
+merit than acquire fame:&mdash;he was from these causes long unknown to the
+world; but his reputation at last broke out with a lustre, which
+scarcely any writer, during his own lifetime, had ever before attained.
+While Newton seemed to draw off the veil from some of the mysteries of
+nature, he showed at the same time some of the imperfections of the
+mechanical philosophy; and thereby restored her ultimate secrets to that
+obscurity in which they ever did and ever will remain."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span>The remains of Sir Isaac Newton were interred in Westminster Abbey,
+where a magnificent monument is erected to his memory, with a Latin
+inscription, concluding thus:&mdash;"Let mortals congratulate themselves that
+so great an ornament of human nature has existed." His character is
+shown, by Dr. Brewster, to have been that of the humble and sincere
+Christian. Of nature, antiquity, and the Holy Scriptures, he was a
+diligent, sagacious, and faithful interpreter. He maintained by his
+philosophy the dignity of the Supreme Being, and in his manners he
+exhibited the simplicity of the Gospel. "I seem to myself," he said, "to
+be like a child, picking up a shell here and there on the shore of the
+great ocean of truth." He would hardly admit that he had a genius above
+other men, but attributed his discoveries to the intentness with which
+he applied to the study of philosophy. We cannot better close our notice
+of this great man, than in the words of Pope:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">God said, 'let Newton be'&mdash;and all was light!"</span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img08.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">MAGLIABECCHI.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Antony Magliabecchi</span> was born at Florence, on the 29th of October, in the
+year 1633. His parents were so poor as to be well satisfied when they
+got him into the service of a man who sold greens. He had not yet
+learned to read, but he was perpetually poring over the leaves of old
+books, that were used as waste paper in his master's shop. A bookseller
+who lived in the neighborhood, observed this, and knowing that the boy
+could not read, asked him one day what he meant by staring so much at
+pieces of printed paper? He said, that he did not know how it was, but
+that he loved it of all things; that he was very uneasy in the business
+he was in, and should be the happiest creature in the world if he could
+live with him, who had always so many books about him.</p>
+
+<p>The bookseller was pleased with this answer; and at last told him, that
+if his master were willing to part with him, he would take him. Young
+Magliabecchi was highly delighted, and the more so, when his master,
+agreeably to the bookseller's desire, gave him leave to go. He went,
+therefore, directly to his new business. He had not long been there,
+before he could find out any book that was asked for, as readily as the
+bookseller himself. In a short period he had learned to read, and then
+he was always reading when he could find time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[Pg 49]</a></span>He seems never to have applied himself to any particular study. A love
+of reading was his ruling passion, and a prodigious memory his great
+talent. He read all kinds of books, almost indifferently, as they came
+into his hands, and that with a surprising quickness; yet he retained
+not only the sense, but often the words and the very manner of spelling.</p>
+
+<p>His extraordinary application and talents soon recommended him to
+Ermina, librarian to the Cardinal de Medicis, and Marmi, the Grand
+Duke's librarian. He was by them introduced to the conversation of the
+learned, and made known at court. He now began to be looked upon
+everywhere as a prodigy, particularly for his unbounded memory.</p>
+
+<p>In order to make an experiment in respect to this, a gentleman of
+Florence, who had written a piece, which was to be printed, lent the
+manuscript to Magliabecchi. Sometime after it had been returned, he came
+to the librarian with a melancholy face, and told him that by some
+accident he had lost his manuscript; and seemed almost inconsolable,
+entreating Magliabecchi, at the same time, to endeavor to recollect as
+much of it as he possibly could, and write it down. Magliabecchi assured
+him he would do so, and on setting about it, wrote down the whole,
+without missing a word.</p>
+
+<p>By treasuring up everything he read, in this wonderful manner, or at
+least the subject, and all the principal parts of the books he ran over,
+his head became at last, as one of his acquaintance expressed it, "an
+universal index, both of titles and matter."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[Pg 50]</a></span>By this time, Magliabecchi was grown so famous for the vast extent of
+his reading, and his amazing retention of what he had read, that it
+began to grow common amongst the learned to consult him when they were
+writing on any subject. Thus, for instance, if a priest was going to
+compose a panegyric upon any favorite saint, and came to communicate his
+design to Magliabecchi, he would immediately tell him who had said
+anything of that saint, and in what part of their works, and that,
+sometimes, to the number of above a hundred authors. He would tell them
+not only who had treated of their subject designedly, but of such, also,
+as had touched upon it incidentally, in writing on other subjects. All
+this he did with the greatest exactness, naming the author, the book,
+the words, and often the very number of the page in which the passage
+referred to was inserted. He did this so often, so readily, and so
+exactly, that he came at last to be looked upon almost as an oracle, for
+the ready and full answers that he gave to all questions proposed to him
+in respect to any subject or science whatever.</p>
+
+<p>It was his great eminence in this way, and his almost inconceivable
+knowledge of books, that induced the Grand Duke, Cosmo the third, to
+make him his librarian. What a happiness must it have been to one like
+Magliabecchi, who delighted in nothing so much as reading, to have the
+command and use of such a collection of books as that in the Duke's
+palace! He was also very conversant with the books in the Lorenzo
+library; and had the keeping of those of Leopoldo, and Francisco Maria,
+the two cardinals of Tuscany.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[Pg 51]</a></span>Magliabecchi had a local memory, too, of the places where every book
+stood, in the libraries which he frequented; he seems, indeed, to have
+carried this even farther. One day the Grand Duke sent for him to ask
+whether he could get him a book that was particularly scarce. "No, sir,"
+answered Magliabecchi, "for there is but one in the world, and that is
+in the Grand Signior's library at Constantinople; it is the seventh book
+on the second shelf, on the right hand, as you go in."</p>
+
+<p>Though Magliabecchi lived so sedentary a life, with such an intense and
+almost perpetual application to books, yet he arrived to a good old age.
+He died in his eighty-first year, on the 14th of July, 1714. By his will
+he left a very fine library, of his own collection, for the use of the
+public, with a fund to maintain it; and whatever should remain over, to
+the poor.</p>
+
+<p>In his manner of living, Magliabecchi affected the character of
+Diogenes; three hard eggs, and a draught or two of water, were his usual
+repast. When his friends went to see him, they generally found him
+lolling in a sort of fixed wooden cradle, in the middle of his study,
+with a multitude of books, some thrown in heaps, and others scattered
+about the floor, around him. His cradle, or bed, was generally attached
+to the nearest pile of books by a number of cobwebs: at the entrance of
+any one, he used to call out, "Don't hurt my spiders!"</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img09.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[Pg 52]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JAMES CRICHTON.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">James Crichton</span>, commonly called 'The Admirable,' son of Robert Crichton,
+of Eliock, who was Lord Advocate to King James VI., was born in
+Scotland, in the year 1561. The precise place of his birth is not
+mentioned, but he received the best part of his education at St.
+Andrews, at that time the most celebrated seminary in Scotland, where
+the illustrious Buchanan was one of his masters. At the early age of
+fourteen, he took his degree of Master of Arts, and was considered a
+prodigy, not only in abilities, but in actual attainments.</p>
+
+<p>It was the custom of the time for Scotchmen of birth to finish their
+education abroad, and serve in some foreign army, previously to entering
+that of their own country. When he was only sixteen or seventeen years
+old, Crichton's father sent him to the Continent. He had scarcely
+arrived in Paris, which was then a gay and splendid city, famous for
+jousting, fencing, and dancing, when he publicly challenged all scholars
+and philosophers to a disputation at the College of Navarre. He proposed
+that it should be carried on in any one of twelve specified languages,
+and have relation to any science or art, whether practical or
+theoretical. The challenge was accepted; and, as if to show in how
+little need he stood of preparation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[Pg 53]</a></span> or how lightly he held his
+adversaries, he spent the six weeks that elapsed between the challenge
+and the contest, in a continual round of tilting, hunting, and dancing.</p>
+
+<p>On the appointed day, however, and in the contest, he is said to have
+encountered all the gravest philosophers and divines, and to have
+acquitted himself to the astonishment of all who heard him. He received
+the public praises of the president and four of the most eminent
+professors. The very next day he appeared at a tilting match in the
+Louvre, and carried off the ring from all his accomplished and
+experienced competitors.</p>
+
+<p>Enthusiasm was now at its height, particularly among the ladies of the
+court, and from the versatility of his talents, his youth, the
+gracefulness of his manners, and the beauty of his person, he was named
+<i>L'Admirable</i>. After serving two years in the army of Henry III., who
+was engaged in a civil war with his Huguenot subjects, Crichton repaired
+to Italy, and repeated at Rome, in the presence of the Pope and
+cardinals, the literary challenge and triumph that had gained him so
+much honor at Paris.</p>
+
+<p>From Rome he went to Venice, at which gay city he arrived in a depressed
+state of spirits. None of his Scottish biographers are very willing to
+acknowledge the fact, but it appears quite certain, that, spite of his
+noble birth and connexions, he was miserably poor, and became for some
+time dependent on the bounty of a Venetian printer&mdash;the celebrated Aldus
+Manutius. After a residence of four months at Venice, where his
+learning, engaging manners, and various<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[Pg 54]</a></span> accomplishments, excited
+universal wonder, as is made evident by several Italian writers who were
+living at the time, and whose lives were published, Crichton went to the
+neighboring city of Padua, in the learned university of which he reaped
+fresh honors by Latin poetry, scholastic disputation, an exposition of
+the errors of Aristotle and his commentators, and as a playful wind-up
+of the day's labors, a declamation upon the happiness of ignorance.</p>
+
+<p>Another day was fixed for a public disputation in the palace of the
+bishop of Padua; but this being prevented from taking place, gave some
+incredulous or envious men the opportunity of asserting that Crichton
+was a literary impostor, whose acquirements were totally superficial.
+His reply was a public challenge. The contest, which included the
+Aristotelian and platonic philosophies, and the mathematics of the time,
+was prolonged during three days, before an innumerable concourse of
+people. His friend, Aldus Manutius, who was present at what he calls
+"this miraculous encounter," says he proved completely victorious, and
+that he was honored by such a rapture of applause as was never before
+heard.</p>
+
+<p>Crichton's journeying from university to university to stick up
+challenges on church doors, and college pillars, though it is said to
+have been in accordance with customs not then obsolete, certainly
+attracted some ridicule among the Italians; for Boccalini, after copying
+one of his placards, in which he announces his arrival, and his
+readiness to dispute extemporaneously on all subjects, says that a wit
+wrote under it, "and whosoever wishes to see him, let him go to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[Pg 55]</a></span> the
+Falcon Inn, where he will be shown,"&mdash;which is the formula used by
+showmen for the exhibition of a wild beast, or any other monster.</p>
+
+<p>We next hear of Crichton at Mantua, and as the hero of a combat more
+tragical than those carried on by the tongue or the pen. A certain
+Italian gentleman, "of a mighty, able, nimble, and vigorous body, but by
+nature fierce, cruel, warlike, and audacious, and superlatively expert
+and dexterous in the use of his weapon," was in the habit of going from
+one city to another, to challenge men to fight with cold steel, just as
+Crichton did to challenge them to scholastic combats. This itinerant
+gladiator, who had marked his way through Italy with blood, had just
+arrived in Mantua, and killed three young men, the best swordsmen of
+that city. By universal consent, the Italians were the ablest masters of
+fence in Europe; a reputation to which they seem still entitled. To
+encounter a victor among such masters, was a stretch of courage; but
+Crichton, who had studied the sword from his youth, and who had probably
+improved himself in the use of the rapier in Italy, did not hesitate to
+challenge the redoubtable bravo.</p>
+
+<p>Though the duke was unwilling to expose so accomplished a gentleman to
+so great a hazard, yet, relying upon the report he had heard of his
+warlike qualifications, he agreed to the proposal; and the time and
+place being appointed, the whole court attended to behold the
+performance. At the beginning of the combat, Crichton stood only upon
+his defence, while the Italian made his attack with such eagerness and
+fury, that, having exhausted himself, he began to grow<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[Pg 56]</a></span> weary. The young
+Scotsman now seized the opportunity of attacking his antagonist in
+return; which he did with so much dexterity and vigor, that he ran him
+through the body in three different places, of which wounds he
+immediately died.</p>
+
+<p>The acclamations of the spectators were loud and long-continued upon
+this occasion; and it was acknowledged by all, that they had never seen
+nature second the precepts of art in so lively and graceful a manner as
+they had beheld it on that day. To crown the glory of the action,
+Crichton bestowed the rich prize awarded for his victory, upon the
+widows of the three persons who had lost their lives in fighting with
+the gladiator.</p>
+
+<p>In consequence of this and his other wonderful performances, the duke of
+Mantua made choice of him for preceptor to his son, Vicentio de Gonzago,
+who is represented as being of a riotous temper, and dissolute life. The
+appointment was highly pleasing to the court. Crichton, to testify his
+gratitude to his friends and benefactors, and to contribute to their
+diversion, framed a comedy, wherein he exposed and ridiculed the
+weaknesses and failures of the several occupations and pursuits in which
+men are engaged. This composition was regarded as one of the most
+ingenious satires that ever was made upon mankind. But the most
+astonishing part of the story, is, that Crichton sustained fifteen
+characters in the representation of his own play. Among the rest, he
+acted the divine, the philosopher, the lawyer, the mathematician, the
+physician, and the soldier, with such inimitable skill, that every time
+he appeared upon the theatre, he seemed to be a different person.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[Pg 57]</a></span>From being the principal actor in a comedy, Crichton soon became the
+subject of a dreadful tragedy. One night, during the time of Carnival,
+as he was walking along the streets of Mantua, and playing upon his
+guitar, he was attacked by half a dozen people in masks. The assailants
+found that they had no ordinary person to deal with, for they were not
+able to maintain their ground against him. At last the leader of the
+company, being disarmed, pulled off his mask, and begged his life,
+telling Crichton that he was the prince, his pupil. Crichton immediately
+fell upon his knees, and expressed his concern for his mistake; alleging
+that what he had done was only in his own defence, and that if Gonzago
+had any design upon his life, he might always be master of it. Then,
+taking his own sword by the point, he presented it to the prince, who
+immediately received it, and was so irritated by the affront which he
+thought he had sustained, in being foiled with all his attendants, that
+he instantly ran Crichton through the heart.</p>
+
+<p>His tragical end excited very great and general lamentation. The whole
+court of Mantua went three-quarters of a year into mourning for him; and
+numerous epitaphs and elegies were composed upon his death.</p>
+
+<p>To account in some manner for the extent of Crichton's attainments, it
+must be recollected that the first scholars of the age were his
+instructors: for, besides having Rutherford as a tutor, it is stated by
+Aldus Manutius, that he was also taught by Buchanan, Hessburn, and
+Robertson; and hence his extraordinary proficiency in the languages, as
+well as in the sciences,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[Pg 58]</a></span> as then taught in the schools of Europe. It
+must also be recollected that no expense would be spared in his
+education, as his father was Lord Advocate in Queen Mary's reign, from
+1561 to 1573, and his mother, the daughter of Sir James Stuart, was
+allied to the royal family. It is evident, however, that these
+advantages were seconded by powers of body and mind rarely united in any
+human being.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img10.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[Pg 59]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">BERONICIUS.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> history of this man is involved in some obscurity, yet enough is
+known to show that he was a person of wonderful endowments, and great
+eccentricity of life and character.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1674, the celebrated Dutch poet, Antonides Vander Goes,
+being in Zealand, happened to be in company with a young gentleman, who
+spoke of the wonderful genius of his language master. Vander Goes
+expressed a desire to see him, and while they were talking upon the
+subject, the extraordinary man entered. He was a little, sallow dumpling
+of a fellow, with fiery eyes, and nimble, fidgety motions; he was withal
+a sight to see for the raggedness of his garments.</p>
+
+<p>The strange man soon showed that he was drunk, and shortly after took
+his leave. But in a subsequent interview with the Dutch poet, he fully
+justified the character his pupil had given him. His great talent lay in
+being able with almost miraculous quickness, to turn any written theme
+into Latin or Greek verse. Upon being put to the trial, by Vander Goes,
+he succeeded, to the admiration of all present.</p>
+
+<p>The poet had just shown him his verses, and asked his opinion of them.
+Beronicius read them twice, praised them, and said, "What should hinder
+me from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[Pg 60]</a></span> turning them into Latin instantly?" The company viewed him with
+curiosity, and encouraged him by saying, "Well, pray let us see what you
+can do." In the meantime, the man appeared to be startled. He trembled
+from head to foot, as if possessed. However, he selected an epigram from
+the poems, and asked the precise meaning of two or three Dutch words, of
+which he did not clearly understand the force, and requested that he
+might be allowed to Latinize the name of <i>Hare</i>, which occurred in the
+poem, in some manner so as not to lose the pun. They agreed; and he
+immediately said, "I have already found it,&mdash;I shall call him
+<i>Dasypus</i>," which signifies an animal with rough legs, and is likewise
+taken by the Greeks for a hare. "Now, read a couple of lines at a time
+to me, and I shall give them in Latin," said he;&mdash;upon which a poet
+named Buizero, began to read to him, and Beronicius burst out in the
+following verses:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Egregia Dasypus referens virtute leonem</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In bello, adversus Britonas super æquora gesto,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Impavidus pelago stetit, aggrediente molossum.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Agmine quem tandem glans ferrea misit ad astra,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Vindictæ cupidum violato jure profundi.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Advena, quisquis ades, Zelandæ encomia gentis</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Ista refer, lepores demta quod pelle leonem,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Assumant, quotquot nostro versantur in orbe.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Epitaphium Herois Adriani de Haze, ex Belgico versum.</span></p>
+
+<p>When the poet had finished, he laughed till his sides shook; at the same
+time he was jeering and pointing at the company, who appeared surprised
+at his having, contrary to their expectations, acquitted himself so
+well; everybody highly praised him, which elated him so much that he
+scratched his head three or four<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[Pg 61]</a></span> times; and fixing his fiery eyes on
+the ground, repeated without hesitation, the same epigram in Greek
+verse, calling out, "There ye have it in Greek." Every one was
+astonished, which set him a-laughing and jeering for a quarter of an
+hour.</p>
+
+<p>The Greek he repeated so rapidly, that no one could write from his
+recitation. John Frederick Gymnick, professor of the Greek language at
+Duisburgh, who was one of the auditors, said that he esteemed the Greek
+version as superior to the Latin. Beronicius was afterwards examined in
+various ways, and gave such proofs of his wonderful learning, as amazed
+all the audience.</p>
+
+<p>This singular genius spoke several languages so perfectly, that each
+might have passed for his mother tongue; especially Italian, French, and
+English. But Greek was his favorite, and he used it as correctly and as
+fluently as if he had always spoken it. He knew by heart the whole of
+Horace and Virgil, the greatest part of Cicero, and both the Plinys; and
+would immediately, if a line were mentioned, repeat the whole passage,
+and tell the exact work, volume, chapter, and verse, of all these, and
+many more, especially poets. The works of Juvenal were so interwoven
+with his brain, that he retained every word.</p>
+
+<p>Of the Greek poets, he had Homer strongly imprinted on his memory,
+together with some of the comedies of Aristophanes; he could directly
+turn to any line required, and repeat the whole contiguous passage. His
+Latin was full of words selected from the most celebrated writers.</p>
+
+<p>The reader will probably be desirous of knowing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[Pg 62]</a></span> to what country
+Beronicius belonged; but this is a secret he never would disclose. When
+he was asked what was his native land, he always answered, "that the
+country of every one, was that in which he could live most comfortably."
+It was well known that he had wandered about many years in France,
+England, and the Netherlands, carrying his whole property with him. He
+was sometimes told that he deserved to be a professor in a college;&mdash;but
+his reply was, that he could have no pleasure in such a worm-like life.</p>
+
+<p>Strange to say, this eccentric being gained his living chiefly by
+sweeping chimneys, grinding knives and scissors, and other mean
+occupations. But his chief delight was in pursuing the profession of a
+juggler, mountebank, or merry-andrew, among the lowest rabble. He never
+gave himself any concern about his food or raiment; for it was equal to
+him whether he was dressed like a nobleman or a beggar. His hours of
+relaxation from his studies were chiefly spent in paltry wine-houses,
+with the meanest company, where he would sometimes remain a whole week,
+or more, drinking without rest or intermission.</p>
+
+<p>His miserable death afforded reason to believe that he perished whilst
+intoxicated, for he was found dead at Middleburgh, drowned and smothered
+in mud, which circumstance is alluded to in the epitaph which the before
+named poet, Buizero, wrote upon him, and which was as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">Here lies a wonderful genius,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">He lived and died like a beast;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">He was a most uncommon satyr&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">He lived in wine, and died in water.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[Pg 63]</a></span>This is all that is known of Beronicius. The poet, Vander Goes, often
+witnessed the display of his talents, and he says that he could at once
+render the newspapers into Greek and Latin verse. Professor John de
+Raay, who was living at the time of Beronicius's death, which occurred
+in 1676, saw and affirms the same wonderful fact.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img11.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[Pg 64]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">MASTER CLENCH.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Of</span> this astonishing youth, we have no information except what is
+furnished by the following account, extracted from Mr. Evelyn's diary,
+of 1689, very shortly after the landing of William III. in England.</p>
+
+<p>"I dined," says Mr. Evelyn, "at the Admiralty, where a child of twelve
+years old was brought in, the son of Dr. Clench, of the most prodigious
+maturity of knowledge, for I cannot call it altogether memory, but
+something more extraordinary. Mr. Pepys and myself examined him, not in
+any method, but with promiscuous questions, which required judgment and
+discernment, to answer so readily and pertinently.</p>
+
+<p>"There was not anything in chronology, history, geography, the several
+systems of astronomy, courses of the stars, longitude, latitude,
+doctrine of the spheres, courses and sources of rivers, creeks, harbors,
+eminent cities, boundaries of countries, not only in Europe, but in
+every part of the earth, which he did not readily resolve, and
+demonstrate his knowledge of, readily drawing with a pen anything he
+would describe.</p>
+
+<p>"He was able not only to repeat the most famous things which are left us
+in any of the Greek or Roman histories, monarchies, republics, wars,
+colonies, exploits by sea and land, but all the Sacred Scriptures of the
+Old and New Testaments; the succession of all the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[Pg 65]</a></span> monarchies,
+Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman; with all the lower emperors,
+popes, heresiarchs, and councils; what they were called about; what they
+determined; or in the controversy about Easter; the tenets of the
+Sabellians, Arians, Nestorians; and the difference between St. Cyprian
+and Stephen about re-baptization; the schisms.</p>
+
+<p>"We leaped from that to other things totally different,&mdash;to Olympic
+years and synchronisms; we asked him questions which could not be
+answered without considerable meditation and judgment; nay, of some
+particulars of the civil wars; of the digest and code. He gave a
+stupendous account of both natural and moral philosophy, and even of
+metaphysics.</p>
+
+<p>"Having thus exhausted ourselves, rather than this wonderful child, or
+angel rather, for he was as beautiful and lovely in countenance as in
+knowledge, we concluded with asking him, if, in all he had ever heard or
+read of, he had ever met with anything which was like the expedition of
+the Prince of Orange, with so small a force, as to obtain three kingdoms
+without any contest. After a little thought, he told us that he knew of
+nothing that resembled it, so much as the coming of Constantine the
+Great out of Great Britain, through France and Italy, so tedious a
+march, to meet Maxentius, whom he overthrew at Pons Melvius, with very
+little conflict, and at the very gates of Rome, which he entered, and
+was received with triumph, and obtained the empire not of three kingdoms
+only, but of the then known world.</p>
+
+<p>"He was perfect in the Latin authors, spoke French naturally, and gave
+us a description of France, Italy,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[Pg 66]</a></span> Savoy and Spain, anciently and
+modernly divided; as also of ancient Greece, Scythia, and the northern
+countries and tracts.</p>
+
+<p>"He answered our questions without any set or formal repetitions, as one
+who had learned things without book, but as if he minded other things,
+going about the room, and toying with a parrot, seeming to be full of
+play, of a lively, sprightly temper, always smiling, and exceedingly
+pleasant; without the least levity, rudeness, or childishness."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img12.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[Pg 67]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img13.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JEDEDIAH BUXTON.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> extraordinary man was born in 1705, at Elmeton, in Derbyshire. His
+father was a schoolmaster; and yet, from some strange neglect, Jedediah
+was never taught either to read or write. So great, however, were his
+natural talents for calculation, that he became remarkable for his
+knowledge of the relative proportions of numbers, their powers and
+progressive denominations. To these objects he applied all the powers of
+his mind, and his attention was so constantly rivetted upon them, that
+he was often totally abstracted from external objects. Even when he did
+notice them, it was only with respect to their numbers. If any space of
+time happened to be mentioned before him, he would presently inform the
+company<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[Pg 68]</a></span> that it contained so many minutes; and if any distance, he
+would assign the number of hair-breadths in it, even though no question
+were asked him.</p>
+
+<p>Being, on one occasion, required to multiply 456 by 378, he gave the
+product by mental arithmetic, as soon as a person in company had
+completed it in the common way. Being requested to work it audibly, that
+his method might be known, he first multiplied 456 by 5, which produced
+2,280; this he again multiplied by 20, and found the product 45,600,
+which was the multiplicand, multiplied by 100. This product he again
+multiplied by 3, which gave 136,800, the product of the multiplicand by
+300. It remained, therefore, to multiply this by 78, which he effected
+by multiplying 2,280, or the product of the multiplicand, multiplied by
+5, by 15, as 5 times 15 is 75. This product being 34,200, he added to
+136,800, which gave 171,000, being the amount of 375 times 456. To
+complete his operation, therefore, he multiplied 456 by 3, which
+produced 1,368, and this being added to 171,000, yielded 172,368, as the
+product of 456 multiplied by 378.</p>
+
+<p>From these particulars, it appears that Jedediah's method of calculation
+was entirely his own, and that he was so little acquainted with the
+common rules of arithmetic, as to multiply first by 5, and the product
+by 20, to find the amount when multiplied by 100, which the addition of
+two ciphers to the multiplicand would have given at once.</p>
+
+<p>A person who had heard of these efforts of memory, once meeting with him
+accidentally, proposed the following question, in order to try his
+calculating<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[Pg 69]</a></span> powers. If a field be 423 yards long, and 383 broad, what
+is the area? After the figures were read to him distinctly, he gave the
+true product, 162,009 yards, in the space of two minutes; for the
+proposer observed by the watch, how long it took him. The same person
+asked how many acres the said field measured; and in eleven minutes, he
+replied, 33 acres, 1 rood, 35 perches, 20 yards and a quarter. He was
+then asked how many barley-corns would reach eight miles. In a minute
+and a half, he answered 1,520,640. The next question was: supposing the
+distance between London and York to be 204 miles, how many times will a
+coach-wheel turn round in that space, allowing the circumference of that
+wheel to be six yards. In thirteen minutes, he answered, 59,840 times.</p>
+
+<p>On another occasion a person proposed to him this question: in a body,
+the three sides of which are 23,145,789 yards, 5,642,732 yards, and
+54,965 yards, how many cubic eighths of an inch? In about five hours
+Jedediah had accurately solved this intricate problem, though in the
+midst of business, and surrounded by more than a hundred laborers.</p>
+
+<p>Next to figures, the only objects of Jedediah's curiosity were the king
+and royal family. So strong was his desire to see them, that in the
+beginning of the spring of 1754, he walked up to London for that
+purpose, but returned disappointed, as his majesty had removed to
+Kensington just as he arrived in town. He was, however, introduced to
+the Royal Society, whom he called the <i>Folk of the Siety Court</i>. The
+gentlemen present asked him several questions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[Pg 70]</a></span> in arithmetic to try his
+abilities, and dismissed him with a handsome present.</p>
+
+<p>During his residence in the metropolis, he was taken to see the tragedy
+of King Richard the Third, performed at Drury Lane, Garrick being one of
+the actors. It was expected that the novelty of everything in that
+place, together with the splendor of the surrounding objects, would have
+filled him with astonishment; or that his passions would have been
+roused in some degree, by the action of the performers, even though he
+might not fully comprehend the dialogue. This, certainly, was a rational
+idea; but his thoughts were far otherwise employed. During the dances,
+his attention was engaged in reckoning the number of steps; after a fine
+piece of music, he declared that the innumerable sounds produced by the
+instruments perplexed him beyond measure, but he counted the words
+uttered by Mr. Garrick, in the whole course of the entertainment; and
+declared that in this part of the business, he had perfectly succeeded.</p>
+
+<p>Heir to no fortune, and educated to no particular profession, Jedediah
+Buxton supported himself by the labor of his hands. His talents, had
+they been properly cultivated, might have qualified him for acting a
+distinguished part on the theatre of life; he, nevertheless, pursued the
+"noiseless tenor of his way," content if he could satisfy the wants of
+nature, and procure a daily subsistence for himself and family. He was
+married and had several children. He died in the year 1775, aged seventy
+years. Though a man of wonderful powers of arithmetical calculation,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[Pg 71]</a></span>
+and generally regarded as a prodigy in his way&mdash;it is still obvious
+that, after the practice of years, he was incapable of solving
+questions, which Zerah Colburn, at the age of six or seven years,
+answered in the space of a few seconds.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img14.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[Pg 72]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">WILLIAM GIBSON.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">William Gibson</span> was born in the year 1720, at the village of Bolton, in
+Westmoreland, England. On the death of his father, he put himself to a
+farmer to learn his business. When he was about eighteen or nineteen, he
+rented a small farm of his own, at a place called Hollins, where he
+applied himself assiduously to study.</p>
+
+<p>A short time previous to this, he had admired the operation of figures,
+but labored under every disadvantage, for want of education. As he had
+not yet been taught to read, he got a few lessons in English, and was
+soon enabled to comprehend a plain author. He then purchased a treatise
+on arithmetic; and though he could not write, he soon became so expert a
+calculator, from mental operations only, that he could tell, without
+setting down a figure, the product of any two numbers multiplied
+together, although the multiplier and the multiplicand each of them
+consisted of nine figures. It was equally astonishing that he could
+answer, in the same manner, questions in division, in decimal fractions,
+or in the extraction of the square or cube roots, where such a
+multiplicity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[Pg 73]</a></span> of figures is often required in the operation. Yet at this
+time he did not know that any merit was due to himself, conceiving that
+the capacity of other people was like his own.</p>
+
+<p>Finding himself still laboring under farther difficulties for want of a
+knowledge of writing, he taught himself to write a tolerable hand. As he
+had not heard of mathematics, he had no idea of anything, in regard to
+numbers, beyond what he had learned. He thought himself a master of
+figures, and challenged all his companions and the members of a society
+he attended, to a trial. Something, however, was proposed to him
+concerning Euclid. As he did not understand the meaning of the word, he
+was silent; but afterwards found it meant a book, containing the
+elements of geometry; this he purchased, and applied himself very
+diligently to the study of it, and against the next meeting he was
+prepared with an answer in this new science.</p>
+
+<p>He now found himself launching out into a field, of which before he had
+no conception. He continued his geometrical studies; and as the
+demonstration of the different propositions in Euclid depend entirely
+upon a recollection of some of those preceding, his memory was of the
+utmost service to him. Besides, it was a study exactly adapted to his
+mind; and while he was attending to the business of his farm, and
+humming over some tune or other, his attention was often engaged with
+some of his geometrical propositions. A few figures with a piece of
+chalk, upon the knee of his breeches, or any other convenient spot, were
+all<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[Pg 74]</a></span> he needed to clear up the most difficult parts of the science.</p>
+
+<p>He now began to be struck with the works of nature, and paid particular
+attention to the theory of the earth, the moon, and the rest of the
+planets belonging to this system, of which the sun is the centre; and
+considering the distance and magnitude of the different bodies belonging
+to it, and the distance of the fixed stars, he soon conceived each of
+them to be the centre of a different system. He well considered the law
+of gravity, and that of the centripetal and centrifugal forces, and the
+cause of the ebbing and flowing of the tides; also the projection of the
+sphere&mdash;stereographic, orthographic, and gnomical; also trigonometry and
+astronomy. By this time he was possessed of a small library.</p>
+
+<p>He next turned his thoughts to algebra, and took up Emerson's treatise
+on that subject, and went through it with great success. He also
+grounded himself in the art of navigation and the principles of
+mechanics; likewise the doctrine of motion, of falling bodies, and the
+elements of optics, &amp;c., as a preliminary to fluxions, which had but
+lately been discovered by Sir Isaac Newton; as the boundary of the
+mathematics, he went through conic sections, &amp;c. Though he experienced
+some difficulty at his first entrance, yet he did not rest till he made
+himself master of both a fluxion and a flowing quantity. As he had paid
+a similar attention to the intermediate parts, he soon became so
+conversant with every branch of the mathematics, that no question was
+ever proposed to him which he could not answer.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[Pg 75]</a></span>He used to take pleasure in solving the arithmetical questions then
+common in the magazines, but his answers were seldom inserted, except by
+or in the name of some other person, for he had no ambition to make his
+abilities known. He frequently had questions from his pupils and other
+gentlemen in London; from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and
+different parts of the country, as well as from the university of
+Gottingen in Germany. These, however difficult, he never failed to
+answer; and from the minute inquiry he made into natural philosophy,
+there was scarcely a phenomenon in nature, that ever came to his
+knowledge or observation, but he could, in some measure at least,
+reasonably account for it.</p>
+
+<p>He went by the name of Willy-o'-th'-Hollins, for many years after he
+left his residence in that place. The latter portion of his life was
+spent in the neighborhood of Cartmell, where he was best known by the
+name of Willy Gibson, still continuing his former occupation. For the
+last forty years he kept a school of about eight or ten gentlemen, who
+boarded and lodged at his own farm-house; and having a happy turn in
+explaining his ideas, he formed a great number of very able
+mathematicians, as well as expert accountants. This self-taught
+philosopher and wonderful man, died on the 4th of October, 1792, at
+Blaith, near Cartmell, in consequence of a fall, leaving behind him a
+widow and ten children.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[Pg 76]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">EDMUND STONE.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Of</span> the life of this extraordinary man we have little information. He was
+probably born in Argyleshire, Scotland, at the close of the seventeenth
+century. His father was gardener to the Duke of Argyle, and the son
+assisted him. The duke was walking one day in his garden, when he
+observed a Latin copy of Newton's Principia, lying on the grass, and
+supposing it had been brought from his own library, called some one to
+carry it back to its place. Upon this, young Stone, who was in his
+eighteenth year, claimed the book as his own. "Yours!" replied the duke;
+"do you understand geometry, Latin, and Newton?" "I know a little of
+them," said the young man.</p>
+
+<p>The duke was surprised, and having a taste for the sciences, he entered
+into conversation with the young mathematician. He proposed several
+inquiries, and was astonished at the force, the accuracy and the
+clearness of his answers. "But how," said the duke, "came you by the
+knowledge of all these things?" Stone replied, "A servant taught me to
+read ten years since. Does one need to know anything more than the
+twenty-six letters, in order to learn everything else that one wishes?"</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[Pg 77]</a></span>The duke's curiosity was now greatly increased, and he sat down upon a
+bank and requested a detail of the whole process by which he had
+acquired such knowledge. "I first learned to read," said Stone;
+"afterwards, when the masons were at work at your house, I approached
+them one day, and observed that the architect used a rule and compass,
+and that he made calculations. I inquired what might be the meaning and
+use of these things; and I was informed that there was a science called
+arithmetic. I purchased a book of arithmetic, and studied it. I was told
+that there was another science, called geometry. I bought the necessary
+books, and learned geometry.</p>
+
+<p>"By reading, I found there were good books on these two sciences in
+Latin; I therefore bought a dictionary and learned Latin. I understood,
+also, that there were good books of the same kind in French; I bought a
+dictionary and learned French; and this, my lord, is what I have done.
+It seems to me that we may learn everything when we know the twenty-six
+letters of the alphabet."</p>
+
+<p>Under the duke's patronage, Stone rose to be a very considerable
+mathematician, and was elected a member of the Royal Society of London,
+in 1725. He seems to have lost the favor of the Duke of Argyle, for, in
+the latter part of his life, he gave lessons in mathematics, and at last
+died in poverty.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[Pg 78]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">RICHARD EVELYN.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">John Evelyn</span>, a very learned English writer, was born in 1620, and died
+in 1706. He published several works, all of which are valuable. His
+treatises upon Natural History are greatly valued. He kept a diary,
+which has been published, and which contains much that is interesting.
+Of one of his children, who died early, he gives us the following
+account:</p>
+
+<p>"After six fits of ague, died, in the year 1658, my son Richard, five
+years and three days old, but, at that tender age, a prodigy of wit and
+understanding; for beauty of body, a very angel; for endowment of mind,
+of incredible and rare hopes. To give only a little taste of some of
+them, and thereby glory to God:</p>
+
+<p>"At two years and a half old, he could perfectly read any of the
+English, Latin, French, or Gothic letters, pronouncing the three first
+languages exactly. He had, before the fifth year, not only skill to read
+most written hands, but to decline all the nouns, conjugate the verbs
+regular and most of the irregular; learned Pericles through; got by
+heart almost the entire vocabulary of Latin and French primitives and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[Pg 79]</a></span>
+words, could make congruous syntax, turn English into Latin, and <i>vice
+versa</i>, construe and prove what he read, and did the government and use
+of relative verbs, substantives, ellipses, and many figures and tropes,
+and made a considerable progress in Comenius's Janua; began himself to
+write legibly, and had a strong passion for Greek.</p>
+
+<p>"The number of verses he could recite was enormous; and when seeing a
+Plautus in one's hand, he asked what book it was, and being told it was
+comedy and too difficult for him, he wept for sorrow. Strange was his
+apt and ingenious application of fables and morals, for he had read
+&AElig;sop. He had a wonderful disposition to mathematics, having by heart
+divers propositions of Euclid, that were read to him in play, and he
+would make lines and demonstrate them.</p>
+
+<p>"As to his piety, astonishing were his applications of Scripture upon
+occasion, and his sense of God: he had learned all his catechism early,
+and understood the historical part of the Bible and Testament to a
+wonder&mdash;how Christ came to mankind; and how, comprehending these
+necessaries himself, his godfathers were discharged of their promise.
+These and like illuminations, far exceeding his age and experience,
+considering the prettiness of his address and behavior cannot but leave
+impressions in me at the memory of him. When one told him how many days
+a Quaker had fasted, he replied, that was no wonder, for Christ had said
+'man should not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.'</p>
+
+<p>"He would, of himself, select the most pathetic Psalms, and chapters out
+of Job, to read to his maid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[Pg 80]</a></span> during his sickness, telling her, when she
+pitied him, that all God's children must suffer affliction. He declaimed
+against the vanities of the world, before he had seen any. Often he
+would desire those who came to see him, to pray by him, and a year
+before he fell sick, to kneel and pray with him, alone in some corner.
+How thankfully would he receive admonition! how soon be reconciled! how
+indifferent, yet continually cheerful! He would give grave advice to his
+brother John, bear with his impertinences, and say he was but a child.</p>
+
+<p>"If he heard of, or saw any new thing, he was unquiet till he was told
+how it was made; he brought to us all such difficulties as he found in
+books, to be expounded. He had learned by heart divers sentences in
+Greek and Latin, which on occasions he would produce even to wonder. He
+was all life, all prettiness, far from morose, sullen, or childish in
+anything he said or did. The last time he had been at church, which was
+at Greenwich, I asked him, according to custom, what he remembered of
+the sermon. 'Two good things, father,' said he, '<i>bonum gratiæ</i>, and
+<i>bonum gloriæ</i>;" the excellence of grace, and the excellence of
+glory,&mdash;with a just account of what the preacher said.</p>
+
+<p>"The day before he died, he called to me, and, in a more serious manner
+than usual, told me, that for all I loved him so dearly, I should give
+my house, land, and all my fine things to his brother Jack,&mdash;he should
+have none of them; and next morning, when he found himself ill, and I
+persuaded him to keep his hands in bed, he demanded whether he might
+pray<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[Pg 81]</a></span> to God with his hands unjoined; and a little after, whilst in
+great agony, whether he should not offend God by using his holy name so
+often by calling for ease.</p>
+
+<p>"What shall I say of his frequent pathetical ejaculations uttered of
+himself: 'Sweet Jesus, save me, deliver me, pardon my sins, let thine
+angels receive me!' So early knowledge, so much piety and perfection!
+But thus God, having dressed up a saint fit for himself, would no longer
+permit him with us, unworthy of the future fruits of this incomparable,
+hopeful blossom. Such a child I never saw! for such a child I bless God,
+in whose bosom he is! May I and mine become as this little child, which
+now follows the child Jesus, that lamb of God, in a white robe,
+whithersoever he goes! Even so, Lord Jesus, let thy will be done. Thou
+gavest him to us, thou hast taken him from us; blessed be the name of
+the Lord! That I had anything acceptable to thee was from thy grace
+alone, since from me he had nothing but sin; but that thou hast
+pardoned, blessed be my God forever! Amen."</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img15.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[Pg 82]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">QUENTIN MATSYS.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> great painter was born at Antwerp, in 1460, and followed the trade
+of a blacksmith and farrier, till he approached manhood. His health at
+that time was feeble, and rendered him unfit for so laborious a pursuit;
+he therefore undertook to execute lighter work. He constructed an iron
+railing around a well near the great church of Antwerp, which was
+greatly admired for its delicacy and the devices with which it was
+ornamented. He also executed an iron balustrade for the college of
+Louvain, which displayed extraordinary taste and skill.</p>
+
+<p>His father had died, when he was young, leaving him and his mother
+entirely destitute. Notwithstanding his feeble constitution, he was
+obliged to support both himself and her. While necessity thus urged him,
+his taste guided his efforts toward works of art. At Louvain there was
+an annual procession of lepers, who were accustomed to distribute little
+images of saints upon that occasion. Matsys devoted himself to the
+making of these, in which he was very successful.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[Pg 83]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img16.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption">MATSYS' WELL, AT ANTWERP.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[Pg 84]</a></span>He had now reached the age of twenty, when it appears that he fell in
+love with the daughter of a painter, of some cleverness, in Antwerp. His
+affection was returned, but when he applied to the father to obtain his
+consent to their union, he was answered by a flat refusal, and the
+declaration, that no man but a painter, as good as himself, should wed
+his daughter. Matsys endeavored in vain to overcome this resolution, and
+finally, despairing of other means to accomplish the object which now
+engrossed his whole soul, he determined to become a painter. The
+difficulties in his way vanished before that confidence which genius
+inspires, and taking advantage of his leisure hours, he began to
+instruct himself secretly in the art of painting. His progress was
+rapid, and the time of his triumph speedily approached.</p>
+
+<p>He was one day on a visit to his mistress, where he found a picture on
+the easel of her father, and nearly finished. The old man was absent,
+and Quentin, seizing the pencil, painted a bee upon a flower in the
+foreground of the painting, and departed. The artist soon returned, and
+in sitting down to his picture, immediately discovered the insect, which
+had so strangely intruded itself upon his canvass. It was so life-like
+as to make it seem a real insect, that had been deceived by the mimic
+flower, and had just alighted upon it. The artist was in raptures, for
+it appears that he had a heart to appreciate excellence, even if it was
+not his own. He inquired of his daughter who had painted the bee. Though
+the details of the interview which followed are not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[Pg 85]</a></span> handed down to us,
+we may be permitted to fill up the scene.</p>
+
+<p><i>Father.</i> Tell me, child, who painted the insect?</p>
+
+<p><i>Daughter.</i> Who painted the insect? Really, how should I know?</p>
+
+<p><i>F.</i> You ought to know,&mdash;you must know. It was not one of my pupils. It
+is beyond them all.</p>
+
+<p><i>D.</i> Is it as good as you could have done yourself, father?</p>
+
+<p><i>F.</i> Yes; I never painted anything better in my life. It is like
+nature's own work, it is so light, so true; on my soul, I was deceived
+at first, and was about to brush the insect away with my handkerchief.</p>
+
+<p><i>D.</i> And so, father, you think it is as well as you could have done
+yourself?</p>
+
+<p><i>F.</i> Yes.</p>
+
+<p><i>D.</i> Well, I will send for Quentin Matsys; perhaps he can tell you who
+did it.</p>
+
+<p><i>F.</i> Aye, girl, is that it? Did Quentin do it? Then he is a clever
+fellow, and shall marry you.</p>
+
+<p>Whether such a dialogue as this actually took place, we cannot say; but
+it appears that Quentin's acknowledged excellence as an artist soon won
+the painter's consent, and he married the daughter. From this time he
+devoted his life to the art which love alone had at first induced him to
+pursue. He soon rose to the highest rank in his profession, and has left
+behind him an enduring fame. Though he was destitute of early education,
+and never had the advantage of studying the great masters of the Italian
+school, he rivalled, in some respects, even their best<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[Pg 86]</a></span> productions. His
+designs were correct and true to nature, and his coloring was forcible.
+His pictures are now scarce and command great prices. One of them,
+called the Two Misers, is in the Royal Gallery of Windsor, England, and
+is greatly admired. Matsys died at Antwerp, in 1529.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img17.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[Pg 87]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">WEST.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Benjamin West</span> was born at Springfield, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1738.
+His father was a merchant, and Benjamin was the tenth child. The first
+six years of his life passed away in calm uniformity, leaving only the
+placid remembrance of enjoyment. In the month of June, 1745, one of his
+sisters who was married, came with her infant daughter to spend a few
+days at her father's. When the child was asleep in her cradle, Mrs. West
+invited her daughter to gather flowers in the garden, and committed the
+infant to the care of Benjamin, during their absence; giving him a fan
+to drive away the flies from molesting his little charge.</p>
+
+<p>After some time, the child happened to smile in its sleep, and its
+beauty attracted the boy's attention. He looked at it with a pleasure,
+which he never before experienced; and observing some paper on a table,
+together with pens, and red and black ink, he seized them with
+agitation, and endeavored to delineate a portrait, although at this
+period, he was only in the seventh year of his age.</p>
+
+<p>Hearing the approach of his mother and sister, he endeavored to
+conceal what he had been doing; but the old lady observing his
+confusion, inquired what he was about, and requested him to show her the
+paper. He obeyed, entreating her not to be angry. Mrs. West, after
+looking at the drawing with evident pleasure, said to her daughter, "I
+declare, he has made a likeness of little Sally;" she kissed him with
+much fondness and satisfaction. This encouraged him to say that if it
+would give her any pleasure, he would make pictures of the flowers which
+she held in her hand; for the instinct of his genius was now awakened,
+and he felt that he could imitate the forms of those things which
+pleased his sight.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[Pg 88]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img18.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+<p class="caption"><i>Christ healing the sick.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[Pg 89]</a></span>Some time after this, Benjamin having heard that pencils for painting
+were made in Europe of camel's hair, determined to manufacture a
+substitute, for his own use: accordingly, seizing upon a black cat, kept
+in the family, he extracted the requisite hairs from her tail for his
+first brush, and afterwards pillaged it again for others.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the commencement of a series of efforts which raised West to be
+a favorite painter in England, and, at last, president of the Royal
+Academy of London. His parents were Quakers, but they encouraged his
+efforts. He, however, had no advantages, and for some time he was
+obliged to pursue his labors with such pencils as he made himself, and
+with red and yellow colors, which he learned to prepare from some
+Indians who roamed about the town of Springfield: to these, his mother
+added a little indigo.</p>
+
+<p>He had a cousin by the name of Pennington, who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[Pg 90]</a></span> was a merchant, and
+having seen some of his sketches, sent him a box of paints and pencils,
+with canvass prepared, and six engravings. The possession of this
+treasure almost prevented West's sleeping. He now went into a garret as
+soon as it was light, and began his work. He was so wrapt up in his
+task, as to stay from school. This he continued till his master called
+to inquire what had become of him. A search was consequently made, and
+he was found at his easel, in the garret. His mother's anger soon
+subsided, when she saw his picture, now nearly finished. He had not
+servilely copied one of the engravings, as might have been expected, but
+had formed a new picture by combining the parts of several of them. His
+mother kissed the boy with rapture, and procured the pardon of his
+father and teacher. Mr. Galt, who wrote West's life, says, that,
+sixty-seven years after, he had the pleasure of seeing this very piece,
+hanging by the side of the sublime picture of Christ Rejected.</p>
+
+<p>Young West's fame was soon spread abroad, and he was shortly crowded
+with applications for portraits, of which he painted a considerable
+number. He was now of an age to require a decision of his parents in
+respect to the profession he was to follow, in life. They deliberated
+long and anxiously upon this subject, and at last concluded to refer the
+matter to the society of Quakers to which they belonged. These decided,
+that, although they did not acknowledge the utility of painting to
+mankind, yet they would allow the youth to follow a path for which he
+had so evident a genius.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of eighteen, he established himself in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[Pg 91]</a></span> Philadelphia, as a
+portrait painter, and afterwards spent some time at New York, in the
+same capacity. In both places, his success was considerable. In 1760,
+aided by friends, he proceeded to Italy, to study his art; in 1763, he
+went to London, where he soon became established for life. The king,
+George III., was his steadfast friend, and he became painter to his
+majesty. He was offered a salary of seven hundred pounds a year, by the
+Marquis of Rockingham, to embellish his mansion at Yorkshire with
+historical paintings, but this he declined.</p>
+
+<p>On the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds, he was elected president of the
+Royal Academy, and took his place in March, 1792. In his sixty-fifth
+year, he painted his great picture of Christ healing the sick, to aid
+the Quakers of Philadelphia in the erection of a hospital for that city.
+It was so much admired that he was offered no less than fifteen thousand
+dollars for this performance. He accepted the offer, as he was not rich,
+upon condition that he should be allowed to make a copy for the Friends
+of Philadelphia, for whom he had intended it. This great picture, of
+which we give an engraving, was long exhibited at Philadelphia, and the
+profits essentially aided the benevolent object which suggested the
+picture.</p>
+
+<p>West continued to pursue his profession, and painted several pictures of
+great size, under the idea that his talent was best suited to such
+performances. In 1817, his wife, with whom he had long lived in
+uninterrupted happiness, died, and he followed her in 1820. If his
+standing, as an artist, is not of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[Pg 92]</a></span> highest rank, it is still
+respectable, and his history affords a striking instance of a natural
+fitness and predilection for a particular pursuit. If we consider the
+total want of encouragement to painting, in a Quaker family, in a
+country town in Pennsylvania, more than a century ago, and advert to the
+spontaneous display of his taste and its persevering cultivation, we
+shall see that nature seems to have given him an irresistible impulse in
+the direction of the art to which he devoted his life.</p>
+
+<p>West was tall, firmly built, and of a fair complexion. He always
+preserved something of the sedate, even and sober manners of the sect to
+which his parents belonged; in disposition, he was mild, liberal and
+generous. He seriously impaired his fortune by the aid he rendered to
+indigent young artists. His works were very numerous, and the exhibition
+and sale of those in his hands, at the time of his death, yielded a
+handsome sum to his family. Though his early education was neglected, he
+supplied the defect by study and observation, and his writings connected
+with the arts are very creditable to him as a man, a philosopher and an
+artist.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img19.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[Pg 93]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">BERRETINI.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Pietro Berretini</span> was born 1596, at Cortona, in Italy. He is called
+Pietro Da Cortona, from the place of his birth. Even when a child, he
+evinced uncommon genius for painting; but he appeared likely to remain
+in obscurity and ignorance, as the extreme poverty of his situation
+precluded him from the usual means of improving natural talent. He
+struggled, however, with his difficulties, and ultimately overcame every
+obstacle which opposed him.</p>
+
+<p>When twelve years old, he went, alone and on foot, to Florence, the seat
+of the fine arts, possessed of no money, and, in fact, completely
+without resources of any kind. Notwithstanding this gloomy aspect of
+affairs, he did not lose his courage, but still persevered in a
+resolution he had thus early formed, to become "an eminent painter."
+Pietro knew of no person to whom he could apply for assistance in
+Florence, excepting a poor boy from Cortona, who was then a scullion in
+the kitchen of Cardinal Sachetti. Pietro sought him out; his little
+countryman welcomed him very kindly, shared with him his humble meal,
+offered him the half of his little bed as a lodging, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[Pg 94]</a></span> promised to
+supply him with food from the spare meat of his kitchen.</p>
+
+<p>Thus provided with the necessaries of life, Pietro applied himself with
+indefatigable diligence to the art to which he had devoted himself, and
+soon made such progress in it, as, in his own opinion, amply recompensed
+him for all the toil, privation and difficulties he had undergone. It
+was interesting to observe this poor, destitute child, without a friend
+to guide his conduct or direct his studies, devoting himself with such
+unceasing assiduity to his own improvement. His little friend, the
+scullion, did not relax in kindness and generosity towards him; for all
+that he possessed he shared with Pietro, and the latter, in return,
+brought him all the drawings he made, and with these he adorned the
+walls of the little garret in which they slept.</p>
+
+<p>Pietro was in the habit of wandering to a distance from Florence, to
+take views of the beautiful scenery in the environs of that city. When
+night overtook him unawares, which was often the case, he very
+contentedly slept under the shelter of a tree, and arose as soon as
+daylight dawned to renew his employment. During his absence, on one of
+these excursions, some of his pictures accidentally fell into the hands
+of Cardinal Sachetti, who, struck with the merit that distinguished
+them, inquired by what artist they were executed. He was not a little
+astonished to hear that they were the performances of a poor child, who
+had, for more than two years, been supported by the bounty of one of his
+kitchen boys. The cardinal desired to see Pietro; and when the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[Pg 95]</a></span> young
+artist was brought before him, he received him in a kind manner,
+assigned him a pension and placed him as a scholar under one of the best
+painters of Rome.</p>
+
+<p>Pietro afterwards became a very eminent painter, and made the most
+grateful returns to his friend, the scullion, for the kindness he had
+shown him in poverty and wretchedness. He spent the latter part of his
+life at Rome, where he enjoyed the patronage of successive pontiffs, and
+was made a knight by Pope Alexander III. He was an architect as well as
+a painter, and designed the church of Saint Martin, at Rome, where he
+was buried, and to which he bequeathed a hundred thousand crowns. He
+died 1669, full of wealth and honors. His works display admirable
+talents, and his history affords a striking example of native genius,
+overcoming all obstacles, and hewing its way to success in that pursuit
+for which nature had seemed to create it.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img20.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[Pg 96]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">HENRY KIRK WHITE.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> youthful bard, whose premature death was so sincerely regretted by
+every admirer of genius, was the son of a butcher of Nottingham,
+England, and born March 21, 1788. He manifested an ardent love of
+reading in his infancy; this was, indeed, a passion to which everything
+else gave way. "I could fancy," says his eldest sister, "that I see him
+in his little chair, with a large book upon his knee, and my mother
+calling, 'Henry, my love, come to dinner,' which was repeated so often
+without being regarded, that she was obliged to change the tone of her
+voice, before she could rouse him."</p>
+
+<p>When he was seven years old, he would creep unperceived into the
+kitchen, to teach the servant to read and write; and he continued this
+for some time before it was discovered that he had been thus laudably
+employed. He wrote a tale of a Swiss emigrant, which was probably his
+first composition, and gave it to this servant, being ashamed to show it
+to his mother. "The consciousness of genius," says his biographer, Mr.
+Southey, "is always, at first, accompanied by this diffidence; it is a
+sacred, solitary feeling.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[Pg 97]</a></span> No forward child, however extraordinary the
+promise of his childhood, ever produced anything truly great."</p>
+
+<p>When Henry was about eleven years old, he one day wrote a separate theme
+for every boy in his class, which consisted of about twelve or fourteen.
+The master said he had never known them write so well upon any subject
+before, and could not refrain from expressing his astonishment at the
+excellence of Henry's own composition.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of thirteen, he wrote a poem, "On being confined to school
+one pleasant morning in spring," from which the following is an extract:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"How gladly would my soul forego</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">All that arithmeticians know,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Or stiff grammarians quaintly teach,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Or all that industry can reach,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">To taste each morn of all the joys</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">That with the laughing sun arise;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And unconstrained to rove along</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The bushy brakes and glens among;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And woo the muse's gentle power</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In unfrequented rural bower;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">But ah! such heaven-approaching joys</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Will never greet my longing eyes;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Still will they cheat in vision fine,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Yet never but in fancy shine."</span></p>
+
+<p>The parents of Henry were anxious to put him to some trade, and when he
+was nearly fourteen, he was placed at a stocking loom, with the view, at
+some future period, of getting a situation in a hosier's warehouse; but
+the youth did not conceive that nature had intended to doom him to spend
+seven years of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[Pg 98]</a></span> his life in folding up stockings, and he remonstrated
+with his friends against the employment. His temper and tone of mind at
+this period, are displayed in the following extracts from his poems:</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">
+&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;"Men may rave,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And blame and censure me, that I don't tie</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">My ev'ry thought down to the desk, and spend</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The morning of my life in adding figures</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">With accurate monotony; that so</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The good things of this world may be my lot,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And I might taste the blessedness of wealth.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">But oh! I was not made for money-getting."</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">* &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; *</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;&mdash;"For as still</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">I tried to cast, with school dexterity,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The interesting sums, my vagrant thoughts</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Would quick revert to many a woodland haunt,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Which fond remembrance cherished; and the pen</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Dropt from my senseless fingers, as I pictur'd</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In my mind's eye, how on the shores of Trent</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">I erewhile wander'd with my early friends</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In social intercourse."</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">* &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; * &nbsp; &nbsp; *</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Yet still, oh contemplation! I do love</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">T' indulge thy solemn musings; still the same</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">With thee alone I know how to melt and weep,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In thee alone delighting. Why along</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The dusty track of commerce should I toil,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">When with an easy competence content,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">I can alone be happy, where with thee</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">I may enjoy the loveliness of nature,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And loose the wings of Fancy? Thus alone</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Can I partake of happiness on earth;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And to be happy here is man's chief end,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">For, to be happy, he must needs be good."</span></p>
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[Pg 99]</a></span>Young White was soon removed from the loom to the office of a solicitor,
+which afforded a less obnoxious employment. He became a member of a
+literary society in Nottingham, and delivered an extempore lecture on
+genius, in which he displayed so much talent, that he received the
+unanimous thanks of the society, and they elected him their professor of
+literature.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of fifteen, he gained a silver medal for a translation from
+Horace; and the following year, a pair of globes, for an imaginary tour
+from London to Edinburgh. He determined upon trying for this prize one
+evening when at tea with his family, and at supper, he read them his
+performance. In his seventeenth year, he published a small volume of
+poems which possessed considerable merit.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, he was sent to Cambridge, and entered Saint John's College,
+where he made the most rapid progress. But the intensity of his studies
+ruined his constitution, and he fell a victim to his ardent thirst for
+knowledge. He died October 19, 1806, leaving behind him several poems
+and letters, which gave earnest of the high rank he would have attained
+in the republic of letters, had his life been spared. His productions
+were published, with an interesting memoir, by Mr. Southey.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img21.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[Pg 100]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">MOZART.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">John Chrysostomus Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart</span>, was born at Salzburg, in
+1756. His father was an eminent musician, and the early proficiency of
+his son in music was almost incredible. He began the piano at three
+years of age; and from this period lost all pleasure in his other
+amusements. His taste was so scientific that he would spend his time in
+looking for thirds, and felt charmed with their harmony. At five years
+old, he began to compose little pieces, of such ingenuity that his
+father wrote them down.</p>
+
+<p>He was a creature of universal sensibility, a natural enthusiast&mdash;from
+his infancy fond, melancholy and tearful. When scarcely able to walk,
+his first question to his friends, who took him on their knee, was,
+whether they loved him; and a negative always made him weep. His mind
+was all alive; and whatever touched it, made it palpitate throughout.
+When he was taught the rudiments of arithmetic, the walls and tables of
+his bed-chamber were found covered with figures. But the piano was the
+grand object of his devotion.</p>
+
+<p>At six years old, this singular child commenced, with his father, and
+sister two years older than himself, one of those musical tours common
+in Germany;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[Pg 101]</a></span> and performed at Munich before the Elector, to the great
+admiration of the most musical court on the continent. His ear now
+signalized itself, by detecting the most minute irregularities in the
+orchestra. But its refinement was almost a disease; a discord tortured
+him; he conceived a horror of the trumpet, except as a single
+accompaniment, and suffered from it so keenly, that his father, to
+correct what he regarded as the effect of ignorant terror, one day
+desired a trumpet to be blown in his apartment. The child entreated him
+not to make the experiment; but the trumpet sounded. Young Mozart
+suddenly turned pale, fell on the floor, and was on the point of going
+into convulsions, when the trumpeter was sent out of the room.</p>
+
+<p>When only seven years old, he taught himself the violin; and thus, by
+the united effort of genius and industry, mastered the most difficult of
+all instruments. From Munich, he went to Vienna, Paris, and London. His
+reception in the British metropolis was such as the curious give to
+novelty, the scientific to intelligence, and the great to what
+administers to stately pleasure. He was flattered, honored, and
+rewarded. Handel had then made the organ a favorite, and Mozart took the
+way of popularity. His execution, which on the piano had astonished the
+English musicians, was equally wonderful on the organ, and he overcame
+all rivalry. On his departure from England, he gave a farewell concert,
+of which all the symphonies were composed by himself. This was the
+career of a child nine years old.</p>
+
+<p>With the strengthening of his frame, the acuteness of his ear became
+less painful; the trumpet had lost<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[Pg 102]</a></span> its terror for him at ten years old;
+and before he had completed that period, he distinguished the church of
+the Orphans, at Vienna, by the composition of a mass and a trumpet duet,
+and acted as director of the concert.</p>
+
+<p>Mozart had travelled the chief kingdoms of Europe, and seen all that
+could be shown to him there, of wealth and grandeur. He had yet to see
+the empire of musical genius. Italy was an untried land, and he went at
+once to its capital. He was present at the performance of Handel's
+admirable chant, the Miserere, which seems then to have been performed
+with an effect unequalled since. The singers had been forbidden to give
+a copy of this composition. Mozart bore it away in his memory, and wrote
+it down. This is still quoted among musicians, as almost a miracle of
+remembrance; but it may be more truly quoted as an evidence of the power
+which diligence and determination give to the mind. Mozart was not
+remarkable for memory; what he did, others may do; but the same triumph
+is to be purchased only by the same exertion. The impression of this day
+lasted during Mozart's life; his style was changed; he at once adopted a
+solemn reverence for Handel, whom he called "The Thunderbolt," and
+softened the fury of his inspiration, by the taste of Boccherini. He now
+made a grand advance in his profession, and composed an opera,
+"Mithridates," which was played twenty nights at Milan.</p>
+
+<p>Mozart's reputation was soon established, and he was liberally
+patronised by the Austrian court. The following anecdote shows the
+goodness of his heart,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[Pg 103]</a></span> and the estimation in which he was held. One
+day, as he was walking in the suburbs of Vienna, he was accosted by a
+mendicant, of a very prepossessing appearance and manner, who told his
+tale of wo with such effect, as to interest the musician strongly in his
+favor; but the state of his purse not corresponding with the impulse of
+his humanity, he desired the applicant to follow him to a coffee-house.
+Here Mozart, drawing paper from his pocket, in a few minutes composed a
+minuet, which, with a letter, he gave to the distressed man, desiring
+him to take it to his publisher. A composition from Mozart was a bill
+payable at sight; and to his great surprise, the now happy beggar was
+immediately presented with five double ducats.</p>
+
+<p>The time which Mozart most willingly employed in compositions, was the
+morning, from six or seven o'clock till about the hour of ten. After
+this, he usually did no more for the rest of the day, unless he had to
+finish some piece that was wanted. He however always worked irregularly.
+When an idea struck him, he was not to be drawn from it, even if he were
+in the midst of his friends. He sometimes passed whole nights with his
+pen in his hand. At other times, he had such a disinclination to work,
+that he could not complete a piece till the moment of its performance.
+It once happened, that he put off some music which he had engaged to
+furnish for a court concert, so long, that he had not time to write out
+the part he was to perform himself. The Emperor Joseph, who was peeping
+everywhere, happening to cast his eyes on the sheet which Mozart seemed
+to be playing from, was surprised to see nothing but empty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[Pg 104]</a></span> lines, and
+said to him, "Where's your part?" "Here," said Mozart, putting his hand
+to his forehead.</p>
+
+<p>The Don Giovanni of this eminent composer, which is one of the most
+popular compositions ever produced, was composed for the theatre at
+Prague, and first performed in that city in 1787. This refined and
+intellectual music was not at that time understood in Germany; a
+circumstance which Mozart seems to have anticipated, for, previous to
+its first representation, he remarked to a friend, "This opera is not
+calculated for the people of Vienna; it will be more justly appreciated
+at Prague; but in reality I have written it principally to please myself
+and my friends." Ample justice has however at length been rendered to
+this great production; it is heard with enthusiasm in nearly all the
+principal cities of that quarter of the globe where music is cultivated
+as a science&mdash;from the frozen regions of Russia, to the foot of Mount
+Vesuvius. Its praise is not limited by the common attributes of good
+musical composition; it is placed in the higher rank of fine poetry; for
+not only are to be found in it exquisite melodies and profound
+harmonies, but the playful, the tender, the pathetic, the mysterious,
+the sublime, and the terrible, are to be distinctly traced in its
+various parts.</p>
+
+<p>The overture to this opera is generally esteemed Mozart's best effort;
+yet it was only composed the night previous to the first representation,
+after the general rehearsal had taken place. About eleven o'clock in the
+evening, when retired to his apartment, he desired his wife to make him
+some punch, and to stay with him, in order to keep him awake. She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[Pg 105]</a></span>
+accordingly began to tell him fairy tales, and odd stories, which made
+him laugh till the tears came. The punch, however, made him so drowsy,
+that he could go on only while his wife was talking, and dropped asleep
+as soon as she ceased. The efforts which he made to keep himself awake,
+the continual alternation of sleep and watching, so fatigued him, that
+his wife persuaded him to take some rest, promising to awake him in an
+hour's time. He slept so profoundly that she suffered him to repose for
+two hours. At five o'clock in the morning, she awoke him. He had
+appointed the music copiers to come at seven, and by the time they
+arrived, the overture was finished. They had scarcely time to write out
+the copy necessary for the orchestra, and the musicians were obliged to
+play it without a rehearsal. Some persons pretend, that they can
+discover in this overture the passages where Mozart dropped asleep and
+those where he suddenly awoke again.</p>
+
+<p>This great composer was so absorbed in music, that he was a child in
+every other respect. He was extremely apprehensive of death; and it was
+only by incessant application to his favorite study, that he prevented
+his spirits from sinking totally under the fears of approaching
+dissolution. At all other times he labored under a profound melancholy,
+during which he composed some of his best pieces, particularly his
+celebrated Requiem. The circumstances attending this were remarkable.</p>
+
+<p>One day, when his spirits were unusually oppressed, a stranger, of a
+tall, dignified appearance, was introduced. His manners were grave and
+impressive.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[Pg 106]</a></span> He told Mozart that he came from a person who did not wish
+to be known, to request that he would compose a solemn mass, as a
+requiem for the soul of a friend, whom he had recently lost, and whose
+memory he was desirous of commemorating by this imposing service. Mozart
+undertook the task, and engaged to have it completed in a month. The
+stranger begged to know what price he set upon his work; and immediately
+paying him one hundred ducats, he departed.</p>
+
+<p>The mystery of this visit seemed to have a strong effect on the mind of
+the musician. He brooded over it for some time; and then suddenly
+calling for writing materials, began to compose with extraordinary
+ardor. This application, however, was more than his strength could
+support; it brought on fainting fits, and his increasing illness obliged
+him to suspend his work. "I am writing the requiem for myself," said he
+one day to his wife; "it will serve for my own funeral service;" and
+this impression never afterwards left him. At the expiration of the
+month, the mysterious stranger appeared, and demanded the requiem. "I
+have found it impossible," said Mozart, "to keep my word; the work has
+interested me more than I expected, and I have extended it beyond my
+first design. I shall require another month to finish it."</p>
+
+<p>The stranger made no objection; but observing that for this additional
+trouble it was but just to increase the premium, laid down fifty ducats
+more, and promised to return at the time appointed. Astonished at his
+whole proceeding, Mozart ordered a servant to follow this singular
+personage, and, if possible, to find out who he was. The man, however,
+lost sight of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[Pg 107]</a></span> him, and was obliged to return as he went. Mozart, now
+more than ever persuaded that he was a messenger from the other world,
+sent to warn him that his end was approaching, applied with fresh zeal
+to the requiem; and in spite of his exhausted state, both of body and
+mind, he completed it before the end of the month. At the appointed day,
+the stranger returned; the requiem was finished; but Mozart was no more!
+He died at Vienna, 1791, aged 35 years.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img22.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[Pg 108]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">ELIHU BURRITT.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> an address delivered by Governor Everett, before a Mechanics'
+Association, in Boston, 1837, he introduced a letter from Elihu Burritt,
+a native of Connecticut, and then a resident of Worcester,
+Massachusetts, of which the following is a copy:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"I was the youngest of many brethren, and my parents were poor. My means
+of education were limited to the advantages of a district school, and
+those again were circumscribed by my father's death, which deprived me,
+at the age of fifteen, of those scanty opportunities which I had
+previously enjoyed.</p>
+
+<p>"A few months after his decease, I apprenticed myself to a blacksmith in
+my native village. Thither I carried an indomitable taste for reading,
+which I had previously acquired through the medium of the society
+library,&mdash;all the historical works in which I had at that time perused.
+At the expiration of a little more than half my apprenticeship, I
+suddenly conceived the idea of studying Latin.</p>
+
+<p>"Through the assistance of an elder brother, who had himself obtained a
+collegiate education by his own exertions, I completed my Virgil during
+the evenings of one winter. After some time devoted to Cicero, and a few
+other Latin authors, I commenced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[Pg 109]</a></span> the Greek: at this time it was
+necessary that I should devote every hour of daylight, and a part of the
+evening, to the duties of my apprenticeship.</p>
+
+<p>"Still I carried my Greek grammar in my hat, and often found a moment,
+when I was heating some large iron, when I could place my book open
+before me against the chimney of my forge, and go through with <i>tupto</i>,
+<i>tupteis</i>, <i>tuptei</i>, unperceived by my fellow-apprentices. At evening I
+sat down, unassisted, to the Iliad of Homer, twenty books of which
+measured my progress in that language during the evenings of another
+winter.</p>
+
+<p>"I next turned to the modern languages, and was much gratified to learn
+that my knowledge of Latin furnished me with a key to the literature of
+most of the languages of Europe. This circumstance gave a new impulse to
+the desire of acquainting myself with the philosophy, derivation, and
+affinity of the different European tongues. I could not be reconciled to
+limit myself in these investigations, to a few hours, after the arduous
+labors of the day.</p>
+
+<p>"I therefore laid down my hammer, and went to New Haven, where I recited
+to native teachers, in French, Spanish, German, and Italian. I returned,
+at the expiration of two years, to the forge, bringing with me such
+books in those languages as I could procure. When I had read these
+books through, I commenced the Hebrew, with an awakened desire of
+examining another field; and, by assiduous application, I was enabled in
+a few weeks to read this language with such facility, that I allotted it
+to myself as a task to read two chapters in the Hebrew Bible<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[Pg 110]</a></span> before
+breakfast, each morning; this, and an hour at noon, being all the time
+that I could devote to myself during the day.</p>
+
+<p>"After becoming somewhat familiar with this language, I looked around me
+for the means of initiating myself into the fields of Oriental
+literature; and, to my deep regret and concern, I found my progress in
+this direction hedged in by the want of requisite books. I began
+immediately to devise means of obviating this obstacle; and, after many
+plans, I concluded to seek a place as a sailor on board some ship bound
+to Europe, thinking in this way to have opportunities of collecting, at
+different ports, such works in the modern and Oriental languages as I
+found necessary for this object. I left the forge at my native place, to
+carry this plan into execution.</p>
+
+<p>"I travelled on foot to Boston, a distance of more than a hundred miles,
+to find some vessel bound to Europe. In this I was disappointed; and,
+while revolving in my mind what steps next to take, I accidentally heard
+of the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester. I immediately bent my
+steps toward this place. I visited the hall of the American Antiquarian
+Society, and found there, to my infinite gratification, such a
+collection in ancient, modern, and Oriental languages, as I never before
+conceived to be collected in one place; and, sir, you may imagine with
+what sentiments of gratitude I was affected, when, upon evincing a
+desire to examine some of these rich and rare works, I was kindly
+invited to unlimited participation in all the benefits of this noble
+institution.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[Pg 111]</a></span>"Availing myself of the kindness of the directors, I spent three hours
+daily at the hall, which, with an hour at noon, and about three in the
+evening, make up the portion of the day which I appropriate to my
+studies, the rest being occupied in arduous manual labor. Through the
+facilities afforded by this institution, I have added so much to my
+previous acquaintance with the ancient, modern, and Oriental languages,
+as to be able to read upwards of <small>FIFTY</small> of them with more or less
+facility."</p>
+
+<p>This statement, however extraordinary it may seem, is well known to be
+but a modest account of Mr. Burritt's wonderful acquirements. He is
+still (1843) a practical blacksmith, yet he finds time to pursue his
+studies. Nor are his acquisitions his only merit. He has been frequently
+invited to deliver lectures before lyceums, and other associations, and
+in these he has displayed no small degree of eloquence and rhetorical
+power. As he is still a young man, we may venture to affirm that his
+history affords an instance of self-cultivation, which, having regard to
+all the circumstances, is without a parallel.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img23.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[Pg 112]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img24.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">GEORGE MORLAND.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> eccentric man and clever artist was born in London, in 1763. He
+gave very early indications of genius, and when quite a child, used to
+draw objects on the floor, with the implements of his father, who was a
+painter, in crayons. He executed pictures of pencils, scissors, and
+other things of the kind, with so much perfection, that his father often
+mistook them for real ones, and stooped down to pick them up. Some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[Pg 113]</a></span> of
+George's drawings, executed before he was five years old, were exhibited
+with great applause at the society of artists in London.</p>
+
+<p>These and other evidences of talent rendered him a favorite child; his
+father saw the germs of excellence in his own art, and, at the age of
+fourteen, had him apprenticed to himself, for seven years, during which
+his application was incessant. His father appears to have been harsh,
+unfeeling and selfish, and to have thought more of obtaining money from
+the talents and exertions of his son, than of giving him such training
+as should insure his success in life.</p>
+
+<p>During his apprenticeship, George was confined to an upper room, copying
+drawings or pictures, and drawing from plaster casts. Being almost
+entirely restricted from society, all the opportunities he had for
+amusement were obtained by stealth, and his associates were a few boys
+in the neighborhood. The means of enjoyment were obtained by such close
+application to his business, as secretly to produce a few drawings or
+pictures more than his father imagined he could complete in a given
+time. These he lowered by a string from the window of his apartment, to
+his youthful companions, by whom they were converted into money, which
+they spent in common when opportunities offered.</p>
+
+<p>In this manner passed the first seventeen years of the life of George
+Morland; and to this unremitted diligence and application he was
+indebted for the extraordinary power he possessed over the implements of
+his art. Avarice, however, was the ruling passion of his father, and
+this was so insatiable, that he kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[Pg 114]</a></span> his son incessantly at work, and
+gave him little, if any, education, except as an artist. To this cause
+must doubtless be attributed the irregularities of his subsequent life.</p>
+
+<p>Morland's earlier compositions were small pictures of two or three
+figures, chiefly from the ballads of the day. These his father put into
+frames and sold for from one to three guineas. They were remarkable for
+their simple truth, and were much admired. Many of them were engraved,
+and widely circulated, which gave the young artist an extensive
+reputation. About this time, he went to Margate to spend the summer,
+and, by the advice of a friend, commenced portrait painting there. Great
+numbers of fashionable persons came to sit to him, and he commenced
+several pictures.</p>
+
+<p>But the society of accomplished people made him feel his own ignorance
+to such a degree as to render him unhappy, and he sought relief at pig
+races and in other coarse amusements, projected for the lower order of
+visitors at Margate. These at last engaged his whole attention, and the
+portraits were thrown aside, to be finished in town. He at last
+returned, with empty pockets and a large cargo of unfinished canvasses.</p>
+
+<p>Morland continued, however, to rise rapidly in his profession, and he
+might easily have secured an ample fortune. The subjects he selected for
+his pencil, were, generally, rural scenes, familiar to every eye, and
+the sentiment they conveyed was felt by every beholder. Many of these
+were admirably engraved by the celebrated J. B. Smith, and immense
+numbers<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[Pg 115]</a></span> were sold. Morland now had demands for more pictures than he
+could execute, and at almost any price.</p>
+
+<p>But, unhappily, this gifted artist had already become addicted to the
+society of low picture dealers, and other dissipated persons, and his
+habits were, consequently, exceedingly irregular. His chief pleasures
+seemed to be&mdash;a ride into the country to a grinning match, a jolly
+dinner with a drinking bout after it, and a mad scamper home with a
+flounce in the mud.</p>
+
+<p>Such, at last, was Morland's dislike of the society of gentlemen, and
+his preference of low company, that he would not paint pictures for the
+former class, but preferred selling them to certain artful dealers, who
+were his associates, and who flattered his vices, so that they might
+prey upon his genius. Of these persons, who pretended to be his friends,
+he did not obtain more than half price for his paintings. This system
+was carried to such an extent that Morland was at last entirely cut off
+from all connection with the real admirers of his works. If a gentleman
+wished to get one of his pictures, he could only do it by employing one
+of these harpies who had access to the artist, and who would wheedle a
+picture out of him for a mere trifle, and all under the mask of
+friendship.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1790, Morland lived in the neighborhood of Paddington. At
+this period, he had reached the very summit of his professional fame,
+and also of his extravagance. He kept, at one time, no less than eight
+saddle horses at livery, at the sign<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[Pg 116]</a></span> of the White Lion, opposite to his
+house, and affected to be a good judge of horse-flesh. Frequently,
+horses, for which one day he would give thirty or forty guineas, he
+would sell the next, for less than half that sum; but as the honest
+fraternity of horse-dealers knew their man, and would take his note at
+two months, he could the more easily indulge this propensity, and
+appear, for a short time, in cash, until the day of payment came, when a
+picture was produced as a douceur for a renewal of the notes.</p>
+
+<p>This was one source of calamity which neither his industry, for which he
+was not remarkable, nor his talents, were by any means adequate to
+overcome. His wine merchant, who was also a gentleman in the discounting
+line, would sometimes obtain a picture worth fifty pounds, for the
+renewal of a bill. By this conduct, he heaped folly upon folly, to such
+a degree, that a fortune of ten thousand a year would have proved
+insufficient for the support of his waste and prodigality.</p>
+
+<p>Morland's embarrassments, which now crowded upon him, were far from
+producing any change in his conduct; and, at length, they conducted him,
+through the hands of a bailiff, into prison, of which, by the way, he
+had always entertained a foreboding apprehension. This, however, did not
+render him immediately unhappy, but rather afforded him an opportunity
+of indulging, without restraint of any kind, his fatal propensities.
+There, he could mingle with such companions as were best adapted to his
+taste, and there too, in his own way, he could, without check or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[Pg 117]</a></span>
+control, reign or revel, surrounded by the very lowest of the vicious
+rabble.</p>
+
+<p>When in confinement, and even sometimes when he was at liberty, it was
+common for him to have four guineas a day and his drink,&mdash;an object of
+no small consequence, as he began to drink before he began to paint, and
+continued to do both alternately, till he had painted as much as he
+pleased, or till the liquor had completely overcome him, when he claimed
+his money, and business was at an end for that day.</p>
+
+<p>This laid his employer under the necessity of passing his whole time
+with him, in order to keep him in a state fit for labor, and to carry
+off the day's work when it was done; otherwise some eavesdropper snapped
+up his picture, and his employer was left to obtain what redress he
+could. By pursuing this fatal system, he ruined his health, enfeebled
+his genius, and sunk himself into general contempt. His constitution
+could not long sustain such an abuse of its powers. He was attacked with
+paralysis, and soon after, he died.</p>
+
+<p>Thus perished George Morland, at the early age of forty-one years; a man
+whose best works will command esteem as long as any taste for the art of
+painting remains; one whose talents might have insured him happiness and
+distinction, if he had been educated with care, and if his entrance into
+life had been guided by those who were able and willing to caution him
+against the snares which are continually preparing by knavery for the
+inexperience and heedlessness of youth. Many of the subjects of
+Morland's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[Pg 118]</a></span> pencil, are such as, of themselves, are far from pleasing. He
+delighted in representations of the pigsty. Yet even these, through the
+love we possess of truthful imitations, and the hallowing powers of
+genius, excite emotions of pleasure. His pictures of scenery around the
+cottage door, and of those rustic groups familiar to every eye, have the
+effect of poetry, and call into exercise those gentle sentiments, which,
+however latent, exist in every bosom. It is sad to reflect, that one who
+did so much to refine and civilize mankind, should himself have been the
+victim of the coarsest of vices.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img25.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[Pg 119]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img26.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">WILLIAM PENN.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> remarkable man was born in the parish of St Catherine's, near the
+tower of London, on the 14th day of October, 1644. His father, who
+served in the time of the Commonwealth, in some of the highest maritime
+offices, was knighted by Charles the Second,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[Pg 120]</a></span> and became a peculiar
+favorite of the then Duke of York.</p>
+
+<p>Young Penn had good advantages for education, and made such early
+improvement, that, about the fifteenth year of his age, he was entered a
+student in Christ's Church College, Oxford, where he continued two
+years. He delighted much in manly sports at times of recreation; but at
+length, being influenced by an ardent desire after pure and spiritual
+religion, of which he had before received some taste through the
+ministry of Thomas Lee, one of the people denominated Friends, or
+Quakers, he, with certain other students of that University, withdrew
+from the national way of worship, and held private meetings for the
+exercise of religion. Here they both preached and prayed among
+themselves. This gave great offence to the heads of the college, and
+young Penn, being but sixteen years of age, was fined for
+non-conformity, and at length, for persevering in his peculiar religious
+practices, was expelled the college.</p>
+
+<p>Having in consequence returned home, he still took great delight in the
+company of sober and religious people. His father, perceiving that this
+would be an obstacle in the way of his son's preferment, endeavored by
+words, and even very severe measures, to persuade him to change his
+conduct. Finding these methods ineffectual, he was at length so
+incensed, that he turned young William out of doors. The latter was
+patient under this trial, and at last the father's affection subdued his
+anger. He then sent his son to France, in company with some persons of
+quality that were making a tour thither.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[Pg 121]</a></span>He continued in France a considerable time, and, under the influence of
+those around him, his mind was diverted from religious subjects. Upon
+his return, his father, finding him not only a proficient in the French
+language, but also possessed of courtly manners, joyfully received him,
+hoping now that his point was gained. Indeed, some time after his return
+from France, his carriage was such as justly to entitle him to the
+character of a finished gentleman.</p>
+
+<p>"Great about this time," says one of his biographers, "was his spiritual
+conflict. His natural inclination, his lively and active disposition,
+his father's favor, the respect of his friends and acquaintance,
+strongly pressed him to embrace the glory and pleasures of this world,
+then, as it were, courting and caressing him, in the bloom of youth, to
+accept them. Such a combined force seemed almost invincible; but the
+earnest supplication of his soul being to the Lord for preservation, He
+was pleased to grant such a portion of his power or spirit, as enabled
+him in due time to overcome all opposition, and with an holy resolution
+to follow Christ, whatsoever reproaches or persecutions might attend
+him."</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1666, and when he was twenty-two years of age, his father
+committed to his care and management a considerable estate in Ireland,
+which occasioned his residence in that country. Thomas Lee, whom we have
+before mentioned, being at Cork, and Penn hearing that he was to be
+shortly at a meeting in that city, went to hear him; and by the
+preaching of this man, which had made some impression on his mind ten
+years before, he was now thoroughly and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[Pg 122]</a></span> effectually established in the
+faith of the Friends, and afterwards constantly attended the meetings of
+that people. Being again at a meeting at Cork, he, with many others, was
+apprehended, and carried before the mayor, and, with eighteen of his
+associates, was committed to prison; but he soon obtained his discharge.
+This imprisonment was so far from terrifying, that it strengthened him
+in his resolution of a closer union with that people, whose religious
+innocence was the only crime for which they suffered. He now openly
+joined with the Quakers, and brought himself under the reproach of that
+name, then greatly ridiculed and hated. His former companions turned
+their caresses and compliments into bitter gibes and malignant derision.</p>
+
+<p>His father, receiving information of what had passed, ordered him home;
+and the son readily obeyed. His deportment attested the truth of the
+information his father had received. He now again attempted, by every
+argument in his power, to move him; but finding it impossible to obtain
+a general compliance with the customs of the times, he would have borne
+with him, provided he would have taken off his hat, in the presence of
+the king, the duke of York, and himself.</p>
+
+<p>This being proposed to the son, he desired time to consider of it. His
+father, supposing this to be with an intention of consulting his
+friends, the Quakers, assured him that he should see the face of none of
+them, but retire to his chamber till he could return him an answer.
+"Accordingly he withdrew, humbling himself before God, with fasting and
+supplication, to know his heavenly mind and will, and became<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[Pg 123]</a></span> so
+strengthened in his resolution, that, returning to his father, he humbly
+signified that he could not comply with his desire."</p>
+
+<p>All endeavors proving ineffectual to shake his constancy, his father,
+seeing himself utterly disappointed in his hopes, again turned him out
+of doors. After a considerable time, his steady perseverance evincing
+his integrity, his father's wrath became somewhat abated, so that he
+winked at his return to, and continuance with, his family; and though he
+did not publicly seem to countenance him, yet, when imprisoned for being
+at meetings, he would privately use his interest to get him released. In
+the twenty-fourth year of his age, he became a minister among the
+Quakers, and continued his useful labors, inviting the people to that
+serenity and peace of conscience he himself witnessed, till the close of
+his life.</p>
+
+<p>A spirit warmed with the love of God, and devoted to his service, ever
+pursues its main purpose; thus, when restrained from preaching, Penn
+applied himself to writing. The first of his publications appears to
+have been entitled "Truth Exalted." Several treatises were also the
+fruits of his solitude, particularly the one entitled "No Cross, no
+Crown."</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1670, came forth the Conventicle Act, prohibiting
+Dissenters' meetings, under severe penalties. The edge of this new
+weapon was soon turned against the Quakers, who, not accustomed to
+flinch in the cause of religion, stood particularly exposed. Being
+forcibly kept out of their meeting-house in Grace Church street, they
+met as near it, in the open street, as they could: and Penn, preaching
+there, was apprehended,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[Pg 124]</a></span> and committed to Newgate. At the next sessions
+of the Old Bailey, together with William Mead, he was indicted for
+"being present at, and preaching to, an unlawful, seditious, and riotous
+assembly." At his trial he made a brave defence, discovering at once
+both the free spirit of an Englishman and the undaunted magnanimity of a
+Christian, insomuch that, notwithstanding the frowns and menaces of the
+bench, the jury acquitted him.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after this trial, and his discharge from Newgate, his father
+died, perfectly reconciled to his son, and left him both his paternal
+blessing, and an estate of fifteen hundred pounds a year. He took leave
+of his son with these remarkable words: "Son William, if you and your
+friends keep to your plain way of preaching, and keep to your plain way
+of living, you will make an end of the priests to the end of the world.
+Bury me by my mother; live all in love; shun all manner of evil; and I
+pray God to bless you all; and he will bless you."</p>
+
+<p>In February, 1670, Penn was preaching at a meeting in Wheeler street,
+Spitalfields, when he was pulled down, and led out by soldiers into the
+street, and carried away to the Tower, by order of Sir John Robinson,
+lieutenant of the Tower. He was examined before Sir John and several
+others, and then committed, by their orders, to Newgate, for six months.
+Being at liberty at the expiration of that time, he soon after went to
+Holland and Germany, where he zealously endeavored to propagate the
+principles of the Quakers.</p>
+
+<p>In March, 1680, he obtained from Charles II. a grant of the territory
+which now bears the name of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[Pg 125]</a></span> Pennsylvania. This was in compensation of a
+crown debt due to his father. Having previously published an account of
+the province, inviting emigrants to accompany him thither, he set sail
+in June, 1682, with many friends, especially Quakers, and after a
+prosperous voyage of six weeks, they came within sight of the American
+coast. Sailing up the river Delaware, they were received by the
+inhabitants with demonstrations of joy and satisfaction. Having landed
+at Newcastle, a place mostly inhabited by the Dutch, Penn next day
+summoned the people to the court-house, where possession of the country
+was legally given him.</p>
+
+<p>Having invited the Indians to meet him, many chiefs and persons of
+distinction, appointed to represent them, came to see him. To these he
+gave several valuable presents, the produce of English manufactures, as
+a testimony of that treaty of amity and good understanding, which, by
+his benevolent disposition, he ardently wished to establish with the
+native inhabitants. He made a most favorable impression upon the
+savages, and thus secured to Pennsylvania their favor. He then more
+fully stated the purpose of his coming, to the people, and the
+benevolent object of his government, giving them assurances of the free
+enjoyment of liberty of conscience in things spiritual, and of perfect
+civil freedom in matters temporal. He recommended to them to live in
+sobriety and peace one with another. After about two years residence in
+the country, all things being in a thriving and prosperous condition, he
+returned to England; and James II. coming soon after to the throne, he
+was taken into<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[Pg 126]</a></span> favor by that monarch, who, though a bigot in religion,
+was nevertheless a friend to toleration.</p>
+
+<p>At the revolution, being suspected of disaffection to the government,
+and looked upon as a Papist or a Jesuit, under the mask of a Quaker, he
+was examined before the Privy Council, Dec., 1688; but, on giving
+security, was discharged. In 1690, when the French fleet threatened a
+descent on England, he was again examined before the council, upon an
+accusation of corresponding with King James, and was held to bail for
+some time, but was released in Trinity Term. He was attacked a third
+time the same year, and deprived of the privilege of appointing a
+governor for Pennsylvania; till, upon his vindication, he was restored
+to his right of government. He designed now to go over a second time to
+Pennsylvania, and published proposals in print for another settlement
+there; when a fresh accusation appeared against him, backed by one
+William Fuller, who was afterwards declared by parliament to be a
+notorious imposter. A warrant was granted for Penn's apprehension, which
+he narrowly escaped at his return from the funeral of George Fox, the
+founder and head of the Quakers. He now concealed himself for two or
+three years, and during this recess, wrote several pieces. At the end of
+1693, through the interest of Lord Somers and others, he was allowed to
+appear before the king and council, when he represented his innocence so
+effectually that he was acquitted.</p>
+
+<p>In 1699, he again went out to Pennsylvania, accompanied by his family,
+and was received by the colonists with demonstrations of the most
+cordial welcome.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[Pg 127]</a></span> During his absence, some persons endeavored to
+undermine the American proprietary governments, under pretence of
+advancing the prerogative of the crown, and a bill for that purpose was
+brought into the H. of Lords. Penn's friends, the proprietors and
+adventurers then in England, immediately represented the hardships of
+their case to the parliament, soliciting time for his return, to answer
+for himself, and accordingly pressing him to come over as soon as
+possible. Seeing it necessary to comply, he summoned an assembly at
+Philadelphia, to whom, Sept. 15th, 1701, he made a speech, declaring his
+reasons for leaving them; and the next day he embarked for England,
+where he arrived about the middle of December. After his return, the
+bill, which, through the solicitations of his friends, had been
+postponed the last session of parliament, was wholly laid aside.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1707, he was unhappily involved in a suit at law with the
+executors of a person who had been formerly his steward, against whose
+demands he thought both conscience and justice required his endeavors to
+defend himself. But his cause, though many thought him aggrieved, was
+attended with such circumstances, that the court of chancery did not
+think it proper to relieve him; wherefore he was obliged to dwell in the
+Old Bailey, within the rules of the Fleet, some part of this and the
+ensuing year, until such time as the matter in dispute was accommodated.</p>
+
+<p>In the year 1710, the air of London not agreeing with his declining
+constitution, he took a seat at Rushcomb, in Buckinghamshire. Here he
+experienced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[Pg 128]</a></span> three successive shocks of apoplexy in 1712, the last of
+which sensibly impaired his memory and his understanding. His religious
+zeal, however, never abated, and up to 1716, he still frequently went to
+the meeting at Reading. Two friends calling upon him at this time,
+although very weak, he expressed himself sensibly, and when they were
+about to take leave of him, he said, "My love is with you; the Lord
+preserve you, and remember me in the Everlasting Covenant."</p>
+
+<p>After a life of ceaseless activity and usefulness, Penn closed his
+earthly career on the 13th of May, 1718, in the seventy-sixth year of
+his age. He was buried at Jourdans, in Buckinghamshire, where several of
+his family had been interred.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img27.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[Pg 129]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img28.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOHN SMITH.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">There</span> are few names that excite more interest or awaken more romantic
+associations than that of Captain John Smith. He passed through a series
+of the most remarkable events in Europe; and coming to our country at a
+period which was favorable to the exercise of his peculiar genius, he
+became the hero of many stirring adventures.</p>
+
+<p>He was born at Willoughby, in the county of Lincolnshire, England, in
+the year 1579, and was descended from an ancient family. He displayed a
+love of enterprise in his early childhood, and he says that at thirteen
+years old he was "set upon brave adventures."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[Pg 130]</a></span> This disposition led him
+to dispose of his books, his satchel, and what other little property he
+had, for the purpose of raising money to take him to sea; but losing his
+parents about this time, he received from them a considerable fortune.
+He was now induced to change his plans, and became apprenticed to an
+eminent merchant in London.</p>
+
+<p>As might be expected, the drudgery and confinement of a compting house
+were very distasteful to one who was bent upon adventure; accordingly,
+with but ten shillings in his pocket, he became a follower of the son of
+Lord Willoughby, who was going to France. When he arrived there, he went
+into the service of Captain Joseph Duxbury, with whom he remained four
+years in Holland. How he was occupied during this period is uncertain.
+About this time, a Scotch gentleman kindly gave him some money, and
+letters to Scotland, assuring him of the favor of King James.</p>
+
+<p>Smith now set sail, and arrived in Scotland after many disasters by sea,
+and great sickness of body. He delivered his letters, and was treated
+with kindness and hospitality; but his stay was short. Returning to his
+native town, and disappointed in not having found food for his wild love
+of adventure, he went into a forest, built himself a sort of hut, and
+studied military history and tactics. Here he lived for a time, being
+provided by his servant with the comforts of civilization, at the same
+time that he pleased his imagination with the idea of being a hermit.
+Accident throwing him into the society of an Italian gentleman, in
+military service, his ardor for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[Pg 131]</a></span> active life was revived, and he set out
+again upon his travels, intending to fight against the Turks.</p>
+
+<p>Being robbed of all his baggage and property in the Low Countries by
+some dastardly Frenchmen, he fortunately met with great kindness and
+generosity from several noble families. Prompted, however, by the same
+restless spirit with which he commenced life, he left those who were
+strongly interested in his welfare, and set out upon a journey, with a
+light purse and a good sword. In the course of his travels, he was soon
+in such a state of suffering from hunger and exposure, that he threw
+himself down in a wood, and there expected to die. But relief again
+appeared; a rich farmer chanced to come that way, who, upon hearing his
+story, supplied his purse, thus giving him the means of prosecuting his
+journey. There is scarcely an instance on record of a stranger receiving
+such kindness from his fellow-men, as did this same Smith.</p>
+
+<p>He now went from port to port in search of a ship of war. During his
+rambles, he met, near a town in Brittany, with one of the villains who
+had robbed him. Smith immediately fought and vanquished him, making him
+confess his villany before a crowd of spectators. He then went to the
+seat of the Earl of Ployer, who gave him money, with which he embarked
+from Marseilles for Italy, in a ship in which there was a number of
+Catholic pilgrims of various nations. A furious storm arising, these
+devotees took it into their heads that Heaven, in anger at the presence
+of a heretic, thus manifested its displeasure. They, therefore, set upon
+our hero, who, in spite of a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[Pg 132]</a></span> valorous defence, was, like a second
+Jonah, thrown into the sea; but whether the angry elements were appeased
+by the offering, history saith not.</p>
+
+<p>Being near the island of Saint Mary's, Smith easily swam thither, and
+was the next day taken on board a French ship, the commander of which,
+fortunately for Smith, was a friend of the Earl of Ployer, and treated
+him with great kindness. They then sailed to Alexandria, in Egypt. In
+the course of their voyage in the Levant, they met with a rich Venetian
+merchant ship, which, taking the French ship for a pirate, fired a
+broadside into her. This rough salutation, of course, brought on an
+engagement, in which the Venetians were defeated, and her cargo taken on
+board the victorious ship. Smith here met with something congenial to
+his wild and reckless spirit; and showing great valor on the occasion,
+he was rewarded with a large share of the booty. With this, he was
+enabled to travel in Italy, gratifying his curiosity by the interesting
+objects with which that country is filled. He at length set off for
+Gratz, the residence of Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, and afterwards
+emperor of Germany.</p>
+
+<p>The war was now raging between Rodolph, emperor of Germany, and Mahomet
+III., Grand Seignor of Turkey. Smith, by the aid of two of his
+countrymen, became introduced to some officers of distinction in the
+imperial army, who were very glad to obtain so valiant a soldier as
+Smith was likely to prove. This was in the year 1601. The Turkish army,
+under the command of Ibrahim Pasha, had besieged and taken a fortress in
+Hungary, and were ravaging<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[Pg 133]</a></span> the country. They were also laying siege to
+Olympach, which they had reduced to extremity.</p>
+
+<p>Baron Kissel, who annoyed the besiegers from without, was desirous of
+sending a message to the commander of the garrison. Here was now an
+opportunity for Smith's talents and prowess to come into play. He
+entered upon his duty, and by means of telegraphs, he communicated the
+desired intelligence to the besieged fortress; and then, exercising his
+ingenuity, he arranged some thousands of matches on strings, so that
+when they were fired, the report deceived the Turks into the idea that a
+body of men were there. They consequently marched out to attack them.
+Smith's forces, with those of the garrison, which had been duly apprized
+of the scheme, fell upon them, and routed them. The Turks were now
+obliged to abandon the siege. This brilliant and successful exploit
+placed our hero at the head of a troop of two hundred and fifty horse,
+in the regiment of Count Meldritch.</p>
+
+<p>The next adventure in which Smith's ingenuity was called into exercise
+was at the siege of Alba Regalis, in Hungary. He here contrived a sort
+of bomb, by which the Turks were greatly annoyed and their city set on
+fire; a bold military man&oelig;uvre being adopted at the critical moment,
+the place was taken, the Turks suffering great loss. A number of sieges
+and undecisive skirmishes now followed, which brought upon the
+Christians the jeers and scoffs of the Turks. One of their number, Lord
+Turbashaw, a man of military renown, sent a challenge to any captain of
+the Christian army to fight with him in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[Pg 134]</a></span> single combat. The choice fell
+upon Smith, who ardently desired to meet the haughty Mussulman.</p>
+
+<p>The day was appointed, the ground selected and lined with warlike
+soldiers and fair ladies. Lord Turbashaw entered the lists in splendid
+gilt armor, with wings on his shoulders, of eagle's feathers, garnished
+with gold and jewels. A janizary bore his lance, and two soldiers walked
+by the side of his horse. Smith was attended only by a page, bearing his
+lance. He courteously saluted his antagonist, and, at the sound of the
+trumpet, their horses set forward. They met with a deadly shock. Smith's
+lance pierced the visor of the Turk, and he fell dead from his horse.
+The day after, another challenge was sent to Smith; another encounter
+took place; and he was again victorious. Still another challenge met
+with the same result, and Smith was rewarded for his prowess in a signal
+manner, being made major of his regiment, and receiving all sorts of
+military honors. The Prince of Transylvania gave him a pension of three
+hundred ducats a year, and bestowed upon him a patent of nobility.</p>
+
+<p>These events occurred about the year 1600. Various military movements
+followed in Moldavia, Smith taking an active part in whatever of
+enterprise and daring was going forward. In one instance, he narrowly
+escaped with his life.</p>
+
+<p>In a mountainous pass, he was decoyed into an ambuscade, and though the
+christians fought desperately, they were nearly all cut to pieces. Smith
+was wounded and taken, but his life was spared by the cupidity of the
+conquerors, who expected a large sum<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[Pg 135]</a></span> for his ransom. He was sold as a
+slave and sent to Constantinople. He was afterwards removed to Tartary,
+where he suffered abuse, cruelty, and hardships of every description. At
+last he seized a favorable opportunity, rose against his master, slew
+him, clothed himself in his dress, mounted his horse, and was again at
+liberty.</p>
+
+<p>Roaming about in a vast desert for many days, chance at length directed
+him to the main road, which led from Tartary to Russia, and in sixteen
+days he arrived at a garrison, where the governor and his lady took off
+his irons and treated him with great care and kindness. Thence he
+travelled into Transylvania, where he arrived in 1603. Here he met many
+of his old companions in arms, who overwhelmed him with honors and
+attentions. They had thought him dead, and rejoiced over him as one
+risen from the grave.</p>
+
+<p>Still unsatisfied with perils and honors, hearing that a civil war had
+broken out in Barbary, he sailed to Africa, but, not finding the cause
+worthy of his sword, he returned to England in 1604, where a new field
+of adventure opened before him. Attention had been awakened in England
+upon the subject of colonizing America, by the representation of Captain
+Gosnold, who, in 1602, had made a voyage to the coast of New England. He
+gave delightful accounts of the fertility of the country and salubrity
+of the climate, and was anxious to colonize it. Of course, this plan was
+embraced with ardor by Smith, being a project just suited to his roving
+disposition, and his love for "hair breadth 'scapes."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[Pg 136]</a></span>James I., who was now king, being inclined to the plan, an expedition
+was fitted out in 1606, of one hundred and five colonists, in three
+small vessels. Among the foremost of the adventurers were Gosnold and
+Smith, who seemed to be drawn together by a kind of instinct. After a
+voyage of four months, in which dissensions and mutiny caused much
+trouble and uneasiness, and which resulted in Smith's imprisonment
+during the voyage, the colonists arrived at Chesapeake Bay in April,
+1607. The landscape, covered with the new grass of spring, and varied
+with hills and valleys, seemed like enchantment to the worn-out
+voyagers. With joy they left their ships, and passed many days in
+choosing a spot for a resting-place and a home.</p>
+
+<p>Here new troubles assailed them. The Indians in the vicinity looked upon
+their encroachments with jealous eyes, and attacked them with their
+arrows, but the colonists quickly dispersed them with muskets. Others,
+however, more peaceable, treated our adventurers with kindness. A
+settlement was now made upon a peninsula on James's river, to which they
+gave the name of Jamestown.</p>
+
+<p>Of course, in a settlement like this, there must be suffering, and
+consequently, discontent. Much of this was manifested towards Smith,
+who, by his energy and perseverance, excited the envy of those
+associated with him in the management of the infant colony. At the same
+time, he became the object of dread to the Indians, by his bravery and
+resources. Many of the colonists died of hunger and disease; many were
+dispirited; and at last, in despair, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[Pg 137]</a></span> turned to our adventurer as
+their only hope in this hour of need. Like all generous spirits, he
+forgot his injuries, and set himself to work to remedy the evils that
+beset them. By his ingenuity and daring, he obtained from the Indians
+liberal supplies of corn, venison, and wild fowl, and, under the
+influence of good cheer, the colonists became, comparatively, happy.</p>
+
+<p>But a new and unforeseen calamity awaited our hero. Having penetrated
+into the country, with but few followers, he was beset by a large party
+of Indians, and, after a brave resistance, was taken prisoner. But the
+spirit and presence of mind of this remarkable man did not forsake him
+in this alarming crisis. He did not ask for life, for this would,
+probably, have hastened his death; but requesting that he might see the
+Indian chief, he at the same time drew from his pocket a compass, and
+directed attention to it, partly by signs and partly by words which he
+had learned. The curious instrument amused and surprised his savage
+captors, and averted, for a time, the fate that awaited him.</p>
+
+<p>They soon, however, tied him to a tree, and prepared to shoot him with
+their arrows. Changing their plans suddenly, they led him in a
+procession to a village, where they confined him and fed him so
+abundantly, that Smith thought they were probably fattening him for
+food. After a variety of savage ceremonies, the Indians took him to
+Werowcomoco&mdash;the residence of Powhatan, a celebrated chief, of a noble
+and majestic figure, and a countenance bespeaking the severity and
+haughtiness of one whose nod is law.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[Pg 138]</a></span>Powhatan was seated on a throne, with one of his daughters on each side
+of him. Many Indians were standing in the hut, their skins covered with
+paint, and ornamented with feathers and beads. As Smith was brought
+bound into the room, there was a loud shout of triumph, which warned him
+that his last hour had arrived. They gave him water to wash, and food to
+eat, and then, holding a consultation, they determined to kill him. Two
+large stones were brought in and placed before the unbending chief.
+Smith was dragged forward, his head placed upon the stones, and the
+fatal club raised for the cruel deed.</p>
+
+<p>But what stays the savage arm? A child of twelve or thirteen, Pocahontas
+by name, the chief's favorite child, melted by the pity that seldom
+moves the heart of her race, ran to our hero, clasped his head in her
+arms, laid herself down with him on the block, determined to share his
+fate. Surely, of the numberless acts of kindness and benevolence which
+had been showered at different times upon Smith, this transcended them
+all! Startled by the act, and perhaps sympathizing with the feelings of
+his child, Powhatan raised Smith from the earth, and in two days, sent
+him with twelve Indian guides to Jamestown, from which place he had been
+absent seven weeks.</p>
+
+<p>Smith found the colony disheartened by his absence, and in want of
+provisions. These he procured from the Indians, bartering blue beads for
+corn and turkeys. A fire broke out about this time, and burned up many
+of the houses of the colony; this damage, however, Smith set about
+repairing&mdash;his patience and energy surmounting every evil.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[Pg 139]</a></span>In June, 1608, our adventurer, tired of his mode of life, set out, with
+fourteen others, to explore Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac river. They
+encountered many tribes of Indians, but Smith's boldness always averted
+their assaults; and his frank and open demeanor generally turned his
+enemies into friends. The party returned to Jamestown in July, when
+Smith was made the president of the colony.</p>
+
+<p>He now made several expeditions, frequently meeting with adventures, and
+falling in with numerous tribes of Indians. He and his party had many
+skirmishes, and suffered considerably from the assaults of the savages;
+but Smith's sagacity and ingenuity rendered them comparatively harmless.
+He explored the whole of Chesapeake Bay, sailing nearly 3000 miles, in
+the space of three months.</p>
+
+<p>About this time, an expedition arrived from the mother country, under
+Capt. Newport, whose object was to make discoveries, and as they were to
+pass through Powhatan's territories, it was thought best to secure his
+favor by various presents. Accordingly, a bed and hangings, a chair of
+state, a suit of scarlet clothes, a crown, and other articles, were
+presented to him with great ceremony. At his coronation, having been
+with difficulty persuaded by the English to kneel, the moment the crown
+touched his head, a volley was fired from the boats, which caused the
+newly-made monarch to start up with affright. By way of return for these
+honors, Powhatan generously presented Captain Newport with his old shoes
+and mantle!</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding Smith's exertions in behalf of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[Pg 140]</a></span> colony, the council
+in England were constantly dissatisfied with him. But he did not allow
+anything to abate his zeal for the welfare of the colony under his
+command; even though they were harassed by the Indians, and suffering
+from sickness and privation, he still kept up his courage and energy. He
+entreated the managers in England to send them out mechanics and
+husbandmen, instead of the idle young gentlemen who had come with
+Newport, and took every step in his power to promote the prosperity of
+the settlement.</p>
+
+<p>The colony being now in great want of supplies, Smith made many
+exertions to procure them, but the Indians refused to part with any more
+provisions. A great war of words ensued between Smith and Powhatan,
+which ended in hostilities, Smith endeavoring to take the latter
+prisoner. The Indians, in their turn, made preparations to attack the
+English by night. Of this, they were warned by Pocahontas, who continued
+her kind interpositions in favor of Smith.</p>
+
+<p>Our hero had now experienced, it would seem, enough of adventure and
+peril to satisfy his desires. He often narrowly escaped with his life,
+for the Indians held him in dread, as one to whose prowess they were
+always obliged to yield, and whose address was always an overmatch for
+their own. If they suspected him of any hostile intentions towards them,
+they propitiated him by loads of provisions. To give some idea of
+this&mdash;Smith returned from one of his expeditions with two hundred pounds
+of deer's flesh, and four hundred and seventy-nine bushels of corn. But
+at length, growing weary of exertion, and of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[Pg 141]</a></span> animadversion of the
+English company, with trouble abroad, and mutiny and sickness at home,
+he returned to England in 1609.</p>
+
+<p>From this period to 1614, little or nothing is known of him. At this
+date, we again find him, true to his nature, sailing with two ships to
+Maine, for the purpose of capturing whales and searching for gold.
+Failing in these expectations, Smith left his men fishing for cod, while
+he surveyed the coast, from Penobscot to Cape Cod, trafficking with the
+Indians for furs. He then returned to England, and gave his map to the
+king, Charles I., and requested him to change some of the barbarous
+names which had been given to the places discovered. Smith gave the
+country the name of New England. Cape Cod, the name given by Gosnold, on
+account of the number of cod-fish found there, was altered by King
+Charles to Cape James, but the old title has always been retained. With
+the modesty ever manifested by Smith, he gave his own name only to a
+small cluster of islands, which, by some strange caprice, are now called
+the Isles of Shoals.</p>
+
+<p>In January, 1615, Captain Smith set sail for New England, with two
+ships, from Plymouth in England, but was driven back by a storm. He
+embarked again in June, but met with all kinds of disasters, and was at
+last captured by a French squadron, and obliged to remain all summer in
+the admiral's ship. When this ship went to battle with English vessels,
+Smith was sent below; but when they fell in with Spanish ships, they
+obliged him to fight with them. They at length carried him to Rochelle,
+where they put him on board<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[Pg 142]</a></span> a ship in the harbor. This was but a
+miserable existence to our hero, and he sought various opportunities of
+escape.</p>
+
+<p>At length, a violent storm arising, all hands went below, to avoid the
+pelting rain, and Smith pushed off in a boat, with a half pike for an
+oar, hoping to reach the shore. But a strong current carried him out to
+sea, where he passed twelve hours in imminent danger, being constantly
+covered with the spray. At last, he was thrown upon a piece of marshy
+land, where some fowlers found him, nearly drowned. He was relieved and
+kindly treated at Rochelle, and soon returned to England.</p>
+
+<p>While these adventures were happening to Smith, Pocahontas became
+attached to an English gentleman, of the name of Rolfe, having
+previously separated herself from her father. This would seem an
+unnatural step, were it not for the fact that she had a more tender and
+mild nature than that of her nation, and could not endure to see the
+cruelties practised against the English, in whom she felt so strong an
+interest. She was married in 1613, and by means of this event a lasting
+peace was established with Powhatan and his tribe.</p>
+
+<p>In 1616, Pocahontas visited England with her husband. She had learned to
+speak English well, and was instructed in the doctrines of Christianity.
+As soon as Smith heard of her arrival, he went immediately to see her,
+and he describes her in this interview as "turning about and obscuring
+her face," no doubt, overcome by old recollections. She afterwards,
+however, held a long conversation with Smith. This interesting creature
+was not destined to return to her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[Pg 143]</a></span> own land, for, being taken sick at
+Gravesend, in 1617, she died, being only twenty-two years old.</p>
+
+<p>Much has been written concerning this friend of the whites, and all
+agree in ascribing to her character almost every quality that may
+command respect and esteem. She combined the utmost gentleness and
+sweetness, with great decision of mind and nobleness of heart. Captain
+Smith has immortalized her by his eloquent description of her kindness
+to him and his people. From her child are descended some honorable
+families now living in Virginia.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Smith intended to sail for New England in 1617, but his plans
+failed, and he remained in England, using constant exertions to persuade
+his countrymen to settle in America. In 1622, the Indians made a
+dreadful massacre at Jamestown, destroying three hundred and forty-seven
+of the English settlers. This news affected Smith very much, and he
+immediately made proposals to go over to New England, with forces
+sufficient to keep the Indians in check. But the people of England made
+so many objections to the plan, that it was given up by our hero, though
+with great regret. From this period, his story is little known, and we
+are only told that he died in 1631. His life is remarkable for the
+variety of wild adventures in which he was engaged; his character is
+marked as well by courage and daring, as by the somewhat opposite
+qualities of boldness and perseverance. He seems also to have possessed
+many noble and generous qualities of heart. He had, indeed, the elements
+of greatness, and had he been called to a wider field of action, he
+might have left a nobler fame among the annals of mankind.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[Pg 144]</a></span></p>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">ETHAN ALLEN.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> extraordinary man was born at Litchfield, or Salisbury,
+Connecticut, about the year 1740. He had five brothers and two sisters,
+named Heman, Heber, Levi, Zimri, Ira, Lydia and Lucy. Four or five of
+the former emigrated to Vermont, with Ethan, where their bold, active
+and enterprising spirits found an abundant opportunity for its display.
+Many a wild legend, touching their adventures, still lingers among the
+traditions of the Green Mountains.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1770, a dispute between New York and New Hampshire, as to
+the dividing line between the two provinces, and which had long been
+pending, came to a crisis. The territory of Vermont was claimed by both
+parties; and some of the settlers who had received grants from Governor
+Wentworth, of New Hampshire, were threatened with being ejected from
+their lands by legal processes, proceeding from the province of New
+York.</p>
+
+<p>The Allens had selected their lands in the township of Bennington, which
+had now become a considerable place. The New York government, in
+conformity with their interpretation of their rights,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[Pg 145]</a></span> had proceeded to
+grant patents, covering these very lands on which farms had now been
+brought to an advanced state of culture, and where houses had been built
+and orchards planted by the original purchasers. These proprietors were
+now called upon to take out new patents, at considerable expense, from
+New York, or lose their estates.</p>
+
+<p>This privilege of purchasing their own property was regarded by the
+Vermonters as rather an insult, than a benefit, and most of them refused
+to comply. The question was at last brought to trial at Albany, before a
+New York court, Allen being employed by the defendants as their agent.
+The case was, of course, decided against them, and Allen was advised, by
+the king's attorney-general, to go home and make the best terms he could
+with his new masters, remarking, that "might generally makes right." The
+reply of the mountaineer was brief and significant: "The gods of the
+valley are not the gods of the hills;" by which he meant that the agents
+of the New York government would find themselves baffled at Bennington,
+should they undertake to enforce the decision of the court, against the
+settlers there.</p>
+
+<p>Allen's prediction was prophetic. The sheriffs sent by the government
+were resisted, and finally, a considerable force was assembled, and
+placed under the command of Allen, who obliged the officers to desist
+from their proceedings. A proclamation was now issued by the governor of
+New York, offering a reward of twenty pounds for the apprehension of
+Allen. The latter issued a counter proclamation, offering a reward of
+five pounds to any one who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[Pg 146]</a></span> would deliver the attorney-general of the
+colony into his power.</p>
+
+<p>Various proceedings took place, and for several years, the present
+territory of Vermont presented a constant series of disturbances. The
+New York government persevered in its claims, and the settlers as
+obstinately resisted. In all these measures, whether of peace or war,
+Allen was the leader of the Green Mountain yeomanry. Various plots were
+laid for his apprehension, but his address and courage always delivered
+him from the impending danger. At last, the revolution broke out, and
+the dispute was arrested by events which absorbed the public attention.
+The rival claims being thus suspended, the people of Vermont were left
+to pursue their own course.</p>
+
+<p>A few days after the battle of Lexington, a project was started at
+Hartford, Connecticut, for the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, then
+belonging to the British. Several persons set out upon this enterprise,
+and taking Bennington in their way, Allen joined them with some of his
+"Green Mountain Boys," and was appointed commander of the expedition.
+The little band arrived, without molestation, on the banks of Lake
+George, opposite the fort. They procured boats sufficient to carry
+eighty-three men. These crossed in the night, and landed just at the
+dawn of day. While the boats were gone back with the remainder of the
+troops, Allen resolved to attack the fort.</p>
+
+<p>He drew up the men in three ranks, addressed them in a short harangue,
+ordered them to face to the right, and placing himself at the head of
+the middle file, led them silently, but with a quick step, up the
+heights<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[Pg 147]</a></span> where the fortress stood; and before the sun rose, he had
+entered the gate, and formed his men on the parade between the barracks.
+Here they gave three huzzas, which aroused the sleeping inmates. When
+Colonel Allen passed the gate, a sentinel snapped his fusee at him, and
+then retreated under a covered way. Another sentinel made a thrust at an
+officer with a bayonet, which slightly wounded him. Colonel Allen
+returned the compliment with a cut on the side of the soldier's head, at
+which he threw down his musket, and asked quarter.</p>
+
+<p>No more resistance was made. Allen now demanded to be shown to the
+apartment of Captain Delaplace, the commander of the garrison. It was
+pointed out, and Allen, with Beman, his guide, at his elbow, hastily
+ascended the stairs, which were attached to the outside of the barracks,
+and called out with a voice of thunder at the door, ordering the
+astonished captain instantly to appear, or the whole garrison should be
+sacrificed.</p>
+
+<p>Startled at so strange and unexpected a summons, the commandant sprang
+from his bed and opened the door, when the first salutation of his
+boisterous and unseasonable visitor was an order immediately to
+surrender the fort. Rubbing his eyes, and trying to collect his
+scattered senses, the captain asked by what authority he presumed to
+make such a demand. "In the name of the Great Jehovah, and the
+Continental Congress!" said Allen.</p>
+
+<p>Not accustomed to hear much of the continental congress in this remote
+corner, nor to respect its authority when he did, the commandant began
+to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[Pg 148]</a></span> remonstrate; but Colonel Allen cut short the thread of his
+discourse, by lifting his sword over his head, and reiterating the
+demand for an immediate surrender. Having neither permission to argue,
+nor power to resist, Captain Delaplace submitted, ordering his men to
+parade, without arms, and the garrison was given up to the victors.<a name="FNanchor_A_1" id="FNanchor_A_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_A_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a></p>
+
+<p>The fruit of this victory was about fifty prisoners, with one hundred
+and twenty pieces of cannon, beside other arms and military stores. A
+few days after, the fort at Crown Point was taken, and some other
+successful enterprises were achieved. Allen obtained great credit by
+these performances.</p>
+
+<p>In the following autumn, he was twice despatched into Canada, to engage
+the inhabitants to lend their support to the American cause. In the last
+of these expeditions, he formed a plan, in concert with Colonel Brown,
+to reduce Montreal. Allen, accordingly, crossed the river in September,
+1775, at the head of one hundred and ten men, but was attacked, before
+Brown could join him, by the British troops, consisting of five hundred
+men, and, after a most obstinate resistance, was taken prisoner. The
+events of his captivity he himself has recorded in a narrative compiled
+after his release, in the most singular style, but apparently with great
+fidelity.</p>
+
+<p>For some time he was kept in irons, and treated with much severity. He
+was sent to England as a prisoner, with an assurance that, on his
+arrival there, he would meet with the halter. During the passage,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[Pg 149]</a></span>
+extreme cruelty was exercised towards him and his fellow-prisoners. They
+were all, to the number of thirty-four, thrust, handcuffed, into a small
+place in the vessel, not more than twenty feet square. After about a
+month's confinement in Pendennie castle, near Falmouth, he was put on
+board a frigate, January 8, 1776, and carried to Halifax. Thence, after
+an imprisonment of five months, he was removed to New York.</p>
+
+<p>On the passage from Halifax to the latter place, he was treated with
+great kindness by Captain Smith, the commander of the vessel, and he
+evinced his gratitude by refusing to join in a conspiracy on board to
+kill the British captain and seize the frigate. His refusal prevented
+the execution of the plan. He remained at New York for a year and a
+half, sometimes in confinement, and sometimes at large, on parole.</p>
+
+<p>In 1778, Allen was exchanged for Colonel Campbell, and immediately
+afterwards, repaired to the head quarters of General Washington, by whom
+he was received with much respect. As his health was impaired, he
+returned to Vermont, after having made an offer of his services to the
+commander-in-chief, in case of his recovery. His arrival in Vermont was
+celebrated by the discharge of cannon; and he was soon appointed to the
+command of the state militia, as a mark of esteem for his patriotism and
+military talents. A fruitless attempt was made by the British to bribe
+him to lend his support to a union of Vermont with Canada. He died
+suddenly at his estate at Colchester, February 13, 1789.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[Pg 150]</a></span>Allen was a man of gigantic stature, being nearly seven feet in height,
+and every way of relative proportions. He possessed undaunted courage,
+and blended bold enterprise with much sagacity. His early education was
+imperfect, but he was the master-spirit in the society among which he
+lived, and he exercised a powerful influence in laying the foundations
+of the state of Vermont. He was a sincere friend of his country, and did
+much in behalf of the revolution. When applied to by the rebel Shays, to
+become the leader of the insurrection in 1786, he rejected the proffer
+with indignation.</p>
+
+<p>Allen was a man of great determination, and, living in the midst of
+turmoil, was somewhat reckless in his temper. While he held a military
+command, during the revolution, a notorious spy was taken and brought to
+his quarters. Allen immediately sentenced him to be hung at the end of
+two or three days, and arrangements were accordingly made for the
+execution. At the appointed time, a large concourse of people had
+collected around the gallows, to witness the hanging. In the mean time,
+however, it had been intimated to Allen that it was necessary to have a
+regular trial of the spy.</p>
+
+<p>This was so obvious, that he felt compelled to postpone the execution of
+the culprit. Irritated, however, at this delay of justice, he proceeded
+to the gallows, and, mounting the scaffold, harangued the assembly
+somewhat as follows: "I know, my friends, you have all come here to see
+Rowley hanged, and, no doubt, you will be greatly disappointed to learn
+that the performances can't take place to-day. Your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[Pg 151]</a></span> disappointment
+cannot be greater than mine, and I now declare that if you'll come here
+a fortnight from this day, Rowley shall be hung, or I will be hung
+myself."</p>
+
+<p>The rude state of society in which Allen spent the greater part of his
+life was little calculated to polish his manners. Being at Philadelphia,
+before the election of General Washington as president, he was invited
+to dinner, by the general upon an occasion of some ceremony. He took his
+seat by the side of Mrs. Washington, and in the course of the meal,
+seeing some Spanish olives before him, he took one of them, and put it
+in his mouth. It was the first he had ever tasted, and, of course, his
+palate revolted. "With your leave, ma'am," said he, turning to Lady
+Washington, "I'll take this plaguy thing out of my mouth."</p>
+
+<p>When Allen was in England, a prisoner, persons who had heard him
+represented as a giant in stature, and scarcely short of a cannibal in
+habits and disposition, came to see him, and gazed at him with mingled
+wonder and disgust. It is said, that, on one occasion, a tenpenny nail
+was thrown in to him, as if he were a wild animal. He is reported to
+have picked it up, and, in his vexation, to have bitten it in two. It is
+in allusion to this that Doctor Hopkins wrote,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Lo, Allen 'scaped from British jails,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">His tushes broke by biting nails," &amp;c.</span></p>
+
+<p>But however rude were Allen's manners, he was a man of inflexible
+integrity. He was sued, upon a certain occasion, for a note of hand,
+which was witnessed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[Pg 152]</a></span> by an individual residing at Boston. When the case
+came on for trial in one of the Vermont courts, the lawyer whom Allen
+had employed to manage it so as to get time, rose, and, for the purpose
+of securing this object, pleaded a denial of the signature.</p>
+
+<p>It chanced that Allen was in the court-house at this moment, and hearing
+this plea, he strode across the court-room, and, while his eyes flashed
+with indignation, he spoke to the court as follows: "May it please your
+honors, that's a lie! I say I did sign that note, and I didn't employ
+Lawyer C****** to come here and tell a falsehood. That's a genuine note,
+and I signed it, please your honors, and I mean to pay it; all I want is
+to put it over till next court, when I expect to have money enough to
+meet it!" This speech gratified the opposing counsel so much, that he
+immediately consented to the delay which Allen desired.</p>
+
+<p>Though Allen's education was limited, by reading and reflection he had
+acquired a considerable amount of knowledge. Presuming upon this, and
+guided by the eccentricity which marked his character, he ventured to
+assail the Christian religion, in a book entitled, "The Oracles of
+Reason." Though he here expressed belief in a God, and a future state of
+rewards and punishments, he rejected the Bible, and seemed to favor the
+Pythagorian doctrine of transmigration of souls. He entertained the idea
+that he was himself destined to reappear on earth in the condition of a
+great white horse! These absurdities show into what depths of folly a
+great man may be led, if he permit his self-conceit to involve him in
+the discussion of subjects beyond his grasp.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[Pg 153]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">DAVID CROCKETT.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> individual was one of those remarkable characters, formed by the
+rough and adventurous circumstances of western life. His paternal
+grandfather and grandmother, who were of Irish descent, were murdered by
+the Creek Indians, in Tennessee. He had an uncle who was wounded at the
+same time, and remained in captivity with the savages for seventeen
+months. The subject of our memoir was born in 1786, on the banks of
+Nola-chucky river, he being the fifth son.</p>
+
+<p>At this period, Tennessee was nearly a wilderness, and the forests were
+still, to a great extent, the dominion of the Indian and the wild beast.
+Brought up in this condition, his youthful imagination tinged by the
+tragic story of his ancestors, it was natural that our young hero should
+have become an early lover of those wild enterprises and hazardous
+adventures which belong to border life.</p>
+
+<p>In the memoir with which Crockett has favored us, he gives an account of
+many events, some of which are not a little marvellous, though we have
+no reason to doubt their truth. The following will serve as a specimen
+of his style, as well as of the circumstances which attended his
+childhood. "Joseph Hawkins,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[Pg 154]</a></span> who was a brother to my mother, was in the
+woods hunting for deer. He was passing near a thicket of brush, in which
+one of our neighbors was gathering some grapes, as it was in the fall of
+the year, and the grape season. The body of the man was hid by the
+brush, and it was only as he would raise his hand to pull the bunches,
+that any part of him could be seen. It was a likely place for deer; and
+my uncle, having no suspicion that it was any human being, but supposing
+the raising of the hand to be the occasional twitch of a deer's ear,
+fired at the lump, and as the devil would have it, unfortunately shot
+the man through the body. I saw my father draw a silk handkerchief
+through the bullet hole, and entirely through his body; yet, after a
+little while, he got well, as little as any one would have thought it.
+What became of him, or whether he is dead or alive, I don't know; but I
+reckon he didn't fancy the business of gathering grapes in an
+out-of-the-way thicket again."</p>
+
+<p>When David was about eight years old, his father settled in Jefferson
+county, Tennessee, and opened a small tavern, chiefly for wagoners. He
+was poor, and his son says, "Here I remained with him, till I was twelve
+years old. About that time, you may <i>guess</i>, if you are a yankee, and
+<i>reckon</i>, if, like me, you belong to the backwoods, that I began to make
+my acquaintance with hard times, and plenty of them."</p>
+
+<p>At this period, an old Dutchman, who was proceeding to Rockbridge, a
+distance of four hundred miles, stopped over night at his father's
+house. He had a large stock of cattle, and needing assistance, David was
+hired by him, and proceeded on foot the whole of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[Pg 155]</a></span> the journey. He was
+expected to continue with the Dutchman, but his love of home mastered
+him, and taking his clothes in a bundle on his back, he stole away one
+night, and begged his way among the straggling settlements, till he
+reached his father's residence.</p>
+
+<p>David was now sent to school; but at the end of four days he had a
+quarrel with one of his mates, and having scratched his face badly, he
+did not dare to go again. He therefore spent several days in the woods,
+during school hours, leaving his father to suppose he was at his
+lessons. When he found out, from the master, what David had done, he cut
+a hickory stick, and approached him in great wrath, intending to
+chastise him severely. The boy saw the danger, and fled. It was a tight
+race, but youth had the advantage. David escaped, hid himself in the
+woods for a time, and then, bidding adieu to his home, set forth upon
+his adventures.</p>
+
+<p>Passing through a great variety of conditions, he at last reached
+Baltimore, and for the first time looked forth upon the blue ocean and
+the ships that navigate it. He had heard of these things, but he tells
+us, that until he actually saw them, he did not in his heart believe in
+their existence. It seems that his first sight of the sea excited in his
+bosom those deep, yet indescribable emotions, known only to those who
+have had experience like his own.</p>
+
+<p>He set out at length to return to his father's house; but, owing to a
+variety of causes, it was three years before he reached it. It was
+evening when he came to the tavern, and he concluded to ask for
+lodging,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[Pg 156]</a></span> and not make himself known, till he saw how the land lay. He
+gives an account of what followed, in these terms:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"After a while, we were all called to supper: I went with the rest. We
+sat down to the table, and began to eat, when my eldest sister
+recollected me: she sprung up, ran and seized me around the neck, and
+exclaimed, 'Here is my lost brother!'</p>
+
+<p>"My feelings at this time it would be vain and foolish for me to attempt
+to describe. I had often thought I felt before, and I suppose I had; but
+sure I am, I never had felt as I then did. The joy of my sisters, and my
+mother, and indeed of all the family, was such that it humbled me, and
+made me sorry that I hadn't submitted to a hundred whippings, sooner
+than cause so much affliction as they had suffered on my account. I
+found the family had never heard a word of me from the time my brother
+left me. I was now almost fifteen years old, and my increased age and
+size, together with the joy of my father, occasioned by my unexpected
+return, I was sure would secure me against my long-dreaded whipping; and
+so they did. But it will be a source of astonishment to many, who
+reflect that I am now a member of the American Congress&mdash;the most
+enlightened body of men in the world&mdash;that at so advanced an age, the
+age of fifteen, I did not know the first letter in the book."</p>
+
+<p>The following passage, continuing the narrative, evinces sense and
+feeling, which are honorable to our hero's head and heart. "I had
+remained for some short time at home with my father, when he informed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[Pg 157]</a></span>
+me that he owed a man, whose name was Abraham Wilson, the sum of
+thirty-six dollars; and that if I would set in and work out the note, so
+as to lift it for him, he would discharge me from his service, and I
+might go free. I agreed to do this, and went immediately to the man who
+held my father's note, and contracted with him to work six months for
+it. I set in, and worked with all my might, not losing a single day in
+the six months. When my time was out, I got my father's note, and then
+declined working with the man any longer, though he wanted to hire me
+mighty bad. The reason was, it was a place where a heap of bad company
+met to drink and gamble, and I wanted to get away from them, for I
+knowed very well if I staid there I should get a bad name, as nobody
+could be respectable that would live there. I therefore returned to my
+father, and gave him up his paper, which seemed to please him mightily,
+for, though he was poor, he was an honest man, and always tried mighty
+hard to pay off his debts.</p>
+
+<p>"I next went to the house of an honest old Quaker, by the name of John
+Kennedy, who had removed from North Carolina, and proposed to hire
+myself to him, at two shillings a day. He agreed to take me a week on
+trial, at the end of which he appeared pleased with my work, and
+informed me that he held a note on my father for forty dollars, and that
+he would give me that note if I would work for him six months. I was
+certain enough that I should never get any part of the note; but then I
+remembered it was my father that owed it, and I concluded it was my
+duty, as a child, to help him along, and ease his lot as much<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[Pg 158]</a></span> as I
+could. I told the Quaker I would take him up at his offer, and
+immediately went to work. I never visited my father's house during the
+whole of this engagement, though he lived only fifteen miles off. But
+when it was finished, and I had got the note, I borrowed one of my
+employer's horses, and, on a Sunday evening, went to pay my parents a
+visit. Some time after I got there, I pulled out the note, and handed it
+to my father, who supposed Mr. Kennedy had sent it for collection. The
+old man looked mighty sorry, and said to me he had not the money to pay
+it, and didn't know what he should do. I then told him I had paid it for
+him, and it was then his own; that it was not presented for collection,
+but as a present from me. At this, he shed a heap of tears; and as soon
+as he got a little over it, he said he was sorry he couldn't give me
+anything, but he was not able, he was too poor."</p>
+
+<p>David continued to work for the Quaker, during which time he became
+enamored of a girl in the vicinity, and when he was eighteen he engaged
+to marry her; she, however, proved faithless, and wedded another man.
+The youth took it much to heart, and observes, "I now began to think
+that in making me, it was entirely forgotten to make my mate; that I was
+born odd, and should always remain so." He, however, recovered, and paid
+his addresses to a little girl of the neighborhood, whom he met one day
+when he had got lost in the woods, and married her. She had for her
+marriage portion two cows and two calves; and, with fifteen dollars'
+worth of furniture, they commenced house-keeping. He rented a small
+farm, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[Pg 159]</a></span> went to work. After a few years, he removed to another part
+of the state, where there was plenty of game, in consequence of which he
+became a hunter. About the year 1810, he settled on Bear Creek, where he
+remained till after the war of 1812.</p>
+
+<p>During the Creek war in Tennessee, in 1812, Crockett served as a private
+soldier under General Jackson, and displayed no small share of
+enterprise and daring. He also served in one of the expeditions to
+Florida, meeting with a great variety of adventures. Soon after the
+close of the war, in 1815, he lost his wife, but married again, and, as
+he says, "went ahead."</p>
+
+<p>After a time, he removed, with his family, to Shoal Creek, where the
+settlers, living apart from the rest of the world, set up a government
+for themselves; they established certain laws, and Crockett was elected
+one of the magistrates. The operations of this forest republic are thus
+described by our hero:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"When a man owed a debt, and wouldn't pay it, I and my constable ordered
+our warrant, and then he would take the man, and bring him before me for
+trial. I would give judgment against him, and then an order for an
+execution would easily scare the debt out of him. If any one was charged
+with marking his neighbor's hogs, or with stealing anything,&mdash;which
+happened pretty often in those days,&mdash;I would have him taken, and if
+there was tolerable grounds for the charge, I would have him well
+whipped, and cleared. We kept this up till our legislature added us to
+the white settlements in Giles county, and appointed magistrates by law,
+to organize matters in the parts where<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[Pg 160]</a></span> I lived. They appointed every
+man a magistrate who had belonged to our corporation. I was then, of
+course, made a squire according to law, though now the honor rested more
+heavily on me than before. For, at first, whenever I told my constable,
+says I,&mdash;'Catch that fellow, and bring him up for trial,' away he went;
+and the fellow must come, dead or alive; for we considered this a good
+warrant, though it was only in verbal writings. But after I was
+appointed by the assembly, they told me my warrants must be in real
+writing, and signed; and that I must keep a book, and write my
+proceedings in it. This was a hard business on me, for I could just
+barely write my own name."</p>
+
+<p>Crockett now rose rapidly; he was elected a colonel in the militia, and,
+by request of his friends, became a candidate for the state legislature.
+He made an electioneering tour of nearly three months, addressing the
+voters at various points. His account of this part of his life is full
+of wit; and not only throws much light upon western manners, but
+suggests many keen and sagacious reflections upon the character and
+conduct of political leaders, seeking the suffrages of the people. His
+success upon the stump was great, though he confesses he knew nothing
+about government, and dared not even touch the subject. He told droll
+stories, however, which answered a better purpose, and in the result,
+was triumphantly elected. We must not omit to give Crockett's own
+account of himself at this period.</p>
+
+<p>"A short time after this," says he, "I was in Pulaski, where I met with
+Colonel Polk, now a member<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[Pg 161]</a></span> of Congress from Tennessee. He was at that
+time a member elected to the legislature, as well as myself; and in a
+large company he said to me, 'Well, Colonel, I suppose we shall have a
+radical change of the judiciary at the next session of the legislature.'
+'Very likely, sir,' says I; and I put out quicker, for I was afraid some
+one would ask me what the judiciary was; and if I knowed, I wish I may
+be shot. I don't indeed believe I had ever before heard that there was
+any such thing in all nature; but still I was not willing that the
+people there should know how ignorant I was about it. When the time for
+meeting of the legislature arrived, I went on, and before I had been
+there long, I could have told what the judiciary was, and what the
+government was too; and many other things that I had known nothing about
+before."</p>
+
+<p>Crockett now removed to the borders of the Obion, and settled in the
+woods, his nearest white neighbor being seven miles off. The country
+around gradually became peopled, and in the course of a few years he was
+again put in nomination, without his own consent or knowledge, for the
+legislature. His antagonist was Dr. Butler, a relative of General
+Jackson's, and, as Crockett describes him, "a clever fellow, and the
+most talented man I ever run against, for any office." Two other
+candidates were in the field, but David beat them all by a handsome
+majority. This occurred in 1825. In 1827, he was elected to Congress,
+and re-elected in 1829, by a majority of 3500 votes. No man could at
+that time stand against him, with hopes of success. In 1831, however, he
+lost his election, but succeeded in 1833. He was defeated in 1835,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[Pg 162]</a></span> and,
+having gone to Texas, engaged in the defence of Bexar, and was slain in
+the storming of that place, March 6th, 1836.</p>
+
+<p>The character of David Crockett is by no means to be set up as a model
+for imitation, yet he was a man of excellent traits of character. Brave,
+hospitable, honest, patriotic, and sincere, he was the representative of
+the hardy hunters of the west&mdash;a race of men fast fading away, or
+receding with the remote borders of our western settlements. Destitute
+of school education, he supplied the defect, in a great degree, by ready
+wit, and that talent which is developed strongly by the necessities of a
+hard and hazardous course of life. In civilized society, he retained the
+marks of his forest breeding, as well as the innate eccentricity of his
+character, and became conspicuous as one of those humorists, whom
+nothing can change from their original conformation.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img29.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[Pg 163]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">DANIEL BOONE.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">There</span> are few names in the West better known, or more respected, than
+that of Colonel Daniel Boone. He is regarded as the founder of Kentucky,
+and in his character, was a good specimen of the early settler, who
+united in his own person the offices of hunter and husbandman, soldier
+and statesman. He was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1746, and in his
+boyhood gave earnest of his future career, by his surpassing skill in
+the use of a gun, as exercised against squirrels, raccoons, and
+wild-cats.</p>
+
+<p>A love of hunting became his ruling passion, and he would wander, for
+whole days alone, through the woods, seeming to take great delight in
+these rambles, even if he found no game. One morning, when he was about
+fourteen years old, he was observed, as usual, to throw the band that
+suspended his shot bag, over the shoulder, and go forth, accompanied by
+his dog. Night came, but, to the astonishment and alarm of his parents,
+the boy came not. Another day and another night passed, and still he did
+not return. The nearest neighbors, sympathizing with the distressed
+parents, who considered him lost, at length turned out, to aid in
+finding him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[Pg 164]</a></span>After a long and weary search, a smoke was seen arising from a temporary
+hovel of sods and branches, at a distance of a league from any
+plantation, in which the astonished father found his child; he was,
+apparently, most comfortably occupied in making an experiment in
+housekeeping. Numerous skins of wild animals were stretched upon his
+cabin, as trophies of his hunting prowess. Ample fragments of their
+flesh were around&mdash;either thrown aside or prepared for cookery.</p>
+
+<p>A few years after this, Boone removed, with his father, to North
+Carolina, where they founded a settlement upon the banks of the Yadkin.
+The country was new, and almost totally uninhabited; the game was
+abundant, and afforded ample scope for young Boone's talents as a
+hunter. One night, he went out with a friend, upon what is called a
+<i>fire hunt</i>, the object of which was to shoot deer. In this sport, an
+iron pan, filled with blazing knots of pitch pine, is carried by one of
+the sportsmen. This casts a ruddy glare deep into the forest; and the
+deer, as if bound by a spell of enchantment, stands still, and gazes at
+the unwonted apparition. The lustrous eye of the animal is easily seen
+by the hunter, and thus becomes a mark for the rifle.</p>
+
+<p>On the present occasion, the two hunters had reached the corner of a
+farmer's field early in the evening, when Boone's companion, who held
+the fire pan, gave the signal that he <i>shined</i> the eyes of a deer. Boone
+approached with his ready rifle, and, perceiving the glistening eyes,
+was about to fire, when the deer suddenly retreated. He pursued, and,
+after a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[Pg 165]</a></span> rapid chase through the woods, came suddenly out at the
+farmer's house. What was the young hunter's astonishment then to
+discover that the object upon which he had levelled his rifle a few
+minutes before, was a beautiful girl of sixteen, and the daughter of the
+farmer! Boone could do no less than enter the house. The scene that
+followed is thus described by the biographer:</p>
+
+<p>"The ruddy, flaxen-haired girl stood full in view of her terrible
+pursuer, leaning upon his rifle, and surveying her with the most eager
+admiration. 'Rebecca, this is young Boone, son of our neighbor,' was the
+laconic introduction, offered by the father. Both were young, beautiful,
+and at the period when the affections exercise their most energetic
+influence. The circumstances of the introduction were favorable to the
+result, and the young hunter felt that the eyes of the deer had <i>shined</i>
+his bosom as fatally as his rifle-shot had ever done the innocent deer
+of the thickets.</p>
+
+<p>"She, too, when she saw the high, open, bold forehead&mdash;the clear, keen,
+yet gentle and affectionate eye&mdash;the firm front, and the visible impress
+of decision and fearlessness of the hunter; when she interpreted a look,
+which said, as distinctly as looks could say it, 'how terrible it would
+have been to have fired!' she can hardly be supposed to have regarded
+him with indifference. Nor can it be wondered at that she saw in him her
+<i>beau ideal</i> of excellence and beauty.</p>
+
+<p>"The inhabitants of cities, who live in splendid mansions, and read
+novels stored with unreal pictures of life and the heart, are apt to
+imagine that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[Pg 166]</a></span> love, with all its golden illusions, is reserved
+exclusively for them. It is a most egregious mistake. A model of ideal
+beauty and perfection is woven in almost every youthful heart, of the
+finest and most brilliant threads that compose the web of existence. It
+may not be said that this forest maiden was deeply and foolishly smitten
+at first sight. All reasonable time and space were granted to the claims
+of maidenly modesty. As for Boone, he was incurably wounded by her,
+whose eyes he had <i>shined</i>, and as he was remarkable for the backwoods'
+attribute of never being beaten out of his track, he ceased not to woo,
+until he gained the heart of Rebecca Bryan. In a word, he courted her
+successfully, and they were married."</p>
+
+<p>Boone removed with his wife to the head waters of the Yadkin, where he
+remained for several years, engaged in the quiet pursuits of a
+husbandman. But in process of time, the country was settled around him,
+and the restraints of orderly society became established. These were
+disagreeable to his love of unbounded liberty, and he began to think of
+seeking a new home in the yet unoccupied wilderness. Having heard an
+account of Kentucky from a man by the name of Finley, who had made an
+expedition thither, he determined to explore the country. Accordingly,
+in 1769, he set out with four associates, and soon, bidding adieu to the
+habitations of man, plunged into the boundless forest.</p>
+
+<p>They ascended and crossed the Alleganies, and at last stood on the
+western summit of the Cumberland Ridge. What a scene opened before
+them!&mdash;the illimitable forest, as yet unbroken by civilized man,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[Pg 167]</a></span> and
+occupied only by savage beasts and more savage men. Yet it bore the
+marks of the highest fertility. Trees of every form, and touched with
+every shade of verdure, rose to an unwonted height on every side. In the
+distance, broad rivers flashed beneath the sun. How little did these
+hunters imagine that this noble country, within the compass of fifty
+years, was to be dotted with villages, and crowned with cities!</p>
+
+<p>The party proceeded in their march. They met with an abundance of every
+species of game. The buffalo occupied the plains by thousands; and on
+one occasion, the whole party came near being crushed by a herd of these
+animals, that came rushing like a torrent across a prairie.</p>
+
+<p>They spent the summer in the woods, and in December divided themselves
+into two parties, for the purpose of extending their means of
+observation. Boone and Stewart formed one division of the party. As they
+proceeded toward the Kentucky river, they were never out of sight of
+buffaloes, deer and wild turkeys. While they were one day leisurely
+descending a hill, the Indian yell suddenly broke upon their ears; a
+moment after, they were surrounded by savages, who sprung up from the
+cane-brakes around, and made them captives. Their hands were bound, and
+they were compelled to march, a long distance, to the Indian camp. On
+the second night, they escaped, and returned to the place where they
+expected to meet their former companions. These, it appears, had
+returned to Kentucky. That very day, however, Boone's brother arrived
+with a single companion,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[Pg 168]</a></span> having made his way through the trackless
+forest, from his residence on the Yadkin.</p>
+
+<p>The four adventurers now devoted themselves to hunting; but, one day,
+while they were out, Boone and Stewart, being separated from their
+companions, were attacked by Indians, and the latter was shot dead by an
+arrow. Boone, with some difficulty, escaped to the camp. A short time
+after this, the companion of the elder Boone wandered into the woods,
+and was lost. The two brothers sought for him with anxious care, and at
+last found traces of blood and fragments of his clothes in the vicinity
+of a place where they had heard the howling of wolves. There was little
+doubt that he had fallen a sacrifice to these terrible animals. Boone
+and his brother were now the only white men west of the mountains, yet
+their spirits were not damped by their condition or by the sad fate
+which had befallen their companions. They hunted by day; cooked their
+game, sat by their bright fires and sung the airs of their country at
+night. They also devoted much of their time to the preparation of a
+cabin for the approaching winter.</p>
+
+<p>This came at length and passed away; but they were now in want of many
+things, especially ammunition, which was beginning to fail them. After
+long consultation, it was agreed that the elder Boone should return to
+North Carolina, and bring back ammunition, horses, and supplies.</p>
+
+<p>The character of Daniel Boone, in consenting to be left alone in the
+wilderness, surrounded by perils from the Indians and wild beasts, of
+which he had so recently and terribly been made aware, appears in its<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[Pg 169]</a></span>
+true light. We have heard of a Robinson Crusoe, made so by the
+necessities of shipwreck; but all history can scarcely furnish another
+instance of a man, voluntarily consenting to be left alone among savages
+and wild beasts, seven hundred miles from the nearest white inhabitants.</p>
+
+<p>The separation at last came. The elder brother disappeared in the
+forest, and Daniel Boone was left in the cabin, entirely alone. Their
+only dog followed the departing brother, and our hunter had nothing but
+his unconquerable spirit to sustain him during the long and lonely days
+and nights, visited by the remembrance of his distant wife and children.</p>
+
+<p>To prevent the recurrence of dark and lonely thoughts, soon after his
+brother's departure, Boone set out on a tour of observation, and made an
+excursion to the Ohio river. He returned at last to his camp, which he
+found undisturbed. From this point he continued to make trips into the
+woods, in which he met with a variety of adventures. It was in May that
+his brother left him, and late in July he returned, with two horses and
+an abundant supply of needful articles. He brought also the welcome
+intelligence of the welfare of his brother's family and their kind
+remembrance of him.</p>
+
+<p>The two brothers now set about selecting a situation for a settlement,
+where they intended to bring their families. One day, as they were
+passing through the woods, they saw a herd of buffaloes in great uproar.
+They were running, plunging, and bellowing, as if roused to fury. The
+hunters approached the throng, and perceived that a panther<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[Pg 170]</a></span> had leaped
+upon the back of one of these huge animals, and was gnawing away the
+flesh. The buffalo, maddened by the agony, dashed among the herd, and
+these were soon thrown into wild confusion. Boone picked his flint, took
+a deliberate aim, and fired; the panther fell from his seat, and the
+herd passed on.</p>
+
+<p>We cannot pursue the history of our hero, in all its adventurous
+details. We have told enough to display the leading traits of his
+character, and we must now hasten on, only noting the principal events.
+He returned with his brother to North Carolina, and in September, 1773,
+commenced his removal to Kentucky, with his own family and five others,
+for the purpose of settling there. They were joined by forty men, who
+placed themselves under Boone's guidance. On their route they were
+attacked by the Indians; six of the men were killed, and the cattle were
+dispersed. The emigrants, therefore, returned as far as Clinch river,
+where they made a temporary settlement.</p>
+
+<p>In 1775, Boone assisted in building a fort at a place which was called
+Boonesburgh, and when completed, he removed his family thither. Two
+years after, he here sustained two formidable sieges from the Indians,
+whom he repulsed. In the following year he was taken while hunting, by
+the savages, and carried to Detroit. He escaped, and at last returned to
+his family. Again the fort was invested by the Indians and Canadian
+Frenchmen, four hundred and fifty strong. Boone, with fifty men, held
+out, and finally the assailants withdrew. This was the last attack upon
+Boonesburgh.</p>
+
+<p>In 1792, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[Pg 171]</a></span> a state, and soon
+after, Boone, being involved in one of the innumerable law-suits which
+were about this time inflicted upon Kentucky, was deprived of his whole
+estate by an adverse decision. The indignation of the old hunter, at
+first, knew no bounds; but his tranquillity soon returned. He was,
+however, thoroughly disgusted with civilized society, and determined
+again, though gray with years, to find a home in the unbroken forest.</p>
+
+<p>In 1798, having obtained a grant of two thousand acres of land from the
+Spanish authorities in upper Louisiana, now Missouri, he removed thither
+with his family, and settled at Charette. Here he devoted himself to his
+familiar pursuits of hunting and trapping, and in September, 1822, he
+died, being in his eighty-fifth year.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img30.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[Pg 172]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Charles</span> XII. was born on the 27th June, 1682. He was the son of Charles
+XI., a harsh and despotic prince. From his earliest years, he glowed to
+imitate the heroic character of Alexander, and, in his eagerness to
+reign, caused himself to be declared king of Sweden at the age of
+fifteen. At his coronation, he boldly seized the crown from the hands of
+the archbishop of Upsal, and set it on his own head.</p>
+
+<p>His youth seemed to invite the attacks of his neighbors, of Poland,
+Denmark and Russia; but Charles, unawed by the prospect of hostilities,
+and though scarcely eighteen, determined to assail his enemies, one
+after the other. He besieged Copenhagen, and, by his vigorous measures,
+so terrified the Danish monarch, that, in less than six weeks, he
+obliged him to sue for peace.</p>
+
+<p>From humbled Denmark, he marched against the Russians; and though at the
+head of only eight thousand men, he attacked the enemy who were
+besieging Narva with one hundred thousand men. The conflict was
+dreadful; thirty thousand were slain, twenty thousand asked for quarter,
+and the rest were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[Pg 173]</a></span> taken or destroyed; while the Swedes had only twelve
+hundred killed, and eight hundred wounded. From Narva, the victorious
+monarch advanced into Poland, defeated the Saxons who opposed his march,
+and obliged the Polish king, in suing for peace, to renounce his crown
+and acknowledge Stanislaus for his successor.</p>
+
+<p>It was a disgraceful condition of the treaty made with Augustus that he
+should give up Reinhold Patkul, a Polish nobleman, to the Swedish king.
+This patriot had nobly defended the liberties of his country against its
+enemies, and to escape the consequences, when Poland had fallen, went to
+Russia, and entered into the service of the Czar. Peter sent him as
+ambassador to Poland, and Augustus delivered him up to Charles. He was
+taken to Stockholm, tried as a rebel and traitor, and broke on the
+wheel. Such was the justice, such the mercy, of the chivalrous Charles
+XII.!</p>
+
+<p>Fixing his head quarters near Leipsic, with a victorious army of fifty
+thousand veteran Swedes, he now attracted the attention of all Europe.
+He received ambassadors from the principal powers, and even the Duke of
+Marlborough paid him a visit to induce him to join the allies against
+Louis XIV. But Charles had other views, which were to dethrone his
+rival, Peter of Russia. Accordingly, after adjusting various matters, he
+proceeded to the north, with forty-three thousand men, in September,
+1707.</p>
+
+<p>In January, he defeated the Russians in Lithuania, and in June, 1708,
+met Peter on the banks of the Berezina. The Swedes crossed the river,
+and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[Pg 174]</a></span> Russians fled. Charles pursued them as far as Smolensk; but in
+September he began to experience the real difficulties of a Russian
+campaign. The country was desolate, the roads wretched, the winter
+approaching, and the army had hardly provisions for a fortnight.
+Charles, therefore, abandoned his plan of marching upon Moscow, and
+turned to the south towards the Ukraine, where Mazeppa, hetman or chief
+of the Cossacks, had agreed to join him against Peter.</p>
+
+<p>Charles advanced towards the river Desna, an affluent of the Dnieper,
+which it joins near Kiew; but he missed his way among the extensive
+marshes which cover a great part of the country, and in which almost all
+his artillery and wagons were lost. Meantime, the Russians had dispersed
+Mazeppa's Cossacks, and Mazeppa himself came to join Charles as a
+fugitive with a small body of followers. Lowenhaupt, also, who was
+coming from Poland with fifteen thousand men, was defeated by Peter in
+person.</p>
+
+<p>Charles thus found himself in the wilds of the Ukraine, hemmed in by the
+Russians, without provisions, and the winter setting in with unusual
+severity. His army, thinned by cold, hunger, fatigue and the sword, was
+now reduced to twenty-four thousand men. In this condition, he passed
+the winter in the Ukraine, his army subsisting chiefly by the exertions
+of Mazeppa. In the spring, with eighteen thousand Swedes and as many
+Cossacks, he laid siege to the town of Pultowa, where the Russians had
+collected large stores. During the siege, he was severely wounded in the
+foot; and soon after, Peter himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[Pg 175]</a></span> appeared to relieve Pultowa, at the
+head of seventy thousand men. Charles had now no choice but to risk a
+general battle, which was fought on the 8th of July, 1709, and ended in
+the total defeat of the Swedes.</p>
+
+<p>At the close of the battle, Charles was placed on horseback, and,
+attended by about five hundred horse, who cut their way through more
+than ten Russian regiments, was conducted, for the space of a league, to
+the baggage of the Swedish army. In the flight, the king's horse was
+killed under him, and he was placed upon another. They selected a coach
+from the baggage, put Charles in it, and fled towards the Borysthenes
+with the utmost precipitation. He was silent for a time, but, at last,
+made some inquiries. Being informed of the fatal result of the battle,
+he said, cheerfully, "Come then, let us go to the Turks."</p>
+
+<p>While he was making his escape, the Russians seized his artillery in the
+camp before Pultowa, his baggage and his military chest, in which they
+found six millions in specie, the spoils of Poland and Saxony. Nine
+thousand men, partly Swedes and partly Cossacks, were killed in the
+battle, and about six thousand were taken prisoners. There still
+remained about sixteen thousand men, including the Swedes, Poles and
+Cossacks, who fled towards the Borysthenes, under conduct of General
+Lowenhaupt.</p>
+
+<p>He marched one way with his fugitive troops, and the king took another
+with some of his horse. The coach in which he rode broke down by the
+way, and they again set him on horseback. To complete his misfortune, he
+was separated from his troops and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[Pg 176]</a></span> wandered all night in the woods;
+here, his courage being no longer able to support his exhausted spirits,
+the pain of his wound became more intolerable from fatigue, and his
+horse falling under him through excessive weariness, he lay some hours,
+at the foot of a tree, in danger of being surprised every moment by the
+conquerors, who were searching for him on every side.</p>
+
+<p>At last, on the 10th July, at night, Charles reached the banks of the
+Borysthenes. Lowenhaupt had just arrived with the shattered remains of
+his army. It was with a mixture of joy and sorrow that the Swedes beheld
+their king, whom they had supposed dead. The victorious enemy was now
+approaching. The Swedes had neither a bridge to pass the river, nor time
+to make one, nor powder to defend themselves, nor provisions to support
+an army which had eaten nothing for two days. But more than all this,
+Charles was reduced to a state of extreme weakness by his wound, and was
+no longer himself. They carried him along like a sick person, in a state
+of insensibility.</p>
+
+<p>Happily there was at hand a sorry calash, which by chance the Swedes had
+brought along with them; this they put on board a little boat, and the
+king and General Mazeppa embarked in another. The latter had saved
+several coffers of money; but the current being rapid, and a violent
+wind beginning to blow, the Cossacks threw more than three fourths of
+his treasure overboard to lighten the boat. Thus the king crossed the
+river, together with a small troop of horse, belonging to his guards,
+who succeeded in swimming the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[Pg 177]</a></span> river. Every foot soldier who attempted
+to cross the stream was drowned.</p>
+
+<p>Guided by the dead carcasses of the Swedes, that thickly strewed their
+path, a detachment of the Russian army came upon the fugitives. Some of
+the Swedes, reduced to despair, threw themselves into the river, while
+others took their own lives. The remainder capitulated, and were made
+slaves. Thousands of them were dispersed over Siberia, and never again
+returned to their country. In this barbarous region, rendered ingenious
+through necessity, they exercised trades and employments, of which they
+had not before the least idea.</p>
+
+<p>All the distinctions which fortune had formerly established between them
+before, were now banished. The officer, who could not follow any trade,
+was obliged to cleave and carry wood for the soldier, now turned tailor,
+clothier, joiner, mason, or goldsmith, and who got a subsistence by his
+labors. Some of the officers became painters, and others architects;
+some of them taught the languages and mathematics. They even established
+some public schools, which in time became so useful and famous, that the
+citizens of Moscow sent their children thither for education.</p>
+
+<p>The Swedish army, which had left Saxony in such a triumphant manner, was
+now no more. Three fourths had perished in battle, or by starvation, and
+the rest were slaves. Charles XII. had lost the fruit of nine years'
+labor, and almost one hundred battles. He had escaped in a wretched
+calash, attended by a small troop. These followed, some on foot, some on
+horseback, and others in wagons, through a desert,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[Pg 178]</a></span> where neither huts,
+tents, men, beasts, nor roads were to be seen. Everything was wanting,
+even water itself.</p>
+
+<p>It was now the beginning of July; the country lay in the forty-seventh
+degree of latitude; the dry sand of the desert rendered the heat of the
+sun the more insupportable; the horses fell by the way, and the men were
+ready to die with thirst. A brook of muddy water, which they found
+towards evening, was all they met with; they filled some bottles with
+this water, which saved the lives of the king's troops.</p>
+
+<p>Triumphing over incredible difficulties, Charles and his little guard at
+last reached Benda, in the Turkish territory. He was hospitably received
+by the governor; and the sultan, Achmet III., gave orders that he should
+have entertainment and protection. He now attempted to induce the sultan
+to engage in his cause, but the Russian agents at the Turkish court
+produced an impression against him, and orders were sent to the governor
+of Benda, to compel the king to depart, and in case he refused, to bring
+him, living or dead, to Adrianople.</p>
+
+<p>Little used to obey, Charles determined to resist. Having but two or
+three hundred men, he still disposed them in the best manner he could,
+and when attacked by the whole force of the Turkish army, he only
+yielded step by step. His house at last took fire, yet the king and his
+soldiers still resisted. When, involved in flames and smoke, he was
+about to abandon it, his spurs became entangled, and he fell and was
+taken prisoner. His eyelashes were singed by powder and his clothes were
+covered with blood. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[Pg 179]</a></span> was now removed to Demotica, near Adrianople.
+Here he spent two months in bed, feigning sickness, and employed in
+reading and writing.</p>
+
+<p>Convinced, at last, that he could expect no assistance from the Porte,
+he set off, in disguise, with two officers. Accustomed to every
+deprivation, he pursued his journey on horseback, through Hungary and
+Germany, day and night, with such haste, that only one of his attendants
+was able to keep up with him. Exhausted and haggard, he arrived before
+Stralsund, about one o'clock, on the night of the 11th November, 1714.</p>
+
+<p>Pretending to be a courier with important despatches from Turkey, he
+caused himself to be immediately introduced to the commandant, Count
+Dunker, who questioned him concerning the king, without recognising him
+till he began to speak, when he sprang, joyfully from his bed, and
+embraced the knees of his master. The report of Charles' arrival spread
+rapidly through the city. The houses were illuminated, and every
+demonstration of joy was exhibited.</p>
+
+<p>A combined army of Danes, Saxons, Russians and Prussians now invested
+Stralsund. Charles performed miracles of bravery in its defence, but was
+obliged, at last, to surrender the fortress. Various events now took
+place, and negotiations were entered into for pacification with Russia.
+In the mean time, Charles had laid siege to Friedrichshall, in Norway.
+On the 3d of November, 1718, while in the trenches, and leaning against
+the parapet, examining the workmen, he was struck on the head by a
+cannon ball, and instantly killed. He was found dead in the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[Pg 180]</a></span>
+position, his hand on his sword; in his pocket were the portrait of
+Gustavus Adolphus, and a prayer-book. It is probable that the fatal ball
+was fired, not from the hostile fortress, but from the Swedish side; his
+adjutant, Siguier, has been accused as an accomplice in his murder.</p>
+
+<p>The life of Charles XII. presents a series of marvellous events, yet his
+character inspires us with little respect or sympathy. He aspired only
+to be a military hero, and to reign by the power of his arms. He had the
+bravery, perseverance, and decision suited to the soldier, and that
+utter selfishness, and recklessness of human life and happiness, which
+are necessary ingredients in the character of a mere warrior. His
+cheerfulness in adversity, and his patient endurance of pain and
+privation, were counterbalanced by obstinacy, amounting almost to
+insanity. Charles had, indeed, the power of attaching friends strongly
+to his person; and there is something almost sublime in the utter
+disregard of comfort, pleasure, and even life, displayed by his soldiers
+and officers, in their care of his person, and their obedience to his
+commands. Yet, however elevating may be the sentiment of loyalty, we
+cannot feel that, in the present instance, it was bestowed upon a worthy
+object.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img31.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[Pg 181]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">THE CID.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> celebrated hero of Spanish history has been for more than eight
+centuries the theme of eulogy and song, and doubtless his wonderful
+achievements and romantic fame have contributed to kindle an emulous
+flame in many a youthful bosom, and to stir up even a nation to the
+resistance of oppression. It is by no means improbable that many of the
+deeds of valor and patriotic devotion witnessed during the invasion of
+Spain by Napoleon's armies, had their source in the name and fame of the
+Cid. In one of the numerous ballads which recount his history, and which
+are among the popular poetry of Spain to this day, he is addressed in
+the following vigorous lines:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Mighty victor, never vanquished,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Bulwark of our native land,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Shield of Spain, her boast and glory,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Knight of the far-dreaded brand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Venging scourge of Moors and traitors,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Mighty thunderbolt of war,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Mirror bright of chivalry,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Ruy, my Cid Campeador!"</span></p>
+
+<p>This chivalrous knight was born at Burgos, in the year 1025. His name
+was Rodrigo, or Ruy Diaz, Count of Bivar. He was called the <i>Cid</i>, which
+means lord; and the name of <i>Campeador</i>, or champion without an equal,
+was appropriated as his peculiar title. At this period, the greater part
+of the Peninsula was in the hands of the Arabs or Moors, who had invaded
+them three centuries before. The few Goths who had remained unconquered
+among the mountains, maintained a constant warfare upon the infidels,
+and by the time of which we speak, they had recovered a large portion of
+the country lying in the northwestern quarter. This territory was
+divided into several petty kingdoms, or counties, the principal of
+which, at the time of our hero's birth, were united under Ferdinand I.,
+the founder of the kingdom of Castile. The rest of the Peninsula,
+subject to the Arabs, was also divided into petty kingdoms.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[Pg 182]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img32.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[Pg 183]</a></span>The father of Rodrigo, Don Diego Lainez, was the representative of an
+ancient, wealthy, and noble race. When our hero was a mere stripling,
+his father was grossly insulted by the haughty and powerful Count of
+Gormaz, Don Lozano Gomez, who smote him in the face, in the very
+presence of the king and court. The dejection of the worthy hidalgo, who
+was very aged, and therefore incapable of taking personal vengeance for
+his wrong, is thus strongly depicted in one of the ballads:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Sleep was banished from his eyelids;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Not a mouthful could he taste;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">There he sat with downcast visage,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Direly had he been disgraced.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Never stirred he from his chamber;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">With no friends would he converse,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Lest the breath of his dishonor</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Should pollute them with its curse."</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[Pg 184]</a></span>When young Rodrigo, the son, was informed of the indignity offered to
+his father, he was greatly incensed, and determined to avenge it. He
+accordingly took down an old sword, which had been the instrument of
+mighty deeds in the hands of his ancestors, and, mounting a horse,
+proceeded to challenge the haughty Count Gomez, in the following
+terms:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"How durst thou to smite my father?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Craven caitiff! know that none</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Unto him shall do dishonor,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">While I live, save God alone.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">For this wrong, I must have vengeance,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Traitor, here I thee defy!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">With thy blood alone my sire</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Can wash out his infamy!"</span></p>
+
+<p>The count despised his youth, and refused his challenge; but the boy set
+bravely upon him, and, after a fierce conflict, was victorious. He bore
+the bleeding head of his antagonist to his father, who greeted him with
+rapture. His fame was soon spread abroad, and he was reckoned among the
+bravest squires of the time.</p>
+
+<p>But now there appeared before king Ferdinand and the court of Burgos the
+lovely Ximena, daughter of the Count Gomez, demanding vengeance of the
+sovereign for the death of her father. She fell on her knees at the
+king's feet, crying for justice.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Justice, king! I sue for justice&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Vengeance on a traitorous knight;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Grant it me! so shall thy children</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Thrive, and prove thy soul's delight."</span></p>
+
+<p>When she had spoken these words, her eye fell on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[Pg 185]</a></span> Rodrigo, who stood
+among the attendant nobles, and she exclaimed,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Thou hast slain the best and bravest</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">That e'er set a lance in rest,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Of our holy faith the bulwark,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Terror of each Paynim breast.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Traitorous murderer, slay me also!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Though a woman, slaughter me!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Spare not! I'm Ximena Gomez,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Thine eternal enemy!</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Here's my heart,&mdash;smite, I beseech thee!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Smite! and fatal be thy blow!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Death is all I ask, thou caitiff,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Grant this boon unto thy foe."</span></p>
+
+<p>Not a word, however, did Rodrigo reply, but, seizing the bridle of his
+steed, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode slowly away. Ximena turned
+to the crowd of nobles, and seeing that none prepared to follow him and
+take up her cause, she cried aloud, "Vengeance, sirs, I pray you
+vengeance!" A second time did the damsel disturb the king, when at a
+banquet, with her cries for justice. She had now a fresh complaint.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Every day at early morning,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">To despite me more, I wist,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">He who slew my sire doth ride by,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">With a falcon on his fist.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">At my tender dove he flies it;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Many of them hath it slain.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">See, their blood hath dyed my garments,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">With full many a crimson stain."</span></p>
+
+<p>Rodrigo, however, was not punished, and the king suspected that this
+conduct of the young count was only typical of his purpose to hawk at
+the lady himself,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[Pg 186]</a></span> and make her the captive of love. He was therefore
+left to pursue his career; and he soon performed an achievement which
+greatly increased his fame. Five Moorish chiefs or kings, and their
+attendants, had made a foray into the Castilian territories, and, being
+unresisted, were bearing off immense booty and many captives. Rodrigo,
+though still a youth under twenty, mounted his horse, Babieca, as famous
+in his story as is Bucephalus in that of Alexander, hastily gathered a
+host of armed men, and fell suddenly upon the Moors, among the mountains
+of Oca. He routed them with great slaughter, captured the five kings,
+and recovered all that they had taken.</p>
+
+<p>The spoil he divided among his followers, but reserved the kings for his
+own share, and carried them home to his castle of Bivar, to present
+them, as proofs of his prowess, to his mother. With his characteristic
+generosity, which was conspicuous even at this early age, he then set
+them at liberty, on their agreeing to pay him tribute; and they departed
+to their respective territories, lauding his valor and magnanimity.</p>
+
+<p>The fame of this exploit soon spread far and wide, through the land, and
+as martial valor in those chivalrous times was the surest passport to
+ladies' favor, it must have had its due effect on Ximena's mind, and
+will, in a great measure, account for the entire change in her
+sentiments towards the youth, which she manifested on another visit to
+Burgos. Falling on her knees before the king, she spoke thus:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"I am daughter of Don Gomez,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Count of Gormaz was he hight;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Him Rodrigo by his valor</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[Pg 187]</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Did o'erthrow in mortal fight.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">King! I come to crave a favor&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">This the boon for which I pray,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">That thou give me this Rodrigo</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">For my wedded lord this day.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Grant this precious boon, I pray thee;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'Tis a duty thou dost owe;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">For the great God hath commanded</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">That we should forgive a foe."</span></p>
+
+<p>There is a touch of nature in all this, that is quite amusing: while the
+lady's anger burns, she cries for justice; when love has taken
+possession of her heart, she appeals to religion to enforce her wishes.
+"Now I see," said the king, "how true it is, what I have often heard,
+that the will of woman is wild and strange. Hitherto this damsel hath
+sought deadly vengeance on the youth, and now she would have him to
+husband. Howbeit, with right good will I will grant what she desireth."</p>
+
+<p>He sent at once for Rodrigo, who, with a train of three hundred young
+nobles, his friends and kinsmen, all arrayed in new armor and robes of
+brilliant color, obeyed with all speed the royal summons. The king rode
+forth to meet him, "for right well did he love Rodrigo," and opened the
+matter to him, promising him great honors and much land if he would make
+Ximena his bride. Rodrigo, who desired nothing better, and who doubtless
+had hoped for this issue, at once acquiesced.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"King and lord! right well it pleaseth</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Me thy wishes to fulfil:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">In this thing, as in all others,</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[Pg 188]</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">I obey thy sovereign will."</span></p>
+
+<p>The young pair then plighted their troth in presence of the king, and in
+pledge thereof gave him their hands. He kept his promise, and gave
+Rodrigo Valduerna, Saldana, Belforado, and San Pedro de Cardena, for a
+marriage portion.</p>
+
+<p>The wedding was attended by vast pomp and great festivities. Rodrigo,
+sumptuously attired, went with a long procession to the church. After a
+while, Ximena came, with a veil over her head and her hair dressed in
+large plaits, hanging over her ears. She wore an embroidered gown of
+fine London cloth, and a close-fitting spencer. She walked on
+high-heeled clogs of red leather. A necklace of eight medals or plates
+of gold, with a small pendent image of St. Michael, which together were
+"worth a city," encircled her white neck.</p>
+
+<p>The happy pair met, seized each other's hands, and embraced. Then said
+Rodrigo, with great emotion, as he gazed on his bride,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"I did slay thy sire, Ximena,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">But, God wot, not traitorously;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Twas in open fight I slew him:</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Sorely had he wronged me.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">A man I slew,&mdash;a man I give thee,&mdash;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Here I stand thy will to bide!</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Thou, in place of a dead father,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Hast a husband at thy side."</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">All approved well his prudence,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And extolled him with zeal;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Thus they celebrate the nuptials</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Of Rodrigo of Castile.</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[Pg 189]</a></span>We cannot attend this renowned hero through his long and brilliant
+career. We must be content to say, that on all occasions he displayed
+every noble and heroic quality. His life was an almost perpetual strife
+with the Moors, whom he defeated in many combats. Having collected a
+considerable force, on one occasion, he penetrated to the southeastern
+extremity of Arragon, and established himself in a strong castle, still
+called the Rock of the Cid. He afterwards pushed his victories to the
+borders of the Mediterranean, and laid siege to the rich and powerful
+Moorish city of Valencia, which he captured. Here he established his
+kingdom, and continued to reign till his death, about the year 1099, at
+the age of seventy-five.</p>
+
+<p>While the Cid was living, his reputation was sufficient to keep the
+Moors in awe; but when he was dead, their courage revived, and they
+boldly attacked the Spaniards, even in Valencia, the city where his
+remains were laid. The Spaniards went forth to meet them; and behold, a
+warrior, with the well known dress of the Cid, but with the aspect of
+death, was at their head. The Moors recognised his features, and they
+fled in superstitious horror, fancying that a miracle had been performed
+in behalf of the Spaniards. The truth was, however, that the latter had
+taken him from the tomb, set him on his warhorse, and thus, even after
+his death, he achieved a victory over his foes. This incident
+sufficiently attests the wonderful power which the Cid's name exerted,
+as well over his countrymen as their enemies.</p>
+
+<p>The Spaniards have an immense number of ballads<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[Pg 190]</a></span> and romances, founded
+upon the life of this wonderful hero. They all depict him as a noble and
+high-minded chief, without fear and without reproach, the very <i>beau
+ideal</i> of a knight of the olden time. Some of these ballads are finely
+rendered into English by Mr. Lockhart, and they have been published in a
+style of unsurpassed beauty and splendor.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img33.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[Pg 191]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">ROBIN HOOD.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> may seem strange that an outlaw, a thief and a robber, should be a
+favorite theme of song and of story, and continue to command the respect
+of mankind for centuries after the period of his existence: yet such is
+the fact in respect to the subject of the present sketch. He was born at
+Lockslay, near Nottingham, about the year 1150, and flourished during
+the time of Richard I. of England.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly a century before this, William of Normandy had conquered England,
+and established the Norman sway in that realm. The great estates passed
+into the hands of French chiefs and barons; and while nearly all the
+higher ranks of society, at the period of which we speak, were French,
+the other classes consisted of native Saxons. Between these distinct
+races and orders, a natural jealousy existed, which was in no small
+degree cherished by the laws and policy of the government, which tended
+at once to oppress the people and extend the privileges of the nobles.</p>
+
+<p>The game laws, which punished those who should kill game in the royal
+forests, by putting out the eyes, and other mutilations, excited the
+deepest indignation. The yeomanry of the country were, at this time,
+universally trained in the use of the bow, and, notwithstanding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[Pg 192]</a></span> the
+severity of the laws, those living around the king's parks frequently
+shot the game. These persons were so numerous, that they finally
+associated together in considerable bands, for mutual protection. Many
+of them devoted themselves entirely to robbing the parks, and became not
+only skilful in the use of the bow, but familiar with the recesses and
+hiding-places of the forests, and expert in every device, either for
+plunder, concealment, or escape.</p>
+
+<p>Of all the leaders of these several bands, Robin Hood became the most
+famous; for he was not only bold and skilful in forest craft, but he
+appears to have been guided by noble and patriotic sentiments. According
+to one of the many ballads which set forth his adventures, he displayed
+his courage and dexterity at a very early age.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Robin Hood would into Nottingham go,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">When the summer days were fine,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And there he saw fifteen foresters bold,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">A drinking good ale and wine.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'What news? what news?' said bold Robin Hood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'The news I fain would know;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">If our king hath ordered a shooting match,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">I am ready with my bow.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>The foresters stared at him, and said, "We hold it a scorn for one so
+young, presuming to bear a bow, who is not able to draw a string." "I'll
+hold you twenty marks," said Robin, "that I will hit a mark a hundred
+rods off, and cause a hart to die." "We hold you twenty marks, by our
+lady's leave," replied the foresters, "that you neither hit the mark at
+that distance, nor kill a hart."</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[Pg 193]</a></span></p>
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Then Robin Hood bent his noble bow,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And a broad arrow he let fly;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">He hit the mark a hundred rod,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And he caused a hart to die.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The hart did skip, and the hart did leap,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And the hart lay on the ground;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'The wager is mine,' said bold Robin Hood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'An' 'twere for a thousand pounds.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>The foresters laughed, and taunted the proud archer, and also refused to
+pay the twenty marks, and advised him to be gone, lest blows should
+follow. He picked up his arrows and his bow, and was observed to smile
+as he retired from these discourteous churls. When at some distance, he
+paused,&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Then Robin he bent his noble bow,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And broad arrows he let flye;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Till fourteen of these fifteen foresters</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Upon the ground did lye."</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Sherwood forest, near Nottingham, was the chief theatre of Robin Hood's
+achievements. At one time he had no less than a hundred archers at his
+command, a gallant woodsman, by the name of Little John, being his
+particular friend and favorite. There was also among the merry crew, a
+mock friar, by the name of Tuck, who appears to have been full of mirth
+and humor.</p>
+
+<p>Robin's orders to his men were, always to spare the common people; to
+aid and assist the weak; to be scrupulous never to injure or insult a
+woman; to be the friend of the poor, the timid, and the oppressed; but
+to plunder fat bishops, lazy friars, purse-proud squires, and haughty
+barons. His system was, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[Pg 194]</a></span> take from the rich, and give to the poor;
+and while he ever observed this rule himself, he enforced it rigorously
+among all his followers. His history is full of details in which he
+illustrates these principles.</p>
+
+<p>Robin became so notorious at last, that a price was offered for his
+apprehension, and several attempts were made to deliver him up; but his
+courage and dexterity, or his faithful friends, always saved him. One of
+the old ballads relates an adventure with a stout tinker, who, among
+others, sought to capture the redoubted outlaw. According to this story,
+Robin met him in the greenwood, and bade him good morrow; adding, "pray
+where live ye, and what is your trade? I hear there are sad news
+stirring." "Aye, indeed!" answered the other; "I am a tinker, and live
+at Banbury, and the news of which you speak have not reached me."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'As for the news,' quoth Robin Hood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'It is but, as I hear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Two tinkers were set in the stocks,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">For drinking ale and beer.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'If that be all,' the tinker said,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'As I may say to you,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Your tidings are not worth a groat,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">So be they were all true.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>"Well," said Robin, "I love ale and beer when they are good, with all my
+heart, and so the fault of thy brethren is small: but I have told all my
+news; now tell me thine."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'All the news I have,' the tinker said,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'And they are news for good;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">It is to seek the bold outlaw,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Whom men call Robin Hood.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">I have a warrant from the king,</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[Pg 195]</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">To take him where I can,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And if you can tell me where he dwells,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">I will make of you a man.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>"That I can readily do," replied the outlaw; "let me look at the
+warrant." "Nay, nay," said the tinker, "I'll trust that with no man."
+"Well," answered the other, "be it as you please; come with me, and I'll
+show you Robin Hood." To accomplish this, Robin took him to an inn,
+where the ale and wine were so good and plentiful, and the tinker so
+thirsty, that he drank till he fell asleep; and when he awoke, he found
+that the outlaw had not only left him to pay the reckoning, which was
+beyond his means, but had stolen the king's warrant. "Where is my
+friend?" exclaimed the tinker, starting up. "Your friend?" said mine
+host; "why, men call him Robin Hood, and he meant you evil when he met
+with you." The tinker left his working-bag and hammer as a pledge for
+the reckoning, and, snatching up his crab-tree club, sallied out after
+Robin. "You'll find him killing the king's deer, I'll be sworn," shouted
+the landlord; and, accordingly, among the deer he found him. "What knave
+art thou," said the outlaw, "that dare come so near the king of
+Sherwood?"</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'No knave, no knave,' the tinker said,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'And that you soon shall know;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Which of us have done most wrong,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">My crab-tree staff shall show.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Then Robin drew his gallant blade,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Made of the trusty steel,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">But the tinker he laid on so fast,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">That he made Robin reel."</span></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[Pg 196]</a></span>This raised the outlaw's wrath, and he exerted his skill and courage so
+well, that the tinker more than once thought of flight; but the man of
+Banbury was stubborn stuff, and at last drove Robin to ask a favor.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'A boon, a boon,' Robin he cries,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'If thou wilt grant it me;'</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Before I'll do 't,' the tinker said,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'I'll hang thee on a tree.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">But the tinker looking him about,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Robin his horn did blow;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Then unto him came Little John,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And brave Will Scarlet too."</span></p>
+
+<p>"Now what is the matter, master," said Little John, "that you sit thus
+by the way-side?" "You may ask the tinker there," said Robin; "he hath
+paid me soundly." "I must have a bout with him, then," said the other,
+"and see if he can do as much for me." "Hold, hold," cried Robin; "the
+tinker's a jovial fellow, and a stout."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'In manhood he's a mettled man,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And a metal man by trade;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Never thought I that any man</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Should have made me so afraid.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And if he will be one of us,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">We will take all one fare;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Of gold and good, whate'er we get,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">The tinker he shall share.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>The tinker was not a man of many words; he nodded assent, and added
+another bold forester to the ranks of the outlaw.</p>
+
+<p>Robin and his friends were so sharply hunted by the sheriff of
+Nottinghamshire, that they deemed it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[Pg 197]</a></span> prudent to retire to the forests
+of Barnesdale, where they gaily pursued their calling. Their
+interference in church matters, in various ways, gave offence to his
+reverence, the Bishop of Hereford, who declared that measures should be
+taken to repress the insolence of the outlaw, and he promised to look
+strictly into the matter the first time he chanced to be near
+Barnesdale. It was on a sunny morning that Robin heard of the bishop's
+approach, "with all his company," and his joy was excessive.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'Go, kill me a fat buck,' said bold Robin Hood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'Go slay me a fair fat deer;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">The Bishop of Hereford dines with me to-day,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And he shall pay well for his cheer.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>Accordingly, the deer was killed and skinned, and laid to the fire, and,
+with six of his men habited like shepherds, Robin was pacing round and
+round, as the wooden spit with its savory load revolved, when up came
+the Bishop of Hereford, who halted, and exclaimed, "What is all this, my
+masters? For whom do you make such a feast, and of the king's venison?
+Verily, I must look into this." "We are shepherds, simple shepherds,
+sir," replied the outlaw meekly. "We keep sheep the whole year round,
+and as this is our holiday, we thought there was no harm in holding it
+on one of the king's deer, of which there are plenty." "You are fine
+fellows," said the bishop, "mighty fine fellows; but the king shall know
+of your doings; so quit your roast, for to him you shall go, and that
+quickly."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'O pardon, pardon,' cried bold Robin Hood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'O pardon of thee I pray;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">O it ill becomes a holy bishop's coat,</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[Pg 198]</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">For to take men's lives away.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'No pardon, no pardon,' the bishop he said,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'No pardon to thee I owe;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Therefore make haste, for I swear by St. Paul</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Before the king you shall go.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>Upon this, the outlaw sprung back against a tree, and setting his horn
+to his mouth, made in a moment all the wood to ring. It was answered, as
+usual, by the sudden appearance of threescore and ten of his comrades,
+who, with Little John at their head, overpowered the bishop's guard, and
+then inquired of Robin what was the matter that he blew a blast so sharp
+and startling.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'O here is the Bishop of Hereford,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And no pardon shall we have;'</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Ho, cut off his head, then,' quoth Little John,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'And I'll go make him a grave.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'O pardon, pardon,' then cried the bishop,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'O pardon of thee I pray;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">O had I known that you were so near,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">I'd have gone some other way.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>Now Robin had no pleasure in shedding blood, but he loved to enjoy the
+terrors of those whom he captured: and to keep them in suspense, while
+he feasted them on the best, was a favorite practice of his. It was in
+this spirit that he now spoke:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'No pardon, no pardon,' said bold Robin Hood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'No pardon to thee I owe;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Therefore make haste, for I swear by my bow</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">That to Barnesdale with me you go.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Then Robin he took the bishop by the hand,</span><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[Pg 199]</a></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And led him to merry Barnesdale,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And he supped that night in the clear moonlight,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">On the good red wine and ale."</span></p>
+
+<p>How this was to end, the bishop seems to have had a guess. The parody
+which the outlaw made on his threats of carrying him to the king, showed
+that he was in a pleasant mood; and the venison collops, and the wine
+and ale, all evinced a tendency to mercy; of which, as it was now late,
+he took advantage. "I wish, mine host," said the bishop, with a sort of
+grave good-nature, "that you would call a reckoning; it is growing late,
+and I begin to fear that the cost of such an entertainment will be
+high." Here Little John interposed, for Robin affected great ignorance
+in domestic matters, leaving the task of fleecing his guests to his
+expert dependents. "Lend me your purse, master," said his scrupulous
+deputy to the bishop, "and I'll tell you all by-and-by."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Then Little John took the bishop's cloak,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And spread it upon the ground,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And out of the bishop's portmanteau</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">He told three hundred pound.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Here's gold enough, master,' said Little John,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">''Tis a comely thing for to see;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">It puts me in charity with the good bishop,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Though he heartily loveth not me.'</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Robin Hood took the bishop by the hand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And causing the music to play,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">He made the good bishop to dance in his boots,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">And glad he could so get away."</span></p>
+
+<p>If we may put trust in ballad and song, the loss of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[Pg 200]</a></span> the three hundred
+pounds dwelt on the bishop's mind, and at the head of a fair company he
+went in quest of his entertainer. He had well nigh taken Robin by
+surprise, for he was upon him before he was aware; but the outlaw
+escaped into an old woman's house, to whom he called, "Save my life; I
+am Robin Hood, and here comes the bishop, to take me and hang me." "Aye,
+that I will," said the old woman, "and not the less willingly that you
+gave me hose and shoon, when I greatly needed them." It was thus that
+the robber always found friends among the poor, for he was uniformly
+their protector and benefactor.</p>
+
+<p>According to one of the ballads, king Edward had become deeply incensed
+against Robin, and went to Nottingham to bring him to justice. But in
+vain did he seek to get a sight of him; at last, however, dressed in the
+disguise of a monk, he met him, and dined with him and his merry men in
+the forest. After a time, the king was recognised by the outlaw, who
+bent his knee in homage, and, upon an assurance of safety, went with him
+to Nottingham, where he was nobly entertained, in the midst of the
+court. He soon, however, became sick of this kind of life, and joyfully
+returned to the greenwood.</p>
+
+<p>But there is no safeguard against the approach of death. Time and toil
+began to do with Robin Hood all that they do with lesser spirits. One
+morning he had tried his shafts, and found that they neither flew so far
+as they were wont, nor with their usual accuracy of aim; and he thus
+addressed Little John, the most faithful of his companions:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[Pg 201]</a></span></p>
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'I am not able to shoot a shot more,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Mine arrows refuse to flee;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">But I have a cousin lives down below,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Who, please God, will bleed me.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>Now this cousin was prioress of Kirkley Nunnery, in Yorkshire, and seems
+to have had no good-will to Robin, whom she doubtless regarded as a
+godless and graceless person, who plundered church and churchmen, and
+set laws, both sacred and profane, at defiance.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"Now Robin is to fair Kirkley gone,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">He knocked low at the ring;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And none came there save his cousin dear,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">To let bold Robin in.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'Thrice welcome now, cousin Robin,' she said;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">'Come drink some wine with me;'</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">'No, cousin, I'll neither eat nor drink</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Till I blooded am by thee.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>She took him to a lonely room, and bled him, says the ballad, till one
+drop more refused to run: then she locked him in the place, with the
+vein unbound, and left him to die. This was in the morning; and the day
+was near the close, when Robin, thinking the prioress was long in
+returning, tried to rise, but was unable, and, bethinking him of his
+bugle when it was too late, snatched it up, and blew three blasts. "My
+master must be very ill," said Little John, "for he blows wearily," and,
+hurrying to the nunnery, was refused admittance; but, "breaking locks
+two or three," he found Robin all but dead, and, falling on his knee,
+begged as a boon to be allowed to "burn Kirkley Hall, with all its
+nunnery." "Nay, nay,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[Pg 202]</a></span> replied Robin, "I never hurt a woman in all my
+life, nor yet a man in woman's company. As it has been during my life,
+so shall it be at my end."</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">"'But give me my bent bow in my hand,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">A broad arrow I'll let flee,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And where this shaft doth chance to fall,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">There shall my grave digged be.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And lay my bent bow by my side,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Which was my music sweet;</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And cover my grave with sod so green,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">As is both right and meet.</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And let me have breadth and length enough,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">By the side of yon green wood,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">That men may say, when they look on it,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 5em;">Here lies bold Robin Hood.'"</span></p>
+
+<p>Having given these directions, he died, and was buried as he directed,
+under some fine trees near Kirkley, and a stone with an inscription was
+laid on the grave. Little John, it is said, survived only to see his
+master buried. His burial-place is claimed by Scotland as well as by
+England; but tradition inclines to the grave in the church-yard of
+Hathersage.</p>
+
+<p>The bond of union which had held his men so long together, was now
+broken; some made their peace with the government, others fled to
+foreign parts, and nothing remained of Robin Hood but a name which is to
+be found in history, in the drama, in ballads, in songs, in sayings, and
+in proverbs.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img34.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[Pg 203]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img35.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">PAUL JONES.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> hero of the American Revolution was born on the 6th of July, 1747,
+on the estate of Arbigland, in the parish of Kirkbean, Scotland. His
+father was a gardener, whose name was Paul, but the son assumed that of
+Jones, after his settlement in America. The birthplace of young Paul was
+a bold promontory, jutting into the sea, and was well calculated to
+excite a love of the briny element, for which he soon displayed a
+decided predilection.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of twelve, he was bound apprentice to a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[Pg 204]</a></span> merchant of
+Whitehaven, in the American trade. He soon after went to sea, in a
+vessel bound for Virginia. While in port, he spent his time on shore
+with his brother William, who was a respectable planter in the colony.
+He devoted himself to the study of navigation and other subjects
+connected with the profession he had chosen. These he pursued with great
+steadiness, displaying those habits of industrious application, which
+raised him to the distinguished place he afterwards attained. His good
+conduct secured him the respect of his employers, and he rose rapidly in
+his profession.</p>
+
+<p>At the age of nineteen, he had become the chief mate of the Two Friends,
+a slave ship, belonging to Jamaica. At this period, the traffic in
+slaves was exceedingly profitable, and was followed without scruple or
+reproach by the most respectable merchants of Bristol and Liverpool. But
+young Paul had pursued this business for only a short time, when he
+became so shocked and sickened at the misery which it inflicted upon the
+negroes, that he left it forever in disgust.</p>
+
+<p>In 1768, he sailed from Jamaica for Scotland, as a passenger. Both the
+master and mate dying of fever on the voyage, he assumed the command,
+and arrived safely at port. Gratified by his conduct, the owners placed
+him on board the brig John, as master and supercargo, and despatched him
+to the West Indies. He made a second voyage in the same vessel, during
+which he inflicted punishment on the carpenter, named Maxwell, for
+mutinous conduct. As Maxwell died of fever, soon after, Paul was
+charged, by persons who envied his rising reputation, with having<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[Pg 205]</a></span>
+caused his death by excessive punishment. This has been since abundantly
+disproved. Paul continued some time in the West India trade, but in
+1773, he went to Virginia to arrange the affairs of his brother William,
+who had died without children, leaving no will. His brother was reported
+to have left a large estate; but as Paul was, soon after, in a state of
+penury, it is probable that this was a mistake. He now devoted himself
+to agriculture, but his planting operations do not seem to have
+prospered.</p>
+
+<p>The American Revolution soon broke out, and considering himself a
+settled resident of the country, he determined to take her part in the
+bloody struggle which was about to follow. Impelled by a noble
+enthusiasm for the cause of liberty, a spirit of adventure, and a
+chivalrous thirst for glory, he offered his services to Congress, which
+were accepted, and he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the navy, in
+December, 1775. At this time, he bore the name of Jones, which he had
+perhaps assumed to conceal his conduct from his family, who might be
+pained to know that one of their name had taken part against England.</p>
+
+<p>Jones was appointed first lieutenant of the Alfred, a flag-ship, and
+when the commander-in-chief came on board, he hoisted the American flag,
+with his own hands, being the first time it was ever displayed. At that
+time, the flag is said to have borne a device, representing a pine tree,
+with a rattlesnake coiled at the root, as if about to strike. The
+standard of the stars and stripes was not adopted till nearly two years
+later.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[Pg 206]</a></span>At this period, our hero was in the twenty-ninth year of his age. His
+figure was light, graceful and active, yet his health was good, his
+constitution vigorous, and he was capable of great endurance. There was
+in his countenance an expression of mingled sternness and melancholy,
+and his bearing was decidedly officer-like.</p>
+
+<p>The first American squadron fitted out during the revolution, sailed in
+1776. Jones was on board the Alfred in this expedition, but subsequently
+received the command of the sloop of war Providence. In this he cruised
+along the coast, meeting with a variety of adventures, in which he
+displayed admirable skill and coolness of conduct. On one occasion, he
+was chased by the British frigate Milford, off the Isle of Sable.
+Finding his vessel the faster of the two, he hovered near the frigate,
+yet beyond the reach of her shot. She, however, continued to pour forth
+her broadsides. This excited the contempt of Jones, and, with a humor
+peculiar to himself, he ordered the blustering battery of the frigate to
+be answered by a single shot from the musket of a marine.</p>
+
+<p>Jones pursued his career with great industry and success. He seemed to
+glide over the seas like a hawk, passing rapidly from point to point,
+and pouncing upon such prey as he could master. Some of his feats
+resemble the prodigies of the days of chivalry. He seemed to court
+adventure and to sport with danger, yet a cool discretion presided over
+his conduct. In the year 1776, he captured no less than sixteen prizes
+in the space of six weeks.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding these signal services, Jones was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[Pg 207]</a></span> superseded in the
+command of the Alfred, probably through the mean jealousy of Commodore
+Hopkins. There is, perhaps, no higher proof of elevation of character
+than is furnished by a calm and dignified endurance of injustice and
+ingratitude. This evidence was afforded by Jones, who, while he
+remonstrated against the injury that was done him, steadily adhered to
+the cause he had espoused, and exerted his abilities to the utmost to
+bear it forward with success. His letters of this period are full of
+enlightened views on the subject of naval affairs, and of hearty zeal in
+the cause of liberty. They show that his mind was far above mere
+personal considerations, and that even with statesman-like sagacity he
+looked forward to the establishment of a naval power in the United
+States, suited to the exigencies of the country.</p>
+
+<p>The time for a recognition of his services speedily arrived. In 1777, he
+received orders from Congress to proceed in the French merchant ship
+Amphitrite, with officers and seamen, to take command of a heavy ship,
+to be provided for him by the American commissioners, Franklin, Dean and
+Lee, on his arrival in Europe. These he met at Paris, and arrangements
+were made by which he received the command of the Ranger, in which he
+sailed from Brest, on the 10th of April, 1778.</p>
+
+<p>An insight into the views of Jones, at this period, as well as his
+general character, may be gathered from the following extract from one
+of his letters:&mdash;"I have in contemplation several enterprises of some
+importance. When an enemy thinks a design against him improbable, he can
+always be surprised and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[Pg 208]</a></span> attacked with advantage. It is true, I must run
+great risk, but no gallant action was ever performed without danger.
+Therefore, though I cannot ensure success, I will endeavor to deserve
+it."</p>
+
+<p>In fulfilment of these views, he set sail, and in four days after,
+captured and burnt a brigantine loaded with flaxseed, near Cape Clear.
+On the 17th, he took a ship bound for Dublin, which he manned and
+ordered to Brest. On the 19th, he took and sunk a schooner; on the 20th,
+a sloop; and soon after, made a daring, but unsuccessful attempt to
+capture, by surprise, the English sloop of war Drake, of twenty guns,
+lying in the loch of Belfast.</p>
+
+<p>On the 22d, he determined to attack Whitehaven, with which he was of
+course well acquainted. The number of ships lying here amounted to two
+hundred and fifty, and were protected by two batteries, mounting thirty
+pieces of artillery. The attack was made in the dead of night, and while
+the unsuspecting inhabitants lay wrapped in repose. Roused to this
+daring enterprise by the fires, massacres, and ravages inflicted by the
+British forces upon the unprotected inhabitants of the American coast,
+and determined to check them by one signal and fearful act of
+retaliation, Jones pursued his measures with a stern and daring hand.</p>
+
+<p>He proceeded, in the first place, to secure the forts, which were
+scaled, the soldiers made prisoners, and the guns spiked. He now
+despatched the greater portion of his men to set fire to the shipping,
+while he proceeded with a single follower to another fort, the guns of
+which he spiked. On returning to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[Pg 209]</a></span> ships, he found, to his
+mortification, that his orders had not been obeyed, from a reluctance,
+on the part of the seamen, to perform the task assigned them. One ship
+only was destroyed, which was set on fire by Jones himself.</p>
+
+<p>Greatly disappointed at the partial failure of his scheme, Jones
+proceeded to the Scottish shore, for the purpose of carrying off the
+person of the Earl of Selkirk, whose gardener his father had been. The
+earl, however, was absent, and this part of the design failed. His men,
+however, proceeded to the earl's residence, and carried off his plate.
+Lady Selkirk was present, but she was treated with respect. Jones took
+no part in this enterprise, and only consented to it upon the urgent
+demands of his crew.</p>
+
+<p>By this time, the people on both sides of the Irish channel were
+thoroughly roused by the daring proceedings of the Ranger. On the
+morning of the 24th April, Jones was hovering near Belfast, and the
+Drake worked out of the bay, to meet him. She had on board a large
+number of volunteers, making her crew amount to one hundred and sixty
+men. Alarm smokes were now seen rising on both sides of the channel, and
+several vessels loaded with people, curious to witness the coming
+engagement, were upon the water. As evening was approaching, however,
+they prudently put back.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, the two vessels met, and Jones poured in his first
+broadside. This was returned with energy, and a fearful conflict ensued.
+Running broadside and broadside, the most deadly fire was kept up. At
+last, after the struggle had been sustained at close<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[Pg 210]</a></span> quarters for more
+than an hour, the captain of the Drake was shot through the head, and
+his crew called for quarter. The loss of the Drake, in killed and
+wounded, was forty-two, while the Ranger had one seaman killed and seven
+wounded.</p>
+
+<p>This victory was the more remarkable as the Drake carried twenty guns,
+and the Ranger but eighteen, and moreover belonged to a regular navy;
+while the Ranger was fitted up with little experience and under few
+advantages. Jones now set sail with his prize, and both vessels arrived
+safely at Brest, on the 8th May. Immediately after, Jones despatched a
+very romantic epistle to Lady Selkirk, apologizing for the violence that
+had been committed at the estate of the earl, and explaining the motives
+of his conduct. He promised to return the plate, which he afterwards
+accomplished with infinite difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>It eventually reached England, though some years after, in the same
+condition in which it had been taken; even the tea leaves in the tea-pot
+remaining as they were found. An acknowledgment of its receipt, by the
+earl, was sent to Jones, with a recognition of the courteous behavior of
+the Ranger's crew when they landed on Saint Mary's Isle.</p>
+
+<p>Being now at Brest with two hundred prisoners of war, Jones became
+involved in a variety of troubles, for want of means to support them,
+pay his crew and refit his ship. After many delays and vexations, he
+sailed from the road of Saint Croix, August 14, 1779, with a squadron of
+seven sail, designing to annoy the coasts of England and Scotland. The
+principal occurrence of this cruise was the capture of the British<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[Pg 211]</a></span> ship
+of war Serapis, after a bloody and desperate engagement, off Flamborough
+Head, September 23, 1779. The Serapis was a vessel much superior in
+force to Jones' vessel, the Bon Homme Richard, which sunk not long after
+the termination of the engagement.</p>
+
+<p>The sensation produced by this battle was unexampled, and raised the
+fame of Jones to its height. In a letter to him, Franklin says, "For
+some days after the arrival of your express, scarce anything was talked
+of at Paris and Versailles but your cool conduct and persevering bravery
+during that terrible conflict. You may believe that the impression on my
+mind was not less than on that of the others. But I do not choose to
+say, in a letter to yourself, all I think on such an occasion."</p>
+
+<p>His reception at Paris, whither he went on the invitation of Franklin,
+was of the most flattering kind. He was everywhere caressed; the king
+presented him with a gold sword, and requested permission of Congress to
+invest him with the military order of merit&mdash;an honor never conferred on
+any one before, who had not borne arms under the commission of France.</p>
+
+<p>In 1781, Jones sailed for the United States, and arrived in
+Philadelphia, February 18, of that year, after a variety of escapes and
+encounters, where he underwent a sort of examination before the board of
+admiralty, which resulted greatly to his honor. The board gave it as
+their opinion, "that the conduct of Paul Jones merits particular
+attention, and some distinguished mark of approbation from Congress."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[Pg 212]</a></span>
+That body accordingly passed a resolution highly complimentary to his
+"zeal, prudence, and intrepidity." General Washington wrote him a letter
+of congratulation, and he was afterwards voted a gold medal by Congress.</p>
+
+<p>From Philadelphia, he went to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to superintend
+the building of a ship of war, and, while there, drew up some admirable
+observations on the subject of the American navy. By permission of
+Congress, he subsequently went on board the French fleet, where he
+remained until the peace, which put a period to his naval career in the
+service of the United States. He then went to Paris as agent for prize
+money, and while there, joined in a plan to establish a fur-trade
+between the north-west coast of America and China, in conjunction with a
+kindred spirit, the celebrated John Ledyard.</p>
+
+<p>In Paris he continued to be treated with the greatest distinction. He
+afterwards was invited into the Russian service, with the rank of
+rear-admiral, where he was disappointed in not receiving the command of
+the fleet acting against the Turks in the Black Sea. He condemned the
+conduct of the prince of Nassau, the admiral; became restless and
+impatient; was intrigued against at court, and calumniated by his
+enemies; and had permission from the empress Catherine to retire from
+the service with a pension, which, however, was never paid. He returned
+to Paris, where he gradually sunk into poverty, neglect and ill health,
+and finally died of dropsy, July 18, 1792.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[Pg 213]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img36.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">MASANIELLO.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Thomaso Aniello</span>, called by corruption Masaniello, was born at Amalfi, in
+Italy, about the year 1622. He established himself at Naples, where he
+obtained a living by catching and vending fish. At this period, Naples
+belonged to Spain, and the Duke D'Arcos governed it as viceroy. The city
+was suffering under many political evils. Its treasures went to Spain,
+and its youth were sent to fill up the ranks of the Spanish army; and
+both were wasted in ruinous wars, for the ambition and selfish views of
+a distant court.</p>
+
+<p>In addition to all this, the people were oppressed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[Pg 214]</a></span> with taxes, and
+outraged by the wanton tyranny of the officers of a foreign power. At
+last, in the year 1647, the Duke D'Arcos, in order to defray the
+expenses of a war against France, laid a tax on fruit and vegetables,
+the common articles of food of the Neapolitan people. This edict
+occasioned the greatest ferment, especially among the poorer
+inhabitants. Masaniello, who was now about twenty-five years of age, and
+a great favorite at the market-place, on account of his natural
+quickness and humor, denounced the tax in no measured terms. He seems to
+have perceived and felt the despotism that oppressed the people, and
+was, moreover, incited to opposition by an event which touched him
+personally.</p>
+
+<p>His wife was one day arrested, as she was entering the city, attempting
+to smuggle a small quantity of flour,&mdash;an article which bore a heavy
+tax. She was accordingly, seized and imprisoned; nor could Masaniello
+obtain her release, but upon paying a considerable sum. Thus the fire
+which was soon to burst forth into conflagration was already kindling in
+his soul. Opportunity was only wanting, and this was soon offered.</p>
+
+<p>Masaniello was at the head of a troop of young men who were preparing
+for the great festival of our Lady of the Carmel, by exhibiting sham
+combats, and a mock attack on a wooden castle. On the 7th July, 1647, he
+and his juvenile troops were standing in the market-place, where, in
+consequence of the obnoxious tax, but few countrymen had come with the
+produce of their gardens. The people looked sullen and dissatisfied. A
+dispute arose between a countryman<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[Pg 215]</a></span> and a customer who had bought some
+figs, as to which of the two was to bear the burden of the tax.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>eletto</i>, a municipal magistrate, acting as provost of the trade,
+being appealed to, decided against the countryman; upon which the
+latter, in a rage, upset the basket of figs upon the pavement. A crowd
+soon collected round the man, who was cursing the tax and the
+tax-gatherer. Masaniello ran to the spot, crying out, "No taxes, no more
+taxes!" The cry was caught and repeated by a thousand voices. The
+<i>eletto</i> tried to speak to the multitude, but Masaniello threw a bunch
+of figs in his face; the rest of the people fell upon him, and he and
+his attendants escaped with difficulty.</p>
+
+<p>Masaniello then addressed the people round him in a speech of coarse,
+hot, fiery eloquence; he described their common grievances and miseries,
+and pointed out the necessity of putting a stop to the oppression and
+avarice of their rulers. "The Neapolitan people," said he, "must pay no
+more taxes!" The people cried out, "Let Masaniello be our chief!"</p>
+
+<p>The crowd now set itself in motion, with Masaniello at their head; it
+rolled onward, increasing its numbers at every step. Their rage first
+fell on the toll-houses and booths of the tax collectors, which were
+burned, and next on the houses and palaces of those who had farmed the
+taxes, or otherwise supported the obnoxious system. Armed with such
+weapons as they could procure from the gunsmiths and others, they
+proceeded to the viceroy's palace, forced their way in spite of the
+guards; and Masaniello and others, his companions, having reached the
+viceroy's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[Pg 216]</a></span> presence, peremptorily demanded the abolition of all taxes.</p>
+
+<p>The viceroy assented to this; but the tumult increasing, he tried to
+escape, was personally ill-treated, and at last contrived, by throwing
+money among the rioters, to withdraw himself into the castle. The
+palaces were emptied of their furniture, which was carried into the
+midst of the square, and there burnt by Masaniello's directions. He was
+now saluted by acclamation, as "Captain General of the Neapolitan
+people." A platform was immediately raised in the square, and he entered
+upon the duties of his office.</p>
+
+<p>The revolution was soon complete, and Naples, the metropolis of many
+fertile provinces, the queen of many noble cities, the resort of
+princes, of cavaliers, and of heroes;&mdash;Naples, inhabited by more than
+six hundred thousand souls, abounding in all kinds of resources,
+glorying in its strength, and proud of its wealth&mdash;saw itself forced in
+one short day to yield to a man esteemed one of its meanest sons, such
+obedience as in all its history it had never before shown to the
+mightiest of its legitimate sovereigns.</p>
+
+<p>In a few hours, the fisherman found himself at the head of one hundred
+and fifty thousand men; in a few hours, there was no will in Naples but
+his; and in a few hours, it was freed from all sorts of taxes and
+restored to its ancient privileges. In a short space, the fishing wand
+was exchanged for the truncheon of command; the sea-boy's jacket for
+cloth of silver and gold. He set about his new duties with astonishing
+vigor; he caused the town to be entrenched; he placed sentinels to guard
+it against danger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[Pg 217]</a></span> from without, and he established a system of police
+within, which awed the worst banditti in the world, into fear.</p>
+
+<p>Armies passed in review before him; even fleets owned his sway. He
+dispensed punishments and rewards with the like liberal hand; the bad he
+kept in awe; the disaffected he paralyzed; the wavering he resolved by
+exhortation; the bold were encouraged by incitements; the valiant were
+made more valiant by his approbation. Obeyed in whatever he commanded,
+gratified in whatever he desired, never was there a chief more absolute,
+never was an absolute chief, for a time, more powerful. He ordered that
+all the nobles and cavaliers should deliver up their arms to such
+officers as he should give commission to receive them. The order was
+obeyed. He ordered that all men of all ranks should go without cloaks or
+gowns, or wide cassocks, or any other sort of loose dress, under which
+arms might be concealed; nay, that even the women, for the same reason,
+should throw aside their farthingales, and tuck up their gowns somewhat
+high.</p>
+
+<p>This order changed in an instant the whole fashions of the people; not
+even the proudest and the fairest of Naples' daughters daring to
+dispute, in the least, the pleasure of the people's idol. Nor was it
+over the high and noble alone, that he exercised this unlimited
+ascendancy. The fierce democracy were as acquiescent as the titled few.
+On one occasion, when the people in vast numbers were assembled, he
+commanded, with a loud voice, that every one present should, under the
+penalty of death, retire to his home.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[Pg 218]</a></span> The multitude instantly
+dispersed. On another, he put his finger on his mouth, to command
+silence; in a moment, every voice was hushed. At a sign from him, all
+the bells tolled and the people shouted "<i>Vivas!</i>" at another, they all
+became mute.</p>
+
+<p>Yet the reign of this prodigy of power was short, lasting only from the
+7th till the 16th of July, 1647; when he perished, the victim of another
+political revolution. His sudden rise, and the multiplicity of affairs
+that crowded upon him, began to derange his intellect. He complained of
+sensations like that of boiling lead, in his head; he became suspicious,
+wavering and cruel. In a fit of frenzy he went to one of the churches
+and talked incoherently to the multitude. He was taken by the priests to
+an adjoining convent, and advised to rest and calm himself. After
+reposing for a time, he arose, and stood looking forth upon the tranquil
+bay of Naples, no doubt thinking of happier days, when, as a poor
+fisherman, he glided out contented upon its bosom&mdash;when all at once a
+cry was heard, of "Masaniello!" At the same instant armed men appeared
+at the cell door. "Here am I,&mdash;O, my people want me," said he. The
+discharge of guns was their only reply; and the victim fell, exclaiming,
+"Ungrateful traitors!" His head was now cut off, fixed on a pole, and
+carried to the viceroy, while the body was dragged through the streets
+and thrown into a ditch, by those who had followed it with acclamations
+a few hours before!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[Pg 219]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">RIENZI.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Nicholas Gabrine de Rienzi</span> was a native of Rome, and son of one of the
+lowest order of tavernkeepers. He was, however, well educated, and early
+distinguished himself by his talents and the elevation of his
+sentiments. The glory of ancient Rome excited his enthusiasm, and he
+soon came to be regarded by the people as destined to rescue them from
+the despotism of the aristocracy that ruled the city.</p>
+
+<p>The pope, Clement VI., had removed the papal see from Rome to Avignon,
+in France, leaving the people under the sway of certain noble families,
+who exercised every species of brutal and insolent tyranny towards their
+inferiors. Rienzi saw this, and he felt all the indignation which a
+generous sympathy for the oppressed could excite. His sentiments being
+known, he was appointed, in 1346, among others, to proceed to Avignon,
+and exhort the pope to bring back the papal court to its original seat.
+He acted, on this occasion, with so much energy and eloquence, that the
+pope, though he refused compliance with the request, conferred upon him
+the office of apostolic notary, which, on his return, he executed with
+the strictest probity.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[Pg 220]</a></span>It appears that Rienzi had long meditated some great effort for the
+liberation of his countrymen. He now lost no opportunity to instruct the
+people in their rights, and stir up indignation against their
+oppressors. Having prepared men's minds for a change, and having
+secretly engaged persons of all orders in his designs, he proceeded to
+put them in execution. In April, 1347, Stephen Colonna, a nobleman, who
+was governor of Rome, being absent from the city, Rienzi secretly
+assembled his followers upon Mount Aventine, and, by an energetic
+speech, induced them all to subscribe an oath for the establishment of a
+new government, to be entitled the <i>Good Estate</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Proceeding now with more boldness, another assembly was held in the
+capital; a constitution of fifteen articles was produced and ratified,
+and Rienzi was pronounced Tribune by acclamation, with the power of life
+and death, and all the attributes of sovereignty. Colonna returned, and
+threatened him with punishment; but the power had changed hands, and
+Colonna himself was obliged to fly. Rienzi proceeded in the exercise of
+his authority with strict justice. Some of the more culpable nobles were
+executed, and others banished.</p>
+
+<p>The power of the new tribune was established, and his reputation
+extended throughout Italy. His friendship was solicited by kings and
+princes; the pope sanctioned his authority, and even Petrarch, the
+immortal poet, addressed him letters, which are still extant, bestowing
+upon him eloquent praise, and urging him to perseverance in his glorious
+career. But, unhappily, there was a weakness in Rienzi's character,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[Pg 221]</a></span>
+which disqualified him for this giddy elevation. Intoxicated with the
+possession of supreme power, and the flatteries bestowed upon him, he
+became capricious and tyrannical, and, in short, commenced a reign of
+terror.</p>
+
+<p>His descent was as rapid as his rise; soon finding that he had lost the
+affection of the people, in 1348, he withdrew for safety to Naples. Two
+years after, during a public jubilee at Rome, he secretly returned to
+that city, but being discovered, he withdrew to Prague. He now fell into
+the hands of Pope Clement, who kept him in prison for three years. His
+successor, Innocent VI., caused him to be released, and sent him to
+Rome, to oppose another demagogue, named Boroncelli.</p>
+
+<p>The Romans received him with joy, and he suddenly recovered his former
+authority. But he was still a tyrant, and after a turbulent
+administration of a few months, another sedition was excited against
+him, and he was stabbed to the heart. The fickle people now bestowed
+every indignity upon the senseless remains of him, whom they had almost
+worshipped a few weeks before. Such was the career of Rienzi, who was
+endowed with noble sentiments and remarkable eloquence, but was
+deficient in that steadiness of mind and firmness of principle, which
+are necessary to the just exercise of unlimited sway.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img37.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[Pg 222]</a></span></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img38.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">SELKIRK.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Alexander Selkirk</span> was born at Largo, Scotland, in 1676, and bred to the
+sea. Having engaged in the half piratical, half exploring voyages in the
+American seas, into which the spirit of adventure had led so many
+Englishmen, he quarrelled with his captain, one Straddling, by whom he
+was left ashore, September, 1704, on the uninhabited island of Juan
+Fernandez, with a few books, his nautical instruments, a knife, boiler,
+axe, gun, powder and ball. These constituted his whole equipment.</p>
+
+<p>The island of Juan Fernandez lies in the Pacific<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[Pg 223]</a></span> Ocean, and is about
+three hundred and thirty miles west of Chili. It is twelve miles long
+and six wide. It is beautifully diversified with hills and valleys, and
+has been long resorted to for water, fruits, and game, by vessels
+navigating the Pacific Ocean. Upon this island, Selkirk now found
+himself alone. He saw the vessel depart with sadness and sickness at
+heart. His emotions of terror and loneliness overwhelmed him for a time,
+and he remained in a state of stupor and inactivity.</p>
+
+<p>But these feelings gradually faded away, and though his situation was
+appalling, he concluded to make the best of it. He now set about
+erecting himself two huts, one of which served him for a kitchen, the
+other for a dining-room and bed-chamber. The pimento wood supplied him
+with fire and candles, burning very clearly, and yielding a most
+fragrant smell. The roofs of his huts were covered with long grass.</p>
+
+<p>The island was stocked with wild goats. He supplied himself with meat by
+shooting these, so long as his ammunition lasted. When this was
+exhausted, he caught them by running; and so practised was he at last in
+this exercise, that the swiftest goat on the island was scarcely a match
+for him. When his clothes were worn out, he made himself a covering of
+goat-skins. After a short space, he had no shoes, and was obliged to go
+barefoot; his feet, however, became so callous, that he did not seem to
+need them.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after he had become settled in his hut, he was annoyed by rats,
+which became so bold as to gnaw his clothes and nibble at his feet while
+he slept. However, the same ships which had supplied the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[Pg 224]</a></span> island with
+rats, had left some cats ashore. Some of these, Selkirk domesticated,
+and the rats were taught to keep themselves at a distance. He caught
+also some young goats, which he reared, and amused himself by teaching
+them to dance and perform many other tricks. During his stay upon the
+island, Selkirk caught and killed nearly five hundred goats. A few he
+set at liberty, having cropped their ears. Thirty years after, Lord
+Anson's crew shot a goat upon the island, and found its ears marked in
+the manner described.</p>
+
+<p>Selkirk generally enjoyed good health, but in one case he nearly lost
+his life by accident. In the eager pursuit of a goat among the
+mountains, he fell over a precipice, and lay there for some time in a
+state of insensibility. On recovering his senses, he found the animal
+which had caused his fall, lying dead beneath him.</p>
+
+<p>Selkirk often saw vessels pass by the island, and made frequent, but
+vain attempts to hail them. At length, after he had lived here in
+perfect solitude for four years and four months, he was taken off by an
+English vessel, commanded by Captain Rogers. This occurred in February,
+1709. Although he felt great joy at his deliverance, he still manifested
+much difficulty in recovering his speech, and in returning to such food
+as he found on board the ship. It was a long time before he could again
+accustom himself to shoes.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Rogers made him a mate of his ship, and he returned to England
+in 1711. It has been supposed that he gave his papers to De Foe, who
+wove,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[Pg 225]</a></span> out of his adventures, the admirable story of Robinson Crusoe. It
+appears, however, that he made little use of Selkirk's narrative, beyond
+the mere idea of a man living alone for several years upon an
+uninhabited island.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img39.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[Pg 226]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img40.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOHN LAW.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> celebrated financial projector was born at Edinburgh, in April,
+1671. His father was a goldsmith, and gave him a liberal education. He
+made considerable progress in polite literature, but his favorite study
+was finance as connected with national prosperity.</p>
+
+<p>In 1694, he visited London, where his talents and accomplishments gained
+him access to the first circles. He possessed an easy address, with an
+elegant person, and being a favorite with the fair, he acquired some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[Pg 227]</a></span>
+notoriety in fashionable life. He became involved in a duel, in which he
+killed his antagonist, and was consequently committed to prison. He
+contrived, however, to escape, and took refuge on the continent.</p>
+
+<p>In 1700, he returned to Edinburgh, where he broached a scheme for
+removing the difficulties which then existed in consequence of the
+scarcity of money and the failure of the banks. Having confounded
+currency with credit, he adopted the notion that paper money, equal to
+the whole property of the nation, might safely be issued. Upon this
+egregious error, his project was founded, and was, of course, rejected
+by his wary and sagacious countrymen.</p>
+
+<p>Law now visited the principal cities of Europe; his address gaining him
+admittance to the highest circles in all countries. He finally settled
+in Paris, and was there during the regency of the Duke of Orleans, as
+guardian of Louis XV. The government of France was then on the verge of
+bankruptcy, in consequence of the enormous expenditures of Louis XIV.
+Law now brought forward his schemes for a free supply of money, and they
+were seized upon with avidity.</p>
+
+<p>He established a bank, for which, a royal charter was granted in 1718.
+It was first composed of twelve hundred shares, of three thousand livres
+each, but the number was afterwards increased and the price reduced.
+This bank became the office at which all public moneys were received. A
+Mississippi company was also attached to it, which had grants of land in
+Louisiana, and which was expected to realize immense sums by planting
+and commerce. One privilege<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[Pg 228]</a></span> after another was granted, until the
+prospects of advantage appeared to be so great that crowds came forward
+to make investments in the stock of what was called the Mississippi
+Company.</p>
+
+<p>Thousands embarked in the scheme with enthusiasm. The shares were
+greedily bought up, and such was the rage for speculation, that even the
+unimproved parts of the new colony were actually sold for thirty
+thousand livres the square league! But the delusion did not stop here.
+In consequence of the company promising an annual dividend of two
+hundred livres per share, the price rose from five hundred and fifty to
+five thousand livres, and the mania for purchasing the stock spread over
+the nation like a tempest. Every class, clergy and laity, peers and
+plebeians, statesmen and princes,&mdash;nay, even ladies, who had, or could
+produce money for that purpose, turned stock-jobbers, outbidding each
+other with such avidity, that, in November, 1719, after some
+fluctuations, the price of shares rose to more than sixty times the sum
+for which they were originally sold!</p>
+
+<p>Law was now at the pinnacle of his fame. He was considered a man of so
+great consequence, that his levee was constantly crowded by persons of
+eminence, who flocked to Paris to partake of the golden shower. On one
+occasion, he was taken sick, and such was the feverish state of the
+public mind, that the shares of the company immediately fell nearly
+eight per cent., and, upon the rumor of his convalescence, immediately
+rose, even beyond their former price.</p>
+
+<p>But the mighty bubble, now inflated to the utmost,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[Pg 229]</a></span> was about to burst.
+On the 21st of April, 1719, a royal order, under pretence of a previous
+depreciation of the value of coin, declared it necessary to reduce the
+nominal value of bank notes to one half, and the shares of the
+Mississippi Company from nine thousand to five thousand livres. It is
+not possible to describe the calamitous effects which immediately
+followed, throughout France. The bank notes could not be circulated for
+more than one tenth of their nominal value. Another order was issued,
+intended to counteract the effect of the first; but the charm was
+broken, and nothing could restore the confidence of the public. All was
+panic and confusion. Bank notes were refused in all transactions of
+business, and even a royal order, commanding their acceptance, was of no
+avail. The public alarm was carried to its height, and at last the bank
+suspended the payment of its notes.</p>
+
+<p>The splendid scheme had now exploded; the institution was bankrupt, and
+the shares were utterly worthless. Thousands of families, once wealthy,
+were suddenly reduced to indigence. The indignation of the public was
+speedily turned against the chief instrument of these delusions, and Law
+found it necessary to seek safety by flight. He resided, for some time,
+in different places in Germany, and settled at length in Venice, where
+he died, in 1729.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[Pg 230]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img41.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">TRENCK.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Frederick, Baron Trenck</span> was born in Konigsberg, in Prussia, on the 16th
+February, 1726, of one of the most ancient families of the country. His
+father, who died in 1740, with the rank of major-general of cavalry,
+bestowed particular care on the education of his son, and sent him, at
+the age of thirteen, to the university of his native city, where he made
+a rapid<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[Pg 231]</a></span> progress in his studies. He soon began to manifest that
+impetuous disposition and those violent passions, which were probably
+the source of his subsequent misfortunes. By the time he was sixteen, he
+had been engaged in three duels, in each of which he wounded his
+antagonist.</p>
+
+<p>He went into the army at an early period, and soon obtained the notice
+and favor of the king. When arrived at manhood, he was remarkable for
+personal beauty and mingled grace and dignity of bearing. Being
+stationed at Berlin, he became acquainted with the Princess Amelia,
+sister of Frederick the Great, and a mutual attachment followed. This
+became a subject of conversation, and soon reached the ears of
+Frederick. He warned Trenck to break off his intercourse with the
+princess; but this being unheeded, the king sent him to Glatz, under
+some pretext, and caused him to be imprisoned.</p>
+
+<p>His confinement soon became insupportable to his impatient temper, and
+he resolved to avail himself of the first opportunity of escape. The
+window of his apartment looked toward the city, and was ninety feet from
+the ground, in the tower of the citadel. With a notched penknife, he
+sawed through three iron bars, and with a file, procured from one of the
+officers, he effected a passage through five more, which barricaded the
+windows. This done, he cut his leathern portmanteau into thongs, sewed
+them end to end, added the sheets of his bed, and safely descended from
+the astonishing height.</p>
+
+<p>The night was dark, and everything seemed to promise success; but a
+circumstance he had never<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[Pg 232]</a></span> considered was, that he had to wade through
+moats full of mud, before he could enter the city. He sunk up to the
+knees, and, after long struggling and incredible efforts to extricate
+himself, he was obliged to call the sentinel, and desire him to go and
+tell the governor that Trenck was stuck fast in the ditch!</p>
+
+<p>After the failure of several other attempts, he finally succeeded in
+effecting his escape, and fled to Vienna. From thence, he went to St.
+Petersburg, where he was received with the highest distinction, and the
+road to honors and emoluments was laid open before him. But at this
+period, the death of a wealthy cousin in Austria, induced him to return
+thither. Here, an immense property slipped through his hands, in
+consequence of some legal flaws.</p>
+
+<p>In 1754, his mother died, from whose estate he received a considerable
+sum. With a view to the settlement of her affairs, he went to Dantzic,
+not permitting his name to be known. He was, however, betrayed into the
+hands of Frederick's officers, and being conveyed to the castle of
+Magdeburg, was immured in a dungeon, and loaded with irons.</p>
+
+<p>Round his neck was a broad band of iron, to the ring of which his chains
+were suspended. These were of such weight, that, when he stood up, he
+was obliged to sustain them with his hands, to prevent being strangled.
+Various other massive irons were riveted to his body, and the whole were
+fastened to a thick staple, which was set in the stone wall. Under this
+staple was a seat of bricks, and on the opposite side a water jug.
+Beneath his feet was a tombstone,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[Pg 233]</a></span> with the name of Trenck carved over a
+death's head.</p>
+
+<p>His confinement in this dreadful cell continued for nine years and five
+months. In vain did he attempt to bribe the sentinels, and by other
+ingenious means, to effect his escape. His furniture consisted of a
+bedstead, a mattress, and a small stove. His food was a pound and a half
+of mouldy bread and a jug of water a day. He was permitted to hold no
+intercourse with any one except his keepers, and even these returned no
+answer to his thousand questions.</p>
+
+<p>Such, however, were the vigor of his constitution and the elasticity of
+his spirits, that, amid the gloomy horrors of his prison, he seemed
+still to seek amusement by the exertion of his talents. He composed
+verses, and, having no ink, wrote them with his blood. He also carved
+curious emblems upon tin cups with his knife. His great ingenuity
+excited the attention of many persons of rank, particularly the Empress
+Maria Theresa, who ordered her minister to employ all his influence at
+the court of Berlin to obtain his enlargement.</p>
+
+<p>The Baron, in his Life, relates the following curious anecdote:&mdash;"I
+tamed a mouse so perfectly that the little animal was continually
+playing with me, and used to eat out of my mouth. One night it skipped
+about so much, that the sentinels heard a noise, and made their report
+to the officer of the guard. As the garrison had been changed at the
+peace, and as I had not been able to form, at once, so close a
+connection with the officers of the regular troops, as I had done with
+those of the militia, an officer of the former,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[Pg 234]</a></span> after ascertaining the
+truth of the report with his own ears, sent to inform the commanding
+officer that something extraordinary was going on in my prison.</p>
+
+<p>"The town major arrived, in consequence, early in the morning,
+accompanied by locksmiths and masons. The floor, the walls, my chains,
+my body, everything, in short, was strictly examined. Finding all in
+order, they asked me the cause of last evening's bustle. I had heard the
+mouse myself, and told them frankly by what the noise had been
+occasioned. They desired me to call my little favorite; I whistled, and
+the mouse immediately leaped on my shoulder. I solicited its pardon, but
+the officer of the guard took it into his possession, promising,
+however, on his word of honor, to give it to a lady who would take great
+care of it. Turning it afterwards loose in his chamber, the mouse, who
+knew nobody but me, soon disappeared and hid itself in a hole.</p>
+
+<p>"At the usual hour of visiting my prison, when the officers were just
+going away, the poor little animal darted in, climbed up my legs, seated
+itself on my shoulder, and played a thousand tricks to express the joy
+it felt at seeing me again. Every one was astonished and wished to have
+it. The major, to terminate the dispute, carried it away and gave it to
+his wife, who had a light cage made for it; but the mouse refused to
+eat, and a few days afterwards was found dead."</p>
+
+<p>Trenck was at length released, and soon after married an amiable lady,
+by whom he had eleven children. On the death of Frederick the Great, his
+successor granted him a passport to Berlin, and restored<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[Pg 235]</a></span> his
+confiscated estates, which he had not enjoyed for forty-two years. He
+soon set off for Konigsburg, where he found his brother, who was very
+sick, waiting for him with impatience, and who adopted his children as
+his heirs. He was also received by all his friends with testimonies of
+joy. Here, it would appear, that Trenck might have spent the remainder
+of his days, in peace and quiet, but his restless disposition again made
+him the football of fortune. After many vicissitudes, he terminated his
+career in obscurity, and died in 1797.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img42.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[Pg 236]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOHN DUNN HUNTER.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">About</span> the year 1822, there appeared at New York a young man, of small
+stature, light hair, light eyes, and in every respect of ordinary
+appearance, who told of himself a strange and interesting story, which
+was briefly this.</p>
+
+<p>At an early period of his childhood, he, with two other white children,
+living on the farthest bound of the western settlements, were one day
+carried off by a party of Indians, probably Kickapoos. One of the
+children was killed before his eyes, and he was soon separated from the
+other. He was carried to a considerable distance by the Indians, who at
+last arrived at their hunting grounds. He became gradually reconciled to
+his situation, and, though he was occasionally taunted by being <i>white</i>,
+he was finally regarded as one of the tribe.</p>
+
+<p>He continued to live among the Indians for many years; travelled with
+them in their migrations over the vast western wilds, visited the
+borders of the Pacific Ocean, and shared in the wild adventures of
+Indian life. He came, with his Indian friends, at last, to the Osage
+settlements on the Arkansas, where he found some white traders, among
+whom was a Colonel Watkins, who treated him with kindness, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[Pg 237]</a></span> sought
+to persuade him to leave the Indians, and return to civilized life.
+Such, however, was his attachment to his adopted friends, that he
+rejected these suggestions.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after, however, under the influence of intoxication, his Indian
+friends having laid a deep scheme for murdering Colonel Watkins and his
+party of hunters, the hero of our story deserted his tribe, and gave
+timely notice to Watkins, thus saving his life, and that of his friends.</p>
+
+<p>Though his mind was greatly agitated by a feeling of self-disgust for
+the treachery he had committed toward his Indian brethren, he continued
+with the party of Watkins for a time, and descended the Arkansas river
+with them, nearly to its junction with the Mississippi. Here he left
+them, having made up his mind to join some Indian tribe which might not
+be acquainted with his breach of faith to the band of Osages, with whom
+he had lived so long.</p>
+
+<p>Being supplied with a rifle and plenty of ammunition, he struck into the
+wilderness in a northerly direction, and pursued his wanderings alone,
+amid the boundless solitude. In the volume which he afterwards
+published, he thus describes this portion of his adventures:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>"The hunting season for furs had now gone by, and the time and labor
+necessary to procure food for myself, was very inconsiderable. I knew of
+no human being near me; my only companions were the grazing herds, the
+rapacious animals that preyed on them, the beaver and other animals that
+afforded pelts, and birds, fish and reptiles. Notwithstanding this
+solitude,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[Pg 238]</a></span> many sources of amusement presented themselves to me,
+especially after I had become somewhat familiarized to it.</p>
+
+<p>"The country around was delightful, and I roved over it almost
+incessantly, in ardent expectation of falling in with some party of
+Indians, with whom I might be permitted to associate myself. Apart from
+the hunting that was essential to my subsistence, I practised various
+arts to take fish, birds, and small game; frequently bathed in the
+river, and took great pleasure in regarding the dispositions and habits
+of such animals as were presented to my observation.</p>
+
+<p>"The conflicts of the male buffaloes and deer, the attack of the latter
+on the rattlesnake, the industry and ingenuity of the beaver in
+constructing its dam, and the attacks of the panther on its prey,
+afforded much interest, and engrossed much time. Indeed, I have lain for
+half a day at a time, in the shade, to witness the management and policy
+observed by the ants in storing up their food, the man&oelig;uvres of the
+spider in taking its prey, the artifice of the mason-fly in constructing
+and storing its clayey cells, and the voraciousness and industry of the
+dragon-fly to satisfy its appetite.</p>
+
+<p>"In one instance, I vexed a rattlesnake, till it bit itself, and
+subsequently saw it die from the poison of its own fangs. I also saw one
+strangled in the wreathed folds of its inveterate enemy&mdash;the black
+snake. But, in the midst of this extraordinary employment, my mind was
+far from being satisfied. I looked back with the most painful
+reflections on what I had been, and on what sacrifices I had made,
+merely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[Pg 239]</a></span> to become an outcast, to be hated and despised by those I
+sincerely loved and esteemed. But, however much I was disposed to be
+dissatisfied and quarrel with myself, the consolation of the most entire
+conviction that I had acted rightly, always followed, and silenced my
+self-upbraidings.</p>
+
+<p>"The anxiety and regrets about my nation, country and kindred, for a
+long time held paramount dominion over all my feelings; but I looked
+unwaveringly to the Great Spirit, in whom experience had taught me to
+confide, and the tumultuous agitations of my mind gradually subsided
+into a calm; I became satisfied with the loneliness of my situation,
+could lie down to sleep among the rocks, ravines, and ferns, in careless
+quietude, and hear the wolf and panther prowling around me; and I could
+almost feel the venomous reptiles seeking shelter and repose under my
+robe, with sensations bordering on indifference.</p>
+
+<p>"In one of my excursions, while sitting in the shade of a large tree,
+situated on a gentle declivity, with a view to procure some mitigation
+from the oppressive heat of the mid-day sun, I was surprised by a
+tremendous rushing noise. I sprang up, and discovered a herd, I believe,
+of a thousand buffaloes, running at full speed, directly towards me;
+with a view, as I supposed, to beat off the flies, which, at this
+season, are inconceivably troublesome to those animals.</p>
+
+<p>"I placed myself behind the tree, so as not to be seen, not apprehending
+any danger, because they ran with too great rapidity, and too closely
+together, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[Pg 240]</a></span> afford any one of them an opportunity of injuring me,
+while protected in this manner.</p>
+
+<p>"The buffaloes passed so near me on both sides that I could have touched
+several of them, merely by extending my arm. In the rear of the herd,
+was one on which a huge panther had fixed, and was voraciously engaged
+in cutting off the muscles of the neck. I did not discover this
+circumstance till it had nearly passed beyond rifle-shot distance, when
+I discharged my piece, and wounded the panther. It instantly left its
+hold on the buffalo, and bounded, with great rapidity, towards me. On
+witnessing the result of my shot, the apprehensions I suffered can
+hardly be imagined. I had, however, sufficient presence of mind to
+retreat, and secrete myself behind the trunk of the tree, opposite to
+its approaching direction. Here, solicitous for what possibly might be
+the result of my unfortunate shot, I prepared both my knife and tomahawk
+for what I supposed would be a deadly conflict with the terrible animal.</p>
+
+<p>"In a few moments, however, I had the satisfaction to hear it in the
+branches of the tree over my head. My rifle had just been discharged,
+and I entertained fears that I could not reload it without discovering
+and exposing myself to the fury of its destructive rage. I looked into
+the tree with the utmost caution, but could not perceive it, though its
+groans and vengeance-breathing growls told me that it was not far off,
+and also what I had to expect in case it should discover me.</p>
+
+<p>"In this situation, with my eyes almost constantly directed upwards to
+observe its motions, I silently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[Pg 241]</a></span> loaded my rifle, and then, creeping
+softly round the trunk of the tree, saw my formidable enemy resting on a
+considerable branch, about thirty feet from the ground, with his side
+fairly exposed. I was unobserved, took deliberate aim, and shot it
+through the heart. It made a single bound from the tree to the earth,
+and died in a moment afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>"I reloaded my rifle before I ventured to approach it, and even then not
+without some apprehension. I took its skin, and was, with the assistance
+of fire and smoke, enabled to preserve and dress it. I name this
+circumstance, because it afterwards afforded a source of some amusement;
+for I used frequently to array myself in it, as near as possible to the
+costume and form of the original, and surprise the herds of buffaloes,
+elk and deer, which, on my approach, uniformly fled with great
+precipitation and dread.</p>
+
+<p>"On several occasions, when I waked in the morning, I found a
+rattlesnake coiled up close alongside of me: some precaution was
+necessarily used to avoid them. In one instance, I lay quiet till the
+snake saw fit to retire; in another, I rolled gradually and
+imperceptibly away, till out of its reach; and in another, where the
+snake was still more remote, but in which we simultaneously discovered
+each other, I was obliged, while it was generously warning me of the
+danger I had to fear from the venomous potency of its fangs, to kill it
+with my tomahawk."</p>
+
+<p>After Hunter had been engaged in roving about in this manner for several
+months, hoping to meet with some party of Indians to whom he might
+attach himself, he met with a company of French hunters, whom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[Pg 242]</a></span> he
+accompanied to Flee's settlement, on the White river. From this point,
+after a stay of some months, in which he acquired a good deal of credit
+for cures which he performed by means of Indian remedies, he set out on
+a hunting expedition, during which he collected a large quantity of
+furs. These he sold to a Yankee, for 650 dollars, as he supposed, but,
+being ignorant on the subject of money, he found, on having the cash
+counted, that it was only 22 dollars!</p>
+
+<p>This took place at Maxwell's fort, on the White river. Disgusted with
+the white people, by this act of plunder, he determined to quit them
+forever, and set off again to join the Indians. He was, however,
+diverted from his purpose, and went with a hunting party up the west
+fork of the river St. Francis. Spending the season here, he returned,
+and making his way down the Mississippi, sold his furs for 1100 dollars.
+Thence he proceeded as a boatman to New Orleans, where his mind was
+greatly astonished at the scenes he beheld, the streets, the houses, the
+wharves, ships, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p>He retraced his steps, and came to Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, where he
+remained some time, acquiring the rudiments of the English language. His
+acquaintances had given him the name of Hunter, because of his
+expertness and success in the chase. His Christian name was adopted, as
+he says in his book, from the following circumstance. "As Mr. John Dunn,
+a gentleman of high respectability, of Cape Girardeau county, state of
+Missouri, had treated me in every respect more like a brother or a son
+than any other individual had, since my association with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[Pg 243]</a></span> the white
+people, I adopted his for that of my distinctive, and have since been
+known by the name of John Dunn Hunter." It is important for the reader
+to mark this passage, for important results afterwards turned upon it.</p>
+
+<p>He now spent two or three years, a part of the time at school, making,
+however, several expeditions to New Orleans, to dispose of furs he had
+either taken in hunting or obtained by purchase. At last, in the autumn
+of 1821, he crossed the Alleganies, and entered upon a new career. So
+far, his story is told by himself, in his book, which we shall notice
+hereafter.</p>
+
+<p>On his way, Hunter paid a visit to Mr. Jefferson, who received him
+kindly, and, taking a strong interest in his welfare, gave him letters
+of introduction to several persons at Washington. Hunter went thither,
+and, passing on, came to Philadelphia, and at last to New York,
+everywhere exciting a lively interest, by the remarkable character of
+his story, and the manner in which he related it. He was found to be
+well-informed as to many things, then little known, respecting the
+western country; he was, accordingly, much sought after, patronized and
+flattered, especially by persons distinguished for science and wealth.
+He was, in short, a lion. The project was soon suggested, that he should
+write a book, detailing his adventures, and giving an account of the
+Indians, and the Indian country, as far as he was acquainted with these
+subjects. A subscription was started, and readily filled with a long
+list of great names. The book was written by Mr. Edward Clark, and, in
+1823, it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[Pg 244]</a></span> was published, under the title of "Manners and Customs of the
+several Indian Tribes located west of the Mississippi, &amp;c."</p>
+
+<p>This work, written in a clever style, detailed the wonderful life and
+adventures of the hero, and gave a view of the Far West&mdash;the country,
+the animals, the plants; and it described the Indian tribes, their
+numbers, character, customs, &amp;c. It also gave an account of their system
+of medicine, and their practice of surgery. The book was well received,
+and Hunter was borne along upon the full tide of public favor.</p>
+
+<p>And now, another view was opened to him. It was suggested that he should
+go to England, and publish his work there. Taking letters from several
+men of the highest standing, and especially one to the Duke of Sussex,
+from Mr. Jefferson, as we are informed, he crossed the Atlantic, and
+made his appearance in the great metropolis. The career upon which he
+now entered, affords a curious piece of history.</p>
+
+<p>Hunter's letters, of course, secured him the favor and kind offices of
+some of the leading men in London. His book was immediately published
+and heralded forth by the press, as one of the most remarkable
+productions of the day. The information it contained was treated as a
+revelation of the most interesting facts, and the tale of the hero was
+regarded as surpassing that of Robinson Crusoe, in point of interest.</p>
+
+<p>Hunter was a man of extraordinary endowments, and sustained the part he
+had to play with wonderful consistency. But all this would hardly
+account for his success, without considering another point. In<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[Pg 245]</a></span> London,
+as well among the high as the low, there is a yearning desire for
+excitement. Imprisoned in a vast city, and denied companionship with the
+thousand objects which occupy the mind and heart in the country, they go
+about crying, "Who will show us any new thing?" Thus it is, that, in a
+crowded street, there is always a mob ready to collect, like vultures to
+the carcass, around every accident or incident that may happen: and
+these seem to consist of persons who have no profession but to see what
+is going on.</p>
+
+<p>In high life, this passion for novelty is more refined, but it is
+equally craving. There are thousands in the circles of rank and fashion,
+who, having no business to occupy them, no cares, no sources of hope and
+fear, are like travellers athirst in a desert; and to them, a new
+scandal, a new fashion, a late joke, a strange animal, a queer monster,
+is an oasis, greatly to be coveted. One quality this novelty must have;
+it must, in some way or other, belong to "good society"&mdash;my Lord, or my
+Lady, must have a finger in it: they must, at least, patronize it, so
+that in naming it, the idea of rank may be associated with it.</p>
+
+<p>Such a new thing was John Dunn Hunter. He was, supposing his story to be
+true, remarkable for his adventures. There was something exceedingly
+captivating to the fancy in the idea of a white man, who had lived so
+long with savages, as to have been transformed into a savage himself:
+beside, there was a mystery about him. Who was his father?&mdash;who his
+mother? What a tale of romance lay in these pregnant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[Pg 246]</a></span> inquiries, and
+what a beautiful development might yet be in the womb of time!</p>
+
+<p>Nor was this all: Hunter, as we have said, was a man of talent. Though
+small and mean in his personal appearance, his manner was remarkable,
+and his demeanor befitted his story. He had taken lodgings in Warwick
+street, and occupied the very rooms which Washington Irving had once
+inhabited. Another American author, of no mean fame, was his
+fellow-lodger. He held free intercourse with all Americans who came to
+London. He sought their society, and, in the height of his power, he
+loved to exercise it in their behalf, and to their advantage.</p>
+
+<p>In dress, Hunter adopted the simplest garb of a gentleman; in
+conversation, he was peculiar. He said little till excited; he then
+spoke rapidly, and often as if delivering an oration. He was accustomed
+to inveigh against civilized society,&mdash;its luxuries and its vices,&mdash;and
+to paint in glowing hues the pleasures and virtues of savage life. He
+was very ingenious, and often truly eloquent. It was impossible,
+believing in the genuineness of his character and the sincerity of his
+motives, not to be touched by his wild enthusiasm.</p>
+
+<p>It is easy to see, that such a man, unsuspected, introduced into society
+by the brother of the king, and patronized by the heads of the learned
+societies&mdash;launched upon the full tide of fashionable society, in the
+world's metropolis,&mdash;had a brilliant voyage before him. During the
+winter of 1823-4, Hunter was the lion of the patrician circles of
+London. There was a real strife even among countesses, duchesses, and
+the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[Pg 247]</a></span> like, to signalize their parties by the presence of this
+interesting wonder. In considering whether to go to a ball, a soirée, or
+a jam, the deciding point of inquiry was, "Will Hunter be there?"&mdash;If
+so, "Yes."&mdash;If not, "No!"</p>
+
+<p>Nothing could be more curious than to see this singular man, in the
+midst of a gorgeous party, where diamonds flashed and titles hung on
+every individual around him. He seemed totally indifferent to the scene;
+or, at least, unobservant of the splendors that encircled him. He was
+the special object of regard to the ladies. There was something quite
+piquant in his indifference. He seemed not to acknowledge the
+flatteries, that fell like showers of roses, and that too from the ruby
+lips and lustrous eyes of princes' daughters, thick upon him. He seldom
+sat down: he stood erect, and, even when encircled by ladies, gazed a
+little upward, and over them. He often answered a question without
+looking at the querist. Sometimes, though quite rarely, he was roused,
+and delivered a kind of speech. It was a great thing, if the oracle
+would but hold forth! The lass or lady who chanced to hear this, was but
+too happy. The burden of the oration was always nearly the same:&mdash;the
+advantages of simple savage life over civilization. It was strange to
+see those who were living on the pinnacle of artificial society,
+intoxicated with such a theme; yet, such was the art of the juggler,
+that even their fancy was captivated. Those who had been bred in the
+downy lap of luxury, were charmed with tales of the hardy chase and
+deadly encounter; those to whom the artifices of dress constituted more<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[Pg 248]</a></span>
+than half the pleasures of existence, delighted to dwell upon the
+simplicity of forest attire: those who gloried in the splendors of a
+city mansion,&mdash;halls, boudoirs, saloons, and conservatories,&mdash;thought
+how charming it would be to dwell beneath the wide canopy, or a
+deer-skin tent! Surely, such triumphs display the skill and power of a
+master.</p>
+
+<p>During the winter of which we speak, Hunter's card-rack was crowded with
+cards, notes, and invitations, from lords and ladies of the very highest
+rank and fashion, in London. Many a fair hand indited and sent billets
+to him, that would have turned some loftier heads than his. On one
+occasion, by some accident, he had dislocated his shoulder. The next
+morning, Dr. Petingale, surgeon to the Duke of Sussex, called to see
+him, by command of his Grace, and delivered to him a long note of
+consolation. This note, from his Royal Highness, was somewhat in the
+style of Hannah More, and kindly suggested all the topics of comfort
+proper to such an hour of tribulation.</p>
+
+<p>Hunter did not spend his whole time in fashionable dissipation. He
+visited the various institutions of London, and often with persons of
+the highest rank. He fell in with Robert Owen, of Lanarck, who had not
+yet been pronounced mad, and the two characters seemed greatly delighted
+with each other. Hunter seemed interested in the subject of education,
+and made this a frequent topic of discussion. He visited the infant
+school of Wilderspin, consisting of two hundred scholars, all of the
+lower classes. When he heard forty of these children, under three years
+of age, unite in singing "God save the King," his heart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[Pg 249]</a></span> was evidently
+touched, and the tears gathered in his eyes. It is not one of the least
+curious facts in his history, that he patronized his countrymen, and was
+the means of establishing a portrait painter from Kentucky, in his
+profession. He induced the Duke of Sussex, with whom he regularly dined
+once a week, to sit for him: the portrait was exhibited at Somerset
+House, and our artist was at once famous.</p>
+
+<p>Hunter now took a tour to Scotland. In his way, he spent some weeks with
+Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, and experienced the noble hospitalities of that
+truly noble gentleman. He passed on to Scotland, where he excited a deep
+interest among such persons as the Duke of Hamilton, Sir Walter Scott,
+Mr. Jeffrey, and others of the highest eminence. The ladies, also,
+manifested the very liveliest sensations in his behalf.</p>
+
+<p>During his stay in Scotland, he was invited to spend a few days at a
+charming seat, in the vicinity of Edinburgh. Thither he went. One day,
+as he was walking in the park with a fair lady, daughter of the
+proprietor, they came to an open space, through which a bright stream
+was running. At a particular point, and near the path of the ramblers,
+was a large rock, at the base of which the rivulet swept round, forming
+a small eddying pool. Over this the wild shrubs had gathered, growing
+luxuriously, as if escaped from the restraints of culture. Hunter
+paused, folded his arms, and gazed at the picturesque group of rock,
+shrub, and stream. The lady looked at him with interest. She hesitated,
+then gathered courage, and asked what it was that so moved him.</p>
+
+<p>"Nothing! nothing!" said he, half starting, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[Pg 250]</a></span> passing on. "Nay, nay,"
+said the fair one, "you must tell me." "Well, if I must," was the reply,
+"I must. You may think it foolish, yet such is the truth,&mdash;that little
+pool, gathered in the shelter of the rock and briar, reminds me of early
+days&mdash;of my childhood, and the forest. Past memories come over my bosom,
+like summer upon the snow; I think how I have often stooped at such a
+stream as this, and quenched my thirst, with a relish nothing can now
+bestow. I feel an emotion I can hardly resist; it seems to call me from
+these scenes, this voluptuous, yet idle life. I have a sense of wrong,
+of duty neglected, of happiness missed, which makes me sad even in such
+a place as this, and with society like yours."</p>
+
+<p>By this time Hunter had framed a design, either real or pretended, of
+doing some great thing for the Indians. He insisted that the attempt to
+civilize them at once, was idle and fallacious; he proposed, therefore,
+to select some spot along the banks of the Wabash, and which he
+represented as a wild kind of paradise, and here he would gather the
+Indians, and, adopting a system which might blend the life of the hunter
+with that of the cultivator, wile them gradually, and without shocking
+their prejudices, into civilization. This scheme he set forth as the
+great object of his wishes. He spoke of it frequently, and in Edinburgh,
+especially, delighted his hearers with his enthusiastic eloquence in
+dilating upon the subject. No one suspected his sincerity, and the
+greatest men in Scotland avowed and felt the deepest interest in his
+project.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[Pg 251]</a></span>The summer came, and Hunter went back to London. He now announced his
+intention to return to America: still, he lingered for several months.
+His friends noticed that he was dejected, yet he assigned no cause for
+this. Presents were made to him, and hints of assistance, to further his
+scheme of Indian civilization, were suggested. He availed himself of
+none of these advantages, save that he accepted a watch, richly
+jewelled, from the Duke of Sussex, and a splendid set of mathematical
+instruments, from Mr. Coke, of Norfolk. He also borrowed a hundred
+pounds of a friend. He took his farewell of London, and bearing with him
+the best wishes of all who had known him on that side of the Atlantic,
+he embarked at Liverpool for America.</p>
+
+<p>Immediately after his arrival, he hastened to the south, spent a few
+days at New Orleans, and pushed into the wilds bordering upon Texas. In
+some way, he excited the jealousy of the Indians, who resolved to take
+his life. On a journey through the wilderness, he was attended by an
+Indian guide. Having occasion to pass a river, he stopped a moment in
+the middle of it, to let his horse drink. The guide was behind: obedient
+to his orders, he lifted his carbine, and shot Hunter through the back.
+He fell, a lifeless corpse, into the stream, and was borne away, as
+little heeded as a forest leaf.</p>
+
+<p>Such are the facts, as we have been able to gather them, in respect to
+this remarkable man. The writer of this article saw him in London, and
+the incidents related of him while he was in England and Scotland, are
+stated upon personal knowledge. The events<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[Pg 252]</a></span> subsequent to his departure
+are derived from current rumor. The question has often been asked, What
+was the real character of John Dunn Hunter? That he was, to some extent,
+an impostor, can hardly be doubted. Mr. Duponceau, of Philadelphia,
+examined into some Indian words which Hunter had given him, and found
+them to be fabrications. Mr. John Dunn, of Missouri, mentioned by Hunter
+as his friend and benefactor, was written to, and he declared that he
+had known no such person. These facts, with others, were laid before the
+public in the North American Review, and were regarded as fatal to the
+character of Hunter. The common judgment has been, that he was wholly an
+impostor; we incline, however, to a different opinion.</p>
+
+<p>We believe that the story of his early life, was, in the main,
+correct;<a name="FNanchor_B_2" id="FNanchor_B_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_B_2" class="fnanchor">[B]</a> that he did not originally intend any deception; that he
+came to New York with honest intentions, but that the flatteries he
+received led him by degrees to expand his views, and finally drew him
+into a deliberate career of fraud. So long as he was in the tide of
+prosperity abroad, he did not seem to reflect, and glided down contented
+with the stream: when the time came that he must return, his real
+situation presented itself, and weighed upon his spirits. It is to be
+remarked, however, that, even in this condition, he availed himself of
+no opportunities to amass money, which he might have done to the amount
+of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[Pg 253]</a></span>
+thousands. These facts, at war with the supposition that he was a mere
+impostor, seem to show that he had still some principle of honor left,
+and some hope as to his future career. At all events, he was a man of
+extraordinary address, and his story shows how high a course of
+duplicity may elevate a man, yet only to hurl him down the farther and
+the more fatally, upon the sharp rocks of retribution.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img43.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[Pg 254]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img44.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">CASPER HAUSER.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the year 1828, a great sensation was created throughout the civilized
+world, by the story of Casper Hauser. This, as it appears, was in
+substance as follows:&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>On the 20th May, in the year above named, as a citizen of Nuremburg, in
+Bavaria, was proceeding along one of the streets, he happened to see a
+young man in the dress of a peasant, who was standing like<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[Pg 255]</a></span> one
+intoxicated, attempting to move forward, yet appearing hardly to have
+command of his legs. On the approach of the citizen, this stranger held
+out to him a letter directed to a well-known and respectable military
+officer, living in Nuremburg.</p>
+
+<p>As the house of this person lay in the direction of the citizen's walk,
+he took the youth thither with him. When the servant opened the door,
+the stranger put the letter into his hand, uttering some unintelligible
+words. The various questions which were asked, as to his name, whence he
+came, &amp;c., he seemed not to comprehend. He appeared excessively
+fatigued, staggered as if exhausted, and pointed to his feet, shedding
+tears, apparently from pain. As he seemed to be suffering from hunger, a
+piece of meat was given to him, but scarcely had he tasted it, when he
+spat it out, and shuddered as if with abhorrence. He manifested the same
+aversion to beer. He ate some bread and drank water, with signs of
+satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, all attempts to gain any information from him were fruitless.
+To every question he answered with the same unintelligible jargon. He
+seemed to hear without understanding, and to see without perceiving. He
+shed many tears, and his whole language seemed to consist of moans and
+unintelligible sounds.</p>
+
+<p>The letter to the officer, above mentioned, contained no satisfactory
+information. It stated that the writer was a poor day-laborer, with a
+family of ten children; that the bearer had been left with him in
+October, 1812, and he had never since been suffered to leave his house:<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[Pg 256]</a></span>
+that he had received a Christian education, been baptized, &amp;c. He was
+sent to the officer with the request that he might be taken care of till
+seventeen years old, and then be made a trooper, and placed in the sixth
+regiment, as his father had been of that corps. This letter was
+supposed, of course, to be designed to mislead, and no reliance was
+placed upon it.</p>
+
+<p>The officer, suspecting some imposition, sent the stranger to the
+police. To all inquiries the latter replied as before, displaying a kind
+of childish simplicity, and awkward dulness. He was continually
+whimpering, and pointing to his feet. While he had the size of a young
+man, his face had the expression of a child. When writing materials were
+placed before him, he took the pen with alacrity, and wrote <i>Kaspar
+Hauser</i>. This so contrasted with his previous signs of ignorance and
+dulness, as to excite suspicions of imposture, and he was therefore
+committed to a tower used for the confinement of rogues and vagabonds.
+In going to this place, he sank down, groaning at every step.</p>
+
+<p>The body of Caspar seemed perfectly formed, but his face bore a decided
+aspect of vulgarity. When in a state of tranquillity, it was either
+destitute of expression, or had a look of brutish indifference. The
+formation of his face, however, changed in a few months, and rapidly
+gained in expression and animation. His feet bore no marks of having
+been confined by shoes, and were finely formed; the soles were soft as
+the palms of his hands. His gait was a waddling, tottering progress,
+groping with his hands as he went, and often falling at the slightest
+impediment. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[Pg 257]</a></span> could not, for a long time, go up and down stairs
+without assistance. He used his hands with the greatest awkwardness. In
+all these respects, however, he rapidly improved.</p>
+
+<p>Caspar Hauser soon ceased to be considered either an idiot or an
+impostor. The mildness, good nature, and obedience he displayed,
+precluded the idea that he had grown up with the beasts of the forest.
+Yet he was destitute of words, and seemed to be disgusted with most of
+the customs and habits of civilized life. All the circumstances combined
+to create a belief that he had been brought up in a state of complete
+imprisonment and seclusion, during the previous part of his existence.</p>
+
+<p>He now became an object of general interest, and hundreds of persons
+came to see him. He could be persuaded to taste no other food than bread
+and water. Even the smell of most articles of food was sufficient to
+make him shudder. When he first saw a lighted candle, he appeared
+greatly delighted, and unsuspectingly put his fingers into the blaze.
+When a mirror was shown him, he looked behind to find the image it
+reflected. Like a child, he greedily reached for every glittering
+object, and cried when any desired thing was denied him. His whole
+vocabulary seemed hardly to exceed a dozen words, and that of ross
+(horse) answered for all quadrupeds, such as horses, dogs, and cats.
+When, at length, a wooden horse was given as a plaything, it seemed to
+effect a great change in him; his spirits revived, and his lethargy and
+indifference were dissipated. He would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[Pg 258]</a></span> never eat or drink without first
+offering a portion to his horse.</p>
+
+<p>His powers seemed now to be rapidly developed; he soon quitted his toy,
+and learned to ride the living horse with astonishing rapidity. He,
+however, was greatly oppressed, as he acquired knowledge, at discovering
+how much inferior he was in knowledge to those around him, and this led
+him to express the wish that he could go back to the hole in which he
+had always been confined. From his repeated statements, now that he had
+learned to speak, it appeared that he had been, from his earliest
+recollections, confined in a narrow space, his legs extended forward
+upon the floor, and his body upright; and here, without light, and
+without the power of locomotion, he had remained for years. The date or
+period of his confinement he knew not, for in his dungeon there was no
+sunrise or sunset, to mark the lapse of time. When he awoke from sleep,
+he found some bread and water at his side; but who ministered to his
+wants, he knew not; he never saw the face of his attendant, who never
+spoke to him, except in some unintelligible jargon. In his hole he had
+two wooden horses and some ribands as toys&mdash;and these afforded him his
+only amusement. One day had passed as another; he had no dreams; time
+run on, and life ebbed and flowed, with a dull and almost unconscious
+movement. After a time his keeper gave him a pencil, of which he learned
+the use; he was then partially taught to walk, and shortly after, was
+carried from his prison, a letter put into his hand, and he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[Pg 259]</a></span> left,
+as the beginning of our story finds him, in the streets of Nuremburg.</p>
+
+<p>The journals were now filled with accounts of this mysterious young man.
+A suspicion was at last started that he was of high birth, and that
+important motives had led to the singular treatment he had received. He
+was himself haunted with the fear of assassination, from the idea that
+the circumstances which led to his incarceration, now that his story was
+known, might tempt his enemies to put a period to his life&mdash;thus seeking
+at once the removal of a hated object, and security against detection.
+His fears were at last partially realized; while he was under the care
+and protection of Professor Daumer, he was attacked and seriously
+wounded by a blow upon the forehead.</p>
+
+<p>After this event, Earl Stanhope, who happened to be in that part of
+Germany, caused him to be removed to Anspach, where he was placed under
+the care of an able schoolmaster. Here his fears subsided; but in
+December, 1833, a stranger, wrapped in a large cloak, accosted him,
+under the pretence of having an important communication to make, and
+proposed a meeting. Caspar agreed, and they met in the palace garden,
+alone. The stranger drew some papers from beneath his cloak, and while
+Hauser was examining them, the russian stabbed him in the region of the
+heart. The wound did not prove immediately fatal. He was able to return
+home, and relate what had happened. Messengers were sent in pursuit of
+the assassin, but in vain. Hauser lingered three or four days&mdash;that is,
+till the 17th December, 1833, when he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[Pg 260]</a></span> died. On dissection, it appeared
+that the knife had pierced to the heart, making an incision in its outer
+covering, and slightly cutting both the liver and stomach. A reward of
+five thousand florins was offered by Lord Stanhope, for the discovery of
+the assassin, but without effect&mdash;nor was the mystery which involved
+Caspar's story ever fully unravelled.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the tale of this extraordinary individual, as it appeared a few
+years ago. Since that period, the facts in the case have been carefully
+sifted, and the result is a settled conviction, that Hauser was an
+impostor; that the story of his confinement was a fabrication; that his
+pretended ignorance, his stupidity, his childishness, were but skilful
+acting to enforce his story; and, strange as it may appear, there is no
+good reason to doubt that the wounds he received, in both instances,
+were inflicted by himself. Such were the deliberate convictions of Earl
+Stanhope, and others who investigated the facts on the spot, and with
+the best advantages for the discovery of the truth. Caspar's motive for
+wounding himself doubtless was, to revive the flagging interest of the
+public in his behalf&mdash;a source of excitement he had so long enjoyed, as
+to feel unhappy without it. In the latter instance, he doubtless
+inflicted a severer wound than he intended, and thus put an undesigned
+period to his existence.</p>
+
+<p>His story presents one of the most successful instances of imposture, on
+record. It appears probable that he was aided in his imposition by the
+narrative of Fuerbach, one of the judges of Bavaria, who adopted some
+theory on the subject, which he supported<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[Pg 261]</a></span> with gross, though perhaps
+undesigned misrepresentation. He published an interesting account of
+Hauser, in which he rather colored and exaggerated the facts, thus
+making the narrative far more wonderful than the reality would warrant.
+It was, doubtless, owing to these statements of Fuerbach, that an
+extraordinary interest in the case was everywhere excited; and it is
+highly probable that Hauser himself was encouraged to deeper and more
+extended duplicity, by the aid which the mistaken credulity of the judge
+afforded him, than, at first, he had meditated. He probably looked with
+surprise and wonder at the success of his trick, and marvelled at seeing
+himself suddenly converted from a poor German mechanic, as he doubtless
+was, into a prodigy and a hero&mdash;exciting a sensation throughout the four
+quarters of the globe. The whole story affords a good illustration of
+the folly of permitting the imagination to lead us in the investigation
+of facts, and the extended impositions that may flow from the want of
+exact and scrupulous veracity in a magistrate.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img45.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[Pg 262]</a></span></p>
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">PSALMANAZAR.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">George Psalmanazar</span> was born about the year 1679. All that we know of his
+early history is from his own memoirs, which were published after his
+death; but they do not tell us his true name, nor that of his native
+country, though it is generally believed that he was born in the south
+of France. His education was excellent, probably obtained in some of the
+colleges of the Jesuits.</p>
+
+<p>At an early period, he became a wandering adventurer, sometimes passing
+himself off as a pilgrim, then as a Japanese, and then as a native of
+Formosa&mdash;a large island lying to the east of China, and subject to that
+country. His extensive learning and various knowledge enabled him to
+sustain these and other disguises. Thus he travelled over several parts
+of Europe, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. He was by turns a
+soldier, a beggar, a menial, a monk; a preceptor, a Christian, a
+heathen, a man of all trades. At last, he came to Liege in Belgium,
+pretending to be a Formosan, converted to Christianity. Here he became
+acquainted with the chaplain of an English regiment, and was solemnly
+baptized.</p>
+
+<p>He now went to London, and was kindly received<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[Pg 263]</a></span> by Bishop Compton, who
+gave him entertainment in his own house, and treated him with the utmost
+confidence. His great abilities and extraordinary story, seconded by the
+patronage of the bishop of London, gave him immediate currency with
+literary men, and he soon became the wonder of the day.</p>
+
+<p>Psalmanazar played his part to admiration. He shunned, rather than
+sought, the notice of the public, and, avoiding meat, lived chiefly on
+fruits, and a simple vegetable diet. At the same time, he appeared to
+display the Christian characteristics, and devoted himself to study. He
+began to prepare a grammar of the Formosan language, which he finally
+completed. This was, of course, a fiction, yet he proceeded to translate
+the Church Catechism into this fabricated tongue. He finally wrote an
+extensive history of Formosa, which was also a fable; yet such was the
+reputation of the author, that it was received with general confidence,
+and speedily passed through several editions.</p>
+
+<p>During this period, he had been sent to study at Oxford, where a
+controversy was carried on between his patrons, and Dr. Halley, Dr.
+Mead, and some others, in respect to his pretensions. Certain
+discrepancies were at last detected in his history of Formosa, and, in
+the result, Psalmanazar was completely exposed, and finally confessed
+his imposture. Soon after this, a moral change took place in him: he
+grew ashamed of his dishonorable courses, and determined to reform. He
+applied himself intensely to study, and, after a time, became engaged in
+literary pursuits, by which he earned an honest subsistence, and
+considerable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[Pg 264]</a></span> reputation during the rest of his life. He died in London,
+in 1753.</p>
+
+<p>He wrote for the large work, styled the Universal History, most of the
+parts concerning ancient history, except that of Rome, and his writings
+met with great success. He wrote a volume of essays on several
+scriptural subjects, a version of the Psalms, beside his own memoirs,
+already mentioned. He also wrote for the "Complete System of Geography,"
+an article on the Island of Formosa, founded upon authentic information,
+as a reparation for the stories which he had palmed upon the public in
+his former account.</p>
+
+<p>Psalmanazar is the name that he had assumed when he began his wandering
+life, and which he retained till his death. Of the sincerity of his
+piety, there can be no doubt. Dr. Johnson said that he never witnessed a
+more beautiful example of humility, and tranquil resignation, combined
+with an active discharge of duty, than was displayed by him during the
+latter portion of his life!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img46.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[Pg 265]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img47.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">VALENTINE GREATRAKES.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> person, renowned in the annals of quackery, was born at Affane, in
+Ireland, in 1628. He received a good education at the classical free
+school of that town, and was preparing to enter Trinity College, Dublin,
+when the rebellion broke out, and his mother, with a family of several
+children, was obliged to fly to England for refuge.</p>
+
+<p>Some years after, Valentine returned, but was so affected by the
+wretched state of his country, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[Pg 266]</a></span> scenes of misery that were
+witnessed on every hand, that he shut himself up for a whole year,
+spending his time in moody contemplations. He afterwards became a
+lieutenant in the army, but in 1656, he retired to his estate in Affane,
+where he was appointed justice of the peace for the county of Cork.</p>
+
+<p>Greatrakes was now married, and appears to have held a respectable
+station in society. About the year 1662, he began to conceive himself
+possessed of an extraordinary power of removing scrofula, or king's
+evil, by means of touching or stroking the parts affected, with his
+hands. This imagination he concealed for some time, but, at last,
+revealed it to his wife, who ridiculed the idea.</p>
+
+<p>Having resolved, however, to make the trial, he began with one William
+Maher, who was brought to the house by his father, for the purpose of
+receiving some assistance from Mrs. Greatrakes, a lady who was always
+ready to relieve the sick and indigent, as far as lay in her power. This
+boy was sorely afflicted with the king's evil, but was to all appearance
+cured by Mr. Greatrakes' laying his hand on the parts affected. Several
+other persons having applied to him, to be cured, in the same manner, of
+different disorders, his efforts seemed to be attended with success, and
+he acquired considerable fame in his neighborhood.</p>
+
+<p>His reputation now increased, and he was induced to go to England, where
+he gained great celebrity by his supposed cures. Several pamphlets were
+issued upon the subject; it being maintained by some that Greatrakes
+possessed a sanative quality inherent in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[Pg 267]</a></span> his constitution; by others,
+that his cures were miraculous; and by others still, that they were
+produced merely by the force of imagination. The reality of the cures
+seemed to be admitted, and the reputation of the operator rose to a
+prodigious height; but, after a brief period, it rapidly declined, and
+the public became convinced that the whole excitement was the result of
+illusion. Greatrakes, himself, possessed a high character for humility,
+virtue and piety, and was doubtless the dupe of his own bewildered
+fancy. He died in 1680, having afforded the world a striking caution not
+to mistake recovery for cure, and not to yield to imagination and
+popular delusion, especially in respect to the pretended cure of
+diseases.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img48.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[Pg 268]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img49.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">MATTHEW HOPKINS.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">About</span> 250 years ago, the reality of witchcraft was very generally
+admitted throughout Europe. The belief in the active agency of the
+Spirit of Evil in human affairs, had existed among Christians from the
+earliest period, and the legends of saints, their trials and
+temptations, in which the devil plays so important a part, served to
+extend and confirm these popular notions. At last, the direct agency of
+diabolical powers, and its open manifestation, was assumed, and,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[Pg 269]</a></span> at the
+period of which we speak, was held to be a point of Christian faith. The
+pious Baxter considered the disbelief of witchcraft as equivalent to
+infidelity; the just and sagacious Sir Matthew Hale admitted its
+reality, and pronounced sentence against those who were convicted of it;
+and, alas! the pedantic king, James I. of England, wrote a book
+entitled, "Dæmonologia, or a Discourse on Witchcraft."</p>
+
+<p>The purpose of this work was to prove the reality of witchcraft, its
+prevalence among mankind, its great enormity, and the means of its
+detection and punishment. Its effect was to extend the belief in
+witchcraft, and, of course, to multiply the apparent instances of its
+existence. The insane fancies of diseased minds, unusual phenomena of
+nature, and the artful machinery of designing malignity, ambition, or
+hypocrisy, were all laid at Satan's door. Of the horrors that followed,
+history furnishes a melancholy account. It is supposed that 30,000
+persons were executed in England, from the year 1500 to 1722. The same
+dreadful delusion prevailed in other parts of Europe, and extended in
+due time to this country, and about the year 1692, twenty persons were
+executed in Salem, Massachusetts, for the crime of witchcraft.</p>
+
+<p>During the period in which this fearful mania was prevalent in England,
+Matthew Hopkins, denominated Witch-Finder General, acted a conspicuous
+part. He pretended to be a great critic in special marks or signs of
+witchcraft. Moles, warts, scorbutic spots, were in his eyes teats to
+suckle imps, and were sufficient evidences to bring a victim to the
+halter. He<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[Pg 270]</a></span> was assisted by one John Stern, a kindred genius, and in the
+year 1644, 5 and 6, they brought a great number of poor wretches to the
+fatal tree. Matthew, himself, hung in one year no less than sixty
+reputed witches of his own county of Essex. He received twenty shillings
+a head from the public authorities for every witch he discovered. The
+old, the ignorant, and the indigent,&mdash;such as could neither plead their
+own cause nor hire an advocate, were the miserable victims of his
+credulity, avarice, and spleen.</p>
+
+<p>When other evidences of guilt were wanting, Hopkins adopted the trial by
+water, which had been suggested by king James, who remarks that "as some
+persons have renounced their baptism by water, so water refuses to
+receive them." Those accused of diabolical practices, therefore, were
+thrown into a pond. If they floated or swam, according to king James'
+notion the water refused to receive them, and they were therefore
+guilty. These were consequently taken out and burnt, or hung. If they
+were innocent, they sunk, and were only drowned.</p>
+
+<p>Suspicion was at last turned against Hopkins himself, and the ordeal of
+swimming was applied in his own case. In consequence of this experiment,
+he was convicted and executed as a wizard. An allusion to this
+extraordinary character is made in the third canto of Hudibras, who
+says,</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">Has not the present parliament</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">A lodger to the devil sent,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Fully empowered to treat about</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Finding revolted witches out?</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">And has he not within a year</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Hanged threescore of them in one shire?</span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[Pg 271]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img50.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">PETER, THE WILD BOY.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">On</span> the continent of Europe, portions of which are interspersed with vast
+forests and uncultivated tracts, various individuals of the human
+species have, at different times, been discovered in a state no better
+than that of the brute creation. One of the most singular of these
+unfortunate creatures was Peter the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[Pg 272]</a></span> Wild Boy, whose origin and history,
+previous to his discovery, must remain forever a secret. He was found in
+the year 1725, in the woods, about twenty-five miles from Hanover, in
+Germany. He walked on all fours, climbed trees like a squirrel, and fed
+on grass and moss.</p>
+
+<p>When he was taken, he was about thirteen years old, and could not speak.
+He soon made his escape into the woods, where he concealed himself amid
+the branches of a tree, which was sawed down to recover him. He was
+brought over to England, in the year 1726, and exhibited to the king and
+many of the nobility. He received the title of Peter the Wild Boy, which
+name he ever afterwards retained.</p>
+
+<p>He appeared to have scarcely any ideas, was uneasy at being obliged to
+wear clothes, and could not be induced to lie in a bed, but sat and
+slept in a corner of a room, whence it was conjectured that he used to
+sleep on a tree for security against wild beasts. He was committed to
+the care of Dr. Arbuthnot, at whose house he was to have been baptized;
+but, notwithstanding all the doctor's pains, he never could bring the
+wild youth to the use of speech, or the pronunciation of more than a
+very few words. As every effort to give him an education was found to be
+vain, he was placed with a farmer at a small distance from London, and a
+pension was allowed him by the king, which he enjoyed till his death,
+which occurred in 1785, at the age of about seventy-three years.</p>
+
+<p>Peter was low of stature, and always wore his beard. He occasionally
+wandered away from his place of residence, but either returned or was
+brought back.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[Pg 273]</a></span> He was never mischievous; was remarkable for his
+strength; became fond of finery and dress, and at last, was taught to
+love beer and gin. He was a lover of music, and acquired several tunes.
+He also became able to count as far as twenty, and could answer a few
+simple questions. He learned to eat the food of the family where he
+lived, but in his excursions, he subsisted upon raw herbage, berries and
+roots of young trees. He was evidently not an idiot, but seemed to
+continue in a state of mental infancy, thinking of little beyond his
+physical wants, and never being able to conceive of the existence of a
+God.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img51.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[Pg 274]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img52.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOHN KELSEY.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> is well for every person to be apprized of the fact, that, in all
+ages and all countries, there are religious enthusiasts, who, having
+given themselves up to heated imaginations, lose the power of judging
+according to truth and reason upon this particular subject. They see
+things by a false vision, and are not only deluded but they often delude
+others.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[Pg 275]</a></span> These persons are monomaniacs&mdash;insane upon the subject of
+religion, though often sane upon all others.</p>
+
+<p>It appears that every person is liable to this species of delusion, if
+he gives up the reins to his fancy, and ceases to be guided by common
+sense; and the frequency of such occurrences shows that this liability
+is by no means remote. In a recent case, a man by the name of Elijah
+Thayer, a native of Massachusetts, conceived the idea that the present
+dispensation was speedily to pass away, and that the second coming of
+Christ was to be realized in his own person.</p>
+
+<p>Believing himself to be commanded by God to announce this event to the
+great powers of England, Rome, and Jerusalem, he took passage in the
+steamer Britannia, in September, 1842, and proceeded upon his mission.
+He was a common laborer, but he possessed a good deal of knowledge,
+especially of the Bible. He was rational and sagacious upon all subjects
+except that of his peculiar religious views; and even in maintaining
+these, he displayed much skill, and was singularly dexterous in the
+quoting of Scripture.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after his arrival, he proceeded to Windsor, where Queen Victoria
+was then residing. He made application for an interview with her
+majesty, saying that he had a most important communication to make to
+her. Being requested to state the substance of it, he sent her word that
+Elijah Thayer, the prophet of God, had come, by the command of the Most
+High, to announce a mighty change, which was speedily to take place
+throughout the universe. The present system of things was to pass away;
+crowns, thrones and sceptres were to be trampled in the dust;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[Pg 276]</a></span> kings and
+queens were to be reduced to the level of common mortals; universal
+equality was to be established among mankind; an era of peace was to
+begin, and he himself, Elijah Thayer, passing from the prophetic to the
+kingly state, was to reign in righteousness over the earth as Christ
+himself.</p>
+
+<p>This message was delivered by Elijah, in his fur cap, and his
+long-skirted blue coat, with a perfectly sober face, to the queen's
+servants at Windsor Castle. These received the extraordinary tidings
+with decorous politeness, promised faithfully to deliver the message,
+and the prophet, well satisfied, went his way. He now proceeded to
+London, and visited the several Jewish synagogues, announcing to the
+high priests his wonderful mission. The last we heard of him, he was
+preparing to make his way to Rome, in fulfilment of his insane project.</p>
+
+<p>It would be easy to add numerous instances of similar delusion. In 1790,
+an Englishman, by the name of Richard Brothers, announced that he had a
+mission for the restoration of the Jews and to make Jerusalem the
+capital of the world. He said that he was commanded to notify the king,
+the lords and the commons of the same, which he did in a manner so
+obstreperous, that he was lodged in Newgate prison.</p>
+
+<p>Roger North gives us an account of one John Kelsey, a Quaker, who, about
+the year 1680, "went on a sort of pilgrimage to Constantinople, for
+converting the Great Turk; and the first scene of his action was
+standing up in a corner of the street, and preaching to the people. They
+stared at him, and concluding him to be out of his wits, he was taken
+and carried<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[Pg 277]</a></span> to the madhouse; there he lay six months. At last, some of
+the keepers heard him speak the word <i>English</i>, and told of it so that
+it came to the ambassador, Lord Winchelsea's ear, that he had a subject
+in the madhouse.</p>
+
+<p>"His lordship sent and had him at his house. The fellow stood before the
+ambassador, with a dirty, ragged hat on, and would not put it off,
+though he was so charged and admonished; thereupon the ambassador
+ordered him down, and had him drubbed upon the feet, after the Turkish
+manner. Then he was anything and would do anything, and afterwards did
+own that that drubbing had a great effect upon his spirit.</p>
+
+<p>"Upon searching him, there was found in his pouch, among a few beans, a
+letter to the Grand Signior, very long and canting; but the substance
+was to let him know that he was the scourge in God's hand with which he
+chastised the wicked Christians; and now, their wickedness was so great,
+that God, by the spirit, had sent him, to let him know that he must come
+forthwith to scourge them.</p>
+
+<p>"He was sent for England, but got off by the way, and came up a second
+time to Constantinople, from whence he was more surely conveyed; and
+some that knew John, told Sir Dudley North that they had seen him on the
+Exchange, where he recognised the admirable virtue of Turkish
+drubbing."</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[Pg 278]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img53.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">BAMFYLDE MOORE CAREW.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> eccentric character was born in 1693, at Bickley, in Devonshire, of
+which place his father was many years rector. Being descended from an
+ancient and honorable family, he was educated agreeably to his
+condition. At the age of twelve, he was sent to the Tiverton school,
+where his good behavior led his friends to hope that he might some day
+shine in the clerical profession. But the Tiverton scholars having at
+their command a fine pack of hounds, Carew, and two or three of his
+companions, devoted themselves more to hunting than study.</p>
+
+<p>One day they engaged in the chase of a deer, just before the
+commencement of harvest. The animal took his course through the fields
+of grain, and the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[Pg 279]</a></span> young sportsmen, with their hounds, followed,
+reckless of the damage that was done. The mischief was so considerable,
+that the proprietors complained to the school-master. Carew and his
+companions were so much frightened, that they absconded, and joined a
+gang of gipsies, who happened to be in the neighborhood. This society
+consisted of about eighteen persons of both sexes, who carried with them
+such an air of mirth and gaiety, that the youngsters were quite
+delighted with their company, and, expressing an inclination to enter
+into their society, the gipsies admitted them, after the performance of
+the requisite ceremonies and the administration of the customary oaths.</p>
+
+<p>Young Carew was speedily initiated into all the arts of the wandering
+tribe, for which he seemed to have a happy genius. His parents,
+meanwhile, lamented him as one that was no more, for, though they had
+repeatedly advertised his name and person, they could not obtain the
+least intelligence of him. At length, after an interval of a year and a
+half, hearing of their grief and repeated inquiries after him, his heart
+relented, and he returned to Bickley. Being greatly disguised, both in
+dress and appearance, he was not known at first by his parents; but when
+he discovered himself, a scene followed which no words can describe, and
+there were great rejoicings, both in Bickley and the neighboring parish
+of Cadley.</p>
+
+<p>Everything was done to render his home agreeable; but Carew had
+contracted such a fondness for the society of the gipsies, that, after
+various ineffectual struggles with the suggestions of filial piety, he
+once<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[Pg 280]</a></span> more eloped to his former connections, and soon gave new proofs of
+his aptitude for their peculiar calling.</p>
+
+<p>Having remained with the gipsies for some time, he left them, and
+proceeded on a voyage to Newfoundland. He soon returned, and, landing at
+Newcastle, eloped with a young lady, the daughter of an eminent
+apothecary of that town. Proceeding to Bath, they were married, and paid
+a visit to Carew's uncle, a distinguished clergyman of Dorchester. He
+received them with great kindness, and endeavored to persuade his nephew
+to take a final leave of his gipsey life. This, however, proved vain,
+for Carew soon returned to that vagrant community, with whom he spent
+the remainder of his days.</p>
+
+<p>He now led an adventurous career, seeming to be guided more by the humor
+of enterprise than the love of gain. His art in transforming his person
+so as to represent various characters, extorted from the gipsies
+themselves the greatest applause, and, at last, when Clause Patch, their
+king, died, Carew had the honor of being elected in his stead.</p>
+
+<p>Though his character was known, he was rather a favorite with many
+persons of good standing, and was on one occasion invited to spend
+several days in hunting with Colonel Strangeways, at Milbury. The
+conversation happened one day, at dinner, to turn on Carew's ingenuity,
+and the colonel remarked that he would defy him to practise deception on
+him. The next day, while the colonel was out with his hounds, he met
+with a miserable object upon a pair of crutches, with a wound in his
+thigh, a coat of rags, and a venerable, pity-moving beard. His
+countenance expressed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[Pg 281]</a></span> pain and sorrow, and as the colonel stopped to
+gaze upon him, the tears trickled down his silver beard. As the colonel
+was not proof against such an affecting sight, he threw him half a
+crown, and passed on. While he was at dinner, the miserable object came
+in, when lo, it was Carew himself!</p>
+
+<p>The life of this singular man has afforded materials for a volume. His
+friends in vain offered to provide him with a respectable maintenance;
+no entreaty could prevail upon him to abandon the kind of life he had
+adopted. He spent about forty years with gipsies and beggars, and died
+in 1770, aged 77.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img54.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[Pg 282]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img55.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOHN ELWES.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A monomaniac</span> is generally made by dwelling for a long period upon one
+object with intense interest, to the exclusion of others. By this
+process, this one object at last occupies the whole soul, fills the
+entire vision, and makes the mind blind to the relative importance of
+other things. A man in this condition is insane, and resembles the
+bedlamite, who, being asked why he was confined, replied, "I thought the
+world mad, and the world thought me mad, and they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[Pg 283]</a></span> outvoted me!" While
+the world, guided by common sense, assigns to each subject its relative
+importance, the monomaniac we have imagined, sees but one thing, his own
+hobby, and pronounces mankind mad because they do not agree with him.</p>
+
+<p>There are a thousand forms and shades of this insanity; one of the most
+common is displayed by the miser, who has dwelt so long and so intently
+upon the acquisition of money, that money becomes his idol: he thinks it
+the supreme good: he has a mad delight in amassing it: his eagerness to
+increase his store, quenches the lights of the soul&mdash;pity, benevolence,
+charity, and mercy; he is beset by a horrid fear of its being taken from
+him; and, as age creeps on and weakens his powers of body and mind, the
+demon of avarice takes possession of the bosom, and, putting out the
+light of reason, holds its revel in darkness and fear, till death closes
+the scene.</p>
+
+<p>Of misers, history has furnished us a long list. We are told of M.
+Osterwald, a wealthy banker of Paris, who died in 1790, of want, yet
+leaving an estate of 600,000 dollars! When he began life, and bought a
+bottle of beer for his dinner, he took away the cork in his pocket. He
+practised this for a long period, and had at last collected such a
+quantity that they sold for nearly one hundred dollars! A few months
+before his death, he refused to buy meat for soup. "I should like the
+soup," said he, "well enough, but I do not want the meat. What, then, is
+to become of that?" The fear of losing the meat, led him to starve
+himself; yet, at the very moment, he had 800 assignats, of 200 dollars
+each, in a silken bag, around his neck!</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[Pg 284]</a></span>Another Frenchman, by the name of Fortescue, affords a curious piece of
+history. He was a farmer-general of the taxes, and amassed an immense
+fortune by grinding the poor. The government at length called upon him
+for a considerable sum, but he pleaded poverty. Fearing that some of his
+neighbors should testify to his wealth, he determined to conceal it. He
+therefore dug a vault beneath his wine-cellar, where he deposited his
+gold. He went down to it by a ladder, and fastened the door by a spring
+lock. One day, while he was in the vault, the door closed, and the lock
+fastened him in! In vain were his cries for help! There he remained,
+till, worn out by horror of mind and starvation of body, he perished in
+the very midst of his heaps of gold! His miserable fate was not known
+till some years after, when, his house being sold, his bones were
+discovered in the vault with his treasures.</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated John Elwes, whose portrait we have placed at the head of
+this article, has furnished a memorable instance of the inconsistency of
+man. He has showed that the most sordid parsimony may be combined with
+the greatest negligence and profusion, and that principles of the purest
+honor may be associated with a degree of meanness, that is utterly
+degrading to the human character. He was born in London, about the year
+1714, his father's name being Meggot. He was educated at Westminster
+school, and afterwards went to Geneva, where he seems to have led rather
+a gay life.</p>
+
+<p>On his return to England, his father being dead, he went to live with
+his uncle, Sir Harvey Elwes, a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[Pg 285]</a></span> wealthy miser, who resided at Stoke, in
+Suffolk. In order to make a favorable impression upon his uncle, the
+nephew doffed his gay attire, at the little inn at Chelmsford, and
+appeared at Stoke with an old worn-out coat, a tattered waistcoat,
+darned worsted stockings, and small iron buckles in his shoes. He was
+received by Sir Harvey with satisfaction, who now adopted him as his
+heir. Here the two lived together, shivering with a single stick on the
+fire, occasionally dividing a glass of wine between them, and railing
+against the extravagance of the times. When night approached, they went
+to bed, to save the expense of candles!</p>
+
+<p>But at last, Sir Harvey paid the debt of nature, and left his fortune,
+of more than a million of dollars, to his nephew. John Meggot, who was
+now about forty years old, adopted his uncle's surname agreeably to the
+will, and, while he inherited Sir Harvey's parsimony, he still addicted
+himself to gambling. He became a member of various clubs in London, and
+often played for very high sums. He once played two days and a night
+without intermission, the Duke of Northumberland being one of the party;
+and, as it was the custom among these gamblers in high life to throw
+aside the cards after being once used&mdash;at the close of the sitting, the
+party were nearly up to their knees in cards.</p>
+
+<p>While Elwes was thus engaged, he had the most grasping desire of money,
+and, having sat up all night at play with persons of the highest rank,
+he would walk out at four o'clock in the morning, to Smithfield, to meet
+his cattle coming to market from his estates<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[Pg 286]</a></span> in Essex. There,
+forgetting the scenes he had just left, he would stand in the cold or
+rain, higgling with the butcher for a shilling. Sometimes, if the beasts
+had not arrived, he would walk on in the mire to meet them; and more
+than once he has gone on foot the whole way to his farm, which was
+seventeen miles from London, without stopping, after sitting up all
+night.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Elwes usually resided at Meacham, in Berkshire. In travelling
+between this place and London, he used to put two or three eggs, boiled
+hard, with a few crusts of bread, into his great-coat pocket; then,
+mounting one of his hunters, he would set off, taking the route with the
+fewest turnpike gates. Avoiding the taverns, he would stop under a
+hedge, and, while he ate his frugal meal, the horse would refresh
+himself by nibbling the grass.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding this excessive meanness, Mr. Elwes displayed many
+instances of generosity. On one occasion, he lent Lord Abington £7000,
+at a very critical moment, and entirely unsolicited, and when he had
+little reason to suppose the money would ever be repaid. Beside, he made
+it a principle never to ask for money which he won at play, and thus he
+lost many thousands of pounds, which he might have received by demanding
+it. At the same time, he had an equanimity of temper which nothing could
+disturb, and a gentleness and urbanity of manner, which never forsook
+him.</p>
+
+<p>When he was somewhat advanced in life, he dismissed his fox-hounds,
+retrenched his expenses, and lived in the most parsimonious manner.
+Riches now<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[Pg 287]</a></span> rolled in upon him like a torrent; at the same time, his
+mean, miserly propensities increased. When in London, he would walk home
+in the rain, rather than pay a shilling for a coach; and sit in his wet
+clothes, rather than have a fire to dry them. On one occasion, he wore a
+black wig above a fortnight, which he picked out of a rut in a lane, and
+which had probably been discarded by a beggar. While the black, stray
+wig was thus atop of his own gray hair, he one day tore his coat, and,
+in order to supply himself, resorted to an old chest of Sir Jervaise,
+his uncle's father. From this, he took the first he came to, which was a
+full-dress, green, velvet coat, with slashed sleeves. In this attire, he
+sat down to dinner: not even the solemn severity of his poor old servant
+could resist the ludicrous effect of his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>In order to invest his immense property, Mr. Elwes erected a great
+number of buildings in London, particularly about the Hay-Market. He was
+the founder of a large part of Mary-le-bone, Portman Place, Portman
+Square, and several of the adjacent streets. It was his custom in town,
+to occupy any one of his numerous houses that was vacant. Two beds, two
+chairs, a table and an old woman, comprised all his furniture. Thus he
+travelled from street to street, and it was often difficult to find him.</p>
+
+<p>One day, his nephew, Colonel Timms, came to town, and, wishing very much
+to see him, made a long, but ineffectual search for him. At last, he was
+directed to a particular house, which he found, and knocked loudly at
+the door, but no answer was returned. He then entered, but all was
+silent below.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[Pg 288]</a></span> On ascending to one of the chambers, he found Mr. Elwes
+on a shabby pallet bed, in a state of insensibility. The poor old woman,
+the partner of his journeys, was found lifeless on a rug in one of the
+garrets, where she had apparently been dead for at least two days, and
+where she had probably expired for want of the comforts of life. Mr.
+Elwes, being restored by cordials, stated that he had been sick for a
+long time, and wondered that the old woman did not come to his
+assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Notwithstanding the unfavorable traits in Mr. Elwes' character, yet such
+was the confidence reposed in his integrity, that, without his own
+solicitation, he was elected a member of the House of Commons, for
+Berkshire, which he represented for three successive parliaments.
+Nothing could exceed the rigid fidelity with which he fulfilled his
+duties here. His vote was always given according to his conscience, and,
+in all weathers, and during the latest sittings, he was in his seat.</p>
+
+<p>One night, as he was returning from the House of Commons, it being
+extremely dark, he ran against the pole of a sedan chair, and cut both
+his legs very badly. As usual, he refused to have medical assistance,
+but Colonel Timms insisted upon some one being called in. At length he
+submitted, and a surgeon was sent for, who immediately began to
+expatiate on the ill consequences of breaking the skin, the good fortune
+of his being sent for, and the peculiarly bad appearance of the wounds.
+"Very probable," replied Mr. Elwes, "but, Mr. &mdash;&mdash;, I have one thing to
+say to you. In my opinion my legs are not much hurt;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[Pg 289]</a></span> now you think they
+are; so I will make this agreement. I will take one leg, and you shall
+take the other; you shall do what you please with yours; I will do
+nothing to mine; and I will wager your bill that my leg gets well before
+yours." He exultingly beat the surgeon by a fortnight.</p>
+
+<p>About the year 1785, Mr. Elwes paid a visit to his seat at Stoke, which
+he had not seen for some years. On his arrival, he complained of the
+expensive furniture of the rooms. To save fire, he would sit with a
+servant in the kitchen, or walk about the remains of a ruinous
+greenhouse. During harvest, he amused himself with gleaning the corn
+upon the grounds of his own tenants. In the autumn, he would pick up
+stray chips and carry them to the fire in his pocket. On one occasion,
+he was seen robbing a crow's nest for fuel. He denied himself the common
+necessaries of life: one day, he dined on a moor-fowl, which a rat had
+drawn out of a river, and, on another, he ate the undigested part of a
+pike, which was taken from the stomach of a larger fish, caught in a
+net.</p>
+
+<p>At last, the powers of life began to decay, and, in the autumn of 1786,
+his memory entirely failed him. On the 18th of November he sank into a
+state of extreme debility; yet he lingered till the 26th, when he
+expired without a sigh, leaving property to the amount of four millions
+of dollars. More than half of this was bequeathed to his two natural
+sons; the rest, being entailed, was inherited by Colonel Timms. Such was
+John Elwes, a singular compound of parsimony and profusion, of
+generosity and meanness, of honesty and avarice, of virtue and vice.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[Pg 290]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img56.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">BARON D'AGUILAR.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> strange character presents another remarkable instance of
+inconsistency; of avarice and liberality, of cruelty and kindness, of
+meanness and integrity, of misanthropy and benevolence. He was the son
+of a German Jew, who settled in London, and left him his title, and a
+large estate. In 1758, he was married to a lady whose fortune amounted
+to 150,000 pounds. In 1763, being left a widower, he married<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[Pg 291]</a></span> a few days
+after, another lady of fortune. Up to this time, he had lived in the
+highest style of fashion, but, owing to the loss of an estate in
+America, and domestic disagreements, he now suddenly withdrew from his
+family connections and the society of the gay world, and established
+himself at a farm-house in Islington. Here he professed to be a farmer;
+he stocked his yard with cattle, pigs, and poultry, yet he kept them in
+such a lean and miserable condition, that the place acquired the name of
+Starvation Farmyard.</p>
+
+<p>Everything in his establishment was conducted on the meanest scale; yet
+D'Aguilar, at this very time, was a liberal patron of public
+institutions, and profuse in his charities. While his cattle were
+actually in the agonies of starvation, he was doing some kindly, yet
+secret act, to alleviate the distresses of the poor. His wife had been
+obliged to leave him, but, after a separation of twenty years, he called
+to see her, and a reconciliation took place. In a short time, however,
+his extreme rigor compelled her again to leave him, and, by the advice
+of friends, she instituted legal proceedings against him. In this suit
+she was successful, and he was compelled to make a liberal provision for
+her.</p>
+
+<p>At last, he was taken severely ill, and a physician was sent for, but he
+would not permit him to see him. He was therefore obliged to prescribe
+from a report of his symptoms. His youngest daughter begged permission
+to see him, but the stern father refused. In March, 1802, he died,
+leaving a property estimated at a million of dollars. His diamonds alone
+were worth thirty thousand pounds!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[Pg 292]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img57.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">THOMAS GUY.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> gentleman was bred a bookseller, and began trade in the city of
+London, with no more than two hundred pounds. By his industry and
+uncommon frugality, but more particularly by purchasing seamen's tickets
+in Queen Anne's wars, and by speculations in the South Sea stock, in the
+memorable year 1720, he amassed an immense fortune.</p>
+
+<p>In proof of his penurious disposition, it is recorded of him that he
+invariably dined alone, and a soiled proof sheet, or an old newspaper,
+was his common substitute for a table-cloth. One winter evening, as he
+was sitting in his room, meditating over a handful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[Pg 293]</a></span> of half-lighted
+embers confined within the narrow precincts of a brick stove, and
+without any candle, a person, who came to inquire for him, was
+introduced, and, after the first compliments were passed and the guest
+requested to take a seat, Mr. Guy lighted a farthing candle which lay on
+the table by him, and desired to know the purport of the gentleman's
+visit.</p>
+
+<p>The stranger was the famous Vulture Hopkins, characterized by Pope in
+his satires. "I have been told," said Hopkins, "that you, sir, are
+better versed in the prudent and necessary art of saving than any man
+now living, and I therefore wait upon you for a lesson of frugality; an
+art in which I used to think I excelled, but I have been told by all who
+know you, that you are greatly my superior." "And is that all you are
+come about?" said Guy; "why, then, we can talk this matter over in the
+dark." So saying, he extinguished his new-lighted farthing candle.
+Struck with this instance of economy, Hopkins acknowledged that he was
+convinced of Guy's superior thrift, and took his leave.</p>
+
+<p>The penuriousness of this singular man seemed, however, to have for its
+object the indulgence of a systematic benevolence. He was the founder of
+a celebrated institution called Guy's Hospital, which cost him nearly
+100,000 dollars, and, at his death, he endowed it with a fund amounting
+to a million of dollars. Nor were his benefactions confined to this
+institution. He made provision for his poor relations, founded a
+hospital at Tamworth, and made various donations for benevolent and
+charitable objects. He died in 1724, at the age of 81 years, having
+never been married.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[Pg 294]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img58.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">OLD PARR.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> extreme limit of human life, and the art of attaining it, has
+attracted the attention of mankind in ancient as well as modern times.
+Cornaro, an Italian, who died at the age of one hundred and four years,
+in 1566, wrote several treatises on this subject, the purpose of which
+was to prove that sobriety of life is the great secret of longevity. He
+shows that in his own case he restored a constitution prostrated by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[Pg 295]</a></span>
+indulgence, to health and vigor. One of his papers was written at the
+age of ninety-five, and is commended by Addison in the 195th paper of
+the Spectator.</p>
+
+<p>Sir George Baker gives us the history of a remarkable restoration of a
+constitution broken down by indulgence, in the case of Thomas Wood, a
+miller of Essex, England. He had been long addicted to high living and
+the free use of fermented liquors, but, at the age of forty-five,
+finding himself overwhelmed with a complication of painful disorders, he
+set about changing his mode of life. He gradually became abstemious in
+his diet, and in 1765 he began to drink nothing but water. Finding
+himself one day better without taking any liquid, he at last took leave
+of drinking altogether, and from October, 1765, to the time when Sir
+George Baker's account was drawn up, in August, 1771, he had not tasted
+a drop of water, or any other liquid, except in one instance. During all
+this period his health seemed to improve, under the strict regimen he
+had adopted.</p>
+
+<p>The oldest man of whom we have any account in modern times, was Henry
+Jenkins, who resided in Bolton, Yorkshire. The only history we have of
+him was given by Mrs. Saville, who conversed with him, and made
+inquiries respecting him of several aged persons in the vicinity. He was
+twelve years old at the time the battle of Flodden Field was fought, in
+1513, and he died, December 8th, 1670. He was, therefore, 169 years old
+when he died.</p>
+
+<p>Of the celebrated Thomas Parr, we have a more particular account,
+furnished by Taylor, the Waterman,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[Pg 296]</a></span> or Water-poet, as he is usually
+called. This is entitled "The Olde, Olde, very Olde Man; or the Age and
+Long Life of Thomas Parr, &amp;c." It appears that the Earl of Arundel,
+being in Thropshire, heard of Parr, who was then, 1635, one hundred and
+fifty-two years old. Being interested in this extraordinary case of
+longevity, the earl caused Parr to be brought to London, upon a litter
+borne by two horses. His daughter-in-law, named Lucy, attended him, and,
+"to cheer up the olde man, and make him merry, there was an
+antique-faced fellow, called Jacke, or John the Foole," of the party.
+Parr was taken to court, and presented to Charles I. He died in London
+soon after his arrival, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, 1635.</p>
+
+<p>Whether Parr's long life was greatly lengthened beyond that of ordinary
+men by a peculiar mode of living, we have not the means of telling. It
+is probable that there was something peculiar in his constitution. His
+body was dissected after death, and all the organs were found in a
+perfect state. We are also informed by an eye-witness, that</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 4em;">"From head to heel, his body had all over</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">A quick-set, thick-set, nat'ral hairy cover."</span></p>
+
+<p>We may here mention an instance of longevity attained by an individual
+who spent his whole life in London. This was Thomas Laugher, who was
+born in 1700. His father died at the age of 97, and his mother at the
+age of 108. Though he was a liquor dealer during the early part of his
+life, yet he drank only milk, water, coffee, and tea. After a severe fit
+of illness at the age of eighty, he had a fresh head of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[Pg 297]</a></span> hair, and new
+nails, both on his fingers and toes. He had a son who died at the age of
+eighty, some years before him, whom he called "Poor Tommy," and who
+appeared much older than his father. Laugher was greatly respected for
+his gentle manners and uninterrupted cheerfulness. He died at the age of
+107. We have placed a sketch of him at the head of this article.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img59.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[Pg 298]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img60.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">O'BRIEN.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">That</span> men of extraordinary stature, called giants, have frequently
+existed, we know, but there is no good reason to believe that the
+general stature of man was ever different from what it now is. If men
+were either smaller or larger than they are, they would be ill
+proportioned to the condition of things around them; beside, those of
+extraordinary height have usually a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[Pg 299]</a></span> feeble pulse, and short lives.
+Those greatly below the usual stature, generally die early. It is fair
+to infer from these facts, that the present average height of man is the
+permanent standard. Among the mummies of Egypt, or the ancient remains
+of mankind found in other countries, there appears to be no general
+deviation from the common height.</p>
+
+<p>Of the individual instances of great stature, Patrick O'Brien, born in
+the county of Kinsale, Ireland, in 1761, affords a memorable instance.
+He was put to the trade of a bricklayer, but such was his height at
+eighteen, that he was taken to England, and shown as the Irish giant. At
+twenty-five he attained the height of eight feet and seven inches; and,
+though not well made, his bulk was proportioned to his height. He
+continued to exhibit himself for several years, when, having realized an
+independence, he retired to the vicinity of Epping forest, where he
+died, in 1806. He was peculiarly mild and gentle in his character and
+manners. His body was enclosed in a leaden coffin, 9 feet 2 inches long,
+and to prevent any attempt to disturb his remains, his grave, by his own
+direction, was sunk twelve feet in the solid rock.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img61.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[Pg 300]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img62.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">MAXAMILLIAN CHRISTOPHER MILLER.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> man was born at Leipsic, in 1694, and finally attained the height
+of eight feet. He travelled through Europe, being exhibited as a giant.
+He went to England in 1733, where he attracted attention by his great
+size, his enormous head and face, and his fantastic attire. His hand
+measured a foot, and his finger nine inches. He died in London, in 1734,
+aged 40.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[Pg 301]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img63.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">HUYALAS.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was formerly said that the Patagonians were a race of giants, but it
+seems that they are but little larger than other races of men. South
+America appears to furnish its share of persons of extraordinary height.
+An instance is furnished in Basileo Huyalas, who was a native Indian of
+Peru, and was brought from the city of Ica to Lima, in May, 1792, to be
+exhibited on account of his enormous stature and extraordinary
+appearance.</p>
+
+<p>His height was seven feet two inches and a half: his head, and the upper
+parts of his body, were monstrous.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[Pg 302]</a></span> His arms were of such length as to
+touch his knees, when he stood erect. His whole weight was 360 pounds.
+At this period he was twenty-four years old. The annexed sketch gives a
+good idea of his appearance.</p>
+
+<p>We are furnished with an account of a giant of New Grenada, an Indian,
+named Pedro Cano, who was seven feet five and a half inches high. His
+shoe was half a yard in length!</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img64.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[Pg 303]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img65.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">THOMAS TOPHAM.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> man, whose feats of strength might have figured with those of the
+heroes of Homer, was born in London, about the year 1710. He was bred a
+carpenter, and attained the height of five feet ten inches, being well
+proportioned in other respects. At the age of twenty-four, he took a
+tavern on the city road, and displayed his extraordinary powers in the
+gymnastic exhibitions then common at Moorfields.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[Pg 304]</a></span> He was here accustomed
+to stop a horse by pulling against him, his feet being placed against a
+low wall. A table six feet long, with half a hundred weight upon it, he
+lifted with his teeth, and held it for some time in a horizontal
+position!</p>
+
+<p>His fame for strength spread over the country, and his performances
+excited universal wonder. He would throw a horse over a turnpike gate,
+carry the beam of a house as a soldier his firelock, break a rope
+capable of sustaining twenty-two hundred weight, and bend a bar of iron
+an inch in diameter by striking it against his naked arm, into a bow! On
+one occasion, he found a watchman asleep in his box; he took them both
+on his shoulder, and carried them to the river, where he tipped them
+into the water. In May, 1741, he lifted three hogsheads of water,
+weighing 1836 pounds!</p>
+
+<p>Though possessed of such wonderful strength, Topham was of a mild and
+pacific temper. His mind does not appear to have possessed the energy of
+his body, for, being deceived by a faithless woman, he resorted to the
+desperate resolution of taking his own life, and died by suicide in the
+flower of his age.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img66.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[Pg 305]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img67.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">FOSTER POWELL.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> famous pedestrian was born near Leeds, in 1734. In 1762, he came to
+London, and articled himself to an attorney in the Temple. After the
+expiration of his clerkship, he was in the service of different persons,
+and in 1764, he walked fifty miles on the Bath road, in seven hours. He
+now visited several parts of Switzerland and France, where he gained
+much praise as a pedestrian. In 1773, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[Pg 306]</a></span> walked from London to York,
+and back again, upon a wager, a distance of 402 miles, in five days and
+eighteen hours. In 1778, he attempted to run two miles in ten minutes,
+but lost it by half a minute.</p>
+
+<p>In 1787, he undertook to walk from Canterbury to London bridge and back
+again, in twenty-four hours, the distance being 112 miles, and he
+accomplished it, to the great astonishment of thousands of spectators.
+He performed many other extraordinary feats, and died in 1793. Though he
+had great opportunities of amassing money, he was careless of wealth,
+and died in indigent circumstances. His disposition was mild and gentle,
+and he had many friends.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img68.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[Pg 307]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img69.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOSEPH CLARK.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> a work devoted to the curiosities of human nature, we must not omit
+Joseph Clark, of London, a man whose suppleness of body rendered him the
+wonder of his time. Though he was well made, and rather gross than thin,
+he could easily exhibit every species of deformity. The powers of his
+face were even more extraordinary than the flexibility of his body. He
+would suddenly transform himself so completely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[Pg 308]</a></span> as not to be recognised
+by his familiar acquaintances. He could dislocate almost any of the
+joints of his body, and he often amused himself by imposing upon people
+in this way.</p>
+
+<p>He once dislocated the vertebræ of his back and other parts of his body,
+in such a manner, that Molins, the famous surgeon, before whom he
+appeared as a patient, was shocked at the sight, and would not even
+attempt his cure. On one occasion, he ordered a coat of a tailor. When
+the latter measured him, he had an enormous hump on his left shoulder;
+when the coat came to be tried on, the hump was shifted to the right
+side! The tailor expressed great astonishment, begged a thousand
+pardons, and altered the coat as quickly as possible. When he again
+tried it on, the deformity appeared in the middle of his back!</p>
+
+<p>Of the life of this remarkable person, we have few details, and we can
+only add that he died about the year 1700.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img70.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[Pg 309]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img71.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">EDWARD BRIGHT.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> individual, who was remarkable for his great size, combined with
+active habits, was born in Essex, England, about the year 1720. He
+weighed 144 pounds at the age of twelve years. When he grew to manhood,
+he established himself as a grocer at Malden, about forty miles from
+London. He gradually increased in size, till he weighed nearly 500
+pounds. He was still industrious and active in his mode of life, riding
+on horseback, and walking with ease. He paid close attention to his
+business, and went frequently to London to purchase goods.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[Pg 310]</a></span>At the age of twenty-three, he was married, and had five children. He
+was cheerful and good-natured, a kind husband, a tender father, a good
+master, and an honest man. When thirty years of age, he was taken with
+fever, and died, November 10th, 1750. At the period of his death he
+weighed 616 pounds.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img72.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">DANIEL LAMBERT.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> individual was born at Leicester, England, in 1770, and was
+apprenticed to the business of a die<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[Pg 311]</a></span> sinker and engraver. He afterwards
+succeeded his father as keeper of the prison; and from this period, his
+size began to increase in a remarkable degree. In this situation he
+continued for some years, and so exemplary was his conduct, that when
+his office was taken away, in consequence of some new arrangements, he
+received an annuity of fifty pounds for life, as a mark of esteem, and
+the universal satisfaction he had given in the discharge of his duties.</p>
+
+<p>His size increased to such a degree, that he was an object of universal
+wonder, and was at last persuaded to exhibit himself in London. Here he
+was visited by crowds of people, and, among the rest, by Count
+Boruwlaski, the Polish dwarf. The contrast between the two must have
+been striking indeed; for as Lambert was the largest man ever known, so
+the count was one of the smallest. The one weighed 739 pounds, and the
+other probably not over 60. Here were the two extremes of human stature.</p>
+
+<p>In general, the health of Lambert was good, his sleep sound, his
+respiration free. His countenance was manly and intelligent; he
+possessed great information, much ready politeness, and conversed with
+ease and propriety. It is remarkable that he was an excellent singer,
+his voice being a melodious tenor, and his articulation clear and
+unembarrassed. He took several tours through the principal cities and
+towns of Great Britain, retaining his health and spirits till within a
+day of his death, which took place in June, 1809. His measure round the
+body was 9 feet 4 inches, and a suit of clothes cost him a hundred
+dollars!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[Pg 312]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img73.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JEFFREY HUDSON.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the early ages of the world, when knowledge chiefly depends upon
+tradition, it is natural for mankind to people the universe with a
+thousand imaginary beings. Hence the stories of dragons, giants, and
+dwarfs, all of which have some foundation in reality; but when these are
+scrutinized, the dragon becomes only some wild beast of the forest, the
+giant is a man of uncommon size, and the dwarf of uncommon littleness.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[Pg 313]</a></span>We have already given some account of giants: we must say a few words in
+respect to dwarfs. These have never been known to be distinguished for
+their talents, though their figures are often perfectly well formed.
+They have generally one trait in common with children&mdash;a high opinion of
+their own little persons, and great vanity. In the middle ages, and even
+down to a much later period, dwarfs were a fashionable appendage to
+royal courts and the families of nobles.</p>
+
+<p>Among the most celebrated of this class of persons was Jeffrey Hudson,
+born at Oakham, England, in 1619. At seven years of age, he was taken
+into the service of the Duke of Buckingham, being then but eighteen
+inches high. He afterwards was taken into the service of the queen of
+Charles I., who sent him to the continent on several confidential
+commissions. His size never exceeded three feet nine inches, but he
+possessed a good share of spirit, and, on the breaking out of the civil
+wars, he became a captain of horse.</p>
+
+<p>On one occasion, he went to sea, and was taken by a Turkish corsair, and
+sold for a slave; but he was fortunately ransomed, and enabled to return
+to England. When the infamous Titus Oates pretended to reveal a plot
+against the king, Charles II., Hudson was one of the suspected persons,
+and, in consequence, lay some time in prison. He was at length released,
+and died in 1678.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[Pg 314]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img74.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">JOSEPH BORUWLASKI.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">This</span> little personage was one of the most famous and agreeable of the
+pigmy race to which he belonged. He was a native of Poland, and, on
+account of his diminutive size, was early taken under the care of a lady
+of rank. She soon married, however, and he was transferred to the
+Countess Humieska, and accompanied her to her residence in Podolia. Here
+he remained for six months, and then attended the countess on a tour of
+pleasure through Germany and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[Pg 315]</a></span> France. At Vienna, he was presented to the
+empress queen, Maria Theresa, being then fifteen years old. Her majesty
+was pleased to say that he was the most astonishing being she ever saw.</p>
+
+<p>She took him into her lap, and asked him what he thought most curious
+and interesting at Vienna. "I have observed nothing," said the little
+count, smartly, "so wonderful as to see such a little man on the lap of
+so great a woman." This delighted the queen, and, taking a fine diamond
+from the finger of a child five or six years old, who was present,
+placed it on his finger. This child was Marie Antoinette, afterwards
+queen of France; and it may be easily imagined that Boruwlaski preserved
+the jewel, which was a very splendid one, with religious care.</p>
+
+<p>From Vienna, they proceeded to Munich and other German cities, the
+little companion of the countess everywhere exciting the greatest
+interest and curiosity. At Luneville, they met with Bébé, a famous
+French dwarf. A friendship immediately commenced between the two little
+men, but Bébé was four inches the tallest, and Boruwlaski, being
+therefore the smaller of the two, was the greatest wonder. He was also
+remarkable for his amiable and cheerful manners. These things excited
+the jealousy of Bébé, and he determined to take revenge. One day, when
+they were alone, slily approaching his rival, he caught him by the
+waist, and endeavored to push him into the fire. Boruwlaski sustained
+himself against his adversary, till the servants, alarmed by the noise
+of the scuffle, came in and rescued him. Bébé was now chastised and
+disgraced with the king, his master, and soon after died of
+mortification and spleen.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[Pg 316]</a></span>The travellers now proceeded to Paris, where they passed more than a
+year, indulging in all the gaieties of that gay city. They were
+entertained by the royal family and the principal nobility. M. Bouret,
+renowned for his ambition and extravagance, gave a sumptuous
+entertainment in honor of Boruwlaski, at which all the table service,
+plates, knives and forks, were of a size suited to the guest. The chief
+dishes consisted of ortolans and other small game.</p>
+
+<p>The countess and her charge returned to Warsaw, where they resided for
+many years. At twenty-five the count fell in love with a French actress,
+but she made sport of his passion, and his little heart was nearly
+broken. When he was forty years old, the black eyes of Isalina
+Barboutan, a domestic companion of the countess, again disturbed his
+peace; he declared his affection, but was again rejected. He, however,
+persevered, even against the injunctions of his patroness. She was so
+much offended with his obstinacy, that she ordered him to leave her
+house forever, and sent Isalina home to her parents.</p>
+
+<p>He now applied to prince Casimir, and, through his recommendation, was
+taken under the patronage of the king. Continuing his addresses to
+Isalina Barboutan, he was accepted, and they were soon after married. By
+the recommendation of his friends, he set out in 1780 to exhibit himself
+in the principal cities in Europe. His wife accompanied him, and, about
+a year after their marriage, presented her husband with a daughter.</p>
+
+<p>Passing through the great cities of Germany and France, the count
+arrived in London, where he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[Pg 317]</a></span> liberally patronized. He not only had
+exhibitions of his person, but he gave concerts which were well
+attended. In 1788, he wrote his life, which was published in an octavo
+volume, and was patronized by a long list of nobility. He at last
+acquired a competence, and retired to Durham with his family, where he
+spent the remainder of his days, and died at the age of nearly 100
+years. He had several children, and lived happily with his wife, though
+it is said, that, in an interview with Daniel Lambert, he remarked that
+she used to set him on the mantel-piece, whenever he displeased her.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img75.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[Pg 318]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/img76.jpg" alt="" /></div>
+
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">THE SIAMESE TWINS.</span></p>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> the year 1829, Captain Coffin, of the American ship Sachem, arrived
+in the United States, with two youths, born in the kingdom of Siam, and
+united by a strong gristly ligature at the breast. Their names were Eng
+and Chang, and they were natives of Maklong, a village on the coast of
+Siam. They were born in May, 1811, of Chinese parents, who were in
+humble circumstances. They were engaged in fishing, keeping poultry, and
+manufacturing cocoa-nut oil, till they left their country. When they
+arrived, they were five feet two inches in height, well made,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[Pg 319]</a></span> and
+muscular. They have been known to carry a person weighing 280 pounds.</p>
+
+<p>The band that united these two persons was a cartilaginous substance, an
+eighth of an inch thick, and an inch and a half wide. It was flexible,
+and permitted the youths to turn in either direction. It was covered
+with skin, and seemed to be without pulsation. It was very strong, and
+of so little sensibility, that it might be smartly pulled, without
+seeming to give uneasiness. When touched in the centre, it was equally
+felt by both; but at half an inch from the centre, it was felt by only
+one.</p>
+
+<p>They were agile, could walk or run with swiftness, and could swim well.
+Their intellectual powers were acute; they played at chess and draughts
+remarkably well, but never against each other. Their feelings were warm
+and affectionate, and their conduct amiable and well-regulated. They
+never entered into conversation with each other, beyond a simple remark
+made by one to the other, which seemed to be rationally accounted for by
+the fact, that, their experience being all in common, they had nothing
+to communicate. The attempt has frequently been made to engage them in
+separate conversations with different individuals, but always without
+success, as they are invariably inclined to direct their attention to
+the same thing at the same time.</p>
+
+<p>In their movements perfect equanimity is observed; the one always
+concurring with the other, so that they appear as if actuated by a
+common mind. In their employments and amusements, they have never been
+known to utter an angry word towards each<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[Pg 320]</a></span> other. Whatever pleases or
+displeases one, has the same effect on the other. They feel hunger and
+thirst at the same time, and the quantity of food taken by them as
+nearly alike as possible. Both feel the desire to sleep simultaneously,
+and they always awake at the same moment. Upon the possibility of
+separating them with safety, there is some difference of opinion among
+medical men.</p>
+
+<p>These two youths excited an extraordinary sensation upon their arrival
+in this country. For three or four years, they were exhibited here, and
+in Europe, and, finally, having obtained a competence, they purchased a
+farm in North Carolina, and established themselves as planters, where
+they still reside. They furnish the only instance in which two
+individuals have been thus united, and their case has probably excited
+more interest than any other freak of nature that has ever happened.</p>
+
+<p>The most curious part of the story of Eng and Chang, is, that on the
+13th of April, 1843, they were married to two sisters, Sarah and
+Adelaide Yeates, of Wilkes county, North Carolina!</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">FOOTNOTES:</span></p>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_A_1" id="Footnote_A_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_A_1"><span class="label">[A]</span></a> Sparks' Biography.</p></div>
+
+<div class="footnote"><p><a name="Footnote_B_2" id="Footnote_B_2"></a><a href="#FNanchor_B_2"><span class="label">[B]</span></a> We have been informed that Mr. Catlin, in his excursions
+among the western Indians, often met with tribes who had known Hunter,
+and their accounts corroborated that which the latter gave in his book.</p></div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class="center"><span class="huge">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:</span></p>
+
+<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p>
+
+<p>Inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation, and capitalization have
+been retained from the original.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Curiosities of Human Nature, by Anonymous
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Curiosities of Human Nature, by Anonymous
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license
+
+
+Title: Curiosities of Human Nature
+
+Author: Anonymous
+
+Release Date: April 1, 2012 [EBook #39333]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK CURIOSITIES OF HUMAN NATURE ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by The Online Distributed Proofreading Team at
+http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images
+generously made available by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: PASCAL MAKING DISCOVERIES IN GEOMETRY.]
+
+
+
+
+  CURIOSITIES
+  OF
+  HUMAN NATURE.
+
+[Illustration: THE ADMIRABLE CRICHTON.]
+
+  BOSTON:
+  J. E. HICKMAN, 12 SCHOOL STREET.
+
+
+
+
+  CURIOSITIES
+  OF
+  HUMAN NATURE:
+
+  BY THE AUTHOR OF
+
+  PETER PARLEY'S TALES.
+
+  BOSTON:
+  J. E. HICKMAN.
+  12 School Street.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS.
+
+
+                                      PAGE
+
+  ZERAH COLBURN,                         7
+  BARATIERE,                            26
+  GASSENDI,                             29
+  PASCAL,                               33
+  GROTIUS,                              39
+  NEWTON,                               43
+  MAGLIABECCHI,                         48
+  CRICHTON,                             52
+  BERONICIUS,                           59
+  MASTER CLENCH,                        64
+  JEDEDIAH BUXTON,                      67
+  WILLIAM GIBSON,                       72
+  EDMUND STONE,                         76
+  RICHARD EVELYN,                       78
+  QUENTIN MATSYS,                       82
+  WEST,                                 87
+  BERRETINI,                            93
+  HENRY KIRK WHITE,                     96
+  MOZART,                              100
+  ELIHU BURRITT,                       108
+  GEORGE MORLAND,                      112
+  WILLIAM PENN,                        119
+  JOHN SMITH,                          129
+  ETHAN ALLEN,                         144
+  DAVID CROCKETT,                      153
+  DANIEL BOONE,                        163
+  CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN,              172
+  THE CID,                             181
+  ROBIN HOOD,                          191
+  PAUL JONES,                          203
+  MASANIELLO,                          213
+  RIENZI,                              219
+  SELKIRK,                             222
+  JOHN LAW,                            226
+  TRENCK,                              230
+  JOHN DUNN HUNTER,                    236
+  CASPAR HAUSER,                       254
+  PSALMANAZAR,                         262
+  VALENTINE GREATRAKES,                265
+  MATTHEW HOPKINS,                     268
+  PETER, THE WILD BOY,                 271
+  JOHN KELSEY,                         274
+  BAMFYLDE MOORE CAREW,                278
+  JOHN ELWES,                          282
+  BARON D'AGUILAR,                     290
+  THOMAS GUY,                          292
+  OLD PARR,                            294
+  O'BRIEN,                             298
+  MAXAMILLIAN CHRISTOPHER MILLER,      300
+  HUYALAS,                             301
+  THOMAS TOPHAM,                       303
+  FOSTER POWELL,                       305
+  JOSEPH CLARK,                        307
+  EDWARD BRIGHT,                       309
+  DANIEL LAMBERT,                      310
+  JEFFREY HUDSON,                      312
+  JOSEPH BORUWLASKI,                   314
+  THE SIAMESE TWINS,                   318
+
+
+
+
+CURIOUS BIOGRAPHIES.
+
+
+
+
+ZERAH COLBURN.
+
+
+Among the intellectual prodigies which sometimes appear to excite the
+wonder and astonishment of mankind, Zerah Colburn was certainly one of
+the most remarkable. He was born at Cabot, Vermont, Sept. 1st, 1804. He
+was the sixth child of his parents, who were persons in low
+circumstances and of little education. He was regarded as the most
+backward of the children till he was about six years old, when he
+suddenly attracted attention by the display of his astonishing powers.
+
+In August, 1810, when his father, Abia Colburn, was one day employed at
+a joiner's work-bench, Zerah was on the floor, playing among the chips;
+suddenly, he began to say to himself,--5 times 7 are 35--6 times 8 are
+48, &c. His father's attention was immediately arrested by hearing this,
+so unexpected in a child so young, and who had hitherto possessed no
+advantages, except perhaps six weeks' attendance at the district
+school, that summer. He therefore left his work, and turning to the
+child, began to examine him in the multiplication table. He thought it
+possible that Zerah had learnt this from the other boys; but finding him
+perfect in the table, his attention was more deeply fixed, and he asked
+the product of 13x97, to which 1261 was instantly given as the answer.
+He now concluded that something unusual had actually taken place;
+indeed, he has often said he should not have been more surprised if some
+one had risen up out of the earth and stood erect before him.
+
+It was not long before a neighbor rode up, and stopping at the house,
+was informed of the singular occurrence. He desired to be a witness of
+the fact. Zerah was called, and the result of the examination astonished
+every one present. The strange phenomenon was now rapidly spread
+throughout the town. Though many were inclined to doubt the correctness
+of the reports they heard, a personal examination attested their truth.
+Thus the story originated, which within the short space of a year found
+its way not only through the United States, but also reached Europe, and
+extorted expressions of wonder from foreign journals of literature and
+science in England, France and other countries.
+
+Very soon after the discovery of his remarkable powers, many gentlemen,
+at that time possessing influence and public confidence throughout the
+state, being made acquainted with the circumstances, were desirous of
+having such a course adopted as might most directly lead to a full
+development of Zerah's talents, and their application to purposes of
+general utility. Accordingly, it was proposed that Mr. Colburn should
+carry his son to Danville, to be present during the session of the
+court. This was done, and the boy was very generally seen and questioned
+by the judges, members of the bar, and others.
+
+The legislature of Vermont being about to convene at Montpelier, Mr.
+Colburn was advised to visit that place with his son, which they did in
+October. Here large numbers had an opportunity of witnessing his
+calculating powers, and the conclusion was general that such a thing had
+never been known before. Many questions, which were out of the common
+limits of arithmetic, were proposed, with a view to puzzle the child,
+but he answered them correctly; as, for instance,--which is the most,
+twice twenty-five, or twice five and twenty? Ans. Twice twenty-five.
+Which is the most, six dozen dozen, or half a dozen dozen? Ans. Six
+dozen dozen. Somebody asked him how many black beans would make five
+white ones. Ans. Five, if you skin them! Thus it appeared that the boy
+could not only compute and combine numbers readily, but that he also
+possessed a quickness of thought, somewhat uncommon among children, as
+to other things.
+
+Soon after this, Mr. Colburn took his son to other large towns, and at
+last to Boston. Here the boy excited the most extraordinary sensation,
+and several gentlemen of the highest standing proposed to undertake his
+education. The terms, though very liberal, were not equal to the
+high-raised expectations of the father. The offer was therefore refused,
+and Mr. Colburn proceeded to the southern cities, exhibiting his son in
+public, his performances everywhere exciting the utmost wonder.
+
+The author of these pages had an opportunity of seeing Zerah Colburn, at
+this period. He was a lively, active boy, of light complexion, his head
+being rather larger than that of boys generally at his age. He was then
+six years old, and had the manners common to children of his age. He was
+playful, even while performing his calculations. The quickness and
+precision with which he gave answers to arithmetical questions was
+amazing. Among those proposed to him at Boston, in the autumn of the
+year 1810, were the following:
+
+What is the number of seconds in 2000 years? The answer, 63,072,000,000,
+was readily and accurately given. Another question was this: Allowing
+that a clock strikes 156 times in a day, how many times will it strike
+in 2000 years? The child promptly replied, 113,800,000 times.
+
+What is the product of 12,225, multiplied by 1,223? Ans. 14,951,175.
+What is the square of 1,449? Ans. 2,099,601. Suppose I have a
+corn-field, in which are seven acres, having seventeen rows to each
+acre, sixty-four hills to each row, eight ears on a hill, and one
+hundred and fifty kernels on an ear; how many kernels in the corn-field?
+Ans. 9,139,200.
+
+It will be recollected that the child who answered these questions was
+but six years old; that he had then had no instruction whatever in
+arithmetic; that he could neither read nor write, and that he performed
+these immense calculations by mental processes, wholly his own. His
+answers were usually given, and the calculations performed, while
+engaged in his sports, and the longest process seemed hardly to divert
+his mind from his amusements. His answers were often made almost as soon
+as the question was proposed, and in most cases before the process could
+be performed on paper.
+
+His faculty for calculation seemed to increase, and as he became
+acquainted with arithmetical terms, his performances were still more
+remarkable. In June, 1811, he was asked the following question: If the
+distance between Concord and Boston be sixty-five miles, how many steps
+must I take in going this distance, supposing each step to be three
+feet? The answer, 114,400 steps, was given in ten seconds. He was asked
+how many days and hours had elapsed since the Christian era commenced.
+In twenty seconds he replied, 661,015 days, 15,864,360 hours.
+
+Questions still more difficult were answered with similar promptitude.
+What sum multiplied by itself will produce 998,001? In less than four
+seconds he replied 999. How many hours in thirty-eight years, two
+months, and seven days? The answer, 334,488, was given in six seconds.
+
+These extraordinary performances, witnessed by thousands of people, and
+among them persons of the highest standing, were soon reported in the
+papers, and attracted scarcely less attention in Europe than in this
+country. In England, particularly, great curiosity was expressed, and
+the plan of taking young Colburn thither was suggested. After some
+deliberation, this project was resolved upon; and in the spring of
+1812, the father and son embarked at Boston for Liverpool, where they
+landed on the 11th of May. They proceeded to London, and taking rooms at
+Spring Gardens, commenced their exhibition.
+
+Great numbers came to witness the performances of the boy, among whom
+Zerah, in his Life, enumerates the dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland,
+Lord Ashburton, Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Humphrey Davy, and the
+Princess Charlotte. The latter, attended by her tutor, the bishop of
+Salisbury, remained a full hour, and asked a number of questions. Among
+the rest was this: What is the square of 4001? The answer, 16,008,001,
+was immediately given. The duke of Cambridge asked the number of seconds
+in the time elapsed since the commencement of the Christian era, 1813
+years, 7 months, 27 days. The answer was correctly given,
+57,234,384,000.
+
+An extraordinary interest was excited in London in respect to this
+remarkable youth, and schemes for giving him an education suited to his
+turn of mind were suggested. At a meeting of several distinguished
+gentlemen, to mature some plan of this sort, various questions were
+proposed to the child. He multiplied the number eight by itself, and
+each product by itself, till he had raised it to the sixteenth power,
+giving, as the almost inconceivable result, 281,474,976,710,656. He was
+asked the square root of 106,929, and before the number could be written
+down, he answered 327. He was then requested to name the cube root of
+268,336,125, and with equal facility and promptness he replied, 645.
+
+A likeness of the young prodigy, drawn by Hull and engraved by Meyer,
+was now published, and sold at a guinea each. Many were sold, and a
+considerable profit was realized. Another scheme was now started,--a
+memoir of the child,--and among the committee to superintend its
+publication, were Sir James Mackintosh, Sir Humphrey Davy and Basil
+Montague. Several hundred subscribers were obtained, but, though many
+paid in advance, for some reason or other the work was never published.
+Young Colburn and his father now made a tour to Ireland and Scotland.
+Among his visitors in Scotland, were Dugald Stewart, Professor Playfair,
+Doctor Brewster and Doctor Macknight. In March, 1814, they returned to
+London. By the advice of friends, they now proceeded to Paris, where
+they arrived in July, 1814.
+
+Zerah was carefully examined before the French Institute. It is curious
+that on this occasion he was longer in giving his answers than ever
+before; probably owing to some embarrassment. His performances, however,
+excited here, as everywhere else, the greatest astonishment. La Place,
+the author of the Mechanique Celeste, was present. Guizot received the
+youth at his house, and expressed in his behalf the liveliest interest.
+
+Such was the feeling excited, that a project was set on foot for giving
+Zerah an education at the Royal College of Henry IV. Nothing was wanting
+but the sanction of the king; but at the precise moment when measures
+were in progress to secure this object, Bonaparte came back from Elba,
+sweeping everything before him. The Bourbons fled, and the emperor was
+reinstated upon his throne. Application was now made to him in behalf of
+young Colburn; his assent was obtained, and on the 13th May, 1815, he
+entered the seminary, which was now restored to its original title, the
+Lyceum Napoleon.
+
+Mr. Colburn had, in England, Scotland and Paris, obtained a large number
+of subscribers to the memoir. Having placed his son in the Lyceum, he
+went to London to attend to the publication of the work. Here he met
+with bitter disappointment. His agent, who had been authorized to
+collect the money, had received about one third of the whole
+subscriptions, and appropriated the money to his own use. As he was
+poor, the whole sum was irretrievably lost. At the same time, Mr.
+Colburn found that his former friends were greatly chagrined to find
+that the French government, more liberal than themselves, had made
+provision for his son. Under this influence, the project of the memoir
+was abandoned, and a new scheme was proposed, the object of which was to
+raise two hundred pounds a year for six years, to defray the expenses of
+the boy's education.
+
+While Mr. Colburn was pursuing this scheme, Zerah was at the Lyceum at
+Paris, which now became the theatre of the most interesting events. The
+battle of Waterloo was fought, Napoleon fled, and the French army
+retreated toward the capital. To this point, the hostile armies were now
+directing their march, and the citizens of Paris were roused for its
+defence. Every effort was made to strengthen the walls and throw up
+entrenchments. The scholars at the Lyceum received permission to join in
+this work, and with enthusiastic ardor, heightened by their sympathy
+for Napoleon, they went to their tasks, crying, "_Vive l'Empereur_." Our
+little mathematician was among the number, and if he could have
+multiplied forts as easily as he managed figures, Paris would,
+doubtless, have been saved. But the fortune of war decided otherwise.
+Paris was overwhelmed, Napoleon dethroned, and Louis XVIII. restored.
+
+Zerah Colburn might have continued at the Lyceum, but his foolish
+father, having embraced the London scheme, proceeded to Paris, and
+carried him thence again to London, where they arrived February 7, 1816.
+
+The scheme which had excited Mr. Colburn's hopes, was, however, a mere
+illusion. His friends were worn out with his importunities, and,
+doubtless, disgusted with his fickleness. They were dissatisfied by
+discovering that while he wished to obtain a provision for his son, he
+desired also that some emolument, sufficient for his own wants, should
+come to himself. The result was, that both the father and son were
+reduced to a state of poverty. While attempting, by means scarcely
+better than beggary, to obtain transient support, they chanced to call
+upon the Earl of Bristol, who received them kindly, and expressed great
+interest in the youthful calculator. He invited them to his country
+residence at Putney, whither they went, and spent several days. The
+result of this fortunate acquaintance was, that the Earl made a
+provision of six hundred and twenty dollars a year for young Colburn's
+education at Westminster school, where he was regularly entered on the
+19th September. At this period, he was a few days over twelve years old.
+
+It now seemed that better fortunes had dawned upon this gifted, but
+still unfortunate boy; but these were soon clouded by disappointment.
+The custom of fagging existed in this school, as in all the higher
+seminaries of England. By this system, the boys of the under classes
+were required to be waiters and servants of those in the upper classes.
+Zerah was subjected to this arrangement, and a youth in the upper school
+was pitched upon for his master. This was the son of a baronet, Sir John
+L. Kaye.
+
+Soon after he had been initiated into these menial duties, one of the
+upper scholars called upon him to perform some servile task. This he
+accomplished, but not to the satisfaction of his employer. He therefore
+complained to young Kaye, his proper master, whose wrath being greatly
+excited, he fell upon poor Zerah, twisted his arm nearly out of joint,
+and, placing him in a helpless situation, beat his shoulder black and
+blue. Zerah went to his father, who immediately proceeded to Mr. Knox,
+the usher. The latter expressed regret for the abuse Zerah had received,
+but when the father claimed exemption for his son from the custom of
+fagging, the usher positively refused compliance. Mr. Colburn enjoined
+it upon his son by no means to submit to this system of drudgery again,
+and departed. In the evening, he was called upon to clean a pair of
+shoes. This he refused; whereupon, a number of the larger boys, who had
+gathered around him, first threatened, and then beat him without mercy,
+until at last he complied. All this occurred under the same roof where
+the usher then was. In the morning, the father came, and appealing to
+him, was treated with contempt. As he was going across the yard to see
+Dr. Page, the head master, the boys yelled at him from their windows,
+calling him Yankee; doubtless, deeming it the most opprobrious of
+epithets. The final result of this matter was, that Zerah was exempted
+from the custom of fagging, though no relaxation of the custom,
+generally, was made in the school.
+
+Zerah continued at Westminster, spending his vacations with the Reverend
+Mr. Bullen, Lord Bristol's chaplain, at the village of Danton. His
+father, in the mean time, picked up the means of subsistence, partly by
+boarding his son and a few other scholars, and partly by contributions.
+At length, the Earl, who was now in Germany, made an arrangement for the
+removal of Zerah from the Westminster school to the exclusive charge of
+Mr. Bullen. Mr. Colburn objected to this, and wrote accordingly to Lord
+Bristol. The latter persisted in his plan, and in order to reconcile the
+father to it, offered him fifty pounds a year for his own personal use.
+With stubbornness, amounting to infatuation, he rejected the generous
+offer, and withdrew his son from the Westminster school, and the
+patronage of his noble friend.
+
+Young Colburn had spent two years and nine months at the Westminster
+seminary, where his progress in the acquisition of languages and other
+studies was extremely rapid. Euclid's Elements of Geometry were mastered
+with ease; but it is a curious fact that while the boy was fascinated
+with arithmetical calculations, as he advanced into the abstruser
+portions of mathematics, his taste revolted from a pursuit that was dry
+and repulsive.
+
+Again the father and son were afloat in the sea of London. What was to
+be done now? The education of his son was, doubtless, an object to Mr.
+Colburn; but, with blind selfishness, he seems to have thought more of
+turning him to account as a means of raising money. With this view he
+proposed that he should go upon the stage; no doubt supposing that the
+youth's notoriety would render him available in this capacity. He was
+put in training, under the care of Charles Kemble. After four months'
+tuition, he appeared at Margate in the character of Norval. His
+reception was tolerably flattering, but he obtained no compensation. Mr.
+Colburn now determined to exhibit his son in his new profession, in
+Scotland and Ireland; but being almost entirely destitute of money, they
+were obliged to take a steerage passage in a vessel, and subsist upon
+hard fare. They arrived at Edinburgh, but received no encouragement in
+the theatrical line. Mr. Colburn called upon his former friends, and
+they contributed to his immediate relief. They now proceeded by
+canal-boat to Greenock, and thence in a vessel to Belfast. Here they
+found a strolling company of players, with whom an arrangement was made
+for Zerah's appearance at Londonderry, whither the party were about to
+proceed; to that place father and son journeyed on foot. Here the latter
+performed in some inferior characters, and soon returned with the band
+to Belfast. At this place he played the part of Richard the Third--but
+alas! even this master-stroke of policy failed. The father and son
+pushed on to Dublin, but they could get no engagement at the theatre.
+
+The inventive resources of Abia Colburn were not yet exhausted. Zerah
+must now turn author--and the future Methodist preacher must write a
+play! The subject chosen was that of Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered. The
+drama was composed--and we believe it was actually performed. But, alas!
+says Zerah, in his honest, modest book--"it never had any merit or any
+success."
+
+After an absence of two months, the wanderers returned to London. A long
+period of inaction follows, during which Zerah wrote plays, which were
+never printed or performed, and the father picked up a precarious living
+by levying contributions upon his former friends. These were at last
+worn out with his importunities, and finally, one of the best of them
+deliberately turned Zerah out of doors, when he came upon some errand
+from his father.
+
+Deprived of all other means save that of begging, which was now a poor
+resource, the youth obtained employment in October, 1821, as an usher in
+a school, and soon after established one on his own account. This
+afforded so poor a support, that still another effort was made to raise
+funds, ostensibly to provide for his permanent relief. To obtain
+subscribers to this proposal, Zerah went to Edinburgh, Glasgow and
+Belfast. At the former place, Mr. Combe took a cast of his head, seeking
+thereby to throw light upon his phrenological theories. He returned to
+London, with little success, and resumed his school.
+
+The health of his father now began to give way. Unhappily, he had, from
+the first discovery of his son's extraordinary gifts, looked upon them
+with mercenary feelings--as a source of revenue. It is true he had a
+father's love for his child--and in this respect, Zerah, in the simple
+memoir of his own life, does his parent more than justice; but still, it
+was this short-sighted selfishness which made him convert his child's
+endowments into a curse to him, to his friends, and Zerah himself. His
+expectations had been lifted to such a pitch, that nothing could satisfy
+them. The most generous offers fell short of what he felt to be his due;
+liberality was turned, in his mind, to parsimony--and even friends were
+regarded as little short of enemies. His sanguine temper led him
+constantly to indulge high hopes, which were as constantly doomed to
+disappointment. Such a struggle could not always last. His mind was torn
+with thoughts of his home and family neglected for twelve years; of his
+life wasted; his prospects defeated; of fond dreams, ending at last in
+failure, shame and poverty. He failed gradually, and on the 14th
+February, 1824, he died. A few days after, the body was consigned to the
+tomb, and Zerah, in his life, notices the fact that John Dunn Hunter was
+among the mourners. We mention this, as coinciding with the account we
+have given in this volume of that extraordinary character.
+
+Zerah continued in London for a few months, in the employment of Mr.
+Young, in making astronomical calculations. He had, however, a desire,
+enforced by his father's death-bed injunctions, to return to his
+country, and his mother, at Cabot. Again aided by his friend, Lord
+Bristol, he was provided with necessary means, and in June, 1824, he
+arrived at New York. On the third of July he approached his mother's
+door. He found there an elderly woman, and being uncertain who it was,
+he asked if she could tell him where the widow Colburn lived. "I am
+she," was the reply.
+
+The mother of Zerah Colburn was a remarkable woman. During the long
+absence of her husband, with a family of eight children, and almost
+entirely destitute of property, she had sustained the burthen with
+indomitable energy. She wrought with her own hands, in house and field;
+bargained away the little farm for a better; and, as her son says, "by a
+course of persevering industry, hard fare, and trials such as few women
+are accustomed to, she has hitherto succeeded in supporting herself,
+besides doing a good deal for her children."
+
+Zerah Colburn was now unable to offer much aid to his mother or the
+family. He found employment for a time as a teacher; but his mind at
+last was impressed with religious views, and after some vicissitudes of
+life, and many fluctuations of feeling, he finally adopted the Methodist
+faith, and became a humble but sincere preacher of that sect. With
+pious, patient assiduity he continued in this career for a number of
+years. He published a modest memoir of his life and adventures, from
+which we have gathered the greater part of our account,--and at last
+became professor of the Greek, Latin, French and Spanish languages, as
+well as of classical literature, in the "Vermont University," at
+Norwich. At this place he died, March 2d, 1840, in the thirty-eighth
+year of his age.
+
+Whoever has carefully attended to the facts stated in the early part of
+this notice, will be prepared to admit that Zerah Colburn was one of the
+most astonishing intellectual prodigies that has ever appeared. Totally
+uninstructed in figures, at the age of six years, he was able to perform
+mental operations which no man living, by all the training of art, is
+able to accomplish. It had been stated by scientific men, that no rule
+existed for finding the factors of numbers; yet this child discovered a
+rule by which he ascertained results of this kind, accessible only to
+skilful arithmeticians. In the London prospectus, the following facts,
+in relation to this point, are stated, which cannot fail to excite
+astonishment.
+
+At one of his exhibitions, among various questions, it was proposed that
+he should give the factors of 171,395--and he named the following as the
+only ones: 5x34279; 7x22485; 59x2905; 83x2065; 35x4897; 295x581;
+413x415. He was then asked to give the factors of 36,083; but he
+immediately replied that it had none, which is the fact, it being a
+prime number. "It had been asserted and maintained by the French
+mathematicians that 4294967297, was a prime number; but the celebrated
+Euler detected the error by discovering that it was equal to
+641x6,700,417. The same number was proposed to this child, who found out
+the factors by the mere operation of his mind."
+
+Great pains were taken to discover the processes by which this boy
+performed his operations. For a long time he was too ignorant of terms,
+and too little accustomed to watch the operations of his mind, to do
+this. He said to a lady, in Boston, who sought to make him disclose his
+mode of calculation, "I cannot tell you how I do these things. God gave
+me the power." At a subsequent time, however, while at the house of Mr.
+Francis Bailey, in London, upon some remark being made, the boy said
+suddenly, and without being asked--"I will tell you how I extract
+roots." He then proceeded to tell his operations. This is detailed in
+Zerah's book; but it in no degree abates our wonder. The rule does not
+greatly facilitate the operation; it still demands an effort of mind
+utterly beyond the capacity of most intellects; and after all, the very
+rule itself was the invention of a child.
+
+As he did not at first know the meaning of the word factor, when desired
+to find the factors of a particular number, the question was put in this
+form--"What two numbers multiplied together will produce such a number?"
+His rule for solving such problems was sought for with much curiosity.
+At last this was discovered. While in Edinburgh, in 1813, he being then
+nine years old, he waked up one night, and said suddenly to his
+father--"I can tell you how I find the factors!" His father rose,
+obtained a light, and wrote down the rule, at Zerah's dictation.
+
+It appears that when he came to maturity, these faculties did not
+improve; and after a time he was even less expert in arithmetical
+calculations than when he was ten years old. It is probable, his whole
+mind was weakened, rather than strengthened, by the peculiar
+circumstances of his life. As a preacher, he was in no way
+distinguished. He says this in his book, with simple honesty; and seems
+at a loss to understand the design of Providence in bestowing upon him
+so stupendous a gift, which, so far as he was able to discover, had
+produced no adequate results.
+
+He suggests, indeed, a single instance, in which an atheist in Vermont,
+who witnessed his performances in childhood, was induced to reflect upon
+the almost miraculous powers of the mind, and led to the conclusion that
+it must have an intelligent author. He saw that which was as hard to
+believe, as much beyond the routine of experience, as any miracle--and
+hence fairly concluded that miracles could be true. By this course of
+reflection he was induced to reject his infidelity, and afterwards
+became a sincere Christian.
+
+This, we doubt not, was one of the designs of Providence, in the
+bestowment of Zerah Colburn's wonderful gifts. But their use should not
+be confined to an individual case. If there is argument for God in a
+flower, how much more in a child of Zerah Colburn's endowments? What
+infidelity can withstand such an instance, and still say, there is no
+God? And farther, let us reflect upon the noble powers of the mind, and
+rejoice, yet with fear and trembling, that we are possessors of an
+inheritance, which, at God's bidding, is capable of such mighty
+expansion.
+
+The history of Zerah Colburn may teach us one thing more--that the gifts
+of genius are not always sources of happiness to the possessor; that
+mental affluence, like worldly riches, often brings sorrow, rather than
+peace to the possessor; and that moderate natural gifts, well
+cultivated, are generally the most useful in society, and most conducive
+to the happiness of the possessor.
+
+[Illustration: _Zerah Colburn, at eight years of age._]
+
+
+
+
+BARATIERE.
+
+
+John Philip Baratiere was a most extraordinary instance of the early and
+rapid exertion of mental faculties. He was the son of Francis Baratiere,
+minister of the French church at Schwoback, near Nuremberg, where he was
+born, January 10, 1721. The French was his mother tongue, and German was
+the language of the people around him. His father talked to him in
+Latin, and with this he became familiar; so that, without knowing the
+rules of grammar, he, at four years of age, talked French to his mother,
+Latin to his father, and High Dutch to the servants and neighboring
+children, without mixing or confounding the respective languages.
+
+About the middle of his fifth year, he acquired a knowledge of the
+Greek: so that in fifteen months he perfectly understood all the Greek
+books in the Old and New Testament, which he translated into Latin. When
+five years and eight months old, he entered upon Hebrew; and in three
+years more, was so expert in the Hebrew text, that, from a Bible without
+points, he could give the sense of the original in Latin or French, or
+translate, extempore, the Latin or French versions into Hebrew. He
+composed a dictionary of rare and difficult Hebrew words; and about his
+tenth year, amused himself, for twelve months, with the rabbinical
+writers.
+
+He now obtained a knowledge of the Chaldaic, Syriac and Arabic; and
+acquired a taste for divinity and ecclesiastical antiquity, by studying
+the Greek fathers of the first four ages of the church. In the midst of
+these occupations, a pair of globes coming into his possession, he
+could, in eight or ten days, resolve all the problems upon them; and in
+January, 1735, at the age of fourteen, he devised his project for the
+discovery of the longitude, which he communicated to the Royal Society
+of London, and the Royal Academy of Sciences at Berlin!
+
+In June, 1731, he was matriculated in the university of Altorf; and at
+the close of 1732, he was presented by his father at the meeting of the
+reformed churches of the circle, at Franconia; who, astonished at his
+wonderful talents, admitted him to assist in the deliberations of the
+synod; and, to preserve the memory of so singular an event, it was
+registered in their acts. In 1734, the Margrave of Brandenburg, Anspach,
+granted this young scholar a pension of fifty florins; and his father
+receiving a call to the French church at Stettin, in Pomerania, young
+Baratiere was, on the journey, admitted master of arts. At Berlin, he
+was honored with several conversations with the king of Prussia, and was
+received into the Royal Academy.
+
+Towards the close of his life, he acquired a considerable taste for
+medals, inscriptions, and antiquities, metaphysical inquiries, and
+experimental philosophy. He wrote several essays and dissertations; made
+astronomical remarks and laborious calculations; took great pains
+towards a history of the heresies of the Anti-Trinitarians, and of the
+thirty years' war in Germany. His last publication, which appeared in
+1740, was on the succession of the bishops of Rome. The final work he
+engaged in, and for which he had gathered large materials, was Inquiries
+concerning the Egyptian Antiquities. But the substance of this blazing
+meteor was now almost exhausted; he was always weak and sickly, and died
+October 5th, 1740, aged nineteen years, eight months, and sixteen days.
+Baratiere published eleven different pieces, and left twenty-six
+manuscripts, on various subjects, the contents of which may be seen in
+his Life, written by Mr. Formey, professor of philosophy at Berlin.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+GASSENDI
+
+
+Pierre Gassendi, one of the most famous naturalists and philosophers of
+France, was born at Chantersier, January 22, 1592, of poor parents. They
+were, however, wise and virtuous people, and perceiving the
+extraordinary gifts of their son, did everything in their power to
+promote his education. At the age of four years, young Pierre used to
+declaim little sermons of his own composition, which were quite
+interesting. At the age of seven, he would steal away from his parents,
+and spend a great part of the night in observing the stars. This made
+his friends say he was born an astronomer. At this age, he had a dispute
+with some boys, whether it was the moon or the clouds that moved so
+rapidly; to convince them that it was the latter, he took them behind a
+tree, and made them take notice that the moon kept its situation between
+the same leaves, while the clouds passed on.
+
+This early disposition to observation led his parents to place him under
+the care of the clergyman of the village, who gave him the first
+elements of learning. His ardor for study then became extreme: the day
+was not long enough for him; and he often read a great part of the night
+by the light of the lamp that was burning in the church of the village,
+his family being too poor to allow him candles for his nocturnal
+studies. He often took only four hours sleep in the night. At the age of
+ten, he harangued his bishop in Latin, who was passing through the
+village on his visitation; and he did this with such ease and spirit,
+that the prelate exclaimed--"That lad will, one day or other, be the
+wonder of his age." The modest and unassuming conduct of Gassendi gave
+an additional charm to his talents.
+
+[Illustration: _Gassendi and the Boys._]
+
+In his manners, this remarkable youth was in general silent, never
+ostentatiously obtruding upon others, either the acuteness of his
+understanding, or the eloquence of his conversation; he was never in a
+hurry to give his opinion before he knew that of the persons who were
+conversing with him. When men of learning introduced themselves to him,
+he was contented with behaving to them with great civility, and was not
+anxious to surprise them into admiration. The entire tendency of his
+studies was to make himself wiser and better; and to have his intention
+more constantly before his eyes, he had all his books inscribed with
+these words, _Sapere aude_; "Dare to be wise."
+
+Such was Gassendi's reputation, that at sixteen he was called to teach
+rhetoric at the seminary of Digne; in 1614, he was made professor of
+theology in the same institution; and two years after, he was invited to
+fill the chair of divinity and philosophy at Aix. After passing through
+various promotions, and publishing several works of great merit on
+philosophical subjects, Gassendi went at last to Paris, where he gained
+the friendship of Cardinal Richelieu, and shared the admiration of the
+learned world with the famous philosopher, Descartes.
+
+Being appointed a professor of mathematics in the College Royal of
+Paris, he gave his attention to astronomical subjects, and greatly
+increased his reputation. After a life devoted to science, in which his
+achievements were wonderful, he died at Paris, October 14, 1655, aged
+sixty-three years. Distinguished by his vast learning, his admirable
+clearness of mind, the diversity of his acquirements, the calmness and
+dignity of his character, and the amiableness of his manners, Gassendi
+was alike one of the brightest ornaments of his age and of human nature.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PASCAL.
+
+
+Blaise Pascal "perhaps the most brilliant intellect that ever lighted on
+this lower world," was born at Clermont, in the province of Auvergne, on
+the 19th of June, 1623. He was descended from one of the best families
+in that province. As soon as he was able to speak, he discovered marks
+of extraordinary capacity. This he evinced, not only by the general
+pertinency and acuteness of his replies, but also by the questions which
+he asked concerning the nature of things, and his reasonings upon them,
+which were much superior to what is common at his age. His mother having
+died in 1626, his father, who was an excellent scholar and an able
+mathematician, and who lived in habits of intimacy with several persons
+of the greatest learning and science at that time in France, determined
+to take upon himself the whole charge of his son's education.
+
+One of the instances in which young Pascal displayed his disposition to
+reason upon everything, is the following. He had been told that God
+rested from his labors on the seventh day, and hallowed it, and had
+commanded all mankind to suspend their labor and do no work on the
+Sabbath. When he was about seven years of age, he was seen, of a Sabbath
+morning, measuring some blades of grass. When asked what he was doing,
+he replied that he was going to see if the grass grew on Sunday, and if
+God ceased working on the Sabbath, as he had commanded mankind to do!
+
+Before young Pascal had attained his twelfth year, two circumstances
+occurred, which deserve to be recorded, as they discovered the turn, and
+evinced the superiority, of his mind. Having remarked one day, at table,
+the sound produced by a person accidentally striking an earthenware
+plate with a knife, and that the vibrations were immediately stopped by
+putting his hand on the plate, he became anxious to investigate the
+cause of this phenomenon; he employed himself in making a number of
+experiments on sound, the results of which he committed to writing, so
+as to form a little treatise on the subject, which was found very
+correct and ingenious.
+
+The other occurrence was his first acquisition, or, as it might not be
+improperly termed, his invention of geometry. His father, though very
+fond of mathematics, had studiously kept from his son all the means of
+becoming acquainted with this subject. This he did, partly in conformity
+to the maxim he had hitherto followed, of keeping his son superior to
+his task; and partly from an apprehension that a science so engaging,
+and at the same time so abstracted, and which, on that account, was
+peculiarly suited to the turn of his son's mind, would probably absorb
+too much of his attention, and stop the progress of his other studies,
+if he were at once initiated into it.
+
+But the activity of an inquisitive and penetrating mind is not to be so
+easily restrained. As, from respect to his father's authority, however,
+the youth had so far regarded his prohibition as to pursue this study
+only in private, and at his hours of recreation, he went on for some
+time undiscovered. But one day, while he was employed in this manner,
+his father accidentally came into the room, unobserved by Pascal, who
+was wholly intent on the subject of his investigation. His father stood
+for some time unperceived, and observed, with the greatest astonishment,
+that his son was surrounded with geometrical figures, and was then
+actually employed in finding out the proportion of the angles formed by
+a triangle, one side of which is produced; which is the subject of the
+thirty-second proposition in the First Book of Euclid.
+
+The father at length asked his son what he was doing. The latter,
+surprised and confused to find his father was there, told him he wanted
+to find out this and that, mentioning the different parts contained in
+that theorem. His father then asked how he came to inquire about that.
+He replied, that he had found out such a thing, naming some of the more
+simple problems; and thus, in reply to different questions, he showed
+that he had gone on his own investigations, totally unassisted, from the
+most simple definition in geometry, to Euclid's thirty-second
+proposition. This, it must be remembered, was when Pascal was but twelve
+years of age.
+
+His subsequent progress perfectly accorded with this extraordinary
+display of talent. His father now gave him Euclid's Elements to peruse
+at his hours of recreation. He read them, and understood them, without
+any assistance. His progress was so rapid that he was soon admitted to
+the meetings of a society of which his father, Roberval, and some other
+celebrated mathematicians were members, and from which afterwards
+originated the Royal Academy of Sciences, at Paris.
+
+During Pascal's residence with his father at Rouen, and while he was
+only in his nineteenth year, he invented his famous arithmetical
+machine, by which all numerical calculations, however complex, can be
+made by the mechanical operation of its different parts, without any
+arithmetical skill in the person who uses it. He had a patent for this
+invention in 1649. His studies, however, began to be interrupted when he
+reached his eighteenth year by some symptoms of ill health, which were
+thought to be the effect of intense application, and which never
+afterwards entirely quitted him; so that he was sometimes accustomed to
+say, that from the time he was eighteen, he had never passed a day
+without pain. But Pascal, though out of health, was still Pascal; ever
+active, ever inquiring, and satisfied only with that for which an
+adequate reason could be assigned. Having heard of the experiments
+instituted by Torricelli, to find out the cause of the rise of water in
+fountains and pumps, and of the mercury in the barometer, he was induced
+to repeat them, and to make others, to satisfy himself upon the
+subject.
+
+In 1654, he invented his arithmetical triangle, for the solution of
+problems respecting the combinations of stakes, in unfinished games of
+hazard; and long after that, he wrote his Demonstrations of the Problems
+relating to the Cycloid; besides several pieces on other subjects in the
+higher branches of the mathematics, for which his genius was probably
+most fitted. Pascal, though not rich, was independent in his
+circumstances; and as his peculiar talents, his former habits, and the
+state of his health, all called for retirement, he adopted a secluded
+mode of life. From 1655, he associated only with a few friends of the
+same religious opinions with himself, and lived for the most part in
+privacy in the society of Port Royal.
+
+At this period, the Catholics being divided into Jesuits and Jansenists,
+Pascal, being of the latter, published his famous Provincial Letters.
+These are so distinguished for their admirable wit, their keen argument,
+and their exquisite beauty of style, as to have even extorted praise
+from Voltaire and D'Alembert. He also wrote other pieces against the
+Jesuits, marked with great talent.
+
+Pascal's health, however, continued to decline; and it is probable that
+his mind suffered in consequence. Though his life had been singularly
+blameless, still he seemed to be pained with a sense of inward sin. He
+was accustomed to wear an iron belt around his waist, in which were
+sharp points, upon which he would strike his elbows, or his arms, when
+any unholy passion crossed his mind. He continued to practise charity
+toward all mankind, and severe austerities to himself, until at last he
+was attacked with sickness, and on the 19th of August, 1662, he died.
+His last words were, "May God never forsake me!"
+
+The latter part of his life was wholly spent in religious meditations,
+though he committed to paper such pious thoughts as occurred to him.
+These were published after his death, under the title of "Thoughts on
+Religion and other Subjects." They have been greatly admired for their
+depth, eloquence and Christian spirit.
+
+[Illustration: _Pascal._]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+GROTIUS.
+
+
+Hugo Grotius, celebrated for his early display of genius and learning,
+as well as for his adventures and writings in after life, was born at
+Delft, in Holland, April 10, 1583. He had the best masters to direct his
+education, and from childhood, was not only distinguished by the great
+brilliancy of his mind, but also by his application to study. Such was
+his progress, that, at eight years of age, he composed Latin elegiac
+verses of great cleverness, and at fourteen, he maintained public theses
+in mathematics, law, and philosophy with general applause. His
+reputation by this time was established, and he was mentioned by the
+principal scholars of the age, as a prodigy of learning, and as
+destined to make a conspicuous figure in the republic of letters.
+
+In 1598, he accompanied Barnevelt, ambassador extraordinary of the Dutch
+Republic, in a journey to France, where he was introduced to Henry IV.,
+who was so pleased with his learning, that he presented him with his
+picture and a gold chain. While in France, he took the degree of doctor
+of laws. The following year he commenced practice as an advocate, and
+pleaded his first cause at Delft. In the same year, though then only
+seventeen, he was chosen historiographer to the United Provinces, in
+preference to several learned men who were candidates for that office.
+
+Grotius now rapidly rose in rank and reputation: he published several
+works of great merit, and was appointed to various public offices of
+high trust. On one occasion he was sent by the government to England to
+attend to some negotiations, at which time he became acquainted with
+King James II. But serious religious difficulties now began to agitate
+Holland. In 1618, a synod met at Dort to take these into consideration.
+They proceeded to condemn the Arminian doctrines, and to banish all the
+preachers who upheld them. Barnevelt, who was a celebrated statesman,
+Grotius, and Hoogurbetz, advocated these sentiments; they were tried and
+condemned; the first was executed and the two others were sentenced to
+perpetual imprisonment.
+
+In his prison of Louvestien, Grotius found consolation in literary
+pursuits. His wife, after much entreaty, was permitted to visit him, and
+she did everything which the most devoted affection could suggest, to
+alleviate his confinement. She was accustomed to send him books in the
+chest which was conveyed out and in, with his linen: this was carefully
+examined by the jailer, for a time, but finding nothing amiss, he became
+less suspicious and careful.
+
+Taking notice of this, the wife of Grotius, after he had been confined
+about two years, devised a scheme for his escape. She pretended to have
+a large quantity of books to send away. Having a small chest of drawers,
+about three feet and a half long, she packed her husband into it, and it
+was carried out by two soldiers, who supposed they were transporting a
+quantity of books. The chest was now put on a horse, and carried to
+Gorcum, where the illustrious prisoner was set at liberty.
+
+Disguised in the dress of a mason, with a rule and a trowel in his hand,
+he fled to Antwerp, which was not under the government of the
+Stadtholder, Prince Maurice, who had caused his imprisonment. Here he
+wrote to the State's General of Holland, asserting his innocence of any
+wrong, in the course he had taken, and for which he had been deprived of
+liberty. He afterwards went to Paris, where he received a pension from
+the king.
+
+After the death of Prince Maurice, his confiscated property and estates
+were restored, and he returned to Holland; but he still found such a
+spirit of rancor against him, among the principal persons, that he left
+the country forever, and took up his residence at Hamburgh. Here he
+received the most flattering proposals from the kings of Portugal,
+Spain, Denmark, and other countries, who admired his great abilities,
+and desired him to seek shelter and protection with them.
+
+He finally adopted Sweden as his country, and becoming the queen's
+ambassador to France, he proceeded, in that character, to Paris, where,
+for eight years, he sustained the interests of his patron with firmness
+and dignity. At last, being weary of public life, he solicited his
+recall. In August, 1648, he embarked for Lubec, where he intended to
+reside; but, meeting with a dreadful storm, he was driven upon the coast
+of Pomerania, and obliged to take a land journey of sixty miles, in
+order to reach Rostock, during which he was exposed to the rain and
+inclement weather. A fever soon set in, and at midnight, on the 28th of
+August, the illustrious stranger died.
+
+Grotius has left behind him many works, some of them of great value. His
+treatise upon the "Truth of the Christian Religion," written in Latin,
+like his other productions, is one of the best defences of that system
+which has ever appeared. His work on the law of Peace and War, is still
+of high authority. We must look upon Grotius as a man of great
+acuteness, as well as vast expanse of mind. He was, indeed, in advance
+of his generation, and, like other patriots and philanthropists, who see
+farther than those around them, he was an object of hatred and disgust,
+for those very things which in an after age brought him the homage and
+gratitude of mankind. In an intolerant age, Grotius was in favor of
+toleration, and this alone was a crime which his generation could not
+forget or forgive.
+
+
+
+
+NEWTON.
+
+
+Sir Isaac Newton, the greatest of natural philosophers, was born at
+Woolsthorpe, in Lincolnshire, December 25, 1642, old style. At his birth
+he was so small and weak that his life was despaired of. On the death of
+his father, which took place while he was yet an infant, the manor of
+Woolsthorpe became his heritage. His mother sent him, at an early age,
+to the village school, and in his twelfth year, to the seminary of
+Grantham.
+
+While here he displayed a decided taste for mechanical and philosophical
+inventions; and avoiding the society of other children, provided himself
+with a collection of saws, hammers, and other instruments, with which he
+constructed models of many kinds of machinery. He also made
+hour-glasses, acting by the descent of water. A new windmill, of a
+peculiar construction, having been erected in the town, he studied it
+until he succeeded in imitating it, and placed a mouse inside, which he
+called the miller.
+
+Some knowledge of drawing being necessary in these operations, he
+applied himself, without a master, to the study; and the walls of his
+room were covered with all sorts of designs. After a short period,
+however, his mother took him home, for the purpose of employing him on
+the farm and about the affairs of the house. She sent him several times
+to market, at Grantham, with the produce of the farm. A trusty servant
+was sent with him, and the young philosopher left him to manage the
+business, while he himself employed his time in reading. A sundial,
+which he constructed on the wall of the house at Woolsthorpe, is still
+shown. His irresistible passion for study and science finally induced
+his mother to send him back to Grantham. Here he continued for a time,
+and was entered at Trinity College, Cambridge, 1660.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+At the latter place he studied mathematics with the utmost assiduity. In
+1667, he obtained a fellowship; in 1669, the mathematical professorship;
+and in 1671, he became a member of the Royal Society. It was during his
+abode at Cambridge that he made his three great discoveries, of
+fluxions, the nature of light and colors, and the laws of gravitation.
+To the latter of these his attention was first turned by his seeing an
+apple fall from a tree. The Principia, which unfolded to the world the
+theory of the universe, was not published till 1687. In that year also
+Newton was chosen one of the delegates to defend the privileges of the
+university against James II.; and in 1688 and 1701 he was elected one of
+the members of the university. He was appointed warden of the mint in
+1696; he was made master of it in 1699; was chosen president of the
+Royal Society in 1703; and was knighted in 1705. He died March 20,
+1727.
+
+His "Observations on the Prophecies of Daniel and the Apocalypse"
+appeared in 1733, in quarto. "It is astonishing," says Dr. Hutton, "what
+care and industry Newton employed about the papers relating to
+chronology, church history, &c.; as, on examining them, it appears that
+many are copies over and over again, often with little or no variation."
+All the works of this eminent philosopher were published by Dr. Samuel
+Horsley, in 1779, in five volumes, quarto; and an English translation of
+his "Philosophae Naturalis Principia Mathematicae," is extant.
+
+The character of this great man has been thus drawn by Mr. Hume, in his
+history of England. "In Newton, Britain may boast of having produced the
+greatest and rarest genius that ever rose for the ornament and
+instruction of the human species. Cautious in admitting no principles
+but such as were founded on experiment, but resolute to adopt every such
+principle, however new or unusual; from modesty, ignorant of his
+superiority over the rest of mankind, and thence less careful to
+accommodate such reasonings to common apprehensions; more anxious to
+merit than acquire fame:--he was from these causes long unknown to the
+world; but his reputation at last broke out with a lustre, which
+scarcely any writer, during his own lifetime, had ever before attained.
+While Newton seemed to draw off the veil from some of the mysteries of
+nature, he showed at the same time some of the imperfections of the
+mechanical philosophy; and thereby restored her ultimate secrets to that
+obscurity in which they ever did and ever will remain."
+
+The remains of Sir Isaac Newton were interred in Westminster Abbey,
+where a magnificent monument is erected to his memory, with a Latin
+inscription, concluding thus:--"Let mortals congratulate themselves that
+so great an ornament of human nature has existed." His character is
+shown, by Dr. Brewster, to have been that of the humble and sincere
+Christian. Of nature, antiquity, and the Holy Scriptures, he was a
+diligent, sagacious, and faithful interpreter. He maintained by his
+philosophy the dignity of the Supreme Being, and in his manners he
+exhibited the simplicity of the Gospel. "I seem to myself," he said, "to
+be like a child, picking up a shell here and there on the shore of the
+great ocean of truth." He would hardly admit that he had a genius above
+other men, but attributed his discoveries to the intentness with which
+he applied to the study of philosophy. We cannot better close our notice
+of this great man, than in the words of Pope:
+
+  "Nature and nature's laws lay hid in night--
+  God said, 'let Newton be'--and all was light!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MAGLIABECCHI.
+
+
+Antony Magliabecchi was born at Florence, on the 29th of October, in the
+year 1633. His parents were so poor as to be well satisfied when they
+got him into the service of a man who sold greens. He had not yet
+learned to read, but he was perpetually poring over the leaves of old
+books, that were used as waste paper in his master's shop. A bookseller
+who lived in the neighborhood, observed this, and knowing that the boy
+could not read, asked him one day what he meant by staring so much at
+pieces of printed paper? He said, that he did not know how it was, but
+that he loved it of all things; that he was very uneasy in the business
+he was in, and should be the happiest creature in the world if he could
+live with him, who had always so many books about him.
+
+The bookseller was pleased with this answer; and at last told him, that
+if his master were willing to part with him, he would take him. Young
+Magliabecchi was highly delighted, and the more so, when his master,
+agreeably to the bookseller's desire, gave him leave to go. He went,
+therefore, directly to his new business. He had not long been there,
+before he could find out any book that was asked for, as readily as the
+bookseller himself. In a short period he had learned to read, and then
+he was always reading when he could find time.
+
+He seems never to have applied himself to any particular study. A love
+of reading was his ruling passion, and a prodigious memory his great
+talent. He read all kinds of books, almost indifferently, as they came
+into his hands, and that with a surprising quickness; yet he retained
+not only the sense, but often the words and the very manner of spelling.
+
+His extraordinary application and talents soon recommended him to
+Ermina, librarian to the Cardinal de Medicis, and Marmi, the Grand
+Duke's librarian. He was by them introduced to the conversation of the
+learned, and made known at court. He now began to be looked upon
+everywhere as a prodigy, particularly for his unbounded memory.
+
+In order to make an experiment in respect to this, a gentleman of
+Florence, who had written a piece, which was to be printed, lent the
+manuscript to Magliabecchi. Sometime after it had been returned, he came
+to the librarian with a melancholy face, and told him that by some
+accident he had lost his manuscript; and seemed almost inconsolable,
+entreating Magliabecchi, at the same time, to endeavor to recollect as
+much of it as he possibly could, and write it down. Magliabecchi assured
+him he would do so, and on setting about it, wrote down the whole,
+without missing a word.
+
+By treasuring up everything he read, in this wonderful manner, or at
+least the subject, and all the principal parts of the books he ran over,
+his head became at last, as one of his acquaintance expressed it, "an
+universal index, both of titles and matter."
+
+By this time, Magliabecchi was grown so famous for the vast extent of
+his reading, and his amazing retention of what he had read, that it
+began to grow common amongst the learned to consult him when they were
+writing on any subject. Thus, for instance, if a priest was going to
+compose a panegyric upon any favorite saint, and came to communicate his
+design to Magliabecchi, he would immediately tell him who had said
+anything of that saint, and in what part of their works, and that,
+sometimes, to the number of above a hundred authors. He would tell them
+not only who had treated of their subject designedly, but of such, also,
+as had touched upon it incidentally, in writing on other subjects. All
+this he did with the greatest exactness, naming the author, the book,
+the words, and often the very number of the page in which the passage
+referred to was inserted. He did this so often, so readily, and so
+exactly, that he came at last to be looked upon almost as an oracle, for
+the ready and full answers that he gave to all questions proposed to him
+in respect to any subject or science whatever.
+
+It was his great eminence in this way, and his almost inconceivable
+knowledge of books, that induced the Grand Duke, Cosmo the third, to
+make him his librarian. What a happiness must it have been to one like
+Magliabecchi, who delighted in nothing so much as reading, to have the
+command and use of such a collection of books as that in the Duke's
+palace! He was also very conversant with the books in the Lorenzo
+library; and had the keeping of those of Leopoldo, and Francisco Maria,
+the two cardinals of Tuscany.
+
+Magliabecchi had a local memory, too, of the places where every book
+stood, in the libraries which he frequented; he seems, indeed, to have
+carried this even farther. One day the Grand Duke sent for him to ask
+whether he could get him a book that was particularly scarce. "No, sir,"
+answered Magliabecchi, "for there is but one in the world, and that is
+in the Grand Signior's library at Constantinople; it is the seventh book
+on the second shelf, on the right hand, as you go in."
+
+Though Magliabecchi lived so sedentary a life, with such an intense and
+almost perpetual application to books, yet he arrived to a good old age.
+He died in his eighty-first year, on the 14th of July, 1714. By his will
+he left a very fine library, of his own collection, for the use of the
+public, with a fund to maintain it; and whatever should remain over, to
+the poor.
+
+In his manner of living, Magliabecchi affected the character of
+Diogenes; three hard eggs, and a draught or two of water, were his usual
+repast. When his friends went to see him, they generally found him
+lolling in a sort of fixed wooden cradle, in the middle of his study,
+with a multitude of books, some thrown in heaps, and others scattered
+about the floor, around him. His cradle, or bed, was generally attached
+to the nearest pile of books by a number of cobwebs: at the entrance of
+any one, he used to call out, "Don't hurt my spiders!"
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+JAMES CRICHTON.
+
+
+James Crichton, commonly called 'The Admirable,' son of Robert Crichton,
+of Eliock, who was Lord Advocate to King James VI., was born in
+Scotland, in the year 1561. The precise place of his birth is not
+mentioned, but he received the best part of his education at St.
+Andrews, at that time the most celebrated seminary in Scotland, where
+the illustrious Buchanan was one of his masters. At the early age of
+fourteen, he took his degree of Master of Arts, and was considered a
+prodigy, not only in abilities, but in actual attainments.
+
+It was the custom of the time for Scotchmen of birth to finish their
+education abroad, and serve in some foreign army, previously to entering
+that of their own country. When he was only sixteen or seventeen years
+old, Crichton's father sent him to the Continent. He had scarcely
+arrived in Paris, which was then a gay and splendid city, famous for
+jousting, fencing, and dancing, when he publicly challenged all scholars
+and philosophers to a disputation at the College of Navarre. He proposed
+that it should be carried on in any one of twelve specified languages,
+and have relation to any science or art, whether practical or
+theoretical. The challenge was accepted; and, as if to show in how
+little need he stood of preparation, or how lightly he held his
+adversaries, he spent the six weeks that elapsed between the challenge
+and the contest, in a continual round of tilting, hunting, and dancing.
+
+On the appointed day, however, and in the contest, he is said to have
+encountered all the gravest philosophers and divines, and to have
+acquitted himself to the astonishment of all who heard him. He received
+the public praises of the president and four of the most eminent
+professors. The very next day he appeared at a tilting match in the
+Louvre, and carried off the ring from all his accomplished and
+experienced competitors.
+
+Enthusiasm was now at its height, particularly among the ladies of the
+court, and from the versatility of his talents, his youth, the
+gracefulness of his manners, and the beauty of his person, he was named
+_L'Admirable_. After serving two years in the army of Henry III., who
+was engaged in a civil war with his Huguenot subjects, Crichton repaired
+to Italy, and repeated at Rome, in the presence of the Pope and
+cardinals, the literary challenge and triumph that had gained him so
+much honor at Paris.
+
+From Rome he went to Venice, at which gay city he arrived in a depressed
+state of spirits. None of his Scottish biographers are very willing to
+acknowledge the fact, but it appears quite certain, that, spite of his
+noble birth and connexions, he was miserably poor, and became for some
+time dependent on the bounty of a Venetian printer--the celebrated Aldus
+Manutius. After a residence of four months at Venice, where his
+learning, engaging manners, and various accomplishments, excited
+universal wonder, as is made evident by several Italian writers who were
+living at the time, and whose lives were published, Crichton went to the
+neighboring city of Padua, in the learned university of which he reaped
+fresh honors by Latin poetry, scholastic disputation, an exposition of
+the errors of Aristotle and his commentators, and as a playful wind-up
+of the day's labors, a declamation upon the happiness of ignorance.
+
+Another day was fixed for a public disputation in the palace of the
+bishop of Padua; but this being prevented from taking place, gave some
+incredulous or envious men the opportunity of asserting that Crichton
+was a literary impostor, whose acquirements were totally superficial.
+His reply was a public challenge. The contest, which included the
+Aristotelian and platonic philosophies, and the mathematics of the time,
+was prolonged during three days, before an innumerable concourse of
+people. His friend, Aldus Manutius, who was present at what he calls
+"this miraculous encounter," says he proved completely victorious, and
+that he was honored by such a rapture of applause as was never before
+heard.
+
+Crichton's journeying from university to university to stick up
+challenges on church doors, and college pillars, though it is said to
+have been in accordance with customs not then obsolete, certainly
+attracted some ridicule among the Italians; for Boccalini, after copying
+one of his placards, in which he announces his arrival, and his
+readiness to dispute extemporaneously on all subjects, says that a wit
+wrote under it, "and whosoever wishes to see him, let him go to the
+Falcon Inn, where he will be shown,"--which is the formula used by
+showmen for the exhibition of a wild beast, or any other monster.
+
+We next hear of Crichton at Mantua, and as the hero of a combat more
+tragical than those carried on by the tongue or the pen. A certain
+Italian gentleman, "of a mighty, able, nimble, and vigorous body, but by
+nature fierce, cruel, warlike, and audacious, and superlatively expert
+and dexterous in the use of his weapon," was in the habit of going from
+one city to another, to challenge men to fight with cold steel, just as
+Crichton did to challenge them to scholastic combats. This itinerant
+gladiator, who had marked his way through Italy with blood, had just
+arrived in Mantua, and killed three young men, the best swordsmen of
+that city. By universal consent, the Italians were the ablest masters of
+fence in Europe; a reputation to which they seem still entitled. To
+encounter a victor among such masters, was a stretch of courage; but
+Crichton, who had studied the sword from his youth, and who had probably
+improved himself in the use of the rapier in Italy, did not hesitate to
+challenge the redoubtable bravo.
+
+Though the duke was unwilling to expose so accomplished a gentleman to
+so great a hazard, yet, relying upon the report he had heard of his
+warlike qualifications, he agreed to the proposal; and the time and
+place being appointed, the whole court attended to behold the
+performance. At the beginning of the combat, Crichton stood only upon
+his defence, while the Italian made his attack with such eagerness and
+fury, that, having exhausted himself, he began to grow weary. The young
+Scotsman now seized the opportunity of attacking his antagonist in
+return; which he did with so much dexterity and vigor, that he ran him
+through the body in three different places, of which wounds he
+immediately died.
+
+The acclamations of the spectators were loud and long-continued upon
+this occasion; and it was acknowledged by all, that they had never seen
+nature second the precepts of art in so lively and graceful a manner as
+they had beheld it on that day. To crown the glory of the action,
+Crichton bestowed the rich prize awarded for his victory, upon the
+widows of the three persons who had lost their lives in fighting with
+the gladiator.
+
+In consequence of this and his other wonderful performances, the duke of
+Mantua made choice of him for preceptor to his son, Vicentio de Gonzago,
+who is represented as being of a riotous temper, and dissolute life. The
+appointment was highly pleasing to the court. Crichton, to testify his
+gratitude to his friends and benefactors, and to contribute to their
+diversion, framed a comedy, wherein he exposed and ridiculed the
+weaknesses and failures of the several occupations and pursuits in which
+men are engaged. This composition was regarded as one of the most
+ingenious satires that ever was made upon mankind. But the most
+astonishing part of the story, is, that Crichton sustained fifteen
+characters in the representation of his own play. Among the rest, he
+acted the divine, the philosopher, the lawyer, the mathematician, the
+physician, and the soldier, with such inimitable skill, that every time
+he appeared upon the theatre, he seemed to be a different person.
+
+From being the principal actor in a comedy, Crichton soon became the
+subject of a dreadful tragedy. One night, during the time of Carnival,
+as he was walking along the streets of Mantua, and playing upon his
+guitar, he was attacked by half a dozen people in masks. The assailants
+found that they had no ordinary person to deal with, for they were not
+able to maintain their ground against him. At last the leader of the
+company, being disarmed, pulled off his mask, and begged his life,
+telling Crichton that he was the prince, his pupil. Crichton immediately
+fell upon his knees, and expressed his concern for his mistake; alleging
+that what he had done was only in his own defence, and that if Gonzago
+had any design upon his life, he might always be master of it. Then,
+taking his own sword by the point, he presented it to the prince, who
+immediately received it, and was so irritated by the affront which he
+thought he had sustained, in being foiled with all his attendants, that
+he instantly ran Crichton through the heart.
+
+His tragical end excited very great and general lamentation. The whole
+court of Mantua went three-quarters of a year into mourning for him; and
+numerous epitaphs and elegies were composed upon his death.
+
+To account in some manner for the extent of Crichton's attainments, it
+must be recollected that the first scholars of the age were his
+instructors: for, besides having Rutherford as a tutor, it is stated by
+Aldus Manutius, that he was also taught by Buchanan, Hessburn, and
+Robertson; and hence his extraordinary proficiency in the languages, as
+well as in the sciences, as then taught in the schools of Europe. It
+must also be recollected that no expense would be spared in his
+education, as his father was Lord Advocate in Queen Mary's reign, from
+1561 to 1573, and his mother, the daughter of Sir James Stuart, was
+allied to the royal family. It is evident, however, that these
+advantages were seconded by powers of body and mind rarely united in any
+human being.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BERONICIUS.
+
+
+The history of this man is involved in some obscurity, yet enough is
+known to show that he was a person of wonderful endowments, and great
+eccentricity of life and character.
+
+In the year 1674, the celebrated Dutch poet, Antonides Vander Goes,
+being in Zealand, happened to be in company with a young gentleman, who
+spoke of the wonderful genius of his language master. Vander Goes
+expressed a desire to see him, and while they were talking upon the
+subject, the extraordinary man entered. He was a little, sallow dumpling
+of a fellow, with fiery eyes, and nimble, fidgety motions; he was withal
+a sight to see for the raggedness of his garments.
+
+The strange man soon showed that he was drunk, and shortly after took
+his leave. But in a subsequent interview with the Dutch poet, he fully
+justified the character his pupil had given him. His great talent lay in
+being able with almost miraculous quickness, to turn any written theme
+into Latin or Greek verse. Upon being put to the trial, by Vander Goes,
+he succeeded, to the admiration of all present.
+
+The poet had just shown him his verses, and asked his opinion of them.
+Beronicius read them twice, praised them, and said, "What should hinder
+me from turning them into Latin instantly?" The company viewed him with
+curiosity, and encouraged him by saying, "Well, pray let us see what you
+can do." In the meantime, the man appeared to be startled. He trembled
+from head to foot, as if possessed. However, he selected an epigram from
+the poems, and asked the precise meaning of two or three Dutch words, of
+which he did not clearly understand the force, and requested that he
+might be allowed to Latinize the name of _Hare_, which occurred in the
+poem, in some manner so as not to lose the pun. They agreed; and he
+immediately said, "I have already found it,--I shall call him
+_Dasypus_," which signifies an animal with rough legs, and is likewise
+taken by the Greeks for a hare. "Now, read a couple of lines at a time
+to me, and I shall give them in Latin," said he;--upon which a poet
+named Buizero, began to read to him, and Beronicius burst out in the
+following verses:--
+
+  Egregia Dasypus referens virtute leonem
+  In bello, adversus Britonas super aequora gesto,
+  Impavidus pelago stetit, aggrediente molossum.
+  Agmine quem tandem glans ferrea misit ad astra,
+  Vindictae cupidum violato jure profundi.
+  Advena, quisquis ades, Zelandae encomia gentis
+  Ista refer, lepores demta quod pelle leonem,
+  Assumant, quotquot nostro versantur in orbe.
+  Epitaphium Herois Adriani de Haze, ex Belgico versum.
+
+When the poet had finished, he laughed till his sides shook; at the same
+time he was jeering and pointing at the company, who appeared surprised
+at his having, contrary to their expectations, acquitted himself so
+well; everybody highly praised him, which elated him so much that he
+scratched his head three or four times; and fixing his fiery eyes on
+the ground, repeated without hesitation, the same epigram in Greek
+verse, calling out, "There ye have it in Greek." Every one was
+astonished, which set him a-laughing and jeering for a quarter of an
+hour.
+
+The Greek he repeated so rapidly, that no one could write from his
+recitation. John Frederick Gymnick, professor of the Greek language at
+Duisburgh, who was one of the auditors, said that he esteemed the Greek
+version as superior to the Latin. Beronicius was afterwards examined in
+various ways, and gave such proofs of his wonderful learning, as amazed
+all the audience.
+
+This singular genius spoke several languages so perfectly, that each
+might have passed for his mother tongue; especially Italian, French, and
+English. But Greek was his favorite, and he used it as correctly and as
+fluently as if he had always spoken it. He knew by heart the whole of
+Horace and Virgil, the greatest part of Cicero, and both the Plinys; and
+would immediately, if a line were mentioned, repeat the whole passage,
+and tell the exact work, volume, chapter, and verse, of all these, and
+many more, especially poets. The works of Juvenal were so interwoven
+with his brain, that he retained every word.
+
+Of the Greek poets, he had Homer strongly imprinted on his memory,
+together with some of the comedies of Aristophanes; he could directly
+turn to any line required, and repeat the whole contiguous passage. His
+Latin was full of words selected from the most celebrated writers.
+
+The reader will probably be desirous of knowing to what country
+Beronicius belonged; but this is a secret he never would disclose. When
+he was asked what was his native land, he always answered, "that the
+country of every one, was that in which he could live most comfortably."
+It was well known that he had wandered about many years in France,
+England, and the Netherlands, carrying his whole property with him. He
+was sometimes told that he deserved to be a professor in a college;--but
+his reply was, that he could have no pleasure in such a worm-like life.
+
+Strange to say, this eccentric being gained his living chiefly by
+sweeping chimneys, grinding knives and scissors, and other mean
+occupations. But his chief delight was in pursuing the profession of a
+juggler, mountebank, or merry-andrew, among the lowest rabble. He never
+gave himself any concern about his food or raiment; for it was equal to
+him whether he was dressed like a nobleman or a beggar. His hours of
+relaxation from his studies were chiefly spent in paltry wine-houses,
+with the meanest company, where he would sometimes remain a whole week,
+or more, drinking without rest or intermission.
+
+His miserable death afforded reason to believe that he perished whilst
+intoxicated, for he was found dead at Middleburgh, drowned and smothered
+in mud, which circumstance is alluded to in the epitaph which the before
+named poet, Buizero, wrote upon him, and which was as follows:--
+
+  Here lies a wonderful genius,
+  He lived and died like a beast;
+  He was a most uncommon satyr--
+  He lived in wine, and died in water.
+
+This is all that is known of Beronicius. The poet, Vander Goes, often
+witnessed the display of his talents, and he says that he could at once
+render the newspapers into Greek and Latin verse. Professor John de
+Raay, who was living at the time of Beronicius's death, which occurred
+in 1676, saw and affirms the same wonderful fact.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MASTER CLENCH.
+
+
+Of this astonishing youth, we have no information except what is
+furnished by the following account, extracted from Mr. Evelyn's diary,
+of 1689, very shortly after the landing of William III. in England.
+
+"I dined," says Mr. Evelyn, "at the Admiralty, where a child of twelve
+years old was brought in, the son of Dr. Clench, of the most prodigious
+maturity of knowledge, for I cannot call it altogether memory, but
+something more extraordinary. Mr. Pepys and myself examined him, not in
+any method, but with promiscuous questions, which required judgment and
+discernment, to answer so readily and pertinently.
+
+"There was not anything in chronology, history, geography, the several
+systems of astronomy, courses of the stars, longitude, latitude,
+doctrine of the spheres, courses and sources of rivers, creeks, harbors,
+eminent cities, boundaries of countries, not only in Europe, but in
+every part of the earth, which he did not readily resolve, and
+demonstrate his knowledge of, readily drawing with a pen anything he
+would describe.
+
+"He was able not only to repeat the most famous things which are left us
+in any of the Greek or Roman histories, monarchies, republics, wars,
+colonies, exploits by sea and land, but all the Sacred Scriptures of the
+Old and New Testaments; the succession of all the monarchies,
+Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman; with all the lower emperors,
+popes, heresiarchs, and councils; what they were called about; what they
+determined; or in the controversy about Easter; the tenets of the
+Sabellians, Arians, Nestorians; and the difference between St. Cyprian
+and Stephen about re-baptization; the schisms.
+
+"We leaped from that to other things totally different,--to Olympic
+years and synchronisms; we asked him questions which could not be
+answered without considerable meditation and judgment; nay, of some
+particulars of the civil wars; of the digest and code. He gave a
+stupendous account of both natural and moral philosophy, and even of
+metaphysics.
+
+"Having thus exhausted ourselves, rather than this wonderful child, or
+angel rather, for he was as beautiful and lovely in countenance as in
+knowledge, we concluded with asking him, if, in all he had ever heard or
+read of, he had ever met with anything which was like the expedition of
+the Prince of Orange, with so small a force, as to obtain three kingdoms
+without any contest. After a little thought, he told us that he knew of
+nothing that resembled it, so much as the coming of Constantine the
+Great out of Great Britain, through France and Italy, so tedious a
+march, to meet Maxentius, whom he overthrew at Pons Melvius, with very
+little conflict, and at the very gates of Rome, which he entered, and
+was received with triumph, and obtained the empire not of three kingdoms
+only, but of the then known world.
+
+"He was perfect in the Latin authors, spoke French naturally, and gave
+us a description of France, Italy, Savoy and Spain, anciently and
+modernly divided; as also of ancient Greece, Scythia, and the northern
+countries and tracts.
+
+"He answered our questions without any set or formal repetitions, as one
+who had learned things without book, but as if he minded other things,
+going about the room, and toying with a parrot, seeming to be full of
+play, of a lively, sprightly temper, always smiling, and exceedingly
+pleasant; without the least levity, rudeness, or childishness."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JEDEDIAH BUXTON.
+
+
+This extraordinary man was born in 1705, at Elmeton, in Derbyshire. His
+father was a schoolmaster; and yet, from some strange neglect, Jedediah
+was never taught either to read or write. So great, however, were his
+natural talents for calculation, that he became remarkable for his
+knowledge of the relative proportions of numbers, their powers and
+progressive denominations. To these objects he applied all the powers of
+his mind, and his attention was so constantly rivetted upon them, that
+he was often totally abstracted from external objects. Even when he did
+notice them, it was only with respect to their numbers. If any space of
+time happened to be mentioned before him, he would presently inform the
+company that it contained so many minutes; and if any distance, he
+would assign the number of hair-breadths in it, even though no question
+were asked him.
+
+Being, on one occasion, required to multiply 456 by 378, he gave the
+product by mental arithmetic, as soon as a person in company had
+completed it in the common way. Being requested to work it audibly, that
+his method might be known, he first multiplied 456 by 5, which produced
+2,280; this he again multiplied by 20, and found the product 45,600,
+which was the multiplicand, multiplied by 100. This product he again
+multiplied by 3, which gave 136,800, the product of the multiplicand by
+300. It remained, therefore, to multiply this by 78, which he effected
+by multiplying 2,280, or the product of the multiplicand, multiplied by
+5, by 15, as 5 times 15 is 75. This product being 34,200, he added to
+136,800, which gave 171,000, being the amount of 375 times 456. To
+complete his operation, therefore, he multiplied 456 by 3, which
+produced 1,368, and this being added to 171,000, yielded 172,368, as the
+product of 456 multiplied by 378.
+
+From these particulars, it appears that Jedediah's method of calculation
+was entirely his own, and that he was so little acquainted with the
+common rules of arithmetic, as to multiply first by 5, and the product
+by 20, to find the amount when multiplied by 100, which the addition of
+two ciphers to the multiplicand would have given at once.
+
+A person who had heard of these efforts of memory, once meeting with him
+accidentally, proposed the following question, in order to try his
+calculating powers. If a field be 423 yards long, and 383 broad, what
+is the area? After the figures were read to him distinctly, he gave the
+true product, 162,009 yards, in the space of two minutes; for the
+proposer observed by the watch, how long it took him. The same person
+asked how many acres the said field measured; and in eleven minutes, he
+replied, 33 acres, 1 rood, 35 perches, 20 yards and a quarter. He was
+then asked how many barley-corns would reach eight miles. In a minute
+and a half, he answered 1,520,640. The next question was: supposing the
+distance between London and York to be 204 miles, how many times will a
+coach-wheel turn round in that space, allowing the circumference of that
+wheel to be six yards. In thirteen minutes, he answered, 59,840 times.
+
+On another occasion a person proposed to him this question: in a body,
+the three sides of which are 23,145,789 yards, 5,642,732 yards, and
+54,965 yards, how many cubic eighths of an inch? In about five hours
+Jedediah had accurately solved this intricate problem, though in the
+midst of business, and surrounded by more than a hundred laborers.
+
+Next to figures, the only objects of Jedediah's curiosity were the king
+and royal family. So strong was his desire to see them, that in the
+beginning of the spring of 1754, he walked up to London for that
+purpose, but returned disappointed, as his majesty had removed to
+Kensington just as he arrived in town. He was, however, introduced to
+the Royal Society, whom he called the _Folk of the Siety Court_. The
+gentlemen present asked him several questions in arithmetic to try his
+abilities, and dismissed him with a handsome present.
+
+During his residence in the metropolis, he was taken to see the tragedy
+of King Richard the Third, performed at Drury Lane, Garrick being one of
+the actors. It was expected that the novelty of everything in that
+place, together with the splendor of the surrounding objects, would have
+filled him with astonishment; or that his passions would have been
+roused in some degree, by the action of the performers, even though he
+might not fully comprehend the dialogue. This, certainly, was a rational
+idea; but his thoughts were far otherwise employed. During the dances,
+his attention was engaged in reckoning the number of steps; after a fine
+piece of music, he declared that the innumerable sounds produced by the
+instruments perplexed him beyond measure, but he counted the words
+uttered by Mr. Garrick, in the whole course of the entertainment; and
+declared that in this part of the business, he had perfectly succeeded.
+
+Heir to no fortune, and educated to no particular profession, Jedediah
+Buxton supported himself by the labor of his hands. His talents, had
+they been properly cultivated, might have qualified him for acting a
+distinguished part on the theatre of life; he, nevertheless, pursued the
+"noiseless tenor of his way," content if he could satisfy the wants of
+nature, and procure a daily subsistence for himself and family. He was
+married and had several children. He died in the year 1775, aged seventy
+years. Though a man of wonderful powers of arithmetical calculation,
+and generally regarded as a prodigy in his way--it is still obvious
+that, after the practice of years, he was incapable of solving
+questions, which Zerah Colburn, at the age of six or seven years,
+answered in the space of a few seconds.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+WILLIAM GIBSON.
+
+
+William Gibson was born in the year 1720, at the village of Bolton, in
+Westmoreland, England. On the death of his father, he put himself to a
+farmer to learn his business. When he was about eighteen or nineteen, he
+rented a small farm of his own, at a place called Hollins, where he
+applied himself assiduously to study.
+
+A short time previous to this, he had admired the operation of figures,
+but labored under every disadvantage, for want of education. As he had
+not yet been taught to read, he got a few lessons in English, and was
+soon enabled to comprehend a plain author. He then purchased a treatise
+on arithmetic; and though he could not write, he soon became so expert a
+calculator, from mental operations only, that he could tell, without
+setting down a figure, the product of any two numbers multiplied
+together, although the multiplier and the multiplicand each of them
+consisted of nine figures. It was equally astonishing that he could
+answer, in the same manner, questions in division, in decimal fractions,
+or in the extraction of the square or cube roots, where such a
+multiplicity of figures is often required in the operation. Yet at this
+time he did not know that any merit was due to himself, conceiving that
+the capacity of other people was like his own.
+
+Finding himself still laboring under farther difficulties for want of a
+knowledge of writing, he taught himself to write a tolerable hand. As he
+had not heard of mathematics, he had no idea of anything, in regard to
+numbers, beyond what he had learned. He thought himself a master of
+figures, and challenged all his companions and the members of a society
+he attended, to a trial. Something, however, was proposed to him
+concerning Euclid. As he did not understand the meaning of the word, he
+was silent; but afterwards found it meant a book, containing the
+elements of geometry; this he purchased, and applied himself very
+diligently to the study of it, and against the next meeting he was
+prepared with an answer in this new science.
+
+He now found himself launching out into a field, of which before he had
+no conception. He continued his geometrical studies; and as the
+demonstration of the different propositions in Euclid depend entirely
+upon a recollection of some of those preceding, his memory was of the
+utmost service to him. Besides, it was a study exactly adapted to his
+mind; and while he was attending to the business of his farm, and
+humming over some tune or other, his attention was often engaged with
+some of his geometrical propositions. A few figures with a piece of
+chalk, upon the knee of his breeches, or any other convenient spot, were
+all he needed to clear up the most difficult parts of the science.
+
+He now began to be struck with the works of nature, and paid particular
+attention to the theory of the earth, the moon, and the rest of the
+planets belonging to this system, of which the sun is the centre; and
+considering the distance and magnitude of the different bodies belonging
+to it, and the distance of the fixed stars, he soon conceived each of
+them to be the centre of a different system. He well considered the law
+of gravity, and that of the centripetal and centrifugal forces, and the
+cause of the ebbing and flowing of the tides; also the projection of the
+sphere--stereographic, orthographic, and gnomical; also trigonometry and
+astronomy. By this time he was possessed of a small library.
+
+He next turned his thoughts to algebra, and took up Emerson's treatise
+on that subject, and went through it with great success. He also
+grounded himself in the art of navigation and the principles of
+mechanics; likewise the doctrine of motion, of falling bodies, and the
+elements of optics, &c., as a preliminary to fluxions, which had but
+lately been discovered by Sir Isaac Newton; as the boundary of the
+mathematics, he went through conic sections, &c. Though he experienced
+some difficulty at his first entrance, yet he did not rest till he made
+himself master of both a fluxion and a flowing quantity. As he had paid
+a similar attention to the intermediate parts, he soon became so
+conversant with every branch of the mathematics, that no question was
+ever proposed to him which he could not answer.
+
+He used to take pleasure in solving the arithmetical questions then
+common in the magazines, but his answers were seldom inserted, except by
+or in the name of some other person, for he had no ambition to make his
+abilities known. He frequently had questions from his pupils and other
+gentlemen in London; from the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, and
+different parts of the country, as well as from the university of
+Gottingen in Germany. These, however difficult, he never failed to
+answer; and from the minute inquiry he made into natural philosophy,
+there was scarcely a phenomenon in nature, that ever came to his
+knowledge or observation, but he could, in some measure at least,
+reasonably account for it.
+
+He went by the name of Willy-o'-th'-Hollins, for many years after he
+left his residence in that place. The latter portion of his life was
+spent in the neighborhood of Cartmell, where he was best known by the
+name of Willy Gibson, still continuing his former occupation. For the
+last forty years he kept a school of about eight or ten gentlemen, who
+boarded and lodged at his own farm-house; and having a happy turn in
+explaining his ideas, he formed a great number of very able
+mathematicians, as well as expert accountants. This self-taught
+philosopher and wonderful man, died on the 4th of October, 1792, at
+Blaith, near Cartmell, in consequence of a fall, leaving behind him a
+widow and ten children.
+
+
+
+
+EDMUND STONE.
+
+
+Of the life of this extraordinary man we have little information. He was
+probably born in Argyleshire, Scotland, at the close of the seventeenth
+century. His father was gardener to the Duke of Argyle, and the son
+assisted him. The duke was walking one day in his garden, when he
+observed a Latin copy of Newton's Principia, lying on the grass, and
+supposing it had been brought from his own library, called some one to
+carry it back to its place. Upon this, young Stone, who was in his
+eighteenth year, claimed the book as his own. "Yours!" replied the duke;
+"do you understand geometry, Latin, and Newton?" "I know a little of
+them," said the young man.
+
+The duke was surprised, and having a taste for the sciences, he entered
+into conversation with the young mathematician. He proposed several
+inquiries, and was astonished at the force, the accuracy and the
+clearness of his answers. "But how," said the duke, "came you by the
+knowledge of all these things?" Stone replied, "A servant taught me to
+read ten years since. Does one need to know anything more than the
+twenty-six letters, in order to learn everything else that one wishes?"
+
+The duke's curiosity was now greatly increased, and he sat down upon a
+bank and requested a detail of the whole process by which he had
+acquired such knowledge. "I first learned to read," said Stone;
+"afterwards, when the masons were at work at your house, I approached
+them one day, and observed that the architect used a rule and compass,
+and that he made calculations. I inquired what might be the meaning and
+use of these things; and I was informed that there was a science called
+arithmetic. I purchased a book of arithmetic, and studied it. I was told
+that there was another science, called geometry. I bought the necessary
+books, and learned geometry.
+
+"By reading, I found there were good books on these two sciences in
+Latin; I therefore bought a dictionary and learned Latin. I understood,
+also, that there were good books of the same kind in French; I bought a
+dictionary and learned French; and this, my lord, is what I have done.
+It seems to me that we may learn everything when we know the twenty-six
+letters of the alphabet."
+
+Under the duke's patronage, Stone rose to be a very considerable
+mathematician, and was elected a member of the Royal Society of London,
+in 1725. He seems to have lost the favor of the Duke of Argyle, for, in
+the latter part of his life, he gave lessons in mathematics, and at last
+died in poverty.
+
+
+
+
+RICHARD EVELYN.
+
+
+John Evelyn, a very learned English writer, was born in 1620, and died
+in 1706. He published several works, all of which are valuable. His
+treatises upon Natural History are greatly valued. He kept a diary,
+which has been published, and which contains much that is interesting.
+Of one of his children, who died early, he gives us the following
+account:
+
+"After six fits of ague, died, in the year 1658, my son Richard, five
+years and three days old, but, at that tender age, a prodigy of wit and
+understanding; for beauty of body, a very angel; for endowment of mind,
+of incredible and rare hopes. To give only a little taste of some of
+them, and thereby glory to God:
+
+"At two years and a half old, he could perfectly read any of the
+English, Latin, French, or Gothic letters, pronouncing the three first
+languages exactly. He had, before the fifth year, not only skill to read
+most written hands, but to decline all the nouns, conjugate the verbs
+regular and most of the irregular; learned Pericles through; got by
+heart almost the entire vocabulary of Latin and French primitives and
+words, could make congruous syntax, turn English into Latin, and _vice
+versa_, construe and prove what he read, and did the government and use
+of relative verbs, substantives, ellipses, and many figures and tropes,
+and made a considerable progress in Comenius's Janua; began himself to
+write legibly, and had a strong passion for Greek.
+
+"The number of verses he could recite was enormous; and when seeing a
+Plautus in one's hand, he asked what book it was, and being told it was
+comedy and too difficult for him, he wept for sorrow. Strange was his
+apt and ingenious application of fables and morals, for he had read
+AEsop. He had a wonderful disposition to mathematics, having by heart
+divers propositions of Euclid, that were read to him in play, and he
+would make lines and demonstrate them.
+
+"As to his piety, astonishing were his applications of Scripture upon
+occasion, and his sense of God: he had learned all his catechism early,
+and understood the historical part of the Bible and Testament to a
+wonder--how Christ came to mankind; and how, comprehending these
+necessaries himself, his godfathers were discharged of their promise.
+These and like illuminations, far exceeding his age and experience,
+considering the prettiness of his address and behavior cannot but leave
+impressions in me at the memory of him. When one told him how many days
+a Quaker had fasted, he replied, that was no wonder, for Christ had said
+'man should not live by bread alone, but by the word of God.'
+
+"He would, of himself, select the most pathetic Psalms, and chapters out
+of Job, to read to his maid during his sickness, telling her, when she
+pitied him, that all God's children must suffer affliction. He declaimed
+against the vanities of the world, before he had seen any. Often he
+would desire those who came to see him, to pray by him, and a year
+before he fell sick, to kneel and pray with him, alone in some corner.
+How thankfully would he receive admonition! how soon be reconciled! how
+indifferent, yet continually cheerful! He would give grave advice to his
+brother John, bear with his impertinences, and say he was but a child.
+
+"If he heard of, or saw any new thing, he was unquiet till he was told
+how it was made; he brought to us all such difficulties as he found in
+books, to be expounded. He had learned by heart divers sentences in
+Greek and Latin, which on occasions he would produce even to wonder. He
+was all life, all prettiness, far from morose, sullen, or childish in
+anything he said or did. The last time he had been at church, which was
+at Greenwich, I asked him, according to custom, what he remembered of
+the sermon. 'Two good things, father,' said he, '_bonum gratiae_, and
+_bonum gloriae_;" the excellence of grace, and the excellence of
+glory,--with a just account of what the preacher said.
+
+"The day before he died, he called to me, and, in a more serious manner
+than usual, told me, that for all I loved him so dearly, I should give
+my house, land, and all my fine things to his brother Jack,--he should
+have none of them; and next morning, when he found himself ill, and I
+persuaded him to keep his hands in bed, he demanded whether he might
+pray to God with his hands unjoined; and a little after, whilst in
+great agony, whether he should not offend God by using his holy name so
+often by calling for ease.
+
+"What shall I say of his frequent pathetical ejaculations uttered of
+himself: 'Sweet Jesus, save me, deliver me, pardon my sins, let thine
+angels receive me!' So early knowledge, so much piety and perfection!
+But thus God, having dressed up a saint fit for himself, would no longer
+permit him with us, unworthy of the future fruits of this incomparable,
+hopeful blossom. Such a child I never saw! for such a child I bless God,
+in whose bosom he is! May I and mine become as this little child, which
+now follows the child Jesus, that lamb of God, in a white robe,
+whithersoever he goes! Even so, Lord Jesus, let thy will be done. Thou
+gavest him to us, thou hast taken him from us; blessed be the name of
+the Lord! That I had anything acceptable to thee was from thy grace
+alone, since from me he had nothing but sin; but that thou hast
+pardoned, blessed be my God forever! Amen."
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+QUENTIN MATSYS.
+
+
+This great painter was born at Antwerp, in 1460, and followed the trade
+of a blacksmith and farrier, till he approached manhood. His health at
+that time was feeble, and rendered him unfit for so laborious a pursuit;
+he therefore undertook to execute lighter work. He constructed an iron
+railing around a well near the great church of Antwerp, which was
+greatly admired for its delicacy and the devices with which it was
+ornamented. He also executed an iron balustrade for the college of
+Louvain, which displayed extraordinary taste and skill.
+
+His father had died, when he was young, leaving him and his mother
+entirely destitute. Notwithstanding his feeble constitution, he was
+obliged to support both himself and her. While necessity thus urged him,
+his taste guided his efforts toward works of art. At Louvain there was
+an annual procession of lepers, who were accustomed to distribute little
+images of saints upon that occasion. Matsys devoted himself to the
+making of these, in which he was very successful.
+
+[Illustration: MATSYS' WELL, AT ANTWERP.]
+
+He had now reached the age of twenty, when it appears that he fell in
+love with the daughter of a painter, of some cleverness, in Antwerp. His
+affection was returned, but when he applied to the father to obtain his
+consent to their union, he was answered by a flat refusal, and the
+declaration, that no man but a painter, as good as himself, should wed
+his daughter. Matsys endeavored in vain to overcome this resolution, and
+finally, despairing of other means to accomplish the object which now
+engrossed his whole soul, he determined to become a painter. The
+difficulties in his way vanished before that confidence which genius
+inspires, and taking advantage of his leisure hours, he began to
+instruct himself secretly in the art of painting. His progress was
+rapid, and the time of his triumph speedily approached.
+
+He was one day on a visit to his mistress, where he found a picture on
+the easel of her father, and nearly finished. The old man was absent,
+and Quentin, seizing the pencil, painted a bee upon a flower in the
+foreground of the painting, and departed. The artist soon returned, and
+in sitting down to his picture, immediately discovered the insect, which
+had so strangely intruded itself upon his canvass. It was so life-like
+as to make it seem a real insect, that had been deceived by the mimic
+flower, and had just alighted upon it. The artist was in raptures, for
+it appears that he had a heart to appreciate excellence, even if it was
+not his own. He inquired of his daughter who had painted the bee. Though
+the details of the interview which followed are not handed down to us,
+we may be permitted to fill up the scene.
+
+_Father._ Tell me, child, who painted the insect?
+
+_Daughter._ Who painted the insect? Really, how should I know?
+
+_F._ You ought to know,--you must know. It was not one of my pupils. It
+is beyond them all.
+
+_D._ Is it as good as you could have done yourself, father?
+
+_F._ Yes; I never painted anything better in my life. It is like
+nature's own work, it is so light, so true; on my soul, I was deceived
+at first, and was about to brush the insect away with my handkerchief.
+
+_D._ And so, father, you think it is as well as you could have done
+yourself?
+
+_F._ Yes.
+
+_D._ Well, I will send for Quentin Matsys; perhaps he can tell you who
+did it.
+
+_F._ Aye, girl, is that it? Did Quentin do it? Then he is a clever
+fellow, and shall marry you.
+
+Whether such a dialogue as this actually took place, we cannot say; but
+it appears that Quentin's acknowledged excellence as an artist soon won
+the painter's consent, and he married the daughter. From this time he
+devoted his life to the art which love alone had at first induced him to
+pursue. He soon rose to the highest rank in his profession, and has left
+behind him an enduring fame. Though he was destitute of early education,
+and never had the advantage of studying the great masters of the Italian
+school, he rivalled, in some respects, even their best productions. His
+designs were correct and true to nature, and his coloring was forcible.
+His pictures are now scarce and command great prices. One of them,
+called the Two Misers, is in the Royal Gallery of Windsor, England, and
+is greatly admired. Matsys died at Antwerp, in 1529.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+WEST.
+
+
+Benjamin West was born at Springfield, Pennsylvania, October 10, 1738.
+His father was a merchant, and Benjamin was the tenth child. The first
+six years of his life passed away in calm uniformity, leaving only the
+placid remembrance of enjoyment. In the month of June, 1745, one of his
+sisters who was married, came with her infant daughter to spend a few
+days at her father's. When the child was asleep in her cradle, Mrs. West
+invited her daughter to gather flowers in the garden, and committed the
+infant to the care of Benjamin, during their absence; giving him a fan
+to drive away the flies from molesting his little charge.
+
+After some time, the child happened to smile in its sleep, and its
+beauty attracted the boy's attention. He looked at it with a pleasure,
+which he never before experienced; and observing some paper on a table,
+together with pens, and red and black ink, he seized them with
+agitation, and endeavored to delineate a portrait, although at this
+period, he was only in the seventh year of his age.
+
+Hearing the approach of his mother and sister, he endeavored to
+conceal what he had been doing; but the old lady observing his
+confusion, inquired what he was about, and requested him to show her the
+paper. He obeyed, entreating her not to be angry. Mrs. West, after
+looking at the drawing with evident pleasure, said to her daughter, "I
+declare, he has made a likeness of little Sally;" she kissed him with
+much fondness and satisfaction. This encouraged him to say that if it
+would give her any pleasure, he would make pictures of the flowers which
+she held in her hand; for the instinct of his genius was now awakened,
+and he felt that he could imitate the forms of those things which
+pleased his sight.
+
+[Illustration: _Christ healing the sick._]
+
+Some time after this, Benjamin having heard that pencils for painting
+were made in Europe of camel's hair, determined to manufacture a
+substitute, for his own use: accordingly, seizing upon a black cat, kept
+in the family, he extracted the requisite hairs from her tail for his
+first brush, and afterwards pillaged it again for others.
+
+Such was the commencement of a series of efforts which raised West to be
+a favorite painter in England, and, at last, president of the Royal
+Academy of London. His parents were Quakers, but they encouraged his
+efforts. He, however, had no advantages, and for some time he was
+obliged to pursue his labors with such pencils as he made himself, and
+with red and yellow colors, which he learned to prepare from some
+Indians who roamed about the town of Springfield: to these, his mother
+added a little indigo.
+
+He had a cousin by the name of Pennington, who was a merchant, and
+having seen some of his sketches, sent him a box of paints and pencils,
+with canvass prepared, and six engravings. The possession of this
+treasure almost prevented West's sleeping. He now went into a garret as
+soon as it was light, and began his work. He was so wrapt up in his
+task, as to stay from school. This he continued till his master called
+to inquire what had become of him. A search was consequently made, and
+he was found at his easel, in the garret. His mother's anger soon
+subsided, when she saw his picture, now nearly finished. He had not
+servilely copied one of the engravings, as might have been expected, but
+had formed a new picture by combining the parts of several of them. His
+mother kissed the boy with rapture, and procured the pardon of his
+father and teacher. Mr. Galt, who wrote West's life, says, that,
+sixty-seven years after, he had the pleasure of seeing this very piece,
+hanging by the side of the sublime picture of Christ Rejected.
+
+Young West's fame was soon spread abroad, and he was shortly crowded
+with applications for portraits, of which he painted a considerable
+number. He was now of an age to require a decision of his parents in
+respect to the profession he was to follow, in life. They deliberated
+long and anxiously upon this subject, and at last concluded to refer the
+matter to the society of Quakers to which they belonged. These decided,
+that, although they did not acknowledge the utility of painting to
+mankind, yet they would allow the youth to follow a path for which he
+had so evident a genius.
+
+At the age of eighteen, he established himself in Philadelphia, as a
+portrait painter, and afterwards spent some time at New York, in the
+same capacity. In both places, his success was considerable. In 1760,
+aided by friends, he proceeded to Italy, to study his art; in 1763, he
+went to London, where he soon became established for life. The king,
+George III., was his steadfast friend, and he became painter to his
+majesty. He was offered a salary of seven hundred pounds a year, by the
+Marquis of Rockingham, to embellish his mansion at Yorkshire with
+historical paintings, but this he declined.
+
+On the death of Sir Joshua Reynolds, he was elected president of the
+Royal Academy, and took his place in March, 1792. In his sixty-fifth
+year, he painted his great picture of Christ healing the sick, to aid
+the Quakers of Philadelphia in the erection of a hospital for that city.
+It was so much admired that he was offered no less than fifteen thousand
+dollars for this performance. He accepted the offer, as he was not rich,
+upon condition that he should be allowed to make a copy for the Friends
+of Philadelphia, for whom he had intended it. This great picture, of
+which we give an engraving, was long exhibited at Philadelphia, and the
+profits essentially aided the benevolent object which suggested the
+picture.
+
+West continued to pursue his profession, and painted several pictures of
+great size, under the idea that his talent was best suited to such
+performances. In 1817, his wife, with whom he had long lived in
+uninterrupted happiness, died, and he followed her in 1820. If his
+standing, as an artist, is not of the highest rank, it is still
+respectable, and his history affords a striking instance of a natural
+fitness and predilection for a particular pursuit. If we consider the
+total want of encouragement to painting, in a Quaker family, in a
+country town in Pennsylvania, more than a century ago, and advert to the
+spontaneous display of his taste and its persevering cultivation, we
+shall see that nature seems to have given him an irresistible impulse in
+the direction of the art to which he devoted his life.
+
+West was tall, firmly built, and of a fair complexion. He always
+preserved something of the sedate, even and sober manners of the sect to
+which his parents belonged; in disposition, he was mild, liberal and
+generous. He seriously impaired his fortune by the aid he rendered to
+indigent young artists. His works were very numerous, and the exhibition
+and sale of those in his hands, at the time of his death, yielded a
+handsome sum to his family. Though his early education was neglected, he
+supplied the defect by study and observation, and his writings connected
+with the arts are very creditable to him as a man, a philosopher and an
+artist.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+BERRETINI.
+
+
+Pietro Berretini was born 1596, at Cortona, in Italy. He is called
+Pietro Da Cortona, from the place of his birth. Even when a child, he
+evinced uncommon genius for painting; but he appeared likely to remain
+in obscurity and ignorance, as the extreme poverty of his situation
+precluded him from the usual means of improving natural talent. He
+struggled, however, with his difficulties, and ultimately overcame every
+obstacle which opposed him.
+
+When twelve years old, he went, alone and on foot, to Florence, the seat
+of the fine arts, possessed of no money, and, in fact, completely
+without resources of any kind. Notwithstanding this gloomy aspect of
+affairs, he did not lose his courage, but still persevered in a
+resolution he had thus early formed, to become "an eminent painter."
+Pietro knew of no person to whom he could apply for assistance in
+Florence, excepting a poor boy from Cortona, who was then a scullion in
+the kitchen of Cardinal Sachetti. Pietro sought him out; his little
+countryman welcomed him very kindly, shared with him his humble meal,
+offered him the half of his little bed as a lodging, and promised to
+supply him with food from the spare meat of his kitchen.
+
+Thus provided with the necessaries of life, Pietro applied himself with
+indefatigable diligence to the art to which he had devoted himself, and
+soon made such progress in it, as, in his own opinion, amply recompensed
+him for all the toil, privation and difficulties he had undergone. It
+was interesting to observe this poor, destitute child, without a friend
+to guide his conduct or direct his studies, devoting himself with such
+unceasing assiduity to his own improvement. His little friend, the
+scullion, did not relax in kindness and generosity towards him; for all
+that he possessed he shared with Pietro, and the latter, in return,
+brought him all the drawings he made, and with these he adorned the
+walls of the little garret in which they slept.
+
+Pietro was in the habit of wandering to a distance from Florence, to
+take views of the beautiful scenery in the environs of that city. When
+night overtook him unawares, which was often the case, he very
+contentedly slept under the shelter of a tree, and arose as soon as
+daylight dawned to renew his employment. During his absence, on one of
+these excursions, some of his pictures accidentally fell into the hands
+of Cardinal Sachetti, who, struck with the merit that distinguished
+them, inquired by what artist they were executed. He was not a little
+astonished to hear that they were the performances of a poor child, who
+had, for more than two years, been supported by the bounty of one of his
+kitchen boys. The cardinal desired to see Pietro; and when the young
+artist was brought before him, he received him in a kind manner,
+assigned him a pension and placed him as a scholar under one of the best
+painters of Rome.
+
+Pietro afterwards became a very eminent painter, and made the most
+grateful returns to his friend, the scullion, for the kindness he had
+shown him in poverty and wretchedness. He spent the latter part of his
+life at Rome, where he enjoyed the patronage of successive pontiffs, and
+was made a knight by Pope Alexander III. He was an architect as well as
+a painter, and designed the church of Saint Martin, at Rome, where he
+was buried, and to which he bequeathed a hundred thousand crowns. He
+died 1669, full of wealth and honors. His works display admirable
+talents, and his history affords a striking example of native genius,
+overcoming all obstacles, and hewing its way to success in that pursuit
+for which nature had seemed to create it.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+HENRY KIRK WHITE.
+
+
+This youthful bard, whose premature death was so sincerely regretted by
+every admirer of genius, was the son of a butcher of Nottingham,
+England, and born March 21, 1788. He manifested an ardent love of
+reading in his infancy; this was, indeed, a passion to which everything
+else gave way. "I could fancy," says his eldest sister, "that I see him
+in his little chair, with a large book upon his knee, and my mother
+calling, 'Henry, my love, come to dinner,' which was repeated so often
+without being regarded, that she was obliged to change the tone of her
+voice, before she could rouse him."
+
+When he was seven years old, he would creep unperceived into the
+kitchen, to teach the servant to read and write; and he continued this
+for some time before it was discovered that he had been thus laudably
+employed. He wrote a tale of a Swiss emigrant, which was probably his
+first composition, and gave it to this servant, being ashamed to show it
+to his mother. "The consciousness of genius," says his biographer, Mr.
+Southey, "is always, at first, accompanied by this diffidence; it is a
+sacred, solitary feeling. No forward child, however extraordinary the
+promise of his childhood, ever produced anything truly great."
+
+When Henry was about eleven years old, he one day wrote a separate theme
+for every boy in his class, which consisted of about twelve or fourteen.
+The master said he had never known them write so well upon any subject
+before, and could not refrain from expressing his astonishment at the
+excellence of Henry's own composition.
+
+At the age of thirteen, he wrote a poem, "On being confined to school
+one pleasant morning in spring," from which the following is an extract:
+
+  "How gladly would my soul forego
+  All that arithmeticians know,
+  Or stiff grammarians quaintly teach,
+  Or all that industry can reach,
+  To taste each morn of all the joys
+  That with the laughing sun arise;
+  And unconstrained to rove along
+  The bushy brakes and glens among;
+  And woo the muse's gentle power
+  In unfrequented rural bower;
+  But ah! such heaven-approaching joys
+  Will never greet my longing eyes;
+  Still will they cheat in vision fine,
+  Yet never but in fancy shine."
+
+The parents of Henry were anxious to put him to some trade, and when he
+was nearly fourteen, he was placed at a stocking loom, with the view, at
+some future period, of getting a situation in a hosier's warehouse; but
+the youth did not conceive that nature had intended to doom him to spend
+seven years of his life in folding up stockings, and he remonstrated
+with his friends against the employment. His temper and tone of mind at
+this period, are displayed in the following extracts from his poems:
+
+  ----"Men may rave,
+  And blame and censure me, that I don't tie
+  My ev'ry thought down to the desk, and spend
+  The morning of my life in adding figures
+  With accurate monotony; that so
+  The good things of this world may be my lot,
+  And I might taste the blessedness of wealth.
+  But oh! I was not made for money-getting."
+
+  * * * * * * *
+
+  ----"For as still
+  I tried to cast, with school dexterity,
+  The interesting sums, my vagrant thoughts
+  Would quick revert to many a woodland haunt,
+  Which fond remembrance cherished; and the pen
+  Dropt from my senseless fingers, as I pictur'd
+  In my mind's eye, how on the shores of Trent
+  I erewhile wander'd with my early friends
+  In social intercourse."
+
+  * * * * * * *
+
+  "Yet still, oh contemplation! I do love
+  T' indulge thy solemn musings; still the same
+  With thee alone I know how to melt and weep,
+  In thee alone delighting. Why along
+  The dusty track of commerce should I toil,
+  When with an easy competence content,
+  I can alone be happy, where with thee
+  I may enjoy the loveliness of nature,
+  And loose the wings of Fancy? Thus alone
+  Can I partake of happiness on earth;
+  And to be happy here is man's chief end,
+  For, to be happy, he must needs be good."
+
+Young White was soon removed from the loom to the office of a solicitor,
+which afforded a less obnoxious employment. He became a member of a
+literary society in Nottingham, and delivered an extempore lecture on
+genius, in which he displayed so much talent, that he received the
+unanimous thanks of the society, and they elected him their professor of
+literature.
+
+At the age of fifteen, he gained a silver medal for a translation from
+Horace; and the following year, a pair of globes, for an imaginary tour
+from London to Edinburgh. He determined upon trying for this prize one
+evening when at tea with his family, and at supper, he read them his
+performance. In his seventeenth year, he published a small volume of
+poems which possessed considerable merit.
+
+Soon after, he was sent to Cambridge, and entered Saint John's College,
+where he made the most rapid progress. But the intensity of his studies
+ruined his constitution, and he fell a victim to his ardent thirst for
+knowledge. He died October 19, 1806, leaving behind him several poems
+and letters, which gave earnest of the high rank he would have attained
+in the republic of letters, had his life been spared. His productions
+were published, with an interesting memoir, by Mr. Southey.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+MOZART.
+
+
+John Chrysostomus Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born at Salzburg, in
+1756. His father was an eminent musician, and the early proficiency of
+his son in music was almost incredible. He began the piano at three
+years of age; and from this period lost all pleasure in his other
+amusements. His taste was so scientific that he would spend his time in
+looking for thirds, and felt charmed with their harmony. At five years
+old, he began to compose little pieces, of such ingenuity that his
+father wrote them down.
+
+He was a creature of universal sensibility, a natural enthusiast--from
+his infancy fond, melancholy and tearful. When scarcely able to walk,
+his first question to his friends, who took him on their knee, was,
+whether they loved him; and a negative always made him weep. His mind
+was all alive; and whatever touched it, made it palpitate throughout.
+When he was taught the rudiments of arithmetic, the walls and tables of
+his bed-chamber were found covered with figures. But the piano was the
+grand object of his devotion.
+
+At six years old, this singular child commenced, with his father, and
+sister two years older than himself, one of those musical tours common
+in Germany; and performed at Munich before the Elector, to the great
+admiration of the most musical court on the continent. His ear now
+signalized itself, by detecting the most minute irregularities in the
+orchestra. But its refinement was almost a disease; a discord tortured
+him; he conceived a horror of the trumpet, except as a single
+accompaniment, and suffered from it so keenly, that his father, to
+correct what he regarded as the effect of ignorant terror, one day
+desired a trumpet to be blown in his apartment. The child entreated him
+not to make the experiment; but the trumpet sounded. Young Mozart
+suddenly turned pale, fell on the floor, and was on the point of going
+into convulsions, when the trumpeter was sent out of the room.
+
+When only seven years old, he taught himself the violin; and thus, by
+the united effort of genius and industry, mastered the most difficult of
+all instruments. From Munich, he went to Vienna, Paris, and London. His
+reception in the British metropolis was such as the curious give to
+novelty, the scientific to intelligence, and the great to what
+administers to stately pleasure. He was flattered, honored, and
+rewarded. Handel had then made the organ a favorite, and Mozart took the
+way of popularity. His execution, which on the piano had astonished the
+English musicians, was equally wonderful on the organ, and he overcame
+all rivalry. On his departure from England, he gave a farewell concert,
+of which all the symphonies were composed by himself. This was the
+career of a child nine years old.
+
+With the strengthening of his frame, the acuteness of his ear became
+less painful; the trumpet had lost its terror for him at ten years old;
+and before he had completed that period, he distinguished the church of
+the Orphans, at Vienna, by the composition of a mass and a trumpet duet,
+and acted as director of the concert.
+
+Mozart had travelled the chief kingdoms of Europe, and seen all that
+could be shown to him there, of wealth and grandeur. He had yet to see
+the empire of musical genius. Italy was an untried land, and he went at
+once to its capital. He was present at the performance of Handel's
+admirable chant, the Miserere, which seems then to have been performed
+with an effect unequalled since. The singers had been forbidden to give
+a copy of this composition. Mozart bore it away in his memory, and wrote
+it down. This is still quoted among musicians, as almost a miracle of
+remembrance; but it may be more truly quoted as an evidence of the power
+which diligence and determination give to the mind. Mozart was not
+remarkable for memory; what he did, others may do; but the same triumph
+is to be purchased only by the same exertion. The impression of this day
+lasted during Mozart's life; his style was changed; he at once adopted a
+solemn reverence for Handel, whom he called "The Thunderbolt," and
+softened the fury of his inspiration, by the taste of Boccherini. He now
+made a grand advance in his profession, and composed an opera,
+"Mithridates," which was played twenty nights at Milan.
+
+Mozart's reputation was soon established, and he was liberally
+patronised by the Austrian court. The following anecdote shows the
+goodness of his heart, and the estimation in which he was held. One
+day, as he was walking in the suburbs of Vienna, he was accosted by a
+mendicant, of a very prepossessing appearance and manner, who told his
+tale of wo with such effect, as to interest the musician strongly in his
+favor; but the state of his purse not corresponding with the impulse of
+his humanity, he desired the applicant to follow him to a coffee-house.
+Here Mozart, drawing paper from his pocket, in a few minutes composed a
+minuet, which, with a letter, he gave to the distressed man, desiring
+him to take it to his publisher. A composition from Mozart was a bill
+payable at sight; and to his great surprise, the now happy beggar was
+immediately presented with five double ducats.
+
+The time which Mozart most willingly employed in compositions, was the
+morning, from six or seven o'clock till about the hour of ten. After
+this, he usually did no more for the rest of the day, unless he had to
+finish some piece that was wanted. He however always worked irregularly.
+When an idea struck him, he was not to be drawn from it, even if he were
+in the midst of his friends. He sometimes passed whole nights with his
+pen in his hand. At other times, he had such a disinclination to work,
+that he could not complete a piece till the moment of its performance.
+It once happened, that he put off some music which he had engaged to
+furnish for a court concert, so long, that he had not time to write out
+the part he was to perform himself. The Emperor Joseph, who was peeping
+everywhere, happening to cast his eyes on the sheet which Mozart seemed
+to be playing from, was surprised to see nothing but empty lines, and
+said to him, "Where's your part?" "Here," said Mozart, putting his hand
+to his forehead.
+
+The Don Giovanni of this eminent composer, which is one of the most
+popular compositions ever produced, was composed for the theatre at
+Prague, and first performed in that city in 1787. This refined and
+intellectual music was not at that time understood in Germany; a
+circumstance which Mozart seems to have anticipated, for, previous to
+its first representation, he remarked to a friend, "This opera is not
+calculated for the people of Vienna; it will be more justly appreciated
+at Prague; but in reality I have written it principally to please myself
+and my friends." Ample justice has however at length been rendered to
+this great production; it is heard with enthusiasm in nearly all the
+principal cities of that quarter of the globe where music is cultivated
+as a science--from the frozen regions of Russia, to the foot of Mount
+Vesuvius. Its praise is not limited by the common attributes of good
+musical composition; it is placed in the higher rank of fine poetry; for
+not only are to be found in it exquisite melodies and profound
+harmonies, but the playful, the tender, the pathetic, the mysterious,
+the sublime, and the terrible, are to be distinctly traced in its
+various parts.
+
+The overture to this opera is generally esteemed Mozart's best effort;
+yet it was only composed the night previous to the first representation,
+after the general rehearsal had taken place. About eleven o'clock in the
+evening, when retired to his apartment, he desired his wife to make him
+some punch, and to stay with him, in order to keep him awake. She
+accordingly began to tell him fairy tales, and odd stories, which made
+him laugh till the tears came. The punch, however, made him so drowsy,
+that he could go on only while his wife was talking, and dropped asleep
+as soon as she ceased. The efforts which he made to keep himself awake,
+the continual alternation of sleep and watching, so fatigued him, that
+his wife persuaded him to take some rest, promising to awake him in an
+hour's time. He slept so profoundly that she suffered him to repose for
+two hours. At five o'clock in the morning, she awoke him. He had
+appointed the music copiers to come at seven, and by the time they
+arrived, the overture was finished. They had scarcely time to write out
+the copy necessary for the orchestra, and the musicians were obliged to
+play it without a rehearsal. Some persons pretend, that they can
+discover in this overture the passages where Mozart dropped asleep and
+those where he suddenly awoke again.
+
+This great composer was so absorbed in music, that he was a child in
+every other respect. He was extremely apprehensive of death; and it was
+only by incessant application to his favorite study, that he prevented
+his spirits from sinking totally under the fears of approaching
+dissolution. At all other times he labored under a profound melancholy,
+during which he composed some of his best pieces, particularly his
+celebrated Requiem. The circumstances attending this were remarkable.
+
+One day, when his spirits were unusually oppressed, a stranger, of a
+tall, dignified appearance, was introduced. His manners were grave and
+impressive. He told Mozart that he came from a person who did not wish
+to be known, to request that he would compose a solemn mass, as a
+requiem for the soul of a friend, whom he had recently lost, and whose
+memory he was desirous of commemorating by this imposing service. Mozart
+undertook the task, and engaged to have it completed in a month. The
+stranger begged to know what price he set upon his work; and immediately
+paying him one hundred ducats, he departed.
+
+The mystery of this visit seemed to have a strong effect on the mind of
+the musician. He brooded over it for some time; and then suddenly
+calling for writing materials, began to compose with extraordinary
+ardor. This application, however, was more than his strength could
+support; it brought on fainting fits, and his increasing illness obliged
+him to suspend his work. "I am writing the requiem for myself," said he
+one day to his wife; "it will serve for my own funeral service;" and
+this impression never afterwards left him. At the expiration of the
+month, the mysterious stranger appeared, and demanded the requiem. "I
+have found it impossible," said Mozart, "to keep my word; the work has
+interested me more than I expected, and I have extended it beyond my
+first design. I shall require another month to finish it."
+
+The stranger made no objection; but observing that for this additional
+trouble it was but just to increase the premium, laid down fifty ducats
+more, and promised to return at the time appointed. Astonished at his
+whole proceeding, Mozart ordered a servant to follow this singular
+personage, and, if possible, to find out who he was. The man, however,
+lost sight of him, and was obliged to return as he went. Mozart, now
+more than ever persuaded that he was a messenger from the other world,
+sent to warn him that his end was approaching, applied with fresh zeal
+to the requiem; and in spite of his exhausted state, both of body and
+mind, he completed it before the end of the month. At the appointed day,
+the stranger returned; the requiem was finished; but Mozart was no more!
+He died at Vienna, 1791, aged 35 years.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+ELIHU BURRITT.
+
+
+In an address delivered by Governor Everett, before a Mechanics'
+Association, in Boston, 1837, he introduced a letter from Elihu Burritt,
+a native of Connecticut, and then a resident of Worcester,
+Massachusetts, of which the following is a copy:--
+
+"I was the youngest of many brethren, and my parents were poor. My means
+of education were limited to the advantages of a district school, and
+those again were circumscribed by my father's death, which deprived me,
+at the age of fifteen, of those scanty opportunities which I had
+previously enjoyed.
+
+"A few months after his decease, I apprenticed myself to a blacksmith in
+my native village. Thither I carried an indomitable taste for reading,
+which I had previously acquired through the medium of the society
+library,--all the historical works in which I had at that time perused.
+At the expiration of a little more than half my apprenticeship, I
+suddenly conceived the idea of studying Latin.
+
+"Through the assistance of an elder brother, who had himself obtained a
+collegiate education by his own exertions, I completed my Virgil during
+the evenings of one winter. After some time devoted to Cicero, and a few
+other Latin authors, I commenced the Greek: at this time it was
+necessary that I should devote every hour of daylight, and a part of the
+evening, to the duties of my apprenticeship.
+
+"Still I carried my Greek grammar in my hat, and often found a moment,
+when I was heating some large iron, when I could place my book open
+before me against the chimney of my forge, and go through with _tupto_,
+_tupteis_, _tuptei_, unperceived by my fellow-apprentices. At evening I
+sat down, unassisted, to the Iliad of Homer, twenty books of which
+measured my progress in that language during the evenings of another
+winter.
+
+"I next turned to the modern languages, and was much gratified to learn
+that my knowledge of Latin furnished me with a key to the literature of
+most of the languages of Europe. This circumstance gave a new impulse to
+the desire of acquainting myself with the philosophy, derivation, and
+affinity of the different European tongues. I could not be reconciled to
+limit myself in these investigations, to a few hours, after the arduous
+labors of the day.
+
+"I therefore laid down my hammer, and went to New Haven, where I recited
+to native teachers, in French, Spanish, German, and Italian. I returned,
+at the expiration of two years, to the forge, bringing with me such
+books in those languages as I could procure. When I had read these
+books through, I commenced the Hebrew, with an awakened desire of
+examining another field; and, by assiduous application, I was enabled in
+a few weeks to read this language with such facility, that I allotted it
+to myself as a task to read two chapters in the Hebrew Bible before
+breakfast, each morning; this, and an hour at noon, being all the time
+that I could devote to myself during the day.
+
+"After becoming somewhat familiar with this language, I looked around me
+for the means of initiating myself into the fields of Oriental
+literature; and, to my deep regret and concern, I found my progress in
+this direction hedged in by the want of requisite books. I began
+immediately to devise means of obviating this obstacle; and, after many
+plans, I concluded to seek a place as a sailor on board some ship bound
+to Europe, thinking in this way to have opportunities of collecting, at
+different ports, such works in the modern and Oriental languages as I
+found necessary for this object. I left the forge at my native place, to
+carry this plan into execution.
+
+"I travelled on foot to Boston, a distance of more than a hundred miles,
+to find some vessel bound to Europe. In this I was disappointed; and,
+while revolving in my mind what steps next to take, I accidentally heard
+of the American Antiquarian Society, at Worcester. I immediately bent my
+steps toward this place. I visited the hall of the American Antiquarian
+Society, and found there, to my infinite gratification, such a
+collection in ancient, modern, and Oriental languages, as I never before
+conceived to be collected in one place; and, sir, you may imagine with
+what sentiments of gratitude I was affected, when, upon evincing a
+desire to examine some of these rich and rare works, I was kindly
+invited to unlimited participation in all the benefits of this noble
+institution.
+
+"Availing myself of the kindness of the directors, I spent three hours
+daily at the hall, which, with an hour at noon, and about three in the
+evening, make up the portion of the day which I appropriate to my
+studies, the rest being occupied in arduous manual labor. Through the
+facilities afforded by this institution, I have added so much to my
+previous acquaintance with the ancient, modern, and Oriental languages,
+as to be able to read upwards of FIFTY of them with more or less
+facility."
+
+This statement, however extraordinary it may seem, is well known to be
+but a modest account of Mr. Burritt's wonderful acquirements. He is
+still (1843) a practical blacksmith, yet he finds time to pursue his
+studies. Nor are his acquisitions his only merit. He has been frequently
+invited to deliver lectures before lyceums, and other associations, and
+in these he has displayed no small degree of eloquence and rhetorical
+power. As he is still a young man, we may venture to affirm that his
+history affords an instance of self-cultivation, which, having regard to
+all the circumstances, is without a parallel.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+GEORGE MORLAND.
+
+
+This eccentric man and clever artist was born in London, in 1763. He
+gave very early indications of genius, and when quite a child, used to
+draw objects on the floor, with the implements of his father, who was a
+painter, in crayons. He executed pictures of pencils, scissors, and
+other things of the kind, with so much perfection, that his father often
+mistook them for real ones, and stooped down to pick them up. Some of
+George's drawings, executed before he was five years old, were exhibited
+with great applause at the society of artists in London.
+
+These and other evidences of talent rendered him a favorite child; his
+father saw the germs of excellence in his own art, and, at the age of
+fourteen, had him apprenticed to himself, for seven years, during which
+his application was incessant. His father appears to have been harsh,
+unfeeling and selfish, and to have thought more of obtaining money from
+the talents and exertions of his son, than of giving him such training
+as should insure his success in life.
+
+During his apprenticeship, George was confined to an upper room, copying
+drawings or pictures, and drawing from plaster casts. Being almost
+entirely restricted from society, all the opportunities he had for
+amusement were obtained by stealth, and his associates were a few boys
+in the neighborhood. The means of enjoyment were obtained by such close
+application to his business, as secretly to produce a few drawings or
+pictures more than his father imagined he could complete in a given
+time. These he lowered by a string from the window of his apartment, to
+his youthful companions, by whom they were converted into money, which
+they spent in common when opportunities offered.
+
+In this manner passed the first seventeen years of the life of George
+Morland; and to this unremitted diligence and application he was
+indebted for the extraordinary power he possessed over the implements of
+his art. Avarice, however, was the ruling passion of his father, and
+this was so insatiable, that he kept his son incessantly at work, and
+gave him little, if any, education, except as an artist. To this cause
+must doubtless be attributed the irregularities of his subsequent life.
+
+Morland's earlier compositions were small pictures of two or three
+figures, chiefly from the ballads of the day. These his father put into
+frames and sold for from one to three guineas. They were remarkable for
+their simple truth, and were much admired. Many of them were engraved,
+and widely circulated, which gave the young artist an extensive
+reputation. About this time, he went to Margate to spend the summer,
+and, by the advice of a friend, commenced portrait painting there. Great
+numbers of fashionable persons came to sit to him, and he commenced
+several pictures.
+
+But the society of accomplished people made him feel his own ignorance
+to such a degree as to render him unhappy, and he sought relief at pig
+races and in other coarse amusements, projected for the lower order of
+visitors at Margate. These at last engaged his whole attention, and the
+portraits were thrown aside, to be finished in town. He at last
+returned, with empty pockets and a large cargo of unfinished canvasses.
+
+Morland continued, however, to rise rapidly in his profession, and he
+might easily have secured an ample fortune. The subjects he selected for
+his pencil, were, generally, rural scenes, familiar to every eye, and
+the sentiment they conveyed was felt by every beholder. Many of these
+were admirably engraved by the celebrated J. B. Smith, and immense
+numbers were sold. Morland now had demands for more pictures than he
+could execute, and at almost any price.
+
+But, unhappily, this gifted artist had already become addicted to the
+society of low picture dealers, and other dissipated persons, and his
+habits were, consequently, exceedingly irregular. His chief pleasures
+seemed to be--a ride into the country to a grinning match, a jolly
+dinner with a drinking bout after it, and a mad scamper home with a
+flounce in the mud.
+
+Such, at last, was Morland's dislike of the society of gentlemen, and
+his preference of low company, that he would not paint pictures for the
+former class, but preferred selling them to certain artful dealers, who
+were his associates, and who flattered his vices, so that they might
+prey upon his genius. Of these persons, who pretended to be his friends,
+he did not obtain more than half price for his paintings. This system
+was carried to such an extent that Morland was at last entirely cut off
+from all connection with the real admirers of his works. If a gentleman
+wished to get one of his pictures, he could only do it by employing one
+of these harpies who had access to the artist, and who would wheedle a
+picture out of him for a mere trifle, and all under the mask of
+friendship.
+
+About the year 1790, Morland lived in the neighborhood of Paddington. At
+this period, he had reached the very summit of his professional fame,
+and also of his extravagance. He kept, at one time, no less than eight
+saddle horses at livery, at the sign of the White Lion, opposite to his
+house, and affected to be a good judge of horse-flesh. Frequently,
+horses, for which one day he would give thirty or forty guineas, he
+would sell the next, for less than half that sum; but as the honest
+fraternity of horse-dealers knew their man, and would take his note at
+two months, he could the more easily indulge this propensity, and
+appear, for a short time, in cash, until the day of payment came, when a
+picture was produced as a douceur for a renewal of the notes.
+
+This was one source of calamity which neither his industry, for which he
+was not remarkable, nor his talents, were by any means adequate to
+overcome. His wine merchant, who was also a gentleman in the discounting
+line, would sometimes obtain a picture worth fifty pounds, for the
+renewal of a bill. By this conduct, he heaped folly upon folly, to such
+a degree, that a fortune of ten thousand a year would have proved
+insufficient for the support of his waste and prodigality.
+
+Morland's embarrassments, which now crowded upon him, were far from
+producing any change in his conduct; and, at length, they conducted him,
+through the hands of a bailiff, into prison, of which, by the way, he
+had always entertained a foreboding apprehension. This, however, did not
+render him immediately unhappy, but rather afforded him an opportunity
+of indulging, without restraint of any kind, his fatal propensities.
+There, he could mingle with such companions as were best adapted to his
+taste, and there too, in his own way, he could, without check or
+control, reign or revel, surrounded by the very lowest of the vicious
+rabble.
+
+When in confinement, and even sometimes when he was at liberty, it was
+common for him to have four guineas a day and his drink,--an object of
+no small consequence, as he began to drink before he began to paint, and
+continued to do both alternately, till he had painted as much as he
+pleased, or till the liquor had completely overcome him, when he claimed
+his money, and business was at an end for that day.
+
+This laid his employer under the necessity of passing his whole time
+with him, in order to keep him in a state fit for labor, and to carry
+off the day's work when it was done; otherwise some eavesdropper snapped
+up his picture, and his employer was left to obtain what redress he
+could. By pursuing this fatal system, he ruined his health, enfeebled
+his genius, and sunk himself into general contempt. His constitution
+could not long sustain such an abuse of its powers. He was attacked with
+paralysis, and soon after, he died.
+
+Thus perished George Morland, at the early age of forty-one years; a man
+whose best works will command esteem as long as any taste for the art of
+painting remains; one whose talents might have insured him happiness and
+distinction, if he had been educated with care, and if his entrance into
+life had been guided by those who were able and willing to caution him
+against the snares which are continually preparing by knavery for the
+inexperience and heedlessness of youth. Many of the subjects of
+Morland's pencil, are such as, of themselves, are far from pleasing. He
+delighted in representations of the pigsty. Yet even these, through the
+love we possess of truthful imitations, and the hallowing powers of
+genius, excite emotions of pleasure. His pictures of scenery around the
+cottage door, and of those rustic groups familiar to every eye, have the
+effect of poetry, and call into exercise those gentle sentiments, which,
+however latent, exist in every bosom. It is sad to reflect, that one who
+did so much to refine and civilize mankind, should himself have been the
+victim of the coarsest of vices.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+WILLIAM PENN.
+
+
+This remarkable man was born in the parish of St Catherine's, near the
+tower of London, on the 14th day of October, 1644. His father, who
+served in the time of the Commonwealth, in some of the highest maritime
+offices, was knighted by Charles the Second, and became a peculiar
+favorite of the then Duke of York.
+
+Young Penn had good advantages for education, and made such early
+improvement, that, about the fifteenth year of his age, he was entered a
+student in Christ's Church College, Oxford, where he continued two
+years. He delighted much in manly sports at times of recreation; but at
+length, being influenced by an ardent desire after pure and spiritual
+religion, of which he had before received some taste through the
+ministry of Thomas Lee, one of the people denominated Friends, or
+Quakers, he, with certain other students of that University, withdrew
+from the national way of worship, and held private meetings for the
+exercise of religion. Here they both preached and prayed among
+themselves. This gave great offence to the heads of the college, and
+young Penn, being but sixteen years of age, was fined for
+non-conformity, and at length, for persevering in his peculiar religious
+practices, was expelled the college.
+
+Having in consequence returned home, he still took great delight in the
+company of sober and religious people. His father, perceiving that this
+would be an obstacle in the way of his son's preferment, endeavored by
+words, and even very severe measures, to persuade him to change his
+conduct. Finding these methods ineffectual, he was at length so
+incensed, that he turned young William out of doors. The latter was
+patient under this trial, and at last the father's affection subdued his
+anger. He then sent his son to France, in company with some persons of
+quality that were making a tour thither.
+
+He continued in France a considerable time, and, under the influence of
+those around him, his mind was diverted from religious subjects. Upon
+his return, his father, finding him not only a proficient in the French
+language, but also possessed of courtly manners, joyfully received him,
+hoping now that his point was gained. Indeed, some time after his return
+from France, his carriage was such as justly to entitle him to the
+character of a finished gentleman.
+
+"Great about this time," says one of his biographers, "was his spiritual
+conflict. His natural inclination, his lively and active disposition,
+his father's favor, the respect of his friends and acquaintance,
+strongly pressed him to embrace the glory and pleasures of this world,
+then, as it were, courting and caressing him, in the bloom of youth, to
+accept them. Such a combined force seemed almost invincible; but the
+earnest supplication of his soul being to the Lord for preservation, He
+was pleased to grant such a portion of his power or spirit, as enabled
+him in due time to overcome all opposition, and with an holy resolution
+to follow Christ, whatsoever reproaches or persecutions might attend
+him."
+
+About the year 1666, and when he was twenty-two years of age, his father
+committed to his care and management a considerable estate in Ireland,
+which occasioned his residence in that country. Thomas Lee, whom we have
+before mentioned, being at Cork, and Penn hearing that he was to be
+shortly at a meeting in that city, went to hear him; and by the
+preaching of this man, which had made some impression on his mind ten
+years before, he was now thoroughly and effectually established in the
+faith of the Friends, and afterwards constantly attended the meetings of
+that people. Being again at a meeting at Cork, he, with many others, was
+apprehended, and carried before the mayor, and, with eighteen of his
+associates, was committed to prison; but he soon obtained his discharge.
+This imprisonment was so far from terrifying, that it strengthened him
+in his resolution of a closer union with that people, whose religious
+innocence was the only crime for which they suffered. He now openly
+joined with the Quakers, and brought himself under the reproach of that
+name, then greatly ridiculed and hated. His former companions turned
+their caresses and compliments into bitter gibes and malignant derision.
+
+His father, receiving information of what had passed, ordered him home;
+and the son readily obeyed. His deportment attested the truth of the
+information his father had received. He now again attempted, by every
+argument in his power, to move him; but finding it impossible to obtain
+a general compliance with the customs of the times, he would have borne
+with him, provided he would have taken off his hat, in the presence of
+the king, the duke of York, and himself.
+
+This being proposed to the son, he desired time to consider of it. His
+father, supposing this to be with an intention of consulting his
+friends, the Quakers, assured him that he should see the face of none of
+them, but retire to his chamber till he could return him an answer.
+"Accordingly he withdrew, humbling himself before God, with fasting and
+supplication, to know his heavenly mind and will, and became so
+strengthened in his resolution, that, returning to his father, he humbly
+signified that he could not comply with his desire."
+
+All endeavors proving ineffectual to shake his constancy, his father,
+seeing himself utterly disappointed in his hopes, again turned him out
+of doors. After a considerable time, his steady perseverance evincing
+his integrity, his father's wrath became somewhat abated, so that he
+winked at his return to, and continuance with, his family; and though he
+did not publicly seem to countenance him, yet, when imprisoned for being
+at meetings, he would privately use his interest to get him released. In
+the twenty-fourth year of his age, he became a minister among the
+Quakers, and continued his useful labors, inviting the people to that
+serenity and peace of conscience he himself witnessed, till the close of
+his life.
+
+A spirit warmed with the love of God, and devoted to his service, ever
+pursues its main purpose; thus, when restrained from preaching, Penn
+applied himself to writing. The first of his publications appears to
+have been entitled "Truth Exalted." Several treatises were also the
+fruits of his solitude, particularly the one entitled "No Cross, no
+Crown."
+
+In the year 1670, came forth the Conventicle Act, prohibiting
+Dissenters' meetings, under severe penalties. The edge of this new
+weapon was soon turned against the Quakers, who, not accustomed to
+flinch in the cause of religion, stood particularly exposed. Being
+forcibly kept out of their meeting-house in Grace Church street, they
+met as near it, in the open street, as they could: and Penn, preaching
+there, was apprehended, and committed to Newgate. At the next sessions
+of the Old Bailey, together with William Mead, he was indicted for
+"being present at, and preaching to, an unlawful, seditious, and riotous
+assembly." At his trial he made a brave defence, discovering at once
+both the free spirit of an Englishman and the undaunted magnanimity of a
+Christian, insomuch that, notwithstanding the frowns and menaces of the
+bench, the jury acquitted him.
+
+Not long after this trial, and his discharge from Newgate, his father
+died, perfectly reconciled to his son, and left him both his paternal
+blessing, and an estate of fifteen hundred pounds a year. He took leave
+of his son with these remarkable words: "Son William, if you and your
+friends keep to your plain way of preaching, and keep to your plain way
+of living, you will make an end of the priests to the end of the world.
+Bury me by my mother; live all in love; shun all manner of evil; and I
+pray God to bless you all; and he will bless you."
+
+In February, 1670, Penn was preaching at a meeting in Wheeler street,
+Spitalfields, when he was pulled down, and led out by soldiers into the
+street, and carried away to the Tower, by order of Sir John Robinson,
+lieutenant of the Tower. He was examined before Sir John and several
+others, and then committed, by their orders, to Newgate, for six months.
+Being at liberty at the expiration of that time, he soon after went to
+Holland and Germany, where he zealously endeavored to propagate the
+principles of the Quakers.
+
+In March, 1680, he obtained from Charles II. a grant of the territory
+which now bears the name of Pennsylvania. This was in compensation of a
+crown debt due to his father. Having previously published an account of
+the province, inviting emigrants to accompany him thither, he set sail
+in June, 1682, with many friends, especially Quakers, and after a
+prosperous voyage of six weeks, they came within sight of the American
+coast. Sailing up the river Delaware, they were received by the
+inhabitants with demonstrations of joy and satisfaction. Having landed
+at Newcastle, a place mostly inhabited by the Dutch, Penn next day
+summoned the people to the court-house, where possession of the country
+was legally given him.
+
+Having invited the Indians to meet him, many chiefs and persons of
+distinction, appointed to represent them, came to see him. To these he
+gave several valuable presents, the produce of English manufactures, as
+a testimony of that treaty of amity and good understanding, which, by
+his benevolent disposition, he ardently wished to establish with the
+native inhabitants. He made a most favorable impression upon the
+savages, and thus secured to Pennsylvania their favor. He then more
+fully stated the purpose of his coming, to the people, and the
+benevolent object of his government, giving them assurances of the free
+enjoyment of liberty of conscience in things spiritual, and of perfect
+civil freedom in matters temporal. He recommended to them to live in
+sobriety and peace one with another. After about two years residence in
+the country, all things being in a thriving and prosperous condition, he
+returned to England; and James II. coming soon after to the throne, he
+was taken into favor by that monarch, who, though a bigot in religion,
+was nevertheless a friend to toleration.
+
+At the revolution, being suspected of disaffection to the government,
+and looked upon as a Papist or a Jesuit, under the mask of a Quaker, he
+was examined before the Privy Council, Dec., 1688; but, on giving
+security, was discharged. In 1690, when the French fleet threatened a
+descent on England, he was again examined before the council, upon an
+accusation of corresponding with King James, and was held to bail for
+some time, but was released in Trinity Term. He was attacked a third
+time the same year, and deprived of the privilege of appointing a
+governor for Pennsylvania; till, upon his vindication, he was restored
+to his right of government. He designed now to go over a second time to
+Pennsylvania, and published proposals in print for another settlement
+there; when a fresh accusation appeared against him, backed by one
+William Fuller, who was afterwards declared by parliament to be a
+notorious imposter. A warrant was granted for Penn's apprehension, which
+he narrowly escaped at his return from the funeral of George Fox, the
+founder and head of the Quakers. He now concealed himself for two or
+three years, and during this recess, wrote several pieces. At the end of
+1693, through the interest of Lord Somers and others, he was allowed to
+appear before the king and council, when he represented his innocence so
+effectually that he was acquitted.
+
+In 1699, he again went out to Pennsylvania, accompanied by his family,
+and was received by the colonists with demonstrations of the most
+cordial welcome. During his absence, some persons endeavored to
+undermine the American proprietary governments, under pretence of
+advancing the prerogative of the crown, and a bill for that purpose was
+brought into the H. of Lords. Penn's friends, the proprietors and
+adventurers then in England, immediately represented the hardships of
+their case to the parliament, soliciting time for his return, to answer
+for himself, and accordingly pressing him to come over as soon as
+possible. Seeing it necessary to comply, he summoned an assembly at
+Philadelphia, to whom, Sept. 15th, 1701, he made a speech, declaring his
+reasons for leaving them; and the next day he embarked for England,
+where he arrived about the middle of December. After his return, the
+bill, which, through the solicitations of his friends, had been
+postponed the last session of parliament, was wholly laid aside.
+
+In the year 1707, he was unhappily involved in a suit at law with the
+executors of a person who had been formerly his steward, against whose
+demands he thought both conscience and justice required his endeavors to
+defend himself. But his cause, though many thought him aggrieved, was
+attended with such circumstances, that the court of chancery did not
+think it proper to relieve him; wherefore he was obliged to dwell in the
+Old Bailey, within the rules of the Fleet, some part of this and the
+ensuing year, until such time as the matter in dispute was accommodated.
+
+In the year 1710, the air of London not agreeing with his declining
+constitution, he took a seat at Rushcomb, in Buckinghamshire. Here he
+experienced three successive shocks of apoplexy in 1712, the last of
+which sensibly impaired his memory and his understanding. His religious
+zeal, however, never abated, and up to 1716, he still frequently went to
+the meeting at Reading. Two friends calling upon him at this time,
+although very weak, he expressed himself sensibly, and when they were
+about to take leave of him, he said, "My love is with you; the Lord
+preserve you, and remember me in the Everlasting Covenant."
+
+After a life of ceaseless activity and usefulness, Penn closed his
+earthly career on the 13th of May, 1718, in the seventy-sixth year of
+his age. He was buried at Jourdans, in Buckinghamshire, where several of
+his family had been interred.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN SMITH.
+
+
+There are few names that excite more interest or awaken more romantic
+associations than that of Captain John Smith. He passed through a series
+of the most remarkable events in Europe; and coming to our country at a
+period which was favorable to the exercise of his peculiar genius, he
+became the hero of many stirring adventures.
+
+He was born at Willoughby, in the county of Lincolnshire, England, in
+the year 1579, and was descended from an ancient family. He displayed a
+love of enterprise in his early childhood, and he says that at thirteen
+years old he was "set upon brave adventures." This disposition led him
+to dispose of his books, his satchel, and what other little property he
+had, for the purpose of raising money to take him to sea; but losing his
+parents about this time, he received from them a considerable fortune.
+He was now induced to change his plans, and became apprenticed to an
+eminent merchant in London.
+
+As might be expected, the drudgery and confinement of a compting house
+were very distasteful to one who was bent upon adventure; accordingly,
+with but ten shillings in his pocket, he became a follower of the son of
+Lord Willoughby, who was going to France. When he arrived there, he went
+into the service of Captain Joseph Duxbury, with whom he remained four
+years in Holland. How he was occupied during this period is uncertain.
+About this time, a Scotch gentleman kindly gave him some money, and
+letters to Scotland, assuring him of the favor of King James.
+
+Smith now set sail, and arrived in Scotland after many disasters by sea,
+and great sickness of body. He delivered his letters, and was treated
+with kindness and hospitality; but his stay was short. Returning to his
+native town, and disappointed in not having found food for his wild love
+of adventure, he went into a forest, built himself a sort of hut, and
+studied military history and tactics. Here he lived for a time, being
+provided by his servant with the comforts of civilization, at the same
+time that he pleased his imagination with the idea of being a hermit.
+Accident throwing him into the society of an Italian gentleman, in
+military service, his ardor for active life was revived, and he set out
+again upon his travels, intending to fight against the Turks.
+
+Being robbed of all his baggage and property in the Low Countries by
+some dastardly Frenchmen, he fortunately met with great kindness and
+generosity from several noble families. Prompted, however, by the same
+restless spirit with which he commenced life, he left those who were
+strongly interested in his welfare, and set out upon a journey, with a
+light purse and a good sword. In the course of his travels, he was soon
+in such a state of suffering from hunger and exposure, that he threw
+himself down in a wood, and there expected to die. But relief again
+appeared; a rich farmer chanced to come that way, who, upon hearing his
+story, supplied his purse, thus giving him the means of prosecuting his
+journey. There is scarcely an instance on record of a stranger receiving
+such kindness from his fellow-men, as did this same Smith.
+
+He now went from port to port in search of a ship of war. During his
+rambles, he met, near a town in Brittany, with one of the villains who
+had robbed him. Smith immediately fought and vanquished him, making him
+confess his villany before a crowd of spectators. He then went to the
+seat of the Earl of Ployer, who gave him money, with which he embarked
+from Marseilles for Italy, in a ship in which there was a number of
+Catholic pilgrims of various nations. A furious storm arising, these
+devotees took it into their heads that Heaven, in anger at the presence
+of a heretic, thus manifested its displeasure. They, therefore, set upon
+our hero, who, in spite of a valorous defence, was, like a second
+Jonah, thrown into the sea; but whether the angry elements were appeased
+by the offering, history saith not.
+
+Being near the island of Saint Mary's, Smith easily swam thither, and
+was the next day taken on board a French ship, the commander of which,
+fortunately for Smith, was a friend of the Earl of Ployer, and treated
+him with great kindness. They then sailed to Alexandria, in Egypt. In
+the course of their voyage in the Levant, they met with a rich Venetian
+merchant ship, which, taking the French ship for a pirate, fired a
+broadside into her. This rough salutation, of course, brought on an
+engagement, in which the Venetians were defeated, and her cargo taken on
+board the victorious ship. Smith here met with something congenial to
+his wild and reckless spirit; and showing great valor on the occasion,
+he was rewarded with a large share of the booty. With this, he was
+enabled to travel in Italy, gratifying his curiosity by the interesting
+objects with which that country is filled. He at length set off for
+Gratz, the residence of Ferdinand, Archduke of Austria, and afterwards
+emperor of Germany.
+
+The war was now raging between Rodolph, emperor of Germany, and Mahomet
+III., Grand Seignor of Turkey. Smith, by the aid of two of his
+countrymen, became introduced to some officers of distinction in the
+imperial army, who were very glad to obtain so valiant a soldier as
+Smith was likely to prove. This was in the year 1601. The Turkish army,
+under the command of Ibrahim Pasha, had besieged and taken a fortress in
+Hungary, and were ravaging the country. They were also laying siege to
+Olympach, which they had reduced to extremity.
+
+Baron Kissel, who annoyed the besiegers from without, was desirous of
+sending a message to the commander of the garrison. Here was now an
+opportunity for Smith's talents and prowess to come into play. He
+entered upon his duty, and by means of telegraphs, he communicated the
+desired intelligence to the besieged fortress; and then, exercising his
+ingenuity, he arranged some thousands of matches on strings, so that
+when they were fired, the report deceived the Turks into the idea that a
+body of men were there. They consequently marched out to attack them.
+Smith's forces, with those of the garrison, which had been duly apprized
+of the scheme, fell upon them, and routed them. The Turks were now
+obliged to abandon the siege. This brilliant and successful exploit
+placed our hero at the head of a troop of two hundred and fifty horse,
+in the regiment of Count Meldritch.
+
+The next adventure in which Smith's ingenuity was called into exercise
+was at the siege of Alba Regalis, in Hungary. He here contrived a sort
+of bomb, by which the Turks were greatly annoyed and their city set on
+fire; a bold military manoeuvre being adopted at the critical moment,
+the place was taken, the Turks suffering great loss. A number of sieges
+and undecisive skirmishes now followed, which brought upon the
+Christians the jeers and scoffs of the Turks. One of their number, Lord
+Turbashaw, a man of military renown, sent a challenge to any captain of
+the Christian army to fight with him in single combat. The choice fell
+upon Smith, who ardently desired to meet the haughty Mussulman.
+
+The day was appointed, the ground selected and lined with warlike
+soldiers and fair ladies. Lord Turbashaw entered the lists in splendid
+gilt armor, with wings on his shoulders, of eagle's feathers, garnished
+with gold and jewels. A janizary bore his lance, and two soldiers walked
+by the side of his horse. Smith was attended only by a page, bearing his
+lance. He courteously saluted his antagonist, and, at the sound of the
+trumpet, their horses set forward. They met with a deadly shock. Smith's
+lance pierced the visor of the Turk, and he fell dead from his horse.
+The day after, another challenge was sent to Smith; another encounter
+took place; and he was again victorious. Still another challenge met
+with the same result, and Smith was rewarded for his prowess in a signal
+manner, being made major of his regiment, and receiving all sorts of
+military honors. The Prince of Transylvania gave him a pension of three
+hundred ducats a year, and bestowed upon him a patent of nobility.
+
+These events occurred about the year 1600. Various military movements
+followed in Moldavia, Smith taking an active part in whatever of
+enterprise and daring was going forward. In one instance, he narrowly
+escaped with his life.
+
+In a mountainous pass, he was decoyed into an ambuscade, and though the
+christians fought desperately, they were nearly all cut to pieces. Smith
+was wounded and taken, but his life was spared by the cupidity of the
+conquerors, who expected a large sum for his ransom. He was sold as a
+slave and sent to Constantinople. He was afterwards removed to Tartary,
+where he suffered abuse, cruelty, and hardships of every description. At
+last he seized a favorable opportunity, rose against his master, slew
+him, clothed himself in his dress, mounted his horse, and was again at
+liberty.
+
+Roaming about in a vast desert for many days, chance at length directed
+him to the main road, which led from Tartary to Russia, and in sixteen
+days he arrived at a garrison, where the governor and his lady took off
+his irons and treated him with great care and kindness. Thence he
+travelled into Transylvania, where he arrived in 1603. Here he met many
+of his old companions in arms, who overwhelmed him with honors and
+attentions. They had thought him dead, and rejoiced over him as one
+risen from the grave.
+
+Still unsatisfied with perils and honors, hearing that a civil war had
+broken out in Barbary, he sailed to Africa, but, not finding the cause
+worthy of his sword, he returned to England in 1604, where a new field
+of adventure opened before him. Attention had been awakened in England
+upon the subject of colonizing America, by the representation of Captain
+Gosnold, who, in 1602, had made a voyage to the coast of New England. He
+gave delightful accounts of the fertility of the country and salubrity
+of the climate, and was anxious to colonize it. Of course, this plan was
+embraced with ardor by Smith, being a project just suited to his roving
+disposition, and his love for "hair breadth 'scapes."
+
+James I., who was now king, being inclined to the plan, an expedition
+was fitted out in 1606, of one hundred and five colonists, in three
+small vessels. Among the foremost of the adventurers were Gosnold and
+Smith, who seemed to be drawn together by a kind of instinct. After a
+voyage of four months, in which dissensions and mutiny caused much
+trouble and uneasiness, and which resulted in Smith's imprisonment
+during the voyage, the colonists arrived at Chesapeake Bay in April,
+1607. The landscape, covered with the new grass of spring, and varied
+with hills and valleys, seemed like enchantment to the worn-out
+voyagers. With joy they left their ships, and passed many days in
+choosing a spot for a resting-place and a home.
+
+Here new troubles assailed them. The Indians in the vicinity looked upon
+their encroachments with jealous eyes, and attacked them with their
+arrows, but the colonists quickly dispersed them with muskets. Others,
+however, more peaceable, treated our adventurers with kindness. A
+settlement was now made upon a peninsula on James's river, to which they
+gave the name of Jamestown.
+
+Of course, in a settlement like this, there must be suffering, and
+consequently, discontent. Much of this was manifested towards Smith,
+who, by his energy and perseverance, excited the envy of those
+associated with him in the management of the infant colony. At the same
+time, he became the object of dread to the Indians, by his bravery and
+resources. Many of the colonists died of hunger and disease; many were
+dispirited; and at last, in despair, they turned to our adventurer as
+their only hope in this hour of need. Like all generous spirits, he
+forgot his injuries, and set himself to work to remedy the evils that
+beset them. By his ingenuity and daring, he obtained from the Indians
+liberal supplies of corn, venison, and wild fowl, and, under the
+influence of good cheer, the colonists became, comparatively, happy.
+
+But a new and unforeseen calamity awaited our hero. Having penetrated
+into the country, with but few followers, he was beset by a large party
+of Indians, and, after a brave resistance, was taken prisoner. But the
+spirit and presence of mind of this remarkable man did not forsake him
+in this alarming crisis. He did not ask for life, for this would,
+probably, have hastened his death; but requesting that he might see the
+Indian chief, he at the same time drew from his pocket a compass, and
+directed attention to it, partly by signs and partly by words which he
+had learned. The curious instrument amused and surprised his savage
+captors, and averted, for a time, the fate that awaited him.
+
+They soon, however, tied him to a tree, and prepared to shoot him with
+their arrows. Changing their plans suddenly, they led him in a
+procession to a village, where they confined him and fed him so
+abundantly, that Smith thought they were probably fattening him for
+food. After a variety of savage ceremonies, the Indians took him to
+Werowcomoco--the residence of Powhatan, a celebrated chief, of a noble
+and majestic figure, and a countenance bespeaking the severity and
+haughtiness of one whose nod is law.
+
+Powhatan was seated on a throne, with one of his daughters on each side
+of him. Many Indians were standing in the hut, their skins covered with
+paint, and ornamented with feathers and beads. As Smith was brought
+bound into the room, there was a loud shout of triumph, which warned him
+that his last hour had arrived. They gave him water to wash, and food to
+eat, and then, holding a consultation, they determined to kill him. Two
+large stones were brought in and placed before the unbending chief.
+Smith was dragged forward, his head placed upon the stones, and the
+fatal club raised for the cruel deed.
+
+But what stays the savage arm? A child of twelve or thirteen, Pocahontas
+by name, the chief's favorite child, melted by the pity that seldom
+moves the heart of her race, ran to our hero, clasped his head in her
+arms, laid herself down with him on the block, determined to share his
+fate. Surely, of the numberless acts of kindness and benevolence which
+had been showered at different times upon Smith, this transcended them
+all! Startled by the act, and perhaps sympathizing with the feelings of
+his child, Powhatan raised Smith from the earth, and in two days, sent
+him with twelve Indian guides to Jamestown, from which place he had been
+absent seven weeks.
+
+Smith found the colony disheartened by his absence, and in want of
+provisions. These he procured from the Indians, bartering blue beads for
+corn and turkeys. A fire broke out about this time, and burned up many
+of the houses of the colony; this damage, however, Smith set about
+repairing--his patience and energy surmounting every evil.
+
+In June, 1608, our adventurer, tired of his mode of life, set out, with
+fourteen others, to explore Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac river. They
+encountered many tribes of Indians, but Smith's boldness always averted
+their assaults; and his frank and open demeanor generally turned his
+enemies into friends. The party returned to Jamestown in July, when
+Smith was made the president of the colony.
+
+He now made several expeditions, frequently meeting with adventures, and
+falling in with numerous tribes of Indians. He and his party had many
+skirmishes, and suffered considerably from the assaults of the savages;
+but Smith's sagacity and ingenuity rendered them comparatively harmless.
+He explored the whole of Chesapeake Bay, sailing nearly 3000 miles, in
+the space of three months.
+
+About this time, an expedition arrived from the mother country, under
+Capt. Newport, whose object was to make discoveries, and as they were to
+pass through Powhatan's territories, it was thought best to secure his
+favor by various presents. Accordingly, a bed and hangings, a chair of
+state, a suit of scarlet clothes, a crown, and other articles, were
+presented to him with great ceremony. At his coronation, having been
+with difficulty persuaded by the English to kneel, the moment the crown
+touched his head, a volley was fired from the boats, which caused the
+newly-made monarch to start up with affright. By way of return for these
+honors, Powhatan generously presented Captain Newport with his old shoes
+and mantle!
+
+Notwithstanding Smith's exertions in behalf of the colony, the council
+in England were constantly dissatisfied with him. But he did not allow
+anything to abate his zeal for the welfare of the colony under his
+command; even though they were harassed by the Indians, and suffering
+from sickness and privation, he still kept up his courage and energy. He
+entreated the managers in England to send them out mechanics and
+husbandmen, instead of the idle young gentlemen who had come with
+Newport, and took every step in his power to promote the prosperity of
+the settlement.
+
+The colony being now in great want of supplies, Smith made many
+exertions to procure them, but the Indians refused to part with any more
+provisions. A great war of words ensued between Smith and Powhatan,
+which ended in hostilities, Smith endeavoring to take the latter
+prisoner. The Indians, in their turn, made preparations to attack the
+English by night. Of this, they were warned by Pocahontas, who continued
+her kind interpositions in favor of Smith.
+
+Our hero had now experienced, it would seem, enough of adventure and
+peril to satisfy his desires. He often narrowly escaped with his life,
+for the Indians held him in dread, as one to whose prowess they were
+always obliged to yield, and whose address was always an overmatch for
+their own. If they suspected him of any hostile intentions towards them,
+they propitiated him by loads of provisions. To give some idea of
+this--Smith returned from one of his expeditions with two hundred pounds
+of deer's flesh, and four hundred and seventy-nine bushels of corn. But
+at length, growing weary of exertion, and of the animadversion of the
+English company, with trouble abroad, and mutiny and sickness at home,
+he returned to England in 1609.
+
+From this period to 1614, little or nothing is known of him. At this
+date, we again find him, true to his nature, sailing with two ships to
+Maine, for the purpose of capturing whales and searching for gold.
+Failing in these expectations, Smith left his men fishing for cod, while
+he surveyed the coast, from Penobscot to Cape Cod, trafficking with the
+Indians for furs. He then returned to England, and gave his map to the
+king, Charles I., and requested him to change some of the barbarous
+names which had been given to the places discovered. Smith gave the
+country the name of New England. Cape Cod, the name given by Gosnold, on
+account of the number of cod-fish found there, was altered by King
+Charles to Cape James, but the old title has always been retained. With
+the modesty ever manifested by Smith, he gave his own name only to a
+small cluster of islands, which, by some strange caprice, are now called
+the Isles of Shoals.
+
+In January, 1615, Captain Smith set sail for New England, with two
+ships, from Plymouth in England, but was driven back by a storm. He
+embarked again in June, but met with all kinds of disasters, and was at
+last captured by a French squadron, and obliged to remain all summer in
+the admiral's ship. When this ship went to battle with English vessels,
+Smith was sent below; but when they fell in with Spanish ships, they
+obliged him to fight with them. They at length carried him to Rochelle,
+where they put him on board a ship in the harbor. This was but a
+miserable existence to our hero, and he sought various opportunities of
+escape.
+
+At length, a violent storm arising, all hands went below, to avoid the
+pelting rain, and Smith pushed off in a boat, with a half pike for an
+oar, hoping to reach the shore. But a strong current carried him out to
+sea, where he passed twelve hours in imminent danger, being constantly
+covered with the spray. At last, he was thrown upon a piece of marshy
+land, where some fowlers found him, nearly drowned. He was relieved and
+kindly treated at Rochelle, and soon returned to England.
+
+While these adventures were happening to Smith, Pocahontas became
+attached to an English gentleman, of the name of Rolfe, having
+previously separated herself from her father. This would seem an
+unnatural step, were it not for the fact that she had a more tender and
+mild nature than that of her nation, and could not endure to see the
+cruelties practised against the English, in whom she felt so strong an
+interest. She was married in 1613, and by means of this event a lasting
+peace was established with Powhatan and his tribe.
+
+In 1616, Pocahontas visited England with her husband. She had learned to
+speak English well, and was instructed in the doctrines of Christianity.
+As soon as Smith heard of her arrival, he went immediately to see her,
+and he describes her in this interview as "turning about and obscuring
+her face," no doubt, overcome by old recollections. She afterwards,
+however, held a long conversation with Smith. This interesting creature
+was not destined to return to her own land, for, being taken sick at
+Gravesend, in 1617, she died, being only twenty-two years old.
+
+Much has been written concerning this friend of the whites, and all
+agree in ascribing to her character almost every quality that may
+command respect and esteem. She combined the utmost gentleness and
+sweetness, with great decision of mind and nobleness of heart. Captain
+Smith has immortalized her by his eloquent description of her kindness
+to him and his people. From her child are descended some honorable
+families now living in Virginia.
+
+Captain Smith intended to sail for New England in 1617, but his plans
+failed, and he remained in England, using constant exertions to persuade
+his countrymen to settle in America. In 1622, the Indians made a
+dreadful massacre at Jamestown, destroying three hundred and forty-seven
+of the English settlers. This news affected Smith very much, and he
+immediately made proposals to go over to New England, with forces
+sufficient to keep the Indians in check. But the people of England made
+so many objections to the plan, that it was given up by our hero, though
+with great regret. From this period, his story is little known, and we
+are only told that he died in 1631. His life is remarkable for the
+variety of wild adventures in which he was engaged; his character is
+marked as well by courage and daring, as by the somewhat opposite
+qualities of boldness and perseverance. He seems also to have possessed
+many noble and generous qualities of heart. He had, indeed, the elements
+of greatness, and had he been called to a wider field of action, he
+might have left a nobler fame among the annals of mankind.
+
+
+
+
+ETHAN ALLEN.
+
+
+This extraordinary man was born at Litchfield, or Salisbury,
+Connecticut, about the year 1740. He had five brothers and two sisters,
+named Heman, Heber, Levi, Zimri, Ira, Lydia and Lucy. Four or five of
+the former emigrated to Vermont, with Ethan, where their bold, active
+and enterprising spirits found an abundant opportunity for its display.
+Many a wild legend, touching their adventures, still lingers among the
+traditions of the Green Mountains.
+
+About the year 1770, a dispute between New York and New Hampshire, as to
+the dividing line between the two provinces, and which had long been
+pending, came to a crisis. The territory of Vermont was claimed by both
+parties; and some of the settlers who had received grants from Governor
+Wentworth, of New Hampshire, were threatened with being ejected from
+their lands by legal processes, proceeding from the province of New
+York.
+
+The Allens had selected their lands in the township of Bennington, which
+had now become a considerable place. The New York government, in
+conformity with their interpretation of their rights, had proceeded to
+grant patents, covering these very lands on which farms had now been
+brought to an advanced state of culture, and where houses had been built
+and orchards planted by the original purchasers. These proprietors were
+now called upon to take out new patents, at considerable expense, from
+New York, or lose their estates.
+
+This privilege of purchasing their own property was regarded by the
+Vermonters as rather an insult, than a benefit, and most of them refused
+to comply. The question was at last brought to trial at Albany, before a
+New York court, Allen being employed by the defendants as their agent.
+The case was, of course, decided against them, and Allen was advised, by
+the king's attorney-general, to go home and make the best terms he could
+with his new masters, remarking, that "might generally makes right." The
+reply of the mountaineer was brief and significant: "The gods of the
+valley are not the gods of the hills;" by which he meant that the agents
+of the New York government would find themselves baffled at Bennington,
+should they undertake to enforce the decision of the court, against the
+settlers there.
+
+Allen's prediction was prophetic. The sheriffs sent by the government
+were resisted, and finally, a considerable force was assembled, and
+placed under the command of Allen, who obliged the officers to desist
+from their proceedings. A proclamation was now issued by the governor of
+New York, offering a reward of twenty pounds for the apprehension of
+Allen. The latter issued a counter proclamation, offering a reward of
+five pounds to any one who would deliver the attorney-general of the
+colony into his power.
+
+Various proceedings took place, and for several years, the present
+territory of Vermont presented a constant series of disturbances. The
+New York government persevered in its claims, and the settlers as
+obstinately resisted. In all these measures, whether of peace or war,
+Allen was the leader of the Green Mountain yeomanry. Various plots were
+laid for his apprehension, but his address and courage always delivered
+him from the impending danger. At last, the revolution broke out, and
+the dispute was arrested by events which absorbed the public attention.
+The rival claims being thus suspended, the people of Vermont were left
+to pursue their own course.
+
+A few days after the battle of Lexington, a project was started at
+Hartford, Connecticut, for the capture of Fort Ticonderoga, then
+belonging to the British. Several persons set out upon this enterprise,
+and taking Bennington in their way, Allen joined them with some of his
+"Green Mountain Boys," and was appointed commander of the expedition.
+The little band arrived, without molestation, on the banks of Lake
+George, opposite the fort. They procured boats sufficient to carry
+eighty-three men. These crossed in the night, and landed just at the
+dawn of day. While the boats were gone back with the remainder of the
+troops, Allen resolved to attack the fort.
+
+He drew up the men in three ranks, addressed them in a short harangue,
+ordered them to face to the right, and placing himself at the head of
+the middle file, led them silently, but with a quick step, up the
+heights where the fortress stood; and before the sun rose, he had
+entered the gate, and formed his men on the parade between the barracks.
+Here they gave three huzzas, which aroused the sleeping inmates. When
+Colonel Allen passed the gate, a sentinel snapped his fusee at him, and
+then retreated under a covered way. Another sentinel made a thrust at an
+officer with a bayonet, which slightly wounded him. Colonel Allen
+returned the compliment with a cut on the side of the soldier's head, at
+which he threw down his musket, and asked quarter.
+
+No more resistance was made. Allen now demanded to be shown to the
+apartment of Captain Delaplace, the commander of the garrison. It was
+pointed out, and Allen, with Beman, his guide, at his elbow, hastily
+ascended the stairs, which were attached to the outside of the barracks,
+and called out with a voice of thunder at the door, ordering the
+astonished captain instantly to appear, or the whole garrison should be
+sacrificed.
+
+Startled at so strange and unexpected a summons, the commandant sprang
+from his bed and opened the door, when the first salutation of his
+boisterous and unseasonable visitor was an order immediately to
+surrender the fort. Rubbing his eyes, and trying to collect his
+scattered senses, the captain asked by what authority he presumed to
+make such a demand. "In the name of the Great Jehovah, and the
+Continental Congress!" said Allen.
+
+Not accustomed to hear much of the continental congress in this remote
+corner, nor to respect its authority when he did, the commandant began
+to remonstrate; but Colonel Allen cut short the thread of his
+discourse, by lifting his sword over his head, and reiterating the
+demand for an immediate surrender. Having neither permission to argue,
+nor power to resist, Captain Delaplace submitted, ordering his men to
+parade, without arms, and the garrison was given up to the victors.[A]
+
+The fruit of this victory was about fifty prisoners, with one hundred
+and twenty pieces of cannon, beside other arms and military stores. A
+few days after, the fort at Crown Point was taken, and some other
+successful enterprises were achieved. Allen obtained great credit by
+these performances.
+
+In the following autumn, he was twice despatched into Canada, to engage
+the inhabitants to lend their support to the American cause. In the last
+of these expeditions, he formed a plan, in concert with Colonel Brown,
+to reduce Montreal. Allen, accordingly, crossed the river in September,
+1775, at the head of one hundred and ten men, but was attacked, before
+Brown could join him, by the British troops, consisting of five hundred
+men, and, after a most obstinate resistance, was taken prisoner. The
+events of his captivity he himself has recorded in a narrative compiled
+after his release, in the most singular style, but apparently with great
+fidelity.
+
+For some time he was kept in irons, and treated with much severity. He
+was sent to England as a prisoner, with an assurance that, on his
+arrival there, he would meet with the halter. During the passage,
+extreme cruelty was exercised towards him and his fellow-prisoners. They
+were all, to the number of thirty-four, thrust, handcuffed, into a small
+place in the vessel, not more than twenty feet square. After about a
+month's confinement in Pendennie castle, near Falmouth, he was put on
+board a frigate, January 8, 1776, and carried to Halifax. Thence, after
+an imprisonment of five months, he was removed to New York.
+
+On the passage from Halifax to the latter place, he was treated with
+great kindness by Captain Smith, the commander of the vessel, and he
+evinced his gratitude by refusing to join in a conspiracy on board to
+kill the British captain and seize the frigate. His refusal prevented
+the execution of the plan. He remained at New York for a year and a
+half, sometimes in confinement, and sometimes at large, on parole.
+
+In 1778, Allen was exchanged for Colonel Campbell, and immediately
+afterwards, repaired to the head quarters of General Washington, by whom
+he was received with much respect. As his health was impaired, he
+returned to Vermont, after having made an offer of his services to the
+commander-in-chief, in case of his recovery. His arrival in Vermont was
+celebrated by the discharge of cannon; and he was soon appointed to the
+command of the state militia, as a mark of esteem for his patriotism and
+military talents. A fruitless attempt was made by the British to bribe
+him to lend his support to a union of Vermont with Canada. He died
+suddenly at his estate at Colchester, February 13, 1789.
+
+Allen was a man of gigantic stature, being nearly seven feet in height,
+and every way of relative proportions. He possessed undaunted courage,
+and blended bold enterprise with much sagacity. His early education was
+imperfect, but he was the master-spirit in the society among which he
+lived, and he exercised a powerful influence in laying the foundations
+of the state of Vermont. He was a sincere friend of his country, and did
+much in behalf of the revolution. When applied to by the rebel Shays, to
+become the leader of the insurrection in 1786, he rejected the proffer
+with indignation.
+
+Allen was a man of great determination, and, living in the midst of
+turmoil, was somewhat reckless in his temper. While he held a military
+command, during the revolution, a notorious spy was taken and brought to
+his quarters. Allen immediately sentenced him to be hung at the end of
+two or three days, and arrangements were accordingly made for the
+execution. At the appointed time, a large concourse of people had
+collected around the gallows, to witness the hanging. In the mean time,
+however, it had been intimated to Allen that it was necessary to have a
+regular trial of the spy.
+
+This was so obvious, that he felt compelled to postpone the execution of
+the culprit. Irritated, however, at this delay of justice, he proceeded
+to the gallows, and, mounting the scaffold, harangued the assembly
+somewhat as follows: "I know, my friends, you have all come here to see
+Rowley hanged, and, no doubt, you will be greatly disappointed to learn
+that the performances can't take place to-day. Your disappointment
+cannot be greater than mine, and I now declare that if you'll come here
+a fortnight from this day, Rowley shall be hung, or I will be hung
+myself."
+
+The rude state of society in which Allen spent the greater part of his
+life was little calculated to polish his manners. Being at Philadelphia,
+before the election of General Washington as president, he was invited
+to dinner, by the general upon an occasion of some ceremony. He took his
+seat by the side of Mrs. Washington, and in the course of the meal,
+seeing some Spanish olives before him, he took one of them, and put it
+in his mouth. It was the first he had ever tasted, and, of course, his
+palate revolted. "With your leave, ma'am," said he, turning to Lady
+Washington, "I'll take this plaguy thing out of my mouth."
+
+When Allen was in England, a prisoner, persons who had heard him
+represented as a giant in stature, and scarcely short of a cannibal in
+habits and disposition, came to see him, and gazed at him with mingled
+wonder and disgust. It is said, that, on one occasion, a tenpenny nail
+was thrown in to him, as if he were a wild animal. He is reported to
+have picked it up, and, in his vexation, to have bitten it in two. It is
+in allusion to this that Doctor Hopkins wrote,--
+
+  "Lo, Allen 'scaped from British jails,
+  His tushes broke by biting nails," &c.
+
+But however rude were Allen's manners, he was a man of inflexible
+integrity. He was sued, upon a certain occasion, for a note of hand,
+which was witnessed by an individual residing at Boston. When the case
+came on for trial in one of the Vermont courts, the lawyer whom Allen
+had employed to manage it so as to get time, rose, and, for the purpose
+of securing this object, pleaded a denial of the signature.
+
+It chanced that Allen was in the court-house at this moment, and hearing
+this plea, he strode across the court-room, and, while his eyes flashed
+with indignation, he spoke to the court as follows: "May it please your
+honors, that's a lie! I say I did sign that note, and I didn't employ
+Lawyer C****** to come here and tell a falsehood. That's a genuine note,
+and I signed it, please your honors, and I mean to pay it; all I want is
+to put it over till next court, when I expect to have money enough to
+meet it!" This speech gratified the opposing counsel so much, that he
+immediately consented to the delay which Allen desired.
+
+Though Allen's education was limited, by reading and reflection he had
+acquired a considerable amount of knowledge. Presuming upon this, and
+guided by the eccentricity which marked his character, he ventured to
+assail the Christian religion, in a book entitled, "The Oracles of
+Reason." Though he here expressed belief in a God, and a future state of
+rewards and punishments, he rejected the Bible, and seemed to favor the
+Pythagorian doctrine of transmigration of souls. He entertained the idea
+that he was himself destined to reappear on earth in the condition of a
+great white horse! These absurdities show into what depths of folly a
+great man may be led, if he permit his self-conceit to involve him in
+the discussion of subjects beyond his grasp.
+
+
+
+
+DAVID CROCKETT.
+
+
+This individual was one of those remarkable characters, formed by the
+rough and adventurous circumstances of western life. His paternal
+grandfather and grandmother, who were of Irish descent, were murdered by
+the Creek Indians, in Tennessee. He had an uncle who was wounded at the
+same time, and remained in captivity with the savages for seventeen
+months. The subject of our memoir was born in 1786, on the banks of
+Nola-chucky river, he being the fifth son.
+
+At this period, Tennessee was nearly a wilderness, and the forests were
+still, to a great extent, the dominion of the Indian and the wild beast.
+Brought up in this condition, his youthful imagination tinged by the
+tragic story of his ancestors, it was natural that our young hero should
+have become an early lover of those wild enterprises and hazardous
+adventures which belong to border life.
+
+In the memoir with which Crockett has favored us, he gives an account of
+many events, some of which are not a little marvellous, though we have
+no reason to doubt their truth. The following will serve as a specimen
+of his style, as well as of the circumstances which attended his
+childhood. "Joseph Hawkins, who was a brother to my mother, was in the
+woods hunting for deer. He was passing near a thicket of brush, in which
+one of our neighbors was gathering some grapes, as it was in the fall of
+the year, and the grape season. The body of the man was hid by the
+brush, and it was only as he would raise his hand to pull the bunches,
+that any part of him could be seen. It was a likely place for deer; and
+my uncle, having no suspicion that it was any human being, but supposing
+the raising of the hand to be the occasional twitch of a deer's ear,
+fired at the lump, and as the devil would have it, unfortunately shot
+the man through the body. I saw my father draw a silk handkerchief
+through the bullet hole, and entirely through his body; yet, after a
+little while, he got well, as little as any one would have thought it.
+What became of him, or whether he is dead or alive, I don't know; but I
+reckon he didn't fancy the business of gathering grapes in an
+out-of-the-way thicket again."
+
+When David was about eight years old, his father settled in Jefferson
+county, Tennessee, and opened a small tavern, chiefly for wagoners. He
+was poor, and his son says, "Here I remained with him, till I was twelve
+years old. About that time, you may _guess_, if you are a yankee, and
+_reckon_, if, like me, you belong to the backwoods, that I began to make
+my acquaintance with hard times, and plenty of them."
+
+At this period, an old Dutchman, who was proceeding to Rockbridge, a
+distance of four hundred miles, stopped over night at his father's
+house. He had a large stock of cattle, and needing assistance, David was
+hired by him, and proceeded on foot the whole of the journey. He was
+expected to continue with the Dutchman, but his love of home mastered
+him, and taking his clothes in a bundle on his back, he stole away one
+night, and begged his way among the straggling settlements, till he
+reached his father's residence.
+
+David was now sent to school; but at the end of four days he had a
+quarrel with one of his mates, and having scratched his face badly, he
+did not dare to go again. He therefore spent several days in the woods,
+during school hours, leaving his father to suppose he was at his
+lessons. When he found out, from the master, what David had done, he cut
+a hickory stick, and approached him in great wrath, intending to
+chastise him severely. The boy saw the danger, and fled. It was a tight
+race, but youth had the advantage. David escaped, hid himself in the
+woods for a time, and then, bidding adieu to his home, set forth upon
+his adventures.
+
+Passing through a great variety of conditions, he at last reached
+Baltimore, and for the first time looked forth upon the blue ocean and
+the ships that navigate it. He had heard of these things, but he tells
+us, that until he actually saw them, he did not in his heart believe in
+their existence. It seems that his first sight of the sea excited in his
+bosom those deep, yet indescribable emotions, known only to those who
+have had experience like his own.
+
+He set out at length to return to his father's house; but, owing to a
+variety of causes, it was three years before he reached it. It was
+evening when he came to the tavern, and he concluded to ask for
+lodging, and not make himself known, till he saw how the land lay. He
+gives an account of what followed, in these terms:--
+
+"After a while, we were all called to supper: I went with the rest. We
+sat down to the table, and began to eat, when my eldest sister
+recollected me: she sprung up, ran and seized me around the neck, and
+exclaimed, 'Here is my lost brother!'
+
+"My feelings at this time it would be vain and foolish for me to attempt
+to describe. I had often thought I felt before, and I suppose I had; but
+sure I am, I never had felt as I then did. The joy of my sisters, and my
+mother, and indeed of all the family, was such that it humbled me, and
+made me sorry that I hadn't submitted to a hundred whippings, sooner
+than cause so much affliction as they had suffered on my account. I
+found the family had never heard a word of me from the time my brother
+left me. I was now almost fifteen years old, and my increased age and
+size, together with the joy of my father, occasioned by my unexpected
+return, I was sure would secure me against my long-dreaded whipping; and
+so they did. But it will be a source of astonishment to many, who
+reflect that I am now a member of the American Congress--the most
+enlightened body of men in the world--that at so advanced an age, the
+age of fifteen, I did not know the first letter in the book."
+
+The following passage, continuing the narrative, evinces sense and
+feeling, which are honorable to our hero's head and heart. "I had
+remained for some short time at home with my father, when he informed
+me that he owed a man, whose name was Abraham Wilson, the sum of
+thirty-six dollars; and that if I would set in and work out the note, so
+as to lift it for him, he would discharge me from his service, and I
+might go free. I agreed to do this, and went immediately to the man who
+held my father's note, and contracted with him to work six months for
+it. I set in, and worked with all my might, not losing a single day in
+the six months. When my time was out, I got my father's note, and then
+declined working with the man any longer, though he wanted to hire me
+mighty bad. The reason was, it was a place where a heap of bad company
+met to drink and gamble, and I wanted to get away from them, for I
+knowed very well if I staid there I should get a bad name, as nobody
+could be respectable that would live there. I therefore returned to my
+father, and gave him up his paper, which seemed to please him mightily,
+for, though he was poor, he was an honest man, and always tried mighty
+hard to pay off his debts.
+
+"I next went to the house of an honest old Quaker, by the name of John
+Kennedy, who had removed from North Carolina, and proposed to hire
+myself to him, at two shillings a day. He agreed to take me a week on
+trial, at the end of which he appeared pleased with my work, and
+informed me that he held a note on my father for forty dollars, and that
+he would give me that note if I would work for him six months. I was
+certain enough that I should never get any part of the note; but then I
+remembered it was my father that owed it, and I concluded it was my
+duty, as a child, to help him along, and ease his lot as much as I
+could. I told the Quaker I would take him up at his offer, and
+immediately went to work. I never visited my father's house during the
+whole of this engagement, though he lived only fifteen miles off. But
+when it was finished, and I had got the note, I borrowed one of my
+employer's horses, and, on a Sunday evening, went to pay my parents a
+visit. Some time after I got there, I pulled out the note, and handed it
+to my father, who supposed Mr. Kennedy had sent it for collection. The
+old man looked mighty sorry, and said to me he had not the money to pay
+it, and didn't know what he should do. I then told him I had paid it for
+him, and it was then his own; that it was not presented for collection,
+but as a present from me. At this, he shed a heap of tears; and as soon
+as he got a little over it, he said he was sorry he couldn't give me
+anything, but he was not able, he was too poor."
+
+David continued to work for the Quaker, during which time he became
+enamored of a girl in the vicinity, and when he was eighteen he engaged
+to marry her; she, however, proved faithless, and wedded another man.
+The youth took it much to heart, and observes, "I now began to think
+that in making me, it was entirely forgotten to make my mate; that I was
+born odd, and should always remain so." He, however, recovered, and paid
+his addresses to a little girl of the neighborhood, whom he met one day
+when he had got lost in the woods, and married her. She had for her
+marriage portion two cows and two calves; and, with fifteen dollars'
+worth of furniture, they commenced house-keeping. He rented a small
+farm, and went to work. After a few years, he removed to another part
+of the state, where there was plenty of game, in consequence of which he
+became a hunter. About the year 1810, he settled on Bear Creek, where he
+remained till after the war of 1812.
+
+During the Creek war in Tennessee, in 1812, Crockett served as a private
+soldier under General Jackson, and displayed no small share of
+enterprise and daring. He also served in one of the expeditions to
+Florida, meeting with a great variety of adventures. Soon after the
+close of the war, in 1815, he lost his wife, but married again, and, as
+he says, "went ahead."
+
+After a time, he removed, with his family, to Shoal Creek, where the
+settlers, living apart from the rest of the world, set up a government
+for themselves; they established certain laws, and Crockett was elected
+one of the magistrates. The operations of this forest republic are thus
+described by our hero:--
+
+"When a man owed a debt, and wouldn't pay it, I and my constable ordered
+our warrant, and then he would take the man, and bring him before me for
+trial. I would give judgment against him, and then an order for an
+execution would easily scare the debt out of him. If any one was charged
+with marking his neighbor's hogs, or with stealing anything,--which
+happened pretty often in those days,--I would have him taken, and if
+there was tolerable grounds for the charge, I would have him well
+whipped, and cleared. We kept this up till our legislature added us to
+the white settlements in Giles county, and appointed magistrates by law,
+to organize matters in the parts where I lived. They appointed every
+man a magistrate who had belonged to our corporation. I was then, of
+course, made a squire according to law, though now the honor rested more
+heavily on me than before. For, at first, whenever I told my constable,
+says I,--'Catch that fellow, and bring him up for trial,' away he went;
+and the fellow must come, dead or alive; for we considered this a good
+warrant, though it was only in verbal writings. But after I was
+appointed by the assembly, they told me my warrants must be in real
+writing, and signed; and that I must keep a book, and write my
+proceedings in it. This was a hard business on me, for I could just
+barely write my own name."
+
+Crockett now rose rapidly; he was elected a colonel in the militia, and,
+by request of his friends, became a candidate for the state legislature.
+He made an electioneering tour of nearly three months, addressing the
+voters at various points. His account of this part of his life is full
+of wit; and not only throws much light upon western manners, but
+suggests many keen and sagacious reflections upon the character and
+conduct of political leaders, seeking the suffrages of the people. His
+success upon the stump was great, though he confesses he knew nothing
+about government, and dared not even touch the subject. He told droll
+stories, however, which answered a better purpose, and in the result,
+was triumphantly elected. We must not omit to give Crockett's own
+account of himself at this period.
+
+"A short time after this," says he, "I was in Pulaski, where I met with
+Colonel Polk, now a member of Congress from Tennessee. He was at that
+time a member elected to the legislature, as well as myself; and in a
+large company he said to me, 'Well, Colonel, I suppose we shall have a
+radical change of the judiciary at the next session of the legislature.'
+'Very likely, sir,' says I; and I put out quicker, for I was afraid some
+one would ask me what the judiciary was; and if I knowed, I wish I may
+be shot. I don't indeed believe I had ever before heard that there was
+any such thing in all nature; but still I was not willing that the
+people there should know how ignorant I was about it. When the time for
+meeting of the legislature arrived, I went on, and before I had been
+there long, I could have told what the judiciary was, and what the
+government was too; and many other things that I had known nothing about
+before."
+
+Crockett now removed to the borders of the Obion, and settled in the
+woods, his nearest white neighbor being seven miles off. The country
+around gradually became peopled, and in the course of a few years he was
+again put in nomination, without his own consent or knowledge, for the
+legislature. His antagonist was Dr. Butler, a relative of General
+Jackson's, and, as Crockett describes him, "a clever fellow, and the
+most talented man I ever run against, for any office." Two other
+candidates were in the field, but David beat them all by a handsome
+majority. This occurred in 1825. In 1827, he was elected to Congress,
+and re-elected in 1829, by a majority of 3500 votes. No man could at
+that time stand against him, with hopes of success. In 1831, however, he
+lost his election, but succeeded in 1833. He was defeated in 1835, and,
+having gone to Texas, engaged in the defence of Bexar, and was slain in
+the storming of that place, March 6th, 1836.
+
+The character of David Crockett is by no means to be set up as a model
+for imitation, yet he was a man of excellent traits of character. Brave,
+hospitable, honest, patriotic, and sincere, he was the representative of
+the hardy hunters of the west--a race of men fast fading away, or
+receding with the remote borders of our western settlements. Destitute
+of school education, he supplied the defect, in a great degree, by ready
+wit, and that talent which is developed strongly by the necessities of a
+hard and hazardous course of life. In civilized society, he retained the
+marks of his forest breeding, as well as the innate eccentricity of his
+character, and became conspicuous as one of those humorists, whom
+nothing can change from their original conformation.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+DANIEL BOONE.
+
+
+There are few names in the West better known, or more respected, than
+that of Colonel Daniel Boone. He is regarded as the founder of Kentucky,
+and in his character, was a good specimen of the early settler, who
+united in his own person the offices of hunter and husbandman, soldier
+and statesman. He was born in Pennsylvania, in the year 1746, and in his
+boyhood gave earnest of his future career, by his surpassing skill in
+the use of a gun, as exercised against squirrels, raccoons, and
+wild-cats.
+
+A love of hunting became his ruling passion, and he would wander, for
+whole days alone, through the woods, seeming to take great delight in
+these rambles, even if he found no game. One morning, when he was about
+fourteen years old, he was observed, as usual, to throw the band that
+suspended his shot bag, over the shoulder, and go forth, accompanied by
+his dog. Night came, but, to the astonishment and alarm of his parents,
+the boy came not. Another day and another night passed, and still he did
+not return. The nearest neighbors, sympathizing with the distressed
+parents, who considered him lost, at length turned out, to aid in
+finding him.
+
+After a long and weary search, a smoke was seen arising from a temporary
+hovel of sods and branches, at a distance of a league from any
+plantation, in which the astonished father found his child; he was,
+apparently, most comfortably occupied in making an experiment in
+housekeeping. Numerous skins of wild animals were stretched upon his
+cabin, as trophies of his hunting prowess. Ample fragments of their
+flesh were around--either thrown aside or prepared for cookery.
+
+A few years after this, Boone removed, with his father, to North
+Carolina, where they founded a settlement upon the banks of the Yadkin.
+The country was new, and almost totally uninhabited; the game was
+abundant, and afforded ample scope for young Boone's talents as a
+hunter. One night, he went out with a friend, upon what is called a
+_fire hunt_, the object of which was to shoot deer. In this sport, an
+iron pan, filled with blazing knots of pitch pine, is carried by one of
+the sportsmen. This casts a ruddy glare deep into the forest; and the
+deer, as if bound by a spell of enchantment, stands still, and gazes at
+the unwonted apparition. The lustrous eye of the animal is easily seen
+by the hunter, and thus becomes a mark for the rifle.
+
+On the present occasion, the two hunters had reached the corner of a
+farmer's field early in the evening, when Boone's companion, who held
+the fire pan, gave the signal that he _shined_ the eyes of a deer. Boone
+approached with his ready rifle, and, perceiving the glistening eyes,
+was about to fire, when the deer suddenly retreated. He pursued, and,
+after a rapid chase through the woods, came suddenly out at the
+farmer's house. What was the young hunter's astonishment then to
+discover that the object upon which he had levelled his rifle a few
+minutes before, was a beautiful girl of sixteen, and the daughter of the
+farmer! Boone could do no less than enter the house. The scene that
+followed is thus described by the biographer:
+
+"The ruddy, flaxen-haired girl stood full in view of her terrible
+pursuer, leaning upon his rifle, and surveying her with the most eager
+admiration. 'Rebecca, this is young Boone, son of our neighbor,' was the
+laconic introduction, offered by the father. Both were young, beautiful,
+and at the period when the affections exercise their most energetic
+influence. The circumstances of the introduction were favorable to the
+result, and the young hunter felt that the eyes of the deer had _shined_
+his bosom as fatally as his rifle-shot had ever done the innocent deer
+of the thickets.
+
+"She, too, when she saw the high, open, bold forehead--the clear, keen,
+yet gentle and affectionate eye--the firm front, and the visible impress
+of decision and fearlessness of the hunter; when she interpreted a look,
+which said, as distinctly as looks could say it, 'how terrible it would
+have been to have fired!' she can hardly be supposed to have regarded
+him with indifference. Nor can it be wondered at that she saw in him her
+_beau ideal_ of excellence and beauty.
+
+"The inhabitants of cities, who live in splendid mansions, and read
+novels stored with unreal pictures of life and the heart, are apt to
+imagine that love, with all its golden illusions, is reserved
+exclusively for them. It is a most egregious mistake. A model of ideal
+beauty and perfection is woven in almost every youthful heart, of the
+finest and most brilliant threads that compose the web of existence. It
+may not be said that this forest maiden was deeply and foolishly smitten
+at first sight. All reasonable time and space were granted to the claims
+of maidenly modesty. As for Boone, he was incurably wounded by her,
+whose eyes he had _shined_, and as he was remarkable for the backwoods'
+attribute of never being beaten out of his track, he ceased not to woo,
+until he gained the heart of Rebecca Bryan. In a word, he courted her
+successfully, and they were married."
+
+Boone removed with his wife to the head waters of the Yadkin, where he
+remained for several years, engaged in the quiet pursuits of a
+husbandman. But in process of time, the country was settled around him,
+and the restraints of orderly society became established. These were
+disagreeable to his love of unbounded liberty, and he began to think of
+seeking a new home in the yet unoccupied wilderness. Having heard an
+account of Kentucky from a man by the name of Finley, who had made an
+expedition thither, he determined to explore the country. Accordingly,
+in 1769, he set out with four associates, and soon, bidding adieu to the
+habitations of man, plunged into the boundless forest.
+
+They ascended and crossed the Alleganies, and at last stood on the
+western summit of the Cumberland Ridge. What a scene opened before
+them!--the illimitable forest, as yet unbroken by civilized man, and
+occupied only by savage beasts and more savage men. Yet it bore the
+marks of the highest fertility. Trees of every form, and touched with
+every shade of verdure, rose to an unwonted height on every side. In the
+distance, broad rivers flashed beneath the sun. How little did these
+hunters imagine that this noble country, within the compass of fifty
+years, was to be dotted with villages, and crowned with cities!
+
+The party proceeded in their march. They met with an abundance of every
+species of game. The buffalo occupied the plains by thousands; and on
+one occasion, the whole party came near being crushed by a herd of these
+animals, that came rushing like a torrent across a prairie.
+
+They spent the summer in the woods, and in December divided themselves
+into two parties, for the purpose of extending their means of
+observation. Boone and Stewart formed one division of the party. As they
+proceeded toward the Kentucky river, they were never out of sight of
+buffaloes, deer and wild turkeys. While they were one day leisurely
+descending a hill, the Indian yell suddenly broke upon their ears; a
+moment after, they were surrounded by savages, who sprung up from the
+cane-brakes around, and made them captives. Their hands were bound, and
+they were compelled to march, a long distance, to the Indian camp. On
+the second night, they escaped, and returned to the place where they
+expected to meet their former companions. These, it appears, had
+returned to Kentucky. That very day, however, Boone's brother arrived
+with a single companion, having made his way through the trackless
+forest, from his residence on the Yadkin.
+
+The four adventurers now devoted themselves to hunting; but, one day,
+while they were out, Boone and Stewart, being separated from their
+companions, were attacked by Indians, and the latter was shot dead by an
+arrow. Boone, with some difficulty, escaped to the camp. A short time
+after this, the companion of the elder Boone wandered into the woods,
+and was lost. The two brothers sought for him with anxious care, and at
+last found traces of blood and fragments of his clothes in the vicinity
+of a place where they had heard the howling of wolves. There was little
+doubt that he had fallen a sacrifice to these terrible animals. Boone
+and his brother were now the only white men west of the mountains, yet
+their spirits were not damped by their condition or by the sad fate
+which had befallen their companions. They hunted by day; cooked their
+game, sat by their bright fires and sung the airs of their country at
+night. They also devoted much of their time to the preparation of a
+cabin for the approaching winter.
+
+This came at length and passed away; but they were now in want of many
+things, especially ammunition, which was beginning to fail them. After
+long consultation, it was agreed that the elder Boone should return to
+North Carolina, and bring back ammunition, horses, and supplies.
+
+The character of Daniel Boone, in consenting to be left alone in the
+wilderness, surrounded by perils from the Indians and wild beasts, of
+which he had so recently and terribly been made aware, appears in its
+true light. We have heard of a Robinson Crusoe, made so by the
+necessities of shipwreck; but all history can scarcely furnish another
+instance of a man, voluntarily consenting to be left alone among savages
+and wild beasts, seven hundred miles from the nearest white inhabitants.
+
+The separation at last came. The elder brother disappeared in the
+forest, and Daniel Boone was left in the cabin, entirely alone. Their
+only dog followed the departing brother, and our hunter had nothing but
+his unconquerable spirit to sustain him during the long and lonely days
+and nights, visited by the remembrance of his distant wife and children.
+
+To prevent the recurrence of dark and lonely thoughts, soon after his
+brother's departure, Boone set out on a tour of observation, and made an
+excursion to the Ohio river. He returned at last to his camp, which he
+found undisturbed. From this point he continued to make trips into the
+woods, in which he met with a variety of adventures. It was in May that
+his brother left him, and late in July he returned, with two horses and
+an abundant supply of needful articles. He brought also the welcome
+intelligence of the welfare of his brother's family and their kind
+remembrance of him.
+
+The two brothers now set about selecting a situation for a settlement,
+where they intended to bring their families. One day, as they were
+passing through the woods, they saw a herd of buffaloes in great uproar.
+They were running, plunging, and bellowing, as if roused to fury. The
+hunters approached the throng, and perceived that a panther had leaped
+upon the back of one of these huge animals, and was gnawing away the
+flesh. The buffalo, maddened by the agony, dashed among the herd, and
+these were soon thrown into wild confusion. Boone picked his flint, took
+a deliberate aim, and fired; the panther fell from his seat, and the
+herd passed on.
+
+We cannot pursue the history of our hero, in all its adventurous
+details. We have told enough to display the leading traits of his
+character, and we must now hasten on, only noting the principal events.
+He returned with his brother to North Carolina, and in September, 1773,
+commenced his removal to Kentucky, with his own family and five others,
+for the purpose of settling there. They were joined by forty men, who
+placed themselves under Boone's guidance. On their route they were
+attacked by the Indians; six of the men were killed, and the cattle were
+dispersed. The emigrants, therefore, returned as far as Clinch river,
+where they made a temporary settlement.
+
+In 1775, Boone assisted in building a fort at a place which was called
+Boonesburgh, and when completed, he removed his family thither. Two
+years after, he here sustained two formidable sieges from the Indians,
+whom he repulsed. In the following year he was taken while hunting, by
+the savages, and carried to Detroit. He escaped, and at last returned to
+his family. Again the fort was invested by the Indians and Canadian
+Frenchmen, four hundred and fifty strong. Boone, with fifty men, held
+out, and finally the assailants withdrew. This was the last attack upon
+Boonesburgh.
+
+In 1792, Kentucky was admitted into the Union as a state, and soon
+after, Boone, being involved in one of the innumerable law-suits which
+were about this time inflicted upon Kentucky, was deprived of his whole
+estate by an adverse decision. The indignation of the old hunter, at
+first, knew no bounds; but his tranquillity soon returned. He was,
+however, thoroughly disgusted with civilized society, and determined
+again, though gray with years, to find a home in the unbroken forest.
+
+In 1798, having obtained a grant of two thousand acres of land from the
+Spanish authorities in upper Louisiana, now Missouri, he removed thither
+with his family, and settled at Charette. Here he devoted himself to his
+familiar pursuits of hunting and trapping, and in September, 1822, he
+died, being in his eighty-fifth year.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+CHARLES XII. OF SWEDEN.
+
+
+Charles XII. was born on the 27th June, 1682. He was the son of Charles
+XI., a harsh and despotic prince. From his earliest years, he glowed to
+imitate the heroic character of Alexander, and, in his eagerness to
+reign, caused himself to be declared king of Sweden at the age of
+fifteen. At his coronation, he boldly seized the crown from the hands of
+the archbishop of Upsal, and set it on his own head.
+
+His youth seemed to invite the attacks of his neighbors, of Poland,
+Denmark and Russia; but Charles, unawed by the prospect of hostilities,
+and though scarcely eighteen, determined to assail his enemies, one
+after the other. He besieged Copenhagen, and, by his vigorous measures,
+so terrified the Danish monarch, that, in less than six weeks, he
+obliged him to sue for peace.
+
+From humbled Denmark, he marched against the Russians; and though at the
+head of only eight thousand men, he attacked the enemy who were
+besieging Narva with one hundred thousand men. The conflict was
+dreadful; thirty thousand were slain, twenty thousand asked for quarter,
+and the rest were taken or destroyed; while the Swedes had only twelve
+hundred killed, and eight hundred wounded. From Narva, the victorious
+monarch advanced into Poland, defeated the Saxons who opposed his march,
+and obliged the Polish king, in suing for peace, to renounce his crown
+and acknowledge Stanislaus for his successor.
+
+It was a disgraceful condition of the treaty made with Augustus that he
+should give up Reinhold Patkul, a Polish nobleman, to the Swedish king.
+This patriot had nobly defended the liberties of his country against its
+enemies, and to escape the consequences, when Poland had fallen, went to
+Russia, and entered into the service of the Czar. Peter sent him as
+ambassador to Poland, and Augustus delivered him up to Charles. He was
+taken to Stockholm, tried as a rebel and traitor, and broke on the
+wheel. Such was the justice, such the mercy, of the chivalrous Charles
+XII.!
+
+Fixing his head quarters near Leipsic, with a victorious army of fifty
+thousand veteran Swedes, he now attracted the attention of all Europe.
+He received ambassadors from the principal powers, and even the Duke of
+Marlborough paid him a visit to induce him to join the allies against
+Louis XIV. But Charles had other views, which were to dethrone his
+rival, Peter of Russia. Accordingly, after adjusting various matters, he
+proceeded to the north, with forty-three thousand men, in September,
+1707.
+
+In January, he defeated the Russians in Lithuania, and in June, 1708,
+met Peter on the banks of the Berezina. The Swedes crossed the river,
+and the Russians fled. Charles pursued them as far as Smolensk; but in
+September he began to experience the real difficulties of a Russian
+campaign. The country was desolate, the roads wretched, the winter
+approaching, and the army had hardly provisions for a fortnight.
+Charles, therefore, abandoned his plan of marching upon Moscow, and
+turned to the south towards the Ukraine, where Mazeppa, hetman or chief
+of the Cossacks, had agreed to join him against Peter.
+
+Charles advanced towards the river Desna, an affluent of the Dnieper,
+which it joins near Kiew; but he missed his way among the extensive
+marshes which cover a great part of the country, and in which almost all
+his artillery and wagons were lost. Meantime, the Russians had dispersed
+Mazeppa's Cossacks, and Mazeppa himself came to join Charles as a
+fugitive with a small body of followers. Lowenhaupt, also, who was
+coming from Poland with fifteen thousand men, was defeated by Peter in
+person.
+
+Charles thus found himself in the wilds of the Ukraine, hemmed in by the
+Russians, without provisions, and the winter setting in with unusual
+severity. His army, thinned by cold, hunger, fatigue and the sword, was
+now reduced to twenty-four thousand men. In this condition, he passed
+the winter in the Ukraine, his army subsisting chiefly by the exertions
+of Mazeppa. In the spring, with eighteen thousand Swedes and as many
+Cossacks, he laid siege to the town of Pultowa, where the Russians had
+collected large stores. During the siege, he was severely wounded in the
+foot; and soon after, Peter himself appeared to relieve Pultowa, at the
+head of seventy thousand men. Charles had now no choice but to risk a
+general battle, which was fought on the 8th of July, 1709, and ended in
+the total defeat of the Swedes.
+
+At the close of the battle, Charles was placed on horseback, and,
+attended by about five hundred horse, who cut their way through more
+than ten Russian regiments, was conducted, for the space of a league, to
+the baggage of the Swedish army. In the flight, the king's horse was
+killed under him, and he was placed upon another. They selected a coach
+from the baggage, put Charles in it, and fled towards the Borysthenes
+with the utmost precipitation. He was silent for a time, but, at last,
+made some inquiries. Being informed of the fatal result of the battle,
+he said, cheerfully, "Come then, let us go to the Turks."
+
+While he was making his escape, the Russians seized his artillery in the
+camp before Pultowa, his baggage and his military chest, in which they
+found six millions in specie, the spoils of Poland and Saxony. Nine
+thousand men, partly Swedes and partly Cossacks, were killed in the
+battle, and about six thousand were taken prisoners. There still
+remained about sixteen thousand men, including the Swedes, Poles and
+Cossacks, who fled towards the Borysthenes, under conduct of General
+Lowenhaupt.
+
+He marched one way with his fugitive troops, and the king took another
+with some of his horse. The coach in which he rode broke down by the
+way, and they again set him on horseback. To complete his misfortune, he
+was separated from his troops and wandered all night in the woods;
+here, his courage being no longer able to support his exhausted spirits,
+the pain of his wound became more intolerable from fatigue, and his
+horse falling under him through excessive weariness, he lay some hours,
+at the foot of a tree, in danger of being surprised every moment by the
+conquerors, who were searching for him on every side.
+
+At last, on the 10th July, at night, Charles reached the banks of the
+Borysthenes. Lowenhaupt had just arrived with the shattered remains of
+his army. It was with a mixture of joy and sorrow that the Swedes beheld
+their king, whom they had supposed dead. The victorious enemy was now
+approaching. The Swedes had neither a bridge to pass the river, nor time
+to make one, nor powder to defend themselves, nor provisions to support
+an army which had eaten nothing for two days. But more than all this,
+Charles was reduced to a state of extreme weakness by his wound, and was
+no longer himself. They carried him along like a sick person, in a state
+of insensibility.
+
+Happily there was at hand a sorry calash, which by chance the Swedes had
+brought along with them; this they put on board a little boat, and the
+king and General Mazeppa embarked in another. The latter had saved
+several coffers of money; but the current being rapid, and a violent
+wind beginning to blow, the Cossacks threw more than three fourths of
+his treasure overboard to lighten the boat. Thus the king crossed the
+river, together with a small troop of horse, belonging to his guards,
+who succeeded in swimming the river. Every foot soldier who attempted
+to cross the stream was drowned.
+
+Guided by the dead carcasses of the Swedes, that thickly strewed their
+path, a detachment of the Russian army came upon the fugitives. Some of
+the Swedes, reduced to despair, threw themselves into the river, while
+others took their own lives. The remainder capitulated, and were made
+slaves. Thousands of them were dispersed over Siberia, and never again
+returned to their country. In this barbarous region, rendered ingenious
+through necessity, they exercised trades and employments, of which they
+had not before the least idea.
+
+All the distinctions which fortune had formerly established between them
+before, were now banished. The officer, who could not follow any trade,
+was obliged to cleave and carry wood for the soldier, now turned tailor,
+clothier, joiner, mason, or goldsmith, and who got a subsistence by his
+labors. Some of the officers became painters, and others architects;
+some of them taught the languages and mathematics. They even established
+some public schools, which in time became so useful and famous, that the
+citizens of Moscow sent their children thither for education.
+
+The Swedish army, which had left Saxony in such a triumphant manner, was
+now no more. Three fourths had perished in battle, or by starvation, and
+the rest were slaves. Charles XII. had lost the fruit of nine years'
+labor, and almost one hundred battles. He had escaped in a wretched
+calash, attended by a small troop. These followed, some on foot, some on
+horseback, and others in wagons, through a desert, where neither huts,
+tents, men, beasts, nor roads were to be seen. Everything was wanting,
+even water itself.
+
+It was now the beginning of July; the country lay in the forty-seventh
+degree of latitude; the dry sand of the desert rendered the heat of the
+sun the more insupportable; the horses fell by the way, and the men were
+ready to die with thirst. A brook of muddy water, which they found
+towards evening, was all they met with; they filled some bottles with
+this water, which saved the lives of the king's troops.
+
+Triumphing over incredible difficulties, Charles and his little guard at
+last reached Benda, in the Turkish territory. He was hospitably received
+by the governor; and the sultan, Achmet III., gave orders that he should
+have entertainment and protection. He now attempted to induce the sultan
+to engage in his cause, but the Russian agents at the Turkish court
+produced an impression against him, and orders were sent to the governor
+of Benda, to compel the king to depart, and in case he refused, to bring
+him, living or dead, to Adrianople.
+
+Little used to obey, Charles determined to resist. Having but two or
+three hundred men, he still disposed them in the best manner he could,
+and when attacked by the whole force of the Turkish army, he only
+yielded step by step. His house at last took fire, yet the king and his
+soldiers still resisted. When, involved in flames and smoke, he was
+about to abandon it, his spurs became entangled, and he fell and was
+taken prisoner. His eyelashes were singed by powder and his clothes were
+covered with blood. He was now removed to Demotica, near Adrianople.
+Here he spent two months in bed, feigning sickness, and employed in
+reading and writing.
+
+Convinced, at last, that he could expect no assistance from the Porte,
+he set off, in disguise, with two officers. Accustomed to every
+deprivation, he pursued his journey on horseback, through Hungary and
+Germany, day and night, with such haste, that only one of his attendants
+was able to keep up with him. Exhausted and haggard, he arrived before
+Stralsund, about one o'clock, on the night of the 11th November, 1714.
+
+Pretending to be a courier with important despatches from Turkey, he
+caused himself to be immediately introduced to the commandant, Count
+Dunker, who questioned him concerning the king, without recognising him
+till he began to speak, when he sprang, joyfully from his bed, and
+embraced the knees of his master. The report of Charles' arrival spread
+rapidly through the city. The houses were illuminated, and every
+demonstration of joy was exhibited.
+
+A combined army of Danes, Saxons, Russians and Prussians now invested
+Stralsund. Charles performed miracles of bravery in its defence, but was
+obliged, at last, to surrender the fortress. Various events now took
+place, and negotiations were entered into for pacification with Russia.
+In the mean time, Charles had laid siege to Friedrichshall, in Norway.
+On the 3d of November, 1718, while in the trenches, and leaning against
+the parapet, examining the workmen, he was struck on the head by a
+cannon ball, and instantly killed. He was found dead in the same
+position, his hand on his sword; in his pocket were the portrait of
+Gustavus Adolphus, and a prayer-book. It is probable that the fatal ball
+was fired, not from the hostile fortress, but from the Swedish side; his
+adjutant, Siguier, has been accused as an accomplice in his murder.
+
+The life of Charles XII. presents a series of marvellous events, yet his
+character inspires us with little respect or sympathy. He aspired only
+to be a military hero, and to reign by the power of his arms. He had the
+bravery, perseverance, and decision suited to the soldier, and that
+utter selfishness, and recklessness of human life and happiness, which
+are necessary ingredients in the character of a mere warrior. His
+cheerfulness in adversity, and his patient endurance of pain and
+privation, were counterbalanced by obstinacy, amounting almost to
+insanity. Charles had, indeed, the power of attaching friends strongly
+to his person; and there is something almost sublime in the utter
+disregard of comfort, pleasure, and even life, displayed by his soldiers
+and officers, in their care of his person, and their obedience to his
+commands. Yet, however elevating may be the sentiment of loyalty, we
+cannot feel that, in the present instance, it was bestowed upon a worthy
+object.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+THE CID.
+
+
+This celebrated hero of Spanish history has been for more than eight
+centuries the theme of eulogy and song, and doubtless his wonderful
+achievements and romantic fame have contributed to kindle an emulous
+flame in many a youthful bosom, and to stir up even a nation to the
+resistance of oppression. It is by no means improbable that many of the
+deeds of valor and patriotic devotion witnessed during the invasion of
+Spain by Napoleon's armies, had their source in the name and fame of the
+Cid. In one of the numerous ballads which recount his history, and which
+are among the popular poetry of Spain to this day, he is addressed in
+the following vigorous lines:--
+
+  "Mighty victor, never vanquished,
+    Bulwark of our native land,
+  Shield of Spain, her boast and glory,
+    Knight of the far-dreaded brand,
+  Venging scourge of Moors and traitors,
+    Mighty thunderbolt of war,
+  Mirror bright of chivalry,
+    Ruy, my Cid Campeador!"
+
+This chivalrous knight was born at Burgos, in the year 1025. His name
+was Rodrigo, or Ruy Diaz, Count of Bivar. He was called the _Cid_, which
+means lord; and the name of _Campeador_, or champion without an equal,
+was appropriated as his peculiar title. At this period, the greater part
+of the Peninsula was in the hands of the Arabs or Moors, who had invaded
+them three centuries before. The few Goths who had remained unconquered
+among the mountains, maintained a constant warfare upon the infidels,
+and by the time of which we speak, they had recovered a large portion of
+the country lying in the northwestern quarter. This territory was
+divided into several petty kingdoms, or counties, the principal of
+which, at the time of our hero's birth, were united under Ferdinand I.,
+the founder of the kingdom of Castile. The rest of the Peninsula,
+subject to the Arabs, was also divided into petty kingdoms.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The father of Rodrigo, Don Diego Lainez, was the representative of an
+ancient, wealthy, and noble race. When our hero was a mere stripling,
+his father was grossly insulted by the haughty and powerful Count of
+Gormaz, Don Lozano Gomez, who smote him in the face, in the very
+presence of the king and court. The dejection of the worthy hidalgo, who
+was very aged, and therefore incapable of taking personal vengeance for
+his wrong, is thus strongly depicted in one of the ballads:--
+
+  "Sleep was banished from his eyelids;
+    Not a mouthful could he taste;
+  There he sat with downcast visage,--
+    Direly had he been disgraced.
+
+  Never stirred he from his chamber;
+    With no friends would he converse,
+  Lest the breath of his dishonor
+    Should pollute them with its curse."
+
+When young Rodrigo, the son, was informed of the indignity offered to
+his father, he was greatly incensed, and determined to avenge it. He
+accordingly took down an old sword, which had been the instrument of
+mighty deeds in the hands of his ancestors, and, mounting a horse,
+proceeded to challenge the haughty Count Gomez, in the following
+terms:--
+
+  "How durst thou to smite my father?
+    Craven caitiff! know that none
+  Unto him shall do dishonor,
+    While I live, save God alone.
+
+  For this wrong, I must have vengeance,--
+    Traitor, here I thee defy!
+  With thy blood alone my sire
+    Can wash out his infamy!"
+
+The count despised his youth, and refused his challenge; but the boy set
+bravely upon him, and, after a fierce conflict, was victorious. He bore
+the bleeding head of his antagonist to his father, who greeted him with
+rapture. His fame was soon spread abroad, and he was reckoned among the
+bravest squires of the time.
+
+But now there appeared before king Ferdinand and the court of Burgos the
+lovely Ximena, daughter of the Count Gomez, demanding vengeance of the
+sovereign for the death of her father. She fell on her knees at the
+king's feet, crying for justice.
+
+  "Justice, king! I sue for justice--
+    Vengeance on a traitorous knight;
+  Grant it me! so shall thy children
+    Thrive, and prove thy soul's delight."
+
+When she had spoken these words, her eye fell on Rodrigo, who stood
+among the attendant nobles, and she exclaimed,--
+
+  "Thou hast slain the best and bravest
+    That e'er set a lance in rest,
+  Of our holy faith the bulwark,--
+    Terror of each Paynim breast.
+
+  Traitorous murderer, slay me also!
+    Though a woman, slaughter me!
+  Spare not! I'm Ximena Gomez,
+    Thine eternal enemy!
+
+  Here's my heart,--smite, I beseech thee!
+    Smite! and fatal be thy blow!
+  Death is all I ask, thou caitiff,--
+    Grant this boon unto thy foe."
+
+Not a word, however, did Rodrigo reply, but, seizing the bridle of his
+steed, he vaulted into the saddle, and rode slowly away. Ximena turned
+to the crowd of nobles, and seeing that none prepared to follow him and
+take up her cause, she cried aloud, "Vengeance, sirs, I pray you
+vengeance!" A second time did the damsel disturb the king, when at a
+banquet, with her cries for justice. She had now a fresh complaint.
+
+  "Every day at early morning,
+    To despite me more, I wist,
+  He who slew my sire doth ride by,
+    With a falcon on his fist.
+
+  At my tender dove he flies it;
+    Many of them hath it slain.
+  See, their blood hath dyed my garments,
+    With full many a crimson stain."
+
+Rodrigo, however, was not punished, and the king suspected that this
+conduct of the young count was only typical of his purpose to hawk at
+the lady himself, and make her the captive of love. He was therefore
+left to pursue his career; and he soon performed an achievement which
+greatly increased his fame. Five Moorish chiefs or kings, and their
+attendants, had made a foray into the Castilian territories, and, being
+unresisted, were bearing off immense booty and many captives. Rodrigo,
+though still a youth under twenty, mounted his horse, Babieca, as famous
+in his story as is Bucephalus in that of Alexander, hastily gathered a
+host of armed men, and fell suddenly upon the Moors, among the mountains
+of Oca. He routed them with great slaughter, captured the five kings,
+and recovered all that they had taken.
+
+The spoil he divided among his followers, but reserved the kings for his
+own share, and carried them home to his castle of Bivar, to present
+them, as proofs of his prowess, to his mother. With his characteristic
+generosity, which was conspicuous even at this early age, he then set
+them at liberty, on their agreeing to pay him tribute; and they departed
+to their respective territories, lauding his valor and magnanimity.
+
+The fame of this exploit soon spread far and wide, through the land, and
+as martial valor in those chivalrous times was the surest passport to
+ladies' favor, it must have had its due effect on Ximena's mind, and
+will, in a great measure, account for the entire change in her
+sentiments towards the youth, which she manifested on another visit to
+Burgos. Falling on her knees before the king, she spoke thus:--
+
+  "I am daughter of Don Gomez,
+    Count of Gormaz was he hight;
+  Him Rodrigo by his valor
+    Did o'erthrow in mortal fight.
+
+  King! I come to crave a favor--
+    This the boon for which I pray,
+  That thou give me this Rodrigo
+    For my wedded lord this day.
+
+  Grant this precious boon, I pray thee;
+    'Tis a duty thou dost owe;
+  For the great God hath commanded
+    That we should forgive a foe."
+
+There is a touch of nature in all this, that is quite amusing: while the
+lady's anger burns, she cries for justice; when love has taken
+possession of her heart, she appeals to religion to enforce her wishes.
+"Now I see," said the king, "how true it is, what I have often heard,
+that the will of woman is wild and strange. Hitherto this damsel hath
+sought deadly vengeance on the youth, and now she would have him to
+husband. Howbeit, with right good will I will grant what she desireth."
+
+He sent at once for Rodrigo, who, with a train of three hundred young
+nobles, his friends and kinsmen, all arrayed in new armor and robes of
+brilliant color, obeyed with all speed the royal summons. The king rode
+forth to meet him, "for right well did he love Rodrigo," and opened the
+matter to him, promising him great honors and much land if he would make
+Ximena his bride. Rodrigo, who desired nothing better, and who doubtless
+had hoped for this issue, at once acquiesced.
+
+  "King and lord! right well it pleaseth
+    Me thy wishes to fulfil:
+  In this thing, as in all others,
+    I obey thy sovereign will."
+
+The young pair then plighted their troth in presence of the king, and in
+pledge thereof gave him their hands. He kept his promise, and gave
+Rodrigo Valduerna, Saldana, Belforado, and San Pedro de Cardena, for a
+marriage portion.
+
+The wedding was attended by vast pomp and great festivities. Rodrigo,
+sumptuously attired, went with a long procession to the church. After a
+while, Ximena came, with a veil over her head and her hair dressed in
+large plaits, hanging over her ears. She wore an embroidered gown of
+fine London cloth, and a close-fitting spencer. She walked on
+high-heeled clogs of red leather. A necklace of eight medals or plates
+of gold, with a small pendent image of St. Michael, which together were
+"worth a city," encircled her white neck.
+
+The happy pair met, seized each other's hands, and embraced. Then said
+Rodrigo, with great emotion, as he gazed on his bride,--
+
+  "I did slay thy sire, Ximena,
+    But, God wot, not traitorously;
+  'Twas in open fight I slew him:
+    Sorely had he wronged me.
+
+  A man I slew,--a man I give thee,--
+    Here I stand thy will to bide!
+  Thou, in place of a dead father,
+    Hast a husband at thy side."
+
+  All approved well his prudence,
+    And extolled him with zeal;
+  Thus they celebrate the nuptials
+    Of Rodrigo of Castile.
+
+We cannot attend this renowned hero through his long and brilliant
+career. We must be content to say, that on all occasions he displayed
+every noble and heroic quality. His life was an almost perpetual strife
+with the Moors, whom he defeated in many combats. Having collected a
+considerable force, on one occasion, he penetrated to the southeastern
+extremity of Arragon, and established himself in a strong castle, still
+called the Rock of the Cid. He afterwards pushed his victories to the
+borders of the Mediterranean, and laid siege to the rich and powerful
+Moorish city of Valencia, which he captured. Here he established his
+kingdom, and continued to reign till his death, about the year 1099, at
+the age of seventy-five.
+
+While the Cid was living, his reputation was sufficient to keep the
+Moors in awe; but when he was dead, their courage revived, and they
+boldly attacked the Spaniards, even in Valencia, the city where his
+remains were laid. The Spaniards went forth to meet them; and behold, a
+warrior, with the well known dress of the Cid, but with the aspect of
+death, was at their head. The Moors recognised his features, and they
+fled in superstitious horror, fancying that a miracle had been performed
+in behalf of the Spaniards. The truth was, however, that the latter had
+taken him from the tomb, set him on his warhorse, and thus, even after
+his death, he achieved a victory over his foes. This incident
+sufficiently attests the wonderful power which the Cid's name exerted,
+as well over his countrymen as their enemies.
+
+The Spaniards have an immense number of ballads and romances, founded
+upon the life of this wonderful hero. They all depict him as a noble and
+high-minded chief, without fear and without reproach, the very _beau
+ideal_ of a knight of the olden time. Some of these ballads are finely
+rendered into English by Mr. Lockhart, and they have been published in a
+style of unsurpassed beauty and splendor.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+ROBIN HOOD.
+
+
+It may seem strange that an outlaw, a thief and a robber, should be a
+favorite theme of song and of story, and continue to command the respect
+of mankind for centuries after the period of his existence: yet such is
+the fact in respect to the subject of the present sketch. He was born at
+Lockslay, near Nottingham, about the year 1150, and flourished during
+the time of Richard I. of England.
+
+Nearly a century before this, William of Normandy had conquered England,
+and established the Norman sway in that realm. The great estates passed
+into the hands of French chiefs and barons; and while nearly all the
+higher ranks of society, at the period of which we speak, were French,
+the other classes consisted of native Saxons. Between these distinct
+races and orders, a natural jealousy existed, which was in no small
+degree cherished by the laws and policy of the government, which tended
+at once to oppress the people and extend the privileges of the nobles.
+
+The game laws, which punished those who should kill game in the royal
+forests, by putting out the eyes, and other mutilations, excited the
+deepest indignation. The yeomanry of the country were, at this time,
+universally trained in the use of the bow, and, notwithstanding the
+severity of the laws, those living around the king's parks frequently
+shot the game. These persons were so numerous, that they finally
+associated together in considerable bands, for mutual protection. Many
+of them devoted themselves entirely to robbing the parks, and became not
+only skilful in the use of the bow, but familiar with the recesses and
+hiding-places of the forests, and expert in every device, either for
+plunder, concealment, or escape.
+
+Of all the leaders of these several bands, Robin Hood became the most
+famous; for he was not only bold and skilful in forest craft, but he
+appears to have been guided by noble and patriotic sentiments. According
+to one of the many ballads which set forth his adventures, he displayed
+his courage and dexterity at a very early age.
+
+  "Robin Hood would into Nottingham go,
+    When the summer days were fine,
+  And there he saw fifteen foresters bold,
+    A drinking good ale and wine.
+
+  'What news? what news?' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'The news I fain would know;
+  If our king hath ordered a shooting match,
+    I am ready with my bow.'"
+
+The foresters stared at him, and said, "We hold it a scorn for one so
+young, presuming to bear a bow, who is not able to draw a string." "I'll
+hold you twenty marks," said Robin, "that I will hit a mark a hundred
+rods off, and cause a hart to die." "We hold you twenty marks, by our
+lady's leave," replied the foresters, "that you neither hit the mark at
+that distance, nor kill a hart."
+
+  "Then Robin Hood bent his noble bow,
+    And a broad arrow he let fly;
+  He hit the mark a hundred rod,
+    And he caused a hart to die.
+
+  The hart did skip, and the hart did leap,
+    And the hart lay on the ground;
+  'The wager is mine,' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'An' 'twere for a thousand pounds.'"
+
+The foresters laughed, and taunted the proud archer, and also refused to
+pay the twenty marks, and advised him to be gone, lest blows should
+follow. He picked up his arrows and his bow, and was observed to smile
+as he retired from these discourteous churls. When at some distance, he
+paused,--
+
+  "Then Robin he bent his noble bow,
+    And broad arrows he let flye;
+  Till fourteen of these fifteen foresters
+    Upon the ground did lye."
+
+Sherwood forest, near Nottingham, was the chief theatre of Robin Hood's
+achievements. At one time he had no less than a hundred archers at his
+command, a gallant woodsman, by the name of Little John, being his
+particular friend and favorite. There was also among the merry crew, a
+mock friar, by the name of Tuck, who appears to have been full of mirth
+and humor.
+
+Robin's orders to his men were, always to spare the common people; to
+aid and assist the weak; to be scrupulous never to injure or insult a
+woman; to be the friend of the poor, the timid, and the oppressed; but
+to plunder fat bishops, lazy friars, purse-proud squires, and haughty
+barons. His system was, to take from the rich, and give to the poor;
+and while he ever observed this rule himself, he enforced it rigorously
+among all his followers. His history is full of details in which he
+illustrates these principles.
+
+Robin became so notorious at last, that a price was offered for his
+apprehension, and several attempts were made to deliver him up; but his
+courage and dexterity, or his faithful friends, always saved him. One of
+the old ballads relates an adventure with a stout tinker, who, among
+others, sought to capture the redoubted outlaw. According to this story,
+Robin met him in the greenwood, and bade him good morrow; adding, "pray
+where live ye, and what is your trade? I hear there are sad news
+stirring." "Aye, indeed!" answered the other; "I am a tinker, and live
+at Banbury, and the news of which you speak have not reached me."
+
+  "'As for the news,' quoth Robin Hood,
+    'It is but, as I hear,
+  Two tinkers were set in the stocks,
+    For drinking ale and beer.'
+
+  'If that be all,' the tinker said,
+    'As I may say to you,
+  Your tidings are not worth a groat,
+    So be they were all true.'"
+
+"Well," said Robin, "I love ale and beer when they are good, with all my
+heart, and so the fault of thy brethren is small: but I have told all my
+news; now tell me thine."
+
+  "'All the news I have,' the tinker said,
+    'And they are news for good;
+  It is to seek the bold outlaw,
+    Whom men call Robin Hood.
+
+  I have a warrant from the king,
+    To take him where I can,
+  And if you can tell me where he dwells,
+    I will make of you a man.'"
+
+"That I can readily do," replied the outlaw; "let me look at the
+warrant." "Nay, nay," said the tinker, "I'll trust that with no man."
+"Well," answered the other, "be it as you please; come with me, and I'll
+show you Robin Hood." To accomplish this, Robin took him to an inn,
+where the ale and wine were so good and plentiful, and the tinker so
+thirsty, that he drank till he fell asleep; and when he awoke, he found
+that the outlaw had not only left him to pay the reckoning, which was
+beyond his means, but had stolen the king's warrant. "Where is my
+friend?" exclaimed the tinker, starting up. "Your friend?" said mine
+host; "why, men call him Robin Hood, and he meant you evil when he met
+with you." The tinker left his working-bag and hammer as a pledge for
+the reckoning, and, snatching up his crab-tree club, sallied out after
+Robin. "You'll find him killing the king's deer, I'll be sworn," shouted
+the landlord; and, accordingly, among the deer he found him. "What knave
+art thou," said the outlaw, "that dare come so near the king of
+Sherwood?"
+
+  "'No knave, no knave,' the tinker said,
+    'And that you soon shall know;
+  Which of us have done most wrong,
+    My crab-tree staff shall show.'
+
+  Then Robin drew his gallant blade,
+    Made of the trusty steel,
+  But the tinker he laid on so fast,
+    That he made Robin reel."
+
+This raised the outlaw's wrath, and he exerted his skill and courage so
+well, that the tinker more than once thought of flight; but the man of
+Banbury was stubborn stuff, and at last drove Robin to ask a favor.
+
+  "'A boon, a boon,' Robin he cries,
+    'If thou wilt grant it me;'
+  'Before I'll do 't,' the tinker said,
+    'I'll hang thee on a tree.'
+
+  But the tinker looking him about,
+    Robin his horn did blow;
+  Then unto him came Little John,
+    And brave Will Scarlet too."
+
+"Now what is the matter, master," said Little John, "that you sit thus
+by the way-side?" "You may ask the tinker there," said Robin; "he hath
+paid me soundly." "I must have a bout with him, then," said the other,
+"and see if he can do as much for me." "Hold, hold," cried Robin; "the
+tinker's a jovial fellow, and a stout."
+
+  "'In manhood he's a mettled man,
+    And a metal man by trade;
+  Never thought I that any man
+    Should have made me so afraid.
+
+  And if he will be one of us,
+    We will take all one fare;
+  Of gold and good, whate'er we get,
+    The tinker he shall share.'"
+
+The tinker was not a man of many words; he nodded assent, and added
+another bold forester to the ranks of the outlaw.
+
+Robin and his friends were so sharply hunted by the sheriff of
+Nottinghamshire, that they deemed it prudent to retire to the forests
+of Barnesdale, where they gaily pursued their calling. Their
+interference in church matters, in various ways, gave offence to his
+reverence, the Bishop of Hereford, who declared that measures should be
+taken to repress the insolence of the outlaw, and he promised to look
+strictly into the matter the first time he chanced to be near
+Barnesdale. It was on a sunny morning that Robin heard of the bishop's
+approach, "with all his company," and his joy was excessive.
+
+  "'Go, kill me a fat buck,' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'Go slay me a fair fat deer;
+  The Bishop of Hereford dines with me to-day,
+    And he shall pay well for his cheer.'"
+
+Accordingly, the deer was killed and skinned, and laid to the fire, and,
+with six of his men habited like shepherds, Robin was pacing round and
+round, as the wooden spit with its savory load revolved, when up came
+the Bishop of Hereford, who halted, and exclaimed, "What is all this, my
+masters? For whom do you make such a feast, and of the king's venison?
+Verily, I must look into this." "We are shepherds, simple shepherds,
+sir," replied the outlaw meekly. "We keep sheep the whole year round,
+and as this is our holiday, we thought there was no harm in holding it
+on one of the king's deer, of which there are plenty." "You are fine
+fellows," said the bishop, "mighty fine fellows; but the king shall know
+of your doings; so quit your roast, for to him you shall go, and that
+quickly."
+
+  "'O pardon, pardon,' cried bold Robin Hood,
+    'O pardon of thee I pray;
+  O it ill becomes a holy bishop's coat,
+    For to take men's lives away.'
+
+  'No pardon, no pardon,' the bishop he said,
+    'No pardon to thee I owe;
+  Therefore make haste, for I swear by St. Paul
+    Before the king you shall go.'"
+
+Upon this, the outlaw sprung back against a tree, and setting his horn
+to his mouth, made in a moment all the wood to ring. It was answered, as
+usual, by the sudden appearance of threescore and ten of his comrades,
+who, with Little John at their head, overpowered the bishop's guard, and
+then inquired of Robin what was the matter that he blew a blast so sharp
+and startling.
+
+  "'O here is the Bishop of Hereford,
+    And no pardon shall we have;'
+  'Ho, cut off his head, then,' quoth Little John,
+    'And I'll go make him a grave.'
+
+  'O pardon, pardon,' then cried the bishop,
+    'O pardon of thee I pray;
+  O had I known that you were so near,
+    I'd have gone some other way.'"
+
+Now Robin had no pleasure in shedding blood, but he loved to enjoy the
+terrors of those whom he captured: and to keep them in suspense, while
+he feasted them on the best, was a favorite practice of his. It was in
+this spirit that he now spoke:
+
+  "'No pardon, no pardon,' said bold Robin Hood,
+    'No pardon to thee I owe;
+  Therefore make haste, for I swear by my bow
+    That to Barnesdale with me you go.'
+
+  Then Robin he took the bishop by the hand,
+    And led him to merry Barnesdale,
+  And he supped that night in the clear moonlight,
+    On the good red wine and ale."
+
+How this was to end, the bishop seems to have had a guess. The parody
+which the outlaw made on his threats of carrying him to the king, showed
+that he was in a pleasant mood; and the venison collops, and the wine
+and ale, all evinced a tendency to mercy; of which, as it was now late,
+he took advantage. "I wish, mine host," said the bishop, with a sort of
+grave good-nature, "that you would call a reckoning; it is growing late,
+and I begin to fear that the cost of such an entertainment will be
+high." Here Little John interposed, for Robin affected great ignorance
+in domestic matters, leaving the task of fleecing his guests to his
+expert dependents. "Lend me your purse, master," said his scrupulous
+deputy to the bishop, "and I'll tell you all by-and-by."
+
+  "Then Little John took the bishop's cloak,
+    And spread it upon the ground,
+  And out of the bishop's portmanteau
+    He told three hundred pound.
+
+  'Here's gold enough, master,' said Little John,
+    ''Tis a comely thing for to see;
+  It puts me in charity with the good bishop,
+    Though he heartily loveth not me.'
+
+  Robin Hood took the bishop by the hand,
+    And causing the music to play,
+  He made the good bishop to dance in his boots,
+    And glad he could so get away."
+
+If we may put trust in ballad and song, the loss of the three hundred
+pounds dwelt on the bishop's mind, and at the head of a fair company he
+went in quest of his entertainer. He had well nigh taken Robin by
+surprise, for he was upon him before he was aware; but the outlaw
+escaped into an old woman's house, to whom he called, "Save my life; I
+am Robin Hood, and here comes the bishop, to take me and hang me." "Aye,
+that I will," said the old woman, "and not the less willingly that you
+gave me hose and shoon, when I greatly needed them." It was thus that
+the robber always found friends among the poor, for he was uniformly
+their protector and benefactor.
+
+According to one of the ballads, king Edward had become deeply incensed
+against Robin, and went to Nottingham to bring him to justice. But in
+vain did he seek to get a sight of him; at last, however, dressed in the
+disguise of a monk, he met him, and dined with him and his merry men in
+the forest. After a time, the king was recognised by the outlaw, who
+bent his knee in homage, and, upon an assurance of safety, went with him
+to Nottingham, where he was nobly entertained, in the midst of the
+court. He soon, however, became sick of this kind of life, and joyfully
+returned to the greenwood.
+
+But there is no safeguard against the approach of death. Time and toil
+began to do with Robin Hood all that they do with lesser spirits. One
+morning he had tried his shafts, and found that they neither flew so far
+as they were wont, nor with their usual accuracy of aim; and he thus
+addressed Little John, the most faithful of his companions:--
+
+  "'I am not able to shoot a shot more,
+    Mine arrows refuse to flee;
+  But I have a cousin lives down below,
+    Who, please God, will bleed me.'"
+
+Now this cousin was prioress of Kirkley Nunnery, in Yorkshire, and seems
+to have had no good-will to Robin, whom she doubtless regarded as a
+godless and graceless person, who plundered church and churchmen, and
+set laws, both sacred and profane, at defiance.
+
+  "Now Robin is to fair Kirkley gone,
+    He knocked low at the ring;
+  And none came there save his cousin dear,
+    To let bold Robin in.
+
+  'Thrice welcome now, cousin Robin,' she said;
+    'Come drink some wine with me;'
+  'No, cousin, I'll neither eat nor drink
+    Till I blooded am by thee.'"
+
+She took him to a lonely room, and bled him, says the ballad, till one
+drop more refused to run: then she locked him in the place, with the
+vein unbound, and left him to die. This was in the morning; and the day
+was near the close, when Robin, thinking the prioress was long in
+returning, tried to rise, but was unable, and, bethinking him of his
+bugle when it was too late, snatched it up, and blew three blasts. "My
+master must be very ill," said Little John, "for he blows wearily," and,
+hurrying to the nunnery, was refused admittance; but, "breaking locks
+two or three," he found Robin all but dead, and, falling on his knee,
+begged as a boon to be allowed to "burn Kirkley Hall, with all its
+nunnery." "Nay, nay," replied Robin, "I never hurt a woman in all my
+life, nor yet a man in woman's company. As it has been during my life,
+so shall it be at my end."
+
+  "'But give me my bent bow in my hand,
+    A broad arrow I'll let flee,
+  And where this shaft doth chance to fall,
+    There shall my grave digged be.
+
+  And lay my bent bow by my side,
+    Which was my music sweet;
+  And cover my grave with sod so green,
+    As is both right and meet.
+
+  And let me have breadth and length enough,
+    By the side of yon green wood,
+  That men may say, when they look on it,
+    Here lies bold Robin Hood.'"
+
+Having given these directions, he died, and was buried as he directed,
+under some fine trees near Kirkley, and a stone with an inscription was
+laid on the grave. Little John, it is said, survived only to see his
+master buried. His burial-place is claimed by Scotland as well as by
+England; but tradition inclines to the grave in the church-yard of
+Hathersage.
+
+The bond of union which had held his men so long together, was now
+broken; some made their peace with the government, others fled to
+foreign parts, and nothing remained of Robin Hood but a name which is to
+be found in history, in the drama, in ballads, in songs, in sayings, and
+in proverbs.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+PAUL JONES.
+
+
+This hero of the American Revolution was born on the 6th of July, 1747,
+on the estate of Arbigland, in the parish of Kirkbean, Scotland. His
+father was a gardener, whose name was Paul, but the son assumed that of
+Jones, after his settlement in America. The birthplace of young Paul was
+a bold promontory, jutting into the sea, and was well calculated to
+excite a love of the briny element, for which he soon displayed a
+decided predilection.
+
+At the age of twelve, he was bound apprentice to a merchant of
+Whitehaven, in the American trade. He soon after went to sea, in a
+vessel bound for Virginia. While in port, he spent his time on shore
+with his brother William, who was a respectable planter in the colony.
+He devoted himself to the study of navigation and other subjects
+connected with the profession he had chosen. These he pursued with great
+steadiness, displaying those habits of industrious application, which
+raised him to the distinguished place he afterwards attained. His good
+conduct secured him the respect of his employers, and he rose rapidly in
+his profession.
+
+At the age of nineteen, he had become the chief mate of the Two Friends,
+a slave ship, belonging to Jamaica. At this period, the traffic in
+slaves was exceedingly profitable, and was followed without scruple or
+reproach by the most respectable merchants of Bristol and Liverpool. But
+young Paul had pursued this business for only a short time, when he
+became so shocked and sickened at the misery which it inflicted upon the
+negroes, that he left it forever in disgust.
+
+In 1768, he sailed from Jamaica for Scotland, as a passenger. Both the
+master and mate dying of fever on the voyage, he assumed the command,
+and arrived safely at port. Gratified by his conduct, the owners placed
+him on board the brig John, as master and supercargo, and despatched him
+to the West Indies. He made a second voyage in the same vessel, during
+which he inflicted punishment on the carpenter, named Maxwell, for
+mutinous conduct. As Maxwell died of fever, soon after, Paul was
+charged, by persons who envied his rising reputation, with having
+caused his death by excessive punishment. This has been since abundantly
+disproved. Paul continued some time in the West India trade, but in
+1773, he went to Virginia to arrange the affairs of his brother William,
+who had died without children, leaving no will. His brother was reported
+to have left a large estate; but as Paul was, soon after, in a state of
+penury, it is probable that this was a mistake. He now devoted himself
+to agriculture, but his planting operations do not seem to have
+prospered.
+
+The American Revolution soon broke out, and considering himself a
+settled resident of the country, he determined to take her part in the
+bloody struggle which was about to follow. Impelled by a noble
+enthusiasm for the cause of liberty, a spirit of adventure, and a
+chivalrous thirst for glory, he offered his services to Congress, which
+were accepted, and he was commissioned as a lieutenant in the navy, in
+December, 1775. At this time, he bore the name of Jones, which he had
+perhaps assumed to conceal his conduct from his family, who might be
+pained to know that one of their name had taken part against England.
+
+Jones was appointed first lieutenant of the Alfred, a flag-ship, and
+when the commander-in-chief came on board, he hoisted the American flag,
+with his own hands, being the first time it was ever displayed. At that
+time, the flag is said to have borne a device, representing a pine tree,
+with a rattlesnake coiled at the root, as if about to strike. The
+standard of the stars and stripes was not adopted till nearly two years
+later.
+
+At this period, our hero was in the twenty-ninth year of his age. His
+figure was light, graceful and active, yet his health was good, his
+constitution vigorous, and he was capable of great endurance. There was
+in his countenance an expression of mingled sternness and melancholy,
+and his bearing was decidedly officer-like.
+
+The first American squadron fitted out during the revolution, sailed in
+1776. Jones was on board the Alfred in this expedition, but subsequently
+received the command of the sloop of war Providence. In this he cruised
+along the coast, meeting with a variety of adventures, in which he
+displayed admirable skill and coolness of conduct. On one occasion, he
+was chased by the British frigate Milford, off the Isle of Sable.
+Finding his vessel the faster of the two, he hovered near the frigate,
+yet beyond the reach of her shot. She, however, continued to pour forth
+her broadsides. This excited the contempt of Jones, and, with a humor
+peculiar to himself, he ordered the blustering battery of the frigate to
+be answered by a single shot from the musket of a marine.
+
+Jones pursued his career with great industry and success. He seemed to
+glide over the seas like a hawk, passing rapidly from point to point,
+and pouncing upon such prey as he could master. Some of his feats
+resemble the prodigies of the days of chivalry. He seemed to court
+adventure and to sport with danger, yet a cool discretion presided over
+his conduct. In the year 1776, he captured no less than sixteen prizes
+in the space of six weeks.
+
+Notwithstanding these signal services, Jones was superseded in the
+command of the Alfred, probably through the mean jealousy of Commodore
+Hopkins. There is, perhaps, no higher proof of elevation of character
+than is furnished by a calm and dignified endurance of injustice and
+ingratitude. This evidence was afforded by Jones, who, while he
+remonstrated against the injury that was done him, steadily adhered to
+the cause he had espoused, and exerted his abilities to the utmost to
+bear it forward with success. His letters of this period are full of
+enlightened views on the subject of naval affairs, and of hearty zeal in
+the cause of liberty. They show that his mind was far above mere
+personal considerations, and that even with statesman-like sagacity he
+looked forward to the establishment of a naval power in the United
+States, suited to the exigencies of the country.
+
+The time for a recognition of his services speedily arrived. In 1777, he
+received orders from Congress to proceed in the French merchant ship
+Amphitrite, with officers and seamen, to take command of a heavy ship,
+to be provided for him by the American commissioners, Franklin, Dean and
+Lee, on his arrival in Europe. These he met at Paris, and arrangements
+were made by which he received the command of the Ranger, in which he
+sailed from Brest, on the 10th of April, 1778.
+
+An insight into the views of Jones, at this period, as well as his
+general character, may be gathered from the following extract from one
+of his letters:--"I have in contemplation several enterprises of some
+importance. When an enemy thinks a design against him improbable, he can
+always be surprised and attacked with advantage. It is true, I must run
+great risk, but no gallant action was ever performed without danger.
+Therefore, though I cannot ensure success, I will endeavor to deserve
+it."
+
+In fulfilment of these views, he set sail, and in four days after,
+captured and burnt a brigantine loaded with flaxseed, near Cape Clear.
+On the 17th, he took a ship bound for Dublin, which he manned and
+ordered to Brest. On the 19th, he took and sunk a schooner; on the 20th,
+a sloop; and soon after, made a daring, but unsuccessful attempt to
+capture, by surprise, the English sloop of war Drake, of twenty guns,
+lying in the loch of Belfast.
+
+On the 22d, he determined to attack Whitehaven, with which he was of
+course well acquainted. The number of ships lying here amounted to two
+hundred and fifty, and were protected by two batteries, mounting thirty
+pieces of artillery. The attack was made in the dead of night, and while
+the unsuspecting inhabitants lay wrapped in repose. Roused to this
+daring enterprise by the fires, massacres, and ravages inflicted by the
+British forces upon the unprotected inhabitants of the American coast,
+and determined to check them by one signal and fearful act of
+retaliation, Jones pursued his measures with a stern and daring hand.
+
+He proceeded, in the first place, to secure the forts, which were
+scaled, the soldiers made prisoners, and the guns spiked. He now
+despatched the greater portion of his men to set fire to the shipping,
+while he proceeded with a single follower to another fort, the guns of
+which he spiked. On returning to the ships, he found, to his
+mortification, that his orders had not been obeyed, from a reluctance,
+on the part of the seamen, to perform the task assigned them. One ship
+only was destroyed, which was set on fire by Jones himself.
+
+Greatly disappointed at the partial failure of his scheme, Jones
+proceeded to the Scottish shore, for the purpose of carrying off the
+person of the Earl of Selkirk, whose gardener his father had been. The
+earl, however, was absent, and this part of the design failed. His men,
+however, proceeded to the earl's residence, and carried off his plate.
+Lady Selkirk was present, but she was treated with respect. Jones took
+no part in this enterprise, and only consented to it upon the urgent
+demands of his crew.
+
+By this time, the people on both sides of the Irish channel were
+thoroughly roused by the daring proceedings of the Ranger. On the
+morning of the 24th April, Jones was hovering near Belfast, and the
+Drake worked out of the bay, to meet him. She had on board a large
+number of volunteers, making her crew amount to one hundred and sixty
+men. Alarm smokes were now seen rising on both sides of the channel, and
+several vessels loaded with people, curious to witness the coming
+engagement, were upon the water. As evening was approaching, however,
+they prudently put back.
+
+Soon after, the two vessels met, and Jones poured in his first
+broadside. This was returned with energy, and a fearful conflict ensued.
+Running broadside and broadside, the most deadly fire was kept up. At
+last, after the struggle had been sustained at close quarters for more
+than an hour, the captain of the Drake was shot through the head, and
+his crew called for quarter. The loss of the Drake, in killed and
+wounded, was forty-two, while the Ranger had one seaman killed and seven
+wounded.
+
+This victory was the more remarkable as the Drake carried twenty guns,
+and the Ranger but eighteen, and moreover belonged to a regular navy;
+while the Ranger was fitted up with little experience and under few
+advantages. Jones now set sail with his prize, and both vessels arrived
+safely at Brest, on the 8th May. Immediately after, Jones despatched a
+very romantic epistle to Lady Selkirk, apologizing for the violence that
+had been committed at the estate of the earl, and explaining the motives
+of his conduct. He promised to return the plate, which he afterwards
+accomplished with infinite difficulty.
+
+It eventually reached England, though some years after, in the same
+condition in which it had been taken; even the tea leaves in the tea-pot
+remaining as they were found. An acknowledgment of its receipt, by the
+earl, was sent to Jones, with a recognition of the courteous behavior of
+the Ranger's crew when they landed on Saint Mary's Isle.
+
+Being now at Brest with two hundred prisoners of war, Jones became
+involved in a variety of troubles, for want of means to support them,
+pay his crew and refit his ship. After many delays and vexations, he
+sailed from the road of Saint Croix, August 14, 1779, with a squadron of
+seven sail, designing to annoy the coasts of England and Scotland. The
+principal occurrence of this cruise was the capture of the British ship
+of war Serapis, after a bloody and desperate engagement, off Flamborough
+Head, September 23, 1779. The Serapis was a vessel much superior in
+force to Jones' vessel, the Bon Homme Richard, which sunk not long after
+the termination of the engagement.
+
+The sensation produced by this battle was unexampled, and raised the
+fame of Jones to its height. In a letter to him, Franklin says, "For
+some days after the arrival of your express, scarce anything was talked
+of at Paris and Versailles but your cool conduct and persevering bravery
+during that terrible conflict. You may believe that the impression on my
+mind was not less than on that of the others. But I do not choose to
+say, in a letter to yourself, all I think on such an occasion."
+
+His reception at Paris, whither he went on the invitation of Franklin,
+was of the most flattering kind. He was everywhere caressed; the king
+presented him with a gold sword, and requested permission of Congress to
+invest him with the military order of merit--an honor never conferred on
+any one before, who had not borne arms under the commission of France.
+
+In 1781, Jones sailed for the United States, and arrived in
+Philadelphia, February 18, of that year, after a variety of escapes and
+encounters, where he underwent a sort of examination before the board of
+admiralty, which resulted greatly to his honor. The board gave it as
+their opinion, "that the conduct of Paul Jones merits particular
+attention, and some distinguished mark of approbation from Congress."
+That body accordingly passed a resolution highly complimentary to his
+"zeal, prudence, and intrepidity." General Washington wrote him a letter
+of congratulation, and he was afterwards voted a gold medal by Congress.
+
+From Philadelphia, he went to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, to superintend
+the building of a ship of war, and, while there, drew up some admirable
+observations on the subject of the American navy. By permission of
+Congress, he subsequently went on board the French fleet, where he
+remained until the peace, which put a period to his naval career in the
+service of the United States. He then went to Paris as agent for prize
+money, and while there, joined in a plan to establish a fur-trade
+between the north-west coast of America and China, in conjunction with a
+kindred spirit, the celebrated John Ledyard.
+
+In Paris he continued to be treated with the greatest distinction. He
+afterwards was invited into the Russian service, with the rank of
+rear-admiral, where he was disappointed in not receiving the command of
+the fleet acting against the Turks in the Black Sea. He condemned the
+conduct of the prince of Nassau, the admiral; became restless and
+impatient; was intrigued against at court, and calumniated by his
+enemies; and had permission from the empress Catherine to retire from
+the service with a pension, which, however, was never paid. He returned
+to Paris, where he gradually sunk into poverty, neglect and ill health,
+and finally died of dropsy, July 18, 1792.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MASANIELLO.
+
+
+Thomaso Aniello, called by corruption Masaniello, was born at Amalfi, in
+Italy, about the year 1622. He established himself at Naples, where he
+obtained a living by catching and vending fish. At this period, Naples
+belonged to Spain, and the Duke D'Arcos governed it as viceroy. The city
+was suffering under many political evils. Its treasures went to Spain,
+and its youth were sent to fill up the ranks of the Spanish army; and
+both were wasted in ruinous wars, for the ambition and selfish views of
+a distant court.
+
+In addition to all this, the people were oppressed with taxes, and
+outraged by the wanton tyranny of the officers of a foreign power. At
+last, in the year 1647, the Duke D'Arcos, in order to defray the
+expenses of a war against France, laid a tax on fruit and vegetables,
+the common articles of food of the Neapolitan people. This edict
+occasioned the greatest ferment, especially among the poorer
+inhabitants. Masaniello, who was now about twenty-five years of age, and
+a great favorite at the market-place, on account of his natural
+quickness and humor, denounced the tax in no measured terms. He seems to
+have perceived and felt the despotism that oppressed the people, and
+was, moreover, incited to opposition by an event which touched him
+personally.
+
+His wife was one day arrested, as she was entering the city, attempting
+to smuggle a small quantity of flour,--an article which bore a heavy
+tax. She was accordingly, seized and imprisoned; nor could Masaniello
+obtain her release, but upon paying a considerable sum. Thus the fire
+which was soon to burst forth into conflagration was already kindling in
+his soul. Opportunity was only wanting, and this was soon offered.
+
+Masaniello was at the head of a troop of young men who were preparing
+for the great festival of our Lady of the Carmel, by exhibiting sham
+combats, and a mock attack on a wooden castle. On the 7th July, 1647, he
+and his juvenile troops were standing in the market-place, where, in
+consequence of the obnoxious tax, but few countrymen had come with the
+produce of their gardens. The people looked sullen and dissatisfied. A
+dispute arose between a countryman and a customer who had bought some
+figs, as to which of the two was to bear the burden of the tax.
+
+The _eletto_, a municipal magistrate, acting as provost of the trade,
+being appealed to, decided against the countryman; upon which the
+latter, in a rage, upset the basket of figs upon the pavement. A crowd
+soon collected round the man, who was cursing the tax and the
+tax-gatherer. Masaniello ran to the spot, crying out, "No taxes, no more
+taxes!" The cry was caught and repeated by a thousand voices. The
+_eletto_ tried to speak to the multitude, but Masaniello threw a bunch
+of figs in his face; the rest of the people fell upon him, and he and
+his attendants escaped with difficulty.
+
+Masaniello then addressed the people round him in a speech of coarse,
+hot, fiery eloquence; he described their common grievances and miseries,
+and pointed out the necessity of putting a stop to the oppression and
+avarice of their rulers. "The Neapolitan people," said he, "must pay no
+more taxes!" The people cried out, "Let Masaniello be our chief!"
+
+The crowd now set itself in motion, with Masaniello at their head; it
+rolled onward, increasing its numbers at every step. Their rage first
+fell on the toll-houses and booths of the tax collectors, which were
+burned, and next on the houses and palaces of those who had farmed the
+taxes, or otherwise supported the obnoxious system. Armed with such
+weapons as they could procure from the gunsmiths and others, they
+proceeded to the viceroy's palace, forced their way in spite of the
+guards; and Masaniello and others, his companions, having reached the
+viceroy's presence, peremptorily demanded the abolition of all taxes.
+
+The viceroy assented to this; but the tumult increasing, he tried to
+escape, was personally ill-treated, and at last contrived, by throwing
+money among the rioters, to withdraw himself into the castle. The
+palaces were emptied of their furniture, which was carried into the
+midst of the square, and there burnt by Masaniello's directions. He was
+now saluted by acclamation, as "Captain General of the Neapolitan
+people." A platform was immediately raised in the square, and he entered
+upon the duties of his office.
+
+The revolution was soon complete, and Naples, the metropolis of many
+fertile provinces, the queen of many noble cities, the resort of
+princes, of cavaliers, and of heroes;--Naples, inhabited by more than
+six hundred thousand souls, abounding in all kinds of resources,
+glorying in its strength, and proud of its wealth--saw itself forced in
+one short day to yield to a man esteemed one of its meanest sons, such
+obedience as in all its history it had never before shown to the
+mightiest of its legitimate sovereigns.
+
+In a few hours, the fisherman found himself at the head of one hundred
+and fifty thousand men; in a few hours, there was no will in Naples but
+his; and in a few hours, it was freed from all sorts of taxes and
+restored to its ancient privileges. In a short space, the fishing wand
+was exchanged for the truncheon of command; the sea-boy's jacket for
+cloth of silver and gold. He set about his new duties with astonishing
+vigor; he caused the town to be entrenched; he placed sentinels to guard
+it against danger from without, and he established a system of police
+within, which awed the worst banditti in the world, into fear.
+
+Armies passed in review before him; even fleets owned his sway. He
+dispensed punishments and rewards with the like liberal hand; the bad he
+kept in awe; the disaffected he paralyzed; the wavering he resolved by
+exhortation; the bold were encouraged by incitements; the valiant were
+made more valiant by his approbation. Obeyed in whatever he commanded,
+gratified in whatever he desired, never was there a chief more absolute,
+never was an absolute chief, for a time, more powerful. He ordered that
+all the nobles and cavaliers should deliver up their arms to such
+officers as he should give commission to receive them. The order was
+obeyed. He ordered that all men of all ranks should go without cloaks or
+gowns, or wide cassocks, or any other sort of loose dress, under which
+arms might be concealed; nay, that even the women, for the same reason,
+should throw aside their farthingales, and tuck up their gowns somewhat
+high.
+
+This order changed in an instant the whole fashions of the people; not
+even the proudest and the fairest of Naples' daughters daring to
+dispute, in the least, the pleasure of the people's idol. Nor was it
+over the high and noble alone, that he exercised this unlimited
+ascendancy. The fierce democracy were as acquiescent as the titled few.
+On one occasion, when the people in vast numbers were assembled, he
+commanded, with a loud voice, that every one present should, under the
+penalty of death, retire to his home. The multitude instantly
+dispersed. On another, he put his finger on his mouth, to command
+silence; in a moment, every voice was hushed. At a sign from him, all
+the bells tolled and the people shouted "_Vivas!_" at another, they all
+became mute.
+
+Yet the reign of this prodigy of power was short, lasting only from the
+7th till the 16th of July, 1647; when he perished, the victim of another
+political revolution. His sudden rise, and the multiplicity of affairs
+that crowded upon him, began to derange his intellect. He complained of
+sensations like that of boiling lead, in his head; he became suspicious,
+wavering and cruel. In a fit of frenzy he went to one of the churches
+and talked incoherently to the multitude. He was taken by the priests to
+an adjoining convent, and advised to rest and calm himself. After
+reposing for a time, he arose, and stood looking forth upon the tranquil
+bay of Naples, no doubt thinking of happier days, when, as a poor
+fisherman, he glided out contented upon its bosom--when all at once a
+cry was heard, of "Masaniello!" At the same instant armed men appeared
+at the cell door. "Here am I,--O, my people want me," said he. The
+discharge of guns was their only reply; and the victim fell, exclaiming,
+"Ungrateful traitors!" His head was now cut off, fixed on a pole, and
+carried to the viceroy, while the body was dragged through the streets
+and thrown into a ditch, by those who had followed it with acclamations
+a few hours before!
+
+
+
+
+RIENZI.
+
+
+Nicholas Gabrine de Rienzi was a native of Rome, and son of one of the
+lowest order of tavernkeepers. He was, however, well educated, and early
+distinguished himself by his talents and the elevation of his
+sentiments. The glory of ancient Rome excited his enthusiasm, and he
+soon came to be regarded by the people as destined to rescue them from
+the despotism of the aristocracy that ruled the city.
+
+The pope, Clement VI., had removed the papal see from Rome to Avignon,
+in France, leaving the people under the sway of certain noble families,
+who exercised every species of brutal and insolent tyranny towards their
+inferiors. Rienzi saw this, and he felt all the indignation which a
+generous sympathy for the oppressed could excite. His sentiments being
+known, he was appointed, in 1346, among others, to proceed to Avignon,
+and exhort the pope to bring back the papal court to its original seat.
+He acted, on this occasion, with so much energy and eloquence, that the
+pope, though he refused compliance with the request, conferred upon him
+the office of apostolic notary, which, on his return, he executed with
+the strictest probity.
+
+It appears that Rienzi had long meditated some great effort for the
+liberation of his countrymen. He now lost no opportunity to instruct the
+people in their rights, and stir up indignation against their
+oppressors. Having prepared men's minds for a change, and having
+secretly engaged persons of all orders in his designs, he proceeded to
+put them in execution. In April, 1347, Stephen Colonna, a nobleman, who
+was governor of Rome, being absent from the city, Rienzi secretly
+assembled his followers upon Mount Aventine, and, by an energetic
+speech, induced them all to subscribe an oath for the establishment of a
+new government, to be entitled the _Good Estate_.
+
+Proceeding now with more boldness, another assembly was held in the
+capital; a constitution of fifteen articles was produced and ratified,
+and Rienzi was pronounced Tribune by acclamation, with the power of life
+and death, and all the attributes of sovereignty. Colonna returned, and
+threatened him with punishment; but the power had changed hands, and
+Colonna himself was obliged to fly. Rienzi proceeded in the exercise of
+his authority with strict justice. Some of the more culpable nobles were
+executed, and others banished.
+
+The power of the new tribune was established, and his reputation
+extended throughout Italy. His friendship was solicited by kings and
+princes; the pope sanctioned his authority, and even Petrarch, the
+immortal poet, addressed him letters, which are still extant, bestowing
+upon him eloquent praise, and urging him to perseverance in his glorious
+career. But, unhappily, there was a weakness in Rienzi's character,
+which disqualified him for this giddy elevation. Intoxicated with the
+possession of supreme power, and the flatteries bestowed upon him, he
+became capricious and tyrannical, and, in short, commenced a reign of
+terror.
+
+His descent was as rapid as his rise; soon finding that he had lost the
+affection of the people, in 1348, he withdrew for safety to Naples. Two
+years after, during a public jubilee at Rome, he secretly returned to
+that city, but being discovered, he withdrew to Prague. He now fell into
+the hands of Pope Clement, who kept him in prison for three years. His
+successor, Innocent VI., caused him to be released, and sent him to
+Rome, to oppose another demagogue, named Boroncelli.
+
+The Romans received him with joy, and he suddenly recovered his former
+authority. But he was still a tyrant, and after a turbulent
+administration of a few months, another sedition was excited against
+him, and he was stabbed to the heart. The fickle people now bestowed
+every indignity upon the senseless remains of him, whom they had almost
+worshipped a few weeks before. Such was the career of Rienzi, who was
+endowed with noble sentiments and remarkable eloquence, but was
+deficient in that steadiness of mind and firmness of principle, which
+are necessary to the just exercise of unlimited sway.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+SELKIRK.
+
+
+Alexander Selkirk was born at Largo, Scotland, in 1676, and bred to the
+sea. Having engaged in the half piratical, half exploring voyages in the
+American seas, into which the spirit of adventure had led so many
+Englishmen, he quarrelled with his captain, one Straddling, by whom he
+was left ashore, September, 1704, on the uninhabited island of Juan
+Fernandez, with a few books, his nautical instruments, a knife, boiler,
+axe, gun, powder and ball. These constituted his whole equipment.
+
+The island of Juan Fernandez lies in the Pacific Ocean, and is about
+three hundred and thirty miles west of Chili. It is twelve miles long
+and six wide. It is beautifully diversified with hills and valleys, and
+has been long resorted to for water, fruits, and game, by vessels
+navigating the Pacific Ocean. Upon this island, Selkirk now found
+himself alone. He saw the vessel depart with sadness and sickness at
+heart. His emotions of terror and loneliness overwhelmed him for a time,
+and he remained in a state of stupor and inactivity.
+
+But these feelings gradually faded away, and though his situation was
+appalling, he concluded to make the best of it. He now set about
+erecting himself two huts, one of which served him for a kitchen, the
+other for a dining-room and bed-chamber. The pimento wood supplied him
+with fire and candles, burning very clearly, and yielding a most
+fragrant smell. The roofs of his huts were covered with long grass.
+
+The island was stocked with wild goats. He supplied himself with meat by
+shooting these, so long as his ammunition lasted. When this was
+exhausted, he caught them by running; and so practised was he at last in
+this exercise, that the swiftest goat on the island was scarcely a match
+for him. When his clothes were worn out, he made himself a covering of
+goat-skins. After a short space, he had no shoes, and was obliged to go
+barefoot; his feet, however, became so callous, that he did not seem to
+need them.
+
+Soon after he had become settled in his hut, he was annoyed by rats,
+which became so bold as to gnaw his clothes and nibble at his feet while
+he slept. However, the same ships which had supplied the island with
+rats, had left some cats ashore. Some of these, Selkirk domesticated,
+and the rats were taught to keep themselves at a distance. He caught
+also some young goats, which he reared, and amused himself by teaching
+them to dance and perform many other tricks. During his stay upon the
+island, Selkirk caught and killed nearly five hundred goats. A few he
+set at liberty, having cropped their ears. Thirty years after, Lord
+Anson's crew shot a goat upon the island, and found its ears marked in
+the manner described.
+
+Selkirk generally enjoyed good health, but in one case he nearly lost
+his life by accident. In the eager pursuit of a goat among the
+mountains, he fell over a precipice, and lay there for some time in a
+state of insensibility. On recovering his senses, he found the animal
+which had caused his fall, lying dead beneath him.
+
+Selkirk often saw vessels pass by the island, and made frequent, but
+vain attempts to hail them. At length, after he had lived here in
+perfect solitude for four years and four months, he was taken off by an
+English vessel, commanded by Captain Rogers. This occurred in February,
+1709. Although he felt great joy at his deliverance, he still manifested
+much difficulty in recovering his speech, and in returning to such food
+as he found on board the ship. It was a long time before he could again
+accustom himself to shoes.
+
+Captain Rogers made him a mate of his ship, and he returned to England
+in 1711. It has been supposed that he gave his papers to De Foe, who
+wove, out of his adventures, the admirable story of Robinson Crusoe. It
+appears, however, that he made little use of Selkirk's narrative, beyond
+the mere idea of a man living alone for several years upon an
+uninhabited island.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN LAW.
+
+
+This celebrated financial projector was born at Edinburgh, in April,
+1671. His father was a goldsmith, and gave him a liberal education. He
+made considerable progress in polite literature, but his favorite study
+was finance as connected with national prosperity.
+
+In 1694, he visited London, where his talents and accomplishments gained
+him access to the first circles. He possessed an easy address, with an
+elegant person, and being a favorite with the fair, he acquired some
+notoriety in fashionable life. He became involved in a duel, in which he
+killed his antagonist, and was consequently committed to prison. He
+contrived, however, to escape, and took refuge on the continent.
+
+In 1700, he returned to Edinburgh, where he broached a scheme for
+removing the difficulties which then existed in consequence of the
+scarcity of money and the failure of the banks. Having confounded
+currency with credit, he adopted the notion that paper money, equal to
+the whole property of the nation, might safely be issued. Upon this
+egregious error, his project was founded, and was, of course, rejected
+by his wary and sagacious countrymen.
+
+Law now visited the principal cities of Europe; his address gaining him
+admittance to the highest circles in all countries. He finally settled
+in Paris, and was there during the regency of the Duke of Orleans, as
+guardian of Louis XV. The government of France was then on the verge of
+bankruptcy, in consequence of the enormous expenditures of Louis XIV.
+Law now brought forward his schemes for a free supply of money, and they
+were seized upon with avidity.
+
+He established a bank, for which, a royal charter was granted in 1718.
+It was first composed of twelve hundred shares, of three thousand livres
+each, but the number was afterwards increased and the price reduced.
+This bank became the office at which all public moneys were received. A
+Mississippi company was also attached to it, which had grants of land in
+Louisiana, and which was expected to realize immense sums by planting
+and commerce. One privilege after another was granted, until the
+prospects of advantage appeared to be so great that crowds came forward
+to make investments in the stock of what was called the Mississippi
+Company.
+
+Thousands embarked in the scheme with enthusiasm. The shares were
+greedily bought up, and such was the rage for speculation, that even the
+unimproved parts of the new colony were actually sold for thirty
+thousand livres the square league! But the delusion did not stop here.
+In consequence of the company promising an annual dividend of two
+hundred livres per share, the price rose from five hundred and fifty to
+five thousand livres, and the mania for purchasing the stock spread over
+the nation like a tempest. Every class, clergy and laity, peers and
+plebeians, statesmen and princes,--nay, even ladies, who had, or could
+produce money for that purpose, turned stock-jobbers, outbidding each
+other with such avidity, that, in November, 1719, after some
+fluctuations, the price of shares rose to more than sixty times the sum
+for which they were originally sold!
+
+Law was now at the pinnacle of his fame. He was considered a man of so
+great consequence, that his levee was constantly crowded by persons of
+eminence, who flocked to Paris to partake of the golden shower. On one
+occasion, he was taken sick, and such was the feverish state of the
+public mind, that the shares of the company immediately fell nearly
+eight per cent., and, upon the rumor of his convalescence, immediately
+rose, even beyond their former price.
+
+But the mighty bubble, now inflated to the utmost, was about to burst.
+On the 21st of April, 1719, a royal order, under pretence of a previous
+depreciation of the value of coin, declared it necessary to reduce the
+nominal value of bank notes to one half, and the shares of the
+Mississippi Company from nine thousand to five thousand livres. It is
+not possible to describe the calamitous effects which immediately
+followed, throughout France. The bank notes could not be circulated for
+more than one tenth of their nominal value. Another order was issued,
+intended to counteract the effect of the first; but the charm was
+broken, and nothing could restore the confidence of the public. All was
+panic and confusion. Bank notes were refused in all transactions of
+business, and even a royal order, commanding their acceptance, was of no
+avail. The public alarm was carried to its height, and at last the bank
+suspended the payment of its notes.
+
+The splendid scheme had now exploded; the institution was bankrupt, and
+the shares were utterly worthless. Thousands of families, once wealthy,
+were suddenly reduced to indigence. The indignation of the public was
+speedily turned against the chief instrument of these delusions, and Law
+found it necessary to seek safety by flight. He resided, for some time,
+in different places in Germany, and settled at length in Venice, where
+he died, in 1729.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+TRENCK.
+
+
+Frederick, Baron Trenck was born in Konigsberg, in Prussia, on the 16th
+February, 1726, of one of the most ancient families of the country. His
+father, who died in 1740, with the rank of major-general of cavalry,
+bestowed particular care on the education of his son, and sent him, at
+the age of thirteen, to the university of his native city, where he made
+a rapid progress in his studies. He soon began to manifest that
+impetuous disposition and those violent passions, which were probably
+the source of his subsequent misfortunes. By the time he was sixteen, he
+had been engaged in three duels, in each of which he wounded his
+antagonist.
+
+He went into the army at an early period, and soon obtained the notice
+and favor of the king. When arrived at manhood, he was remarkable for
+personal beauty and mingled grace and dignity of bearing. Being
+stationed at Berlin, he became acquainted with the Princess Amelia,
+sister of Frederick the Great, and a mutual attachment followed. This
+became a subject of conversation, and soon reached the ears of
+Frederick. He warned Trenck to break off his intercourse with the
+princess; but this being unheeded, the king sent him to Glatz, under
+some pretext, and caused him to be imprisoned.
+
+His confinement soon became insupportable to his impatient temper, and
+he resolved to avail himself of the first opportunity of escape. The
+window of his apartment looked toward the city, and was ninety feet from
+the ground, in the tower of the citadel. With a notched penknife, he
+sawed through three iron bars, and with a file, procured from one of the
+officers, he effected a passage through five more, which barricaded the
+windows. This done, he cut his leathern portmanteau into thongs, sewed
+them end to end, added the sheets of his bed, and safely descended from
+the astonishing height.
+
+The night was dark, and everything seemed to promise success; but a
+circumstance he had never considered was, that he had to wade through
+moats full of mud, before he could enter the city. He sunk up to the
+knees, and, after long struggling and incredible efforts to extricate
+himself, he was obliged to call the sentinel, and desire him to go and
+tell the governor that Trenck was stuck fast in the ditch!
+
+After the failure of several other attempts, he finally succeeded in
+effecting his escape, and fled to Vienna. From thence, he went to St.
+Petersburg, where he was received with the highest distinction, and the
+road to honors and emoluments was laid open before him. But at this
+period, the death of a wealthy cousin in Austria, induced him to return
+thither. Here, an immense property slipped through his hands, in
+consequence of some legal flaws.
+
+In 1754, his mother died, from whose estate he received a considerable
+sum. With a view to the settlement of her affairs, he went to Dantzic,
+not permitting his name to be known. He was, however, betrayed into the
+hands of Frederick's officers, and being conveyed to the castle of
+Magdeburg, was immured in a dungeon, and loaded with irons.
+
+Round his neck was a broad band of iron, to the ring of which his chains
+were suspended. These were of such weight, that, when he stood up, he
+was obliged to sustain them with his hands, to prevent being strangled.
+Various other massive irons were riveted to his body, and the whole were
+fastened to a thick staple, which was set in the stone wall. Under this
+staple was a seat of bricks, and on the opposite side a water jug.
+Beneath his feet was a tombstone, with the name of Trenck carved over a
+death's head.
+
+His confinement in this dreadful cell continued for nine years and five
+months. In vain did he attempt to bribe the sentinels, and by other
+ingenious means, to effect his escape. His furniture consisted of a
+bedstead, a mattress, and a small stove. His food was a pound and a half
+of mouldy bread and a jug of water a day. He was permitted to hold no
+intercourse with any one except his keepers, and even these returned no
+answer to his thousand questions.
+
+Such, however, were the vigor of his constitution and the elasticity of
+his spirits, that, amid the gloomy horrors of his prison, he seemed
+still to seek amusement by the exertion of his talents. He composed
+verses, and, having no ink, wrote them with his blood. He also carved
+curious emblems upon tin cups with his knife. His great ingenuity
+excited the attention of many persons of rank, particularly the Empress
+Maria Theresa, who ordered her minister to employ all his influence at
+the court of Berlin to obtain his enlargement.
+
+The Baron, in his Life, relates the following curious anecdote:--"I
+tamed a mouse so perfectly that the little animal was continually
+playing with me, and used to eat out of my mouth. One night it skipped
+about so much, that the sentinels heard a noise, and made their report
+to the officer of the guard. As the garrison had been changed at the
+peace, and as I had not been able to form, at once, so close a
+connection with the officers of the regular troops, as I had done with
+those of the militia, an officer of the former, after ascertaining the
+truth of the report with his own ears, sent to inform the commanding
+officer that something extraordinary was going on in my prison.
+
+"The town major arrived, in consequence, early in the morning,
+accompanied by locksmiths and masons. The floor, the walls, my chains,
+my body, everything, in short, was strictly examined. Finding all in
+order, they asked me the cause of last evening's bustle. I had heard the
+mouse myself, and told them frankly by what the noise had been
+occasioned. They desired me to call my little favorite; I whistled, and
+the mouse immediately leaped on my shoulder. I solicited its pardon, but
+the officer of the guard took it into his possession, promising,
+however, on his word of honor, to give it to a lady who would take great
+care of it. Turning it afterwards loose in his chamber, the mouse, who
+knew nobody but me, soon disappeared and hid itself in a hole.
+
+"At the usual hour of visiting my prison, when the officers were just
+going away, the poor little animal darted in, climbed up my legs, seated
+itself on my shoulder, and played a thousand tricks to express the joy
+it felt at seeing me again. Every one was astonished and wished to have
+it. The major, to terminate the dispute, carried it away and gave it to
+his wife, who had a light cage made for it; but the mouse refused to
+eat, and a few days afterwards was found dead."
+
+Trenck was at length released, and soon after married an amiable lady,
+by whom he had eleven children. On the death of Frederick the Great, his
+successor granted him a passport to Berlin, and restored his
+confiscated estates, which he had not enjoyed for forty-two years. He
+soon set off for Konigsburg, where he found his brother, who was very
+sick, waiting for him with impatience, and who adopted his children as
+his heirs. He was also received by all his friends with testimonies of
+joy. Here, it would appear, that Trenck might have spent the remainder
+of his days, in peace and quiet, but his restless disposition again made
+him the football of fortune. After many vicissitudes, he terminated his
+career in obscurity, and died in 1797.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+JOHN DUNN HUNTER.
+
+
+About the year 1822, there appeared at New York a young man, of small
+stature, light hair, light eyes, and in every respect of ordinary
+appearance, who told of himself a strange and interesting story, which
+was briefly this.
+
+At an early period of his childhood, he, with two other white children,
+living on the farthest bound of the western settlements, were one day
+carried off by a party of Indians, probably Kickapoos. One of the
+children was killed before his eyes, and he was soon separated from the
+other. He was carried to a considerable distance by the Indians, who at
+last arrived at their hunting grounds. He became gradually reconciled to
+his situation, and, though he was occasionally taunted by being _white_,
+he was finally regarded as one of the tribe.
+
+He continued to live among the Indians for many years; travelled with
+them in their migrations over the vast western wilds, visited the
+borders of the Pacific Ocean, and shared in the wild adventures of
+Indian life. He came, with his Indian friends, at last, to the Osage
+settlements on the Arkansas, where he found some white traders, among
+whom was a Colonel Watkins, who treated him with kindness, and sought
+to persuade him to leave the Indians, and return to civilized life.
+Such, however, was his attachment to his adopted friends, that he
+rejected these suggestions.
+
+Soon after, however, under the influence of intoxication, his Indian
+friends having laid a deep scheme for murdering Colonel Watkins and his
+party of hunters, the hero of our story deserted his tribe, and gave
+timely notice to Watkins, thus saving his life, and that of his friends.
+
+Though his mind was greatly agitated by a feeling of self-disgust for
+the treachery he had committed toward his Indian brethren, he continued
+with the party of Watkins for a time, and descended the Arkansas river
+with them, nearly to its junction with the Mississippi. Here he left
+them, having made up his mind to join some Indian tribe which might not
+be acquainted with his breach of faith to the band of Osages, with whom
+he had lived so long.
+
+Being supplied with a rifle and plenty of ammunition, he struck into the
+wilderness in a northerly direction, and pursued his wanderings alone,
+amid the boundless solitude. In the volume which he afterwards
+published, he thus describes this portion of his adventures:--
+
+"The hunting season for furs had now gone by, and the time and labor
+necessary to procure food for myself, was very inconsiderable. I knew of
+no human being near me; my only companions were the grazing herds, the
+rapacious animals that preyed on them, the beaver and other animals that
+afforded pelts, and birds, fish and reptiles. Notwithstanding this
+solitude, many sources of amusement presented themselves to me,
+especially after I had become somewhat familiarized to it.
+
+"The country around was delightful, and I roved over it almost
+incessantly, in ardent expectation of falling in with some party of
+Indians, with whom I might be permitted to associate myself. Apart from
+the hunting that was essential to my subsistence, I practised various
+arts to take fish, birds, and small game; frequently bathed in the
+river, and took great pleasure in regarding the dispositions and habits
+of such animals as were presented to my observation.
+
+"The conflicts of the male buffaloes and deer, the attack of the latter
+on the rattlesnake, the industry and ingenuity of the beaver in
+constructing its dam, and the attacks of the panther on its prey,
+afforded much interest, and engrossed much time. Indeed, I have lain for
+half a day at a time, in the shade, to witness the management and policy
+observed by the ants in storing up their food, the manoeuvres of the
+spider in taking its prey, the artifice of the mason-fly in constructing
+and storing its clayey cells, and the voraciousness and industry of the
+dragon-fly to satisfy its appetite.
+
+"In one instance, I vexed a rattlesnake, till it bit itself, and
+subsequently saw it die from the poison of its own fangs. I also saw one
+strangled in the wreathed folds of its inveterate enemy--the black
+snake. But, in the midst of this extraordinary employment, my mind was
+far from being satisfied. I looked back with the most painful
+reflections on what I had been, and on what sacrifices I had made,
+merely to become an outcast, to be hated and despised by those I
+sincerely loved and esteemed. But, however much I was disposed to be
+dissatisfied and quarrel with myself, the consolation of the most entire
+conviction that I had acted rightly, always followed, and silenced my
+self-upbraidings.
+
+"The anxiety and regrets about my nation, country and kindred, for a
+long time held paramount dominion over all my feelings; but I looked
+unwaveringly to the Great Spirit, in whom experience had taught me to
+confide, and the tumultuous agitations of my mind gradually subsided
+into a calm; I became satisfied with the loneliness of my situation,
+could lie down to sleep among the rocks, ravines, and ferns, in careless
+quietude, and hear the wolf and panther prowling around me; and I could
+almost feel the venomous reptiles seeking shelter and repose under my
+robe, with sensations bordering on indifference.
+
+"In one of my excursions, while sitting in the shade of a large tree,
+situated on a gentle declivity, with a view to procure some mitigation
+from the oppressive heat of the mid-day sun, I was surprised by a
+tremendous rushing noise. I sprang up, and discovered a herd, I believe,
+of a thousand buffaloes, running at full speed, directly towards me;
+with a view, as I supposed, to beat off the flies, which, at this
+season, are inconceivably troublesome to those animals.
+
+"I placed myself behind the tree, so as not to be seen, not apprehending
+any danger, because they ran with too great rapidity, and too closely
+together, to afford any one of them an opportunity of injuring me,
+while protected in this manner.
+
+"The buffaloes passed so near me on both sides that I could have touched
+several of them, merely by extending my arm. In the rear of the herd,
+was one on which a huge panther had fixed, and was voraciously engaged
+in cutting off the muscles of the neck. I did not discover this
+circumstance till it had nearly passed beyond rifle-shot distance, when
+I discharged my piece, and wounded the panther. It instantly left its
+hold on the buffalo, and bounded, with great rapidity, towards me. On
+witnessing the result of my shot, the apprehensions I suffered can
+hardly be imagined. I had, however, sufficient presence of mind to
+retreat, and secrete myself behind the trunk of the tree, opposite to
+its approaching direction. Here, solicitous for what possibly might be
+the result of my unfortunate shot, I prepared both my knife and tomahawk
+for what I supposed would be a deadly conflict with the terrible animal.
+
+"In a few moments, however, I had the satisfaction to hear it in the
+branches of the tree over my head. My rifle had just been discharged,
+and I entertained fears that I could not reload it without discovering
+and exposing myself to the fury of its destructive rage. I looked into
+the tree with the utmost caution, but could not perceive it, though its
+groans and vengeance-breathing growls told me that it was not far off,
+and also what I had to expect in case it should discover me.
+
+"In this situation, with my eyes almost constantly directed upwards to
+observe its motions, I silently loaded my rifle, and then, creeping
+softly round the trunk of the tree, saw my formidable enemy resting on a
+considerable branch, about thirty feet from the ground, with his side
+fairly exposed. I was unobserved, took deliberate aim, and shot it
+through the heart. It made a single bound from the tree to the earth,
+and died in a moment afterwards.
+
+"I reloaded my rifle before I ventured to approach it, and even then not
+without some apprehension. I took its skin, and was, with the assistance
+of fire and smoke, enabled to preserve and dress it. I name this
+circumstance, because it afterwards afforded a source of some amusement;
+for I used frequently to array myself in it, as near as possible to the
+costume and form of the original, and surprise the herds of buffaloes,
+elk and deer, which, on my approach, uniformly fled with great
+precipitation and dread.
+
+"On several occasions, when I waked in the morning, I found a
+rattlesnake coiled up close alongside of me: some precaution was
+necessarily used to avoid them. In one instance, I lay quiet till the
+snake saw fit to retire; in another, I rolled gradually and
+imperceptibly away, till out of its reach; and in another, where the
+snake was still more remote, but in which we simultaneously discovered
+each other, I was obliged, while it was generously warning me of the
+danger I had to fear from the venomous potency of its fangs, to kill it
+with my tomahawk."
+
+After Hunter had been engaged in roving about in this manner for several
+months, hoping to meet with some party of Indians to whom he might
+attach himself, he met with a company of French hunters, whom he
+accompanied to Flee's settlement, on the White river. From this point,
+after a stay of some months, in which he acquired a good deal of credit
+for cures which he performed by means of Indian remedies, he set out on
+a hunting expedition, during which he collected a large quantity of
+furs. These he sold to a Yankee, for 650 dollars, as he supposed, but,
+being ignorant on the subject of money, he found, on having the cash
+counted, that it was only 22 dollars!
+
+This took place at Maxwell's fort, on the White river. Disgusted with
+the white people, by this act of plunder, he determined to quit them
+forever, and set off again to join the Indians. He was, however,
+diverted from his purpose, and went with a hunting party up the west
+fork of the river St. Francis. Spending the season here, he returned,
+and making his way down the Mississippi, sold his furs for 1100 dollars.
+Thence he proceeded as a boatman to New Orleans, where his mind was
+greatly astonished at the scenes he beheld, the streets, the houses, the
+wharves, ships, &c.
+
+He retraced his steps, and came to Cape Girardeau, in Missouri, where he
+remained some time, acquiring the rudiments of the English language. His
+acquaintances had given him the name of Hunter, because of his
+expertness and success in the chase. His Christian name was adopted, as
+he says in his book, from the following circumstance. "As Mr. John Dunn,
+a gentleman of high respectability, of Cape Girardeau county, state of
+Missouri, had treated me in every respect more like a brother or a son
+than any other individual had, since my association with the white
+people, I adopted his for that of my distinctive, and have since been
+known by the name of John Dunn Hunter." It is important for the reader
+to mark this passage, for important results afterwards turned upon it.
+
+He now spent two or three years, a part of the time at school, making,
+however, several expeditions to New Orleans, to dispose of furs he had
+either taken in hunting or obtained by purchase. At last, in the autumn
+of 1821, he crossed the Alleganies, and entered upon a new career. So
+far, his story is told by himself, in his book, which we shall notice
+hereafter.
+
+On his way, Hunter paid a visit to Mr. Jefferson, who received him
+kindly, and, taking a strong interest in his welfare, gave him letters
+of introduction to several persons at Washington. Hunter went thither,
+and, passing on, came to Philadelphia, and at last to New York,
+everywhere exciting a lively interest, by the remarkable character of
+his story, and the manner in which he related it. He was found to be
+well-informed as to many things, then little known, respecting the
+western country; he was, accordingly, much sought after, patronized and
+flattered, especially by persons distinguished for science and wealth.
+He was, in short, a lion. The project was soon suggested, that he should
+write a book, detailing his adventures, and giving an account of the
+Indians, and the Indian country, as far as he was acquainted with these
+subjects. A subscription was started, and readily filled with a long
+list of great names. The book was written by Mr. Edward Clark, and, in
+1823, it was published, under the title of "Manners and Customs of the
+several Indian Tribes located west of the Mississippi, &c."
+
+This work, written in a clever style, detailed the wonderful life and
+adventures of the hero, and gave a view of the Far West--the country,
+the animals, the plants; and it described the Indian tribes, their
+numbers, character, customs, &c. It also gave an account of their system
+of medicine, and their practice of surgery. The book was well received,
+and Hunter was borne along upon the full tide of public favor.
+
+And now, another view was opened to him. It was suggested that he should
+go to England, and publish his work there. Taking letters from several
+men of the highest standing, and especially one to the Duke of Sussex,
+from Mr. Jefferson, as we are informed, he crossed the Atlantic, and
+made his appearance in the great metropolis. The career upon which he
+now entered, affords a curious piece of history.
+
+Hunter's letters, of course, secured him the favor and kind offices of
+some of the leading men in London. His book was immediately published
+and heralded forth by the press, as one of the most remarkable
+productions of the day. The information it contained was treated as a
+revelation of the most interesting facts, and the tale of the hero was
+regarded as surpassing that of Robinson Crusoe, in point of interest.
+
+Hunter was a man of extraordinary endowments, and sustained the part he
+had to play with wonderful consistency. But all this would hardly
+account for his success, without considering another point. In London,
+as well among the high as the low, there is a yearning desire for
+excitement. Imprisoned in a vast city, and denied companionship with the
+thousand objects which occupy the mind and heart in the country, they go
+about crying, "Who will show us any new thing?" Thus it is, that, in a
+crowded street, there is always a mob ready to collect, like vultures to
+the carcass, around every accident or incident that may happen: and
+these seem to consist of persons who have no profession but to see what
+is going on.
+
+In high life, this passion for novelty is more refined, but it is
+equally craving. There are thousands in the circles of rank and fashion,
+who, having no business to occupy them, no cares, no sources of hope and
+fear, are like travellers athirst in a desert; and to them, a new
+scandal, a new fashion, a late joke, a strange animal, a queer monster,
+is an oasis, greatly to be coveted. One quality this novelty must have;
+it must, in some way or other, belong to "good society"--my Lord, or my
+Lady, must have a finger in it: they must, at least, patronize it, so
+that in naming it, the idea of rank may be associated with it.
+
+Such a new thing was John Dunn Hunter. He was, supposing his story to be
+true, remarkable for his adventures. There was something exceedingly
+captivating to the fancy in the idea of a white man, who had lived so
+long with savages, as to have been transformed into a savage himself:
+beside, there was a mystery about him. Who was his father?--who his
+mother? What a tale of romance lay in these pregnant inquiries, and
+what a beautiful development might yet be in the womb of time!
+
+Nor was this all: Hunter, as we have said, was a man of talent. Though
+small and mean in his personal appearance, his manner was remarkable,
+and his demeanor befitted his story. He had taken lodgings in Warwick
+street, and occupied the very rooms which Washington Irving had once
+inhabited. Another American author, of no mean fame, was his
+fellow-lodger. He held free intercourse with all Americans who came to
+London. He sought their society, and, in the height of his power, he
+loved to exercise it in their behalf, and to their advantage.
+
+In dress, Hunter adopted the simplest garb of a gentleman; in
+conversation, he was peculiar. He said little till excited; he then
+spoke rapidly, and often as if delivering an oration. He was accustomed
+to inveigh against civilized society,--its luxuries and its vices,--and
+to paint in glowing hues the pleasures and virtues of savage life. He
+was very ingenious, and often truly eloquent. It was impossible,
+believing in the genuineness of his character and the sincerity of his
+motives, not to be touched by his wild enthusiasm.
+
+It is easy to see, that such a man, unsuspected, introduced into society
+by the brother of the king, and patronized by the heads of the learned
+societies--launched upon the full tide of fashionable society, in the
+world's metropolis,--had a brilliant voyage before him. During the
+winter of 1823-4, Hunter was the lion of the patrician circles of
+London. There was a real strife even among countesses, duchesses, and
+the like, to signalize their parties by the presence of this
+interesting wonder. In considering whether to go to a ball, a soiree, or
+a jam, the deciding point of inquiry was, "Will Hunter be there?"--If
+so, "Yes."--If not, "No!"
+
+Nothing could be more curious than to see this singular man, in the
+midst of a gorgeous party, where diamonds flashed and titles hung on
+every individual around him. He seemed totally indifferent to the scene;
+or, at least, unobservant of the splendors that encircled him. He was
+the special object of regard to the ladies. There was something quite
+piquant in his indifference. He seemed not to acknowledge the
+flatteries, that fell like showers of roses, and that too from the ruby
+lips and lustrous eyes of princes' daughters, thick upon him. He seldom
+sat down: he stood erect, and, even when encircled by ladies, gazed a
+little upward, and over them. He often answered a question without
+looking at the querist. Sometimes, though quite rarely, he was roused,
+and delivered a kind of speech. It was a great thing, if the oracle
+would but hold forth! The lass or lady who chanced to hear this, was but
+too happy. The burden of the oration was always nearly the same:--the
+advantages of simple savage life over civilization. It was strange to
+see those who were living on the pinnacle of artificial society,
+intoxicated with such a theme; yet, such was the art of the juggler,
+that even their fancy was captivated. Those who had been bred in the
+downy lap of luxury, were charmed with tales of the hardy chase and
+deadly encounter; those to whom the artifices of dress constituted more
+than half the pleasures of existence, delighted to dwell upon the
+simplicity of forest attire: those who gloried in the splendors of a
+city mansion,--halls, boudoirs, saloons, and conservatories,--thought
+how charming it would be to dwell beneath the wide canopy, or a
+deer-skin tent! Surely, such triumphs display the skill and power of a
+master.
+
+During the winter of which we speak, Hunter's card-rack was crowded with
+cards, notes, and invitations, from lords and ladies of the very highest
+rank and fashion, in London. Many a fair hand indited and sent billets
+to him, that would have turned some loftier heads than his. On one
+occasion, by some accident, he had dislocated his shoulder. The next
+morning, Dr. Petingale, surgeon to the Duke of Sussex, called to see
+him, by command of his Grace, and delivered to him a long note of
+consolation. This note, from his Royal Highness, was somewhat in the
+style of Hannah More, and kindly suggested all the topics of comfort
+proper to such an hour of tribulation.
+
+Hunter did not spend his whole time in fashionable dissipation. He
+visited the various institutions of London, and often with persons of
+the highest rank. He fell in with Robert Owen, of Lanarck, who had not
+yet been pronounced mad, and the two characters seemed greatly delighted
+with each other. Hunter seemed interested in the subject of education,
+and made this a frequent topic of discussion. He visited the infant
+school of Wilderspin, consisting of two hundred scholars, all of the
+lower classes. When he heard forty of these children, under three years
+of age, unite in singing "God save the King," his heart was evidently
+touched, and the tears gathered in his eyes. It is not one of the least
+curious facts in his history, that he patronized his countrymen, and was
+the means of establishing a portrait painter from Kentucky, in his
+profession. He induced the Duke of Sussex, with whom he regularly dined
+once a week, to sit for him: the portrait was exhibited at Somerset
+House, and our artist was at once famous.
+
+Hunter now took a tour to Scotland. In his way, he spent some weeks with
+Mr. Coke, of Norfolk, and experienced the noble hospitalities of that
+truly noble gentleman. He passed on to Scotland, where he excited a deep
+interest among such persons as the Duke of Hamilton, Sir Walter Scott,
+Mr. Jeffrey, and others of the highest eminence. The ladies, also,
+manifested the very liveliest sensations in his behalf.
+
+During his stay in Scotland, he was invited to spend a few days at a
+charming seat, in the vicinity of Edinburgh. Thither he went. One day,
+as he was walking in the park with a fair lady, daughter of the
+proprietor, they came to an open space, through which a bright stream
+was running. At a particular point, and near the path of the ramblers,
+was a large rock, at the base of which the rivulet swept round, forming
+a small eddying pool. Over this the wild shrubs had gathered, growing
+luxuriously, as if escaped from the restraints of culture. Hunter
+paused, folded his arms, and gazed at the picturesque group of rock,
+shrub, and stream. The lady looked at him with interest. She hesitated,
+then gathered courage, and asked what it was that so moved him.
+
+"Nothing! nothing!" said he, half starting, and passing on. "Nay, nay,"
+said the fair one, "you must tell me." "Well, if I must," was the reply,
+"I must. You may think it foolish, yet such is the truth,--that little
+pool, gathered in the shelter of the rock and briar, reminds me of early
+days--of my childhood, and the forest. Past memories come over my bosom,
+like summer upon the snow; I think how I have often stooped at such a
+stream as this, and quenched my thirst, with a relish nothing can now
+bestow. I feel an emotion I can hardly resist; it seems to call me from
+these scenes, this voluptuous, yet idle life. I have a sense of wrong,
+of duty neglected, of happiness missed, which makes me sad even in such
+a place as this, and with society like yours."
+
+By this time Hunter had framed a design, either real or pretended, of
+doing some great thing for the Indians. He insisted that the attempt to
+civilize them at once, was idle and fallacious; he proposed, therefore,
+to select some spot along the banks of the Wabash, and which he
+represented as a wild kind of paradise, and here he would gather the
+Indians, and, adopting a system which might blend the life of the hunter
+with that of the cultivator, wile them gradually, and without shocking
+their prejudices, into civilization. This scheme he set forth as the
+great object of his wishes. He spoke of it frequently, and in Edinburgh,
+especially, delighted his hearers with his enthusiastic eloquence in
+dilating upon the subject. No one suspected his sincerity, and the
+greatest men in Scotland avowed and felt the deepest interest in his
+project.
+
+The summer came, and Hunter went back to London. He now announced his
+intention to return to America: still, he lingered for several months.
+His friends noticed that he was dejected, yet he assigned no cause for
+this. Presents were made to him, and hints of assistance, to further his
+scheme of Indian civilization, were suggested. He availed himself of
+none of these advantages, save that he accepted a watch, richly
+jewelled, from the Duke of Sussex, and a splendid set of mathematical
+instruments, from Mr. Coke, of Norfolk. He also borrowed a hundred
+pounds of a friend. He took his farewell of London, and bearing with him
+the best wishes of all who had known him on that side of the Atlantic,
+he embarked at Liverpool for America.
+
+Immediately after his arrival, he hastened to the south, spent a few
+days at New Orleans, and pushed into the wilds bordering upon Texas. In
+some way, he excited the jealousy of the Indians, who resolved to take
+his life. On a journey through the wilderness, he was attended by an
+Indian guide. Having occasion to pass a river, he stopped a moment in
+the middle of it, to let his horse drink. The guide was behind: obedient
+to his orders, he lifted his carbine, and shot Hunter through the back.
+He fell, a lifeless corpse, into the stream, and was borne away, as
+little heeded as a forest leaf.
+
+Such are the facts, as we have been able to gather them, in respect to
+this remarkable man. The writer of this article saw him in London, and
+the incidents related of him while he was in England and Scotland, are
+stated upon personal knowledge. The events subsequent to his departure
+are derived from current rumor. The question has often been asked, What
+was the real character of John Dunn Hunter? That he was, to some extent,
+an impostor, can hardly be doubted. Mr. Duponceau, of Philadelphia,
+examined into some Indian words which Hunter had given him, and found
+them to be fabrications. Mr. John Dunn, of Missouri, mentioned by Hunter
+as his friend and benefactor, was written to, and he declared that he
+had known no such person. These facts, with others, were laid before the
+public in the North American Review, and were regarded as fatal to the
+character of Hunter. The common judgment has been, that he was wholly an
+impostor; we incline, however, to a different opinion.
+
+We believe that the story of his early life, was, in the main,
+correct;[B] that he did not originally intend any deception; that he
+came to New York with honest intentions, but that the flatteries he
+received led him by degrees to expand his views, and finally drew him
+into a deliberate career of fraud. So long as he was in the tide of
+prosperity abroad, he did not seem to reflect, and glided down contented
+with the stream: when the time came that he must return, his real
+situation presented itself, and weighed upon his spirits. It is to be
+remarked, however, that, even in this condition, he availed himself of
+no opportunities to amass money, which he might have done to the amount
+of thousands. These facts, at war with the supposition that he was a
+mere impostor, seem to show that he had still some principle of honor
+left, and some hope as to his future career. At all events, he was a man
+of extraordinary address, and his story shows how high a course of
+duplicity may elevate a man, yet only to hurl him down the farther and
+the more fatally, upon the sharp rocks of retribution.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+CASPER HAUSER.
+
+
+In the year 1828, a great sensation was created throughout the civilized
+world, by the story of Casper Hauser. This, as it appears, was in
+substance as follows:--
+
+On the 20th May, in the year above named, as a citizen of Nuremburg, in
+Bavaria, was proceeding along one of the streets, he happened to see a
+young man in the dress of a peasant, who was standing like one
+intoxicated, attempting to move forward, yet appearing hardly to have
+command of his legs. On the approach of the citizen, this stranger held
+out to him a letter directed to a well-known and respectable military
+officer, living in Nuremburg.
+
+As the house of this person lay in the direction of the citizen's walk,
+he took the youth thither with him. When the servant opened the door,
+the stranger put the letter into his hand, uttering some unintelligible
+words. The various questions which were asked, as to his name, whence he
+came, &c., he seemed not to comprehend. He appeared excessively
+fatigued, staggered as if exhausted, and pointed to his feet, shedding
+tears, apparently from pain. As he seemed to be suffering from hunger, a
+piece of meat was given to him, but scarcely had he tasted it, when he
+spat it out, and shuddered as if with abhorrence. He manifested the same
+aversion to beer. He ate some bread and drank water, with signs of
+satisfaction.
+
+Meantime, all attempts to gain any information from him were fruitless.
+To every question he answered with the same unintelligible jargon. He
+seemed to hear without understanding, and to see without perceiving. He
+shed many tears, and his whole language seemed to consist of moans and
+unintelligible sounds.
+
+The letter to the officer, above mentioned, contained no satisfactory
+information. It stated that the writer was a poor day-laborer, with a
+family of ten children; that the bearer had been left with him in
+October, 1812, and he had never since been suffered to leave his house:
+that he had received a Christian education, been baptized, &c. He was
+sent to the officer with the request that he might be taken care of till
+seventeen years old, and then be made a trooper, and placed in the sixth
+regiment, as his father had been of that corps. This letter was
+supposed, of course, to be designed to mislead, and no reliance was
+placed upon it.
+
+The officer, suspecting some imposition, sent the stranger to the
+police. To all inquiries the latter replied as before, displaying a kind
+of childish simplicity, and awkward dulness. He was continually
+whimpering, and pointing to his feet. While he had the size of a young
+man, his face had the expression of a child. When writing materials were
+placed before him, he took the pen with alacrity, and wrote _Kaspar
+Hauser_. This so contrasted with his previous signs of ignorance and
+dulness, as to excite suspicions of imposture, and he was therefore
+committed to a tower used for the confinement of rogues and vagabonds.
+In going to this place, he sank down, groaning at every step.
+
+The body of Caspar seemed perfectly formed, but his face bore a decided
+aspect of vulgarity. When in a state of tranquillity, it was either
+destitute of expression, or had a look of brutish indifference. The
+formation of his face, however, changed in a few months, and rapidly
+gained in expression and animation. His feet bore no marks of having
+been confined by shoes, and were finely formed; the soles were soft as
+the palms of his hands. His gait was a waddling, tottering progress,
+groping with his hands as he went, and often falling at the slightest
+impediment. He could not, for a long time, go up and down stairs
+without assistance. He used his hands with the greatest awkwardness. In
+all these respects, however, he rapidly improved.
+
+Caspar Hauser soon ceased to be considered either an idiot or an
+impostor. The mildness, good nature, and obedience he displayed,
+precluded the idea that he had grown up with the beasts of the forest.
+Yet he was destitute of words, and seemed to be disgusted with most of
+the customs and habits of civilized life. All the circumstances combined
+to create a belief that he had been brought up in a state of complete
+imprisonment and seclusion, during the previous part of his existence.
+
+He now became an object of general interest, and hundreds of persons
+came to see him. He could be persuaded to taste no other food than bread
+and water. Even the smell of most articles of food was sufficient to
+make him shudder. When he first saw a lighted candle, he appeared
+greatly delighted, and unsuspectingly put his fingers into the blaze.
+When a mirror was shown him, he looked behind to find the image it
+reflected. Like a child, he greedily reached for every glittering
+object, and cried when any desired thing was denied him. His whole
+vocabulary seemed hardly to exceed a dozen words, and that of ross
+(horse) answered for all quadrupeds, such as horses, dogs, and cats.
+When, at length, a wooden horse was given as a plaything, it seemed to
+effect a great change in him; his spirits revived, and his lethargy and
+indifference were dissipated. He would never eat or drink without first
+offering a portion to his horse.
+
+His powers seemed now to be rapidly developed; he soon quitted his toy,
+and learned to ride the living horse with astonishing rapidity. He,
+however, was greatly oppressed, as he acquired knowledge, at discovering
+how much inferior he was in knowledge to those around him, and this led
+him to express the wish that he could go back to the hole in which he
+had always been confined. From his repeated statements, now that he had
+learned to speak, it appeared that he had been, from his earliest
+recollections, confined in a narrow space, his legs extended forward
+upon the floor, and his body upright; and here, without light, and
+without the power of locomotion, he had remained for years. The date or
+period of his confinement he knew not, for in his dungeon there was no
+sunrise or sunset, to mark the lapse of time. When he awoke from sleep,
+he found some bread and water at his side; but who ministered to his
+wants, he knew not; he never saw the face of his attendant, who never
+spoke to him, except in some unintelligible jargon. In his hole he had
+two wooden horses and some ribands as toys--and these afforded him his
+only amusement. One day had passed as another; he had no dreams; time
+run on, and life ebbed and flowed, with a dull and almost unconscious
+movement. After a time his keeper gave him a pencil, of which he learned
+the use; he was then partially taught to walk, and shortly after, was
+carried from his prison, a letter put into his hand, and he was left,
+as the beginning of our story finds him, in the streets of Nuremburg.
+
+The journals were now filled with accounts of this mysterious young man.
+A suspicion was at last started that he was of high birth, and that
+important motives had led to the singular treatment he had received. He
+was himself haunted with the fear of assassination, from the idea that
+the circumstances which led to his incarceration, now that his story was
+known, might tempt his enemies to put a period to his life--thus seeking
+at once the removal of a hated object, and security against detection.
+His fears were at last partially realized; while he was under the care
+and protection of Professor Daumer, he was attacked and seriously
+wounded by a blow upon the forehead.
+
+After this event, Earl Stanhope, who happened to be in that part of
+Germany, caused him to be removed to Anspach, where he was placed under
+the care of an able schoolmaster. Here his fears subsided; but in
+December, 1833, a stranger, wrapped in a large cloak, accosted him,
+under the pretence of having an important communication to make, and
+proposed a meeting. Caspar agreed, and they met in the palace garden,
+alone. The stranger drew some papers from beneath his cloak, and while
+Hauser was examining them, the russian stabbed him in the region of the
+heart. The wound did not prove immediately fatal. He was able to return
+home, and relate what had happened. Messengers were sent in pursuit of
+the assassin, but in vain. Hauser lingered three or four days--that is,
+till the 17th December, 1833, when he died. On dissection, it appeared
+that the knife had pierced to the heart, making an incision in its outer
+covering, and slightly cutting both the liver and stomach. A reward of
+five thousand florins was offered by Lord Stanhope, for the discovery of
+the assassin, but without effect--nor was the mystery which involved
+Caspar's story ever fully unravelled.
+
+Such was the tale of this extraordinary individual, as it appeared a few
+years ago. Since that period, the facts in the case have been carefully
+sifted, and the result is a settled conviction, that Hauser was an
+impostor; that the story of his confinement was a fabrication; that his
+pretended ignorance, his stupidity, his childishness, were but skilful
+acting to enforce his story; and, strange as it may appear, there is no
+good reason to doubt that the wounds he received, in both instances,
+were inflicted by himself. Such were the deliberate convictions of Earl
+Stanhope, and others who investigated the facts on the spot, and with
+the best advantages for the discovery of the truth. Caspar's motive for
+wounding himself doubtless was, to revive the flagging interest of the
+public in his behalf--a source of excitement he had so long enjoyed, as
+to feel unhappy without it. In the latter instance, he doubtless
+inflicted a severer wound than he intended, and thus put an undesigned
+period to his existence.
+
+His story presents one of the most successful instances of imposture, on
+record. It appears probable that he was aided in his imposition by the
+narrative of Fuerbach, one of the judges of Bavaria, who adopted some
+theory on the subject, which he supported with gross, though perhaps
+undesigned misrepresentation. He published an interesting account of
+Hauser, in which he rather colored and exaggerated the facts, thus
+making the narrative far more wonderful than the reality would warrant.
+It was, doubtless, owing to these statements of Fuerbach, that an
+extraordinary interest in the case was everywhere excited; and it is
+highly probable that Hauser himself was encouraged to deeper and more
+extended duplicity, by the aid which the mistaken credulity of the judge
+afforded him, than, at first, he had meditated. He probably looked with
+surprise and wonder at the success of his trick, and marvelled at seeing
+himself suddenly converted from a poor German mechanic, as he doubtless
+was, into a prodigy and a hero--exciting a sensation throughout the four
+quarters of the globe. The whole story affords a good illustration of
+the folly of permitting the imagination to lead us in the investigation
+of facts, and the extended impositions that may flow from the want of
+exact and scrupulous veracity in a magistrate.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+PSALMANAZAR.
+
+
+George Psalmanazar was born about the year 1679. All that we know of his
+early history is from his own memoirs, which were published after his
+death; but they do not tell us his true name, nor that of his native
+country, though it is generally believed that he was born in the south
+of France. His education was excellent, probably obtained in some of the
+colleges of the Jesuits.
+
+At an early period, he became a wandering adventurer, sometimes passing
+himself off as a pilgrim, then as a Japanese, and then as a native of
+Formosa--a large island lying to the east of China, and subject to that
+country. His extensive learning and various knowledge enabled him to
+sustain these and other disguises. Thus he travelled over several parts
+of Europe, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. He was by turns a
+soldier, a beggar, a menial, a monk; a preceptor, a Christian, a
+heathen, a man of all trades. At last, he came to Liege in Belgium,
+pretending to be a Formosan, converted to Christianity. Here he became
+acquainted with the chaplain of an English regiment, and was solemnly
+baptized.
+
+He now went to London, and was kindly received by Bishop Compton, who
+gave him entertainment in his own house, and treated him with the utmost
+confidence. His great abilities and extraordinary story, seconded by the
+patronage of the bishop of London, gave him immediate currency with
+literary men, and he soon became the wonder of the day.
+
+Psalmanazar played his part to admiration. He shunned, rather than
+sought, the notice of the public, and, avoiding meat, lived chiefly on
+fruits, and a simple vegetable diet. At the same time, he appeared to
+display the Christian characteristics, and devoted himself to study. He
+began to prepare a grammar of the Formosan language, which he finally
+completed. This was, of course, a fiction, yet he proceeded to translate
+the Church Catechism into this fabricated tongue. He finally wrote an
+extensive history of Formosa, which was also a fable; yet such was the
+reputation of the author, that it was received with general confidence,
+and speedily passed through several editions.
+
+During this period, he had been sent to study at Oxford, where a
+controversy was carried on between his patrons, and Dr. Halley, Dr.
+Mead, and some others, in respect to his pretensions. Certain
+discrepancies were at last detected in his history of Formosa, and, in
+the result, Psalmanazar was completely exposed, and finally confessed
+his imposture. Soon after this, a moral change took place in him: he
+grew ashamed of his dishonorable courses, and determined to reform. He
+applied himself intensely to study, and, after a time, became engaged in
+literary pursuits, by which he earned an honest subsistence, and
+considerable reputation during the rest of his life. He died in London,
+in 1753.
+
+He wrote for the large work, styled the Universal History, most of the
+parts concerning ancient history, except that of Rome, and his writings
+met with great success. He wrote a volume of essays on several
+scriptural subjects, a version of the Psalms, beside his own memoirs,
+already mentioned. He also wrote for the "Complete System of Geography,"
+an article on the Island of Formosa, founded upon authentic information,
+as a reparation for the stories which he had palmed upon the public in
+his former account.
+
+Psalmanazar is the name that he had assumed when he began his wandering
+life, and which he retained till his death. Of the sincerity of his
+piety, there can be no doubt. Dr. Johnson said that he never witnessed a
+more beautiful example of humility, and tranquil resignation, combined
+with an active discharge of duty, than was displayed by him during the
+latter portion of his life!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+VALENTINE GREATRAKES.
+
+
+This person, renowned in the annals of quackery, was born at Affane, in
+Ireland, in 1628. He received a good education at the classical free
+school of that town, and was preparing to enter Trinity College, Dublin,
+when the rebellion broke out, and his mother, with a family of several
+children, was obliged to fly to England for refuge.
+
+Some years after, Valentine returned, but was so affected by the
+wretched state of his country, and the scenes of misery that were
+witnessed on every hand, that he shut himself up for a whole year,
+spending his time in moody contemplations. He afterwards became a
+lieutenant in the army, but in 1656, he retired to his estate in Affane,
+where he was appointed justice of the peace for the county of Cork.
+
+Greatrakes was now married, and appears to have held a respectable
+station in society. About the year 1662, he began to conceive himself
+possessed of an extraordinary power of removing scrofula, or king's
+evil, by means of touching or stroking the parts affected, with his
+hands. This imagination he concealed for some time, but, at last,
+revealed it to his wife, who ridiculed the idea.
+
+Having resolved, however, to make the trial, he began with one William
+Maher, who was brought to the house by his father, for the purpose of
+receiving some assistance from Mrs. Greatrakes, a lady who was always
+ready to relieve the sick and indigent, as far as lay in her power. This
+boy was sorely afflicted with the king's evil, but was to all appearance
+cured by Mr. Greatrakes' laying his hand on the parts affected. Several
+other persons having applied to him, to be cured, in the same manner, of
+different disorders, his efforts seemed to be attended with success, and
+he acquired considerable fame in his neighborhood.
+
+His reputation now increased, and he was induced to go to England, where
+he gained great celebrity by his supposed cures. Several pamphlets were
+issued upon the subject; it being maintained by some that Greatrakes
+possessed a sanative quality inherent in his constitution; by others,
+that his cures were miraculous; and by others still, that they were
+produced merely by the force of imagination. The reality of the cures
+seemed to be admitted, and the reputation of the operator rose to a
+prodigious height; but, after a brief period, it rapidly declined, and
+the public became convinced that the whole excitement was the result of
+illusion. Greatrakes, himself, possessed a high character for humility,
+virtue and piety, and was doubtless the dupe of his own bewildered
+fancy. He died in 1680, having afforded the world a striking caution not
+to mistake recovery for cure, and not to yield to imagination and
+popular delusion, especially in respect to the pretended cure of
+diseases.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MATTHEW HOPKINS.
+
+
+About 250 years ago, the reality of witchcraft was very generally
+admitted throughout Europe. The belief in the active agency of the
+Spirit of Evil in human affairs, had existed among Christians from the
+earliest period, and the legends of saints, their trials and
+temptations, in which the devil plays so important a part, served to
+extend and confirm these popular notions. At last, the direct agency of
+diabolical powers, and its open manifestation, was assumed, and, at the
+period of which we speak, was held to be a point of Christian faith. The
+pious Baxter considered the disbelief of witchcraft as equivalent to
+infidelity; the just and sagacious Sir Matthew Hale admitted its
+reality, and pronounced sentence against those who were convicted of it;
+and, alas! the pedantic king, James I. of England, wrote a book
+entitled, "Daemonologia, or a Discourse on Witchcraft."
+
+The purpose of this work was to prove the reality of witchcraft, its
+prevalence among mankind, its great enormity, and the means of its
+detection and punishment. Its effect was to extend the belief in
+witchcraft, and, of course, to multiply the apparent instances of its
+existence. The insane fancies of diseased minds, unusual phenomena of
+nature, and the artful machinery of designing malignity, ambition, or
+hypocrisy, were all laid at Satan's door. Of the horrors that followed,
+history furnishes a melancholy account. It is supposed that 30,000
+persons were executed in England, from the year 1500 to 1722. The same
+dreadful delusion prevailed in other parts of Europe, and extended in
+due time to this country, and about the year 1692, twenty persons were
+executed in Salem, Massachusetts, for the crime of witchcraft.
+
+During the period in which this fearful mania was prevalent in England,
+Matthew Hopkins, denominated Witch-Finder General, acted a conspicuous
+part. He pretended to be a great critic in special marks or signs of
+witchcraft. Moles, warts, scorbutic spots, were in his eyes teats to
+suckle imps, and were sufficient evidences to bring a victim to the
+halter. He was assisted by one John Stern, a kindred genius, and in the
+year 1644, 5 and 6, they brought a great number of poor wretches to the
+fatal tree. Matthew, himself, hung in one year no less than sixty
+reputed witches of his own county of Essex. He received twenty shillings
+a head from the public authorities for every witch he discovered. The
+old, the ignorant, and the indigent,--such as could neither plead their
+own cause nor hire an advocate, were the miserable victims of his
+credulity, avarice, and spleen.
+
+When other evidences of guilt were wanting, Hopkins adopted the trial by
+water, which had been suggested by king James, who remarks that "as some
+persons have renounced their baptism by water, so water refuses to
+receive them." Those accused of diabolical practices, therefore, were
+thrown into a pond. If they floated or swam, according to king James'
+notion the water refused to receive them, and they were therefore
+guilty. These were consequently taken out and burnt, or hung. If they
+were innocent, they sunk, and were only drowned.
+
+Suspicion was at last turned against Hopkins himself, and the ordeal of
+swimming was applied in his own case. In consequence of this experiment,
+he was convicted and executed as a wizard. An allusion to this
+extraordinary character is made in the third canto of Hudibras, who
+says,
+
+  Has not the present parliament
+  A lodger to the devil sent,
+  Fully empowered to treat about
+  Finding revolted witches out?
+  And has he not within a year
+  Hanged threescore of them in one shire?
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+PETER, THE WILD BOY.
+
+
+On the continent of Europe, portions of which are interspersed with vast
+forests and uncultivated tracts, various individuals of the human
+species have, at different times, been discovered in a state no better
+than that of the brute creation. One of the most singular of these
+unfortunate creatures was Peter the Wild Boy, whose origin and history,
+previous to his discovery, must remain forever a secret. He was found in
+the year 1725, in the woods, about twenty-five miles from Hanover, in
+Germany. He walked on all fours, climbed trees like a squirrel, and fed
+on grass and moss.
+
+When he was taken, he was about thirteen years old, and could not speak.
+He soon made his escape into the woods, where he concealed himself amid
+the branches of a tree, which was sawed down to recover him. He was
+brought over to England, in the year 1726, and exhibited to the king and
+many of the nobility. He received the title of Peter the Wild Boy, which
+name he ever afterwards retained.
+
+He appeared to have scarcely any ideas, was uneasy at being obliged to
+wear clothes, and could not be induced to lie in a bed, but sat and
+slept in a corner of a room, whence it was conjectured that he used to
+sleep on a tree for security against wild beasts. He was committed to
+the care of Dr. Arbuthnot, at whose house he was to have been baptized;
+but, notwithstanding all the doctor's pains, he never could bring the
+wild youth to the use of speech, or the pronunciation of more than a
+very few words. As every effort to give him an education was found to be
+vain, he was placed with a farmer at a small distance from London, and a
+pension was allowed him by the king, which he enjoyed till his death,
+which occurred in 1785, at the age of about seventy-three years.
+
+Peter was low of stature, and always wore his beard. He occasionally
+wandered away from his place of residence, but either returned or was
+brought back. He was never mischievous; was remarkable for his
+strength; became fond of finery and dress, and at last, was taught to
+love beer and gin. He was a lover of music, and acquired several tunes.
+He also became able to count as far as twenty, and could answer a few
+simple questions. He learned to eat the food of the family where he
+lived, but in his excursions, he subsisted upon raw herbage, berries and
+roots of young trees. He was evidently not an idiot, but seemed to
+continue in a state of mental infancy, thinking of little beyond his
+physical wants, and never being able to conceive of the existence of a
+God.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN KELSEY.
+
+
+It is well for every person to be apprized of the fact, that, in all
+ages and all countries, there are religious enthusiasts, who, having
+given themselves up to heated imaginations, lose the power of judging
+according to truth and reason upon this particular subject. They see
+things by a false vision, and are not only deluded but they often delude
+others. These persons are monomaniacs--insane upon the subject of
+religion, though often sane upon all others.
+
+It appears that every person is liable to this species of delusion, if
+he gives up the reins to his fancy, and ceases to be guided by common
+sense; and the frequency of such occurrences shows that this liability
+is by no means remote. In a recent case, a man by the name of Elijah
+Thayer, a native of Massachusetts, conceived the idea that the present
+dispensation was speedily to pass away, and that the second coming of
+Christ was to be realized in his own person.
+
+Believing himself to be commanded by God to announce this event to the
+great powers of England, Rome, and Jerusalem, he took passage in the
+steamer Britannia, in September, 1842, and proceeded upon his mission.
+He was a common laborer, but he possessed a good deal of knowledge,
+especially of the Bible. He was rational and sagacious upon all subjects
+except that of his peculiar religious views; and even in maintaining
+these, he displayed much skill, and was singularly dexterous in the
+quoting of Scripture.
+
+Soon after his arrival, he proceeded to Windsor, where Queen Victoria
+was then residing. He made application for an interview with her
+majesty, saying that he had a most important communication to make to
+her. Being requested to state the substance of it, he sent her word that
+Elijah Thayer, the prophet of God, had come, by the command of the Most
+High, to announce a mighty change, which was speedily to take place
+throughout the universe. The present system of things was to pass away;
+crowns, thrones and sceptres were to be trampled in the dust; kings and
+queens were to be reduced to the level of common mortals; universal
+equality was to be established among mankind; an era of peace was to
+begin, and he himself, Elijah Thayer, passing from the prophetic to the
+kingly state, was to reign in righteousness over the earth as Christ
+himself.
+
+This message was delivered by Elijah, in his fur cap, and his
+long-skirted blue coat, with a perfectly sober face, to the queen's
+servants at Windsor Castle. These received the extraordinary tidings
+with decorous politeness, promised faithfully to deliver the message,
+and the prophet, well satisfied, went his way. He now proceeded to
+London, and visited the several Jewish synagogues, announcing to the
+high priests his wonderful mission. The last we heard of him, he was
+preparing to make his way to Rome, in fulfilment of his insane project.
+
+It would be easy to add numerous instances of similar delusion. In 1790,
+an Englishman, by the name of Richard Brothers, announced that he had a
+mission for the restoration of the Jews and to make Jerusalem the
+capital of the world. He said that he was commanded to notify the king,
+the lords and the commons of the same, which he did in a manner so
+obstreperous, that he was lodged in Newgate prison.
+
+Roger North gives us an account of one John Kelsey, a Quaker, who, about
+the year 1680, "went on a sort of pilgrimage to Constantinople, for
+converting the Great Turk; and the first scene of his action was
+standing up in a corner of the street, and preaching to the people. They
+stared at him, and concluding him to be out of his wits, he was taken
+and carried to the madhouse; there he lay six months. At last, some of
+the keepers heard him speak the word _English_, and told of it so that
+it came to the ambassador, Lord Winchelsea's ear, that he had a subject
+in the madhouse.
+
+"His lordship sent and had him at his house. The fellow stood before the
+ambassador, with a dirty, ragged hat on, and would not put it off,
+though he was so charged and admonished; thereupon the ambassador
+ordered him down, and had him drubbed upon the feet, after the Turkish
+manner. Then he was anything and would do anything, and afterwards did
+own that that drubbing had a great effect upon his spirit.
+
+"Upon searching him, there was found in his pouch, among a few beans, a
+letter to the Grand Signior, very long and canting; but the substance
+was to let him know that he was the scourge in God's hand with which he
+chastised the wicked Christians; and now, their wickedness was so great,
+that God, by the spirit, had sent him, to let him know that he must come
+forthwith to scourge them.
+
+"He was sent for England, but got off by the way, and came up a second
+time to Constantinople, from whence he was more surely conveyed; and
+some that knew John, told Sir Dudley North that they had seen him on the
+Exchange, where he recognised the admirable virtue of Turkish
+drubbing."
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BAMFYLDE MOORE CAREW.
+
+
+This eccentric character was born in 1693, at Bickley, in Devonshire, of
+which place his father was many years rector. Being descended from an
+ancient and honorable family, he was educated agreeably to his
+condition. At the age of twelve, he was sent to the Tiverton school,
+where his good behavior led his friends to hope that he might some day
+shine in the clerical profession. But the Tiverton scholars having at
+their command a fine pack of hounds, Carew, and two or three of his
+companions, devoted themselves more to hunting than study.
+
+One day they engaged in the chase of a deer, just before the
+commencement of harvest. The animal took his course through the fields
+of grain, and the young sportsmen, with their hounds, followed,
+reckless of the damage that was done. The mischief was so considerable,
+that the proprietors complained to the school-master. Carew and his
+companions were so much frightened, that they absconded, and joined a
+gang of gipsies, who happened to be in the neighborhood. This society
+consisted of about eighteen persons of both sexes, who carried with them
+such an air of mirth and gaiety, that the youngsters were quite
+delighted with their company, and, expressing an inclination to enter
+into their society, the gipsies admitted them, after the performance of
+the requisite ceremonies and the administration of the customary oaths.
+
+Young Carew was speedily initiated into all the arts of the wandering
+tribe, for which he seemed to have a happy genius. His parents,
+meanwhile, lamented him as one that was no more, for, though they had
+repeatedly advertised his name and person, they could not obtain the
+least intelligence of him. At length, after an interval of a year and a
+half, hearing of their grief and repeated inquiries after him, his heart
+relented, and he returned to Bickley. Being greatly disguised, both in
+dress and appearance, he was not known at first by his parents; but when
+he discovered himself, a scene followed which no words can describe, and
+there were great rejoicings, both in Bickley and the neighboring parish
+of Cadley.
+
+Everything was done to render his home agreeable; but Carew had
+contracted such a fondness for the society of the gipsies, that, after
+various ineffectual struggles with the suggestions of filial piety, he
+once more eloped to his former connections, and soon gave new proofs of
+his aptitude for their peculiar calling.
+
+Having remained with the gipsies for some time, he left them, and
+proceeded on a voyage to Newfoundland. He soon returned, and, landing at
+Newcastle, eloped with a young lady, the daughter of an eminent
+apothecary of that town. Proceeding to Bath, they were married, and paid
+a visit to Carew's uncle, a distinguished clergyman of Dorchester. He
+received them with great kindness, and endeavored to persuade his nephew
+to take a final leave of his gipsey life. This, however, proved vain,
+for Carew soon returned to that vagrant community, with whom he spent
+the remainder of his days.
+
+He now led an adventurous career, seeming to be guided more by the humor
+of enterprise than the love of gain. His art in transforming his person
+so as to represent various characters, extorted from the gipsies
+themselves the greatest applause, and, at last, when Clause Patch, their
+king, died, Carew had the honor of being elected in his stead.
+
+Though his character was known, he was rather a favorite with many
+persons of good standing, and was on one occasion invited to spend
+several days in hunting with Colonel Strangeways, at Milbury. The
+conversation happened one day, at dinner, to turn on Carew's ingenuity,
+and the colonel remarked that he would defy him to practise deception on
+him. The next day, while the colonel was out with his hounds, he met
+with a miserable object upon a pair of crutches, with a wound in his
+thigh, a coat of rags, and a venerable, pity-moving beard. His
+countenance expressed pain and sorrow, and as the colonel stopped to
+gaze upon him, the tears trickled down his silver beard. As the colonel
+was not proof against such an affecting sight, he threw him half a
+crown, and passed on. While he was at dinner, the miserable object came
+in, when lo, it was Carew himself!
+
+The life of this singular man has afforded materials for a volume. His
+friends in vain offered to provide him with a respectable maintenance;
+no entreaty could prevail upon him to abandon the kind of life he had
+adopted. He spent about forty years with gipsies and beggars, and died
+in 1770, aged 77.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOHN ELWES.
+
+
+A monomaniac is generally made by dwelling for a long period upon one
+object with intense interest, to the exclusion of others. By this
+process, this one object at last occupies the whole soul, fills the
+entire vision, and makes the mind blind to the relative importance of
+other things. A man in this condition is insane, and resembles the
+bedlamite, who, being asked why he was confined, replied, "I thought the
+world mad, and the world thought me mad, and they outvoted me!" While
+the world, guided by common sense, assigns to each subject its relative
+importance, the monomaniac we have imagined, sees but one thing, his own
+hobby, and pronounces mankind mad because they do not agree with him.
+
+There are a thousand forms and shades of this insanity; one of the most
+common is displayed by the miser, who has dwelt so long and so intently
+upon the acquisition of money, that money becomes his idol: he thinks it
+the supreme good: he has a mad delight in amassing it: his eagerness to
+increase his store, quenches the lights of the soul--pity, benevolence,
+charity, and mercy; he is beset by a horrid fear of its being taken from
+him; and, as age creeps on and weakens his powers of body and mind, the
+demon of avarice takes possession of the bosom, and, putting out the
+light of reason, holds its revel in darkness and fear, till death closes
+the scene.
+
+Of misers, history has furnished us a long list. We are told of M.
+Osterwald, a wealthy banker of Paris, who died in 1790, of want, yet
+leaving an estate of 600,000 dollars! When he began life, and bought a
+bottle of beer for his dinner, he took away the cork in his pocket. He
+practised this for a long period, and had at last collected such a
+quantity that they sold for nearly one hundred dollars! A few months
+before his death, he refused to buy meat for soup. "I should like the
+soup," said he, "well enough, but I do not want the meat. What, then, is
+to become of that?" The fear of losing the meat, led him to starve
+himself; yet, at the very moment, he had 800 assignats, of 200 dollars
+each, in a silken bag, around his neck!
+
+Another Frenchman, by the name of Fortescue, affords a curious piece of
+history. He was a farmer-general of the taxes, and amassed an immense
+fortune by grinding the poor. The government at length called upon him
+for a considerable sum, but he pleaded poverty. Fearing that some of his
+neighbors should testify to his wealth, he determined to conceal it. He
+therefore dug a vault beneath his wine-cellar, where he deposited his
+gold. He went down to it by a ladder, and fastened the door by a spring
+lock. One day, while he was in the vault, the door closed, and the lock
+fastened him in! In vain were his cries for help! There he remained,
+till, worn out by horror of mind and starvation of body, he perished in
+the very midst of his heaps of gold! His miserable fate was not known
+till some years after, when, his house being sold, his bones were
+discovered in the vault with his treasures.
+
+The celebrated John Elwes, whose portrait we have placed at the head of
+this article, has furnished a memorable instance of the inconsistency of
+man. He has showed that the most sordid parsimony may be combined with
+the greatest negligence and profusion, and that principles of the purest
+honor may be associated with a degree of meanness, that is utterly
+degrading to the human character. He was born in London, about the year
+1714, his father's name being Meggot. He was educated at Westminster
+school, and afterwards went to Geneva, where he seems to have led rather
+a gay life.
+
+On his return to England, his father being dead, he went to live with
+his uncle, Sir Harvey Elwes, a wealthy miser, who resided at Stoke, in
+Suffolk. In order to make a favorable impression upon his uncle, the
+nephew doffed his gay attire, at the little inn at Chelmsford, and
+appeared at Stoke with an old worn-out coat, a tattered waistcoat,
+darned worsted stockings, and small iron buckles in his shoes. He was
+received by Sir Harvey with satisfaction, who now adopted him as his
+heir. Here the two lived together, shivering with a single stick on the
+fire, occasionally dividing a glass of wine between them, and railing
+against the extravagance of the times. When night approached, they went
+to bed, to save the expense of candles!
+
+But at last, Sir Harvey paid the debt of nature, and left his fortune,
+of more than a million of dollars, to his nephew. John Meggot, who was
+now about forty years old, adopted his uncle's surname agreeably to the
+will, and, while he inherited Sir Harvey's parsimony, he still addicted
+himself to gambling. He became a member of various clubs in London, and
+often played for very high sums. He once played two days and a night
+without intermission, the Duke of Northumberland being one of the party;
+and, as it was the custom among these gamblers in high life to throw
+aside the cards after being once used--at the close of the sitting, the
+party were nearly up to their knees in cards.
+
+While Elwes was thus engaged, he had the most grasping desire of money,
+and, having sat up all night at play with persons of the highest rank,
+he would walk out at four o'clock in the morning, to Smithfield, to meet
+his cattle coming to market from his estates in Essex. There,
+forgetting the scenes he had just left, he would stand in the cold or
+rain, higgling with the butcher for a shilling. Sometimes, if the beasts
+had not arrived, he would walk on in the mire to meet them; and more
+than once he has gone on foot the whole way to his farm, which was
+seventeen miles from London, without stopping, after sitting up all
+night.
+
+Mr. Elwes usually resided at Meacham, in Berkshire. In travelling
+between this place and London, he used to put two or three eggs, boiled
+hard, with a few crusts of bread, into his great-coat pocket; then,
+mounting one of his hunters, he would set off, taking the route with the
+fewest turnpike gates. Avoiding the taverns, he would stop under a
+hedge, and, while he ate his frugal meal, the horse would refresh
+himself by nibbling the grass.
+
+Notwithstanding this excessive meanness, Mr. Elwes displayed many
+instances of generosity. On one occasion, he lent Lord Abington L7000,
+at a very critical moment, and entirely unsolicited, and when he had
+little reason to suppose the money would ever be repaid. Beside, he made
+it a principle never to ask for money which he won at play, and thus he
+lost many thousands of pounds, which he might have received by demanding
+it. At the same time, he had an equanimity of temper which nothing could
+disturb, and a gentleness and urbanity of manner, which never forsook
+him.
+
+When he was somewhat advanced in life, he dismissed his fox-hounds,
+retrenched his expenses, and lived in the most parsimonious manner.
+Riches now rolled in upon him like a torrent; at the same time, his
+mean, miserly propensities increased. When in London, he would walk home
+in the rain, rather than pay a shilling for a coach; and sit in his wet
+clothes, rather than have a fire to dry them. On one occasion, he wore a
+black wig above a fortnight, which he picked out of a rut in a lane, and
+which had probably been discarded by a beggar. While the black, stray
+wig was thus atop of his own gray hair, he one day tore his coat, and,
+in order to supply himself, resorted to an old chest of Sir Jervaise,
+his uncle's father. From this, he took the first he came to, which was a
+full-dress, green, velvet coat, with slashed sleeves. In this attire, he
+sat down to dinner: not even the solemn severity of his poor old servant
+could resist the ludicrous effect of his appearance.
+
+In order to invest his immense property, Mr. Elwes erected a great
+number of buildings in London, particularly about the Hay-Market. He was
+the founder of a large part of Mary-le-bone, Portman Place, Portman
+Square, and several of the adjacent streets. It was his custom in town,
+to occupy any one of his numerous houses that was vacant. Two beds, two
+chairs, a table and an old woman, comprised all his furniture. Thus he
+travelled from street to street, and it was often difficult to find him.
+
+One day, his nephew, Colonel Timms, came to town, and, wishing very much
+to see him, made a long, but ineffectual search for him. At last, he was
+directed to a particular house, which he found, and knocked loudly at
+the door, but no answer was returned. He then entered, but all was
+silent below. On ascending to one of the chambers, he found Mr. Elwes
+on a shabby pallet bed, in a state of insensibility. The poor old woman,
+the partner of his journeys, was found lifeless on a rug in one of the
+garrets, where she had apparently been dead for at least two days, and
+where she had probably expired for want of the comforts of life. Mr.
+Elwes, being restored by cordials, stated that he had been sick for a
+long time, and wondered that the old woman did not come to his
+assistance.
+
+Notwithstanding the unfavorable traits in Mr. Elwes' character, yet such
+was the confidence reposed in his integrity, that, without his own
+solicitation, he was elected a member of the House of Commons, for
+Berkshire, which he represented for three successive parliaments.
+Nothing could exceed the rigid fidelity with which he fulfilled his
+duties here. His vote was always given according to his conscience, and,
+in all weathers, and during the latest sittings, he was in his seat.
+
+One night, as he was returning from the House of Commons, it being
+extremely dark, he ran against the pole of a sedan chair, and cut both
+his legs very badly. As usual, he refused to have medical assistance,
+but Colonel Timms insisted upon some one being called in. At length he
+submitted, and a surgeon was sent for, who immediately began to
+expatiate on the ill consequences of breaking the skin, the good fortune
+of his being sent for, and the peculiarly bad appearance of the wounds.
+"Very probable," replied Mr. Elwes, "but, Mr. ----, I have one thing to
+say to you. In my opinion my legs are not much hurt; now you think they
+are; so I will make this agreement. I will take one leg, and you shall
+take the other; you shall do what you please with yours; I will do
+nothing to mine; and I will wager your bill that my leg gets well before
+yours." He exultingly beat the surgeon by a fortnight.
+
+About the year 1785, Mr. Elwes paid a visit to his seat at Stoke, which
+he had not seen for some years. On his arrival, he complained of the
+expensive furniture of the rooms. To save fire, he would sit with a
+servant in the kitchen, or walk about the remains of a ruinous
+greenhouse. During harvest, he amused himself with gleaning the corn
+upon the grounds of his own tenants. In the autumn, he would pick up
+stray chips and carry them to the fire in his pocket. On one occasion,
+he was seen robbing a crow's nest for fuel. He denied himself the common
+necessaries of life: one day, he dined on a moor-fowl, which a rat had
+drawn out of a river, and, on another, he ate the undigested part of a
+pike, which was taken from the stomach of a larger fish, caught in a
+net.
+
+At last, the powers of life began to decay, and, in the autumn of 1786,
+his memory entirely failed him. On the 18th of November he sank into a
+state of extreme debility; yet he lingered till the 26th, when he
+expired without a sigh, leaving property to the amount of four millions
+of dollars. More than half of this was bequeathed to his two natural
+sons; the rest, being entailed, was inherited by Colonel Timms. Such was
+John Elwes, a singular compound of parsimony and profusion, of
+generosity and meanness, of honesty and avarice, of virtue and vice.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BARON D'AGUILAR.
+
+
+This strange character presents another remarkable instance of
+inconsistency; of avarice and liberality, of cruelty and kindness, of
+meanness and integrity, of misanthropy and benevolence. He was the son
+of a German Jew, who settled in London, and left him his title, and a
+large estate. In 1758, he was married to a lady whose fortune amounted
+to 150,000 pounds. In 1763, being left a widower, he married a few days
+after, another lady of fortune. Up to this time, he had lived in the
+highest style of fashion, but, owing to the loss of an estate in
+America, and domestic disagreements, he now suddenly withdrew from his
+family connections and the society of the gay world, and established
+himself at a farm-house in Islington. Here he professed to be a farmer;
+he stocked his yard with cattle, pigs, and poultry, yet he kept them in
+such a lean and miserable condition, that the place acquired the name of
+Starvation Farmyard.
+
+Everything in his establishment was conducted on the meanest scale; yet
+D'Aguilar, at this very time, was a liberal patron of public
+institutions, and profuse in his charities. While his cattle were
+actually in the agonies of starvation, he was doing some kindly, yet
+secret act, to alleviate the distresses of the poor. His wife had been
+obliged to leave him, but, after a separation of twenty years, he called
+to see her, and a reconciliation took place. In a short time, however,
+his extreme rigor compelled her again to leave him, and, by the advice
+of friends, she instituted legal proceedings against him. In this suit
+she was successful, and he was compelled to make a liberal provision for
+her.
+
+At last, he was taken severely ill, and a physician was sent for, but he
+would not permit him to see him. He was therefore obliged to prescribe
+from a report of his symptoms. His youngest daughter begged permission
+to see him, but the stern father refused. In March, 1802, he died,
+leaving a property estimated at a million of dollars. His diamonds alone
+were worth thirty thousand pounds!
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THOMAS GUY.
+
+
+This gentleman was bred a bookseller, and began trade in the city of
+London, with no more than two hundred pounds. By his industry and
+uncommon frugality, but more particularly by purchasing seamen's tickets
+in Queen Anne's wars, and by speculations in the South Sea stock, in the
+memorable year 1720, he amassed an immense fortune.
+
+In proof of his penurious disposition, it is recorded of him that he
+invariably dined alone, and a soiled proof sheet, or an old newspaper,
+was his common substitute for a table-cloth. One winter evening, as he
+was sitting in his room, meditating over a handful of half-lighted
+embers confined within the narrow precincts of a brick stove, and
+without any candle, a person, who came to inquire for him, was
+introduced, and, after the first compliments were passed and the guest
+requested to take a seat, Mr. Guy lighted a farthing candle which lay on
+the table by him, and desired to know the purport of the gentleman's
+visit.
+
+The stranger was the famous Vulture Hopkins, characterized by Pope in
+his satires. "I have been told," said Hopkins, "that you, sir, are
+better versed in the prudent and necessary art of saving than any man
+now living, and I therefore wait upon you for a lesson of frugality; an
+art in which I used to think I excelled, but I have been told by all who
+know you, that you are greatly my superior." "And is that all you are
+come about?" said Guy; "why, then, we can talk this matter over in the
+dark." So saying, he extinguished his new-lighted farthing candle.
+Struck with this instance of economy, Hopkins acknowledged that he was
+convinced of Guy's superior thrift, and took his leave.
+
+The penuriousness of this singular man seemed, however, to have for its
+object the indulgence of a systematic benevolence. He was the founder of
+a celebrated institution called Guy's Hospital, which cost him nearly
+100,000 dollars, and, at his death, he endowed it with a fund amounting
+to a million of dollars. Nor were his benefactions confined to this
+institution. He made provision for his poor relations, founded a
+hospital at Tamworth, and made various donations for benevolent and
+charitable objects. He died in 1724, at the age of 81 years, having
+never been married.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+OLD PARR.
+
+
+The extreme limit of human life, and the art of attaining it, has
+attracted the attention of mankind in ancient as well as modern times.
+Cornaro, an Italian, who died at the age of one hundred and four years,
+in 1566, wrote several treatises on this subject, the purpose of which
+was to prove that sobriety of life is the great secret of longevity. He
+shows that in his own case he restored a constitution prostrated by
+indulgence, to health and vigor. One of his papers was written at the
+age of ninety-five, and is commended by Addison in the 195th paper of
+the Spectator.
+
+Sir George Baker gives us the history of a remarkable restoration of a
+constitution broken down by indulgence, in the case of Thomas Wood, a
+miller of Essex, England. He had been long addicted to high living and
+the free use of fermented liquors, but, at the age of forty-five,
+finding himself overwhelmed with a complication of painful disorders, he
+set about changing his mode of life. He gradually became abstemious in
+his diet, and in 1765 he began to drink nothing but water. Finding
+himself one day better without taking any liquid, he at last took leave
+of drinking altogether, and from October, 1765, to the time when Sir
+George Baker's account was drawn up, in August, 1771, he had not tasted
+a drop of water, or any other liquid, except in one instance. During all
+this period his health seemed to improve, under the strict regimen he
+had adopted.
+
+The oldest man of whom we have any account in modern times, was Henry
+Jenkins, who resided in Bolton, Yorkshire. The only history we have of
+him was given by Mrs. Saville, who conversed with him, and made
+inquiries respecting him of several aged persons in the vicinity. He was
+twelve years old at the time the battle of Flodden Field was fought, in
+1513, and he died, December 8th, 1670. He was, therefore, 169 years old
+when he died.
+
+Of the celebrated Thomas Parr, we have a more particular account,
+furnished by Taylor, the Waterman, or Water-poet, as he is usually
+called. This is entitled "The Olde, Olde, very Olde Man; or the Age and
+Long Life of Thomas Parr, &c." It appears that the Earl of Arundel,
+being in Thropshire, heard of Parr, who was then, 1635, one hundred and
+fifty-two years old. Being interested in this extraordinary case of
+longevity, the earl caused Parr to be brought to London, upon a litter
+borne by two horses. His daughter-in-law, named Lucy, attended him, and,
+"to cheer up the olde man, and make him merry, there was an
+antique-faced fellow, called Jacke, or John the Foole," of the party.
+Parr was taken to court, and presented to Charles I. He died in London
+soon after his arrival, and was buried in Westminster Abbey, 1635.
+
+Whether Parr's long life was greatly lengthened beyond that of ordinary
+men by a peculiar mode of living, we have not the means of telling. It
+is probable that there was something peculiar in his constitution. His
+body was dissected after death, and all the organs were found in a
+perfect state. We are also informed by an eye-witness, that
+
+  "From head to heel, his body had all over
+  A quick-set, thick-set, nat'ral hairy cover."
+
+We may here mention an instance of longevity attained by an individual
+who spent his whole life in London. This was Thomas Laugher, who was
+born in 1700. His father died at the age of 97, and his mother at the
+age of 108. Though he was a liquor dealer during the early part of his
+life, yet he drank only milk, water, coffee, and tea. After a severe fit
+of illness at the age of eighty, he had a fresh head of hair, and new
+nails, both on his fingers and toes. He had a son who died at the age of
+eighty, some years before him, whom he called "Poor Tommy," and who
+appeared much older than his father. Laugher was greatly respected for
+his gentle manners and uninterrupted cheerfulness. He died at the age of
+107. We have placed a sketch of him at the head of this article.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+O'BRIEN.
+
+
+That men of extraordinary stature, called giants, have frequently
+existed, we know, but there is no good reason to believe that the
+general stature of man was ever different from what it now is. If men
+were either smaller or larger than they are, they would be ill
+proportioned to the condition of things around them; beside, those of
+extraordinary height have usually a feeble pulse, and short lives.
+Those greatly below the usual stature, generally die early. It is fair
+to infer from these facts, that the present average height of man is the
+permanent standard. Among the mummies of Egypt, or the ancient remains
+of mankind found in other countries, there appears to be no general
+deviation from the common height.
+
+Of the individual instances of great stature, Patrick O'Brien, born in
+the county of Kinsale, Ireland, in 1761, affords a memorable instance.
+He was put to the trade of a bricklayer, but such was his height at
+eighteen, that he was taken to England, and shown as the Irish giant. At
+twenty-five he attained the height of eight feet and seven inches; and,
+though not well made, his bulk was proportioned to his height. He
+continued to exhibit himself for several years, when, having realized an
+independence, he retired to the vicinity of Epping forest, where he
+died, in 1806. He was peculiarly mild and gentle in his character and
+manners. His body was enclosed in a leaden coffin, 9 feet 2 inches long,
+and to prevent any attempt to disturb his remains, his grave, by his own
+direction, was sunk twelve feet in the solid rock.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+MAXAMILLIAN CHRISTOPHER MILLER.
+
+
+This man was born at Leipsic, in 1694, and finally attained the height
+of eight feet. He travelled through Europe, being exhibited as a giant.
+He went to England in 1733, where he attracted attention by his great
+size, his enormous head and face, and his fantastic attire. His hand
+measured a foot, and his finger nine inches. He died in London, in 1734,
+aged 40.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HUYALAS.
+
+
+It was formerly said that the Patagonians were a race of giants, but it
+seems that they are but little larger than other races of men. South
+America appears to furnish its share of persons of extraordinary height.
+An instance is furnished in Basileo Huyalas, who was a native Indian of
+Peru, and was brought from the city of Ica to Lima, in May, 1792, to be
+exhibited on account of his enormous stature and extraordinary
+appearance.
+
+His height was seven feet two inches and a half: his head, and the upper
+parts of his body, were monstrous. His arms were of such length as to
+touch his knees, when he stood erect. His whole weight was 360 pounds.
+At this period he was twenty-four years old. The annexed sketch gives a
+good idea of his appearance.
+
+We are furnished with an account of a giant of New Grenada, an Indian,
+named Pedro Cano, who was seven feet five and a half inches high. His
+shoe was half a yard in length!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THOMAS TOPHAM.
+
+
+This man, whose feats of strength might have figured with those of the
+heroes of Homer, was born in London, about the year 1710. He was bred a
+carpenter, and attained the height of five feet ten inches, being well
+proportioned in other respects. At the age of twenty-four, he took a
+tavern on the city road, and displayed his extraordinary powers in the
+gymnastic exhibitions then common at Moorfields. He was here accustomed
+to stop a horse by pulling against him, his feet being placed against a
+low wall. A table six feet long, with half a hundred weight upon it, he
+lifted with his teeth, and held it for some time in a horizontal
+position!
+
+His fame for strength spread over the country, and his performances
+excited universal wonder. He would throw a horse over a turnpike gate,
+carry the beam of a house as a soldier his firelock, break a rope
+capable of sustaining twenty-two hundred weight, and bend a bar of iron
+an inch in diameter by striking it against his naked arm, into a bow! On
+one occasion, he found a watchman asleep in his box; he took them both
+on his shoulder, and carried them to the river, where he tipped them
+into the water. In May, 1741, he lifted three hogsheads of water,
+weighing 1836 pounds!
+
+Though possessed of such wonderful strength, Topham was of a mild and
+pacific temper. His mind does not appear to have possessed the energy of
+his body, for, being deceived by a faithless woman, he resorted to the
+desperate resolution of taking his own life, and died by suicide in the
+flower of his age.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FOSTER POWELL.
+
+
+This famous pedestrian was born near Leeds, in 1734. In 1762, he came to
+London, and articled himself to an attorney in the Temple. After the
+expiration of his clerkship, he was in the service of different persons,
+and in 1764, he walked fifty miles on the Bath road, in seven hours. He
+now visited several parts of Switzerland and France, where he gained
+much praise as a pedestrian. In 1773, he walked from London to York,
+and back again, upon a wager, a distance of 402 miles, in five days and
+eighteen hours. In 1778, he attempted to run two miles in ten minutes,
+but lost it by half a minute.
+
+In 1787, he undertook to walk from Canterbury to London bridge and back
+again, in twenty-four hours, the distance being 112 miles, and he
+accomplished it, to the great astonishment of thousands of spectators.
+He performed many other extraordinary feats, and died in 1793. Though he
+had great opportunities of amassing money, he was careless of wealth,
+and died in indigent circumstances. His disposition was mild and gentle,
+and he had many friends.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOSEPH CLARK.
+
+
+In a work devoted to the curiosities of human nature, we must not omit
+Joseph Clark, of London, a man whose suppleness of body rendered him the
+wonder of his time. Though he was well made, and rather gross than thin,
+he could easily exhibit every species of deformity. The powers of his
+face were even more extraordinary than the flexibility of his body. He
+would suddenly transform himself so completely as not to be recognised
+by his familiar acquaintances. He could dislocate almost any of the
+joints of his body, and he often amused himself by imposing upon people
+in this way.
+
+He once dislocated the vertebrae of his back and other parts of his body,
+in such a manner, that Molins, the famous surgeon, before whom he
+appeared as a patient, was shocked at the sight, and would not even
+attempt his cure. On one occasion, he ordered a coat of a tailor. When
+the latter measured him, he had an enormous hump on his left shoulder;
+when the coat came to be tried on, the hump was shifted to the right
+side! The tailor expressed great astonishment, begged a thousand
+pardons, and altered the coat as quickly as possible. When he again
+tried it on, the deformity appeared in the middle of his back!
+
+Of the life of this remarkable person, we have few details, and we can
+only add that he died about the year 1700.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+EDWARD BRIGHT.
+
+
+This individual, who was remarkable for his great size, combined with
+active habits, was born in Essex, England, about the year 1720. He
+weighed 144 pounds at the age of twelve years. When he grew to manhood,
+he established himself as a grocer at Malden, about forty miles from
+London. He gradually increased in size, till he weighed nearly 500
+pounds. He was still industrious and active in his mode of life, riding
+on horseback, and walking with ease. He paid close attention to his
+business, and went frequently to London to purchase goods.
+
+At the age of twenty-three, he was married, and had five children. He
+was cheerful and good-natured, a kind husband, a tender father, a good
+master, and an honest man. When thirty years of age, he was taken with
+fever, and died, November 10th, 1750. At the period of his death he
+weighed 616 pounds.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+DANIEL LAMBERT.
+
+
+This individual was born at Leicester, England, in 1770, and was
+apprenticed to the business of a die sinker and engraver. He afterwards
+succeeded his father as keeper of the prison; and from this period, his
+size began to increase in a remarkable degree. In this situation he
+continued for some years, and so exemplary was his conduct, that when
+his office was taken away, in consequence of some new arrangements, he
+received an annuity of fifty pounds for life, as a mark of esteem, and
+the universal satisfaction he had given in the discharge of his duties.
+
+His size increased to such a degree, that he was an object of universal
+wonder, and was at last persuaded to exhibit himself in London. Here he
+was visited by crowds of people, and, among the rest, by Count
+Boruwlaski, the Polish dwarf. The contrast between the two must have
+been striking indeed; for as Lambert was the largest man ever known, so
+the count was one of the smallest. The one weighed 739 pounds, and the
+other probably not over 60. Here were the two extremes of human stature.
+
+In general, the health of Lambert was good, his sleep sound, his
+respiration free. His countenance was manly and intelligent; he
+possessed great information, much ready politeness, and conversed with
+ease and propriety. It is remarkable that he was an excellent singer,
+his voice being a melodious tenor, and his articulation clear and
+unembarrassed. He took several tours through the principal cities and
+towns of Great Britain, retaining his health and spirits till within a
+day of his death, which took place in June, 1809. His measure round the
+body was 9 feet 4 inches, and a suit of clothes cost him a hundred
+dollars!
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JEFFREY HUDSON.
+
+
+In the early ages of the world, when knowledge chiefly depends upon
+tradition, it is natural for mankind to people the universe with a
+thousand imaginary beings. Hence the stories of dragons, giants, and
+dwarfs, all of which have some foundation in reality; but when these are
+scrutinized, the dragon becomes only some wild beast of the forest, the
+giant is a man of uncommon size, and the dwarf of uncommon littleness.
+
+We have already given some account of giants: we must say a few words in
+respect to dwarfs. These have never been known to be distinguished for
+their talents, though their figures are often perfectly well formed.
+They have generally one trait in common with children--a high opinion of
+their own little persons, and great vanity. In the middle ages, and even
+down to a much later period, dwarfs were a fashionable appendage to
+royal courts and the families of nobles.
+
+Among the most celebrated of this class of persons was Jeffrey Hudson,
+born at Oakham, England, in 1619. At seven years of age, he was taken
+into the service of the Duke of Buckingham, being then but eighteen
+inches high. He afterwards was taken into the service of the queen of
+Charles I., who sent him to the continent on several confidential
+commissions. His size never exceeded three feet nine inches, but he
+possessed a good share of spirit, and, on the breaking out of the civil
+wars, he became a captain of horse.
+
+On one occasion, he went to sea, and was taken by a Turkish corsair, and
+sold for a slave; but he was fortunately ransomed, and enabled to return
+to England. When the infamous Titus Oates pretended to reveal a plot
+against the king, Charles II., Hudson was one of the suspected persons,
+and, in consequence, lay some time in prison. He was at length released,
+and died in 1678.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+JOSEPH BORUWLASKI.
+
+
+This little personage was one of the most famous and agreeable of the
+pigmy race to which he belonged. He was a native of Poland, and, on
+account of his diminutive size, was early taken under the care of a lady
+of rank. She soon married, however, and he was transferred to the
+Countess Humieska, and accompanied her to her residence in Podolia. Here
+he remained for six months, and then attended the countess on a tour of
+pleasure through Germany and France. At Vienna, he was presented to the
+empress queen, Maria Theresa, being then fifteen years old. Her majesty
+was pleased to say that he was the most astonishing being she ever saw.
+
+She took him into her lap, and asked him what he thought most curious
+and interesting at Vienna. "I have observed nothing," said the little
+count, smartly, "so wonderful as to see such a little man on the lap of
+so great a woman." This delighted the queen, and, taking a fine diamond
+from the finger of a child five or six years old, who was present,
+placed it on his finger. This child was Marie Antoinette, afterwards
+queen of France; and it may be easily imagined that Boruwlaski preserved
+the jewel, which was a very splendid one, with religious care.
+
+From Vienna, they proceeded to Munich and other German cities, the
+little companion of the countess everywhere exciting the greatest
+interest and curiosity. At Luneville, they met with Bebe, a famous
+French dwarf. A friendship immediately commenced between the two little
+men, but Bebe was four inches the tallest, and Boruwlaski, being
+therefore the smaller of the two, was the greatest wonder. He was also
+remarkable for his amiable and cheerful manners. These things excited
+the jealousy of Bebe, and he determined to take revenge. One day, when
+they were alone, slily approaching his rival, he caught him by the
+waist, and endeavored to push him into the fire. Boruwlaski sustained
+himself against his adversary, till the servants, alarmed by the noise
+of the scuffle, came in and rescued him. Bebe was now chastised and
+disgraced with the king, his master, and soon after died of
+mortification and spleen.
+
+The travellers now proceeded to Paris, where they passed more than a
+year, indulging in all the gaieties of that gay city. They were
+entertained by the royal family and the principal nobility. M. Bouret,
+renowned for his ambition and extravagance, gave a sumptuous
+entertainment in honor of Boruwlaski, at which all the table service,
+plates, knives and forks, were of a size suited to the guest. The chief
+dishes consisted of ortolans and other small game.
+
+The countess and her charge returned to Warsaw, where they resided for
+many years. At twenty-five the count fell in love with a French actress,
+but she made sport of his passion, and his little heart was nearly
+broken. When he was forty years old, the black eyes of Isalina
+Barboutan, a domestic companion of the countess, again disturbed his
+peace; he declared his affection, but was again rejected. He, however,
+persevered, even against the injunctions of his patroness. She was so
+much offended with his obstinacy, that she ordered him to leave her
+house forever, and sent Isalina home to her parents.
+
+He now applied to prince Casimir, and, through his recommendation, was
+taken under the patronage of the king. Continuing his addresses to
+Isalina Barboutan, he was accepted, and they were soon after married. By
+the recommendation of his friends, he set out in 1780 to exhibit himself
+in the principal cities in Europe. His wife accompanied him, and, about
+a year after their marriage, presented her husband with a daughter.
+
+Passing through the great cities of Germany and France, the count
+arrived in London, where he was liberally patronized. He not only had
+exhibitions of his person, but he gave concerts which were well
+attended. In 1788, he wrote his life, which was published in an octavo
+volume, and was patronized by a long list of nobility. He at last
+acquired a competence, and retired to Durham with his family, where he
+spent the remainder of his days, and died at the age of nearly 100
+years. He had several children, and lived happily with his wife, though
+it is said, that, in an interview with Daniel Lambert, he remarked that
+she used to set him on the mantel-piece, whenever he displeased her.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE SIAMESE TWINS.
+
+
+In the year 1829, Captain Coffin, of the American ship Sachem, arrived
+in the United States, with two youths, born in the kingdom of Siam, and
+united by a strong gristly ligature at the breast. Their names were Eng
+and Chang, and they were natives of Maklong, a village on the coast of
+Siam. They were born in May, 1811, of Chinese parents, who were in
+humble circumstances. They were engaged in fishing, keeping poultry, and
+manufacturing cocoa-nut oil, till they left their country. When they
+arrived, they were five feet two inches in height, well made, and
+muscular. They have been known to carry a person weighing 280 pounds.
+
+The band that united these two persons was a cartilaginous substance, an
+eighth of an inch thick, and an inch and a half wide. It was flexible,
+and permitted the youths to turn in either direction. It was covered
+with skin, and seemed to be without pulsation. It was very strong, and
+of so little sensibility, that it might be smartly pulled, without
+seeming to give uneasiness. When touched in the centre, it was equally
+felt by both; but at half an inch from the centre, it was felt by only
+one.
+
+They were agile, could walk or run with swiftness, and could swim well.
+Their intellectual powers were acute; they played at chess and draughts
+remarkably well, but never against each other. Their feelings were warm
+and affectionate, and their conduct amiable and well-regulated. They
+never entered into conversation with each other, beyond a simple remark
+made by one to the other, which seemed to be rationally accounted for by
+the fact, that, their experience being all in common, they had nothing
+to communicate. The attempt has frequently been made to engage them in
+separate conversations with different individuals, but always without
+success, as they are invariably inclined to direct their attention to
+the same thing at the same time.
+
+In their movements perfect equanimity is observed; the one always
+concurring with the other, so that they appear as if actuated by a
+common mind. In their employments and amusements, they have never been
+known to utter an angry word towards each other. Whatever pleases or
+displeases one, has the same effect on the other. They feel hunger and
+thirst at the same time, and the quantity of food taken by them as
+nearly alike as possible. Both feel the desire to sleep simultaneously,
+and they always awake at the same moment. Upon the possibility of
+separating them with safety, there is some difference of opinion among
+medical men.
+
+These two youths excited an extraordinary sensation upon their arrival
+in this country. For three or four years, they were exhibited here, and
+in Europe, and, finally, having obtained a competence, they purchased a
+farm in North Carolina, and established themselves as planters, where
+they still reside. They furnish the only instance in which two
+individuals have been thus united, and their case has probably excited
+more interest than any other freak of nature that has ever happened.
+
+The most curious part of the story of Eng and Chang, is, that on the
+13th of April, 1843, they were married to two sisters, Sarah and
+Adelaide Yeates, of Wilkes county, North Carolina!
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES:
+
+
+  [Footnote A: Sparks' Biography.]
+
+  [Footnote B: We have been informed that Mr. Catlin, in his excursions
+  among the western Indians, often met with tribes who had known Hunter,
+  and their accounts corroborated that which the latter gave in his
+  book.]
+
+
+
+TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES:
+
+
+  Text in italics is surrounded with underscores: _italics_.
+
+  Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.
+
+  Inconsistencies in spelling, hyphenation, and capitalization have
+  been retained from the original.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Curiosities of Human Nature, by Anonymous
+
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