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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-23 07:15:09 -0800 |
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| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-01-23 07:15:09 -0800 |
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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..dc55de1 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #64767 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/64767) diff --git a/old/64767-0.txt b/old/64767-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4b7ee75..0000000 --- a/old/64767-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8468 +0,0 @@ -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 64767 *** - -THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER: - -DEVOTED TO EVERY DEPARTMENT OF LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS. - - -Au gré de nos desirs bien plus qu'au gré des vents. - _Crebillon's Electre_. - -As _we_ will, and not as the winds will. - - -RICHMOND: -T. W. WHITE, PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR. -1835-6. - - -{1} - - -SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER. - -VOL. II. RICHMOND, DECEMBER, 1835. NO. 1. - -T. W. WHITE, PROPRIETOR. FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. - - - - -PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. - - -The gentleman, referred to in the ninth number of the Messenger, as -filling its editorial chair, retired thence with the eleventh number; -and the intellectual department of the paper is now under the conduct -of the Proprietor, assisted by a gentleman of distinguished literary -talents. Thus seconded, he is sanguine in the hope of rendering the -second volume which the present number commences, _at least_ as -deserving of support as the former was: nay, if he reads aright the -tokens which are given him of the future, it teems with even richer -banquets for his readers, than they have hitherto enjoyed at his -board. - -Some of the contributors, whose effusions have received the largest -share of praise from critics, and (what is better still) have been -read with most pleasure by that larger, unsophisticated class, whom -Sterne loved for reading, and being pleased "they knew not why, and -care not wherefore"--may be expected to continue their favors. Among -these, we hope to be pardoned for singling out the name of Mr. EDGAR -A. POE; not with design to make any invidious distinction, but because -such a mention of him finds numberless precedents in the journals on -every side, which have rung the praises of his uniquely original vein -of imagination, and of humorous, delicate satire. We wish that decorum -did not forbid our specifying other names also, which would afford -ample guarantee for the fulfilment of larger promises than ours: but -it may not be; and of our other contributors, all we can say is--"by -their fruits ye shall know them." - -It is a part of our present plan, to insert _all original -communications_ as editorial; that is, simply to omit the words "For -the Southern Literary Messenger" at the head of such articles:--unless -the contributor shall especially desire to have that caption prefixed, -or there be something which requires it in the nature of the article -itself. _Selected articles_, of course, will bear some appropriate -token of their origin. - -With this brief salutation to patrons and readers, we gird up -ourselves for entering upon the work of another year, with zeal and -energy increased, by the recollection of kindness, and by the hopes of -still greater success. - - - - -SKETCHES OF THE HISTORY - -AND PRESENT CONDITION OF TRIPOLI, WITH SOME ACCOUNTS OF THE OTHER -BARBARY STATES. - -NO. IX.--(Continued.) - - -About this period commenced those differences between France and the -Algerine Government, which led to the overthrow of the latter, and the -establishment of the French in Northern Africa; the circumstances -which occasioned the dispute were however of much older date. - -Between 1793 and 1798 the French Government on several occasions -obtained from the Dey and merchants of Algiers, large quantities of -grain on credit, for the subsistence of its armies in Italy, and the -supply of the Southern Department where a great scarcity then -prevailed. The creditors endeavored to have their claims on this -account satisfied by the Directory, but that incapable and rapacious -Government had neither the principle to admit, nor the ability to -discharge such demands; every species of chicanery was in consequence -employed by it in evading them, until the rupture with Turkey produced -by the expedition to Egypt placing the Barbary States either really or -apparently at war with the French Republic, a pretext was thus -afforded for deferring their settlement indefinitely. Under the -Consular _regime_ however, a treaty of peace was concluded with -Algiers on the 17th of December 1801, by the thirteenth article of -which, the Government of each State engaged to cause payment to be -made of all debts due by itself or its subjects to the Government or -subjects of the other; the former political and commercial relations -between the two countries were re-established, and the Dey restored to -France the territories and privileges called the _African -Concessions_, which had been seized by him on the breaking out of the -war. This treaty was ratified by the Dey on the 5th of April 1802, and -after examination of the claims on both sides, the French Government -acknowledged itself debtor for a large amount to the Jewish mercantile -house of Bacri and Busnach of Algiers, as representing the African -creditors. Of the sum thus acknowledged to be due, only a very small -portion was paid, and the Dey Hadji Ali seeing no other means of -obtaining the remainder, in 1809 seized upon the _Concessions_; they -were however of little value to France at that time, when her flag was -never seen in the Mediterranean, and their confiscation merely served -as a pretext for withholding farther payment. In 1813, when the star -of Napoleon began to wane, and he found it necessary to assume at -least the appearance of honesty, he declared that measures would be -taken for the adjustment of the Algerine claims; but he fell without -redeeming his promise, and on the distribution of his spoils, the -Jewish merchants had not interest enough to obtain their rightful -portion, which amounted to fourteen millions of francs. - -Upon the return of the Bourbons to the throne of France, the -government of that country became desirous to renew its former -intercourse with the Barbary States, and to regain its ancient -establishments and privileges in their territories, which were -considered important from political as well as commercial motives. For -this purpose, M. Deval a person who was educated in the East and had -been long attached to the French Embassy at Constantinople, was -appointed Consul General of France in Barbary, and sent to Algiers -with powers to negotiate. The first result of this mission, was a -convention which has never been officially published; however in -consequence of it the _African Concessions_ were restored to France, -together with the exclusive right of fishing for coral on the coasts -in their vicinity {2} and various commercial privileges; in return for -which the French were to pay annually to Algiers, the sum of sixty -thousand francs. It appears also to have been understood between the -parties, that no fortifications were to be erected within the ceded -territories in addition to those already standing, and that -arrangements should be speedily made for the examination and -settlement of all their claims on both sides, not only of those for -which provision was made in the treaty of 1801, but also of such as -were founded on subsequent occurrences; after this mutual adjustment -the treaty of 1801 confirming all former treaties was to be in force. - -The annual sum required by Omar for the _Concessions_, was much -greater than any which had been previously paid for them by France; -Hussein however immediately on his elevation to the throne, raised it -to two hundred thousand francs, and he moreover declared, that the -debt acknowledged to be due to his subjects must be paid, before any -notice were taken of claims which were still liable to be contested. -In opposition to these demands, the French endeavored to prove their -right to the territories of Calle and Bastion de France by reference -to ancient treaties both with Algiers and the Porte, in which no -mention is made of payment for them; with regard to the claims, they -insisted that the only just mode of settlement, was by admitting into -one statement all the demands which could be established on either -side, and then balancing the account. The Dey however remained firm in -his resolution, and exhibited signs of preparation to expel the French -from the _Concessions_, when their government yielded the point -concerning the amount to be annually paid. - -A compromise was made respecting the claims between the French -Government and the Agents of the Algerines, on the 28th of October, -1819; as the articles of this agreement have never been published, its -terms are only to be gathered from the declarations of the French -Ministers in the Legislative Chambers, and the semi-official -communications in the _Moniteur_ the organ of the Government. From -these it appears that the French Government acknowledged itself -indebted for the sum of seven millions of francs, to Messrs. Bacri and -Busnach, which was to be received by them in full discharge of claims -on the part of Algiers, under the thirteenth article of the treaty of -1801; from this sum however was to be retained a sufficiency to cover -the demands of French subjects against Algiers under the same article, -which demands were to be substantiated by the Courts of Law of France; -finally, each party was to settle the claims of its own subjects -against the other, founded on occurrences subsequent to the conclusion -of the said treaty. The French historical writers affect to consider -this arrangement entirely as a private affair between their Government -and the Jewish merchants, and indeed the Ministry endeavored at first -to represent it in that light to the Legislature; but they were forced -to abandon this ground when they communicated its stipulations, and -the Minister of Foreign Affairs declared in the Chamber of Deputies, -that the Dey had formally accepted it on the 12th of April 1820, and -had admitted that the treaty of 1801 was thereby fully executed. - -In order to comply with this arrangement, a bill requiring an -appropriation of seven millions of francs was in June, 1820, submitted -by the French Ministry to the Legislative Chambers, in both of which -its adoption was resisted by the small minority then opposed to the -Government. The debates on this occasion are worthy of notice, as many -of the arguments advanced against the appropriation, have been since -employed to defeat the bill for executing the treaty of 1831 by which -the United States were to be indemnified for the injuries inflicted on -their commerce by Napoleon. The claims against France were in both -cases pronounced _antiquated_ and _obsolete_ [_vieilles reclamations, -créances dechues_] and the fact that they had long remained unsettled, -was thus deemed sufficient to authorize their indefinite postponement. -The great diminution to which the creditors had assented, was -considered as affording strong presumption that their demands were -destitute of foundation; and the probability that many of the claims, -had been purchased at a low price by the actual holders, from the -persons with whom the contracts were originally made, was gravely -alleged as a reason for not satisfying them. The advantages secured to -France by each Convention were examined in detail, and compared with -the sums required for extinguishing the debts; and the Ministry were -in both cases censured for not having obtained more in return for -their payment. It is not surprising to hear such sentiments avowed by -men educated in the service of Napoleon, but it is painful to find -them supported by others distinguished for their literary merits, and -for their exertions in the cause of liberty. - -The bill for the appropriation of the seven millions of francs, was -passed by a large majority in both Chambers, the influence of the -Crown being at that period overwhelming. Four millions and a half were -in consequence paid within the ensuing three years to the Jewish -merchants, who having thus received the whole amount of their own -demands retired to Italy; the remaining two and a half millions were -retained by the Government of France in order to secure the discharge -of the claims of its subjects, under the treaty of 1801, which were -yet pending in the Courts of the Kingdom. At the retention of this -sum, the Dey was, or affected to be at first much surprised, and he -insisted that the Government should hasten the decisions of the -Courts; however as years passed by without any signs of approach to a -definitive settlement, his impatience became uncontrollable. Moreover -in addition to the annoyance occasioned by this constant postponement, -he was much dissatisfied, on account of the fortifications which the -French were erecting at Calle, contrary as he insisted to the -understanding between the parties at the time of its cession. To his -observations and inquiries on both these subjects he received answers -from the French Consul which were generally evasive and often -insulting, until at length wearied by delays and having strong reason -to believe that M. Deval had a personal interest in creating obstacles -to an adjustment of the difficulties, he determined to address the -French Government directly. Accordingly in 1826 he wrote a letter to -the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that country, in which after -indignantly expressing his sense of the conduct of the French -Government, in the retention of this large sum and the erection of -fortresses in the _Concessions_, he required that the remainder of the -seven millions should be immediately paid into his own hands, {3} and -that the French claimants should then submit their demands to him for -adjustment. - -No notice having been taken of the Dey's letter, the Algerine cruisers -began to search French vessels in a manner contrary to the terms of -existing treaties, and to plunder those of the Papal States which were -by a Convention to be respected as French. Besides these acts of -violence the Dey shortly after issued a proclamation declaring that -all nations would be permitted on the same terms to fish for coral -near the coasts of his Regency. M. Deval complained of these -proceedings at a public audience on the 27th of April, 1827; Hussein -in reply haughtily declared that he had been provoked to them by the -bad faith of the French, and that he should no longer allow them to -have a cannon in his territories, nor to enjoy a single peculiar -privilege; he then demanded why his letter to the French Ministry had -not been answered, and when M. Deval stated that his Government could -only communicate with that of Algiers through himself, he was so much -enraged that he seized a large fan from one of the attendants, with -which he struck the representative of France several times before he -could leave the apartment. - -As soon as the French Government was informed of this outrage, a -schooner was despatched to Algiers with orders to M. Deval to quit the -place instantly; a squadron was also sent in the same direction, under -the command of Commodore Collet who was charged to require -satisfaction from the Dey. The schooner arrived in Algiers on the 11th -of June, and M. Deval embarked in her on the same day, together with -the other French subjects resident in the place, leaving the affairs -of his office under the care of the Sardinian Consul. At the entrance -of the bay the schooner met the French squadron, consisting of a ship -of the line, two frigates and a corvette; M. Deval then joined the -Commodore, and after consultation between them as to the nature and -mode of the reparation to be demanded, the schooner was sent back to -Algiers with a note containing what was declared to be the _ultimatum_ -of the French Government. This note was presented to Hussein on the -14th; in it the Dey was required to apologize for the offence -committed against the dignity of France, by the insult to its -representative; and in order to make the apology the more striking and -complete, it was to be delivered on board the Commodore's ship, by the -Minister of Marine, in the presence of M. Deval, and of all the -foreign Consuls resident in Algiers, whose attendance was to be -requested; the French flag was then to be displayed on the Casauba and -principal forts, and M. Deval was to receive a salute of one hundred -and ten guns. - -The policy as well as the generosity of requiring such humiliating -concessions from the Government of any country, may be questioned, but -it is certainly hazardous to make the demand unless it be accompanied -by the display of a force calculated to insure immediate compliance. -Decatur indeed with a force perhaps inferior to that of Collet, -propounded terms to Omar Dey in 1815, which were really much more -onerous to Algiers than those offered on the present occasion by the -French; they were accepted, and it is therefore needless to inquire -what would have been his course in the other alternative. Collet was -not so fortunate; his demands were rejected with scorn and defiance by -Hussein, who added that if the Commodore did not within twenty-four -hours land and treat with him on the subjects in dispute between the -two nations, he should consider himself at war with France. The French -Commander did not think proper to comply with this invitation, and -declared the place in a state of blockade, under the expectation -probably that the distress produced by such a measure, might occasion -discontent and commotions which would either oblige the Dey to lower -his tone, or lead to the destruction of so refractory an enemy. -Recollecting however what had occurred at Bona in May 1816, he adopted -the precaution of sending vessels to the various establishments in the -_Concessions_, in order to bring away the Europeans who were there, -under the protection of the French flag; these vessels succeeded in -rescuing the people, who were transported to Corsica, but their -dwellings and magazines were rifled by the Bey of the Province, who -had just received orders to that effect, and the fortifications at -Calle were entirely destroyed. - -The preceding account of the circumstances which led to the war -between France and Algiers, will be found by comparison to vary -considerably from those given by the French historical writers, and to -be defective and unsatisfactory with regard to several important -particulars, which are stated by them with great apparent clearness -and confidence. To these objections, only general replies can be made; -this account has been drawn entirely from original sources, and where -they failed to supply the requisite information, silence has been -preferred to the introduction of statements on doubtful authority. The -only publications on the subject which may be termed official, are the -declarations of the French Ministers contained in the Reports of the -Debates in the Legislative Chambers, and the articles on the subject -in question inserted from time to time in the _Moniteur_, the avowed -organ of the Government. From the Algerines we have nothing. The -conventions of which the alleged non-fulfilment occasioned this -rupture have been withheld by the French Ministry; no account has been -given of the claims against Algiers brought before the French Courts, -of the causes which retarded the decisions respecting them, of the -amount demanded or awarded; without precise information as to these -particulars, it is impossible to form a correct judgment of the case. -This silence and the vagueness and reserve so apparent in the -communications of the French Government, on the subject, are certainly -calculated to create suspicions, as to its sincerity in maintaining -its engagements, and these suspicions are increased by an examination -of its conduct throughout the whole affair. - -It would be incompatible with the character or plan of these Sketches, -to give a review of the proceedings of the French Government; the -impression produced on the mind of the author, by a diligent study of -the case, is that the parties in the dispute mistrusted the intentions -of each other. The French were anxious to make permanent -establishments on the coast of Northern Africa, which Hussein who had -much more definite ideas of policy than perhaps any of his -predecessors, determined from the commencement of his reign to oppose; -before resorting to violent measures however, he wished to secure the -payment of the large debt {4} due to himself and his subjects. The -French having good reason from his conduct, to apprehend that as soon -as he had received the whole of the sum, which they had engaged to -pay, he would find some pretext to expel them from his dominions, may -have had recourse to the old expedient of withholding a part, in order -that he might be restrained from aggressions by the fear of losing it. -We have no means of ascertaining the share which M. Deval may have had -in producing or increasing the difficulties, but there is reason to -believe that it was not inconsiderable; his conduct is admitted to -have been highly imprudent and indeed improper, even by the best -French authorities, and it was condemned as dishonorable by the Dey, -as well as by the most respectable portion of the Consular body at -Algiers. - -Before entering upon the events of this war it will be proper to -advert to the situation of the other Barbary States, and to notice the -principal occurrences which transpired in them about this period. - -It would be uninteresting to recount all the attempts made by the -inferior powers of Europe to preserve peace with the Barbary -Regencies; sufficient has been said to demonstrate the vainness of the -expectation that the rulers of those states would be restrained from -any course which promised to be immediately beneficial to their -interests, by regard for engagements however solemnly taken. The King -of the Netherlands by a judicious display of firmness in 1824, -succeeded in preventing his country from being rendered tributary to -Algiers; but he, as well as the sovereigns of Sweden and Denmark, -continued to pay large annual sums to Tunis and Tripoli. - -In Tunis, no events of much importance transpired during the reign of -Mahmoud, which have not been already mentioned. The Regency continued -at peace with foreign nations, and its situation was in general -prosperous, notwithstanding the desolation produced by a plague in -1818, an extensive conspiracy headed by the Prime Minister in 1820, -and the frequent contests between the adherents of Hassan and Mustapha -the two sons of the Bey. Mahmoud at length died quietly on the 28th of -March 1824, and Hassan succeeded without opposition. - -A short time previous to the death of Mahmoud, some alterations not -very material indeed, yet favorable on the whole to the United States, -were made in the treaty concluded between their Government and that of -Tunis in 1797. One of the amended articles provides--that no American -merchant vessel shall be detained against the will of her captain in a -Tunisian port, unless such port be closed for vessels of all nations, -and that no American vessel of war should be so detained under any -circumstances. This was considered by the British Government at -variance with the terms of the engagement made with Admiral Freemantle -in 1812, by which the armed vessels of nations at war with Great -Britain were not to be suffered to leave a Tunisian port within -twenty-four hours after the sailing of a British vessel; and the -Consul was directed to ask for explanations on the subject from the -Bey. Hassan who had by this time succeeded to the throne replied -positively, that there was nothing contradictory in the two -stipulations, and that this agreement had been made with the United -States, merely in order to place them on a level with other nations. -As the British Government had thought proper to make the inquiry, it -is strange that it should have been satisfied with such an answer; -however, under the condition of things then existing and the -probabilities with respect to the future, it was certainly not worth -while to press the matter further. - -The Pasha of Tripoli, notwithstanding the treaties made with Lord -Exmouth in behalf of Sardinia and the Two Sicilies in 1816, and his -protestations to the English and French Admirals three years after, -sent out armed vessels to cruise against the commerce of the Italian -States. When complaint was made of these depredations, Yusuf replied -that the treaties were no longer binding, and that if those nations -wished to remain at peace with him, they must pay him an annual -tribute. To this insolent and unreasonable pretension, the King of -Sardinia replied by fitting out a squadron composed of two frigates, a -corvette and a brig, which sailed from Genoa in September 1825, and -arrived before Tripoli on the 25th of that month. - -Before relating the proceedings of this expedition it will be proper -to give some account of the place against which it was sent. - -The town of Tripoli stands on a rocky point of land projecting -northwardly into the Mediterranean; it is surrounded by a high and -thick wall, forming an unequal pentagon or figure of five sides of -different lengths, of which the two northern are washed by the sea, -the other three looking upon a sandy plain but partially cultivated. -The circumference of the place is about three miles, and the area -enclosed within the wall does not exceed one thousand yards square. - -The shore on the north-western side of the town is bordered by rocky -islets, which render it almost unapproachable by vessels; but in order -to secure the place effectually from attack on that quarter, a battery -has been erected on one of the islets called the French fort. The -harbor is on the north-eastern side; it is about two miles in length -and a mile in width, and is partially enclosed by a reef of rocks -extending for some distance into the sea; on these rocks are situated -the principal fortifications, and by filling up the space between -them, which could be done with but little labor, the reef might be -converted into a continued mole. The depth of water in the harbor no -where exceeds six fathoms, and great care must be taken by vessels to -avoid the numerous shoals and hidden dangers which beset the entrance; -the frigate Philadelphia struck in fourteen feet water on one of these -shoals distant three miles and a half northeast of Tripoli, and one -mile north of Kaliusa Point at the eastern extremity of the harbor. - -The fortifications of Tripoli on the land side are of no value, and -could not for an instant withstand an attack from a well appointed -force; the wall, said to have been built by Dragut, is of great height -and thickness, and provided with a rampart on which are mounted some -guns, but these pieces are generally useless from rust and want of -carriages. Towards the harbor the defences are more respectable, and -have on many occasions as already shown, preserved the place from -capture or destruction. On the shore forming the south-eastern side of -the harbor, are two forts called the Dutch and English forts, and -opposite them on the reef of rocks are two others, much larger and -stronger, {5} called the New and English forts; these have been all -constructed by European engineers, and are kept in tolerable order. - -There is but little appearance of wealth in Tripoli; the Moorish -population amounting to about fourteen thousand are in general very -poor, the trade being almost exclusively in the hands of the Jews, -whose number is about two thousand. The palace contains some -apartments possessing a certain degree of grandeur and furnished in a -costly manner principally with French articles; in the town there are -a few good stone buildings, with courts and arcades in the Italian -style; these are however chiefly occupied by the foreign Consuls and -merchants, the greater part of the inhabitants dwelling in mere hovels -of mud but one story high. The roofs of the houses are all flat, and -great care is taken to have the rain conveyed from them into cisterns, -as there is not a well or spring of fresh water in the place. - -A triumphant arch, the inscription on which denotes that it was -erected in honor of the Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius -Verus, is the only remarkable monument of antiquity in the place. It -is much defaced, nearly buried in the ground and encumbered with mean -houses; but as far as can be ascertained, it exceeds in beauty of -design, proportion and parts, any other similar relique of Roman art. - -The immediate environs of Tripoli are desert; about two or three miles -to the eastward is a rich and highly cultivated plain called the -Messeah where the Foreign Consuls and the wealthy inhabitants of the -town have their villas. - -As soon as the Sardinian squadron arrived before Tripoli, the -Cavaliere Sivori who commanded it immediately landed with some of his -officers on the guaranty of the British Consul, and had an audience -with the Pasha. Yusuf at first assured him that every thing would be -accommodated, but on the day succeeding he presented a note in which -his demand for tribute was unequivocally stated, accompanied by other -proposals equally insulting. The Cavaliere on this took his leave, and -having recommended the subjects and interests of his master to the -care of the British Consul, he retired to his ships determined to -assert the rights of his country by force. The sea was too rough at -the time to permit the approach of the ships to the town, without -danger of their being stranded; but Sivori wished to lose no time, and -to effect if possible immediately the destruction of the Pasha's -shipping; he accordingly manned a number of boats which entered the -harbor at midnight in three divisions, commanded by Lieutenant -Mamelli. The expedition was perfectly successful; a brig of twelve -guns and two schooners of six guns each were boarded and set on fire, -during a heavy cannonade from all the surrounding batteries; the men -then landed from the boats, and endeavored to force the gates of the -dock-yard and custom house, but this being found impracticable, they -retreated in good order to their ships. The next day the weather -proving more favorable, preparations were made for an attack on the -town; but Yusuf finding that he had mistaken the character of his -assailants, and not wishing to subject himself to further loss, agreed -to an adjustment, and signed a convention renewing the engagements -made to Lord Exmouth in 1816. - -The King of the Two Sicilies was less fortunate in his attempt to -bring the Pasha of Tripoli to reasonable terms. Yusuf had suspended -his demands on Naples for some time after the attack made on him by -the Sardinians, and it was supposed that he had abandoned them; -however in the beginning of 1828, he suddenly required from His -Sicilian Majesty payment of one hundred thousand dollars immediately, -and an annual tribute of five thousand more, as the price of -continuance of peace. King Francis considered the honor of his country -too precious, or the sums demanded by the Pasha too great, for he -refused to pay either present or tribute and even sent a squadron to -Tripoli to bear his reply. The Sicilian force consisted of a ship of -the line, two frigates, two corvettes, a brig, a schooner, and twelve -gun and mortar boats, and arrived off Tripoli on the 22d of August, -1828, under the command of Baron Alphonso Sosi de Caraffa, who was -authorized to treat with the Pasha respecting the future relations -between the two countries. The Commander instantly landed under proper -assurance of safety, and held a conference with the Pasha, in which he -endeavored to induce him to adhere to the treaty of 1815; Yusuf -however remained firm to his purpose, and rejected all propositions of -adjustment on other terms than those he had already offered. The -Sicilian flag was in consequence taken down from the Consulate, and -the Consul retired with the Baron on board the squadron. - -The next morning the 23d, the Sicilian squadron sailed into the -harbor, and commenced an attack on the Tripoline vessels of war, -twenty in number, which were drawn up in front of the reef of rocks, -under the guns of the New and Spanish forts. The large ships of the -squadron kept aloof from the batteries and only a few of the gun and -mortar boats approached near enough to produce any effect by their -fires. The injury sustained by either party was thus very slight, and -a storm coming up, after a desultory contest of three hours, Caraffa -thought proper to withdraw his forces, and put to sea. The storm -continued for the two succeeding days; on the 26th the attack was -resumed, but in the same inefficient manner; it was renewed on the -27th and 28th, during which the Sicilians expended a great deal of -ammunition, but to very little purpose on account of the great -distance at which their ships remained from the object of attack. At -length on the 29th, the Commodore concluded that his attempts were -likely to prove fruitless, and therefore resolved to return to Naples. - -The Tripolines behaved with great gallantry throughout the affair, -their own boats advancing frequently towards the enemy; their loss was -trifling, and only two or three shots from the Sicilians reached the -town, where they caused no damage. Immediately on the retreat of the -squadron, Yusuf sent out his cruisers which took several Sicilian -vessels, but the French Government interfered, and its Consul at -Tripoli was ordered to negotiate in favor of Naples. The Pasha could -not refuse such a mediation, and a Convention was in consequence -signed on the 28th of October, by which the former treaty was renewed, -the King of Naples however engaging to pay immediately twenty thousand -dollars to Tripoli as indemnification for the expenses occasioned by -the war. - -Yusuf had by this time become an old man, and the decay of his body -was accompanied by corresponding {6} changes in his character and -mental faculties. The firmness which had so long sustained him under -the pressure of heavy difficulties, gave place to a disposition to -temporize, inclining him to sacrifice prospects of future advantage, -in order to avert a present evil; the energy which had caused him to -be viewed with a certain degree of respect, notwithstanding his -repeated acts of treachery and violence, now exhibited itself in -undignified bursts of passion, and an insatiable desire to increase -his treasures was the only remnant of his former ambition. The -condition of the Regency had indeed been improved in many respects -during his reign; its productiveness was increased, the communications -were more easy and secure, and the affairs of internal administration, -as well as the intercourse with foreign nations, were conducted with -greater regularity and precision than before his accession. These -reforms however served as they were intended, only to advance the -personal interests of the sovereign; and the people became more -wretched as the means of oppression were thus rendered more effectual -by system. To obtain money had become the sole object of Yusuf's -plans: if he repressed the ravages of the wandering tribes, it was -only that he might levy greater contributions himself; and if the -caravans traversed his dominions with unwonted security, this -advantage was more than counterbalanced by the augmentation of duties -on their merchandize. In imitation of the Viceroy of Egypt, whom he -seems to have adopted as his model, he likewise engaged in commercial -speculations, which were productive of serious evils to his subjects. -These enterprises were generally carried on by the Pasha in -conjunction with foreigners resident in Tripoli, or through their -agency; and in order to affect the value in the market of articles -which he might wish to buy or sell, the duties on their export or -import were on several occasions suddenly raised or lowered, to the -ruin of regular merchants. Notwithstanding these arbitrary measures, -or perhaps in consequence of them, the speculations were generally -unsuccessful, and the Pasha became indebted on account of their -failure for immense sums, principally to subjects of France and -England; these creditors, when unable to obtain settlement of their -claims in any other way, were in the habit of applying to their own -Governments for relief, and the unfortunate Pasha after having been -long dunned by an overbearing Consul, was occasionally obliged to open -his treasury on the summons of an Admiral. - -These and other troubles affected the Pasha the more deeply as he -could place little confidence in those who surrounded him. Mohammed -D'Ghies whose kindness and integrity were worthy of being employed in -a better cause, still lived and bore the title of Chief Minister; but -age and blindness had long rendered him incapable of attending to -business, and the duties of his office were performed by his eldest -son Hassuna, of whom more will be said hereafter. The other ministers -and agents of the Pasha, were persons of whose unscrupulous character -he must have received too many evidences, to have supposed them -attached to him by any other ties than their interests. - -In the members of his own family Yusuf could place but little -reliance; he whose youth had been signalized by the murder of his -brother and rebellion against his father, could with an ill grace -recommend fraternal affection among his children, or require of them -obedience to his own authority. The attempt made by his eldest son -Mohammed in 1816 to obtain possession of the throne has been already -noticed; this wretch continued for ten years after his pardon in a -species of exile, as Governor of Derne, while his next brother Ahmed -enjoyed the title of Bey of the Regency, and was regarded as the -probable successor to the crown. Ahmed however dying suddenly, -Mohammed organized another conspiracy in his province, with a view to -the overthrow of his father, which attempt proving like the former one -unsuccessful, he again fled to Egypt where he died in 1829. Mohammed -left in Tripoli a son named Emhammed who would have been the regular -heir to the crown according to the customs of succession in Europe; -but primogeniture is for various reasons little regarded in Oriental -countries, and the reigning sovereign usually favors the pretensions -of the son to whom he is the most attached, or whom he considers most -capable of maintaining possession of the inheritance. For one or both -of these reasons, Yusuf thought proper to set aside Emhammed, and to -designate his own next surviving son Ali as the future Pasha of -Tripoli; this prince was accordingly on the death of Ahmed, invested -with the title of Bey, which gave him command of the troops, and in -order to increase his wealth and influence, he was married to the -daughter of the Chief Minister D'Ghies. These marks of favor only -served to render Ali more impatient to enjoy the prize which they were -intended to insure to him, and while waiting an opportunity to seize -it, he gratified his own avarice by extorting as much money as he -could from the people, through the aid of his myrmidons. The -inhabitants thus suffering from the violent and arbitrary exactions of -the Bey, in addition to the taxes and duties imposed on them by the -Pasha, were frequently driven into rebellions, the suppressions of -which by increasing the public expenses increased the miseries of the -country. - -In addition to these difficulties, Yusuf was tormented by the quarrels -and jealousies of the Foreign Consuls residing in his capital, and by -their interference in the affairs of his Government. Quarrels and -jealousies are naturally to be expected among the members of a -diplomatic corps, particularly of one in which all bear the same title -and are nominally equal, while the influence possessed by each is -generally commensurate with the power of the country which he -represents. Thus the Consuls of France and England in Barbary have -ever considered themselves superior to the representatives of other -states, and have ever been rivals, each demanding the precedence on -public occasions, and claiming a host of exclusive privileges either -on the strength of treaties, or of custom. Their claims to superiority -both in rank and privileges have been generally allowed by their -European colleagues who according to circumstances range themselves -under the banner of one or the other of these potentates; the Consuls -of the United States have however uniformly refused to admit any -inferiority on their own part, demanding for themselves the enjoyment -of every substantial right granted to the representative of any other -power, and abstaining from appearance on occasions of ceremony, in -which a preference unfavorable to themselves may be manifested. - -{7} In Algiers and Tunis, these disputes seldom attracted the notice -of the Government, and the influence which a Consul could exercise in -either of those Regencies, was scarcely worth the sums which must be -paid for it. In Tripoli however, and especially since 1815, the agents -of Great Britain and France have each endeavored to obtain a degree of -control in the affairs of the state. Colonel Warrington who has -represented Great Britain during that period, is well calculated by -his general intelligence and the inflexible resolution of his -character to acquire this superiority; and having been always -supported by his Government, many of his demands have been instantly -complied with, which would otherwise have been regarded merely as the -ebullitions of arrogance and presumption. On the slightest resistance -to his wishes, the ships of war of his nation appeared in the harbor, -the Minister who offended him sat uneasy in his place, and every -aggression committed by a Tripoline upon the honor or interests of -Great Britain, was speedily and severely punished. - -The possession of such powers by the representative of Great Britain, -would certainly not be regarded with indifference by France; as it is -not so convenient however, to send squadrons on all occasions to the -aid of the Consul, he is obliged to rely the more on his own -resources. The French Consuls in Barbary and the East are generally -persons who have been educated for the purpose, either in the embassy -at Constantinople, or at some consulate in those countries. With -regard to the propriety of such selections, experience seems to have -shown that the advantages of acquaintance with the customs and -languages of the Eastern nations, are more than counterbalanced by the -loss of honorable feelings, and the disregard of moral restraints -which frequently result from this mode of acquiring them. Whether -Baron Rousseau who was for many years Consul of France in Tripoli, was -trained in one of these schools, it is needless to inquire, but he -appears to have displayed during his residence in that Regency, a -talent and a disposition for intrigue, which would have done honor to -the most accomplished drogaman of Pera. Between him and Warrington -there was a constant struggle for influence, and the Pasha was -alternately annoyed by the overbearing dictation of the British -Consul, and the wily manoeuvres of Rousseau. - -One of the most frequent causes of difficulties between the -Governments of Barbary and the Consuls of Foreign Powers, is the right -claimed by the latter to protect all persons within the walls of their -residence. In those countries it is absolutely requisite for the -security of the Consul and for the discharge of his duties, that the -persons in his employ should not be subjected to the despotism of the -Government, nor to the doubtful decisions of the tribunals; and -provisions to that effect are generally inserted in the treaties -between Christian nations and those of Barbary. The Consuls however -insist that the privilege should extend to the protection not only of -their families, servants and countrymen, but also of all other persons -under their roof; and the most abandoned criminals having entered such -a sanctuary, are thus frequently screened from punishment. This -privilege is productive of inconvenience not only to the Government -but also to the Consuls whom it frequently involves in difficulties; -the representatives of the inferior powers therefore seldom attempt to -maintain it, but generally surrender the fugitive, if a native of the -country, to the Government, or oblige him to quit their dwelling, -rather than subject themselves to the hazard of having it invaded by -force; those of Great Britain and France on the contrary, make it a -point of honor not to yield, except in cases where the fugitive has -injured some one of their colleagues or his guilt is clearly proved; -and even then they have frequently required assurances that he should -be pardoned, or that his punishment should be mitigated. A -circumstance of this nature occurred in 1829 which brought these two -parties in direct and open collision, and for a time involved the -Consul of the United States in difficulties with the Government of -Tripoli; the affair was originally of a private nature, but has -ultimately produced the most serious changes in the situation of the -Regency. - -It is well known that many efforts have been made during the last -forty years, by individuals and by some European Governments, to -obtain information respecting the interior of the African Continent; -we are all familiar with the names and adventures of Ledyard, Parke, -Burckhardt, Denham, Clapperton, Laing, Lander and others, whose labors -have been important from the light thrown by them on the subject of -their researches, and still more so as exhibiting instances of -perseverance and moral courage with which the annals of warfare offer -few parallels. Several of these heroic travellers took their departure -from Tripoli, as the communications between that place and the regions -which they desired to explore are comparatively easy and safe; and the -Pasha, whether actuated by the expectation of obtaining some advantage -from their discoveries, or by more laudable motives, appears from -their accounts to have used every exertion to facilitate their -movements. They likewise concur in expressing their gratitude and -respect for Mohammed D'Ghies, who entertained them all hospitably in -Tripoli and furnished them with letters of credit and introduction, -which, says Denham, "were always duly honored throughout Northern -Africa." - -Hassuna and Mohammed D'Ghies the two sons of this respectable person, -are also mentioned in terms of high commendation by many who visited -Tripoli. Hassuna the elder was educated in France, and afterwards -spent some time in England where he was much noticed in high circles, -notwithstanding the assertion of the Quarterly Review to the contrary; -on his return to his native country, he for some time conducted the -affairs of his father's commercial house, and afterwards those of his -ministerial office, in which he was distinguished for his attention to -business and his apparent desire to advance the welfare of his -country. Mohammed the younger son was brought up under the eye of his -father at home; Captain Beechy of the British Navy who spent some time -at Tripoli in 1822 while employed in surveying the adjacent coast, -describes him as "an excellent young man," and as "an admirable -example of true devotion to the religion of his country, united with -the more extended and liberal feelings of Europeans. He daily visits -the public school where young boys are taught to read the Koran, and -superintends the charitable distribution of food which the bounty of -his father provides for the poor who daily present themselves at his -gate. Besides his {8} acquaintance with English and French he is able -to converse with the slaves of the family in several languages of the -interior of Africa," &c. He was subsequently employed also in public -affairs, and became the intimate confident of his brother-in-law the -Bey Ali. - -On the 17th of July 1825, Major Gordon Laing of the British Army a -son-in-law of Consul Warrington, quitted Tripoli with the intention of -penetrating if possible directly to Tombuctoo, and thence descending -the river which is said to flow near that city, to its termination. He -was amply supplied with letters by the D'Ghies family; and orders were -sent to the governors and chiefs of places on his route, which were -subject to the Pasha to aid him by every means in the prosecution of -his journey, and to forward his letters and journals to Tripoli. For -some time after his departure his communications were regularly -received and bills drawn by him at various places were presented at -Tripoli for payment. From these accounts it appears, that taking a -south-western course he arrived on the 13th of September at Ghadamis a -town of considerable trade situated in an _oasis_ about five hundred -miles from Tripoli; thence he passed to Einsalah in the country of the -Tuaricks (a fierce race of wanderers) which he reached on the 3d of -December and left on the 10th of January 1826. His journals up to this -date were regularly received; from his few subsequent letters we learn -that during the month of February, the caravan with which he travelled -was suddenly attacked in the night by a band of Tuaricks, who had for -some days accompanied them; many persons of the caravan were killed -and the Major was dreadfully wounded, but he escaped and arrived at -Tombuctoo on the 18th of August. At this place he had remained five -weeks when Boubokar the Governor of the town who had previously -treated him with favor, suddenly urged him to depart immediately, -stating that he had received a letter from Bello the Sultan of the -Foulahs a Prince of great power in the vicinity of Tombuctoo, -expressing the strongest hostility to the stranger; Laing accordingly -quitted Tombuctoo on the 22d of September, in company with Burbushi an -Arab Sheik who had engaged to conduct him in safety to Arouan, distant -about three hundred miles to the northward. - -After this date nothing farther was heard from the traveller, no more -of his bills were presented for payment at Tripoli, and Mr. Warrington -becoming uneasy prevailed on the Pasha to have inquiries made -respecting him. Messengers were accordingly despatched southward in -various directions, one of whom on his return in the spring of 1827 -brought an account that the Christian had been murdered soon after -leaving Tombuctoo, by a party despatched from that place for the -purpose. This statement was confirmed by all the other messengers on -their return, and it was confidently repeated in a long article on the -subject published in a Paris Journal, which gave the Prime Minister of -Tripoli as authority. The other caravans and travellers however from -the South contradicted these reports, and Hassuna D'Ghies on being -questioned respecting the account driven in the Paris Journal, denied -that he had supplied such information and asserted his total disbelief -of the story. These and other circumstances induced Mr. Warrington to -suspect that the Pasha or his Minister had for some interested motive -suppressed Laing's communications; at his request therefore, the -Commander of the British squadron in the Mediterranean sent a ship of -war to Tripoli to give Yusuf notice that as the traveller had -proceeded to the interior under his protection, he should hold him -responsible for his safety, or at least for the delivery of his -property and papers. This intimation was certainly of a most -unreasonable character; the Pasha however could only exert himself to -avert the threatened evil, by endeavoring to discover the traveller -and at all events to disprove any unfair dealings or bad intentions on -his own part with regard to him. - -All doubts respecting the fate of the British traveller were however -dispelled by the return to Tripoli of the servant who had accompanied -him; from the statements of this man it was clearly ascertained, that -the unfortunate Laing had been murdered in his sleep by his Arab -conductor Burbushi on the third night after their departure from -Tombuctoo, that is on the 25th of September 1826. - -Some time after receiving this melancholy news, the British Consul was -induced to believe that papers which were sent by his son-in-law from -Tombuctoo, had actually arrived in Tripoli; and in the course of the -investigations which he made in consequence, a suspicion was awakened -in his mind that they had been secreted by Hassuna D'Ghies, in order -to conceal some gross treachery or misconduct on his part. Under this -impression Mr. Warrington urged the Pasha to have the papers secured, -and not being satisfied with the means used for the purpose, he -finally struck his flag, and declared that all official intercourse -between himself and the Government of Tripoli, would be suspended -until they were produced. - -To avert the evils which might result from this measure, Yusuf labored -diligently, and in the spring of 1829 he intercepted some letters sent -from Ghadamis to Hassuna, which indicated a means of unravelling the -mystery. Pursuing his inquiries farther, he became fully convinced of -the perfidy of his Minister, and at length he declared to a friend of -the British Consul, that two sealed packages sent by Laing from -Tombuctoo, had been received by Hassuna and delivered by him to the -French Consul in consideration of the abatement of forty per cent. in -the amount of a large debt due by him to some French subjects. The -fact of the receipt of the papers by Hassuna was to be proved by the -evidence of the Courier who brought them from Ghadamis, and of other -persons daily expected in Tripoli; the remainder of the Pasha's -strange statement appears to have been founded entirely on a written -deposition to that effect, of Mohammed D'Ghies the younger brother of -the accused Minister, which was said to have been made in the presence -of the Bey Ali and of Hadji Massen the Governor of the city. - -On the strength of this declaration, Mr. Warrington insisted on the -immediate apprehension of Hassuna, but he having received timely -warning fled for refuge on the 20th of July, to the house of Mr. Coxe -the American Consul; and immediately after to the surprise of all -concerned, it was found that his brother Mohammed had likewise sought -an asylum under the roof of Baron Rousseau. - - -{9} - - -OCTOBER. - -October in New England is perhaps the most beautiful--certainly the -most magnificent month in the year. The peculiar brilliancy of the -skies and purity of the atmosphere,--the rich and variegated colors of -the forest trees, and the deep, bright dyes of the flowers, are -unequalled by any thing in the other seasons of the year; but the ruin -wrought among the flowers by one night of those severe frosts which -occur at the latter end of the month, after a day of cloudless and -intense sunshine, can scarcely be imagined by one not familiar with -the scene. - - - Thou'rt here again, October, with that queenly look of thine-- - All gorgeous thine apparel and all golden thy sunshine-- - So brilliant and so beautiful--'tis like a fairy show-- - The earth in such a splendid garb, the heav'ns in such a glow. - - 'Tis not the loveliness of Spring--the roses and the birds, - Nor Summer's soft luxuriance and her lightsome laughing words; - Yet not the fresh Spring's loveliness, nor Summer's mellow glee - Come o'er my spirit like the charm that's spread abroad by thee. - - The gaily-mottled woods that shine--all crimson, drab, and gold, - With fascination strong the mind in pensive musings hold, - And the rays of glorious sunshine there in saddening lustre fall-- - 'Tis the funeral pageant of a king with his gold and crimson pall. - - Thou'rt like the Indian matron, who adorns her baby fair, - E'er she gives it to the Ganges' flood, all bright, to perish there; - Thou callest out the trusting buds with the lustre of thy sky, - And clothest them in hues of Heaven all gloriously--to die. - - Thou'rt like the tyrant lover, wooing soft his gentle bride-- - Anon the fit of passion comes--and her smitten heart hath died; - The tyrant's smile may come again, and thy cheering noonday skies, - But smitten hearts and flowers are woo'd, in vain, again to rise. - - * * * * * - - Thy reign was short, thou Beautiful, but they were despot's hours-- - The gold leaves met the forest ground, and fallen are the flowers; - Ah, 'tis the bitterness of earth, that fairest, goodliest show, - Comes to the heart deceitfully, and leaves the deeper wo. - -ELIZA. - -_Maine_. - - - - -MOTHER AND CHILD. - - -CHILD. - Where, mother, where have the fire-flies been - All the day long, that their light was not seen? - -MOTHER. - They've been 'mong the flowers and flown through the air, - But could not be seen--for the sunshine was there. - And thus, little girl, in thy morning's first light, - There are many things hid from thy mind's dazzled sight, - Which the ev'ning of life will too clearly reveal, - And teach thee to see--or, it may be, to feel. - -CHILD. - Where, mother, where will the fire-flies go - When the chilling snows fall and the winter winds blow? - -MOTHER. - The tempest o'ercomes them, but cannot destroy: - For the spring time awakes them to sunshine and joy. - And thus, little girl, when life's seasons are o'er, - And thy joys and thy hopes and thy griefs are no more, - May'st thou rise from death's slumbers to high worlds of light, - Where all things are joyous, and all things are bright. - -IMOGENE. - - - - -LINES - -Written on one of the blank leaves of a book sent to a friend in -England. - - - As he who sails afar on southern seas, - Catches rich odor on the evening breeze, - Turns to the shore whence comes the perfum'd air, - And knows, though all unseen, some flower is there-- - - Thus, when o'er ocean's wave these pages greet - Thine eye, with many a line from minstrel sweet, - Think of Virginia's clime far off and fair, - And know, though all unseen, a friend is there. - -IMOGENE. - - - - -THE BROKEN HEART. - - - ... The morning dew-drop, - With all its pearliness and diamond form - Vanisheth. - - * * * * * - - ... She turned her from the gate, and walked - As quietly into her father's hall, - As though her lover had been true. No trace - Of disappointment or of hate was found - Upon the maiden's brow: but settled calm, - And dignity unequalled. And they spoke - To her, and she did mildly answer them - And smiled: and smiling, seem'd so like an angel, - That you would think the man who could desert - A form so lovely, after he had won - Her warm affections, must be more than demon. - - And though she shrunk not from the love of those - Who were around her, and was never found - In fretful mood--yet did they soon discover - The rosy tinge upon her youthful cheek - Concentrate all its radiance into one - Untimely spot, and her too delicate frame - Wither away beneath the false one's power. - But lovelier yet, and brighter still she grew - Though Death was near at hand--as the moon looks - Most lovely as she sinks within the sea. - Her fond devoted parents watch with care - The fatal enemy: friends and physicians - Exert their skill most faithfully. Alas! - Could Love or Friendship bind a broken heart, - The fading flower might be recalled to life. - - * * * * * - - She's gone, where she will chant the melody - Of Seraphim _and live_--beyond the power - Of the base. Then weep not, childless parents, weep not,-- - But think to meet her soon. Her smile is yet - More lovely now than when a child of earth: - For she has caught the ray of dazzling glory - And sweet divinity, that beams all bright - Upon her Saviour's face; and waits to cast - That smile on thee. - -ELIZA - -_Richmond, Va._ - - - - -HALLEY'S COMET--1760. - -BY MISS E. DRAPER. - - - Good George the Third was sitting on his throne-- - His limbs were healthy, and his wits were sound; - In gorgeous state St. James's palace shone-- - And bending courtiers gather'd thick around - The new made monarch and his German bride, - Who sat in royal splendor side by side. - - Pitt was haranguing in the House of Lords-- - Blair in the Pulpit--Blackstone at the Bar-- - Garrick and Foote upon the Thespian boards-- {10} - And pious Whitfield in the open air-- - While nervous Cowper, shunning public cares, - Sat in his study, fattening up his hares. - - Sterne was correcting proof-sheets--Edmund Burke - Planning a register--Goldsmith and Hume - Scribbling their histories--and hard at work - Was honest Johnson; close at hand were some - Impatient creditors, to urge the sale - Of his new book, the Abyssinian tale. - - Italia smiled beneath her sunny skies-- - Her matchless works were in her classic walls; - They had not gone to feast the Frenchman's eyes-- - They had not gone to fill Parisian halls: - The Swiss was in his native Canton free, - And Francis mildly ruled in Germany. - - Adolphus reigned in Sweden; the renown - Of Denmark's Frederic overawed her foes; - A gentle Empress wore the Russian crown; - Amid the gilded domes of Moscow rose - The ancient palace of her mighty Czars, - Adorn'd with trophies of their glorious wars. - - Altho' the glory of the Pole was stain'd, - Still Warsaw glitter'd with a courtly train, - And o'er her land Augustus Frederic reign'd; - Joseph in Portugal, and Charles in Spain-- - Louis in France, while in imperial state - O'er Prussia's realm ruled Frederic the Great. - - In gloomy grandeur, on the Ottoman throne - Sat proud Mustapha. Kerim Khan was great - Amid fair Persia's sons; his sword was one - That served a friend, but crush'd a rival's hate: - O'er ancient China, and her countless throng, - Reign'd the bold Tartar mighty Kian Long. - - America then held a common horde - Of strange adventurers; with bloody blade - The Frenchman ruled--the Englishman was lord-- - The haughty Spaniard, o'er his conquests sway'd-- - While the wild Indian, driven from his home, - Ranged far and lawless, in the forest's gloom. - - Thus was the world when last yon Comet blazed - Above our earth. On its celestial light - Proudly the free American may gaze: - Nations that last beheld its rapid flight - Are fading fast; the rest no more are known, - While his has risen to a mighty one. - - - - -EXTRACTS FROM MY MEXICAN JOURNAL. - -Mexico--Procession of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios--Visit to the -Country--Society and Manners in Mexico--Climate. - - -20th June, 1825. Since our arrival on the 25th May, my occupations -have been such as to prevent my seeing many of the _lions_ of Mexico. -I have, however, walked through the principal streets, and visited -most of the churches, of which some are very rich and splendid--some -are ancient and venerable--others are fine and gaudy--while a few of -the more modern are extremely neat and handsome. The churches are -numerous: these, with the convents, occupy almost every alternate -square of the city; but with all this show of religion, there is a -proportionate degree of vice among its population. - -The city is, indeed, magnificent; many of the buildings are spacious. -The streets are not wide, but well paved--clean in the most -frequented, but excessively filthy in the more remote parts, and -thronged with dirty, diseased, deformed, and half naked creatures. -Disgusting sights every moment present themselves. At the corners of -every street--each square is called a street, and bears a distinct -name,--at the doors of the churches which you must be passing -constantly in your walks--and sometimes in the areas of the private -residences, you are importuned by miserable beggars, some of whom, not -satisfied with a modest refusal, chase you into charity, which you are -not assured is well bestowed. - -We meet in the streets very few well dressed people; the ladies seldom -walk, except to mass early in the morning, when some pretty faces are -seen. - -Such is the character of the street-population of Mexico. So much -filth, so much vice, so much ignorance are rarely found elsewhere -combined. Those who have seen the lazzaroni of Naples, may form a -faint idea of the _leperos_ of Mexico. - -The _leperos_ are most dexterous thieves--none can be more expert in -relieving you of your pocket handkerchief; it is unsafe to trust them -within your doors. I knew an American who had his hat stolen from -under the bench on which he was seated in the Cathedral listening to a -sermon![1] - -[Footnote 1: A very ingenious theft by one of this class was mentioned -to me by an American who was present when it took place. At a fair in -the interior of the country, two Americans were seated on a bench -engaged in conversation, one of them having his hat by his side with -his hand upon it for its protection. Talking earnestly he occasionally -uplifted his hand from the hat. On his rising from his seat, he was -surprised to find in his hand not his own beaver, but an inferior one -which had been substituted for it. At an incautious moment he had -ceased to guard it; a hat was there when he put down his hand--but it -was not his own.] - -They are superstitious, too, almost to idolatry. I may here include -with them the better class of people also. The recent reception of the -image of _Nuestra Senora de los Remedios_, (Our Lady of Remedies,) I -give as evidence of the justice of this remark. Her history is briefly -this. She is a deity of Spanish origin--the more highly esteemed Lady -of _Guadalupe_--the patron saint of Mexico, is indigenous. She -accompanied the conquerors to the city of _Muteczuma_[2]--was lost in -their disastrous retreat on the celebrated _noche triste_--was found -some years afterwards, in 1540, seated in a _maguey_, by an Indian, -_Juan de Aguila_, who carried her to his dwelling, and fed her with -_tortillas_, (Indian corn-cakes,) which were regularly deposited in -the chest where she was kept. Suddenly she fled, and was discovered on -the spot where her temple now stands--the place to which Cortes -retreated on the night of his flight from the city. It is an eminence -to the west of Mexico, distant about five miles. - -[Footnote 2: Cortés, in his Letters, writes the name of the Emperor of -Mexico, _Muteczuma_. Humboldt says, I know not on what authority, that -_Moteuczoma_ was his name. The English historians always call him -Montezuma.] - -This identical image, they say, still exists--it is about eight inches -in height--it is richly decorated. It is believed to possess the power -of bringing rain, and of staying the ravages of disease. - -{11} For many days previous to her entrance into the city, great -preparations had been made. On the 11th inst. she was conveyed from -her sanctuary in the President's coach, which was driven by a nobleman -of the old regime, the _Marques de Salvatierra_, bare headed, and -attended by a large number of coaches, and crowds of people on foot, -to the _parroquia de Santa Vera Cruz_, a church just within the limits -of the city. Here, as is usual, she was to rest one night, and on the -following evening to proceed to the Cathedral. Before the appointed -time, the streets leading to it were covered with canopies of canvass; -draperies were suspended from every balcony, and strings of shawls and -handkerchiefs stretched across, were seen fluttering in the wind. A -regiment of troops marched out to form her escort, and thousands -flocked to join her train. But a heavy rain began to fall, and the -procession was necessarily postponed, the populace being delighted to -find that the intercession of Our Lady was of so much avail, and their -faith strengthened at the trifling expense of wet jackets. The -procession was now appointed for an early hour the next _morning_, (a -_prudent_ arrangement, for it rains, in course, every evening, the -rainy season having commenced,) and preparations were again made with -increased zeal, proportionate with the gratitude felt at so prompt a -dispensation of her Ladyship's favors. Two regiments of infantry and -one of cavalry now composed the escort. The concourse of people was -immense. Wax tapers, lanterns, candle-boxes, flags, and all the -frippery of the churches were carried to grace the occasion; children -dressed fantastically, with wings, and gay decorations upon their -heads, but barefooted, with tapers in their hands, were led by their -parents or nurses to take part in the pageant. - -After the procession was formed, a discharge of artillery announced -the departure of the holy image from the church, in which she had -until now rested. The advance was a corps of cavalry, followed by -flocks of ragged Indians, by respectable citizens and the civil -authorities, all bearing lighted wax tapers; then followed the -numerous religious orders, each order preceded by an Indian carrying -on his back a huge mahogany candle-box; the higher dignitaries of the -order, with their hands meekly folded on their breasts, each attended -by two assistants, bringing up the rear of Carmelites, Augustines, -Franciscans, Dominicans, and Mercedarians; next these were other -Indians, followed by the _angelic_ little children, who strew roses -before the object of their adoration, _La Santa Virgen de los -Remedios_, who stands majestically under a canopy, richly clothed, and -surrounded by gilded ornaments, supported by four men. As she passed, -the people who crowded the streets, and all who fill the windows under -which she is carried, knelt, and roses are showered upon her from the -roofs of the houses. Next her was another canopy, under which the Host -was carried, to which the people also knelt. The troops brought up the -rear, escorting Our Lady to the Cathedral, where she remains nine -days. If it rain during this time, it is ascribed to her influence. If -rain precede her entrance, it is because she was to be brought into -the city; and if it follow her departure, it is the consequence of her -late presence. The miracle, of course, never fails. After the rainy -season has set in, she is introduced annually for the idolatrous -worship of this ignorant, superstitious people--not only the -_canaille_, but also the most respectable portion of the community. - -14th August, 1825. I returned to the city yesterday after an excursion -of a week in the vicinity of _Chalco_, about twenty-five or thirty -miles distant. We were invited by an acquaintance to his _hacienda_, -where he promised fine sport with our guns. Not content with abundance -of deer, we were to return with the spoils of sundry wild animals, -such as wild-cats, bears, panthers, wolves and tigers. Prepared for -ferocious contests, we set out with all the eagerness of huntsmen who -feast in their imagination on their slaughtered prey. But in fact, -though to hunt was our ostensible object, from which we expected -little, although entertained by our friend with extravagant hopes, we -left the city chiefly for the purpose of exercise, of viewing the -country, and avoiding the water, which, at this season of the year, -impregnated with the soda which the heavy rains disengage from the -soil, deals sadly with strangers. - -A ride of five or six hours brought us to the _hacienda_. This, I have -elsewhere said, is a country seat, generally of large extent, with a -chapel forming a part of the building, and surrounded by the reed or -mud huts of the Indians, who are the laborers, or, as it were, vassals -of the estate. A plain, thickly strewed with these _haciendas_, -presents the appearance of numerous villages, each with its steeple -and bell. The buildings are hollow squares, extensive and commodious, -and embracing in their several ranges the usual conveniences of a -farm, such as stables, and yards for poultry, sheep and cattle. They -all have a look of antiquity, of strength and durability, which, at a -distance, is imposing; but on nearer view, they are commonly found -dilapidated, and devoid of neatness, and destitute of the garden and -the orchard, which give so much the appearance of comfort to the -country houses of the United States. - -This is their general character, as far as I have seen them, and such -was the commodious dwelling to which we were now hospitably invited. -It bore the air of tattered grandeur--in its dimensions and in its -ruined state showing marks of pristine elegance. It was partially -fortified, as were most of them, during the revolution, for protection -from lawless depredation, and from the numerous bands of banditti who -then roamed through the country, and were royalists or republicans, as -was most expedient to accomplish their designs. Even at this time, -these defences are esteemed necessary to ensure safety from the -robbers who have escaped the vigilance of government by concealing -themselves in the adjacent mountains. - -On the day of our arrival nothing occurred particularly to attract our -notice, except that, after the conclusion of dinner, the tall Indian -waiter fell upon his knees in the middle of the room and gave -thanks--a custom common, I am told, in the country. To our surprise, -this was not repeated. He was either told that we were heretics, (as -all foreigners are designated) or was deterred because some of our -Catholic friends were less devout on the occasion than was to be -expected from them. - -It may not be amiss here to mention, that the dinner table of the -Mexicans is of indefinite length, always standing in the eating room. -One end only is {12} commonly used. The seat of honor is at the head, -where the most distinguished and most honored guest is always placed; -the rest arrange themselves according to their rank and consequence; -the dependants occupying the lowest seats. - -After a cup of chocolate at six o'clock the next morning, we went in -pursuit of game, and roamed through the hills and mountains which are -contiguous, meeting with very little success. At about twelve we -partook of our breakfast, which was brought to us more than two -leagues from the _hacienda_--after which we prosecuted our hunt. Our -sole reward was a heavy shower of rain--and between four and five we -returned to the _hacienda_, well wearied, having walked at least -twelve miles over steep mountains. - -On the following day we set out with our mules, &c. to try our fortune -higher up the mountains, and after a ride of between three and four -hours, reached a herdsman's hut, where we were to lodge at night. We -were unsuccessful in finding game in the evening, and after a -laborious search for deer, sought our hut--a log building, about -fifteen feet square, in which twelve of us, men, women and children, -stowed ourselves. Annoyed by fleas, and almost frozen by the chill -mountain air, within two leagues of the snow-crowned _Iztaccihuatl_, -we passed a sleepless night. - -Early next morning, whilst others of the party engaged in hunting for -deer, with two companions I ascended the highest peak of this range, -(except those covered with snow,) with great labor and fatigue; but we -were compensated amply by the grand view beneath and around us. The -adjoining peak to the south of us was the _Iztaccihuatl_, about a -league distant. We felt very sensibly the influence of its snow. -Beyond this, the _Popocatepetl_ raised its lofty cone, while far in -the southeast appeared _Orizaba_, around whose crest the clouds were -just then gathering. The plains of _Puebla_ and _Mexico_ are on -opposite sides of this seemingly interminable ridge on which we stood. -From the latter, the clouds, which we had been long admiring far -beneath us, hiding the world from our view, were gradually curling, -and disclosed the distant capital with its adjoining lakes and -isolated hills. The chilling wind drove us from our height, but in -descending we often rested to enjoy a scene which the eyes never tire -in beholding. - -In the evening, we left the mountain for the _hacienda_, where we -spent another day. Our friends were extremely kind to us, and -regretted more than ourselves our ill success in quest of game. Being -little of a sportsman, to me it was a trifling disappointment. I -enjoyed abundant gratification in seeing the country, its people and -manner of living. Whatever may be said of the bad blood of the -Mexicans, I cannot but view them as a mild and amiable people--nature -has bestowed her bounties liberally upon them: for their state of -degradation and ignorance they are indebted not to any natural -deficiencies of their own, but to the miserable and timid policy of -their former Spanish masters. They are superstitious, but this arises -from their education; they are jealous of strangers--the policy of -Spain made them so; and they are ignorant, for in ignorance alone -could they be retained in blind subjection to the mother country. If -they are vicious, their vices arise from their ignorance of what is -virtuous--of what is ennobling. They are indolent because they are not -permitted to enjoy the fruits of industry, and nature supplies their -wants so bountifully, they are compelled to exert themselves but -little. - -These are in fact serious defects, but the improvement of the Mexican -people is daily taking place. They are beginning to be enlightened -with the rays of the rising sun of liberty; and after the present -generation has passed away, the succeeding one will exhibit those -political and moral virtues, which are the offspring of freedom. The -effects of a daily increasing intercourse with foreigners are even now -perceptible, and lead me to believe, that, before many years roll -over, a wonderful change must take place. Society, too, will improve: -ladies will no longer gormandize or smoke--will discover that it is -vulgar to attend cock-fights, and will bestow, with increased regard -for their personal appearance, greater attention upon the cultivation -of their minds. - -In Mexico, there are few parties, either at dinner, or in the evening. -None will suit but great balls, and these must occur seldom, else none -but the wealthy can attend them, so expensive are the decorations and -dresses of the ladies. They esteem it extremely vulgar to wear the -same ball-dress more than once. Society is cut up into small -_tertulias_ or parties of intimate acquaintances, who meet invariably -at the same house, and talk, play the piano, sing, dance, and smoke at -their ease and pleasure. - -Sometimes I attend the Theatre. This is divided into boxes, which -families hire for a year. If the play be uninteresting, they visit -each other's box, and pass the evening in conversation. It is -diverting to observe the gentlemen take from their pockets a flint and -steel for the purpose of lighting their cigars, and then to extend the -favor of a light to the ladies; and sometimes the whole theatre seems -as if filled with fire-flies. - -Immediately on rising, a Mexican takes a small cup of chocolate with a -little bread and a glass of water. At ten, they take what they call -breakfast--it is in fact equivalent to a dinner, consisting not of tea -or coffee, but of meats, sweetmeats and wine. At about three, dinner -is served. At six or seven, they again take chocolate; and at ten, an -enormous supper is laid of hot meats, &c. equal to a third dinner. At -these meals, three or four dishes of meats, with very few vegetables, -are brought on in various courses--the _olla podrida_, a mixture of -meats, fruits, and vegetables boiled together--always constitutes a -part of the first course--_frijoles_--beans boiled--invariably precede -the sweetmeats, of which the Mexicans are extremely fond. Perhaps this -is the reason why good teeth are seldom seen in Mexico. - - * * * * * - -23d November, 1825. I have stated that few parties are given in -Mexico. Balls are sometimes held by the American and English -Legations. If, on these occasions, fifty ladies attend, it is -considered a prodigious number to assemble together. The expenses of -preparation which they incur are enormous, and deter many, however -devoted they may be to pleasure, from partaking in frequent diversions -of this kind. Society, too, has not acquired that equilibrium which -the democratical institutions of the country must produce eventually. -A powerful aristocracy, as may reasonably be supposed, still exists in -the capital--time alone will level this--it will die with the present -generation, taking for granted {13} that the republicanism of Mexico -will be permanent. Aristocracy, of course, reduces the highest class -of society to a limited number, so that a large assemblage of ladies -here would be thought small in the United States. - -At whatever hour you invite company, it will not collect before nine, -and the most fashionable appear between ten and eleven. The music soon -invites them to the waltz, or to the Spanish country-dance, both of -which are graceful, and perhaps voluptuous, when danced, as in Mexico, -to the music of guitars or of bandolines. They dance upon brick -floors--there are none other in Mexican houses--generally bare, but -foreigners have introduced the more comfortable fashion of covering -them with canvass; and as the steps are simple, without the hopping -and restlessness of our cotillons or quadrilles, it is not so -unpleasant as would be supposed; they glide over the pavement without -much exertion. The dancing continues, not uninterruptedly as with us, -but at intervals, until twelve o'clock, when the ladies are conducted -to the supper table, which must be loaded with substantial as well as -sweet things. After supper, dancing is continued, and the company -begins to disperse between one and two in the morning, and sometimes -not until near daybreak. - -None of the wealthy families have followed the example set them by -foreigners. They give no balls or dinners. Although I have now been -here six months, I have never dined in a Mexican house in the city. -Their hospitality consists in this: they place their houses and all -they possess at your disposal, and are the better pleased the oftener -you visit them, but they rarely, if ever, offer you refreshments of -any kind. It is said that they are gratified if you will dine with -them unceremoniously, but they never invite you. - -31st December, 1825. I can scarcely persuade myself that to-morrow -will be New-Year's day. The weather is most delightful. We are now -sitting with our windows open--at night too. About a fortnight ago the -mornings were uncomfortably cool; but the sun at mid-day is always -hot. What a delightful climate! And we are now eating the fruits of a -northern mid-summer. We have always had fresh oranges since our -arrival. A week since we had green peas; and to-day five different -kinds of fruit appeared upon our table--oranges, apples, walnuts, -_granadites de China_, and _chirimoyas_--the last, _la reina de los -frutos_, (the queen of fruit,) tasting like strawberries and cream. -The markets contain numerous other sorts. Our friends at home are now -gathering around the glowing coals, or treading the snow without. We -see the former in the kitchen only--the latter on the valcanoes which -tower in the distance. - - * * * * * - -7th December, 1827. A letter from home affords me the satisfaction of -knowing that our friends generally continue to enjoy good health, and -are subject to none other than the ordinary ills of life, such as -cut-throat weather, squalling brats, or a twinge or two of gout or -rheumatism. These are evils which humanity is decreed to suffer -throughout the world; but in Mexico we are more exempt from most of -them than elsewhere. The sun now _shines_ twelve hours of every day, -and either the moon or stars give light to the other twelve. Such will -the weather continue to be until May or June, when the rains fall with -such regularity and certainty, that very slight observation enables us -to know when to go out, or to shelter ourselves. The mornings now are -only a little cool, although we are in mid-winter; and our tables are -supplied with fruit as bountifully as in the months of July and -August. Our other ills are in like manner trivial. We are sometimes -_ennuyés_ for want of society, but books, and sometimes a game of -chess, enable us to live without being driven to the commission of -suicide. And as a _dernier resort_, we throw ourselves into the arms -of Morpheus, this being the peculiar delightful climate for sleep--no -mosquitos, nor extremes of heat or cold. The thermometer ordinarily -ranges at about 70° of Fahrenheit. - - - - -SCENES FROM AN UNPUBLISHED DRAMA, - -BY EDGAR A. POE. - - -I. - -ROME. A Lady's apartment, with a window open and looking into a -garden. Lalage, in deep mourning, reading at a table on which lie some -books and a hand mirror. In the back ground Jacinta (a servant maid) -leans carelessly upon a chair. - -_Lalage_. Jacinta! is it thou? - -_Jacinta_ (_pertly_.) Yes, Ma'am, I'm here. - -_Lalage_. I did not know, Jacinta, you were in waiting. - Sit down!--let not my presence trouble you-- - Sit down!--for I am humble, most humble. - -_Jacinta_ (_aside_.) 'Tis time. - - (_Jacinta seats herself in a side-long manner upon the chair, - resting her elbows upon the back, and regarding her mistress - with a contemptuous look. Lalage continues to read._) - -_Lalage_. "It in another climate, so he said, - Bore a bright golden flower, but not i' this soil!" - - (_pauses--turns over some leaves, and resumes_.) - - "No lingering winters there, nor snow, nor shower-- - But Ocean ever to refresh mankind - Breathes the shrill spirit of the western wind." - Oh, beautiful!--most beautiful!--how like - To what my fevered soul doth dream of Heaven! - O happy land! (_pauses_.) She died!--the maiden died! - O still more happy maiden who could'st die! - Jacinta! - - (_Jacinta returns no answer, and Lalage presently resumes._) - - Again!--a similar tale - Told of a beauteous dame beyond the sea! - Thus speaketh one Ferdinand in the words of the play-- - "She died full young"--one Bossola answers him-- - "I think not so!--her infelicity - Seem'd to have years too many"--Ah luckless lady! - Jacinta! (_still no answer_.) - Here's a far sterner story - But like--oh! very like in its despair-- - Of that Egyptian queen, winning so easily - A thousand hearts--losing at length her own. - She died. Thus endeth the history--and her maids - Lean over her and weep--two gentle maids - With gentle names--Eiros and Charmion! - Rainbow and Dove!----Jacinta! - -_Jacinta_ (_pettishly_.) Madam, what _is_ it? - -_Lalage_. Wilt thou, my good Jacinta, be so kind - As go down in the library and bring me - The Holy Evangelists. - -_Jacinta_. Pshaw! (_exit_.) - -_Lalage_. If there be balm - For the wounded spirit in Gilead it is there! {14} - Dew in the night time of my bitter trouble - Will there be found--"dew sweeter far than that - Which hangs like chains of pearl on Hermon hill." - - (_re-enter Jacinta, and throws a volume on the table_.) - - There, ma'am's, the book. Indeed she is very troublesome. - (_aside_.) - -_Lalage_ (astonished.) What didst thou say Jacinta? Have I done aught - To grieve thee or to vex thee?--I am sorry. - For thou hast served me long and ever been - Trust-worthy and respectful. (_resumes her reading_.) - -_Jacinta_. I can't believe - She has any more jewels--no--no--she gave me all. (_aside_.) - -_Lalage_. What didst thou say, Jacinta? Now I bethink me - Thou hast not spoken lately of thy wedding. - How fares good Ugo?--and when is it to be? - Can I do aught?--is there no farther aid - Thou needest, Jacinta? - -_Jacinta_. Is there no _farther_ aid? - That's meant for me. (_aside_.) I'm sure, Madam, you need not - Be always throwing those jewels in my teeth. - -_Lalage_. Jewels! Jacinta,--now indeed, Jacinta, - I thought not of the jewels. - -_Jacinta_. Oh! perhaps not! - But then I might have sworn it. After all, - There's Ugo says the ring is only paste, - For he's sure the Count Castiglione never - Would have given a real diamond to such as you; - And at the best I'm certain, Madam, you cannot - Have use for jewels _now_. But I might have sworn it. (_exit_.) - - (_Lalage bursts into tears and leans her head upon the - table--after a short pause raises it_.) - -_Lalage_. Poor Lalage!--and is it come to this? - Thy servant maid!--but courage!--'tis but a viper - Whom thou hast cherished to sting thee to the soul! (_taking up - the mirror_.) - Ha! here at least's a friend--too much a friend - In earlier days--a friend will not deceive thee. - Fair mirror and true! now tell me (for thou canst) - A tale--a pretty tale--and heed thou not - Though it be rife with woe. It answers me. - It speaks of sunken eyes, and wasted cheeks, - And Beauty long deceased--remembers me - Of Joy departed--Hope, the Seraph Hope, - Inurned and entombed!--now, in a tone - Low, sad, and solemn, but most audible, - Whispers of early grave untimely yawning - For ruin'd maid. Fair mirror and true!--thou liest not! - _Thou_ hast no end to gain--no heart to break-- - Castiglione lied who said he loved---- - Thou true--he false!--false!--false! - - (_while she speaks a monk enters her apartment, and approaches - unobserved_.) - -_Monk_. Refuge thou hast - Sweet daughter! in Heaven. Think of eternal things! - Give up thy soul to penitence, and pray! - -_Lalage_ (_arising hurriedly_.) I _cannot_ pray!--My soul is at war - with God! - The frightful sounds of merriment below - Disturb my senses--go! I cannot pray-- - The sweet airs from the garden worry me! - Thy presence grieves me--go!--thy priestly raiment - Fills me with dread--thy ebony crucifix - With horror and awe! - -_Monk_. Think of thy precious soul! - -_Lalage_. Think of my early days!--think of my father - And mother in Heaven! think of our quiet home, - And the rivulet that ran before the door! - Think of my little sisters!--think of them! - And think of me!--think of my trusting love - And confidence--his vows--my ruin--think! think! - Of my unspeakable misery!----begone! - Yet stay! yet stay!--what was it thou saidst of prayer - And penitence? Didst thou not speak of faith - And vows before the throne? - -_Monk_. I did. - -_Lalage_. 'Tis well. - There _is_ a vow were fitting should be made-- - A sacred vow, imperative, and urgent, - A solemn vow! - -_Monk_. Daughter, this zeal is well! - -_Lalage_. Father, this zeal is any thing but well! - Hast thou a crucifix fit for this thing? - A crucifix whereon to register - A vow--a vow. (_he hands her his own_.) - Not that--Oh! no!--no!--no! (_shuddering_.) - Not that! Not that!--I tell thee, holy man, - Thy raiments and thy ebony cross affright me! - Stand back! I have a crucifix myself,-- - _I_ have a crucifix! Methinks 'twere fitting - The deed--the vow--the symbol of the deed-- - And the deed's register should tally, father! (_draws a - cross-handled dagger and raises it on high_.) - Behold the cross wherewith a vow like mine - Is written in Heaven! - -_Monk_. Thy words are madness, daughter! - And speak a purpose unholy--thy lips are livid-- - Thine eyes are wild--tempt not the wrath divine-- - Pause ere too late--oh be not--be not rash! - Swear not the oath--oh swear it not! - -_Lalage_. 'Tis sworn! - - -II. - -ROME. An apartment in a palace. Politian and Baldazzar, his friend. - -_Baldazzar_.----Arouse thee now, Politian! - Thou must not--nay indeed, indeed, thou shalt not - Give way unto these humors. Be thyself! - Shake off the idle fancies that beset thee, - And live, for now thou diest! - -_Politian_. Not so, Baldazzar, - I live--I live. - -_Baldazzar_. Politian, it doth grieve me - To see thee thus. - -_Politian_. Baldazzar, it doth grieve me - To give thee cause for grief, my honored friend. - Command me, sir, what wouldst thou have me do? - At thy behest I will shake off that nature - Which from my forefathers I did inherit, - Which with my mother's milk I did imbibe, - And be no more Politian, but some other. - Command me, sir. - -_Baldazzar_. To the field then--to the field, - To the senate or the field. - -_Politian_. Alas! Alas! {15} - There is an imp would follow me even there! - There is an imp _hath_ followed me even there! - There is----what voice was that? - -_Baldazzar_. I heard it not. - I heard not any voice except thine own, - And the echo of thine own. - -_Politian_. Then I but dreamed. - -_Baldazzar_. Give not thy soul to dreams: the camp--the court - Befit thee--Fame awaits thee--Glory calls-- - And her the trumpet-tongued thou wilt not hear - In hearkening to imaginary sounds - And phantom voices. - -_Politian_. It _is_ a phantom voice, - Didst thou not hear it _then_? - -_Baldazzar_. I heard it not. - -_Politian_. Thou heardst it not!----Baldazzar, speak no more - To me, Politian, of thy camps and courts. - Oh! I am sick, sick, sick, even unto death, - Of the hollow and high sounding vanities - Of the populous Earth! Bear with me yet awhile! - We have been boys together--school-fellows-- - And now are friends--yet shall not be so long. - For in the eternal city thou shalt do me - A kind and gentle office, and a Power-- - A Power august, benignant, and supreme-- - Shall then absolve thee of all farther duties - Unto thy friend. - -_Baldazzar_. Thou speakest a fearful riddle - I _will_ not understand. - -_Politian_. Yet now as Fate - Approaches, and the hours are breathing low, - The sands of Time are changed to golden grains, - And dazzle me, Baldazzar. Alas! Alas! - I _cannot_ die, having within my heart - So keen a relish for the beautiful - As hath been kindled within it. Methinks the air - Is balmier now than it was wont to be-- - Rich melodies are floating in the winds-- - A rarer loveliness bedecks the earth-- - And with a holier lustre the quiet moon - Sitteth in Heaven.--Hist! hist! thou canst not say - Thou hearest not _now_, Baldazzar! - -_Baldazzar_. Indeed I hear not. - -_Politian_. Not hear it!--listen now,--listen!--the faintest sound - And yet the sweetest that ear ever heard! - A lady's voice!--and sorrow in the tone! - Baldazzar, it oppresses me like a spell! - Again!--again!--how solemnly it falls - Into my heart of hearts! that voice--that voice - I surely never heard--yet it were well - Had I but heard it with its thrilling tones - In earlier days! - -_Baldazzar_. I myself hear it now. - Be still!--the voice, if I mistake not greatly, - Proceeds from yonder lattice--which you may see - Very plainly through the window--that lattice belongs, - Does it not? unto this palace of the Duke. - The singer is undoubtedly beneath - The roof of his Excellency--and perhaps - Is even that Alessandra of whom he spoke - As the betrothed of Castiglione, - His son and heir. - -_Politian_. Be still!--it comes again! - -_Voice_ (_very faintly_.) - And is thy heart so strong - As for to leave me thus - Who hath loved thee so long - In wealth and wo among? - And is thy heart so strong - As for to leave me thus? - Say nay--say nay! - -_Baldazzar_. The song is English, and I oft have heard it - In merry England--never so plaintively-- - Hist--hist! it comes again! - -_Voice_ (_more loudly_.) - Is it so strong - As for to leave me thus, - Who hath loved thee so long - In wealth and wo among? - And is thy heart so strong - As for to leave me thus? - Say nay--say nay! - -_Baldazzar_. 'Tis hush'd and all is still! - -_Politian_. All is _not_ still. - -_Baldazzar_. Let us go down. - -_Politian_. Go down, Baldazzar! go! - -_Baldazzar_. The hour is growing late--the Duke awaits us,-- - Thy presence is expected in the hall - Below. What ails thee, Earl Politian? - -_Voice_ (_distinctly_.) - Who hath loved thee so long, - In wealth and wo among, - And is thy heart so strong? - Say nay!--say nay! - -_Baldazzar_. Let us descend!--'tis time. Politian, give - These fancies to the wind. Remember, pray, - Your bearing lately savored much of rudeness - Unto the Duke. Arouse thee! and remember! - -_Politian_. Remember? I do. Lead on! I _do_ remember. (_going_.) - Let us descend. Baldazzar! Oh I would give, - Freely would give the broad lands of my earldom - To look upon the face hidden by yon lattice, - To gaze upon that veiled face, and hear - Once more that silent tongue. - -_Baldazzar_. Let me beg you, sir, - Descend with me--the Duke may be offended. - Let us go down I pray you. - -_Voice_ (_loudly_.) Say nay!--say nay! - -_Politian_ (_aside_.) 'Tis strange!--'tis very strange--methought the - voice - Chimed in with my desires and bade me stay! (_approaching the - window_.) - Sweet voice! I heed thee, and will surely stay. - Now be this Fancy, by Heaven, or be it Fate, - Still will I not descend. Baldazzar, make - Apology unto the Duke for me, - I go not down to-night. - -_Baldazzar_. Your lordship's pleasure - Shall be attended to. Good night, Politian. - -_Politian_. Good night, my friend, good night. - - -III. - -The Gardens of a Palace--Moonlight. Lalage and Politian. - -_Lalage_. And dost thou speak of love - To _me_, Politian?--dost thou speak of love - To Lalage?--ah wo--ah wo is me! - This mockery is most cruel--most cruel indeed! {16} - -_Politian_. Weep not! oh, weep not thus--thy bitter tears - Will madden me. Oh weep not, Lalage-- - Be comforted. I know--I know it all, - And _still_ I speak of love. Look at me, brightest, - And beautiful Lalage, and listen to _me_! - Thou askest me if I could speak of love, - Knowing what I know, and seeing what I have seen. - Thou askest me that--and thus I answer thee-- - Thus on my bended knee I answer thee. (_kneeling_.) - Sweet Lalage, I love thee--love thee--love thee; - Thro' good and ill--thro' weal and wo I love thee. - Not mother, with her first born on her knee, - Thrills with intenser love than I for thee. - Not on God's altar, in any time or clime, - Burned there a holier fire than burneth now - Within my spirit for thee. And do I love? (_arising_.) - Even for thy woes I love thee--even for thy woes-- - Thy beauty and thy woes. - -_Lalage_. Alas, proud Earl, - Thou dost forget thyself, remembering me! - How, in thy father's halls, among the maidens - Pure and reproachless of thy princely line, - Could the dishonored Lalage abide? - Thy wife, and with a tainted memory-- - My seared and blighted name, how would it tally - With the ancestral honors of thy house, - And with thy glory? - -_Politian_. Speak not--speak not of glory! - I hate--I loathe the name; I do abhor - The unsatisfactory and ideal thing. - Art thou not Lalage and I Politian? - Do I not love--art thou not beautiful-- - What need we more? Ha! glory!--now speak not of it! - By all I hold most sacred and most solemn-- - By all my wishes now--my fears hereafter-- - By all I scorn on earth and hope in heaven-- - There is no deed I would more glory in, - Than in thy cause to scoff at this same glory - And trample it under foot. What matters it-- - What matters it, my fairest, and my best, - That we go down unhonored and forgotten - Into the dust--so we descend together. - Descend together--and then--and then perchance---- - -_Lalage_. Why dost thou pause, Politian? - -_Politian_. And then perchance - Arise together, Lalage, and roam - The starry and quiet dwellings of the blest, - And still---- - -_Lalage_. Why dost thou pause, Politian? - -_Politian_. And still together--together. - -_Lalage_. Now Earl of Leicester! - Thou _lovest_ me, and in my heart of hearts - I feel thou lovest me truly. - -_Politian_. Oh, Lalage! (_throwing himself upon his knee_.) - And lovest thou _me_? - -_Lalage_. Hist!--hush! within the gloom - Of yonder trees methought a figure past-- - A spectral figure, solemn, and slow, and noiseless-- - Like the grim shadow Conscience, solemn and noiseless. (_walks - across and returns_.) - I was mistaken--'twas but a giant bough - Stirred by the autumn wind. Politian! - -_Politian_. My Lalage--my love! why art thou moved? - Why dost thou turn so pale? Not Conscience' self, - Far less a shadow which thou likenest to it, - Should shake the firm spirit thus. But the night wind - Is chilly--and these melancholy boughs - Throw over all things a gloom. - -_Lalage_. Politian! - Thou speakest to me of love. Knowest thou the land - With which all tongues are busy--a land new found-- - Miraculously found by one of Genoa-- - A thousand leagues within the golden west; - A fairy land of flowers, and fruit, and sunshine, - And crystal lakes, and over-arching forests, - And mountains, around whose towering summits the winds - Of Heaven untrammelled flow--which air to breathe - Is Happiness now, and will be Freedom hereafter - In days that are to come? - -_Politian_. O, wilt thou--wilt thou - Fly to that Paradise--my Lalage, wilt thou - Fly thither with me? There Care shall be forgotten, - And Sorrow shall be no more, and Eros be all. - And life shall then be mine, for I will live - For thee, and in thine eyes--and thou shalt be - No more a mourner--but the radiant Joys - Shall wait upon thee, and the angel Hope - Attend thee ever; and I will kneel to thee, - And worship thee, and call thee my beloved, - My own, my beautiful, my love, my wife, - My all;--oh, wilt thou--wilt thou, Lalage, - Fly thither with me? - -_Lalage_. A deed is to be done-- - Castiglione lives! - -_Politian_. And he shall die! (_exit_.) - -_Lalage_ (_after a pause_.) And--he--shall--die!----alas! - Castiglione die? Who spoke the words? - Where am I?--what was it he said?--Politian! - Thou _art_ not gone--thou art not _gone_, Politian! - I _feel_ thou art not gone--yet dare not look, - Lest I behold thee not; thou _couldst_ not go - With those words upon thy lips--O, speak to me! - And let me hear thy voice--one word--one word, - To say thou art not gone,--one little sentence, - To say how thou dost scorn--how thou dost hate - My womanly weakness. Ha! ha! thou _art_ not gone-- - O speak to me! I _knew_ thou wouldst not go! - I knew thou wouldst not, couldst not, durst not go. - Villain, thou _art_ not gone--thou mockest me! - And thus I clutch thee--thus!----He is gone, he is gone-- - Gone--gone. Where am I?----'tis well--'tis very well! - So that the blade be keen--the blow be sure, - 'Tis well, 'tis very well--alas! alas! (_exit_.) - - - - -LOGIC. - - -Among ridiculous conceits may be selected _par excellence_, the -thought of a celebrated Abbé--"that the heart of man being triangular, -and the world spherical in form, it was evident that all worldly -greatness could not fill the heart of man." The same person concluded, -"that since among the Hebrews the same word expresses death and life, -(a point only making the difference,) it was therefore plain that -there was little difference between life and death." The chief -objection to this is, that _no_ one Hebrew word signifies life and -death. - - -{17} - - -AN ADDRESS ON EDUCATION, - -AS CONNECTED WITH THE PERMANENCE OF OUR REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS. - -Delivered before the Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, -at its Anniversary Meeting, September the 24th, 1835, on the -invitation of that body,--by Lucian Minor, Esq. of Louisa. - -[_Published by request of the Institute_.] - - -Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Institute: - -I am to offer you, and this large assembly, some thoughts upon -EDUCATION, _as a means of preserving the Republican Institutions of -our country_. - -The sentiment of the Roman Senate, who, upon their general's return -with the shattered remains of a great army from an almost annihilating -defeat, thanked and applauded him for _not despairing of the -Republic_, has, in later times, been moulded into an apothegm of -political morality; and few sayings, of equal dignity, are now more -hackneyed, than that "A good citizen will _never_ despair of the -commonwealth." - -I shall hope to escape the anathema, and the charge of disloyalty to -our popular institutions, implied in the terms of this apothegm, if I -doubt, somewhat, its unqualified truth; when you consider how -frequently omens of ruin, overclouding the sky of our country, have -constrained the most unquestionable republican patriot's heart to -quiver with alarm, if not to sink in despair. - -When a factious minority, too strong to be punished as traitors, -treasonably refuse to rally under their country's flag, in defence of -her rights and in obedience to her laws; when a factious majority, by -partial legislation, pervert the government to the ends of -self-aggrandizement or tyranny; when mobs dethrone justice, by -assuming to be her ministers, and rush madly to the destruction of -property or of life; when artful demagogues, playing upon the -credulity or the bad passions of a confiding multitude, sway them to -measures the most adverse to the public good; or when a popular chief -(though he were a Washington) contrives so far to plant his will in -the place of law and of policy, that the people approve or condemn -both measures and men, mainly if not solely, by his judgment or -caprice; and when all history shews these identical causes (the -offspring of ignorance and vice) to have overthrown every proud -republic of former times;--then, surely, a Marcus Brutus or an -Algernon Sidney,--the man whose heart is the most irrevocably sworn to -liberty, and whose life, if required, would be a willing sacrifice -upon her altars--must find the most gloomy forebodings often haunting -his thoughts, and darkening his hopes. - -Indeed, at the best, it is no trivial task, to conduct the affairs of -a great people. Even in the tiny republics of antiquity, some twenty -of which were crowded into a space less than two-thirds of -Virginia,--government was no such _simple machine_, as some fond -enthusiasts would have us believe it might be. The only very simple -form of government, is despotism. There, every question of policy, -every complicated problem of state economy, every knotty dispute -respecting the rights or interests of individuals or of provinces, is -at once solved by the intelligible and irreversible _sic volo_ of a -Nicholas or a Mohammed. But in republics, there are passions to -soothe; clashing interests to reconcile; jarring opinions to mould -into one result, for the general weal. To effect this, requires -extensive and accurate knowledge, supported by all the powers of -reasoning and persuasion, in discussing not only _systems_ of -measures, but their minutest details, year after year, before -successive councils, in successive generations: and supposing the -_machinery_ of _Legislative_, _Executive_, and _Judiciary_ to be so -simple or so happily adjusted, that an idiot might propel it, and a -school-lad with the first four rules of arithmetic--or even "a negro -boy with his knife and tally stick"[1]--might regulate its movements -and record their results; still, those other objects demand all the -comprehension and energies of no contracted or feeble mind. Nor are -these qualities needful only to the actual administrators of the -government. Its proprietors, the people, must look both vigilantly and -intelligently to its administration: for so liable is power to -continual abuse; so perpetually is it tending to steal from them to -their steward or their agent; that if they either want the requisite -sagacity to judge of his acts, or substitute a blind confidence in him -for that wise distrust, which all experience proves indispensable to -the preservation of power in the people,--it will soon be _their_ -power no longer. A tame surrender of it to him is inevitable, unless -they comprehend the subjects of his action well enough to judge the -character of his acts: unless they know something of that vast and -diversified field of policy, of duty, and of right, in which they have -set him to labor. Yes--in its least perplexed form, on its most -diminutive scale, the task of self-government is a perilously -difficult one; difficult, in proportion to its nobleness: calling for -the highest attributes of the human character. What, then, must it be, -in a system so complex as ours? Two sets of public functionaries, to -appoint and superintend: two sets of machinery to watch, and keep in -order: each of them not only complicated within itself, but constantly -tending to clash with the other. Viewing the State government alone, -how many fearful dissensions have arisen, as to the extent of its -powers, and the propriety of its acts! Turning then to the Federal -government, how much more awful and numerous controversies, respecting -both the constitutionality and expediency of its measures, have, -within half a century, convulsed the whole Union! No less than three -conjunctures within that time, threatening us with disunion and civil -war; not to mention the troubles of the elder Adams' administration, -the conspiracy of Burr, the Missouri dispute, or the cloud (now, I -trust, about to disperse) which has just been lowering in our northern -sky. To the complexity of our two governments, separately considered, -add the delicate problems daily springing from their relations with -one another, and from the mutual relations of the twenty-four -states--disputes concerning territory; claims urged by citizens of -one, against another state; or wrongs done to some states, by citizens -and residents of others--all these, and innumerable other questions, -involving each innumerable ramifications, continually starting up to -try the wisdom and temper, if not to mar the peace, of our -country;--and say, if there are words forcible and emphatic enough to -express the need, that the POPULAR WILL, which supremely controls this -labyrinthine complication of difficulties, should be enlightened by -knowledge, tempered by kindness, and ruled by justice? - -[Footnote 1: Mr. Randolph's Speech in the Virginia Convention, -November, 1829.] - -{18} Gentlemen, when such dangers hedge our political edifice; when we -recollect the storms which have already burst upon it, and that, -although it has survived them, we have no guarantee for its -withstanding even less furious ones hereafter--as a ship may ride out -many a tempest safely, and yet be so racked in her joints as to go -down at last under a capful of wind; above all, when we reflect that -the same cankers which have destroyed all former commonwealths, are -now at work within our own;--it would betoken, to my view, more of -irrational credulity than of patriotism, to feel that sanguine, -unconditional confidence in the durableness of our institutions, which -those profess, who are perpetually making it the test of good -citizenship "_never_ to despair of the republic." - -But is it ever to be thus? Were then the visions of liberty for -centuries on centuries, which our fathers so fondly cherished, all -deceitful? Were the toil, and treasure, and blood they lavished as -that liberty's price, all lavished in vain? Is there no deliverance -for man, from the doom of subjection which kings and their minions -pronounce against him? No remedy for the diseases which, in freedom's -apparently most healthful state, menace her with death? - -If it is not ever to be thus; if the anticipations of our -revolutionary patriots were not all delusive dreams, and their blood -fell not in vain to the ground; if man's general doom is not -subjection, and the examples of his freedom are not mere deceitful -glimmerings up of happiness above the fixed darkness which enwraps -him, designed but to amuse his fancy and to cheat his hopes; if there -is a remedy for the diseases that poison the health of liberty;--the -reason--that remedy--can be found only in one short precept--ENLIGHTEN -THE PEOPLE! - -Nothing--I scruple not to avow--it has been my thought for -years--nothing but my reliance on the efficacy of this precept, -prevents my being, at this instant, _a monarchist_. Did I not, with -burning confidence, believe that the people can be enlightened, and -that they may so escape the dangers which encompass them, I should be -for consigning them at once to the calm of hereditary monarchy. But -this confidence makes me no monarchist: makes me, I trust, a true -_whig_; not in the party acceptation of the day, but in the sense, -employed by Jefferson, of one who _trusts and cherishes the -people_.[2] Throughout his life, we find that great statesman -insisting upon _popular instruction_ as an inseparable requisite to -his belief in the permanency of any popular government: "Ignorance and -bigotry," said he, "like other insanities, are incapable of -self-government." His authority might be fortified by those of Sidney, -Montesquieu, and of all who have written extensively or luminously -upon free government: but this is no time for elaborate quotations; -and indeed why cite authorities, to prove what is palpable to the -glance? - -[Footnote 2: "The parties of Whig and Tory are those of nature. They -exist in all countries, whether called by these names, or by those of -Aristocrats and Democrats--_Côté droite_ and _côté gauche_--Ultras and -Radicals--Serviles and Liberals. The sickly, weakly, timid man, fears -the people, and is a tory by nature. The healthy, strong, and bold, -cherishes them, and is a whig by nature." _Jefferson_.] - -Immense is the chasm to be filled, immeasurable the space to be -traversed, between the present condition of mental culture in -Virginia, and that which can be safely relied upon, to save her from -the dangers that hem round a democracy, unsupported by popular -knowledge and virtue. Cyrus the Great, when a boy, among his play -fellows, avoided contests with his inferiors in strength and -swiftness; always challenging to the race or the wrestling match, -those fleeter and stronger than himself: by which means, observes -Xenophon, he soon excelled them. Imitating this wise magnanimity of -Cyrus, let us, in looking around to find how we may attain an -excellence, worthy of Virginia's early and long illustrious but now -paling fame, compare ourselves not with States that have been as -neglectful as we, of popular education, but with some which have -outstript us in that march of true glory.[3] - -[Footnote 3: Montesquieu, mentioning the adoption, by the Romans, of -an improved _buckler_ from a conquered nation, remarks, that the chief -secret of Roman greatness was, _their renouncing any usage of their -own, the moment they found a better one_. ("Ils ont toujours renoncé à -leurs usages, sitot qu'ils en ont trouvé de meilleurs.") _Grandeur et -Decadence des Romains_--_Chap._ 1.] - -The _Common-school_ system of New York, which has been in operation -since the year 1816, is in substance this: The counties having been -already laid off into tracts of five or six miles square, called -_townships_,--each of these, upon raising one half the sum needed -there for teachers' wages, is entitled to have the other half -furnished from the state treasury: and each _neighborhood_ in the -township, before it can receive any part of this joint sum, must -organize itself as a _school district_, build and furnish a school -house, and cause a school to be taught there for at least three -months, by a teacher who has been examined and found duly qualified, -by a standing committee, appointed for that purpose. To the schools -thus established, all children, rich and poor alike, are admitted -without charge. Mark the fruits of this system. In 1832, there were in -the state 508,878 children; of whom 494,959 were _regular pupils at -the common-schools_: leaving fewer than 14,000 for private or other -instruction, and reducing the number who are unschooled, to an -inappreciable point. In Massachusetts, the townships are compelled by -law to defray nearly the whole expense of their schools; and the -organization is in other respects less perfect than in New York. In -each, however, about ONE-FOURTH _of the whole population_ is receiving -instruction for a considerable part of the year; and in Massachusetts, -in 1832, there were _but_ TEN _persons between the ages of 14 and 21, -who could not read and write_. - -Connecticut, with a school fund yielding 180,000 dollars annually, and -with common schools established by law in every township, finds their -efficacy in a great degree marred by a single error in her plan. This -error is, that _the whole expense is defrayed by the state_. In -consequence of this, the people take little interest in the schools; -and the children are sent so irregularly, as to derive a very -insignificant amount of beneficial instruction: so clearly is it -shewn, that a _gratuity_, or _what seems_ to be one, is but lightly -valued. The statesmen of Connecticut, convinced that the only method -of rousing the people from their indifference, is to make them -contribute something for the schools in their own immediate -neighborhood, and so become solicitous to _get the worth of their -money_, are meditating the adoption of a plan like that of New York. - -Even in Europe, we may find admirable, nay wonderful examples, for our -imitation. - -{19} PRUSSIA has a system, strikingly analogous to that of New York; -and in some respects, superior to it. As in New York, the -superintendence of popular education is entrusted to a distinct branch -of the government; to a gradation of salaried officers, whose whole -time is employed in regulating the courses of study, compiling or -selecting books, examining teachers, and inspecting the schools. At -suitable intervals, are schools expressly _for the instruction of -teachers_: of which, in 1831, there existed thirty-three--supplying a -stock of instructors, accomplished in all the various knowledge taught -in the Prussian schools. In no country on earth--little as we might -imagine it--is there probably so well taught a population as in -Prussia. Witness the fact, that in 1831, out of 2,043,000 children in -the kingdom, 2,021,000 regularly attended the common schools: leaving -but 22,000 to be taught at their homes or in private academies.[4] -France, in 1833, adopted the Prussian plan, with effects already -visible in the habits and employments of her people; and similar -systems have long existed in Germany, and even in Austria. The schools -for training teachers (called, in France and Germany, _normal_ -schools) pervade all these countries. - -[Footnote 4: The enumeration in Prussia, is of children between 7 and -14 years of age; in New York, of those between 5 and 16. In Prussia, -the sending of all children to school is ensured by legal penalties -upon parents, guardians, and masters, who fail to send. New York -approximates remarkably to the same result, by simply enlisting the -_interest_ of her people in their schools.] - -In England, government has yet done little towards educating the -common people: but Scotland has long[5] enjoyed _parish schools_ -equalled only by those of Prussia, Germany, and some of our own -states, in creating a virtuous and intelligent yeomanry. Throughout -Great Britain, voluntary associations for the diffusion of useful -knowledge, in which are enrolled some of the most illustrious minds -not only of the British empire but of this age, have been for years in -active and salutary operation; and, by publishing cheap and simple -tracts upon useful and entertaining subjects, and by sending over the -country competent persons to deliver plain and popular lectures, -illustrated by suitable apparatus, they have, as the North American -Review expresses it, "poured floods of intellectual light upon the -lower ranks of society." - -[Footnote 5: Ever since 1646, except 36 years, embracing the -tyrannical and worthless reigns of Charles II and James II.] - -From a comparison with no one of the eight American and European -states that I have mentioned, can Virginia find, in what she has done -towards enlightening her people, the slightest warrant for that -pre-eminent self-esteem, which, in some other respects, she is so well -entitled to indulge. Except England, she is far behind them all: and -even England (if her Societies for diffusing knowledge have not -already placed her before us) is now preparing, by wise and beneficent -legislation, to lead away with the rest. - -Let me not be deemed unfilial or irreverent, if I expose, somewhat -freely, the deficiencies of our venerable commonwealth in this one -particular. It is done in a dutiful spirit, with a view purely to -their amendment: and may not children, in such a spirit and with such -a view, commune frankly with one another? - -A great and obvious difference between our primary school system, and -the _common_-school systems of the northern states, is, that _they_ -take in ALL children: while we aim to instruct only the children of -the _poor; literary paupers_. We thus at once create two causes of -failure: first, _the slight value which men set upon what costs them -nothing_, as was evinced in the case of Connecticut; second, _the -mortification to pride_ (an honest though mistaken pride,) in being -singled out as an object of charity.[6] As if these fatal errors had -not sufficiently ensured the impotence of the scheme, the schools -themselves are the least efficient that could be devised. Instead of -teachers retained expressly for the purpose,--selected, after strict -examination into their capacities, and vigilantly superintended -afterwards, by competent judges--the poor children are _entered_ by -the neighboring commissioner (often himself entirely unqualified -either to teach or to direct teaching,) in the private school which -chance, or the teacher's unfitness for any other employment, combined -always with cheapness of price, may have already established nearest -at hand. There, the little _protegé_ of the commonwealth is thrown -amongst pupils, whose parents pay for them and give some heed to their -progress; and having no friend to see that he is properly -instructed--mortified by the humiliating name of _poor -scholar_--neglected by the teacher--and not rigorously urged to school -by any one--he learns nothing, slackens his attendance, and soon quits -the temple of science in rooted disgust. - -[Footnote 6: "What you say here, is verified" (said a venerable friend -to me, on reading these sheets as they were preparing for the press--a -friend who at the age of 72, has taken upon him to teach 12 or 14 -boys; more than half of them without compensation--) "what you say -here, is verified in my school. Those who do not pay, attend hardly -half their time; and one, who is anxious to learn, and would learn if -he came regularly, is kept by his father to work at home, and has not -_been to school_ now for more than a fortnight. And it was just so," -continued he, "when I managed the W. trust fund for a charity school, -20 odd years ago. The parents could not be induced to send their -children. Sometimes they were wanted at home: sometimes they were too -ragged to go abroad: sometimes they had no victuals to carry to -school. And when we offered to furnish them provisions if they would -attend, the parents said 'no, _that_ was being too dependent.' In -short, the school produced not half the good it might have done. There -was the most striking difference between the charity scholars, and -those who paid." Similar testimony as to such schools may be obtained -of hundreds.] - -Observe now, I pray you, how precisely the results agree with what -might have been foretold, of such a system. In 1833, nearly 33,000 -_poor children_ (literary paupers) were found in 100 counties of -Virginia; of whom but 17,081 _attended school at all: and these 17,081 -attended on an average, but_ SIXTY-FIVE DAYS OF THE YEAR, EACH! The -average of _learning_ acquired by each, during those 65 days, would be -a curious subject of contemplation: but I know of no arithmetical -rule, by which it could be ascertained. That it bears a much less -proportion to the _reasonable_ attainments of a full scholastic year, -than 65 bears to the number of days in that year, there can be no -doubt. - -Ranging, out of the schools, through the general walks of society, we -find among our poorer classes, and not seldom in the middling, an -ignorance equally deplorable and mortifying. Judging by the number met -with in _business_ transactions, who cannot write their names or read, -and considering how many there are whose poverty or sex debars them -from such transactions, and lessens their chances of scholarship; we -should scarcely exceed the truth, in estimating the _white adults of -Virginia who cannot read or write, at twenty or thirty thousand_. {20} -And of many who can read, how contracted the range of intellect! The -mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, all unexplored, though -presented hourly to the eye; the glorious heavens, their grandeur, -their distances, and the laws of their motion, unthought of; man -himself--his structure, so fearful and so wonderful--those traits in -his bodily and mental frame, attention to which would the most -essentially conduce to bodily and mental health--all unnoted; History, -Geography, _tabulæ rasæ_ to them! And for political knowledge, upon -which we of Virginia mainly pride ourselves--choose, at random, a man -from the throng in any court-house yard, and question him touching the -division of power between our two governments, and its distribution -among the departments of each: the probabilities are ten to one, that -he will not solve one in ten of your questions--even of those which -are to be answered from the mere faces of the two constitutions. Take -him then into that wild, where _construction_ has been wont to -expatiate, and you will find him just able to declare _for_ or -_against_ this or that controverted power or measure: not because his -reason has discerned it to be constitutional or otherwise, but because -it is approved or disapproved by a chief of his own party, or by the -leader of a hostile one. And the aggregate of opinions thus caught by -accident, is the basis of the _popular will_: and it is the voice -prompted by this will, that is called "_The voice of God!_" - -Do not misapprehend me. Never would I have the voice of the people -other than "the voice of God"--other than all-powerful--within its -appropriate sphere. I am as loyal to their sovereignty as the most -devout of their flatterers can be: and it is from my desire to see it -perpetuated, that I speak out these unpalatable truths. Some roughness -of handling is often necessary to heal a wound. The people, like other -sovereigns, are sometimes misled by flattery: they should imitate also -the wisdom of those monarchs we occasionally meet with in history, who -can hear unwelcome truths, and let the speaker live; nay, hearken -kindly to his discourse, and let it weigh upon their future conduct. -Do I overrate the portion of the people I now address, in classing -them with such monarchs? - -Sagacious men have not been wanting among us, to see the radical -defects of our primary school system: and in 1829, the late Mr. -Fitzhugh[7] of Fairfax, stimulated the Legislature to a feeble effort -towards correcting them, by _empowering_ the school commissioners of -any county to lay it off into districts of not less than three nor -more than seven miles square; and to pay, out of the public fund, -_two-fifths_ of the sum requisite for building a school house, and -half a teacher's salary, for any one of those districts, whenever its -inhabitants, by _voluntary subscription_, should raise the residue -necessary for these purposes: and the schools thus established were to -be open, gratuitously, alike to rich and poor. But the _permissive_ -phraseology of this statute completely neutralized its effect. It -might have been foreseen, and it _was_ foreseen, that _empowering_ the -commissioners to act, and leaving the rest to _voluntary -contributions_, would be unavailing, where the workings of the school -system had so long been regarded with apathy. The statute has been -acted upon, so far as I have learned, in but _three_ counties of the -State; remaining, as to the other 107, a dead letter. I have the -strongest warrant--that of _actual experiment_, in New York and in -Massachusetts--for saying, that had the law _commanded_ the -commissioners to lay off districts in all counties where the census -shewed a sufficiently dense white population; and had it then -organized in the districts some local authorities, whose _duty_ it -should be to levy the needful amount upon their people;--I should have -been saved the ungracious task of reproaching my country with her want -of parental care; and Virginia would now be striding onward, speedily -to recover the ground she has lost in the career of true greatness. - -[Footnote 7: William H. Fitzhugh--whose death cannot yet cease to be -deplored as a public calamity; cutting short, as it did, a career, -which his extraordinary means and his devoted will alike bade fair to -make a career of distinguished usefulness.] - -If a sense of interest, and of duty, do not prompt her people, and her -legislature, immediately, to supply defects so obvious, to correct -evils so glaring; surely, very shame at the contemplation of her -inferiority to those, above whom she once vaunted herself so highly, -will induce measures which cannot be much longer deferred without -disgrace as well as danger. - -In addition to _normal schools_ (for training teachers,) an able -writer in the Edinburgh Review (to which[8] I owe the particulars of -the Prussian, German, and French school systems) suggests, in my -opinion very judiciously, the attaching of a Professorship to -Colleges, for lecturing upon the _art of instruction_; to be called -the professorship of _Didactics_. Such a chair, ably filled, would be -invaluable for multiplying enlightened teachers, and for enhancing the -dignity of that under-estimated pursuit. Conjointly with the normal -schools, it would soon ensure an abundant supply of instructors for -all the common schools. - -[Footnote 8: Nos. 116, 117--July and October, 1833--reviewing several -works of _M. Cousin_, who went as commissioner from France, to explore -and report upon the Prussian and German systems of public -instruction.] - -_The kinds of knowledge_ which should be studied in the schools, and -diffused by books, tracts, and oral lectures, among the people, form -an important topic of consideration. It is not for me, at least now -and here, to obtrude an inventory of my favorite subjects, or favorite -books: but the claims of a few subjects upon our regard are so -overshadowing, as to make dissent scarcely possible, and their -omission wholly unpardonable, in any extensive view of the connexion -between _popular education_, and _popular government_. - -Foremost of these, is the subject of Constitutional Law, and Political -Right: something of which might be taught, even in childhood. If the -children of Rome were obliged, at school, to lay up in memory the laws -of the Twelve Tables, with all their ferocious absurdities; how much -more should the children of our country learn those fundamental laws, -which guarantee to them the noble inheritance of a rational and -virtuous freedom! Even to very young minds, the structure and powers -of our two governments may be rendered intelligible by familiar and -impartial treatises, with clear oral explanations. The merit of -impartiality in these political lessons, is illustrated by the -odiousness of a departure from it, which startled me the other day, in -reading the THIRTY-FIFTH EDITION of a popular and in other respects an -excellent History of the United States,[9] {21} designed for schools; -where that section[10] of the Federal Constitution which declares the -powers of Congress, is presented thus: "The Congress of the United -States shall have power to make and enforce _all laws which are -necessary to_ THE GENERAL WELFARE--AS to lay and collect taxes," -&c.--going on to enumerate the specified powers, as _mere examples_ of -Congressional omnipotence! And the myriads of tender minds, which -probably already owe all their knowledge of the Constitution to the -abstract where this precious morsel of political doctrine occurs, can -hardly fail to carry through life the impression, that the powers of -Congress are virtually as unbounded as those of the British -Parliament. Now, to make patriots, and not partisans--upholders of -vital faith, not of sectarian doctrine--treatises for the political -instruction of youth should quote the _letter_ of every such -controverted passage, with a brief and fair statement of the opinions -and reasonings on both sides. The course of political study would be -very incomplete, without the Declaration of Independence, and -Washington's Farewell Address: and occasion might readily be found to -correct or guard against some fallacies, afloat among mankind, and -often mischievously used as axioms. "That the majority should govern," -is an instance of them: a saying, which, by being taken unqualifiedly -as at all times placing _the majority_ above the Constitution and -Laws, has repeatedly caused both to be outraged. Witness the "New -Court Law" of Kentucky, in 1825; and a very similar act passed by -Congress, in 1801. The prevalent opinions, that parties, and party -spirit, are salutary in a republic; that every citizen is in duty -bound to join one or the other party; and that he ought to _go with -his party_, in all measures, whether they be intrinsically proper or -otherwise; if not fallacies so monstrous as to make their currency -wonderful, are at least propositions so questionable and so important, -as to make them worthy of long and thorough investigation before they -be adopted as truths. - -[Footnote 9: By Charles A. Goodrich. The abstract of the Constitution -is taken, he says, from "Webster's Elements of General Knowledge."] - -[Footnote 10: Article 1 § 8.] - -Without expending a word upon that trite theme, the _utility of -history_ to all who have any concern in government, I may be allowed -to remark, that works for historical instruction, instead of being -filled with sieges and battles, should unfold, as much as possible, -those occult and less imposing circumstances, which often so -materially influence the destinies of nations: the well-timed -flattery--the lap-dog saved--the favorite's intrigue--the priest's -resentment or ambition--to which field marshals owe their rise, -cabinets their dissolution, massacres their carnage, or empires their -overthrow. Yet the reader need not be denied the glow he will -experience at the story of Thermopylæ, Marathon, Leuctra, or Bunker -Hill. All those incidents, too, whether grand or minute, which may -serve as warnings or as encouragements to posterity, should be placed -in bold relief, and their influence on the current of events, clearly -displayed. Numberless opportunities will occur, for impressing upon -the minds of young republicans, truths which deeply concern the -responsibilities involved in that name: the artifices of -demagogues--the danger, in a democracy, of _trusting_ implicitly to -the honesty and skill of public agents--the worthlessness of -popularity, unless it be "the popularity which _follows_, not that -which is _run after_"[11]--the importance of learning to resist the -erring impulses of a misguided multitude, not less than the -unrighteous mandates of a frowning tyrant[12]--the ease, so often -exemplified, with which a people may be duped by the _forms_ of -freedom, long after the substance is gone--the incredible aptitude of -_example_ to become _precedent_, and of _precedent_ to ripen into -_law_, until usurpation is established upon the ruins of liberty--and -the difference between _true_ and _false_ GREATNESS, so little -appreciated by the mass of mankind. This last point could not be -better illustrated, than by a fair comparison of Washington with -Bonaparte: a task which Dr. Channing, of Boston, has executed, in an -essay among the most elegant and powerful in the English or any other -language. - -[Footnote 11: Lord Mansfield.] - -[Footnote 12: The "_ardor civium prava jubentium_," not less than the -"_vultus instantis tyranni_."] - -To render _Political Economy_ intelligible to a moderate capacity, -dissertations sufficiently plain and full might easily be extracted -from the writings of Smith and Say, and from the many luminous -discussions, oral and written, which it has undergone in our own -country. Miss Martineau has shewn how well its truths may be set forth -in the captivating form of tales: and the writings of Mr. Condy Raguet -teem with felicitous illustrations. - -_Practical Morals_--I mean that department, which teaches, and -_habituates_ us, to behave justly and kindly to our fellow -creatures--will ever be poorly taught by dry precepts and formal -essays. No vehicle of moral instruction is comparable to the striking -narrative. How is it possible for any school-boy to rob an orchard, -after having read Miss Edgeworth's "Tarlton?"--or to practise -unfairness in any bargain, when he has glowed at the integrity of -Francisco, in purposely shewing the _bruised side_ of his melon to a -purchaser? or not to loathe party spirit, when he has been early -imbued with the rational sentiments contained in the "Barring Out?" In -short, to be familiar with the mass of that lady's incomparable -writings for youth, and not have the principles and feelings of -economy, industry, courage, honor, filial and fraternal love, -engrained into his very soul? Or how can he fail to find, in "Sandford -and Merton," for the daily occasions of life, the happiest lessons of -duty and humanity, and for those great conjunctures which never occur -in many a life time, the most resistless incentives to a more than -Roman heroism? - -Other branches of knowledge are desirable for the republican citizen, -less from any peculiar appositeness to his character as such, than -from their tendency to enlarge his mind; and especially because, by -affording exhaustless stores of refined and innocent pleasure, they -win him away from the haunts of sensuality. "I should not think the -most exalted faculties a gift worthy of heaven," says Junius, "nor any -assistance in their improvement a subject of gratitude to man, if I -were not satisfied, that _to inform the understanding, corrects and -enlarges the heart_." Felix Neff, the Alpine pastor, whose ardent, -untiring benevolence, ten years ago, wrought what the indolent would -deem miracles, in diffusing knowledge, and a love of knowledge, -amongst an untutored peasantry, found their indifference towards -_foreign missions_ immovable, until they had learned something of -_geography_: but so soon as they had read the {22} description of -distant countries, and seen them upon the map, they conceived an -interest in the people who dwelt there; and entered warmly into the -scheme of beneficence, which before had solicited their attention in -vain. "Their new acquirements," observes Neff, "enlarged their spirit, -and made new creatures of them; seeming to triple their very -existence." Geometry, he remarked, also "produced a happy moral -development:" doubtless by the beauty of its unerring march to truth. -Arithmetic it is superfluous to recommend: but its adjunct, Algebra, -deserves cultivation as an exercise to the analyzing faculties; as an -implement, indispensable to the prosecution of several other studies; -and as opening a unique and curious field of knowledge to the view. - -The _physical sciences_, shewing the composition and defects of soils, -and the modes of remedying those defects--the natures and properties -of minerals and vegetables--the modes in which different bodies affect -each other--the mechanical powers--the structure of man's own frame, -and the causes which benefit or injure it--the utility of these cannot -escape any mind. - -For _books_, and _tracts_, and _oral lectures for the people_, there -will be no want of materials or models, or even of the actual fabrics -themselves. The publications of the British and American Societies for -the Diffusion of Knowledge, are mines, in which selection, -compilation, and imitation, may work with the richest results to this -great cause. Many of these productions, and still more eminently, the -scientific writings of Dr. Franklin, afford most happy specimens of -the style, suited to treatises for popular use: no parade of learning; -no long word, where a short will serve the turn; no Latin or Greek -derivative, where an Anglo-Saxon is at hand; no technical term, where -a popular one can be used. By presenting, in a form thus brief, -simple, and attractive, subjects which in their accustomed guise of -learned and costly quartos or octavos, frighten away the common gaze, -as from a Gorgon upon which none might look, and live, you may -insinuate them into every dwelling, and every mind: the school urchin -may find them neither incomprehensible, nor wearisome; and the -laboring man be detained from the tippling house, and even for an -hour, after the day's toil is over, from his pillow, to snatch a few -morsels from the banquet of instruction. - -Many will cavil at the attempt to disseminate generally, so extended a -round of knowledge: and if, to escape the charge of -_impracticability_, we say, that our aim is to impart merely a slight -and general acquaintance with the proposed subjects,--then, -_sciolism_, and _smattering_, will be imputed to the plan; and Pope's -clever lines, so often misapplied, about the _intoxicating effect of -shallow draughts from the Pierian Spring_, will be quoted upon us. -Come the objection in prose or in verse, it is entirely fallacious. - -Learning, either superficial or profound, intoxicates with vanity, -only when it is confined to a few. It is by seeing or fancying himself -wiser than those around him, that the pedant is puffed up. But now, -all the community, male and female, are proposed to be made partakers -of knowledge; and cannot be vain, of what all equally possess. -Besides--the sort of knowledge that naturally engenders conceit and -leads to error, is the _partial_ knowledge of _details_; not a -comprehensive acquaintance with _outlines_, and _general principles_. -A quack can use the lancet, and knows it to have been successfully -employed for severe contusions and excessive heat; but does not know -the _general_ fact, that under extreme exhaustion, indicated by a -suspended pulse, stimulants, and not depletives, are proper. Seeing a -man just fallen from a scaffold, or exhausted with heat and fatigue in -the harvest field--his pulse gone--the quack bleeds him, and the -patient dies. Again--a lounger at judicial trials, having picked up a -few legal doctrines and phrases--perhaps being master of a "Hening's -Justice"--conceives himself a profound jurisprudent; and besides -tiring the ears of all his acquaintance with technical pedantry, he -persuades a credulous neighbor, or plunges himself, into a long, -expensive, and ruinous law-suit. The worthy Mr. Saddletree, and Poor -Peter Peebles,[13] are masterly pictures of such a personage: -pictures, of which few experienced lawyers have not seen originals. -The storm so lately (and perhaps even yet) impending from the north, -and several other conspicuous ebullitions of fanaticism, are clearly -traceable to the perversion of a text[14] in our Declaration of -Independence and Bills of Rights, detached from its natural connexion -with kindred and qualifying truths, by minds uninstructed in the -_general principles_ of civil and political right. The mind which has -been accustomed only to a microscopic observation of one subject, or -one set of subjects, is necessarily contracted, fanatical, and -intolerant: as the wrinkled crone, who, during a long life, has never -passed the hills environing her cabin, or heard of any land besides -her own province, believes her native hamlet the choicest abode of -wisdom and goodness, and its humble church the grandest specimen of -architectural magnificence, in the world; and hears with incredulity -or horror, of distant countries, containing mountains, rivers, -climates, and cities, such as her thoughts never conceived, and people -with complexions, customs, language, and religion, different from all -that she has ever known. But the intellect, that has surveyed the -outlines and observed the relations of many various subjects (even -though not thoroughly familiar with any,) resembles the man who by -travelling, or even on a map, has traced the boundaries and marked the -relative positions of different countries. Knowing that _they exist_, -and _are peopled_, he readily forms distinct ideas of their surfaces, -and their moral traits: their mountains, rivers, and cities, their -arts, commerce, manners, institutions, and wars, rise before his -imagination, or are grasped by his knowledge: and whatever he hears, -he is prepared rationally to credit or reject, to approve or censure, -as it comports well or ill with probability and with reason. Now, to -counteract the one, and to promote the other, of these two conditions -of mind, are precisely what is proposed by the advocates of popular -instruction. They propose to teach _outlines_; and carefully to -impress the fact, that _only outlines are taught_: so as to shew the -learner, plainly, the precise extent of his knowledge, and (what is -yet more important) of his _ignorance_. It is thus, that, being not -"proud that he hath learned so much," but rather "humble that he knows -no more," vanity and self-conceit will be most certainly prevented: -{23} that a wise doubt of his own infallibility will make him tolerant -of dissent from his opinions: that he will be prepared at all times to -extend his acquisitions easily and judiciously, and to connect them -well with previous acquisitions--proving how truly Blackstone has -said, in paraphrase of Cicero,[15] "the sciences are _social_, and -flourish best in the neighborhood of each other:" in short, that he -will approach most nearly to that "healthful, well proportioned" -expansion of intellect and liberality of character, which Locke[16] -terms a _large, sound, roundabout sense_. In this point of view, it -will be found that "a little learning is" _not_ "a dangerous thing." - -[Footnote 13: In "The Heart of Mid Lothian," and "Redgauntlet."] - -[Footnote 14: "All men are created equal," &c. This principle is, in -substance, asserted in the Bill of Rights or Constitution of almost -every State in the Union.] - -[Footnote 15: ----"omnes artes, quae ad humanitatem pertinent, habent -quoddam commune vinculum, et quasi cognatione quadam inter sese -continentur." _Orat. pro Arch. Poet._] - -[Footnote 16: Conduct of the Understanding.] - -I am deeply sensible, that I have left untouched many topics, even -more important and more pertinent to the main theme of my remarks, -than some which I have discussed. Indeed, so wide and so varied is -that main theme, that I have found myself greatly embarrassed in -selecting from the numerous particulars which solicited my regard on -every hand. I have not presumed to offer any fully rounded plan, of -that legislative action which is so imperiously demanded by the public -weal, and soon will be, I trust, by the public voice. A few hints, are -all that seemed to become me, or indeed that could well be crowded -into my brief share of this day's time. For a plan, both in outline -and in detail, I point to our sister states and to the European -countries, that have taken the lead of us: and to the virtues and -wisdom, by which our statesmen will be able to supply the defects, -avoid the errors, and even, I trust, surpass the excellences, of those -states and countries. That the Legislature may be wrought up to act, -individual influence, and the more powerful influence of associations -for the purpose--of whom I deem you, gentlemen, the chief, because the -first--must be exerted. You must draw the minds of the constituent -body forcibly to the subject. It must be held up in every light; -supported by every argument; until the people shall be persuaded but -to _consider_ it. Then, half the work will have been done. And in its -further progress towards consummation--when the illuminating process -shall have fairly begun--still it will be for you, gentlemen, and for -those whom your example shall call into this field of usefulness with -and after you, to exert, with no slumbering energy, the endowments -wherewith you and they, are entrusted. You, and they, must become -authors, and the prompters of authors. Books, for use in the schools, -and cheap, simplifying tracts as well as books for circulation among -the people, must be composed, compiled, and selected. Lectures, plain -and cheap, and suitably illustrated, must be delivered through town -and country. After the example of the good Watts, and of our own many -illustrious contemporaries in Britain and America, learned men must -oblige Science to lay aside the starched dignity and grand attire, by -which hitherto she has awed away the vulgar; and to render herself -universally amiable, by being humbly useful: as the wisest[17] of -heathens is said to have "brought Philosophy down from the skies, -placed her in human haunts, and made her discourse on the daily -concerns of human life." - -[Footnote 17: Socrates. "Primus ille Philosophiam devocavit e coelo, -et in urbibus collocavit, et in domus introduxit; et coegit de vita et -moribus, rebusque bonis et malis quærere." _Cic. Tuscul. 5_.] - -In this whole enterprise, its undertakers should resolve to be -convinced by no sneers, daunted by no difficulties, arrested by no -obstacles. Difficulties and obstacles enough, indeed, will present -themselves to the timid or superficial glance; but they will vanish, -before calm scrutiny and brave determination. Even where the means of -solving or removing them may not occur before hand to the mind, what -was lately said in a worse cause, will prove to be true: "Where there -is a WILL, there is a WAY." In such a cause as ours, and in reference -to the epithets of "visionary," "impracticable," "chimerical," -"Quixotic," and all the other imaginary lions which will be discovered -in our path, well may we say, with the generous confidence of Lord -Chatham, that we "_trample upon impossibilities_." - -Has not our success, indeed, been already demonstrated? Demonstrated, -in the first place, by unnumbered instances of parallel, and more -stupendous enterprises, accomplished under circumstances less -favorable than those which attend our undertaking? Such enterprises as -the Reformation of Luther--the settlement of America--her deliverance -from a foreign yoke--the teaching of the blind and the dumb[18] to -read and to write? Demonstrated, again, by actual _experiment_, that -sovereign test of practicability--experiment, seven times repeated, -with extensive, if not complete success--in New York, in Connecticut, -in Massachusetts, in Austria, in Germany, in Prussia, in Scotland? -Yes--it is no untried path we are called to tread: scarcely a step of -the way, but has been explored and smoothed before us. All that we -have to do, is to look around--see what others have done--correct our -own procedure by what we perceive defective in theirs--and forthwith -open the floodgates of light, and bid the torrent pour. - -[Footnote 18: Dr. Johnson, after having witnessed the surprising -performances of the pupils in a College for the deaf and dumb at -Edinburgh in 1773, concluded that such a triumph over an infirmity -apparently irremediable, left nothing hopeless to human resolution. -"After having seen the deaf taught arithmetic," says he, "who would be -afraid to cultivate the Hebrides?" _Journey to the Western Islands_.] - -Young gentlemen, foster-sons of the venerable institution near us! -Some, if not all of you, are destined by your opportunities, and by -bosoms glowing with honorable ambition, and beating high with the -consciousness of talent, for a conspicuous part in the drama of life. -Your eyes, doubtless, have already often glanced around, to see in -what field you shall reap the harvest of wealth, respect, and fame, -which hope represents as awaiting you. The buzz of notoriety, the palm -of eloquence, the gorgeousness of office--those glittering bribes, -which have lured onward their tens of thousands to mere splendid -misery or to a shameful end after all--have, no doubt, displayed their -attractions to you: but permit me to suggest, that if you will devote -the powers with which nature and education have gifted you, to the -patriot task of purifying and expanding the minds of your -countrymen--besides enjoying in your latter days that sweetest of -earthly thoughts, the thought of a life spent in usefulness--you may -have gathered laurels of glory, compared with which, all the chaplets -ever won in the tilt-yard of vulgar ambition are paltry weeds. - -My wealthy fellow citizens! remember, that where {24} suffrage is -nearly universal and the majority rules, if the great body of the -people be ignorant or immoral, property is never secure from assaults, -under the disguise of law: either agrarian schemes, or oppressive -protecting systems, or advantages to certain classes, or some form of -unequal taxation; all, the result of ill-informed minds, or of -depraved dispositions. And if lawlessness assume not the garb of -legislation, still it is always banded with ignorance in the firing of -barns, the destruction of labor-saving machinery,[19] conspiracies to -raise wages, and all the terrific outrages that spring from the fury -of mobs. Thus, by a wise Providence, are you, who are the most _able_ -to promote the education of the people, also by far the most -_interested_ in doing so. If there can be a case, in which a judicious -liberality is the truest economy, that case is now yours: and never -may the _ill husbandry of niggardliness_ be more awfully exemplified, -than by your grudging a small particle of your wealth, to place the -remainder beyond the reach of this peril. - -[Footnote 19: No one can have forgotten the ravages committed, a year -or two since, by the ignorant poor of Kent, and some others of the -southern and middle counties of England, chiefly under the delusive -idea, that their sufferings were caused by labor-saving machinery.] - -My fellow citizens (if any such are before me) who do not possess -wealth, and who have scarcely tasted of the cup of knowledge! You -surely need no exhortation to quaff freely of that cup, when it shall -come within your grasp: but I do exhort you to employ your influence -as men, and your constitutional power as voters, in persuading your -fellow citizens, and in prompting your public agents, to adopt the -requisite measures for dispelling, now and forever, the clouds and -darkness in which republican freedom can never long live. - -And if, at the remotest point of future time, to which we may look -forward as witnessing the existence of human government any where, our -democratic forms shall still retain, unimpaired, even their present -purity, and present fertility of substantial freedom and happiness; -much more, if they shall have waxed purer, and stronger, and more -fruitful of good, with each revolving century,--defying the power or -conciliating the love of foreign states--maintaining domestic -harmony--oppressing none, protecting all--and so fully realizing the -fondest hopes of the most sanguine statesman, that no "despair of the -republic" can trouble the faintest heart:--all will be owing (under -Providence,) to the hearkening of this generation and the succeeding -ones, to that voice--not loud, but solemn and earnest--which, from the -shrine of Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and -enforces the momentous precept--"ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE!" - - - - -THE WISSAHICCON. - - Its bounding crystal frolicked in the ray, - And gushed from cleft to crag with saltless spray. - _Byron_. - - -It is probable there are but few individuals residing in the vicinity -of Philadelphia, who have not heard, during some interval of business -engagements, of Wissahiccon creek, a beautiful and romantic stream -that falls into the no less romantic Schuylkill, about five miles -above the city. The stream is visited, statedly, by but a small number -of persons, but as it is neither found on any map, nor marked in any -gazetteer that I have ever examined, there may be some apology -afforded for the indifference to magnificent scenery, manifested by -hundreds and thousands of our citizens, who, though domiciled in its -immediate vicinity, have never deemed it worthy of a visit. So true it -is, that there is a proneness in human nature to undervalue the gifts -of Providence which are placed within our reach, and to admire and -covet those which are located at a distance. Were a fatiguing journey -of several hundred miles necessary, in order to enjoy a ramble along -the banks of the Wissahiccon, we should then, without doubt, view its -placid waters, its sluggish, meandering course, its richly covered -banks, and its imposing precipices, with the admiration and enthusiasm -which scenes of this character never fail to inspire in the minds of -those who passionately love the untouched works of the hand of nature. -But the delightful little stream courses along within a few miles of -our doors, and a ride to its most picturesque views, is but an hour's -excursion; hence, except to a few, whose researches have discovered, -and whose good taste enabled them to appreciate, the beauty, sublimity -and majesty of this stream, it is almost unknown. - -But there are persons who have not been thus negligent of nature's -treasures in this vicinity, and to these a visit to the fascinating -Wissahiccon, calls up remembrances and associations of the most -delightful character. To those who enjoy Nature in her majesty--free, -uncontrolled, undespoiled of her beauty by the effacing efforts of -human skill--there is no spot, within a circle of many miles, so rich -in imagery, so imposing in appearance, so fascinating in attraction, -as the banks of the Wissahiccon. The stream takes its rise from -several springs in the upper part of Montgomery county, and flows, for -a short distance, through a limestone country, remarkable for -fertility and a high state of cultivation. Thence it passes, -south-westernly, "a sweet smiling stream sleeping on the green sward," -into more undulating land, until it reaches the Chesnut ridge, from -which it progresses, at times indolently, and at times with an -impetuous current, through a narrow valley, hedged in on either side -by high hills, steep and craggy cliffs and precipitous mountains, -until it strikes the Schuylkill, about a mile above the falls. Along -its whole course the scenery of the Wissahiccon is beautiful, but it -is the portion lying within six or eight miles of its mouth, that is -generally regarded as the most attractive, as it exhibits, in bolder -relief than any other portion, the peculiar sublimity and grandeur of -the stream, and the imposing and majestic ledge of rock work through -which it passes. It is along this distance that I have been accustomed -to ramble during leisure moments, for years, and it is under the shade -of the forests of brilliant hue that line its banks, that I have often -reclined, and enjoyed, undisturbed, the sweet melody of nature, -issuing from the bursting green foliage around me. I love nature with -enthusiasm, and whether standing on the bank of a running stream and -listening to the sweet gushing sound of its waters, or seated on an -eminence overlooking the waving fields of golden fruit that bless the -labor of the husbandman; whether enchanted by the Siren song of -nature's minstrels in the spring, or watching the many-colored leaves -of the {25} forest, as they are borne through the air by the whistling -winds of autumn--there is, in the scene before me, absorbing -attraction, calling forth reflections which never fail to mellow down -the selfish and unkind feelings of the heart, and to shed a peaceful, -consoling, and happy influence--all-pervading and lasting in its -impressions--over the heart. - -The wild and majestic are, however, the scenes to which I am most -strongly attached, and which invariably elicit, to a greater extent -than those of a softer character, passionate emotions of wonder and -admiration. I love to stand at the base of a mountain whose summit -reaches the clouds, and to clamber among rocks and under precipices -whose projecting cliffs threaten destruction to the hardy -adventurer--I love to explore the dense forests of our bold and -beautiful hills, and to bury myself in the hidden recesses of nature, -where the foot of man has never trod, where the sound of civilization -has never been heard--I love to stand at the foot of Niagara, and -watch the mighty torrent of a mighty inland sea hurling its -concentrated power into the gulph below, and to gaze deep, deep, into -that awful abyss--unfathomable, destructive, appalling--I love to see -the elements at war, to hear the rush of the tornado and whirlwind, -laying prostrate in their furious course every impediment to their -destructive progress, and to witness the fall of the powerful oak and -the whirlings of its cleft branches in the sea of matter above, -crushing and overwhelming the most formidable obstacles of art. These -are scenes in which the spirit of the enthusiast revels, and they are -scenes which strike the soul with awe, speaking trumpet-tongued of the -presence of an Almighty power, of the omnipotence of his authority, of -the insignificance of human effort, and the frailty of human life. - -The scenery near the mouth of the Wissahiccon is of a wild, romantic, -and imposing character, beautiful in its ever-varying aspect, and -interesting in its mystic associations. High hills, occasionally -assuming the appearance of mountains, rise on either side, covered -with a dense and beautifully-variegated foliage. The dogwood, with its -beautiful flowers, the chesnut, the locust, the melancholy willow, the -sumac, the gum, with its vermillion leaves, and the gloomy hemlock, -flourish here in all their native grandeur; and the lofty oak, the -father of the forest, stretches out his thickly-covered branches to -afford shade and shelter to the weary pedestrian. Wild flowers, in -great number and varieties, rivalling each other in loveliness, are -found in the underwood, giving effect to the drapery of the verdant -trees, by enlivening the dark hues of the thickly-growing and -overshadowed forest. Some of these flowers and plants are of rare -quality and surpassing beauty, and far eclipse in attraction many that -are cultivated with care and pride in our gardens; but here they -spring up, year after year, in silence and solitude, being literally - - "------Born to blush unseen, - And waste their fragrance on the desert air." - -In the valley of the stream, along the eastern side of which, for a -mile or two, a convenient road has been chisseled and scooped out of -the sides of the stony hill, the vision is completely obstructed by -the imposing banks, and hills rising above hills, on either shore; and -but for the unpoetic noise of a laboring mill, and the span of a rude -bridge which crosses to a small cavern or cleft in the rocky slope, -there would be nothing to betray the presence of man, or to mark the -contiguity of human enterprise. Alas! that not one spot--not even the -glorious Wissahiccon--bearing the undoubted impress of the hand of the -God of nature, can escape the desolating depredations and officious -interference of the onward march of civilization. - -The carriage road commencing at the mouth of the Wissahiccon, crosses -the stream on a covered bridge, about a mile and a half above, winds -up a hill of considerable elevation, and passes over to the ridge. -From the covered bridge access along the creek is obtained by means of -a foot path, on the western side, which is marked through the forest, -over crags and cliffs, rugged rocks and rooted trees, until it reaches -a beautiful green lawn, a little parlor in the wilderness, celebrated -as the resort of occasional pic-nic parties of young ladies and -gentlemen from the city, and where, on the grassy floor, youth and -beauty have often mingled in the graceful dance, and joined in the -merry song of innocence and gay hilarity. It is a sweet spot, and -surrounded, as it is, by scenery of the wildest and most romantic -character, may very appropriately be designated the "oasis of the -Wissahiccon." Near this place, immediately on the water's edge, the -ruins of an antiquated stone building are discovered, scattered over -the ground, and as no trace of the original appearance of the edifice -can be found, the imagination is permitted to enjoy free scope in -dwelling upon the character and pursuits of its ancient founders. On -the opposite side, the banks rise up, in many places almost -perpendicularly, to the height of mountains, and but few have the -temerity to attempt a passage along the course of the stream, as a -single false step might hurl them among the dangerous rocks and -jutting cliffs below. Here, as well as on the western side, several -clefts and caverns in the granite rocks may be found, but it does not -appear that they extend to any great depth under the massive -structure; and here, upon the edge of a hill, may be seen the point at -which it was sometime since proposed to throw a bridge over the -stream, to carry across the rail road from Philadelphia to Norristown. -The projectors of the scheme reached thus far in their onward -progress, but in casting a glance over the precipice into the gulph -below, were struck with dismay at the formidable obstacles which -appeared, and prudently abandoned the hazardous and wildly-conceived -undertaking. - -Near Garsed's flax mill, the foot-path crosses to the eastern shore of -the stream, on a rude log chained to an adjacent stone, and passes up -through a forest overhanging the sluggish waters, and through a thick -underwood, which, in some places, is almost impenetrable. Occasional -openings in the dense foliage, which become more frequent as the -pedestrian progresses up the stream, afford highly picturesque and -enchanting views of the surrounding hills, such as those who -appreciate Nature in her majesty, would journey miles upon miles, and -endure pain and fatigue without murmuring, to behold. In every -direction the scenes unfolded to the eye are rich and enchanting -beyond description, and remind the writer who associates therewith -ideas of intellectual pleasure and enjoyment, of the beautiful lines -of the poet: {26} - - "Dear solitary groves, where peace doth dwell! - Sweet harbors of pure love and innocence! - How willingly could I forever stay - Beneath the shade of your embracing greens, - List'ning unto the harmony of birds, - Tun'd with the gentle murmur of the stream." - -One of the most interesting spots on the Wissahiccon, is in the -immediate vicinity of the great perpendicular rock of granite, -opposite Rittenhouse's mill. Here the dark shadows of the hill fall, -with beautiful effect, upon the gurgling stream, and the rich and deep -woodland foliage, the tangled and fragrant shrubbery, the towering -cliffs on the one side, and imposing hills and dales on the other, -give to the place a charm and fascination, which the reflecting mind -may enjoy, but of which it is impossible to convey with the pen, any -accurate description. It was near this enchanting place, on the sun -side of a high hill, as is currently believed, that Kelpius and his -friend, scholars of Germany, located themselves about the close of the -seventeenth century, and where for years they dwelt in quiet and -religious meditation, awaiting, with anxious prayer, the coming of the -"Lady of the Wilderness," and where they died, as we now know, -"without the sight." It was here, that, at a period long anterior to -the arrival of Kelpius, the untamed monarch of these wilds came to -enjoy the rich treasures of nature, and to worship, in silence, the -goodness and bounty of the Great Spirit. It was here, perhaps, on the -summit of this very hill, that the original owners of the soil -convened for the war dance and to make preparations for a furious and -bloody contest; or mayhap it was here that the chiefs of different -tribes assembled to bury the hatchet of war, and to smoke the calumet -of amity and peace. Perhaps it was here that the noble young warrior, -flushed with the honors of victory, stole silently at the midnight -hour, to breathe his tale of love and his vows of devotion, into the -ear of his blushing and affianced bride; and surely no spot can be -found, in the whole range of our wide-spread territory, so suitable -for scenes of this character. Here is the abode of romance, here the -spirit of nature holds undisputed sway--and here, among these rugged -rocks, and in this dense foliage--by the side of this poetic stream, -with its associations of woody heights and shady dells, it is fitting -that pure and holy vows of love should be uttered, where Heaven, in -every leaf of the forest, in every blade of grass, may be called upon -to bear witness to their sincerity and truth. - -But the Wissahiccon has fallen into other hands. The untutored savage -no longer strolls over these silent mountains and vales, for his abode -has been removed far away, beyond the western waters. The bones of his -warrior fathers lie bleached and neglected in the depths of the -valley, for the high-bounding spirit of the son is tamed, by the -contaminating influence of his civilized brethren. The active deer no -longer bounds over the hills and dales of the Wissahiccon, for he has -been driven to more sequestered abodes. The stream is, however, much -the same--its placid waters are still beautiful as mirrors--its shores -are still romantic--its groves are still enchanting--and so may they -ever remain, undisturbed, untouched by the dilapidating hand of man! -The place should ever be reserved as a refreshing retreat, where the -soul may be uplifted in devotion, and the heart gladdened in sweet -contemplation--where no sound shall be heard but the notes of melody -and joy, in delightful unison with the tones of the murmuring rill. - - "To sit on rocks, to muse o'er flood and fell, - To slowly trace the forest's shady scene, - Where things that own not man's dominion dwell, - And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been; - To climb the trackless mountain, all unseen, - With the wild flock that never needs a fold; - Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean; - This is not solitude--'tis but to hold - Converse with nature's charms, and see her stores unroll'd." - -Two or three miles above the perpendicular rock, on the eastern shore -of the stream, and in a spot equally beautiful and romantic, stands an -edifice of great antiquity, connected with which there are a number of -interesting associations. It is built nearly on the summit of a slope -that stretches into a ravine, walled in on three sides by elevated -hills, thickly covered with foliage. The building is of stone, three -stories high, with numerous windows, four to each chamber, of uniform -size, and appearance; sixty years ago there was a balcony around the -second story, and the old-fashioned eaves, plastered in semi-circular -form, still to be seen, exhibit the architectural taste and style of a -past century. The date of its erection is supposed to be the year -1706, and its founders a society of religious Germans, probably known -as _Pietists_ or _Seven day Baptists_, who no doubt selected this -secluded situation in order to secure peace and quietness in their -religious devotions. Many of the aged inhabitants of the neighborhood -remember this monastery, as a building of unchanged appearance, even -from the days of their boyhood, and some have connected therewith -curious traditions of romance and legends of mystic tale. -Notwithstanding the edifice has lately undergone a thorough -alteration, and is now the permanent residence of a highly respectable -and very intelligent family, it still bears the reputation of being -visited by spirits. - -The fact of this building having been occupied as a monastery, by a -brotherhood of Germans, is, however, involved in doubt. One tradition -alleges, that it was tenanted for sometime, by a fraternity of -Capuchins, or White Friars, who took upon themselves vows of -abstinence and poverty, and who slept upon wooden or stone pillows, -with places scolloped out for the head. In confirmation of this -tradition, an ancient burial place near the premises, now under -tillage, is pointed out, where repose the remains of many of the -brotherhood. Another and more probable story is, that the building was -actually erected for a religious society, professing a faith similar -to that of the Seven day Baptists at Ephrata, near Lancaster, but -never occupied, as those for whom it was designed deemed it expedient -to leave the neighborhood, and join the settlement at Ephrata. The -Chronica Ephrata expressly states that, previous to the formation of -that community, in May, 1733, they had dwelt in separate places as -hermits, and "the hermits of the ridge" are frequently mentioned. That -there was a feeling of affection between these hermits and the -brotherhood in Ephrata, is beyond all doubt, as the Chronica, in -another place, speaks of some brothers of single devotedness at -Roxborough, "who subsequently fell in with the spirit of the world and -married." - -Kelpius, probably the first of the hermits, on the Wissahiccon, died -in the year 1708. He was succeeded by {27} Seelig, who survived him -many years, and who was contemporary with Conrad Matthias, another -recluse, whose cave was near the Schuylkill. Tradition speaks of these -Germans as being men of undoubted piety and great learning. Kelpius -wrote several languages, and his journal, in Latin, is now in the -possession of a distinguished antiquarian of Philadelphia. He waited -the coming of the "Lady of the Wilderness,"--the "woman clothed with -the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of -twelve stars," spoken of in the scriptures, as having "fled into the -wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should -feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Rev. -xii.) We may wonder that such a man as Kelpius should labor under a -delusion of this character, but those who will visit the spot he -selected for his "prayerful waiting," will agree with me in opinion -that it was singularly well chosen to harmonize with and foster his -eccentric views, and romantic religious expectations. - -There is another interesting legend, connected with the monastery on -the Wissahiccon, which I feel inclined to allude to, if I may do so -without being held responsible for its veracity. It is a tale of -unhappy love, and relates to a young, beautiful, and accomplished -French lady, who followed her lover to the Indian wars, who fought in -disguise by his side, and who closed his eyes when he fell at her -feet, mortally wounded. Being subsequently admitted, for temporary -shelter, into the monastery, she passed a year or two in unavailing -grief, and died, heart-broken at the loss of all she held near and -dear on earth. The particulars of the melancholy fate of the beautiful -Louisa I may hereafter unfold to the reader, but I beg my young -friends who may discover the mound which covers her remains at the -foot of a weeping willow, washed by the gurgling stream, to shed a -tear to the memory of one whose beauty and virtues deserved a happier -fate. - -I have thus attempted to give a sketch of the ever-delightful -Wissahiccon, and to cast a hasty glance at a few of the prominent -incidents with which it was once associated. If I have failed to -excite interest in the mind of the reader, let him not hesitate to -attribute the circumstance to the feeble powers of the writer, rather -than to the poverty of the subject to which his attention has been -called. Beautiful and magnificent beyond comparison are the -picturesque views of this romantic stream, and for ages to come may -its crystal waters continue to course through the valley, affording -peaceful enjoyment to the pedestrian on its banks, and unqualified -delight to those who may ramble through its attractive forests. - -_Philadelphia, October 1835_. - - - - -LE BRUN. - - -Le Brun, a Jesuit, wrote what he called a Christian Virgil, and a -Christian Ovid. The Virgil consists, of Eclogues, Georgics, and an -Epic of twelve books, all however on devotional subjects. The Ovid is -in the same taste. The Epistles are pious ones--the Fasti are the six -days of the Creation--the Elegies are the Lamentations of -Jeremiah--the Art of Love is a poem on The Love of God, and the -history of some Conversions supplies the place of the Metamorphoses. - - - - -MEMORY. - - - Oh! why should Memory love to dwell - On pleasures which can come no more? - And why should Fancy's magic spell - So brightly gild each scene of yore? - - Ev'n Hope's delusive, glittering beam - May cease to shed its cheering light; - And, dull and cold, Time's onward stream - May flow before the aching sight. - - But Memory, like a fairy dream, - Still haunts the pensive view, - And, like mild Evening's lingering beam, - Clothes fading scenes in loveliest hue. - - The Past, with all its glittering train - Of joys, so sweet, so quickly fled, - At Memory's touch returns again, - To cheer the heart whose hopes are dead. - - Fond Retrospection lingers near - Each scene of bliss which could not last, - And links again that chain so dear, - Which Memory flings around the past. - - Hopes, Friendships, _Loves_--a seraph band-- - Which Time's cold blast had rudely torn, - As Memory waves her magic wand, - With more than former bliss return. - - They come, like Music's distant breath, - So soft, so sweet their whisperings are-- - And fadeless is that lovely wreath - With which they bind the brow of care. - - Oh! Memory's joys will _always_ last-- - No cloud can dim their brilliant ray; - Still bright and brighter glows the Past, - As Hope's sweet visions fade away. - - - - -THE CITY. - - - The City--the City--its glare and din-- - Oh! my soul is sick of its sights and shows, - My spirit is cramp'd, and my soul pent in-- - I can scarcely think, and it seems to me - My very breathing is not so free, - As where the breeze in its freedom blows, - And the vines untrammel'd but seem to be - Disporting to tell of their liberty. - There, _there_ I'd be--Oh! my spirit pines - For the rivers, the trees, and the forest vines. - - From the crowded streets, and the jostling throng, - And garish glitter, and vain parade-- - My native woods! how I long, I long - To bury me in thy wilds again; - Then Art, and Fashion, and Form, oh! then - I'll eschew ye all in my wild-wood shade. - Like an uncaged bird, I shall scarcely know - Which way to bend me, or whither to go; - Yet I think my spirit would grateful rise - Unto God, who dwells in the clear blue skies. - -_Columbia, S. C._ - - -{28} - - -MACEDOINE: - -BY THE AUTHOR OF OTHER THINGS. - - -I. - - "I tell it as 'twas whispered unto me, - By a strange voice not of this world I ween." - - - The Baron has gone to a distant land - Beyond the far wave the sun sets on; - Last eve but one he kissed his hand - To his lady, the lovely Marion, - As he urged his proud courser along the plain - That leads to the sea, from his wide domain, - In the van of a gallant vassal train. - - In sooth, her lord is a noble knight - As e'er couched lance in tourney or fight-- - But yet the lady loved him not, - And heaven ne'er blest their lonely lot. - "No little voices, no fairy footfalls - Broke the deep hush of their silent halls;" - For Coldness hung over their bridal couch, - And chilled their hearts with his icy touch. - The lady scarce smiled when her lord was nigh-- - And when she did, her pensive eye - Had somewhat in its look the while - Which seemed to chide the moment's guile, - And check the mimic play of mirth - To which the lip alone gave birth. - Like light that sports on frozen streams - That warm not in its wintry beams, - Is the smile of the lip that would fain seem glad-- - Albeit the heart is gloomy and sad. - - * * * * * - - I watched the lady from afar, - As she sat in the western balcony-- - Oh! none more beautiful could be; - The sun had sunk upon the sea, - And twilight came with the evening star. - - The lady leaned o'er the balustrade,-- - I ween 'twas not the voice of the breeze - That came from the grove of orange trees; - For the lady started as half afraid, - And her cheek turned pale, then flushed blood-red, - As the voice of lips invisible said: - "Meet me to-night by the bastioned wall, - When the midnight moon looks over the sea-- - When the mermaid sleeps in her ocean hall, - And the world seems made but for you and me." - - * * * * * - - 'Twas a lovely night--the moonlit sea - Was smooth and fair as beauty's brow; - And down in the coral caves below, - Where white pearls lie, and seaflowers grow, - The mermaid was dreaming quietly. - And lo! a knight and a lady fair - Stood in the shade of the bastioned wall: - I watched them as they lingered there-- - Oh! they were to each other all - In the wide, wide world their hearts held dear; - He clasped her trembling to his breast, - And kissed from her lids the glittering tear. - She sighed, and pointed to the west, - And again her tears flowed unreprest; - - * * * * * - - -II. - -SONG. - -Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto -those that be of heavy hearts. - -Let him drink--and remember his misery no more. - - _Proverbs--Chap. xxxi. 6 and 7_. - - - This is a dark and dreary world - To which we're vainly clinging-- - We spurn at life, yet dread the fate - Each hour is nearer bringing. - It is not love--it is not hope, - That binds us to our sorrow-- - But wild vague fears--a shrinking dread - Of an unearthly morrow: - Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine-- - A truce to sober thinking-- - And pledge the joy that lingers yet-- - The deep, deep joy of drinking. - - Oh! 'tis a dark and fearful curse - Hangs o'er this brief existence-- - The knowledge of a fixed doom - That mocks our poor resistance. - In vain the path is strewed with flowers, - The truth will ne'er forsake us-- - A grisly demon dogs our steps, - And must at last o'ertake us: - Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine-- - Avaunt all idle thinking-- - And pledge the joy that yet remains-- - The deep, deep joy of drinking. - - -III. - -RUINS. - - - Ye grey and mouldering walls!--ye ivied towers! - From whence the midnight-loving bird doth pour - Her dreary note upon the solemn hour! - Ye dim arcades!--ye fancy-haunted bowers! - Ruined--but how majestic in decay! - I love thee well; and gazing thus on thee - In twilight solitude, it seems to me - A spirit voice comes stealing up this way-- - The voice of vanished years--and many a tale - It tells my musing mind of gallant lords - And ladies gay--of moonlight-whispered words, - And deeds of high renown--of crimes that pale - The cheek to dream--and the malignant scowl - Of evil eyes beneath the monkish cowl. - - -IV. - -SONNET. - - - Oh! I could almost weep to think that thou - Whom heaven hath moulded in a form as fair - As fancy pictures those of upper air, - Shouldst thus belie the promise of that brow - Where truth seems to repose, pure as its snow. - Alas! that treachery should lurk beneath - Such smiles!--a hidden serpent in a wreath - Of Eden flowers!--what art thou, wouldst thou know? - In all thy pride of charms?--A living tomb - Of buried hopes--the grave of ruined hearts - Which trusted, loved thee,--dreaming not that arts - Which taught the soul excess of bliss, would doom - The worshipper to--no! not Death, but worse-- - And yet thou art too fair a thing to curse. - - -{29} - - -LIONEL GRANBY. - -CHAP. VI. - -"The letters are original, though sometimes in bad taste, and -generally verbose." - _Edinburgh Review_. - - -I had not been a long time at College before I received a large packet -from home, enclosing a number of letters from my uncle, Frederick, and -Lucy. One of them was folded in an odd fashion--directed in a stiff -and inky hand, and surmounted with a mass of red sealing wax, on which -was rudely impressed the ragged outline of the Granby arms. This was -one of my uncle's pedantic, prolix, advisory, and generous epistles, -and I was soon placed in possession of the following neatly written -sentences. - - -_Chalgrave_, ----. - -_My Dear Boy_:--When Erasmus visited Sir Thomas More, that obstinate -sophist, and that martyr to a scolding wife, (how nobly he bore her!) -he said that he could always write a pleasing letter when his hand was -the secretary of his heart. _En passant_, Erasmus made a gallant -speech on this memorable visit. In admiring the kind fashion of -saluting females with a kiss, on your arrival or departure from an -entertainment, he said, and that philosophically, that this habit -preserved health, in calling a constant and blushing glow to the -cheek, and that in his moments of sickness he could wish no happier -situation than to be placed near an English nunnery, where if he could -not be kissed for charity he might yet live in hopes of it. Now my -hand is the obedient secretary, and my heart is anxious to dictate its -duties. How true, yet how simple is this conceit! and how far superior -to the monkish verbosity, and strangled sentiment of those bad novels -which you read merely because they are new. The heart is the -_écritoire_ of the letter writer, and have you never paused with -feelings of admiration and delight over the affectionate and eloquent -letters of a woman? She writes from the heart, and pours out the -swelling torrent of all her thoughts and feelings. Man thinks _what_ -to write, and will fritter away feeling and sacrifice nature in the -struggle for easy periods and mellifluous cadences. It is not learning -that shadows with tints of tenderness the beautiful letters of -Tully--nor is it philosophy which lends that nameless grace, and -elastic interest, to the epistles of Pliny. 'Tis nature whose -affections, like the rainbow, beautify and hallow the roughness of -every spot over which it spans its creative arch. A letter, says -Tully, cannot blush, "_epistola enim non erubescit_," if it could, it -would never have this characteristic when I addressed it to you. I -cannot write aught that will suffuse either your cheek or mine, though -I might whisper something about your fair cousin, Isa Gordon. You love -her, Lionel? and she may return your affection, but you must owe it to -your distinction. Isa is no sickly and prurient-hearted girl who can -solely love the person, for she demands the intellectual man, and in -the hymeneal chaplet which is to adorn her brow, the laurel must twine -its emblematic vanities. Let this hope excite you to study--let this -holy object imp your eagle wing, for on every page of your books you -must see her name urging and stimulating the slumbering energies of -your ambition. I would not have you free from love, nor untouched, as -Spenser calls it, by its pensive discontent, for no young man can -prosper without its stirring and startling excitements. I myself, -"_vixi puellis idoneus_," and I know that it softens the asperities of -temper--gentles the turbulence of youth--breaks down the outworks of -vice, and detracts no more from the firmness of mind than the polish -of the diamond does from its solidity. You may read philosophy and -think of woman--dwell on poetry and find your taste expanding into -delicacy and elevation by dreaming of her gentleness, and I suppose -that even in the crabbed study of the law, you may find her image -peeping over black letter, or smiling through yellow parchment. When I -was at college poor Ridon whom Johnstone shot, ('twas a fair duel) -being in love, translated most of that portion of Coke upon Littleton -which relates to females, into poetry of all styles, and measures. -Only think of his drawing poetical conceits from this dull book, and -scattering them on the margin of the leaden volume, like so many -flowers prodigally thrown into a grave-yard! I have this rare copy, -and in a page blotted with notes, references, and _quæres_, these -crippled lines, have stumbled themselves into the text. - - "_Tenant per la curtesie d'Englettere_." - Chap. iv. sect. 35. - - A feme that has lands - Enters Hymen's bands, - And has heirs in the nuptial tye; - Then these lands shall descend, - When her life's at an end, - To her Lord in curtesy. - -This species of poetry was all that he ever wrote, and he was wont to -say, that he thought it was his duty to the sex, to use the language -of rhyme, and thus make the law respectful. - -I do not know how to advise you about the study of law. I once looked -into it, and though it may be a garden teeming with the elegancies of -Poestum, I could not bear that rough dragon of pedantry, Coke, who -guarded its threshold. It is a sort of hustle-cap game, between judges -and lawyers, and a perilous mystery wherein common sense cannot trust -itself, without that peculiar and dogged impudence, which bears all -the vulgarity, without the courage, of effrontery. Now there is -philosophy in every thing, and if you will acquire decent effrontery I -will call it, for your sake, dignity and learning; and I will even -believe that it requires some mind to understand a plain statute, and -some genius to pervert it. Yet I cannot look with a sarcastic eye on -the hallowed relics of the legal institutions of antiquity. Go back, -my dear boy, to the redundant fountains of ancient literature--and you -will find that Plato and Tully, have long ago, looked up for the pure -seat of law only to the bosom of God, and that the Norman gibberish -and dog-latin, which were quoted to burn witches and sustain kings, -though they may make you a lawyer skilled in precedents, can never -make you the scourge of knavery, the fearless champion of innocence, -nor the enlightened advocate of your country's rights. Old Sir Roger -L'Estrange wrote a mournful valedictory, when he left the riots and -Apician nights of the Inns for the labors and stolid gravity of the -bar, and, amid many sarcasms on the profession, he has thus happily -sketched the character of an honest lawyer. - -"He can prosecute a suit in equity without seeking to create a -whirlpool where one order shall beget another, {30} and the poor -client be swung around (like a cat before execution,) from decree to -rehearing--from report to exception, and _vice versâ_, till his -fortunes are shipwrecked, and himself drowned, for want of white and -yellow earth to wade through on. He does not play the empiric with his -client, and put him on the rack to make him bleed more freely; casting -him into a swoon with frights of a judgment, and then reviving him -again with a cordial writ of error, or the dear elixir of an -injunction, to keep the brangle alive, as long as there are any vital -spirits in the pouch. He can suffer his neighbors to live quiet about -him without perpetual alarms of actions and indictments, or conjuring -up dormant titles to every commodious seat, and making land fall five -years purchase, merely for lying within ten miles of him." - -Devote most of your leisure hours to the study of Virginian -antiquities, for it is a noble field, and one which glows into beauty -beneath cultivation. Williamsburg itself is a hoary and whitened -monument of ancient pomp and power, and there still dwells around it -the trembling twilight of former greatness. There is something -distinctive, learned, and patriotic, in the character of a home -antiquary, which will lift you far above the little pedants, who have -dipped the wing in Kennet, or tasted of the shallow learning of -Athenian Stuart. Do you not remember the indignant, yet pathetic lines -which Warton wrote in a blank leaf of Dugdale's Monasticon, and the -spirited scorn with which he repels the sneers of ignorance and -dulness? The antiquary is neither a visionary, nor an enthusiast, for -his pursuits teach the holiest love of country, and call into action -the softest and gentlest affections of the human heart, while his -guileless life occasionally shines forth with the chastened light of -virtue and learning. Virginia is a land whose thrilling history -beggars all romance--every fragment of which, like a broken vase, will -multiply perfume. Who knows aught of that gallant band, who so -fearfully revenged the massacre of 1622?--the bold patriots who -resisted the illegal restrictions on trade--the intrepid spirits who, -led by Bacon, anticipated by a century our national æra, or that -chivalric corps, who, under Vernon, rotted on the pestilential shores -of Carthagena? Who dwells with the patriot's pride, on that -unconquerable strength of infant freedom which made historic Beverley -the Hampden of the colony? Or who troubles himself to inquire into the -blood-stained life of that Westmoreland Parke, who seized the throne -of Antigua, and who died in the last dyke of a bootless though -fiercely fought field? Who cares to remember the enlightened and -learned botanist Clayton, whose modest book, written in the purest -Latin, gained for himself and country, a once proud though now -forgotten fame? And who will believe that the wise, pious, and -eloquent Bishop Porteus was born, and gambolled away his boyhood on -the sunny shores of the majestic York-river? They are all forgotten! -and we neglect the vivid and truthful romance of our own beautiful -land, to learn the nursery tales of fickle Greece, and factious Rome. -In the shifting of the social scene, naught has been left to remind us -of the busy drama once acted in Virginia, and even garrulous tradition -now doubts its existence, while our feet hourly trample on the -sepulchered silence of all that once adorned, dignified, and elevated -human nature. - -I do not wish to give you a learned essay on books, nor to advise you -what authors to read. Your taste is now matured, and that faculty will -see that justice is done to its delicacy. The great object of study is -to teach us _how_, and not _what_ to think; and the principal art of -authorship is the power of pilfering with judgment from the ruins of -ancient lore. But trust not to this poor and suspicious honor. Rely -for success on the daring emprise of your own genius, and should it -fail to lift you from the earth, descend not to the dunghill of -pedantry. Be a poet for the women--a historian for the men--and a -scholar for your own happiness. Confirm your taste by satiating memory -with the beauties of the Spectator, and let Horace hourly talk you -into the dignity and elegance of the sensible gentleman. Be accurate, -rather than extensive, in your knowledge of history, and a -recollection of dates will give you victory in every contest. Learn -the technicalities of geometry; for this will satisfy the groping -mathematician, while the world will take your pedantry for wisdom, and -your crabbed words for learning. There has been, and ever will be, an -everlasting conflict between the radiant course of genius, and the -mole-hill track of diagrams and problems. Strength of mind is claimed -as the attribute of mathematical study, while we forget that any other -study, pursued with the same strictness of attention, will equally -fashion the mind into system and method, while it will be free from -the slavish obedience and indurated dulness, which result from the -memory of lines and proportions. - -You know, my dear boy, my notions concerning your dress. Express -nothing in fancy; and without being the Alpha or Omega of fashion, be -neither fop nor sloven, and dress for the effect of general and not -particular dignity, and never wear a striped cravat. Do not ape -eccentricity of manner and opinion, and take the world in a laughing -and good humored mood. I detest a beardless Cato, for I never knew one -of them, who could stand fire. Talk to women about every thing but -prudence and propriety, and they will think you as wise as you are -well bred; for they cannot bear the restraint of advice, or the -judgment of criticism. Tasso makes his heroine taunt Rinaldo with -gravity and sedateness, and when she calls him a "Zenocrates in love" -the volume of her eloquence exhibits the bitterest venom of female -invective. - -Chalgrave is now still, solitary, and deserted; and were it not for -Lucy's cheerful voice, I should look on myself as a living tomb. Your -pup Gildippe tore off the cover of my Elzevir Horace, an offence -deserving a halter, yet she is pardoned for your sake. Tell me not of -Sir Isaac Newton's diamond, for he never destroyed a jewel so rare, -and so highly prized--ask Col. H. if a colt is best broken in a -snaffle-bit--and tell him 'tis downright superstition to worm a -genuine pointer. I send the pistols made by Wodgen and Barton, and -carrying a ball of the most approved weight. Do write to me, and never -forget that you are a Granby. - - I am, my dear boy, - Yours truly, - CHARLES GRANBY. - -P. S. Translate the Ode to Fortune for me! Old Schrevelli said that he -had rather be the author of that poem, than the Emperor of all the -Austrias, and there was more sense than enthusiasm in his noble -preference. - -{31} P. S. Never scrape your bullets with a knife--but use a flat -file. Do not play the flute; and never write verses on a "flower -presented to a lady," on "a lady singing," or on "receiving a lock of -hair;" for of all puppyism, this is the smallest accomplishment. - -P. S. Never buy a gaudy handkerchief! Do not say _raised_, -_disremember_, _expect_ for _suspect_; and never end the common -courtesies of conversation with the frigid Sir! "Thank ye _Sir!_" -Drink tea instead of coffee, for 'tis more patrician; and do not -render yourself suspected by pronouncing criticisms on wines. - - -The postscripts were multiplied through a full page, which presented a -striking picture of all the odd conceits--incongruous notions, and -broad feeling which tortured my kind uncle's tranquil brain, and I -arose from the perusal of his letter with mingled emotions of love, -respect, and laughter. Lucy's epistle was like that of all girls, full -of small news, long words, and burning sentences of love and -sentiment, and inquiring in a postscript of the health of Arthur -Ludwell, as her mother was greatly interested in his welfare. -Frederick gave me a learned dissertation on the origin of civil -society, and the philosophy of Bolingbroke, scourging me into frantic -ambition, and ending with a prayer that I would ever keep my honor -untainted. My _honor_ was then the subject of their hopes and fears; -and, as I eyed the pistols, I found the fierceness of my nature -lurking with a tranquil rapture around the open, and undisguised hints -of my family. To my temperament, the neat and elegant workmanship, and -the beautiful polish of the pistols, argued sternness and chivalry: -and under the protection of the code of honor, I was determined, by -braving every conflict, to gratify my long, deep, and vindictive hate -of Pilton. How curiously constituted, how wayward, and yet how -uncontrollable is the swelling pulse of the human heart, when agitated -by some momentary and master passion; at any other period, the -remembrance of Isa Gordon, would have soothed me into a lover's -thoughtful gloom, but now every gentle and luxuriant tendril which was -woven around my heart was a crushed and bleeding ruin, and I examined -my uncle's gift of blood--only to murmur the name of Pilton. - -My visits to Miss Pilton's had been attentive, and constant, and I had -concealed my fraud with such art, that I found her listening with -unhesitating confidence, to the deceitful passion which I daily -uttered. Cautious of proposing matrimony, yet ever alert to hint -it--affecting distress and melancholy--and alternately jealous and -confiding, I awoke her sympathy, only to gain her passionate and -abiding affection, while I secured my victory by every art which -duplicity could invent, or falsehood suggest. I saw her reject the -accomplished and educated youth whose pure and guileless feelings had -retained the early romance of childhood's love, and when I found her -in tears, with her head reclining on my bosom, she told me, with a -blushing cheek, that she had sacrificed him, whose singleness and -purity of heart she could not doubt, for me alone. - -'Twas a calm and soft evening when Miss Pilton left Williamsburg, and, -ere we parted, I extorted from her unsuspicious feelings a promise -that she would write to me. Day had languished itself into night, when -I found myself a solitary loiterer in the noiseless grove which -skirted the city. The wind sobbed through the dreary and desolate -silence of the forest, and when I looked up to the twinkling and -radiant light which blazes in a starry sky of Virginia, the innate -piety of Nature almost chastened me into repentance. How vain is that -feeble wisdom which impotently labors to read those mute and living -oracles of God? yet who, in searching into them, docs not feel that -his heart is kindled into enthusiasm, by their wild and spiritual -eloquence. May not each bright and dazzling star whose lambent fire -dances over the cloudless sky be the abode of spirits enjoying a realm -of mind--of philosophers who rived the adamant of vulgar error--of -patriots who offered their blood at the shrine of their country--of -those who opened a vista for freedom through the gloom of tyranny--and -of the poet who, fettered to the earth, boldly anticipated a foretaste -of his eternal home, in some earthly, yet beautiful and rapturous -dream? - -THETA. - - - - -THE DREAM. - - -I. - - I dreamed a dream--and still upon my mind - The image of that dream, on Memory's page - Inscribed in letters large and legible, - Rests vivid as the lightning's scathing flash. - Beneath a spreading oak, that towered high - And lone upon a hillock's grassy plot, - A Maiden stood--and by her side a Youth, - Whose summers did, tho' few, outnumber hers; - And _she_ was beautiful as rainbow tints-- - Her voice, like sweetest music borne upon - The bosom of some gentle breeze far o'er - The hushed and silent waters of the deep-- - Her breath, like fragrant odors from the lap - Of Flora sent, when Morning's blush appears-- - Her heart, the home where wild affections dwelt-- - Her mind, of intellectual power the seat-- - Her eye, the mirror to her speaking soul! - Upon her marble brow was set the seal - Of _Dignity_--and in her slender form - Were blended grace and perfect symmetry. - The Youth was tall, erect--but unlike her - In all things save affection's swelling tide: - Unknowing of the bright and quenchless fire, - At Beauty's altar lit, that constant burned - Within his bosom's deep recess, the world - Had deemed him changeful as the fitful wind. - Silent they were, and round them silence reigned: - Above, the clear blue ether spread her veil, - And by them swept the gentle, fresh'ning breeze - That cooled the burning temples of the one, - The flowing tresses of the other waved. - Beneath them was a wide spread plain, o'er which - The full Moon poured her streams of silver light, - And in a flood of glory bathed both plain - And rugged cliffs that wildly rose beyond. - Upon that lovely scene the maiden looked - That joy and stillness breathed into her heart; - But he that meeting, had not sought to gaze - On landscapes, living though they were. He saw - But her whose form before him rose, so bright, - So beautiful, that all else faded from {32} - The view: He heard no sound save that alone - Which from his beating heart was sent: and oft - He did essay to breathe the hallowed thoughts - That in his bosom long had slept--the pent- - Up fountains of his love to ope; but oft - In vain, 'till faltering accents came at last, - And told the feelings of his inmost soul. - But _she_ was calm; no falling of the eye-- - No heightened color's tinge--no trembling of - That silver voice, spoke aught of passion there. - Yet kindness breathed in every word that fell - From off her Angel lips--and told that though - Her heart with his beat not in unison, - It still could feel for sorrows not its own. - Though soft, like breath of pois'nous Simoom came - Her voice. Young Hope her dewy pinions shook, - And as she winged her airy flight away, - Came casking Care her place to fill. And yet - A moment's space he lingered there; and as - Upon her saddened face he once again - Did look with mingled feelings, inly swore - To perish ere his love should fade and die. - And she did pensive turn her steps along - Their homeward way, again to be the life, - The light, the chiefest joy of all around. - - -II. - - A change swept o'er the aspect of my dream, - And in its mystic flight my spirit bore - Me to the festive hall. I saw them 'midst - The thoughtless throng--their eyes lit up with joy-- - Their lips all wreathed in smiles--and on their cheeks - The glowing hues of pleasure mantled high. - He spoke not oft to her, but frequent did - Address him to some other fair--and all - Did deem, and she did hope that love of her - Was buried deep in Lethe's magic pool; - And lighter then of heart to think that care - His mind had left, unwonted gladness beamed - Forth from her speaking eye, and lit with ten- - Fold lustre up those features ever fair. - - -III. - - The scene was changed. Apart within the walls - Of his lone study sat the youth. Before - Him lay a letter, breathing much of deep, - Impassioned love. Yes, he again had dared - At that same Angel-shrine his heart to lay, - And, well as _words_ could speak, a love to paint, - Not torpid, cold and calculating, like - The selfish feeling of a worldly man-- - But with the every fibre of his heart - Inwove. For he had seen her oft, and well - Had studied both her features, mind and heart, - Since first the pangs of unrequited love - Across his bosom shot: in all things had - He found her of such perfect, faultless mould-- - So far beyond compare with all that e'er - His eye had looked upon--yea, e'en than aught - Of fairy form, which frolic fancy in - Her wildest mood had shadowed glowing forth - To young imagination's quickened sight,-- - That madly had he drunk at passion's fount, - Ere yet the voice of reason whispered late, - (Too late, alas! for in the vortex was - He twirling then, unskilled the yawning gulf - To shun,) that she was not for one like him. - Perchance the spell that bound him unto her - And deep affection's gushing waters stirred, - Was wrought into its present strength--for that - She minded him of one--a sister dear-- - Like her in nature as in name, on whom - His heart did centre once, when joyous, bright - And sunny hours e'er gilded o'er the stream - Of early life about their childhood's home; - When each was to the other all that earth - Of joy could give--a little world--beyond - Whose narrow bounds their youthful vision then - Extended not. And now in her he saw - The image of that sister's mind and heart - Reflected back in colors yet more bright, - And felt that life to him was nothing worth, - Except with her its joys and ills were shared. - - -IV. - - The scene was changed. Within her father's home - The maiden sat, and bent her o'er the page - On which were traced the wild outpourings of - Her lover's heart. A cloud was on her brow-- - Not gathered there by anger, but by grief. - And long she sorrowed o'er the fate of one - Whom she had learned to value far above - The worthless crowd that throngs round Beauty's form; - Then sudden snatched a pen, and tho' it pained - Her much, did haste once more in kindest terms - To bid him banish Hope--for tho' a _friend_ - She'd ever be--to him she could no more. - - -V. - - Again my spirit bore me to the youth's - Lone study, where I saw him pacing to - And fro, with heavy step and downcast look. - His eye was fixed and dull--all smiles had fled, - And o'er his pallid, bloodless cheek had woe - His sable mantle flung. But whilst he thus - Was moved, anon there entered one endeared - By Friendship's strongest ties, who knew the fate - His fondest hopes had met, and told a tale - Of which he deemed not aught before--a tale - That scarce at first could credence gain, so dread - Its import was; yet soon he found 'twas but - Too true--"His sacred letter, ere it reached - Its destined port, had by some strange mischance - Been torn, its secrets filched and heralded - Abroad: yet, by the wakeful kindness of - That much-loved one, his hallowed thoughts had reached - The ears of few." Then sudden o'er him came - A fearful mood that shook his every limb. - Like liquid fire his blood along his veins - Did course, and to his throbbing temples mount-- - Then rush tumultuous back upon his heart - That sent it once again with quickened speed - Along his swollen, well-nigh bursting veins; - And from his lips at times did fall unmeet - And vengeful words, that told what passion stirred - Within. But that soon passed, and to the eye - His troubled soul, as that of infant hushed - To sleep upon its mother's breast, was calm. - - -VI. - - The scene was changed. Before the altar stood {33} - The maiden, in her bridal vestments clad, - And gave her hand and virgin heart away-- - Whilst mantling blushes o'er her features spread - Like Iris' colors on the deepened blue - Of Heaven's high vault--to one whose kindling eye - Was turned with rapture on her matchless face, - And who in part was like unto the youth - That first beside her stood--_yet not the same_. - And she did love him with a boundless love-- - Deep, pure and changeless as Jehovah's word-- - The very essence of her being, that life's - Quiescent stream with fairest garlands strewed-- - For he her youthful heart's responsive chord - Had known to touch with sweet and winning words, - By graceful mien, and giant strength of mind. - Unblest he was with Mammon's glittering hoard-- - In nothing rich, save worth's neglected store; - And yet for that, her heart with wildest joy - Did but the closer cling unchanged to him. - And he, with pride and pleasure took her to - His bosom beating high; for none could know, - And knowing not admire. But his was not - The fervent adoration of the heart, - In prostrate homage bowed before her shrine, - That moved the soul of him who first essayed - Her peerless love to win. And yet before - Them to all seeming lay a flowery path, - Along whose scented walks they might their way - With noiseless step and even tenor wend. - - -VII. - - Once more, and only once, a change passed o'er - My fitful dream. In sultry, southern clime, - Again upon my vision fell the tall, - Attenuated image of that youth, - Whom first beneath the spreading oak I saw; - And he was changed not less in feature than - In heart. The glow of health had fled his cheek, - Now haggard, swart and bronzed by burning sun. - His eye, once bright with joyous life, had lost - Its lustre now, and deep upon his brow - Had care her furrows traced. His spirit too, - So light and buoyant once, was now all bound - And broken like the willow's drooping branch. - But o'er his heart a yet more fearful change - Had come. _Once_ warm and sensibly alive - To pity's cry--e'er breathing love for all-- - _Now_ cold and seared--the living fountains of - Its sympathy were dried--and dead it was - To all things save the worldly schemes that fierce - Ambition wrought. And none did know the weight - Of anguish on its aching chords that pressed, - Since living man no commune held with him: - For he did spurn them as unhallowed things, - And 'round him wrapt the cloak of selfishness: - For what was now the world to him, since she - Whose presence had made all things beautiful, - Was lost, forever lost? And he did look - Unmoved on fairest form, and brightest eye; - Unmoved he heard full many a voice attuned - In sweet accordance with the soft piano; - For mute were all the echoes of his soul, - Since never could he hope again such pure, - Such bright, such dazzling purity to find, - As dwelt within the heart of her he loved. - And naught the slumbering powers of his mind - Did rouse and prompt to grapple with the herd - That crossed his path, save only the desire - To banish thought and leave a name behind. - For he did feel that none would glory in - His present fame, and that he was a lone - And desert being--all forgetting, and - By all forgot. And though his soul did thirst - At honor's fount to drink and laurels win, - He inly scorned the world--the world's acclaim-- - And whilst it flattered, loathed its fulsome praise. - And yet unto all outward seeming was - His spirit calm as ocean's waves, when lie - The winds of Heaven upon her bosom hushed. - - Here ceased my dream--for on my slumbers broke - The glare of day, and called my spirit home. - -SYLVESTER. - - - - -MS. FOUND IN A BOTTLE. - -[_From 'The Gift,' edited by Miss Leslie_.] - -BY EDGAR A. POE. - - A wet sheet and a flowing sea. - _Cunningham_. - - -Of my country and of my family I have little to say. Ill usage and -length of years have driven me from the one, and estranged me from the -other. Hereditary wealth afforded me an education of no common order, -and a contemplative turn of mind enabled me to methodize the stores -which early study very diligently garnered up. Beyond all things the -works of the German moralists gave me great delight; not from any -ill-advised admiration of their eloquent madness, but from the ease -with which my habits of rigid thought enabled me to detect their -falsities. I have often been reproached with the aridity of my -genius--a deficiency of imagination has been imputed to me as a -crime--and the Pyrrhonism of my opinions has at all times rendered me -notorious. Indeed a strong relish for Physical Philosophy has, I fear, -tinctured my mind with a very common error of this age--I mean the -habit of referring occurrences, even the least susceptible of such -reference, to the principles of that science. Upon the whole, no -person could be less liable than myself to be led away from the severe -precincts of truth by the _ignes fatui_ of superstition. I have -thought proper to premise thus much lest the incredible tale I have to -tell should be considered rather the ravings of a crude imagination, -than the positive experience of a mind to which the reveries of fancy -have been a dead letter and a nullity. - -After many years spent in foreign travel, I sailed in the year 18--, -from the port of Batavia, in the rich and populous island of Java, on -a voyage to the Archipelago of the Sunda islands. I went as -passenger--having no other inducement than a kind of nervous -restlessness which haunted me like a fiend. - -Our vessel was a beautiful ship of about four hundred tons, -copper-fastened, and built at Bombay of Malabar teak. She was -freighted with cotton-wool and oil, from the Lachadive islands. We had -also on board coir, jaggeree, ghee, cocoa-nuts, and a few cases of -opium. The stowage was clumsily done, and the vessel consequently -crank. - -{34} We got under way with a mere breath of wind, and for many days -stood along the eastern coast of Java without any other incident to -beguile the monotony of our course than the occasional meeting with -some of the small grabs of the Archipelago to which we were bound. - -One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very singular, -isolated cloud, to the N. W. It was remarkable, as well for its color, -as from its being the first we had seen since our departure from -Batavia. I watched it attentively until sunset, when it spread all at -once to the Eastward and Westward, girting in the horizon with a -narrow strip of vapor, and looking like a long line of low beach. My -notice was soon afterwards attracted by the dusky red appearance of -the moon, and the peculiar character of the sea. The latter was -undergoing a rapid change, and the water seemed more than usually -transparent. Although I could distinctly see the bottom, yet, heaving -the lead, I found the ship in fifteen fathoms. The air now became -intolerably hot, and was loaded with spiral exhalations similar to -those arising from heated iron. As night came on, every breath of wind -died away, and a more entire calm it is impossible to conceive. The -flame of a candle burned upon the poop without the least perceptible -motion, and a long hair, held between the finger and thumb, hung -without the possibility of detecting a vibration. However, as the -captain said he could perceive no indication of danger, and as we were -drifting in bodily to shore, he ordered the sails to be furled, and -the anchor let go. No watch was set, and the crew, consisting -principally of Malays, stretched themselves deliberately upon deck. I -went below--not without a full presentiment of evil. Indeed every -appearance warranted me in apprehending a Simoom. I told the captain -my fears--but he paid no attention to what I said, and left me without -deigning to give a reply. My uneasiness however prevented me from -sleeping, and about midnight I went upon deck. As I placed my foot -upon the upper step of the companion ladder, I was startled with a -loud, humming noise, like that occasioned by the rapid revolution of a -mill-wheel, and before I could ascertain its meaning, I found the ship -quivering to its centre. In the next instant, a wilderness of foam -hurled us upon our beam-ends, and, rushing over us fore and aft, swept -the entire decks from stem to stern. - -The extreme fury of the blast proved in a great measure the salvation -of the ship. Although completely water-logged, yet, as all her masts -had gone by the board, she rose, after a minute, heavily from the sea, -and, staggering awhile beneath the immense pressure of the tempest, -finally righted. - -By what miracle I escaped destruction, it is impossible to say. -Stunned by the shock of the water, I found myself upon recovery, -jammed in between the stern-post and rudder. With great difficulty I -gained my feet, and looking dizzily around, was, at first, struck with -the idea of our being among breakers, so terrific beyond the wildest -imagination was the whirlpool of mountainous and foaming ocean within -which we were engulfed. After a while, I heard the voice of an old -Swede, who had shipped with us at the moment of our leaving port. I -hallooed to him with all my strength, and presently he came reeling -aft. We soon discovered that we were the sole survivors of the -accident. All on deck, with the exception of ourselves, had been swept -overboard, and the captain and mates must have perished as they slept, -for the cabins were deluged with water. Without assistance, we could -expect to do little for the security of the ship, and our exertions -were at first paralyzed by the momentary expectation of going down. -Our cable had, of course, parted like pack-thread, at the first breath -of the hurricane, or we should have been instantaneously overwhelmed. -We scudded with frightful velocity before the sea, and the water made -clear breaches over us. The frame-work of our stern was shattered -excessively, and, in almost every respect, we had received -considerable injury--but to our extreme joy we found the pumps -unchoked, and that we had no great difficulty in keeping free. The -main fury of the Simoom had already blown over, and we apprehended -little danger from the violence of the wind--but we looked forward to -its total cessation with dismay, well believing, that, in our -shattered condition, we should inevitably perish in the tremendous -swell which would ensue. But this very just apprehension seemed by no -means likely to be soon verified. For five entire days and -nights--during which our only subsistence was a small quantity of -jaggeree, procured with great difficulty from the forecastle--the hulk -flew at a rate defying computation, before rapidly succeeding flaws of -wind, which, without equalling the first violence of the Simoom, were -still more terrific than any tempest I had before encountered. Our -course for the first four days was, with trifling variations, S. E. -and by South; and we must have run down the coast of New Holland. On -the fifth day the cold became extreme, although the wind had hauled -round a point more to the Northward. The sun arose with a sickly -yellow lustre, and clambered a very few degrees above the -horizon--emitting no decisive light. There were no clouds whatever -apparent, yet the wind was upon the increase, and blew with a fitful -and unsteady fury. About noon, as nearly as we could guess, our -attention was again arrested by the appearance of the sun. It gave out -no light, properly so called, but a dull and sullen glow unaccompanied -by any ray. Just before sinking within the turgid sea its central -fires suddenly went out, as if hurriedly extinguished by some -unaccountable power. It was a dim, silver-like rim, alone, as it -rushed down the unfathomable ocean. - -We waited in vain for the arrival of the sixth day--that day to me has -not yet arrived--to him, never did arrive. Thenceforward we were -enshrouded in pitchy darkness, so that we could not have seen an -object at twenty paces from the ship. Eternal night continued to -envelop us, all unrelieved by the phosphoric sea-brilliancy to which -we had been accustomed in the tropics. We observed too, that, although -the tempest continued to rage with unabated violence, there was no -longer to be discovered the usual appearance of surf, or foam, which -had hitherto attended us. All around was horror, and thick gloom, and -a black sweltering desert of ebony. Superstitious terror crept by -degrees into the spirit of the old Swede, and my own soul was wrapped -up in silent wonder. We neglected all care of the ship, as worse than -useless, and securing ourselves as well as possible to the stump of -the mizen-mast, looked out bitterly into the world of ocean. We had no -means of calculating time, nor could we form any guess of our -situation. We were however well aware {35} of having made farther to -the Southward than any previous navigators, and felt extreme amazement -at not meeting with the usual impediments of ice. In the meantime -every moment threatened to be our last--every mountainous billow -hurried to overwhelm us. The swell surpassed any thing I had imagined -possible, and that we were not instantly buried is a miracle. My -companion spoke of the lightness of our cargo, and reminded me of the -excellent qualities of our ship--but I could not help feeling the -utter hopelessness of hope itself, and prepared myself gloomily for -that death which I thought nothing could defer beyond an hour, as, -with every knot of way the ship made, the swelling of the black -stupendous seas became more dismally appalling. At times we gasped for -breath at an elevation beyond the Albatross--at times became dizzy -with the velocity of our descent into some watery Hell, where the air -grew stagnant, and no sound disturbed the slumbers of the Kraken. - -We were at the bottom of one of these abysses, when a quick scream -from my companion broke fearfully upon the night. 'See! see!'--cried -he, shrieking in my ears,--'Almighty God! see! see!' As he spoke, I -became aware of a dull, sullen glare of light which rolled, as it -were, down the sides of the vast chasm where we lay, and threw a -fitful brilliancy upon our deck. Casting my eyes upwards, I beheld a -spectacle which froze the current of my blood. At a terrific height -directly above us, and upon the very verge of the precipitous descent, -hovered a gigantic ship of nearly four thousand tons. Although -upreared upon the summit of a wave of more than a hundred times her -own altitude, her apparent size still exceeded that of any ship of the -line or East Indiaman in existence. Her huge hull was of a deep dingy -black, unrelieved by any of the customary carvings of a ship. A single -row of brass cannon protruded from her open ports, and dashed off from -their polished surfaces the fires of innumerable battle-lanterns, -which swung to and fro about her rigging. But what mainly inspired us -with horror and astonishment, was that she bore up under a press of -sail in the very teeth of that supernatural sea, and of that -ungovernable hurricane. When we first discovered her, her stupendous -bows were alone to be seen, as she rose up, like a demon of the deep, -slowly from the dim and horrible gulf beyond her. For a moment of -intense terror she paused upon the giddy pinnacle, as if in -contemplation of her own sublimity, then trembled and tottered, -and--came down. - -At this instant, I know not what sudden self-possession came over my -spirit. Staggering as far aft as I could, I awaited fearlessly the -ruin that was to overwhelm. Our own vessel was at length ceasing from -her struggles, and sinking with her head to the sea. The shock of the -descending mass struck her, consequently, in that portion of her frame -which was already under water, and the inevitable result was to hurl -me with irresistible violence upon the rigging of the stranger. - -As I fell, the ship hove in stays, and went about, and to the -confusion ensuing, I attributed my escape from the notice of the crew. -With little difficulty I made my way unperceived to the main hatchway, -which was partially open, and soon found an opportunity of secreting -myself in the hold. Why I did so I can hardly tell. A nameless and -indefinite sense of awe, which at first sight of the navigators of the -ship had taken hold of my mind, was perhaps the principle of my -concealment. I was unwilling to trust myself with a race of people who -had offered, to the cursory glance I had taken, so many points of -vague novelty, doubt, and apprehension. I therefore thought proper to -contrive a hiding-place in the hold. This I did by removing a small -portion of the shifting-boards in such a manner as to afford me a -convenient retreat between the huge timbers of the ship. - -I had scarcely completed my work, when a footstep in the hold forced -me to make use of it. A man passed by my place of concealment with a -feeble and unsteady gait. I could not see his face, but had an -opportunity of observing his general appearance. There was about it an -evidence of great age and infirmity. His knees tottered beneath a load -of years, and his entire frame quivered under the burthen. He muttered -to himself in a low broken tone, some words of a language which I -could not understand, and groped in a corner among a pile of -singular-looking instruments, and decayed charts of navigation. His -manner was a wild mixture of the peevishness of second childhood, and -the solemn dignity of a God. He at length went on deck, and I saw him -no more. - - * * * * * - -A feeling, for which I have no name, has taken possession of my -soul--a sensation which will admit of no analysis, to which the -lessons of by-gone time are inadequate, and for which I fear futurity -itself will offer me no key. To a mind constituted like my own the -latter consideration is an evil. I shall never,--I know that I shall -never--be satisfied with regard to the nature of my conceptions. Yet -it is not wonderful that these conceptions are indefinite, since they -have their origin in sources so utterly novel. A new sense, a new -entity is added to my soul. - -It is long since I first trod the deck of this terrible ship, and the -rays of my destiny are, I think, gathering to a focus. -Incomprehensible men! Wrapped up in meditations of a kind which I -cannot divine, they pass me by unnoticed. Concealment is utter folly -on my part, for the people _will not_ see. It was but just now that I -passed directly before the eyes of the mate,--it was no long while ago -that I ventured into the captain's own private cabin, and took thence -the materials with which I write, and have written. I shall from time -to time continue this journal. It is true that I may not find an -opportunity of transmitting it to the world, but I will not fail to -make the endeavor. At the last moment I will enclose the MS. in a -bottle, and cast it within the sea. - -An incident has occurred which has given me new room for meditation. -Are such things the operations of ungoverned Chance? I had ventured -upon deck and thrown myself down, without attracting any notice, among -a pile of ratlin-stuff and old sails in the bottom of the yawl. While -musing upon the singularity of my fate, I unwittingly daubed with a -tar-brush the edges of a neatly-folded studding-sail which lay near me -on a barrel. The studding-sail is now bent upon the ship, and the -thoughtless touches of the brush are spread out into the word -DISCOVERY. - -I have made many observations lately upon the structure of the vessel. -Although well armed, she is not, I think, a ship of war. Her rigging, -build, and general equipment, all negative a supposition of this kind. -{36} What she _is not_ I can easily perceive, what she _is_ I fear it -is impossible to say. I know not how it is, but in scrutinizing her -strange model and singular cast of spars, her huge size and overgrown -suits of canvass, her severely simple bow and antiquated stern, there -will occasionally flash across my mind a sensation of familiar things, -and there is always mixed up with such shadows, as it were, of -recollection, an unaccountable memory of old foreign chronicles and -ages long ago. - -I have been looking at the timbers of the ship. She is built of a -material to which I am a stranger. There is a peculiar character about -the wood which strikes me as rendering it unfit for the purpose to -which it has been applied. I mean its extreme _porousness_, considered -independently of the worm-eaten condition which is a consequence of -navigation in these seas, and apart from the rottenness attendant upon -age. It will appear perhaps an observation somewhat over-curious, but -this wood has every characteristic of Spanish oak, _if Spanish oak -were distended or swelled by any unnatural means_. - -In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old -weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection. 'It is -as sure,' he was wont to say, when any doubt was entertained of his -veracity, 'as sure as there is a sea where the ship itself will grow -in bulk like the living body of the seaman.' - -About an hour ago I made bold to thrust myself among a group of the -crew. They paid me no manner of attention, and, although I stood in -the very midst of them all, seemed utterly unconscious of my presence. -Like the one I had at first seen in the hold, they all bore about them -the marks of a hoary old age. Their knees trembled with infirmity, -their shoulders were bent double with decrepitude, their shrivelled -skins rattled in the wind, their voices were low, tremulous, and -broken, their eyes glistened with the rheum of years, and their gray -hairs streamed terribly in the tempest. Around them on every part of -the deck lay scattered mathematical instruments of the most quaint and -obsolete construction. - -I mentioned some time ago the bending of a studding-sail. From that -period the ship, being thrown dead off the wind, has held her terrific -course due South, with every rag of canvass packed upon her from her -trucks to her lower-studding-sail booms, and rolling every moment her -top-gallant yard-arms into the most appalling hell of water, which it -can enter into the mind of man to imagine. I have just left the deck, -where I find it impossible to maintain a footing, although the crew -seem to experience little inconvenience. It appears to me a miracle of -miracles that our enormous bulk is not buried up at once and forever. -We are surely doomed to hover continually upon the brink of Eternity, -without taking a final plunge into the abyss. From billows a thousand -times more stupendous than any I have ever seen, we glide away with -the facility of the arrowy sea-gull, and the colossal waters rear -their heads above us like demons of the deep, but like demons confined -to simple threats and forbidden to destroy. I am led to attribute -these frequent escapes to the only natural cause which can account for -such effect. I must suppose the ship to be within the influence of -some strong current, or impetuous under-tow. - -I have seen the captain face to face, and in his own cabin--but, as I -expected, he paid me no attention. Although in his appearance there -is, to a casual observer, nothing which might bespeak him more or less -than man--still a feeling of irrepressible reverence and awe mingled -with the sensation of wonder with which I regarded him. In stature he -is nearly my own height, that is, about five feet eight inches. He is -of a well-knit and compact frame of body, neither robust nor -remarkably otherwise. But it is the singularity of the expression -which reigns upon the face, it is the intense, the wonderful, the -thrilling evidence of old age so utter, so extreme, which strikes upon -my soul with the shock of a Galvanic battery. His forehead, although -little wrinkled, seems to bear upon it the stamp of a myriad of years. -His gray hairs are records of the past, and his grayer eyes are Sybils -of the future. The cabin floor was thickly strewn with strange, -iron-clasped folios, and mouldering instruments of science, and -obsolete, long-forgotten charts. His head was bowed down upon his -hands, and he pored with a fiery unquiet eye over a paper which I took -to be a commission, and which, at all events, bore the signature of a -monarch. He muttered to himself, as did the first seaman whom I saw in -the hold, some low, peevish syllables of a foreign tongue, and -although the speaker was close at my elbow, yet his voice seemed to -reach my ears from the distance of a mile. - -The ship and all in it are imbued with the spirit of Eld. The crew -glide to and fro like the ghosts of buried centuries, their eyes have -an eager and uneasy meaning, and when their figures fall athwart my -path in the wild glare of the battle-lanterns, I feel as I have never -felt before, although I have been all my life a dealer in antiquities, -and have imbibed the shadows of fallen columns at Balbec, and Tadmor, -and Persepolis, until my very soul has become a ruin. - -When I look around me I feel ashamed of my former apprehensions. If I -trembled at the blast which has hitherto attended us, shall I not -stand aghast at a warring of wind and ocean, to convey any idea of -which the words tornado and Simoom are trivial and ineffective! All in -the immediate vicinity of the ship is the blackness of eternal night, -and a chaos of foamless water; but, about a league on either side of -us, may be seen, indistinctly and at intervals, stupendous ramparts of -ice, towering away into the desolate sky, and looking like the walls -of the Universe. - -As I imagined, the ship proves to be in a current, if that appellation -can properly be given to a tide which, howling and shrieking by the -white ice, thunders on to the Southward with a velocity like the -headlong dashing of a cataract. - -To conceive the horror of my sensations is, I presume, utterly -impossible--yet a curiosity to penetrate the mysteries of these awful -regions predominates even over my despair, and will reconcile me to -the most hideous aspect of death. It is evident that we are hurrying -onwards to some exciting knowledge--some never-to-be-imparted secret, -whose attainment is destruction. Perhaps this current leads us to the -Southern Pole itself--it must be confessed that a supposition -apparently so wild has every probability in its favor. - -The crew pace the deck with unquiet and tremulous step, but there is -upon their countenances an expression more of the eagerness of hope -than of the apathy of despair. - -{37} In the meantime the wind is still in our poop, and as we carry a -crowd of canvass, the ship is at times lifted bodily from out the -sea--Oh, horror upon horror! the ice opens suddenly to the right, and -to the left, and we are whirling dizzily in immense concentric -circles, round and round the borders of a gigantic amphitheatre, the -summit of whose walls is lost in the darkness and the distance. But -little time will be left me to ponder upon my destiny--the circles -rapidly grow small--we are plunging madly within the grasp of the -whirlpool--and amid a roaring, and bellowing, and shrieking of ocean -and of tempest, the ship is quivering, oh God! and--going down. - - - - -A SKETCH. - -BY ALEX. LACEY BEARD, M.D. - - - The shades of night are fleeing fast away - Before the blushing of the morning light; - The diamond stars that gleamed in bright array - Through the lone watches of the silent night, - Are fading dimly, as an orb more bright, - The glorious sun, from the deep coral caves, - Comes leaping forth in swift and tireless flight, - And as the sea his burning bosom laves, - More brightly throws his glance across the bounding waves. - - The cheerful songsters of the verdant grove, - Are trilling forth their merry morning lays-- - Their matin songs of warm impassioned love, - Which sweetly strike the ear of him who strays - Through the green paths and shady woodland ways, - Drinking deep pleasure from old Nature's wells, - Where the wild cat'ract in the sunlight plays, - Or seated lone, mid dark and mossy dells-- - Or on some rocky mount yields to her magic spells. - - The red-breast, mounted on some tow'ring tree, - Is chanting loud his merry, mirthful strain; - And the sweet lark's melodious notes of glee, - Are softly floating o'er the dewy plain. - From the broad fields which wave with golden grain, - Echoes the whistle of the timid quail; - And the loud laughter of the reaper train - Sweeps wildly by, borne on the passing gale - O'er woodland hill afar, and flowery-vested vale. - - I hear the tuneful sound of humming bees, - And gently blows the soothing summer wind - With murmuring sound among the wavy trees, - And where gay flowers, in wild luxuriance twined, - Shed fragrance on its wings. How dull, how blind - To nature and her charms is he who sleeps - Through the glad morn, nor feels the fragrant wind - That o'er the hills and verdant valleys sweeps, - 'Till with wild joy the heart of Nature's lover leaps! - - O'er hill and valley far away I've strayed, - And gathered roses wet with morning dew, - To deck the grave where sleeps a gentle maid - Whose tender heart no change nor coldness knew, - But throbbed with love, which warmer, holier grew - As waxed more dim life's faint and flickering light, - And to the close remained unchanged and true-- - A holy flame that burned, amid the blight, - Of fell disease and anguish, more divinely bright. - - The sun climbs higher in the azure sky-- - More fiercely on the earth descend his beams-- - The tender flowers hang low their heads and die, - And wearied cattle seek the cooling streams. - Faint grow the ploughmen and their toil-worn teams; - The reapers too have ceased their strains of mirth; - No more the air with sounds of pleasure teems; - And now the shadows traced upon the earth, - And the fierce heat, proclaim the sultry noon-day's birth. - - O'er the wide fields the herds have ceased to rove, - The tuneful birds have hushed their morning song, - Silent and lone is the deserted grove - Which late re-echoed to the warbling throng. - Hark! hark! I hear, sounding the vales along, - The mellow horn--the pleasant sound which calls - From the hot fields, the wearied harvest throng - To seek, where the old oak tree's shadow falls, - Their noon-day meal hard by the flowery cottage walls. - - Within a green and trellised bower I lie, - Securely sheltered from the solar rays, - And on the bright and glowing summer sky - In contemplation rapt, I fix my gaze, - And scan each fleecy cloud which slowly strays - Like some pure spirit o'er the azure dome, - Making amid its wild and trackless ways, - Its boundless depths, a bright ethereal home - Where lone and airy forms in silent grandeur roam. - - And here at noon-day hour I often dream - Of the fair hopes which light life's gloomy waste-- - A desart plain o'er which a laughing stream, - Has found a way, its banks with wild flowers graced. - But ah! alas! when the fair stream is traced, - Amid lone sands we find its darksome goal. - O dreary life! in death's cold grasp embraced-- - A withered thing, a dark and blotted scroll, - O'er which oblivion's deep and sluggish waters roll. - - In early youth upon the sea of life, - We spread our sails, nor dream of pain nor care, - Nor the fierce tempest, nor the raging strife - Which gathers round our bark where'er we steer, - But on we rush, heedless and without fear, - Till, shipwrecked all our hopes, we helpless lie - And feel the bitter pangs of black despair-- - Or from the demon strive in vain to fly, - Or rush into the arms of Death and madly die. - - The sun is sinking down the western skies-- - A holy calm is reigning o'er the earth-- - From the green valleys cheerful sounds arise-- - The tinkling sheep-bell, and the merry mirth - Of happy children--laughing at the birth - Of some new pleasure. Now the setting sun, - More brightly gleaming o'er the virent earth, - Casts a rich glow of golden light upon - The fleecy clouds, which line the western horizon. - - Along yon valley where (a silent grove!) - Those dark green pines in loneliness arise; - With a sad heart in solitude I'll rove, - And darkly muse upon the broken ties {38} - Of happier days--the bright and smiling eyes, - Whose gentle light gave life a summer bloom, - And made this earth seem like a Paradise-- - Now cold and rayless in the starless gloom, - Which darkly hovers o'er and shrouds the loathsome tomb. - - The twilight shades are gathering o'er the land-- - Shrouding the valleys in the gloom of night, - While I beside a murmuring streamlet stand, - And see depart the last faint rays of light - Which linger round yon mountain's topmost height. - 'Tis the lone night--another day has gone, - And Time who speeds with never tiring flight, - Beheld a thousand laughing eyes this morn, - That now are sleeping where no day shall ever dawn. - - - - -GREEK SONG. - - -The exploit of Harmodius and Aristogiton, in slaying Hipparchus, -tyrant of Athens, on the festal day of Minerva--hiding their poniards -in myrtle wreaths, which they pretended to carry in honor of the -Goddess, was celebrated in an Ode, the unsurpassed strength and beauty -of which, it has utterly baffled the skill of all English versifiers -to transfuse into our language. The learned are not agreed as to the -author of this noble specimen of classic minstrelsy; though by most, -it is ascribed to Callistratus. Some have set it down to Alcæus; -misled, perhaps, by the tyrant-hating spirit it breathes,--so fully in -unison with the deep, trumpet tones of his "golden lyre." Unhappily -for the paternity of this ode, he died _eighty years_ before the event -it celebrates. Of no other relic of antiquity, probably, have so many -translations been attempted. I have seen seven or eight. If the -following be added to so many woful failures, the author will not be -greatly troubled. It never was in print before--I believe. - -HYMN, - -IN HONOR OF HARMODIUS AND ARISTOGITON. - - [En myrtou kladi to Chiphos phorêsô - Ôsper Armodios k' Aristogeitôn, &c.] - - -TRANSLATION. - - Wreath'd in myrtle, my sword I'll conceal, - Like those champions, devoted and brave, - When they plunged in the tyrant their steel, - And to Athens deliverance gave. - - Belov'd heroes! your deathless souls roam, - In the joy-breathing isles of the blest; - Where the mighty of old have their home-- - Where Achilles and Diomed rest. - - In fresh myrtle my blade I'll entwine, - Like Harmodius, the gallant and good, - When he made, at the tutelar shrine, - A libation of Tyranny's blood. - - Ye deliverers of Athens from shame-- - Ye avengers of Liberty's wrongs! - Endless ages shall cherish your fame, - Embalmed in their echoing songs. - -Amongst other translations of this exquisite ode, is one by _Charles -Abraham Elton_, a translator of Hesiod, and of several other Grecian -poems; all of which are in a London edition of two elegant 8vo. -volumes. The first stanza of his version is as follows: - - "In myrtle veiled will I my falchion wear; - For thus the patriot sword - Harmodius and Aristogeiton bare, - When they the tyrant's bosom gored, - And bade the men of Athens be - Regenerate in equality." - -It is a proof of the fairness with which Mr. Elton has aimed at a -literal rendering of his author, that he has made even the name of -ARISTOGEITON retain its place; as inharmonious a one, perhaps, as ever -"filled the trump of future fame." In the Edinburgh Review for -January, 1833, we find a translation of considerable merit, in the -stanza of "Bruce's Address:" less literal than Mr. Elton's, yet more -brief and simple, and partaking more of the thrilling energy of the -original. In its arrangement, the edition of Ilgen is followed. It is -due to the author of the foregoing translation to say, that it was -written long before the year in which this one was published; and -before he had seen the seven or eight others above mentioned. - - "Wreathed with myrtles be my glaive,[1] - Like the falchion of the brave, - Death to Athens' lord that gave, - Death to Tyranny! - - Yes! let myrtle wreaths be round, - Such as then the falchion bound, - When with deeds the feast was crown'd, - Done for Liberty! - - Voiced by Fame eternally, - Noble pair! your names shall be, - For the stroke that made us free, - When the tyrant fell! - - Death, Harmodius! came not near thee, - Isles of bliss and brightness cheer thee, - There heroic breasts revere thee, - There the mighty dwell!" - -[Footnote 1: Sword.] - -P. - - - - -SONNET. - - O fairest flow'r; no sooner blown than blasted, - Soft silken primrose faded timelessly.--_Milton_. - - - It was an infant dying! and I stood - Watching beside its couch, to mark how Death, - His hour being come, would steal away the breath - Of one so young, so innocent, so good. - Friends also waited near--and now the blood - 'Gan leave the tender cheek, and the dark eye - To lose its wonted lustre. Suddenly - Slight tremblings o'er him came; anon, subdued - To utter passiveness, the sufferer lay, - Far, far more beautiful in his decay - Than e'er methought before! I held his hand - Fast lock'd in mine, and felt more feebly flow - The pulse already faint and fluttering. Lo! - It ceased; I turn'd, and bow'd to God's command.[1] - -[Footnote 1: Samuel II. Chap. xii.--22, 23.] - -* * * - - -{39} - - -SPECIMENS OF LOVELETTERS - -IN THE REIGN OF EDWARD IV. - -From the second volume of a Collection of Original Letters written -during the reigns of Henry VI, Edward IV, and Richard III. By John -Fenn, Esq., M.A. and F. R. S. - - -I. - -Right reverend and worshipful, and my right well beloved Valentine, I -recommend me unto you, full heartilie desiring to hear of your -welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve unto his -pleasure, and your heart's desire. - -And if it please you to hear of my welfare, I am not in good heele -(_health_) of bodie, nor of heart, nor shall be till I hear from you - - For there wottes (_knows_) no creature that pain I endure - And for to be dead (_for my life_), I dare it not discur - (_discover_) - -And my lady my mother hath labored the matter to my father full -diligently, but she can no more get than ye know of, for the which God -knoweth I am full sorry. But if that ye love me, as I trust verily -that ye do, ye will not leave me therefore; for if that ye had not -half the livelihood that ye have, for to do the greatest labour that -any woman alive might, I would not forsake you. - - And if ye command me to keep me true wherever I go, - I wis I will do all my might you to love, and never no mo, - And if my friends say, that I do amiss - They shall not me let (_hinder_) so for to do, - Mine heart me bids ever more to love you-- - Truly over all earthlie thing - And if they be never so wrath - I trust it shall be better in time coming - -No more to you at this time, but the Holy Trinity have you in keeping; -and I beseech you that this bill be not seen of none earthlie creature -save only yourself. - -And this letter was endited at Topcroft, with full heavy heart &c. - - By your own - MARGERY BREWS. - - -II. - -Right worshipful and well beloved Valentine, in my most humble wise, I -recommend me unto you &c. - -And heartilie I thank you for the letter, which that ye send me by -John Beckerton, whereby I understand and know that ye be purposed to -come to Topcroft in short time, and without any errand or matter, but -only to have a conclusion of the matter betwixt my father and you; I -would be the most glad of any creature alive, so that the matter might -grow to effect. And thereas (_whereas_) ye say, an (_if_) ye come and -find the matter no more towards you than ye did aforetime, ye would no -more put my father and my lady my mother to no cost nor business for -that cause a good while after, which causeth my heart to be full -heavie; and if that ye come, and the matter take to none effect, then -should I be much more sorry, and full of heaviness. - -And as for myself I have done, and understand in the matter that I can -or may, as God knoweth; and I let you plainly understand, that my -father will no more money part withal in that behalf, but an 100_l_. -and 50 marks (33_l_. 6_s_. 8_d_.) which is right far from the -accomplishment of your desire. - -Wherefore, if that ye could be content with that good, and my poor -person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; and if ye think not -yourself so satisfyed, or that ye might have much more good, as I have -understood by you afore; good, true, and loving Valentine, that ye -take no such labor upon you, as to come more for that matter, but let -what is, pass and never more be spoken of, as I may be your true lover -and beadwoman during my life. - -No more unto you at this time, but Almighty Jesu preserve you both -bodie and soul &c. - - By your Valentine - MARGERY BREWS. - -Topcroft 1476.7. - - - - -MARCELIA. - - Then she is drown'd? - --------Drown'd--Drown'd. - Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia! - And therefore I forbid my tears.--_Hamlet_. - - - It was a solitary spot!-- - The shallow brook that ran throughout the forest, - (Aye chattering as it went,) there took a turn - And widened;--all its music died away, - And in the place, a silent eddy told - That there the stream grew deeper. There dark trees - Funereal (cypress, yew, and shadowy pine, - And spicy cedar,) cluster'd; and at night - Shook from their melancholy branches sounds - And sighs like death!--'Twas strange, for thro' the day - They stood quite motionless, and looked, methought, - Like monumental things, which the sad earth - From its green bosom had cast out in pity, - To mark a young girl's grave. The very leaves - Disown'd their natural green, and took a black - And mournful hue: and the rough brier had stretch'd - His straggling arms across the water, and - Lay like an armed sentinel there, catching - With his tenacious leaf, straws, wither'd boughs, - Moss that the banks had lost, coarse grasses which - Swam with the current--and with these it hid - The poor Marcelia's death-bed! - Never may net - Of vent'rous fisher be cast in with hope, - For not a fish abides there. The slim deer - Snorts, as he ruffles with his shorten'd breath - The brook, and, panting, flies th' unholy place-- - And the wild heifer lows and passes on; - The foaming hound laps not, and winter birds - Go higher up the stream. And yet _I_ love - To loiter there; and when the rising moon - Flames down the avenue of pines, and looks - Red and dilated through the evening mists, - And chequer'd as the heavy branches sway - To and fro with the wind, I listen, and - Can fancy to myself that voices there - Plain, and low prayers come moaning thro' the leaves - For some misdeed! - The story goes, that a - Neglected girl (an orphan whom the world - Frown'd upon,) once strayed thither, and 'twas thought - Did cast her in the stream. You may have heard - Of one Marcelia, poor Molini's daughter, who - Fell ill, and came to want in youth? No?--Oh! - She loved a man who marked her not. He wed, - And then the girl grew sick, and pin'd away, - And drown'd herself for love!--Some day or other - I'll tell you all the story. - -* * * - - -{40} - - -TO MIRA. - -BY L. A. WILMER. - - - Far from the gaudy scenes my earliest youth - Loved to inhabit, which Hope's rising sun - Lent every grace and charm--save that of Truth, - And made me happy but to be undone, - (My joys expectant blasted ere begun,) - Far from those pleasing scenes 'tis mine to roam. - Friendless, forlorn, my idle course I run, - While Disappointment, a malignant gnome, - Still tortures, and the grave appears my happiest home. - - Ere yet I bid a long, a last farewell - To the sweet Muse, reluctant to forego - The sacred solace and enchanting spell - Which charm'd my solitude, and sooth'd my woe-- - Ere I renounce my harp, and cease to know - The poet's rapture, when his eye surveys - The heavenly visions fancy doth bestow, - On which her favored sons alone may gaze, - Once more I lift my voice to sing in Mira's praise. - - While sickly flattery heaps the unhallowed shrine - Of pomp and pride with praise that palls the sense, - Let spotless candor, Heaven-born truth be mine: - Base are the praises sold at truth's expense: - Mira! thy name all falsehood drives from hence! - Accept this tribute due to worth like thine-- - Accept this offering of a heart from whence - No guile shall rise to taint this verse of mine, - But friendship's holy signet sanctify each line. - - O might I deem my verse could live beyond - The petty confines of the dreary tomb-- - Might I believe my wishes not too fond, - That point to fame beyond the eternal gloom-- - When this frail form shall in the grave consume, - That future ages shall my works behold-- - Then, Mira, on this page thy name's perfume - Should breathe a fragrance, when the hand is cold - And crumbled into dust which here that name enrolled. - - As long as years revolved, and seasons came, - Tho' other flowers should fade away and die, - An ever-blooming flower should be thy name, - Dipped in the radiance of the evening sky: - When marble monuments in ruins lie, - And sculptured pillars from their bases fall, - Could I but place fair Mira's name on high - In Fame's eternal, adamantine hall, - Then would my lot be blessed, my hopes accomplished all. - - Tho' placed by Fate in this ungenial clime, - Where scarce the sacred Muse hath deigned to tread-- - These Western lands, where Song appears a crime, - And Genius rears a sad and sickly head-- - And tho' malignant stars their influence shed-- - Yet might I boast thy friendship, I would bend - No more when black misfortunes round me spread; - But my last breath in thankfulness would send, - And tell to future times thou wast my only friend. - - I have seen womankind in all their charms-- - Yea! all that beauty, wealth, and wit bestow-- - With all that strikes the eye, or fancy warms, - In festal halls, where gold and diamonds glow, - And gay costumes that mock the painted bow - Of Iris hanging on Heaven's battlements: - Yet not all these could bid my bosom know - Such admiration, or such joys dispense, - As when the maiden smiled in heavenly innocence. - - Then, Mira, not to pride my harp is strung-- - Not to the measures of the giddy dance-- - The boasted beauty shall remain unsung, - For I, unmoved, can meet her fatal glance. - Not in the fairy regions of romance - My footsteps stray--but _Truth_ directs my song: - To _Truth's_ eternal portals I advance, - Deserted by the rhyming crew so long, - And Virtue, Worth, and Thou shall still employ my tongue. - - With thee, sweet Modesty and Truth reside-- - Sincerity from courts and crowds exiled-- - Virtue, that shuns the haughty brow of Pride-- - And Charity, Heaven's first-born, favorite child,-- - As if the skies upon thy birth had smiled, - And given thee all to make a woman dear. - Yes! thou couldst humanize the savage wild, - Make tigers pause thy soothing voice to hear, - Melt marble hearts, and smooth the brow of cankering care. - - When the last echoes of my harp expire, - In mournful breathings on Patapsco's shore-- - When the unpractised hand that struck the wire, - Shall wake those wild and artless notes no more-- - When the green meadow and the torrent's roar-- - The woody walk, so long my dear delight, - With all that charmed my fancy most before-- - When Death shall veil these objects from my sight, - O say, wilt thou my name in thy remembrance write? - - Then let the world its malice all combine-- - Its hate I reck not, and its wrongs despise: - A bliss they dream not of shall still be mine-- - A bliss untold, yet worthy of the skies, - Which all their curs'd malevolence defies. - Even in the anguish of the mortal hour, - My soul superior to the gloom shall rise, - And smile on Death when all his terrors lower, - And the grim tyrant stalks full panoplied in power. - - - - -STANZAS. - - - Oh! never, never, until now, - Seem'd happiness so near me-- - Hope never wore a brighter brow - To flatter or to cheer me: - Yet while I listen to her voice, - Sad memory is chiding-- - And I must tremble to rejoice, - And weep while I'm confiding. - - I thought my spirit had grown old, - While counting years by sorrow, - And that the future could unfold - For me no happier morrow; - But ah! I find myself a child - Of newly waken'd feeling, - As full of dreams, as bright and wild, - As fancy's first revealing. - -LEILA. - - -{41} - - -_Critical Notices_. - - -THE HEROINE. - -_The Heroine: or Adventures of Cherubina. By Eaton Stannard Barrett, -Esq. New Edition. Richmond: Published by P. D. Bernard._ - -Cherubina! Who has not heard of Cherubina? Who has not heard of that -most spiritual, that most ill-treated, that most accomplished of -women--of that most consummate, most sublimated, most fantastic, most -unappreciated, and most inappreciable of heroines? Exquisite and -delicate creation of a mind overflowing with fun, frolic, farce, wit, -humor, song, sentiment, and sense, what mortal is there so dead to -every thing graceful and glorious as not to have devoured thy -adventures? Who is there so unfortunate as not to have taken thee by -the hand?--who so lost as not to have cultivated thy -acquaintance?--who so stupid, as not to have enjoyed thy -companionship?--who so much of a log, as not to have laughed until he -has wept for very laughter in the perusal of thine incomparable, -inimitable, and inestimable eccentricities? But we are becoming -pathetic to no purpose, and supererogatively oratorical. _Every body_ -has read Cherubina. There is no one so superlatively unhappy as not to -have done this thing. But if such there be--if by any possibility such -person should exist, we have only a few words to say to him. Go, silly -man, and purchase forthwith "_The Heroine: or Adventures of -Cherubina_." - -The Heroine was first published many years ago, (we believe shortly -after the appearance of Childe Harold;) but although it has run -through editions innumerable, and has been universally read and -admired by all possessing talent or taste, it has never, in our -opinion, attracted half that notice on the part of the critical press, -which is undoubtedly its due. There are few books written with more -tact, spirit, _näïveté_, or grace, few which take hold more -irresistibly upon the attention of the reader, and none more fairly -entitled to rank among the classics of English literature than the -Heroine of Eaton Stannard Barrett. When we say all this of a book -possessing not even the remotest claim to originality, either in -conception or execution, it may reasonably be supposed, that we have -discovered in its matter, or manner, some rare qualities, inducing us -to hazard an assertion of so bold a nature. This is actually the case. -Never was any thing so charmingly written: the mere style is -positively inimitable. Imagination, too, of the most etherial kind, -sparkles and blazes, now sportively like the Will O' the Wisp, now -dazzlingly like the Aurora Borealis, over every page--over every -sentence in the book. It is absolutely radiant with fancy, and that of -a nature the most captivating, although, at the same time, the most -airy, the most capricious, and the most intangible. Yet the Heroine -must be considered a mere burlesque; and, being a copy from Don -Quixotte, is to that immortal work of Cervantes what _The School for -Scandal_ is to _The Merry Wives of Windsor_. The Plot is briefly as -follows. - -Gregory Wilkinson, an English farmer worth 50,000 pounds, has a pretty -daughter called Cherry, whose head is somewhat disordered from romance -reading. Her governess is but little more rational than herself, and -is one day turned out of the house for allowing certain undue -liberties on the part of the butler. In revenge she commences a -correspondence with Miss Cherry, in which she persuades that young -lady that Wilkinson is not her real father--that she is a child of -mystery, &c.--in short that she is actually and _bonâ fide_ a heroine. -In the meantime, Miss Cherry, in rummaging among her father's papers, -comes across an antique parchment--a lease of lives--on which the -following words are alone legible. - - This Indenture - For and in consideration of - Doth grant, bargain, release - Possession, and to his heirs and assigns - Lands of Sylvan Lodge, in the - Trees, stones, quarries, &c. - Reasonable amends and satisfaction - This demise - Molestation of him the said Gregory Wilkinson. - The natural life of - Cherry Wilkinson only daughter of - De Willoughby eldest son of Thomas - Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle. - -This "excruciating MS." brings matters to a crisis--for Miss Cherry -has no difficulty in filling up the blanks. - -"It is a written covenant," says this interesting young lady in a -letter to her Governess, "between this Gregory Wilkinson, and the -miscreant (whom my being an heiress had prevented from enjoying the -title and estate that would devolve to him at my death) stipulating to -give Wilkinson 'Sylvan Lodge,' together with 'trees, stones, &c.' as -'reasonable amends and satisfaction' for being the instrument of my -'demise,' and declaring that there shall be 'no molestation of him the -said Gregory Wilkinson' for taking away the 'natural life of Cherry -Wilkinson, only daughter of' ---- somebody 'De Willoughby eldest son -of Thomas.' Then follows 'Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle.' So that it is -evident I am a De Willoughby, and related to Lady Gwyn! What perfectly -confirms me in the latter supposition, is an old portrait which I -found soon after, among Wilkinson's papers, representing a young and -beautiful female superbly dressed; and underneath, in large letters, -the name of 'Nell Gwyn.'" - -Fired with this idea, Miss Cherry gets up a scene, rushes with hair -dishevelled into the presence of the good man Wilkinson, and accuses -him to his teeth of plotting against her life, and of sundry other -mal-practices and misdemeanors. The worthy old gentleman is -astonished, as well he may be; but is somewhat consoled upon receiving -a letter from his nephew, Robert Stuart, announcing his intention of -paying the family a visit immediately. Wilkinson is in hopes that a -lover may change the current of his daughter's ideas; but in that he -is mistaken. Stuart has the misfortune of being merely a rich man, a -handsome man, an honest man, and a fashionable man--he is no hero. -This is not to be borne: and Miss Cherry, having assumed the name of -the Lady Cherubina De Willoughby, makes a precipitate retreat from the -house, and commences a journey on foot to London. Her adventures here -properly begin, and are laughable in the extreme. But we must not be -too minute. They are modelled very much after those of Don Quixotte, -and are related in a series of letters from the young lady herself to -her governess. The principal characters who figure in the Memoirs are -Betterton, an old _debauché_ who endeavors to entangle the Lady -Cherubina in his {42} toils--Jerry Sullivan, an Irish simpleton, who -is ready to lose his life at any moment for her ladyship, whose story -he implicitly believes, without exactly comprehending it--Higginson, a -grown baby, and a mad poet--Lady Gwyn, whom Cherubina believes to be -her mortal enemy, and the usurper of her rights, and who encourages -the delusion for the purpose of entertaining her guests--Mary and -William, two peasants betrothed, but whom Cherry sets by the ears for -the sake of an interesting episode--Abraham Grundy, a tenth rate -performer at Covent Garden, who having been mistaken by Cherry for an -earl, supports the character _à merveille_ with the hope of eventually -marrying her, and thus securing 10,000 pounds, a sum which it appears -the lady possesses in her own right. He calls himself the Lord -Altamont Mortimer Montmorenci. Stuart, her cousin, whom we have -mentioned before, finally rescues her from the toils of Betterton and -Grundy, and restores her to reason, and to her friends. Of course he -is rewarded with her hand. - -We repeat that Cherubina is a book which should be upon the shelves of -every well-appointed library. No one can read it without entertaining -a high opinion of the varied and brilliant talents of its author. No -one can read it without laughter. Its wit, especially, and its humor, -are indisputable--not frittered and refined away into that insipid -compound which we occasionally meet with, half giggle and half -sentiment--but racy, dashing, and palpable. Some of the songs with -which the work is interspersed have attained a most extensive -popularity, while many persons, to whom they are as familiar as -household things, are not aware of the very existence of the Heroine. -All our readers must remember the following. - - Dear Sensibility, O la! - I heard a little lamb cry ba! - Says I, so you have lost mamma! - Ah! - - The little lamb as I said so, - Frisking about the fields did go, - And frisking trod upon my toe. - Oh! - -And this also. - -TO DOROTHY PULVERTAFT. - - If Black-sea, White-sea, Red-sea ran - One tide of ink to Ispahan; - If all the geese in Lincoln fens - Produced spontaneous well-made pens; - If Holland old or Holland new, - One wondrous sheet of paper grew; - Could I, by stenographic power, - Write twenty libraries an hour; - And should I sing but half the grace - Of half a freckle on thy face; - Each syllable I wrote should reach - From Inverness to Bognor's beach; - Each hair-stroke be a river Rhine, - Each verse an equinoctial line. - -We have already exceeded our limits, but cannot refrain from -extracting Chapter XXV. It will convey some idea of the character of -the Heroine. She is now at the mansion of Lady Gwyn, who, for the -purpose of amusing her friends, has dressed up her nephew to represent -the supposed mother of the Lady Cherubina. - -CHAPTER XXV. - -This morning I awoke almost well, and towards evening was able to -appear below. Lady Gwyn had invited several of her friends; so that I -passed a delightful afternoon; the charm, admiration, and astonishment -of all. - -When I retired to rest, I found this note on my toilette. - - -_To the Lady Cherubina_. - -_Your mother lives!_ and is confined in a subterranean vault of the -villa. At midnight two men will tap at your door, and conduct you to -her. Be silent, courageous, and circumspect. - - -What a flood of new feelings gushed upon my soul, as I laid down the -billet, and lifted my filial eyes to Heaven! Mother--endearing name! I -pictured that unfortunate lady stretched on a mattress of straw, her -eyes sunken in their sockets, yet retaining a portion of their -youthful fire; her frame emaciated, her voice feeble, her hand damp -and chill. Fondly did I depict our meeting--our embrace; she gently -pushing me from her, and baring my forehead, to gaze on the lineaments -of my countenance. All, all is convincing; and she calls me the -softened image of my noble father! - -Two tedious hours I waited in extreme anxiety. At length the clock -struck twelve; my heart beat responsive, and immediately the promised -signal was made. I unbolted the door, and beheld two men masked and -cloaked. They blindfolded me, and each taking an arm, led me along. -Not a word passed. We traversed apartments, ascended, descended -stairs; now went this way, now that; obliquely, circularly, angularly; -till I began to imagine we were all the time in one spot. - -At length my conductors stopped. - -'Unlock the postern gate,' whispered one, 'while I light a torch.' - -'We are betrayed!' said the other, 'for this is the wrong key.' - -'Then thou beest the traitor,' cried the first. - -'Thou liest, dost lie, and art lying!' cried the second. - -'Take that!' exclaimed the first. A groan followed, and the wretch -tumbled to the ground. - -'You have killed him!' cried I, sickening with horror. - -'I have only hamstrung him, my Lady,' said the fellow. 'He will be -lame while ever he lives; but by St. Cripplegate, that won't be long; -for our captain has given him four ducats to murder himself in a -month.' - -He then burst open the gate; a sudden current of wind met us, and we -hurried forward with incredible speed, while moans and smothered -shrieks were heard at either side. - -'Gracious goodness, where are we?' cried I. - -'In the cavern of death!' said my conductor; 'but never fear, Signora -mia illustrissima, for the bravo Abellino is your povero devotissimo.' - -On a sudden innumerable footsteps sounded behind us. We ran swifter. - -'Fire!' cried a ferocious accent, almost at my ear; and there came a -discharge of arms. - -I stopped, unable to move, breathe, or speak. - -'I am wounded all over, right and left, fore and aft, long ways and -cross ways, Death and the Devil!' cried the bravo. - -'Am I bleeding?' said I, feeling myself with my hands. - -'No, blessed St. Fidget be praised!' answered he; 'and now all is -safe, for the banditti have turned into the wrong passage.' - -He then stopped, and unlocked a door. - -'Enter,' said he, 'and behold your mother!' - -He led me forward, tore the bandage from my eyes, and retiring, locked -the door after him. - -Agitated by the terrors of my dangerous expedition, I felt additional -horror in finding myself within a dismal cell, lighted with a lantern; -where, at a small table, sat a woman suffering under a corpulency -unparalleled in the memoirs of human monsters. Her dress was a -patchwork of blankets and satins, and her gray tresses were like -horses' tails. Hundreds of frogs leaped about the floor; a piece of -mouldy bread, and a mug of water, lay on the table; some straw, strewn -with dead snakes and sculls, occupied one corner, and the distant end -of the cell was concealed behind a black curtain. - -I stood at the door, doubtful, and afraid to advance; while the -prodigious prisoner sat examining me all over. - -At last I summoned courage to say, 'I fear, madam, I am an intruder -here. I have certainly been shown into the wrong room.' - -'It is, it is my own, my only daughter, my Cherubina!' cried she, with -a tremendous voice. 'Come to my maternal arms, thou living picture of -the departed Theodore!' - -'Why, ma'am,' said I, 'I would with great pleasure, but I am -afraid--Oh, madam, indeed, indeed, I am quite sure you cannot be my -mother!' - -'Why not, thou unnatural girl?' cried she. - -'Because, madam,' answered I, 'my mother was of a thin habit; as her -portrait proves.' - -{43} 'And so I was once,' said she. 'This deplorable plumpness is -owing to want of exercise. But I thank the Gods I am as pale as ever.' - -'Heavens! no,' cried I. 'Your face, pardon me, is a rich scarlet.' - -'And is this our tender meeting?' cried she. 'To disown me, to throw -my fat in my teeth, to violate the lilies of my skin with a dash of -scarlet? Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle! Tell me, girl, -will you embrace me, or will you not?' - -'Indeed, madam,' answered I, 'I will presently.' - -'Presently!' - -'Yes, depend upon it I will. Only let me get over the first shock.' - -'Shock!' - -Dreading her violence, and feeling myself bound to do the duties of a -daughter, I kneeled at her feet, and said: - -'Ever respected, ever venerable author of my being, I beg thy maternal -blessing!' - -My mother raised me from the ground, and hugged me to her heart, with -such cruel vigor, that, almost crushed, I cried out stoutly, and -struggled for release. - -'And now,' said she, relaxing her grasp, 'let me tell you of my -sufferings. Ten long years I have eaten nothing but bread. Oh, ye -favorite pullets, oh, ye inimitable tit-bits, shall I never, never -taste you more? It was but last night, that maddened by hunger, -methought I beheld the Genius of Dinner in my dreams. His mantle was -laced with silver eels, and his locks were dropping with soups. He had -a crown of golden fishes upon his head, and pheasants' wings at his -shoulders. A flight of little tartlets fluttered about him, and the -sky rained down comfits. As I gazed on him, he vanished in a sigh, -that was impregnated with the fumes of brandy. Hey diddle diddle, the -cat and the fiddle.' - -I stood shuddering, and hating her more and more every moment. - -'Pretty companion of my confinement!' cried she, apostrophizing an -enormous toad which she pulled out of her bosom 'dear, spotted -fondling, thou, next to my Cherubina, art worthy of my love. Embrace -each other, my friends.' And she put the hideous pet into my hand. I -screamed and dropped it. - -'Oh!' cried I, in a passion of despair, 'what madness possessed me to -undertake this execrable enterprise!' and I began beating with my hand -against the door. - -'Do you want to leave your poor mother?' said she in a whimpering -tone. - -'Oh! I am so frightened!' cried I. - -'You will spend the night here, however,' said she; 'and your whole -life too; for the ruffian who brought you hither was employed by Lady -Gwyn to entrap you.' - -When I heard this terrible sentence, my blood ran cold, and I began -crying bitterly. - -'Come, my love!' said my mother, 'and let me clasp thee to my heart -once more!' - -'For goodness sake!' cried I, 'spare me!' - -'What!' exclaimed she, 'do you spurn my proffered embrace again?' - -'Dear, no, madam,' answered I. 'But--but indeed now, you squeeze one -so!' - -My mother made a huge stride towards me; then stood groaning and -rolling her eyes. - -'Help!' cried I, half frantic, 'help! help!' - -I was stopped by a suppressed titter of infernal laughter, as if from -many demons; and on looking towards the black curtain, whence the -sound came, I saw it agitated; while about twenty terrific faces -appeared peeping through slits in it, and making grins of a most -diabolical nature. I hid my face with my hands. - -''Tis the banditti!' cried my mother. - -As she spoke, the door opened, a bandage was flung over my eyes, and I -was borne away half senseless, in some one's arms; till at length, I -found myself alone in my own chamber. - -Such was the detestable adventure of to-night. Oh, that I should live -to meet this mother of mine! How different from the mothers that other -heroines rummage out in northern turrets and ruined chapels! I am out -of all patience. Liberate her I must, of course, and make a suitable -provision for her too, when I get my property; but positively, never -will I sleep under the same roof with--(ye powers of filial love, -forgive me!) such a living mountain of human horror. Adieu. - - -HAWKS OF HAWK-HOLLOW. - -_The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow; a Tradition of Pennsylvania. By the author -of Calavar and the Infidel. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard._ - -By _The Gladiator_, by _Calavar_, and by _The Infidel_, Dr. Bird has -risen, in a comparatively short space of time, to a very enviable -reputation; and we have heard it asserted that his last novel '_The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow_,' will not fail to place his name in the very -first rank of American writers of fiction. Without venturing to -subscribe implicitly to this latter supposition, we still think very -highly of him who has written _Calavar_. Of this last mentioned work, -and of the _Infidel_, we have already given our opinion, although not -altogether as fully as we could have desired: and we regret that -circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from noticing the -_Hawks of Hawk-Hollow_ until so late a day as the present. - -Had this novel reached us some years ago, with the title of, '_The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow: A Romance by the author of Waverley_,' we should -not perhaps have engaged in its perusal with as much genuine -eagerness, or with so dogged a determination to be pleased with it at -all events, as we have actually done upon receiving it with its proper -title, and under really existing circumstances. But having read the -book _through_, as undoubtedly we should have done, if only for the -sake of Auld Lang Syne, and for the sake of certain pleasantly -mirthful, or pleasantly mournful recollections connected with -_Ivanhoe_, with the _Antiquary_, with _Kenilworth_, and above all with -that most pure, perfect, and radiant gem of fictitious literature the -_Bride of Lammermuir_--having, we say, on this account, and for the -sake of these recollections read the novel from beginning to end, from -Aleph to Tau, we should have pronounced our opinion of its merits -somewhat in the following manner. - -"It is unnecessary to tell us that this novel is written by Sir Walter -Scott; and we are really glad to find that he has at length ventured -to turn his attention to American incidents, scenery, and manners. We -repeat that it was a mere act of supererogation to place the words 'By -the author of Waverley' in the title page. The book speaks for itself. -The style vulgarly so called--the manner properly so called--the -handling of the subject to speak pictorially, or graphically, or as a -German would say plastically--in a word the general air, the _tout -ensemble_, the prevailing character of the story, all proclaim, in -words which one who runs may read, that these volumes were indited 'By -the author of Waverley.'" Having said thus much, we should resume our -_critique_ as follows. - -"The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is, however, by no means in the _best_ -manner of its illustrious author. To speak plainly it is a positive -failure, and must take its place by the side of the Redgauntlets, the -Monasteries, the Pirates, and the Saint Ronan's Wells." - -All this we should perhaps have been induced to say had the book been -offered to us for perusal some few years ago, with the supposititious -title, and under the supposititious circumstances aforesaid. But alas! -for our critical independency, the case is very different indeed. -There can be no mistake or misconception in the present instance, such -as we have so fancifully imagined. The title page (here we have it) is -clear, explanatory, and not to be misunderstood. The Hawks of {44} -Hawk-Hollow, A Tradition of Pennsylvania, that is to say a novel, is -written, so we are assured, not by the author of Waverley, but by the -author of that very fine romance Calavar--not by Sir Walter Scott, -Baronet, but by Robert M. Bird, M.D. Now Robert M. Bird is an -American. - -We will endeavour to give an outline of the story. In a little valley -bordering upon the Delaware, and called Hawk-Hollow from a colony of -hawks who time out of mind had maintained possession of a blasted tree -at its _embouchure_, resided, some fifty years ago, one Gilbert, an -English emigrant. He had seven sons, all of whom displayed in early -life a spirit of desperate and reckless adventure, and a love of the -wild life of the woods and mountains. Oran was the name of the eldest, -and at the same time the most savage and intractable of the seven. The -disposition thus evinced obtained for these young desperadoes the -_sobriquet_ of the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. Gilbert, the father, falls -heir to a rich estate in England, and after making a vain attempt to -settle in that country and educate his children as gentlemen, returns -at length to the valley of Hawk-Hollow, so much more congenial to the -temper and habits of his sons. A fine but fantastic manor-house is -erected, and the family acquire consideration in the land. In the -meantime Mr. Gilbert's first wife dying, he weds another, who bears -him a daughter, Jessie. At the opening of the tale, however, a Captain -Loring resides upon the estate, and in the mansion of the Gilberts, -holding them as the agent or tenant of a certain Col. Falconer, who is -a second edition of Falkland in Caleb Williams,--and who has managed -to possess himself of the property at Hawk-Hollow, upon its -confiscation on account of the tory principles and conduct of the -Hawks. - -During the happier days of the Gilberts, the life of this Falconer was -preserved by three of them, upon a certain occasion of imminent peril. -He however, being badly wounded, they convey him to their father's -house, and Jessie, their sister, attends him in the character of -nurse. She loves him. He returns her love with gratitude and perhaps -some little actual affection, not however sufficient to banish from -his mind the charms or the wealth of a lady of whom he had been -previously enamored--the daughter of a gentleman who had succored and -patronised him at a time when he needed aid, and who discarded him -upon perceiving the growing intimacy between his child and his -_protegé_. Grateful however for the kindness and evident affection of -Jessie, and intoxicated with her beauty, he marries her in a moment of -madness and passion--prevailing upon her to keep the marriage a secret -for a short time. At this critical juncture, Falconer, who has already -risen to honors and consideration in the world, as an officer of the -Colonial army, receives overtures of reconciliation both from his old -patron and his daughter. His former flame is rekindled in his bosom. -He puts off from day to day the publication of his marriage with -Jessie, and, finally, goaded by love and ambition, and encouraged by -the accidental death of the regimental chaplain who married him, as -well as by that of the only witness to the ceremony, he flies from -Jessie who is about to become a mother, and leaving herself and -friends under the impression that the rite of marriage had been a mere -mockery for the purpose of seduction, throws himself at once into the -arms of his first love, and at length espouses her, a short time -before the decease of Jessie, who dies in bringing a son into the -world. - -The wrath of the brothers of Jessie, has doomed this child to -destruction--but their mother, at this same period giving birth to a -still-born infant, an exchange is brought about through the -instrumentality of an old nurse Elsie Bell, who plays an anomalous -part in the story, being half witch, and half gentlewoman. The effect -of this exchange is that the still-born child of Mrs. Gilbert is -buried as the offspring of Jessie, while her real offspring, is sent -to the West Indies, to be nurtured and educated by a sister of Mr. -Gilbert. The boy thus sent was called Hyland, after one of the Hawks -who perished in the rescue of Col. Falconer. - -Such are the events which, at the opening of the story, have broken up -the family of the Gilberts, and effected their ruin. - -"The sons no longer hunted with the young men of the county, but went, -as in their war expeditions, alone: and when others thrust themselves -into their company they quarrelled with them, so that they began to be -universally feared and detested. To crown all, as soon as the -Revolution burst out they went over to the enemy: and, being -distributed among the wild and murderous bands of savages forming on -the north-western frontiers, they soon obtained a dreadful notoriety -for their deeds of daring and cruelty. Of course this remarkable -defection of the sons, caused the unlucky father to be suspected and -watched. He was accused at last of aiding and abetting them in their -treasonable practices, and soon, either from timidity or a -consciousness of guilt, he fled, seeking refuge within the royal -lines. This was sufficient for his ruin: for, after the usual legal -preliminaries, he was formally outlawed, as his sons had been before, -and his property confiscated. He died soon afterwards, either at New -York, or Jamaica." - -Hyland, the son of Falconer by Jessie, but the supposed youngest -brother of the Hawks, returns after many years, to his native country -with the intention of accepting a British commission; but seeing more -closely, and with his own eyes, the true principles which actuated the -colonists, he finally relinquishes that design. In the meantime -visiting the Hawk-Hollow under the assumed name of Herman Hunter, and -in the character of a painter, he becomes enamored of Catherine, the -daughter of Captain Loring. The attachment is mutual, although the -lady is already betrothed to Henry, the son of Col. Falconer, a rather -gentlemanly, although a very dissipated and good-for-nothing -personage. Difficulties thicken of course. Miss Harriet Falconer, a -copy in many respects of Di Vernon, becomes, for some very trivial -reason, a violent enemy of Herman Hunter, and even goes so far as to -suspect him of being connected with the outlawed Hawks of the Hollow. -Captain Loring, on the other hand, is his firm friend--a circumstance -which restores matters to a more proper equilibrium, and much -flirtation is consequently carried on, in and about the old mansion -house and pleasure grounds of the Gilberts. In the meantime an attempt -is made, by some unknown assassin, upon the life of Col. Falconer, at -New York; and the county is thrown into a panic, by the rumor that -Oran, the eldest brother of the Hawks, is not dead, as was supposed, -but in existence near the Hollow with a desperate band of refugees, -and ready to pounce upon {45} the neighboring village of Hillborough. -Miss Harriet Falconer busies herself in a very unlady-like manner to -ferret out the assassin of her father. Plot and counterplot follow in -rapid succession. New characters appear upon the scene. A tall -disciple of Roscius called Sterling, is, among others, very -conspicuous, thrusting his nose into every adventure, and assuming by -turns, although in a very slovenly way, the character of a Methodist -preacher, of a pedlar, of a Quaker, and of a French dancing master. -Elsie Bell, the old witch, prophecies, predicates, and prognosticates; -and in short matters begin to assume a very serious and inexplicable -aspect. Hyland Gilbert _alias_ Herman Hunter, the painter, is drawn -into an involuntary connection with his supposed brother Oran, the -refugee, and some circumstances coming to light not very much to his -credit, he is obliged to flee from the mansion of the gallant -Captain--not, however, until he has declared his passion for the -daughter, into the ear of the daughter herself. Through the -instigation of Harriet Falconer, the day is at length fixed for the -marriage of her brother Henry with Catherine Loring. Accident delays -the ceremony until night, when, just as the lady is hesitating whether -she shall say _yes_, or _no_, the tall gentleman ycleped Sterling who -has managed, no one knows how, to install himself as major-domo, chief -fiddler, and master of ceremonies at the wedding, takes the liberty of -knocking the bridegroom on the head with his violin, while Oran, the -refugee, jumps in at one window with a gang of his followers, and -Hyland Gilbert, _alias_ Herman Hunter, the painter, popping in at -another, carries off the bride at a back door _nemine contradicente_. -The bird being flown, the hue and cry is presently raised, and the -whole county starts in pursuit. But the affair ends very lamely. -Precisely at the moment when Hyland Gilbert, _alias_ Herman Hunter, -the painter, has carried his mistress beyond any prospect of danger -from pursuit, he suddenly takes it into his head, to change his mind -in relation to the entire business, and so, turning back as he came, -very deliberately carries the lady home again. He himself, however, -being caught, is sentenced to be hung--all which is exceedingly just. -But to be serious. - -The crime with which the young man is charged, is the murder of Henry -Falconer, who fell by a pistol shot in an affray during the pursuit. -The criminal is lodged in jail at Hillborough--is tried--and, chiefly -through the instrumentality of Col. Falconer, is in danger of being -found guilty. But Elsie Bell now makes her appearance, and matters -assume a new aspect. She reveals to Col. Falconer the exchange of the -two infants--a fact with which he had been hitherto unacquainted--and -consequently astounds him with the information that he is seeking the -death of his own son. A new turn is also given to the evidence in the -case of the murder by the death-bed confession of Sterling, who owns -that he himself shot the deceased Henry Falconer, and also attempted -the assassination of the Colonel. The prisoner is acquitted by -acclamation. Col. Falconer, is shot by mistake while visiting his son -in prison. Harriet dies of grief at the exposure of her father's -villainy, and of her own consequent illegitimacy. Hyland Gilbert and -Catherine are united. Oran, the refugee, who fired the shot by which -Col. Falconer was accidentally killed, being hotly pursued, and -dangerously wounded, escapes, finally, to his fastnesses in the -mountains, where, after a lapse of many years, his bones and his rifle -are identified. Thus ends the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. - -We have already spoken of the character of Elsie Bell. That of Harriet -Falconer, is forced, unnatural, and overstrained. Catherine Loring, -however, is one of the sweetest creations ever emanating from the -fancy of poet, or of painter. Truly feminine in thought, in manner, -and in action, she is altogether a conception of which Dr. Bird has -great reason to be proud. Phoebe, the waiting maid, (we have not -thought it worth while to mention her in our outline,) is a mere -excrescence, and, like some other personages in the tale, introduced -for no imaginable purpose. Of the male _dramatis personæ_ some are -good--some admirable--some execrable. Among the good, we may mention -Captain Caliver of the Dragoons. Captain Loring is a _chéf d'oeuvre_. -His oddities, his infirmities, his enthusiasm, his petulancy, his -warm-heartedness, and his mutability of disposition, altogether make -up a character which we may be permitted to consider original, -inasmuch as we have never seen its prototype either in print, or in -actual existence. It is however true to itself, and to propriety, and -although at times verging upon the _outré_, is highly creditable to -the genius of its author. Oran, the refugee, is well--but not -excellently drawn. The hero Hyland, with whom we were much interested -in the beginning of the book, proves inconsistent with himself in the -end; and although to be inconsistent with one's self, is not always to -be false to Nature--still, in the present instance, Hyland Gilbert in -prison, and in difficulty, and Herman Hunter, in the opening of the -novel, possess none of the same traits, and are not, in point of fact, -identical. Sterling is a mere mountebank, without even the merit of -being an original one: and his death-bed repentance is too ludicrously -ill-managed, and altogether too manifestly out of place, to be -mentioned any farther. Squire Schlachtenschlager, the Magistrate, is -the best personification of a little brief authority in the person of -a Dutchman, which it has ever been our good fortune to encounter. - -In regard to that purely mechanical portion of Dr. Bird's novel, which -it would now be fashionable to denominate its _style_, we have very -few observations to make. In general it is faultless. Occasionally we -meet with a sentence ill-constructed--an inartificial adaptation of -the end to the beginning of a paragraph--a circumlocutory mode of -saying what might have been better said, if said with brevity--now and -then with a pleonasm, as for example. "And if he wore a mask in his -commerce with men, it was like that _iron_ one of the Bastile, which -when put on, was put on for life, and was at the same time _of -iron_,"--not unfrequently with a bull proper, videlicet. "As he spoke -there came into the den, eight men attired like the two first _who -were included in the number_." But we repeat that upon the whole the -style of the novel--if that may be called its style, which style is -not--is at least _equal_ to that of any American writer whatsoever. - -In the style _properly_ so called--that is to say in the prevailing -tone and manner which give character and individuality to the book, we -cannot bring ourselves to think that Dr. Bird has been equally -fortunate. His subject appears always ready to fly away from him. He -dallies with it continually--hovers incessantly round {46} it, and -about it--and not until driven to exertion by the necessity of -bringing his volumes to a close, does he finally grasp it with any -appearance of energy or good will. The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is -composed with great inequality of manner--at times forcible and -manly--at times sinking into the merest childishness and imbecility. -Some portions of the book, we surmise, were either not written by Dr. -Bird, or were written by him in moments of the most utter mental -exhaustion. On the other hand, the reader will not be disappointed, if -he looks to find in the novel many--very many well sustained passages -of great eloquence and beauty. We open the book at random, and one -presents itself immediately to our notice. If Dr. Bird has a general -manner at all--a question which we confess ourselves unable to -decide--the passage which we are about to quote is a very fair, -although perhaps rather too favorable specimen of that manner. - -"Thus whiling away the fatigue of climbing over rocks, and creeping -through thickets with a gay rattle of discourse, the black-eyed maiden -dragged her companion along until they reached a place where the -stream was contracted by the projection on the one bank of a huge mass -of slaty rock, and on the other, by the protrusion of the roots of a -gigantic plane-tree--the sycamore or button-wood of vulgar speech. -Above them, and beyond the crag, the channel of the rivulet widened -into a pool; and there was a plot of green turf betwixt the water and -the hill, on the farther bank, whereon fairies, if such had ever made -their way to the world of Twilight, might have loved to gambol under -the light of the moon. A hill shut up the glen at its upper extremity; -and it was hemmed in on the left, by the rocky and woody declivity -over which the maidens had already passed. Over this, and just behind -a black rounded shoulder that it thrust into the glen, a broad ray -from the evening sun shot across the stream, and fell in a rich yellow -flood over the vacant plot. There was something almost Arcadian in -this little solitude; and if instead of two well-bred maidens perched -upon the roots of the sycamore, on seats chosen with a due regard to -the claims of their dresses, there had been a batch of country girls -romping in the water, a passing Actæon might have dreamed of the piny -Gargaphy, its running well _fons tenui perlucidus unda_--and the -bright creatures of the mythic day that once animated the waters of -that solitary grot. But the fairy and the wood-nymph are alike unknown -in America. Poetic illusion has not yet consecrated her glens and -fountains; her forests nod in uninvaded gloom, her rivers roll in -unsanctified silence, and even her ridgy mountains lift up their blue -tops in unphantomed solitude. Association sleeps, or it reverts only -to the vague mysteries of speculation. Perhaps - - A restless Indian queen, - Pale Marian with the braided hair, - -may wander at night by some highly favored spring; perhaps some tall -and tawny hunter - - In vestments for the chase arrayed, - -may yet hunt the hart over certain distinguished ridges, or urge his -barken canoe over some cypress-fringed pool; but all other places are -left to the fancies of the utilitarian. A Greek would have invented a -God to dwell under the watery arch of Niagara; an American is -satisfied with a paper-mill clapped just above it." - -Of the songs and other poetic pieces interspersed throughout the book, -and sometimes not aptly or gracefully introduced, we have a very high -opinion. Some of them are of rare merit and beauty. If Dr. Bird can -always write thus, and we see no reason for supposing the contrary, he -should at once, in the language of one with whom he is no doubt well -acquainted, - - Turn bard, and drop the play-wright and the novelist. - -In evidence that we say nothing more than what is absolutely just; we -insert here the little poem of _The Whippoorwill_. - - Sleep, sleep! be thine the sleep that throws - Elysium o'er the soul's repose, - Without a dream, save such as wind - Like midnight angels, through the mind; - While I am watching on the hill - I, and the wailing whippoorwill. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - - Sleep, sleep! and once again I'll tell - The oft pronounced yet vain farewell: - Such should his word, oh maiden, be - Who lifts the fated eye to thee; - Such should it be, before the chain - That wraps his spirit, binds his brain. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - - Sleep, sleep! the ship hath left the shore, - The steed awaits his lord no more; - His lord still madly lingers by, - The fatal maid he cannot fly-- - And thrids the wood, and climbs the hill-- - He and the wailing whippoorwill. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - - Sleep, sleep! the morrow hastens on; - Then shall the wailing slave be gone, - Flitting the hill-top far for fear - The sounds of joy may reach his ear; - The sounds of joy!--the hollow knell - Pealed from the mocking chapel bell. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - -In conclusion: The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow, if it add a single bay to the -already green wreath of Dr. Bird's _popular_ reputation, will not, at -all events, among men whose decisions are entitled to consideration, -advance the high opinion previously entertained of his abilities. It -has no pretensions to _originality_ of manner, or of style--for we -insist upon the distinction--and very few to originality of matter. It -is, in many respects, a bad imitation of Sir Walter Scott. Some of its -characters, and one or two of its incidents, have seldom been -surpassed, for force, fidelity to nature, and power of exciting -interest in the reader. It is altogether more worthy of its author in -its scenes of hurry, of tumult, and confusion, than in those of a more -quiet and philosophical nature. Like _Calavar_ and _The Infidel_, it -excels in the drama of action and passion, and fails in the drama of -colloquy. It is inferior, as a whole, to the _Infidel_, and vastly -inferior to _Calavar_. - - -PEERAGE AND PEASANTRY. - -_Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry, Edited by Lady Dacre. New -York: Harper & Brothers._ - -We had been looking with much impatience for the republication of -these volumes, and henceforward we shall look with still greater -anxiety for any thing announced as under the _editorial_ supervision -of Lady Dacre. But why, Lady Dacre, this excessive show of modesty, or -rather this most unpardonable piece of affectation? Why deny having -written volumes whose authorship would be an enviable and an honorable -{47} distinction to the proudest literati of your land? And why, above -all, announce yourself as editor in a title-page, merely to proclaim -yourself author in a preface? - -The _Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry_ are three in number. The -first and the longest is _Winifred, Countess of Nithsdale_, (have a -care, Messieurs Harpers, you have spelt it _Nithsadle_ in the very -heading of the very initial chapter) a thrilling, and spirited story, -rich with imagination, pathos, and passion, and in which the -successful termination of a long series of exertions, and trials, -whereby the devoted Winifred finally rescues her husband, the Earl of -Nithsdale, from tyranny, prison, and death, inspires the reader with -scarcely less heartfelt joy and exultation than we can conceive -experienced by the happy pair themselves. But the absolute conclusion -of this tale speaks volumes for the artist-like skill of the fair -authoress. An every day writer would have ended a story of continued -sorrow and suffering, with a bright gleam of unalloyed happiness, and -sunshine--thus destroying, at a single blow, that indispensable unity -which has been rightly called the unity of effect, and throwing down, -as it were, in a paragraph what, perhaps, an entire volume has been -laboring to establish. We repeat that Lady Dacre has given conclusive -evidence of talent and skill, in the final sentences of the _Countess -of Nithsdale_--evidence, however, which will not be generally -appreciated, or even very extensively understood. We will transcribe -the passages alluded to. - -"'And dearer to my ears'--said Lady Nithsdale 'the simple ballad of a -Scottish maiden, than even these sounds as they are wafted to us over -the waters!' - -"They stopped to listen to the song as it died away; and, as they -listened, another and more awful sound struck upon their ears. The -bell of one of the small chapels often constructed on the shores of -Catholic countries, was tolled for the soul of a departed mariner. As -it happened, the tone was not unlike one of which they both retained -only too vivid and painful a recollection. The Countess felt her -husband's frame quiver beneath the stroke. There was no need of words. -With a mutual pressure of the arm they returned upon their steps and -sought their home. Unconsciously their pace quickened. They seemed to -fly before the stroke of that bell! Such suffering as they had both -experienced, leaves traces in the soul which time itself can never -wholly efface." - -_The Hampshire Cottage_ is next in order--a tale of the Peasantry; and -the volumes conclude with _Blanche_, a tale of the Peerage. Both are -admirable, and worthy of companionship with _Winifred, Countess of -Nithsdale_. There can be no doubt that Lady Dacre is a writer of -infinite genius, possessing great felicity of expression, a happy -talent for working up a story, and, above all, a far more profound and -philosophical knowledge of the hidden springs of the human heart, and -a greater skill in availing herself of that knowledge, than _any of -her female contemporaries_. This we say deliberately. We have not yet -forgotten the _Recollections of a Chaperon_. No person, of even common -sensibility, has ever perused the magic tale of _Ellen Wareham_ -without feeling the very soul of passion and imagination aroused and -stirred up within him, as at the sound of a trumpet. - -Let Lady Dacre but give up her talents and energies, and especially -_her time_ to the exaltation of her literary fame, and we are sorely -mistaken if, hereafter, she do not accomplish something which will not -readily die. - - -EDINBURGH REVIEW. - -_The Edinburgh Review, No. CXXIV, for July 1835. American Edition, -Vol. II, No. 2. New York: Theodore Foster._ - -Article I in this number is a _critique_ upon "The History of the -Revolution in England in 1688. Comprising a View of the Reign of James -the Second, from his Accession to the Enterprise of the Prince of -Orange. By the late Right Honorable Sir James Mackintosh; and -completed to the Settlement of the Crown, by the Editor. To which is -prefixed, a Notice of the Life, Writings, and Speeches of Sir James -Mackintosh. 4to. London, 1834." The Reviewer commences by instituting -a comparison between the work of Sir James, and Fox's History of James -the Second. Both books are on the same subject--both were posthumously -published, and neither had received the last corrections. The authors, -likewise, belonged to the same political party, and had the same -opinions concerning the merits and defects of the English -Constitution, and concerning most of the prominent characters and -events in English history. The palm is awarded to the work of -Mackintosh. "Indeed"--says the critic--"the superiority of Mr. Fox to -Sir James as an orator, is hardly more clear than the superiority of -Sir James to Mr. Fox as an historian. Mr. Fox with a pen in his hand, -and Sir James on his legs in the House of Commons were, we think, each -out of his proper element. We could never read a page of Mr. Fox's -writings--we could never listen for a quarter of an hour to the -speaking of Sir James--without feeling that there was a constant -effort, a tug up-hill. Mr. Fox wrote debates. Sir James Mackintosh -spoke essays." The style of the fragment is highly complimented, and -justly. Every body must agree with the Reviewer, that a History of -England written throughout, in the manner of the History of the -Revolution, would be the most fascinating book in the language. The -printer and editor of the work are severely censured, but the censure -is, in some respects, misapplied. Such errors as making the pension of -60,000 livres, which Lord Sunderland received from France, equivalent -to 2,500 pounds sterling only, when, at the time Sunderland was in -power, the livre was worth more than eighteen pence, are surely -attributable to no one but the author--although the editor may come in -for a small portion of the blame for not correcting an oversight so -palpable. On the other hand the misprinting the name of Thomas Burnet -repeatedly throughout the book, both in the text and Index, is a -blunder for which the editor is alone responsible. The name is -invariably spelt Bennet. Thomas Burnet, Master of the Charter House, -and author of the _Theoria Sacra_, is a personage of whom, or of whose -works, the gentleman who undertook to edit the Fragment of Sir James -Mackintosh has evidently never heard. The Memoir prefixed to the -History, and its Continuation to the settlement of the Crown, both by -the Editor of the Fragment, are unsparingly, but indeed most -righteously, condemned. The Memoir is childish and imbecile, and the -Continuation full of gross inaccuracies, and altogether unworthy of -being appended to any thing from the pen of Mackintosh. - -Article II is a very clever Review of the "Acharnenses of -Aristophanes, with Notes Critical and Explanatory, adapted to the Use -of Schools and Universities. {48} By T. Mitchell, A.M. 8vo. London, -1835." Mr. Mitchell made his first appearance as a translator and -commentator in 1820, and his second in 1822, upon both which occasions -he was favorably noticed in the Edinburgh. High praise is bestowed in -the present instance upon the _Acharnenses_. The _Wasps_ will follow, -and thus it appears the chronological order of the Comedies will not -be preserved. The old fault is to be found with this Review, viz: It -is more of a dissertation on the subject matter of the book in -question than an analysis of its merits or defects. By far the greater -part of the Article is occupied in a discussion of the character of -the Athenians. - -Article III is headed "a Voyage of Discovery to Africa and Arabia, -performed in his Majesty's Ships Leven and Barracouta, from 1822 to -1826, under the command of Capt. F. W. W. Owen, R. N. By Capt. Thomas -Boteler, R. N. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835." Captain Owen sailed in -January 1822 in the Leven Frigate, accompanied by the Barracouta, a -ten-gun brig, with instructions to survey the entire Eastern coast of -Africa, the Western coast of Madagascar--the islets and shoals -interjacent--together with the Western coast of the Continent from the -Zaire to Benin, and from the Rio Grande to the Gambia. All this was -accomplished in five years. The narrative of Boteler, who was -lieutenant of the Leven, is nothing more than a revised edition of -that originally prepared by Capt. Owen, and which was a failure in a -literary sense. The Review, as usual, says very little concerning the -manner in which Captain Boteler has performed his task. - -Article IV. "Deontology; or the Science of Morality: in which the -Harmony and Coincidence of Duty and Self-interest, Virtue and -Felicity, Prudence and Benevolence, are explained and exemplified. -From the MSS. of Jeremy Bentham. Arranged and edited by John Bowring, -2 vols. octavo, London, 1834." "This book," says the Reviewer, "simply -contains Mr. Bentham's thrice told tale upon Utility. It furnishes us -with no fresh illustrations, no better system than we had already -found in his 'Principles of Morals and Legislation.'" We heartily -agree with the critic that there was no necessity for the publication -of these posthumous volumes. They add nothing to the work just -mentioned, and are, in many points, inferior. But the Notice concludes -in the following words. "Is it to be wondered at, that the most -learned, accurate, and philosophical nation in Europe--the -Germans--treat with contempt ignorance and insolence like this? They -admit the merits of Mr. Bentham as a jurisconsult, in his analysis and -classification of the _material_ interests of life; but their -metaphysicians and moralists agree, we believe without an exception, -in considering his speculative philosophy as undeserving even the pomp -and ceremony of an argument." We have only to add, that, in our -opinion of the metaphysics of Mr. Bentham, we are, by no means, -Germans to the very letter. - -Article V. is an excellently well toned, and perfectly satisfactory -Review of the "Journal by Frances Anne Butler, 2 vols. 8vo. London, -1835." It defends this lady from the charge of intentionally -depreciating America; cites a long list of instances in which she has -spoken in terms of the greatest cordiality of our people, -individually, and as a nation; shows in what manner she has repeatedly -let slip opportunities of saying, and saying too with perfect justice, -things little likely to flatter our vanity; defends her from the -ridiculous accusation of vulgarity (there is positively not an iota of -vulgarity in the composition of Fanny Kemble) and very justly gives us -a rap over the knuckles for our overweening vanity, self-sufficiency, -and testiness of temper. The whole article is excellent, and the -conclusion is particularly to our mind. "There is no chance of her -return to a profession that she so cordially detested. Under these -circumstances the only compensation Mr. Butler can make to us he must -make. He is bound to see that she goes on with her faithful and -amusing journal, and that she finishes, at her leisure, some of the -sundry stories, plays, and novels, on which, it seems, she had already -set to work amid the interruptions of the stage." - -The sixth article is a review of "The Works of George Dalgarno, of -Aberdeen. 4to. Reprinted at Edinburgh: 1834." This work is merely a -reprint of the old Treatises of Dalgarno, the publication not -extending beyond the sphere of the Maitland Club--a society instituted -at Glasgow in imitation of the Edinburgh Ballantyne Club. The first -treatise of Dalgarno is entitled "Ars Signorum, Vulgo Character -Universalis, et Lingua Philosophica. Londini 1661." The second is -"Didascalocophus, or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Tutor: to which is added -a Discourse of the Nature and Number of Double Consonants: both which -Tracts being the first (for what the author knows) that have been -published upon either of the subjects. Printed at the Theater in -Oxford, 1680." The memory of Dalgarno had nearly perished when Dugald -Stewart called public attention to his writings, on account of his -having anticipated, on grounds purely speculative, and _a priori_, -what has now been proved _a posteriori_ by Horne Tooke and others, -viz: that all grammatical inflections are reducible to the noun alone. - -Article VII is headed "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a -North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions during -the years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833. By Sir John Ross, C. B., -K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., Captain in the Royal Navy. Including the -Reports of Commander, now Captain, James Clark Ross, R. N., F. R. S., -F. L. S., &c. and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole. 4to. -London: 1835." The Reviewer professes himself unable to regard the -observations made by Commander Ross in relation to the Magnetic Pole -in the light of a discovery. "It was certainly a great satisfaction to -stand upon a rock where the dip was 89° 59', and where the polarity of -nicely suspended needles was insensible; but it may be questioned -whether or not the place of the Magnetic Pole can be best determined -by observations made at a distance or near the spot; and we are not -satisfied that the position assigned by Commander Ross is more -accurate than that given by the curves of Professor Barlow, the -calculations of Hansteen, and the observations of Captain Parry." The -fact is that the Magnetic Pole is _moveable_, and, place it where we -will, we shall not find it in the same place to-morrow. Notice is -taken also by the critic that neither Captain nor Commander Ross has -made the slightest reference to the fact that the Magnetic {49} Pole -is not coincident with the _Pole of maximum cold_. From observations -made by Scoresby in East Greenland, and by Sir Charles Giesecke and -the Danish Governors in West Greenland, and confirmed by all the -meteorological observations made by Captains Parry and Franklin, Sir -David Brewster has deduced the fact that the Pole of the Equator is -not the Pole of maximum cold: and as the matter is well established, -it is singular, to say no more, that it has been alluded to by neither -the Commander nor the Captain. - -Article VIII is 1. A "History of the Cotton Manufacture in Great -Britain, with a Notice of its Early History in the East, and in all -quarters of the Globe; a Description of the Great Mechanical -Inventions which have caused its unexampled extension in Great -Britain: and a View of the Present State of the Manufacture, and the -condition of the Classes engaged in its several departments. By Edward -Baines, Jr. Esq. 8vo. London: 1835." - -2. "The Philosophy of Manufactures: or an Exposition of the -Scientific, Moral, and Commercial Economy of the Factory System of -Great Britain. By Andrew Ure, M.D. 8vo. London: 1835." Mr. Baines' -work is spoken of in high terms, as discovering much laborious -research, and being both interesting and valuable. With the exception -of Smith's _Memoirs of Wool_, published in 1747, it is said to be the -only work giving a clear and copious account of the rise, progress, -and actual condition of any of the great branches of industry carried -on in the kingdom. Dr. Ure's work is censured for inaccuracy of -detail. Its title is evidently a misnomer. - -Article IX is "A Poet's Portfolio; or Minor Poems. In Three Books. By -James Montgomery, 12mo. London, 1835." - -The first production of Mr. Montgomery, 'The Wanderer of Switzerland,' -was noticed about twenty-eight years ago in the Edinburgh, and much -fault found with it for inflation of style, and affectation. The -present volume has induced the Journal to alter its tone entirely, and -the _Minor Poems_ are (perhaps a little too highly) lauded. "There -is," says the critic, "something in all his poetry which makes fiction -the most impressive teacher of truth and wisdom; and by which, while -the intellect is gratified, and the imagination roused, the heart, if -it retains any sensibility to tender or elevating emotions, cannot -fail to be made better." The Reviewer, as usual, does not stick to his -text, but comments, in detail, upon _all_ the published poems of -Montgomery. - -The tenth and concluding paper is a Review of "The Second Report of -his Majesty's Commissioners on Ecclesiastical Revenue and Patronage: -Ireland. Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed: 1834"--and -"First Report of the Commissioners of Public Instruction: Ireland. -Presented to both Houses of Parliament, by command of his Majesty: -1835." - -This article is written with great ability; but why call that a Review -which is purely a dissertation on the state of the Irish Church? It -concludes with a correspondence between the Editor of the Edinburgh, -and Mr. Alan Stevenson, respecting evidence given, by the latter, -before the Parliamentary Committee on Light Houses. The Journal, in -No. CXXIII, accused Mr. S. of deceiving the Committee by erroneous -testimony; and, upon Mr. S. demanding an explanation, the Review not -only refuses to retract its assertions, but declares that, had it -known certain facts at the time of inditing the offensive article, it -would have expressed itself with double severity. - - -NUTS TO CRACK. - -_Nuts to Crack: or Quips, Quirks, Anecdote and Facete of Oxford and -Cambridge scholars. By the author of Facetiæ Cantabrigienses, etc. -etc. etc. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey & A. Hart._ - -Although this little volume is obviously intended for no other eyes -than those of the 'Oxford and Cambridge scholar,' and although it is -absolutely impossible for any American to enter fully into the spirit -of its most inestimable quizzes, oddities and eccentricities, still we -have no intention of quarrelling with Carey & Hart, for republishing -the work on this side of the Atlantic. Never was there a better thing -for whiling away a few loose or unappropriated half hours--that is to -say in the hands of a reader who is, even in a moderate degree, imbued -with a love of classical whimsicalities. We can assure our -friends--all of them who expect to find in these excellent 'Nuts to -Crack' a mere _rifacimento_ of stale jests--that there are not more -than two or three anecdotes in the book positively entitled to the -appellation of antique. Some things, however, have surprised us. In -the first place what is the meaning of _Anecdote_ and _Facete_? In the -second what are we to think of such blunders, as "one of honest Vere's -classical _jeu d'esprit_," (the _jeu d'esprit_ printed too in Long -Primer Capitals) in a volume professing to be _Anecdote_ and _Facete_ -(oh!--too bad) of Oxford and Cambridge _scholars_? And thirdly is it -possible that he who wrote the _Facetiæ Cantabrigienses_ is not aware -that the "cutting retort attributed to the celebrated Lord -Chesterfield, when a student of Trinity Hall, Cambridge" may be found -among the Facetiæ of Hierocles--not to mention innumerable editions of -Joe Miller? - -We have already said enough of the _Nuts to Crack_, but cannot, for -our lives, refrain from selecting one of its good things for the -benefit of our own especial readers. - -The learned Chancery Barrister, John Bell, K. C., "_the Great Bell of -Lincoln_," as he has been aptly called, was Senior Wrangler, on -graduating B.A., at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1786, with many -able competitors for that honor. He is likewise celebrated, as every -one knows, for writing three several hands; one only he himself can -read, another nobody but his clerk can read, and a third neither -himself, clerk, nor any body else can read. It was in the latter hand, -he one day wrote to his legal contemporary and friend, the present Sir -Launcelot Shadwell, inviting him to dinner. Sir Launcelot, finding all -his attempts to decypher the note about as vain, as the wise men found -theirs to unravel the cabalistic characters of yore, took a sheet of -paper, and having smeared it over with ink, folded and sealed it, and -sent it as his answer. The receipt of it staggered even the Great Bell -of Lincoln, and after breaking the seal, and eyeing it, and turning it -round and round, he hurried to Mr. Shadwell's chambers with it, -declaring he could make nothing of it. "Nor I of your note," retorted -Mr. S. "My dear fellow" exclaimed Mr. B. taking his own letter in his -hand, "is not this as plain as can be,--Dear Shadwell, I shall be glad -to see you at dinner to day?" "And is not this equally as plain," said -Mr. S. pointing to his own paper, "My dear Bell, I shall be happy to -come and dine with you?" - - -{50} ROBINSON'S PRACTICE. - -_The Practice in Courts of Law and Equity in Virginia. By Conway -Robinson. Vol. II, containing Practice in suits in Equity, pp. 648. -Richmond: Printed by Samuel Shepherd. 1835._ - -The first volume of this work came out about three years ago; and -received so earnest a welcome from the legal profession, that the -author's tardiness in producing the second might be matter of wonder, -were not his devoted attention to an unusually large practice well -known. The present is destined, because it deserves, to be a much -greater favorite with the law-book-reading public, than the former -volume was. The arrangement is after a better classification of -subjects; rendering it easier to find the doctrine desired, on any -given point: and there is a larger proportion of valuable -matter--matter not to be found in the Revised Code, or in Tate's -Digest. Indeed there are few works, more copiously filled with useful, -and _not-too-obvious_ learning. Industry and research are the author's -manifest characteristics. He is a real _brownie_--if not for -supernatural speed of workmanship, at least in the world of trouble he -will save his brethren. Here, within 442 pages (for the other 206 of -this tome--_horresco referens_--are _index_,) he has compressed -matter, and inestimable matter too, for which the practitioner would -otherwise have to hunt through, not only the thirty volumes of -Virginia Reports (counting Chancellor Wythe's) but the numberless ones -of New York, Massachusetts, the Federal Courts, and England. - -In his _abstracts of cases_, the author is, in the main, particularly -successful. Not only does he give them with a clearness, (the result -of brevity, effected by discarding non-essentials) which we would -gladly see judges and reporters emulate,--but he sometimes gathers -from them doctrines, which the reporter has overlooked, and which a -cursory reader would therefore be little apt to discover. For example, -in pp. 20, 21, he states these two points, as decided in the case of -_Blow_ v. _Maynard_, 2 Leigh, 21: 1st, That a fraudulent donee of -personalty is accountable for it and its increase, and also for hires, -and profits, accruing since the donor's death, as executor _de son -tort_; just as a rightful executor would be, who had taken possession -at the donor's death: and 2d, That a _privy_ to the fraud, who shared -with the donee the profits of the property fraudulently conveyed, is -accountable jointly with the donee. Now the reporter in his marginal -summary of the case, does not mention these as among the points -decided; though in the decree of the court (2 Leigh, p. 67,) they -manifestly appear. Again--in the case of _Tod_ v. _Baylor_, (as now -reported in 4 Leigh, 498,) it is not said, at all, that _only two of -the judges concurred_ in the third point there stated as adjudged. But -our author tells us so, (p. 10,) and we are thus enabled to estimate -the authority at its true value--as _persuasive_ only,--not -_obligatory_, in other cases. - -The mechanical execution of the book does infinite credit to the -printer. The typography is unsurpassed; and the paper is white, pure, -and firm, so as to receive notes of the pen without blotting--a great -merit in law books. - -If it were only to shew that we are free of our craft as critics, we -must find some fault with this work: premising, that _merit_ is its -_staple_; and that, if more of the criticism be occupied with its -faults, it is chiefly because they are somewhat hard to detect, amidst -the pile of excellences. The chaff, this time, is hidden by the wheat. - -There is _not enough compression_ in some parts. In this volume, it is -true, not a tithe of the statute law is quoted, that over-burthens the -former one: but when he does cite a statute, the author still gives it -to us in all the exuberance of legislative verbosity. Thus, he fills -the third part of a page with the law of _lapsing legacies_; (p. 91) -when, considering that only the _substance_ was essential--especially -as every owner of the book may be supposed to have the Code also--it -might more clearly, and as satisfactorily, have been couched in five -lines, as follows: "When a legatee or devisee, descended from the -testator, dies before him, leaving any descendant who survives him; -the legacy or devise shall vest in such surviving descendant, as if -the legatee or devisee had survived the testator, and then died -unmarried and intestate." And he takes _three quarters of a page_ -(copied from the Revised Code) to say that "a surety may in writing -notify the creditor to sue upon the bond, bill, or note, which binds -the surety; and unless the creditor sue in reasonable time, and -proceed with due diligence to recover the sum due, the surety shall be -exonerated." (pp. 132, 133.) In the name of all that is reasonable, -why should not a writer disencumber his pages of the rubbish of -_howbeit_, _provided_, _nevertheless_, _notwithstanding_, and -_aforesaid_, when, by doing so, he might save himself and his readers -so much time and toil? - -Some quarrel, too, we have, with the _judicial_ law, which principally -fills the book. It is too _mere a digest of cases_. A head in the -Table of Contents refers us to a page, where we expect to find a full -elementary exposition of at least the leading doctrines that fall -under that head: but we see perhaps only a single _case_, or a judge's -_dictum_, not at all realizing the promise of the reference, by -unfolding all pertinent general principles. Thus, under the caption, -"WHEN A STATEMENT OF A TRANSACTION MUST BE TAKEN ALTOGETHER," instead -of finding a general rule laid down on the point indicated, we find -only a case briefly stated, from which we are left to deduce a rule, -_if we can_. (pp. 329, 330.) Under the very next head, the well -established principle, that 'an Answer is no evidence for the -defendant, as to any thing it affirms, not responsive to the -allegations of the Bill, but that it _is_ evidence, so far as it -responds to those allegations'--is whittled away to the position, that -it is not evidence as to any affirmative matter, touching which the -Bill _seeks no discovery_. Now, if the Bill positively alleges one -thing (whether it calls for a _discovery_ or not,) and the answer as -positively alleges the reverse; such denial stands for proof, and must -be rebutted by testimony: and so, we conceive, do the cases clearly -evince, which are cited by our author himself; _Beckwith_ v. _Butler_, -_Paynes_ v. _Coles_ (see 1 Munf. 379, 389, 397,) and even _Taylor_ v. -_Moore_, whence he quotes (and quotes truly) in the form of a judge's -_dictum_, the position in question--not to speak of 1 Call, 224, 390; -the _dicta_ of Roane and Carrington in the case of _Rowton_ v. -_Rowton_, 1 Hen. and Munf.; and many other authorities. The principle, -in its true extent, is well illustrated by the case cited from {51} -1 Johnson's Reports, 580, where an Answer alleging usury, of which the -Bill had said nothing, was held _no evidence_. The case from 2 Leigh, -29, is infelicitously adduced. The _point_ professedly quoted from it -was not there adjudged: it was only maintained by _one judge_, who (we -say it with a deference heightened by affection, as well as by -respect) seems to us to have therein gainsayed the well settled -doctrine we have referred to, and therefore to have _erred_. The -Answer, there, (see 2 Leigh, 35, 36) was responsive to the Bill, and -must have prevailed against it, but for the numerous and weighty -countervailing circumstances detailed by that judge himself. (pp. 49 -to 53.) The _deed_ in controversy was stamped with more badges of -fraud than are enumerated in the celebrated _Twyne's Case_. These, -doubtless, and not any doubt as to the legal effect of the Answer, -satisfied the minds of the other judges, who merely agreed in -pronouncing the deed fraudulent, without assigning reasons. - -Some omissions in so comprehensive a work, were to be expected--indeed -were unavoidable. Not in the spirit of censure, therefore, but merely -to awaken the author's attention in his next edition, or in his next -production, we remark, that he has overlooked an important decision; -(in 2 Leigh, 370,) 'that a tenant, whose goods are wrongfully -distrained, cannot obtain relief in equity, unless he shew good reason -for not having brought his action of replevin.' - -Divers other topics we were minded to discuss with our intelligent -author: but on glancing over our two last paragraphs, we are struck -with fear lest our unprofessional readers may have been already -offended at the strong _smell of the shop_, discernible in what we -have produced; and stop their ears against the technical dissonance of - - ----"sounds uncouth, and accents dry, - That grate the soul of harmony." - -But we cannot let the _Index_ pass unreproved. Its length--the length -of its _indicating_ sentences--and the utter absence of any -_sub-alphabetical_ arrangement--in a great degree frustrate its use as -an index. We can find what we want nearly as well by the 'Contents.' - -After all our censures, however--or cavils, if the author -pleases--there remains to him so large a residue of solid desert, that -he cannot miss the small deduction we have made. His book is one which -we would advise every lawyer, in Virginia at least, to buy; and even -those in other states--the Western, especially, whose Chancery systems -most resemble ours--can hardly find one that will aid them so much in -disentangling the intricacies of Chancery Practice. Never have we paid -the price of a commodity more ungrudgingly. - - -MEMOIR OF DR. RICE. - -_A Memoir of the Reverend John H. Rice, D.D. First Professor of -Christian Theology in Union Theological Seminary, Virginia. By William -Maxwell. Philadelphia: Published by J. Whetham._ - -This Memoir will be received and read with pleasure generally: and -among those who have been so fortunate as to have seen and heard Dr. -Rice, it will be perused with the deepest interest and gratification. -We believe there are very many, in Virginia especially, who will be -able to identify the letters of this divine, contained in the present -volume, with the voice, the manner, and personal appearance of the man -himself--and upon all such Mr. Maxwell has conferred an obligation of -no common kind. The greater portion of the work consists of these -letters, and they are valuable in every respect. Many of them are, as -Mr. M. himself expresses it, entirely _narrative_, and give the most -authentic and minute accounts of the various movements of the writer -at different periods of his life, particularly after his removal to -Richmond, and during his labors in establishing the Union Theological -Seminary. Others again are _pastoral_, and addressed to different -members of his Church. Some are merely ordinary letters of friendship. -All, however, are full of thought, and give evidence of an elevated, a -healthy, cheerful, powerful, and well regulated mind. - -In availing himself of the assistance afforded by these letters, Mr. -Maxwell has never anticipated their contents--thus avoiding much -useless repetition, and suffering the subject of the Memoir to tell, -in a great measure, his own story in his own words. The work is -well--indeed even beautifully _gotten up_--is embellished with an -admirably finished head of Mr. Rice, engraved by J. Sartain, from a -painting by W. J. Hubard--and is, in every respect, an acceptable and -valuable publication. Among the letters in the volume is one from John -Randolph of Roanoke, and several from Wm. Wirt. We select one of these -latter, being well assured that it will be read with that deep -interest which is attached to every thing emanating from the same pen. - -TO THE REV. JOHN H. RICE. - -_Washington, February 1, 1822_. - -MY DEAR SIR,--Your letter of the 31st ult. is just received at 5 P.M. -for I have just returned from the President's. I feel the blush of -genuine shame at the apparent presumption of adding my name in favor -of the magazine to that of the eminent gentlemen at Princeton. This is -real and unaffected--but you desire it--and I dare follow your beck in -any direction. Would that I could in one still more important. - -Holingshead's History of Duncan of Scotland, is under copy by my -Elizabeth (my daughter, once your pet) for the purpose of showing the -full basis of Shakspeare's Macbeth. I think you will be pleased with -it--and the readers of Shakspeare must differ much from me, if they do -not find it very interesting. - -If you suppose from what I said of nine o'clock that that is my hour -of going to bed on _week-day nights_, you are mistaken by several -hours. For some time past, I have been obliged to be in my office -before breakfast, and till nine or ten o'clock at night, when I have -to come home, take my tea, talk over family affairs, and get to bed -between eleven and twelve; but it is killing me also. And as death -would be most extremely inconvenient to me in more respects than one, -at this time, I shall quit that course of operations, and look a -little to my health, if I can survive the approaching Supreme -Court--_sed quære de hoc_. - -My troubles not being already enough, in the estimation of the -honorable body now assembled in the Capitol, they are beginning to -institute inquiries, for my better amusement, into the circumstances -of three fees paid me by the government, in the course of the four -years that I have been here, for professional services foreign to my -official duties--a thing which has been continually done at all times, -under this government, but which they affect to think a new affair -entirely, and only an additional proof among ten thousand others of -the waste of public money, by the rapacity, if not peculation, of -those in office. I am sick of public life; my skin is too thin for the -business; a politician should have the hide of a rhinoceros, to bear -the thrusts of the folly, ignorance, and meanness of those who are -disposed to mount into momentary consequence by questioning _their -betters_, if I may be excused the expression after professing my -modesty. "There's nought but care on every hand;" all, all is vanity -and vexation of spirit, save religion, friendship, and literature. - -I agree that your story of the _Oysterman_ is the best, but I {52} -suspect that the Orange story is the true original. I knew old -Bletcher: _he_ was a _Baptist_ preacher; and although I did not hear -the words, they are so much in his character that I verily believe -them to have been uttered by him; and it would have been quite in his -character too to have gone on with the amplification you suggest. - -I do sincerely wish it were in my power to mount the aforesaid gay -streamer, and long Tom, on your gallant little barque. I will try in -the spring and summer to contribute a stripe or two, and a blank -cartridge or so; but I shall not tell you when I do, that it is I, for -it is proper you should have it in your power to say truly, "I do not -know who it is." I have already got credit for much that I never -wrote, and much that I never said. The guessers have an uncommon -propensity to attribute all galling personalities to me, all sketches -of character that touch the quick, and make some readers wince. I -have, in truth, in times gone by, been a little wanton and imprudent -in this particular, and I deserve to smart a little in my turn. But I -never wrote a line wickedly or maliciously. There is nothing in the -Spy that deserves this imputation, and nothing in the Old Bachelor, -which, give me leave to tell you, "_venia deter verbo_," you and your -magazine, and your writer, ** have underrated. There is a juster -criticism of it in the Analectic Magazine--but this writer, too, has -not true taste nor sensibility. He accuses me of extravagance only -because he never felt himself, the rapture of inspiration. And you -accuse me of redundant figure, because you are not much troubled -yourself with the throes of imagination--just as G-- H-- abuses -eloquence because there is no chord in his heart that responds to its -notes. So take that. And if you abuse me any more, I will belabor your -magazine as one of the heaviest, dullest, most drab-colored -periodicals extant in these degenerate days. What! shall a Conestoga -wagon-horse find fault with a courser of the sun, because he sometimes -runs away with the chariot of day, and sets the world on fire? So take -that again, and put it in your pocket. But enough of this _badinage_, -for if I pursue it much farther you will think me serious--besides it -is verging to eleven, and the fire has gone down. I began this scrawl -a little after five--walked for health till dark--came in and found -company who remained till near ten--and could not go to bed without a -little more talk with you. But I shall tire you and catch cold--so -with our united love to Mrs. Rice, my dear Harriet, and yourself, good -night. - -Your friend, in truth, - WM. WIRT. - - -LIFE OF DR. CALDWELL. - -_Oration on the Life and Character of the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, D.D. -late President of the University of North Carolina, by Walker -Anderson, A.M._ - -It was only within the last few days that we met with the above -oration, in a pamphlet form--and we cannot refrain from expressing the -very great pleasure its perusal has afforded us. Dr. Caldwell was -unquestionably a great and good man--and certain are we that the task -of paying tribute to his manifold qualifications and virtues, now that -he is gone, could not have been committed to abler hands, than those -of Professor Anderson. The tone of feeling pervading the oration is -quite characteristic of its author--ardent--affectionate--consistent. - -"We come," says he, near the beginning, "we come as a band of -brothers, to do homage to that parental love, of which all of us, the -old as well as the young, have been the objects; and by communing with -the spirit of our departed father, to enkindle those hallowed emotions -which are the fittest offering to his memory. But why needs the living -speaker recall to your remembrance the venerated and beloved being -whose loss is fresh in the memories of all who hear me? We stand not, -it is true, over his grave, as the Spartan over the sepulchre of his -king, but his memorials present themselves to the eye on every side -and are felt in every throbbing bosom. The shady retreats of this -consecrated grove--the oft frequented halls of this seat of -learning--the sacred edifice in which we are assembled--and the very -spot on which I stand, are memorials to awaken the busy and thronging -recollections of many a full heart! _Quocumque ingredimur in aliquam -historiam vestigium ponimus._ I look around this assembly and see -monuments of his love and of his labors, such as can never grace the -memory of the warrior, and which throw contempt on all the sculptured -memorials of kings. I look at the eyes beaming with intelligence; I -contemplate the refined intellects; I see their rich fruits in public -and honorable employment; I recall the memory of others who are far -distant, but whose thoughts are mingling with ours upon this occasion; -who have carried with them the seeds of virtue and wisdom which they -gathered here, and in other lands, have brought forth the noblest -results of usefulness and honorable consideration. I revert, too, to -those whose bright career is ended, and who preceded their guide and -instructor to the abodes of the blessed. I think of all this, and feel -that you need not the voice of the speaker to arouse your grateful -recollections." p. 4. - -Mr. Anderson shortly after this, goes into a very interesting sketch -of the family history of the deceased, portraying with great -tenderness and delicacy, the maternal solicitude to which young -Caldwell was so deeply indebted for his well doing in after life--and -evincing as we humbly conceive, in this part of his oration, fine -powers as a biographical writer. There is much force in his -development of the Doctor's character throughout, but especial beauty, -we think, in the way in which he treats of his religious principles. -One extract more from the pamphlet, in proof of what we have just -said, must close this hasty and imperfect notice of it. - -"The religious character of Dr. Caldwell, was not the formation of a -day, nor the hasty and imperfect work of a dying bed. His trust was -anchored on the rock of ages, and he was therefore well furnished for -the terrible conflict that awaited him. We have seen that he had made -Religion the guide of his youth; it beautified and sanctified the -labors of his well spent life; nor did it fail him in the trying hour, -which an allwise but inscrutable Providence permitted to be to him -peculiarly dark and fearful. The rich consolations of his faith became -brighter and stronger, amidst the wreck of the decaying tabernacle of -flesh; and if the dying testimony of a pure and humble spirit may be -received, death had for him no sting--the grave achieved no triumph. -In any frequent and detailed account of his religious feelings he was -not inclined to indulge--the spirit that walks most closely with its -God, needs not the sustaining influence of such excitements--yet a few -weeks previous to his death, a friend from a distant part of the State -calling to see him, made inquiries as to the state of his mind, and -had the privilege of hearing from him the calm assurance of his -perfect resignation and submission to the will of God. His hope of a -happy immortality beyond the grave, was such as belongs only to the -Christian, and by him was modestly but humbly entertained. It was to -him a principle of strength that sustained him amidst the conflicts of -the dark valley; and to us who witnessed the agonies of his parting -hour, a bright radiance illuming the gloom which memory throws around -the trying scene." pp. 38, 39. - - -WASHINGTONII VITA. - -_A Life of George Washington, in Latin Prose: By Francis Glass, A.M. -of Ohio. Edited by J. N. Reynolds. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers._ - -We may truly say that not for years have we taken up a volume with -which we have been so highly gratified, as with the one now before us. -A Life of Washington, succinct in form, yet in matter sufficiently -comprehensive, has been long a desideratum: but a Life of Washington -precisely such as a compendious Life of that great man should -be--written by a native of Ohio--and written too, in Latin, which is -not one jot inferior to the Latin of Erasmus, is, to say the least of -it,--a novelty. - -We confess that we regarded the first announcement {53} of this _rara -avis_ with an evil and suspicious eye. The thing was improbable, we -thought. Mr. Reynolds was quizzing us--the brothers Harper were -hoaxed--and Messieurs Anthon and Co. were mistaken. At all events we -had made up our minds to be especially severe upon Mr. Glass, and to -put no faith in that species of classical Latin which should emanate -from the back woods of Ohio. We now solemnly make a recantation of our -preconceived opinions, and so proceed immediately to do penance for -our unbelief. - -Mr. Reynolds is entitled to the thanks of his countrymen for his -instrumentality in bringing this book before the public. It has -already done wonders in the cause of the classics; and we are false -prophets if it do not ultimately prove the means of stirring up to a -new life and a regenerated energy that love of the learned tongues -which is the surest protection of our own vernacular language from -impurity, but which, we are grieved to see, is in a languishing and -dying condition in the land. - -We have read Mr. R's preface with great attention; and meeting with -it, as we have done, among a multiplicity of worldly concerns, and -every-day matters and occurrences, it will long remain impressed upon -our minds as an episode of the purest romance. We have no difficulty -in entering fully with Mr. Reynolds into his kindly feelings towards -Mr. Glass. We perceive at once that we could have loved and reverenced -the man. His image is engraven upon our fancy. Indeed we behold him -_now_--at this very moment--with all his oddities and appurtenances -about him. We behold the low log-cabin of a school-house--the -clap-board roof but indifferently tight--the holes, ycleped windows, -covered with oiled paper to keep out the air--the benches of hewn -timber stuck fast in the ground--the stove, the desk, the urchins, and -the Professor. We can hear the worthy pedagogue's classical -'_Salves_,' and our ears are still tingling with his hyperclassical -exhortations. In truth he was a man after our own heart, and, were we -not Alexander, we should have luxuriated in being Glass. - -A word or two respecting the Latinity of the book. We sincerely think -that it has been underrated. While we agree with Mr. Reynolds, for -whose opinions, generally, we have a high respect, that the work can -boast of none of those elegancies of diction, no rich display of those -beauties and graces which adorn the pages of some modern Latinists, we -think he has forgotten, in his search after the mere flowers of -Latinity, the peculiar nature of that labor in which Mr. Glass has -been employed. Simplicity _here_ was the most reasonable, and indeed -the only admissible elegance. And if this be taken into consideration, -we really can call to mind, at this moment, no modern Latin -composition whatever much superior to the _Washingtonii Vita_ of Mr. -Glass. - -The clothing of modern ideas in a language dead for centuries, is a -task whose difficulty can never be fully appreciated by those who have -never undertaken it. The various changes and modifications, which, -since the Augustan age, have come to pass in the sciences of war and -legislation especially, must render any attempt similar to that which -we are now criticising, one of the most hazardous and awkward -imaginable. But we cannot help thinking that our author has succeeded -_à merveille_. His ingenuity is not less remarkable than his -grammatical skill. Indeed he is never at a loss. It is nonsense to -laugh at his calling Quakers _Tremebundi_. _Tremebundi_ is as good -Latin as _Trementes_, and more euphonical Latin than _Quackeri_--for -both which latter expressions we have the authority of Schroeckh: and -_glandes plumbeæ_, for bullets, is something better, we imagine, than -Wyttenbach's _bombarda_, for a cannon; Milton's _globulus_, for a -button; or Grotius' _capilamentum_, for a wig. As a specimen of Mr. -G's Latinity, we subjoin an extract from the work. It is Judge -Marshall's announcement in Congress of the death of Washington. - -"Nuncius tristis, quem heri accepimus, hodierno die nimium certus -advenit. Fuit Washingtonius; heros, dux, et philosophus; ille, -denique, quem, imminente periculo, omnes intuebantur, factorum -clarorum memoriâ duntaxat vixit. Quamvis enim, eos honore afficere -solenne non esset, quorum vita in generis humani commodis promovendis -insumpta fuit, Washingtonii, tamen, res gestoe tantoe extiterunt, ut -populus universus Americanus, doloris indicium, qui tam latè patet, -deposcere suo jure debet." - -"Rempublicam hancce nostram, tam longè latèque divisam, unus ferè -Washingtonius ordinandi et condendi laudem meret. Rebus omnibus, -tandem confectis, quarum causâ exercitibus Americanis proepositus -fuerat, gladium in vomerem convertit, bellumque pace lætissimè -commutavit. Cum civitatum foederatarum Americanarum infirmitas omnibus -manifesta videretur, et vincula, quibus Columbi terra latissima -continebatur, solverentur, Washingtonium omnium, qui hancce nostram -proeclaram rempublicam stabiliverant, principem vidimus. Cum patria -charissima eum ad sedandos tumultus, bellumque sibi imminens ad -propulsandum et avertendum, vocaret; Washingtonium, otium domesticum, -quod ei semper charum fuit, relinquentem, et undis civilibus, civium -commoda et libertatem servandi causâ, mersum, haud semel conspeximus; -et consilia, quibus libertatem Americanam stabilem effecerat, -perpetua, ut spero, semper, erunt." - -"Cum populi liberi magistratus summus bis constitutus esset, cumque -tertiò præses fieri facillimè potuisset, ad villam, tamen, suam, -secessit, seque ab omni munere civili in posterum procul amoveri, ex -animo cupiebat. Utcunque vulgi opinio, quoad alios homines, mutetur, -Washingtonii, certè, fama sempiterna et eadem permanebit. Honoremus, -igitur, patres conscripti, hunc tantum virum mortuum: civitatum -foederatarum Americanarum consilium publicum civium omnium sententias, -hác una in re, declaret." - -"Quamobrem, chartas quasdam hîc manu teneo, de quibus Congressûs -sententiam rogare velim: ut, nempe, civitatum foederatarum -Americanarum consilium publicum proesidem visat, simul cum eo, gravi -de hoc casu, condoliturum: ut Congressûs principis sella vestibus -pullis ornetur; utque Congressus pars reliqua vestibus pullis -induatur: utque, denique, idonea à Congressu parentur, quibus planè -manifestum fiat, Congressum, virum bello, pace, civiumque animis -primum, honore summo afficere velle."[1] - -[Footnote 1: The sad tidings which yesterday brought us, this day has -but too surely confirmed. Washington is no more. The hero, the -general, the philosopher--he, upon whom, in the hour of danger, all -eyes were turned, now lives in the remembrance, only, of his -illustrious actions. And although, even, it were not customary to -render honor unto those who have spent their lives in promoting the -welfare of their fellow men, still, so great are the deeds of -Washington, that the whole American nation is bound to give a public -manifestation of that grief which is so extensively prevalent. - -Washington, we had nearly said Washington _alone_, deserves the credit -of regulating and building up, as it were, the widely extended -territory of this our Republic. Having finally achieved all for which -he had accepted the command of the American forces, he converted his -sword into a ploughshare, and joyfully exchanged war for peace. When -the weakness of the United States of America appeared manifest to all, -and the bands by which the very extensive land of Columbus was held -together, were in danger of being loosened, we have seen Washington -the first among those who re-invigorated this our glorious Republic. -When his beloved country called him to quiet tumults, and to avert the -war with which she was menaced, we have once more seen Washington -abandon that domestic tranquillity so dear to him, and plunge into the -waters of civil life to preserve the liberties and happiness of his -countrymen: and the counsels with which he re-established American -liberty will be, as I hope, perpetual. - -When he had been twice appointed the Chief Magistrate of a free -people, and when, for the third time, he might easily have been -President, he nevertheless retired to his farm, and really desired to -be freed from all civil offices forever. However vulgar opinion may -vary in respect to other men, the fame of Washington will, surely, be -the same to all eternity. Therefore, let us show our reverence for -this so great man who is departed, and let this public counsel of the -United States of America declare upon this one subject the opinion of -all our citizens. - -For this end I hold these resolutions in my hand, concerning which I -would wish the opinion of Congress, viz: that this public counsel of -the United States of America should visit the President to condole -with him upon this heavy calamity--that the speaker's chair be arrayed -in black--that the members of Congress wear mourning--and lastly, that -arrangements be entered into by this assembly, in which it may be made -manifest that Congress wish to do every honor to the man first in war, -first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.] - -The 'barbarisms' of Mr. Glass are always so well in accordance with -the genius of Latin declension, as {54} never to appear at variance -with the spirit of the language, or out of place in their respective -situations. His 'equivalents,' too, are, in all cases, ingeniously -managed: and we are mistaken if the same can be said of the -'equivalents' of Erasmus--certainly not of those used by Grotius, or -Addison, or Schroeckh, or Buchanan, neither of whom are scrupulous in -introducing words, from which a modern one is deduced, in the exact -sense of the English analogous term--although that term may have been -greatly perverted from its original meaning. - -Having said thus much in favor of the _Washingtonii Vita_, we may now -be permitted to differ in opinion with Professor Wylie and others who -believe that this book will be a valuable acquisition to our classical -schools, as initiatory to Cæsar or Nepos. We are quite as fully -impressed with the excellences of Mr. Glass' work as the warmest of -his admirers; and perhaps, even more than any of them, are we anxious -to do it justice. Still the book is--as it professes to be--a Life of -Washington; and it treats, consequently, of events and incidents -occurring _in a manner_ utterly unknown to the Romans, and _at a -period_ many centuries after their ceasing to exist as a nation. If, -therefore, by Latin we mean the Language spoken by the Latins, a large -proportion of the work--disguise the fact as we may--is necessarily -_not Latin at all_. Did we indeed design to instruct our youth in a -language of possibilities--did we wish to make them proficient in the -tongue which _might have been spoken_ in ancient Rome, had ancient -Rome existed in the nineteenth century, we could scarcely have a -better book for the purpose than the Washington of Mr. Glass. But we -do not perceive that, in teaching Latin, we have any similar view. And -we have given over all hope of making this language the medium of -universal communication--that day-dream, with a thousand others, is -over. Our object then, at present, is simply to imbue the mind of the -student with the idiom, the manner, the thought, and above all, with -_the words_ of antiquity. If this is not our object, what is it? But -this object cannot be effected by any such work as the _Washingtonii -Vita_. - - -NORMAN LESLIE. - -_Norman Leslie. A Tale of the Present Times. New York: Published by -Harper and Brothers._ - -Well!--here we have it! This is _the_ book--_the_ book _par -excellence_--the book bepuffed, beplastered, and be-_Mirrored_: the -book "attributed to" Mr. Blank, and "said to be from the pen" of Mr. -Asterisk: the book which has been "about to appear"--"in press"--"in -progress"--"in preparation"--and "forthcoming:" the book "graphic" in -anticipation--"talented" _a priori_--and God knows what _in -prospectu_. For the sake of every thing puffed, puffing, and puffable, -let us take a peep at its contents! - -Norman Leslie, gentle reader, a Tale of the Present Times, is, after -all, written by nobody in the world but Theodore S. Fay, and Theodore -S. Fay is nobody in the world but "one of the Editors of the New York -Mirror." The book commences with a Dedication to Colonel Herman Thorn, -in which that worthy personage, whoever he may be, is held up, in -about a dozen lines, to the admiration of the public, as "hospitable," -"generous," "attentive," "benevolent," "kind-hearted," "liberal," -"highly-esteemed," and withal "a patron of the arts." But the less we -say of this matter the better. - -In the Preface Mr. Fay informs us that the most important features of -his story are founded on fact--that he has availed himself of certain -poetical licenses--that he has transformed character, and particularly -the character of a young lady, (oh fi! Mr. Fay--oh, Mr. Fay, fi!) that -he has sketched certain peculiarities with a mischievous hand--and -that the art of novel writing is as dignified as the art of Canova, -Mozart or Raphael,--from which we are left to infer, that Mr. Fay -himself is as dignified as Raphael, Mozart, and Canova--all three. -Having satisfied us on this head, he goes on to say something about an -humble student, with a feeble hand, throwing groupings upon a canvass, -and standing behind a curtain: and then, after perpetrating all these -impertinences, thinks it best "frankly to bespeak the indulgence of -the solemn and sapient critics." Body of Bacchus! _we_, at least, are -neither solemn nor sapient, and, therefore, do not feel ourselves -bound to show him a shadow of mercy. But will any body tell us what is -the object of Prefaces in general, and what is the meaning of Mr. -Fay's Preface in particular? - -As far as we can understand the plot of Norman Leslie, it is this. A -certain family reside in Italy--"independent," "enlightened," -"affectionate," "happy,"--and all that. Their villa, of course, stands -upon the seashore, and their whole establishment is, we are assured, -"a scene of Heaven," &c. Mr. Fay says he will not even attempt to -describe it--why, therefore, should we? A daughter of this family is -nineteen when she is wooed by a young Neapolitan, Rinaldo, of "mean -extraction, but of great beauty and talent." The lover, being a man of -suspicious character, is rejected by the parents, and a secret -marriage ensues. The lady's brother pursues the bridegroom--they -fight--and the former is killed. The father and mother die (it is -impossible to see for what purpose they ever lived) and Rinaldo flies -to Venice. Upon rejoining her husband in that city, the lady (for Mr. -Fay has not thought her worth enduing with a specific appellation) -discovers {55} him, for the first time, to be a rascal. One fine day -he announces his intention of leaving herself and son for an -indefinite time. The lady beseeches and finally threatens. "It was the -first unfolding," says she, in a letter towards the _dénouement_ of -the story, "of that character which neither he nor I knew belonged to -my nature. It was the first uncoiling of the basilisk within me, (good -Heavens, a snake in a lady's stomach!). He gazed on me incredulously, -and cooly smiled. You remember that smile--I fainted!!!" Alas! Mr. -Davy Crockett,--Mr. Davy Crockett, alas!--thou art beaten hollow--thou -art defunct, and undone! thou hast indeed succeeded in grinning a -squirrel from a tree, but it surpassed even thine extraordinary -abilities to smile a lady into a fainting fit! - -"When I recovered"--continues the lady--"he was gone. It was two years -before I could trace him. At length I found he had sailed for America. -I followed him in the depth of winter--I and my child. I knew not the -name he had assumed, and I was struck mute with astonishment, in your -beautiful city, on beholding, surrounded by fair ladies, the form of -my husband, still beautiful, and still adored. You know the rest." But -as our readers may not be as well informed as the correspondent of the -fair forsaken, we will enlighten them with some farther particulars. - -Rinaldo, upon leaving his _cara sposa_, had taken shipping for New -York, where, assuming the name of "Count Clairmont of the French -army," he succeeds in cutting a dash, or, in more proper parlance, in -creating a sensation, among the beaux and belles of the city of -Gotham. One fair lady, and rich heiress, Miss Flora Temple, is -particularly honored by his attentions, and the lady's mother, Mrs. -T., fired with the idea of her daughter becoming a real countess, -makes no scruple of encouraging his addresses. Matters are in this -position when the wife of the adventurer arrives in New York, and is -quite bewildered with astonishment upon beholding, one snowy day, her -beloved Rinaldo sleighing it to and fro about the streets of New York. -In the midst of her amazement she is in danger of being run over by -some horses, when a certain personage, by name Norman Leslie, but who -might, with equal propriety, be called Sir Charles Grandison, flies to -her assistance, whisks herself and child up in the very nick of time, -and suddenly rescues them, as Mr. Fay has it, "from the very jaws of -Death"--by which we are to understand from the very hoofs of the -horses. The lady of course swoons--then recovers--and then--is -excessively grateful. Her gratitude, however, being of no service just -at that moment, is bottled up for use hereafter, and will no doubt, -according to established usage in such cases, come into play towards -the close of the second volume. But we shall see. - -Having ascertained the address of Rinaldo, _alias_ the Count -Clairmont, the lady, next morning, is successful in obtaining an -interview. Then follows a second edition of entreaties and threats, -but, fortunately for the nerves Of Mrs. Rinaldo, the Count, upon this -occasion, is so forbearing as not to indulge in a smile. She accuses -him of a design to marry Miss Temple, and he informs her that it is no -concern of hers--that she is not his wife, their marriage having been -a feigned one. "She would have cried him through the city for a -villain," (Dust ho!--she should have advertised him) but he swears -that, in that case, he will never sleep until he has taken the life of -both the lady and her child, which assurance puts an end to the -debate. "He then frankly confesses"--says Mrs. Rinaldo, in the letter -which we have before quoted,--"that his passion for Miss Temple was -only a mask--he loved her not. _Me_ he said he loved. It was his -intention to fly when he could raise a large sum of money, and he -declared that I should be his companion." His designs, however, upon -Miss Temple fail--that lady very properly discarding the rascal. -Nothing daunted at this mishap our Count proceeds to make love to a -certain Miss Rosalie Romain, and with somewhat better success. He -prevails upon her to fly, and to carry with her upon her person a -number of diamonds which the lover hopes to find sufficient for his -necessities. He manages also to engage Mrs. Rinaldo (so we must call -her for want of a better name) in his schemes. - -It has so happened that for some time prior to these occurrences, -Clairmont and Norman Leslie, the hero of the novel, have been sworn -foes. On the day fixed for Miss Romain's elopement, that young lady -induces Mr. Leslie to drive her, in a gig, a short distance out of -town. They are met by no less a personage than Mrs. Rinaldo herself, -in another gig, and driving (_proh pudor!_) through the woods _sola_. -Hereupon Miss Rosalie Romain very deliberately, and to the great -astonishment, no doubt, of Mr. Leslie, gets out of that gentleman's -gig, and into the gig of Mrs. Rinaldo. Here's plot! as Vapid says in -the play. Our friend Norman, finding that nothing better can be done, -turns his face towards New York again, where he arrives, in due time, -without farther accident or adventure. Late the same evening Clairmont -sends the ladies aboard a vessel bound for Naples, and which is to -sail in the morning--returning himself, for the present, to his hotel -in Broadway. While here he receives a horse-whipping from Mr. Leslie -on account of certain insinuations in disparagement of that -gentleman's character. Not relishing this treatment he determines upon -revenge, and can think of no better method of accomplishing it than -the directing of public suspicion against Mr. Leslie as the murderer -of Miss Romain--whose disappearance has already created much -excitement. He sends a message to Mrs. Rinaldo that the vessel must -sail without him, and that he would, by a French ship, meet them on -their landing at Naples. He then flings a hat and feathers belonging -to Miss Romain upon a stream, and her handkerchief in a -wood--afterwards remaining some time in America to avert suspicion -from himself. Leslie is arrested for the murder, and the proofs are -damning against him. He is, however, to the great indignation of the -populace, acquitted, Miss Temple appearing to testify that she -actually saw Miss Romain subsequently to her ride with Leslie. Our -hero, however, although acquitted, is universally considered guilty, -and, through the active malice of Clairmont, is heaped with every -species of opprobrium. Miss Temple, who, it appears, is in love with -him, falls ill with grief: but is cured, after all other means have -failed, by a letter from her lover announcing a reciprocal -passion--for the young lady has hitherto supposed him callous to her -charms. Leslie himself, however, takes it into his head, at this -critical juncture, to travel; and, having packed up his baggage, does -actually forget himself so far as to go {56} a-Willising in foreign -countries. But we have no reason to suppose that, goose as the young -gentleman is, he is silly enough to turn travelling correspondent to -any weekly paper. In Rome, having assumed the _alias_ of Montfort, he -meets with a variety of interesting adventures. All the ladies die for -him: and one in particular, Miss Antonia Torrini, the only child of a -Duke with several millions of piastres, and a palace which Mr. Fay -thinks very much like the City Hall in New York, absolutely throws -herself _sans ceremonie_ into his arms, and meets--tell it not in -Gath!--with a flat and positive refusal. - -Among other persons whom he encounters is a monk Ambrose, a painter -Angelo, another painter Ducci, a Marquis Alezzi, and a Countess D., -which latter personage he is convinced of having seen at some prior -period of his life. For a page or two we are entertained with a -prospect of a conspiracy, and have great hopes that the principal -characters in the plot will so far oblige us as to cut one another's -throats: but (alas for human expectations!) Mr. Fay having clapped his -hands, and cried "Presto!--vanish!" the whole matter ends in smoke, -or, as our author beautifully expresses it, is "veiled in impenetrable -mystery." - -Mr. Leslie now pays a visit to the painter Ducci, and is astonished at -there beholding the portrait of the very youth whose life he saved, -together with that of his mother, from the horses in New York. Then -follows a series of interesting ejaculations, among which we are able -to remember only "horrible suspicion!" "wonderful development!" "alack -and alas!" with some two or three others. Mr. Leslie is, however, -convinced that the portrait of the boy is, as Mr. F. gracefully has -it, "inexplicably connected with his own mysterious destiny." He pays -a visit to the Countess D., and demands of her if she was, at any -time, acquainted with a gentleman called Clairmont. The lady very -properly denies all knowledge of that character, and Mr. Leslie's -"mysterious destiny" is in as bad a predicament as ever. He is however -fully convinced that Clairmont is the origin of all evil--we do not -mean to say that he is precisely the devil--but the origin of all Mr. -Leslie's evil. Therefore, and on this account, he goes to a -masquerade, and, sure enough, Mr. Clairmont, (who has not been heard -of for seven or eight years,) Mr. Clairmont (we suppose through Mr. -L's "mysterious destiny") happens to go, at precisely the same time, -to precisely the same masquerade. But there are surely no bounds to -Mr. Fay's excellent invention. Miss Temple, of course, happens to be -at the same place, and Mr. Leslie is in the act of making love to her -once more, when the "inexplicable" Countess D. whispers into his ear -some ambiguous sentences in which Mr. L. is given to understand that -he must beware of all the Harlequins in the room, one of whom is -Clairmont. Upon leaving the masquerade, somebody hands him a note -requesting him to meet the unknown writer at St. Peter's. While he is -busy reading the paper he is uncivilly interrupted by Clairmont, who -attempts to assassinate him, but is finally put to flight. He hies, -then, to the rendezvous at St. Peter's, where "the unknown" tells him -St. Peter's won't answer, and that he must proceed to the Coliseum. He -goes--why should he not?--and there not only finds the Countess D. who -turns out to be Mrs. Rinaldo, and who now uncorks her bottle of -gratitude, but also Flora Temple, Flora Temple's father, Clairmont, -Kreutzner, a German friend from New York, and, last but not least, -Rosalie Romain herself; all having gone there, no doubt, at three -o'clock in the morning, under the influence of that interesting young -gentleman Norman Leslie's "most inexplicable and mysterious destiny." -Matters now come to a crisis. The hero's innocence is established, and -Miss Temple falls into his arms in consequence. Clairmont, however, -thinks he can do nothing better than shoot Mr. Leslie, and is about to -do so, when he is very justly and very dexterously knocked in the head -by Mr. Kreutzner. Thus ends the Tale of the Present Times, and thus -ends the most inestimable piece of balderdash with which the common -sense of the good people of America was ever so openly or so -villainously insulted. - -We do not mean to say that there is positively _nothing_ in Mr. Fay's -novel to commend--but there is indeed very little. One incident is -tolerably managed, in which, at the burning house of Mr. Temple, -Clairmont anticipates Leslie in his design of rescuing Flora. A -cotillon scene, too, where Morton, a simple fop, is frequently -interrupted in his attempts at making love to Miss Temple, by the -necessity of forward-twoing and _sachezing_, (as Mr. Fay thinks proper -to call it) is by no means very bad, although savoring too much of the -farcical. A duel story told by Kreutzner is really good, but -unfortunately not original, there being a Tale in the _Diary of a -Physician_, from which both its matter and manner are evidently -borrowed. And here we are obliged to pause; for we can positively -think of nothing farther worth even a qualified commendation. The -plot, as will appear from the running outline we have given of it, is -a monstrous piece of absurdity and incongruity. The characters _have -no character_; and, with the exception of Morton, who is, (perhaps) -amusing, are, one and all, vapidity itself. No attempt seems to have -been made at individualization. All the good ladies and gentlemen are -demi-gods and demi-goddesses, and all the bad are--the d--l. The hero, -Norman Leslie, "that young and refined man with a leaning to poetry," -is a great coxcomb and a great fool. What else must we think of a -_bel-esprit_ who, in picking up a rose just fallen from the curls of -his lady fair, can hit upon no more appropriate phrase with which to -make her a presentation of the same, than "Miss Temple, you have -dropped your rose--allow me!"--who courts his mistress with a "Dear, -dear Flora, how I love you!"--who calls a _buffet_ a _bufet_, an -_improvisatore_ an _improvisitore_--who, before bestowing charity, is -always ready with the canting question if the object be -_deserving_--who is everlastingly talking of his foe "sleeping in the -same red grave with himself," as if American sextons made a common -practice of burying two people together--and, who having not a sous in -his pocket at page 86, pulls out a handful at page 87, although he has -had no opportunity of obtaining a copper in the interim? - -As regards Mr. Fay's _style_, it is unworthy of a school-boy. The -"Editor of the New York Mirror" has either never seen an edition of -Murray's Grammar, or he has been a-Willising so long as to have -forgotten his vernacular language. Let us examine one or two of his -sentences at random. Page 28, vol. i. "He {57} was doomed to wander -through the _fartherest_ climes alone and branded." Why not say at -once _fartherertherest_? Page 150, vol. i. "Yon kindling orb should be -hers; and that faint spark close to its side should teach her how dim -and yet how near my soul was to her own." What is the meaning of all -this? Is Mr. Leslie's soul dim to her own, as well as near to her -own?--for the sentence implies as much. Suppose we say "should teach -her how dim was my soul, and yet how near to her own." Page 101, vol. -i. "You are both right and both wrong--you, Miss Romain, to judge so -harshly of all men who are not versed in the easy elegance of the -drawing room, and your father in too great lenity towards men of -sense, &c." This is really something new, but we are sorry to say, -something incomprehensible. Suppose we translate it. "You are both -right and both wrong--you, Miss Romain, _are both right and wrong_ to -judge so harshly of all not versed in the elegance of the -drawing-room, &c.; and your father _is both right and wrong_ in too -great lenity towards men of sense."--Mr. Fay, have you ever visited -Ireland in your peregrinations? But the book is full to the brim of -such absurdities, and it is useless to pursue the matter any farther. -There is not a single page of Norman Leslie in which even a school-boy -would fail to detect at least two or three gross errors in Grammar, -and some two or three most egregious sins against common-sense. - -We will dismiss the "Editor of the Mirror" with a few questions. When -did you ever know, Mr. Fay, of any prosecuting attorney behaving so -much like a bear as _your_ prosecuting attorney in the novel of Norman -Leslie? When did you ever hear of an American Court of Justice -objecting to the testimony of a witness on the ground that the said -witness _had an interest_ in the cause at issue? What do you mean by -informing us at page 84, vol. i, "that you _think_ much faster than -you write?" What do you mean by "_the wind roaring in the air_?" see -page 26, vol. i. What do you mean by "an _unshadowed_ Italian girl?" -see page 67, vol. ii. Why are you always talking about "stamping of -feet," "kindling and flashing of eyes," "plunging and parrying," -"cutting and thrusting," "passes through the body," "gashes open in -the cheek," "sculls cleft down," "hands cut off," and blood gushing -and bubbling, and doing God knows what else--all of which pretty -expressions may be found on page 88, vol. i.? What "mysterious and -inexplicable destiny" compels you to the so frequent use, in all its -inflections, of that euphonical dyssyllable _blister_? We will call to -your recollection some few instances in which you have employed it. -Page 185, vol. i. "But an arrival from the city brought the fearful -intelligence in all its _blistering_ and naked details." Page 193, -vol. i. "What but the glaring and _blistering_ truth of the charge -would select him, &c." Page 39, vol. ii. "Wherever the winds of heaven -wafted the English language, the _blistering_ story must have been -echoed." Page 150, vol. ii. "Nearly seven years had passed away, and -here he found himself, as at first, still marked with the _blistering_ -and burning brand." Here we have a _blistering_ detail, a _blistering_ -truth, a _blistering_ story, and a _blistering_ brand, to say nothing -of innumerable other blisters interspersed throughout the book. But we -have done with Norman Leslie,--if ever we saw as silly a thing, may we -be ---- blistered. - - -THE LINWOODS. - -_The Linwoods; or, "Sixty Years Since" in America. By the Author of -"Hope Leslie," "Redwood," &c. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers._ - -Miss Sedgwick is one among the few American writers who have risen by -merely their own intrinsic talents, and without the _a priori_ aid of -foreign opinion and puffery, to any exalted rank in the estimation of -our countrymen. She is at the same time fully deserving of all the -popularity she has attained. By those who are most fastidious in -matters of literary criticism, the author of _Hope Leslie_ is the most -ardently admired, and we are acquainted with few persons of sound and -accurate discrimination who would hesitate in placing her upon a level -with the best of our native novelists. Of American _female_ writers we -must consider her the first. The character of her pen is essentially -feminine. No man could have written _Hope Leslie_; and no man, we are -assured, can arise from the perusal of _The Linwoods_ without a full -conviction that his own abilities would have proved unequal to the -delicate yet picturesque handling; the grace, warmth, and radiance; -the exquisite and judicious filling in, of the volumes which have so -enchanted him. Woman is, after all, the only true painter of that -gentle and beautiful mystery, the heart of woman. She is the only -proper Scheherazade for the fairy tales of love. - -We think _The Linwoods_ superior to _Hope Leslie_, and superior to -_Redwood_. It is full of deep natural interest, rivetting attention -without undue or artificial means for attaining that end. It contains -nothing forced, or in any degree exaggerated. Its prevailing features -are equability, ease, perfect accuracy and purity of style, a manner -never at _outrance_ with the subject matter, pathos, and -verisimilitude. It cannot, however, be considered as ranking with the -master novels of the day. It is neither an Eugene Aram, nor a -Contarini Fleming. - -_The Linwoods_ has few--indeed no pretensions to a connected plot of -any kind. The scene, as the title indicates, is in America, and about -sixty years ago. The adventures of the family of a Mr. Linwood, a -resident of New York, form the principal subject of the book. The -character of this gentleman is happily drawn, but we are aware of a -slight discrepancy between his initial and his final character as -depicted. He has two children, Herbert and Isabella. Being himself a -tory, the boyish impulses of his son in favor of the revolutionists -are watched with anxiety and vexation; and, upon the breaking out of -the war, Herbert, positively refusing to drink the king's health, is, -in consequence, ejected from his father's house--an incident upon -which hinges much of the interest of the narrative. Isabella is the -heroine proper; a being full of lofty and generous impulses, -beautiful, intellectual, and _spirituelle_--indeed a most fascinating -creature. But the family of a widow Lee forms, perhaps, the true -secret of that charm which pervades the novel before us. A matronly, -pious, and devoted mother, yielding up her son, without a murmur, to -the sacred cause of her country--the son, Eliot, gallant, thoughtful, -chivalrous, and prudent--and above all, a daughter, Bessie, -frail-minded, susceptible of light impressions, gentle, loving, and -melancholy. Indeed, in the creation of Bessie Lee, {58} Miss Sedgwick -has given evidence not to be disputed, of a genius far more than -common. We do not hesitate to call it a truly beautiful and original -conception, evincing imagination of the highest order. It is the old -story of a meek and trusting spirit bowed down to the dust by the -falsehood of a deceiver. But in the narration of Miss Sedgwick it -becomes a magical tale, and bursts upon us with all the freshness of -novel emotion. Deserted by her lover, (Jasper Meredith, an -accomplished and aristocratical coxcomb,) the spirits of the gentle -girl sink gradually from trusting affection to simple hope--from hope -to anxiety--from anxiety to doubt--from doubt to melancholy--and from -melancholy to madness. She escapes from her home and her friends in -New England, and endeavors to make her way alone to New York, with the -object of restoring, to him who has abandoned her, some tokens he had -given her of his love--an act which her disordered fancy assures her -will effect, in her own person, a disenthralment from passion. Her -piety, her madness, and her beauty stand her in the stead of the lion -of Una, and she reaches the great city in safety. In that portion of -the novel which embodies the narrative of this singular journey, are -some passages of the purest and most exalted poetry--passages which no -mind but one thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the beautiful could -have conceived, and which, perhaps, no other writer in this country -than Miss Sedgwick could have executed. Our readers will find that -what we say upon this head is very far from exaggeration. - -Jasper Meredith, considered as an actual entity, is, as we have -already said, a heartless, calculating coxcomb--with merely a spice of -what we may call susceptibility to impressions of the beautiful, to -redeem him from utter contempt. As a character in a novel, he is -admirable--because he is accurately true to nature, and to himself. -His perfidy to Bessie (we shall never forget Bessie) meets with -poetical justice in a couple of unsuccessful courtships, (in each of -which the villain's heart is in some degree concerned,) and in a final -marriage with a flirt, Helen Ruthven, who fills him up, with a -vengeance, the full measure of his deserts. Mrs. Meredith is a -striking picture of the heartless and selfish woman of fashion and -aristocracy. Kisel, the servant of Eliot Lee, is original, and, next -to Bessie, the best conception in the book. He is a simple, childish, -yet acute and affectionate fool, who follows his master as would a -dog, and finally dies at his feet under circumstances of the truest -pathos. While Miss Sedgwick can originate such characters as these, -she need apprehend few rivals near the throne. - -We cannot pass over in silence a little episode in which a blind child -is torn away at night from a distracted mother, by one of the -notorious bands of _Skinners_ infesting the country. The mother's -house is set on fire by the robbers, in their search after plunder; -but her most valuable property having been previously removed to New -York, the exasperated ruffians seize and bear off the fainting child, -with the view of extorting money for its ransom. Eliot Lee, aided by -General Putnam, rescues the child, and restores it to the mother. This -whole incident is worthy of Miss Sedgwick. - -We have mentioned the name of Putnam,--he as well as Washington, -Lafayette, Clinton, and some other well-known personages are -familiarly introduced in the narrative, but are simply accessories to -the main interest, and very little attempt is made at portraying their -historical characters. Whatever _is_ done, however, is well done. - -So much real pleasure have we derived from the perusal of _The -Linwoods_, that we can hardly find it in our hearts to pick a quarrel -with the fair author, for the very few trifling inadvertences into -which she has been betrayed. There were, we believe, some points at -which we intended to cavil, but hot having pencilled them down in the -course of perusal, they have now escaped our recollection. Somewhat -more energy in occasional passages--somewhat less diffuseness in -others--would operate, we think, to the improvement of Miss Sedgwick's -generally excellent _style_. Now and then, we meet with a discrepancy -between the words and the character of a speaker. For example: page -38, vol. i. "'No more of my contempt for the Yankees, Hal, an' thou -lovest me,' replied Jasper; 'you remember Æsop's advice to Croesus, at -the Persian court?' 'No, I am sure I do not. You have the most -provoking way of resting the lever by which you bring out your own -knowledge, on your friend's ignorance.'" Now all this is very pretty, -but it is not the language of school-boys. Again: page 226 vol. i. -'Now out on you, you lazy, slavish, loons,' cried Rose, 'cannot you -see these men are raised up, to fight for freedom, for more than -themselves? If the chain is broken at one end, the links will fall -apart sooner or later. When you see the sun on the mountain top, you -may be sure it will shine into the deepest valleys before long.' Who -would suppose this graceful eloquence, and these impressive images to -proceed from the mouth of a negro-woman? Yet such is Rose. And at page -24, vol. i. we have the following. "True, I never saw her; but I tell -you, young lad, there is such a thing as seeing the shadow of things -far distant and past, and never seeing the realities though they it be -that cast the shadows." The speaker here, is an old woman who a few -sentences before talks about her proficiency in telling _fortins_. - -There are one or two other trifles with which we have to find fault. -Putnam's deficiency in spelling is, perhaps, a little burlesqued; and -the imaginary note written to Eliot Lee, is not in accordance with -that laconic epistle subsequently introduced, and which was a _bonâ -fide_ existence. We dislike the death of Kisel--that is we dislike its -occurring so soon--indeed we see no necessity for killing him at all. -His end is beautifully managed, but leaves a kind of uneasy and -painful impression, which a judicious writer will be chary of -exciting. We must quarrel also, with some slight liberties taken with -the King's English. Miss Sedgwick has no good authority for the use of -such verbs, as "to ray." Page 117, vol. i. "They had all heard of -Squire Saunders, whose fame rayed through a large circle"--Also, in -page 118, vol. i. "The next morning he called, his kind heart raying -out through his jolly face, to present me to General Washington." Nor -is she justifiable in making use of the verb "incense," with the -meaning attached to it in the following sentence. Page 211, vol. i. -"Miss Ruthven seemed like an humble worshipper, incensing two -divinities." We dislike also, the vulgarity of such a phrase as "I put -in my oar"--meaning "I joined in the conversation"--especially in the -mouth of so well-bred a lady, as Miss Isabella Linwood--see {59} page -61, vol. i. We do not wish either to see a marquee, called a "markee," -or a _dénouement_, a _denoeument_. Miss Sedgwick should look over her -proof-sheets, or, be responsible for the blunders of her printer. The -plural "_genii_" at page 84, vol. ii. is used in place of the singular -_genius_. "Isabella is rather _penseroso_" is likewise an error--see -page 164, vol. ii.; it should be _penserosa_. But we are heartily -ashamed of finding fault with such trifles, and should certainly not -have done so, had there been a possibility of finding fault with any -thing of more consequence. We recommend _The Linwoods_ to all persons -of taste. But let none others touch it. - - -WESTMINSTER REVIEW. - -_The Westminster Review, No. XLV, for July, 1835. American Edition, -Vol. IV, No. 1. New York: Theodore Foster._ - -Article I is "Philanthropic Economy; or the Philosophy of Happiness, -practically applied to the Social, Political, and Commercial Relations -of Great Britain. By Mrs. Loudon, Author of 'First Love,' 'Fortune -Hunting,' and 'Dilemmas of Pride.' London: Churton, 1835. 8vo. pp. -312." - -Mrs. Loudon's Economy has excited great attention in England, and her -work is highly lauded in the present instance. As an able and -chivalrous champion of the cause of the people, she deserves all the -encomiums which she has received, and we are not in any degree -disposed to pick a quarrel with her Ethics, which, to say the truth, -are as little to the purpose as her political, or if she pleases, her -philanthropic Economy, is most effectually to the point. We have not -seen her entire publication, but merely judge of it from the copious -extracts in the article before us. Her answer to the objections to the -ballot is forcible, and coming as it does from a lady, its value is -quadrupled in our eyes. The Notice of her book concludes as follows. -"It is plain that Mrs. Loudon is a splendid woman, and has, at one -effort, taken her place in line, among the political economists upon -the people's side. She is fortunate too in having fallen upon times -when 'the spread of education is, in fact, rendering the _peaceable_ -continuance of abuses impossible.'" - -Article II is "Venetian History. Family Library, No. XX--London, -Murray, 1833." A compendious History of Venice, and apparently forced -into the service of the Review "will I, nill I," without any object -farther than the emptying of some writer's portfolio, or common-place -book. It is nevertheless an invaluable paper. - -Article III is "Memoirs of John Napier of Merchiston, his Lineage, -Life, and Times, with a History of the Invention of Logarithms. By -Mark Napier, Esq. Blackwood, Edinburgh; Cadell, London, 1834. 4to. pp. -534." - -This is a Review of exceeding interest, and evidently from a mind -thoroughly imbued with a love of science. It enters largely into the -subject matter of the book reviewed, and defends Napier from the often -repeated accusation of having derived his principle from the works of -Archimedes, Ditmarsus, and Byrgius. A short account of the -philosopher's treatises on Arithmetic and Algebra, as they appear at -the end of the Memoirs, is given in the conclusion of the Notice. We -perceive that Mr. Napier has here taken occasion to observe that -Horsley, Hutton, Leslie, and Playfair, are mistaken in supposing -Albert Girard the first who made use of the expressions _majores -nihilo_ and _minores nihilo_ in relation to positive and negative -quantities. - -Article IV is "An Essay on Musical Intervals, Harmonics, and the -Temperament of the Musical Scale, &c. By W. S. B. Woolhouse, Head -Assistant of the Nautical Almanac Establishment." - -This is a short article in which the book under review is condemned -for inaccuracy and misrepresentation. The Essay itself is another -instance of the interest now taken in the mathematics of music. - -Article V is "A Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Artists: comprising -Painters, Sculptors, Engravers and Architects, from the earliest ages -to the present time. By John Gould--Second Edition, 2 vols. 12mo. -Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1835." - -The work in question is spoken of as having been composed--"conceived, -planned, and probably in part executed among lowing herds and -obstinate swine." It is preceded by an historical, biographical, and -professional introduction, apparently of no very great merit. The -Dictionary is called a most laborious, and on the whole a very -successful compilation. "The chief matter of some hundreds of volumes -is condensed into two small duodecimos. As this is all it aims to do, -by this only can it be fairly judged, and not by any standard of -original criticism." - -Article VI. "History of Scotland. By Patrick Fraser Tytler, Esq. F. R. -S. E. and F. A. S. Edinburgh. Vols. i-v. 1828-1834." - -This critique speaks of Tytler's Scotland as displaying much research, -and considerable skill, as well as impartiality, but the greater part -of the article is taken up in reviewing some of the leading features -in Scottish History. - -Article VII.--1. "The Forms of Deeds and Documents in England and -France, compared and exemplified, in a Letter to the Lord Chancellor. -Paris: Galignani. London: Saunders and Benning, 1835." - -2. "The Mechanics of Law-making. Intended for the use of Legislators, -and all other persons concerned in the making and understanding of -English Laws. By Arthur Symonds, Esq. London: Churton, 1835." - -The authors of the works here reviewed have attempted to unfold, and -to show the worthlessness of, those technical mysteries which have so -long enveloped the science of Law. The "Forms of Deeds, &c." is from -the pen of Mr. Okey. He gives several examples of English and French -Deeds--printing them on opposite pages. The difference in conciseness -is said to be four to one in favor of the French, while in clearness -they admit of no comparison. The greater brevity of the French -documents is attributed to the existence of a Code. "The Mechanics of -Law making" insists upon the necessity of reform in the arrangement, -language, classification, and contents of the British Acts of -Parliament, and in the agency by which the laws are 'prepared, made, -promulgated, superintended, enforced, and amended.' The Review is -brief--but concurs heartily in the necessity alluded to. - -Article VIII. 1. "Sur les Créances réclamées de la France par la -Russie au nom du Royaume de Pologne. Paris, 1835." - -{60} 2. "On the Russo-Polish Claims on France. (From the periodical -_Le Polonais_, published monthly in Paris, by a member of the Polish -Diet. Number for February 1835.") - -3. "A few more words on the Polish question, (_From Le -Polonais_--number for March 1835.") - -The author of the work _Sur les Créances_, enters into an examination -of the titles of which the Russian government avails itself "either to -effect a final settlement, or to claim payment of sums which might -ultimately be proved to be due to the kingdom of Poland." The editor -of _Le Polonais_ is of a family to which Poland is indebted for -"several brilliant exploits, not only in the field of battle, but in -the tribute of the National Assembly." His journal is devoted to the -history and literature of Poland--but more especially to its political -interests. The Review enters into some discussion on the Russo-Polish -Claims, and makes it apparent that the policy of Great Britain is -materially involved, in the Russo-French liquidation. "She has -joined"--says the critic--"in refusing to uphold Russia in the -violation of the constitution and nationality of Poland; Lord -Palmerston gave lengthened and clear explanations on this point to -Parliament on the 9th of April, 1833. Tranquilly to stand by, and -witness the Russo-French liquidation, an act which would be equivalent -to a passive acknowledgment on the part of France, of the usurpations -of Russia, would be contrary to the dignity and interest of the -British nation." - -Article IX--1. "Thoughts upon the Aristocracy of England. By Isaac -Tompkins, Gent. Fifth Edition. London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 23." - -2. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, Gent., author of the Thoughts upon the -Aristocracy. From Mr. Peter Jenkins. Fifth Edition, with a Postscript. -London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 11." - -3. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, and Peter Jenkins on Primogeniture. By -Timothy Winterbottom. Fourth Edition. London: William Pickering, -1835." - -From the specimens of these Pamphlets, given in the Review before us, -we are inclined to think them excessively amusing. Mr. Isaac Tompkins -busies himself with the House of Lords, and Mr. Peter Jenkins gives -the lash to the House of Commons. Mr. T's account of patrician taste -in literature and wit--of courts, courtiers, court-jesters, -buffoonery, &c. are not a little edifying. His book has created a -great sensation. In a note appended to the fourth edition, occur the -following significant remarks. "The Quarterly Review, the organ of the -Aristocratic Church, and of the Lay Aristocracy, has taken the -opportunity of printing the greater part of the work, under pretence -of giving a Review of it. Pretence it plainly is; for there is hardly -one remark added, and not one syllable of censure or objection! Can -any thing more plainly demonstrate that the cause of the Aristocracy -is hateful, even to the very writers who affect to support it? Can any -thing better prove its decline among all educated and sensible men? -Mr. Canning's abhorrence of it is well known, and so is the hatred -with which he was repaid. But in our time, the advocate of -establishments can think of nothing better than giving a very wide -circulation to Mr. J. Tompkins' observations. These Quarterly -Reviewers would not for the world, that these observations were not -generally known." Peter Jenkins concludes his pamphlet with some -remarks on the new liberal government. Winterbottom's letter treats -chiefly of the evils resulting from the accumulation of wealth in a -few hands. "The whole family of Tompkins &c. is good"--says the -Reviewer--"and the public, will be glad to see more of their kin and -kind." - -Article X. "The History of Ireland. By Thomas Moore, Esq. In three -volumes. Vol. i. London: Longman & Co. 1835." - -This is an excellent and very laudatory notice, of a work which cannot -be too highly commended. The difficulties Mr. Moore has overcome, in -reducing to order a chaotic discordance of materials, with a view to -this History, will, perhaps, never be fully appreciated. It cannot -indeed be asserted that every portion of his subject has been hitherto -uninvestigated, or, that all the questions he has discussed have been -satisfactorily settled; but that, under existing circumstances, such a -book should have been written _at all_, is a matter for -admiration--and that it has been so rationally, so lucidly, and so -critically written, is a fact which cannot fail to elevate its author -immeasurably in the estimation of his friends. The future volumes of -_The History of Ireland_, will be looked for with intense interest. In -them we may expect to find the records of a dark and troubled period. -Moore will speak fearlessly, or we are much mistaken. - -Article XI. "A Bill for granting Relief in relation to the Celebration -of Marriages, to certain persons dissenting from the Church of England -and Ireland, 1835." - -The Reviewer, here, seems to think that Sir Robert Peel's Bill, with -some little amendment, would meet the case of the Dissenters in the -manner most satisfactory, and, under all circumstances most -convenient. The Dissenters themselves have little to propose, and that -little impracticable. - -Article XII. "Plantagenet.--3 vols. London: John Macrone, 1835." - -Plantagenet is a novel: and the writer's object is stated by the -critic to be pretty nearly identical with that of Mr. Timothy -Winterbottom, of whom we have spoken before--viz: to lay bare the -social evils of primogeniture. The English system of education is -detailed, and its effect upon character analyzed. The writer's design -is said not to be very well carried into execution--nevertheless the -Reviewer places him in the first line of modern political novelists, -and says there is nobody, except the author of 'The Radical,' who, -stands out as a model for him to overtake or pursue. - -Article XIII.--1. "Colonization of South Australia. By R. Torrens, -Esq. F. R. S. Chairman of the Colonization Commission, for South -Australia. London: Longman, 1835." - -2. "Colonization; particularly in Southern Australia; with some -remarks on Small Farms and Over-population. By Colonel Charles James -Napier, C. B.--London: T. & W. Boone, 1835." - -Colonel Torrens' book is bitterly and sarcastically reviewed. It is an -octavo of more than 300 pages, with an Appendix of about 20. The first -part of the body of the work is in the form of a letter, divided into -twelve parts, and addressed "To the author of the History of the -Indian Archipelago." This portion discusses the new scheme for -colonizing South Australia. Its style is called pamphleteering and -polemical. The {61} second part is said to be "in the usual cold, -cramped, and unpopular manner of the author's politico-economical -writings." The Appendix consists of the Act of Parliament for the -formation of the Colony, of two letters signed Kangaroo, and of -another from A. B., approving of Kangaroo's opinions. Kangaroo is -thought by the Reviewer a better writer of English than his master. -Colonel Napier's book is favorably noticed. His views are in direct -opposition to those of Torrens. - -Article XIV. "The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy. By Thomas -Keightley, Esq. 8vo. London, 1831." This is an interesting and able -paper, but has no pretensions to the name of Review. The position of -the Bacchanalians in Greek and Roman History, and their progress, -together with the dangers and impediments encountered in their course, -forms the subject of the Essay--for _it is_ an Essay, although an -admirable one. - - -LONDON QUARTERLY REVIEW. - -_The London Quarterly Review, No. CVII. for July, 1835. American -Edition, Vol. III, No. 1._ - -Article I.--1. "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a North-West -Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions, during the Years -1829-30-31-32-33. By Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c. -Captain in the Royal Navy, London: 1835, 4to. pp. 740." - -2. "The Late Voyage of Captain Sir John Ross, R. N. to the Arctic -Regions, for the Discovery of a North-West Passage; performed in the -Years 1829-30-31-32-33. From authentic information, and original -documents, transmitted by William Light, Purser's Steward to the -Expedition. By Robert Huish, author of the 'Memoirs of the Princess -Charlotte,' 'Treatise on Bees,' &c. &c. London: 1835, 8vo. pp. 760." - -3. "Report from a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on the -Expedition to the Arctic Seas, commanded by Captain John Ross, R. N. -1834." - -This is, in many respects, a clever and judicious Review, although -abounding with much vulgar abuse of Captain Ross, whom it accuses, not -only of gross ignorance and misrepresentation, but of several minor -indecorums, such for example, as "the opening of a subscription shop -in Regent Street--the sending of a set of fellows, usually called -trampers, but who call themselves agents, to knock at every -gentleman's door, in town and country, not humbly to solicit, but with -pertinacious importunity, almost to force subscriptions--the getting -up of Vauxhall and panoramic exhibitions, and some other circumstances -not worth detailing." It hints something also, of the Captain's having -procured the literary aid of "a practised embroiderer of periods, one -Dr. M'Culloch." Huish's book is treated with derision, but the -Quarterly cannot resist the temptation of giving additional currency -to a malignant accusation of cruelty, brought by this very man Huish, -against the Captain. The charge is republished in the Review--with a -hint, that it is quite as likely to be true as not. The Article -concludes with a hope, that if the Government should determine upon -another expedition, its direction may be given to Captain James Clarke -Ross, and Back, appointed his second in command--and roundly asserts -that Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., is utterly -incompetent to conduct any enterprise of the kind, to a successful -termination. - -Article II. "Journal of Frances Anne Butler (Fanny Kemble,) 2 vols. -Post 8vo. London: 1835." - -The tone of this Notice is very similar to that of the Article on the -same subject in the Edinburgh for July--perhaps, upon the whole, not -quite so complimentary. The Reviewer is of opinion, that 'Master -Fanny's' Journal was from an early period, if not from the first line, -intended for publication, and that the entire thing is arranged for -stage-effect. Both these suppositions are highly probable. Indeed for -our own part, we never had a doubt about the matter. The personifier -of Julia, of Nell, and of Lady Macbeth, wished to make it apparent -that she could mingle up in the same page, simplicity, frivolity and -dignity. She has succeeded to a miracle, and we think nothing the -worse of her performance for its premeditation. The critic finds -fault, also, with Fanny's _transparent_ affectation--a charge from -which we have neither the wish, nor the ability to defend her. -Affectation is the Promethean fire of a pretty and intelligent -woman--and provided always the things, the qualities, or manners -affected are not _in se_ disagreeable or odious, it is very seldom -worth any one's while to quarrel with it. As for the _transparent_ -part of the accusation, it betrays a want of philosophical acumen. -Affectation, when we cannot see through it, is no longer affectation. -The political fal lal of the fair lady is, of course, made a matter of -high merit by the Quarterly Review. "Her observations," quoth the -critic, "evince a depth of penetration, and a soundness of judgment, -rare in any one, but wonderful in a person of her age and sex." A -chuckle also is elicited, by Fanny's astounding conviction, that -"America will be a monarchy before she (Mrs. Butler) is a skeleton." - -Article III. "The Last Essays of Elia." London: 12mo. 1833. - -This is an Essay on the Essays of Lamb by one who thoroughly -understands the man. And there are not many men who _do_ thoroughly -comprehend him. Altho' not the greatest among his contemporaries he -was the most original--and his writings are, we feel assured, a true -copy of his individual mind. He was one of those men of infinite -genius, so rarely to be met with, who unite the most exquisite -daintiness and finish of style with a vigorous and dashing _abandon_ -of manner. This manner has been called affected--but it was not so. -That his thoughts "were villainously pranked in an array of antique -words and phrases" was a necessary thing. The language of the times of -James and Charles I. was as natural to him as his native air--it was a -portion of his intellect. As a critic, Lamb had no equal, and we are -moreover half inclined to agree with the Quarterly, that there are, -amongst his poetical pieces, some as near perfection in their kind as -any thing in our literature--"specimens of exceeding artifice and -felicity in rhythm, metre, and diction." - -Article IV. "History of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, -illustrated by original documents. By Frederick Von Raumer. Translated -from the German by Lord Francis Egerton, in 2 vols. 8vo. London, -1835." - -Frederick Von Raumer, the author of the work here reviewed, is the -same who wrote the 'History of the House of Hohenstauffen,' noticed in -a former number of the Quarterly. The present History is spoken of -{62} in high terms. It is the result of the author's residence in -Paris in 1830, and consists of a series of extracts from MSS. in the -_Bibliothèque Royale_--chiefly the despatches of Ambassadors. Lord -Egerton's translation is favorably mentioned. - -Article V. "The Life of Edmund Kean. In 2 vols. London: 1835." - -This is a most severe and galling Philippic upon a very worthless -book. Indeed Barry Cornwall was the last person in the world who -should have attempted the Life of Kean. From the poet's peculiar cast -of mind, (Procter is merely a dealer in delicate prettinesses,) he is -particularly ill-qualified for discussing the merits of an actor whose -province lay altogether amid the tempestuous regions of passion and -energy. "A worse man"--says the critic--"might have made Kean's story -entertaining--a wiser, if he had told it at all, would have at least -tried to make it instructive." The Essays upon the chief characters of -Shakspeare, which fill nearly half the second volume, are truly said -to be devoid of originality, vigor, or grace. To the entire book is -laughably applied a couplet from an old criticism upon Suckling's -Aglaura. - - This great _voluminous pamphlet_ may be said, - To be like one that hath more hair than head. - -Article VI. 1. "Physiologie du Goût: ou Meditations de Gastronomie -Transcendante; Ouvrage Théorique, Historique, et à l'ordre du Jour. -Dédié aux Gastronomes Parisiens. Par un Professeur (M. Brillat -Savarin) Membre de Plusiéurs Sociétés Savantes. 2 tomes, 5me edition, -Paris: 1835." - -2. "The French Cook. A System of Fashionable and Economical Cookery; -adapted to the use of English Families, &c. by Louis Eustace Ude, -ci-devant Cook to Louis XVI, and the Earl of Sefton, &c. &c. &c., 12th -edition, with Appendix &c., London: 1833." - -This article is written in the most exquisite spirit of banter, and is -irresistibly amusing. It commences with a sketch of the history, -present state and _literature_ of cookery! and concludes with a -particular Notice of the books at the head of the article. -"Mirabeau"--says the critic--"used to present Condorcet with _voilà ma -théorie_, and the Abbé Maury with _voilà ma pratique_. We beg leave to -present M. Brillat Savarin as _our_ theory, M. Ude as _our_ practice." -A biographical account of Savarin is introduced--full of wit. Savarin -was Judge of the Court of Cassation, Member of the Legion of Honor, -and of most of the scientific and literary societies of France. His -work consists of "a collection of aphorisms, a dialogue between the -author and a friend as to the expediency of publication, a -biographical notice of the friend, thirty meditations, and a -concluding Miscellany of adventures, inventions, and anecdotes." - -Article VII. 1. "Souvenirs, Impressions, Pensées, et Paysages pendant -un Voyage en Orient, 1832, 1833. Par M. Alphonse de Lamartine, 4 vols. -Paris: 1835." - -2. "A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, &c. By Alphonse de Lamartine, 3 -vols. London: 1835." - -An English translation of Lamartine's Pilgrimage, and even a pirated -Bruselles edition of the original, were read in London before the -publication of the original itself. This is high evidence of the -writer's popularity, at least, however prejudicial it may have proved -to his literary and pecuniary interests. The Remarks in the Review -under consideration are deduced from the English translation, which is -from the pen of Miss Landon. With the exception of the French verses -scattered throughout the work, and which are not very happily rendered -(we should think it impossible to translate them) L. E. L. has -executed her task with much ability--at least so says the Quarterly, -and we believe it. Some singular misconceptions of the meaning of the -original are, however, occasionally met with, and we are at a loss -whether to attribute them to carelessness or an imperfect acquaintance -with the French. The Review cites the following as an instance, and we -have noted several others equally glaring. - - N'attends donc plus de moi ces vers où la pensée - Comme d'un arc sonore avec grace élancée - Et sur deux mots pareils vibrant à l'unisson - Dansent complaisamment aux caprices du son! - Ce froid écho des vers répugne à mon oreille. - - From me expect no more the verse where thought - Glances in grace as from the sounding bow, - When two words vibrating in unison - Complacent dance to the caprice of sound. - Now verse in its cold echo shocks my ear. - -The Review lavishes many compliments upon Lamartine, and enters into a -compendious sketch of his Pilgrimage. - -Article VIII. "Yarrow Revisited and other Poems. By Wm. Wordsworth. -12mo. pp. 349. London, 1835." - -Here is one of those exceedingly rare cases in which a British critic -confines himself strictly to his text--but this is nearly all that can -be said in favor of the Article. A more partial, a more indiscriminate -or fulsome panegyric we never wish to see, and surely "Yarrow -Revisited" is worthy of a better fate. "There is," quoth the Reviewer, -"a spirit of _elegance_ in these poems more prominently and uniformly -prevailing than in any equal portion of Mr. Wordsworth's former works. -We mean an elegance such as Quinctillian ascribes to several of the -Greek and Roman writers--a nobleness of thought and feeling made vocal -in perfectly pure and appropriate language. It struck us, at first, as -an odd remark of Coleridge's, that Goethe and Wordsworth were -something alike, but &c. &c." Heaven save us from our friends! - -Article IX.--1. "Rough Leaves from a Journal kept in Spain and -Portugal. By Lieut. Col. Badcock, 8vo. London: 1835." - -2. "Recollections of a few days spent with the Queen's Army in Spain, -in September 1833, 12mo. (privately printed,) London: 1835." - -3. "Recollections of a visit to the Monasteries of Alcobaça, and -Batalha. By the author of Vathek, 8vo. London: 1835, pp. 228." - -Colonel Badcock's book is favorably noticed. This Officer was sent to -the Peninsula, by Earl Grey's Ministry, for the purpose of -transmitting exact intelligence to the government at home. In the -discharge of this mission, he traversed the greater part of Spain, was -present at the siege of Oporto, and attended Don Pedro to the camp -before Santarem. His "Rough Leaves" are the result. From the work -whose title appears in the second place large extracts are made, all -of a highly amusing nature. The _critique_ concludes with a brief -complimentary notice of Mr. Beckford's 'Recollections,' which are -excessively overpraised. - -Article X.--1. "First Report of the Commissioners {63} appointed to -inquire into the Municipal Corporations of England and Wales, 1835." - -2. "Protest of Sir Francis Palgrave, against the First Report, &c. -1835." - -3. "Observations on the Principles to be adopted in the Establishment -of new Municipalities, the Reform of Ancient Corporations, and the -Cheap Administration of Justice. By Sir Francis Palgrave, K. H. -London: 1833." This is a violent party-paper, and abounds in -misrepresentation. One of its passages is forcible enough. "The first -step in this extraordinary affair, (the plan of Municipal Reform) was -in itself most extraordinary. A commission was issued under the Great -Seal of England, with powers and for purposes now confessed to have -been illegal!... The town-clerk of a petty borough, discomfited the -Lord High Chancellor of England, on a point of law, of his Lordship's -own raising, within his own special jurisdiction; and for the very -first time, we believe, since the days of James and Jeffries, a -commission under the Great Seal of England was _convicted of -illegality_." - -Article XI. "Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honorable Sir James -Mackintosh. Edited by his son, Robert James Mackintosh, Esq. 2 vols. -8vo. London: 1835." - -This Article we think upon the whole, better toned than the one upon -the same subject, in the Edinburgh. It characterizes the work as a -most interesting collection of _Mackintoshiana_, although not a good -Life. Sir James is very justly styled an "idealogical writer, who, -treating of human affairs, prefers to deal with _thoughts_, rather -than _things_." - - -NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW. - -_The North American Review. No. LXXXIX--Vol. XLI. For October 1835. -Boston: Charles Bowen._ - -It is now very generally known that Mr. Palfrey has become the editor -of this Review, and the present number is the first issued since the -announcement of the new arrangement. It is difficult to speak of a -work like this as a whole. Particular articles strike us as being very -good--some are worthless. We will briefly notice them one by one. - -Article I. "Life of Jehudi Ashmun, late Colonial Agent in Liberia. -With an Appendix, containing Extracts from his Journal and other -Writings; and a brief Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Lott Carey. By -Ralph Randolph Gurley. Washington." - -"The capacities of Ashmun's character were such," says the Reviewer, -"that had he lived in any age or country, (pray, did he _not_ live in -any age or country?) their energy must have hurried them into -development as inevitably as the waters flow to the sea." All this we -are willing to believe, and also that the man in question was a noble -martyr in the cause of African colonization. We doubt, however, if -there are not a crowd of books daily issuing unnoticed from the press, -of far more general interest, and consequently more worthy the -attention of our leading Review than even _The Life of Ashmun_. We -shall soon, perhaps, have a Life of some Cuffy the Great, by Solomon -Sapient; and then the North American will feel itself bound to devote -one half of its pages to that important publication. In expressing -ourselves thus, we mean not the slightest disrespect to either Ashmun -or his Biographer. But the _critique_ is badly written, and its -enthusiasm _outré_ and disproportionate. - -Article II.--1. "Ward's Law of Nations. 8vo. 2 vols. 1795." - -2. "Vattel's Law of Nations, by Chitty, 8vo. 1829." - -This is an excellent essay--a practical exposition of the source and -character of the Law International, and for which the works -above-mentioned afford the _materiel_. A few articles similar to this -would at once redeem the reputation of American critical literature. -Our position in regard to France, gives to this review, at this -moment, additional interest. - -Article III. "Matthias and his Impostures, or the Progress of -Fanaticism. Illustrated in the Extraordinary Case of Robert Matthews, -and some of his Forerunners and Disciples. By W. L. Stone. 12mo. New -York, 1835." - -The critic here adopts the very just opinion that Matthias had formed -himself and his creed designedly upon the model of John of Leyden. We -think it probable that the impostor, who was grossly ignorant, may -have seen an account of the proceedings at Munster in some popular -historical work, and formed his own conduct accordingly. The leader of -the fanatics at Munster was _Matthias_, a baker. Matthews called -himself _Matthias_. The former had his Rothman and Knipperdoling, men -of respectable family and some consideration--the latter had his -Pierson and Folger, men similarly circumstanced. Rothman and -Knipperdoling were invested with an authority which was merely -nominal. It was the same with Pierson and Folger. John had his Mount -Zion at Munster, and Matthews his Mount Zion at Sing-Sing. The Review -gives a digest of Stone's book, and is very entertaining. - -Article IV. "Scriptores Rerum Mythicarum Latini tres, Romæ nuper -Reperti. Ad fidem codicum M.S.S. Guelferbytanorum, Gottingensis, -Gothani, et Parisiensis, Integriores edidit ac Scholiis illustravit -Dr. Georgius Henricus Bode, Ordinis Philos. Gotting. Assessor, -Societatis literar. quæ Cantabrigiæ Americanorum floret Socius. -Celles, 1834." - -Angelo Maio discovered and published, about three years ago, the works -of three Roman writers, supposed by him to be Leontius, Placidus, and -Hyginus, who flourished about the close of the fourth century, or as -the Review incorrectly states, after the commencement of the fifth. -The work criticised in the present article is a new edition of Maio's -publication, improved by the collation of MSS. at Wolfenbuttel, -Gottingen, Gotha, and Paris. Dr. Bode, a scholar of high reputation, -and who resided for some time in a New England literary institution, -is the editor. The reviewer speaks of the Latinity as simple and easy, -and, for the most part, classical in construction. - -Article V.--1. "A Lecture on the Working Men's Party, first delivered -October 6th, before the Charlestown Lyceum, and published at their -request. By Edward Everett. Boston, 1830." - -2. "An Oration delivered before the Trades' Union of Boston and -Vicinity, on Fort Hill, on the Fifty-eighth Anniversary of American -Independence. By Frederick Robinson. Boston, 1834." - -3. "The Rights of Industry, addressed to the Working Men of the United -Kingdom. By the Author of 'The Results of Machinery.' Philadelphia, -1832." - -{64} The Reviewer here commences with what we consider a _naïve_ -acknowledgment, viz: that he has not selected the works whose titles -are placed at the head of this article because they are recent, or -unknown, but merely with the view of directing public attention to the -subject of which they treat. The Essay, however, is an excellent one, -and shows in a forcible manner, by a rapid comparative view of the -condition of the laboring classes in our own and other countries, how -few just causes of complaint exist among our 'working people.' - -Article VI. "The Ministry for the Poor. A Discourse delivered before -the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches in Boston, on their first -anniversary, April 9th, 1835. By William E. Channing. Boston, 1835." - -The North American, in its last number, considered Southey a fine -writer, but Washington Irving a much finer, and indeed 'the best -living writer of English prose:' having, however, to review Mr. -Channing in the present number, its opinions are conveniently modified -to suit the occasion, and _now_ the English of William E. Channing is -declared _coram populo_ to be 'equally _elegant_, and a little more -pure, correct, and pointed than that of Mr. Irving.' There is surely -something very absurd in all this. Mr. Irving is a fine writer, and -so, beyond doubt, is Mr. Channing--but the Review seems perseveringly -bent upon making the public think otherwise. What does the critic mean -too by the assertion that Coleridge's reputation is greater in America -than in England, and that he possesses _very slender_ claims to the -distinction of the first philosopher of his age? We should like to see -some direct evidence of what the Reviewer has so roundly asserted, -viz: that "Coleridge shews an almost total want of precision and -clearness of thought." The works of the man are before the public, and -we greatly prefer proof to assertion. We think this whole paper -exceedingly silly. - -Article VII. "A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History. -By William Swainson. London, 1834." - -We have not seen Swainson's work, and of course can say nothing about -it--the present article however, which professes to be, but is not, a -Review of it, we pronounce excellent indeed. It must be read to be -thoroughly appreciated. - -Article VIII.--1. "Poems. By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. Philadelphia, -1834." - -2. "Poems. By Miss H. F. Gould. Boston, 1835." - -The only fault we have with this _critique_ is, that it hardly does -justice to the noble talents of Mrs. Sigourney. Something more, we -think, might have been said, and said with perfect truth. Miss Gould -is more fairly dealt with, but nevertheless the criticism does not -appear to come from the heart of a poet. Some incidental remarks upon -Miss Sedgwick are highly complimentary and exceedingly just. Mrs. -Sigourney's first publication was reviewed in the North American about -twenty years ago. She was then Miss Huntley. - -Article IX. "Sartor Resartus: in three Books. Reprinted for friends, -from Fraser's Magazine. London, 1834." - -The North American might have been better employed than in reviewing -this book--even although it be "no secret in England or here that it -is the work of a person to whom the public is indebted for a number of -articles in the late British Reviews." The book purports to be a -commentary (the author incog.) on a late work on the Philosophy of -Dress, by Dr. Diogenes Teufelsdroeckh, Professor of the Science of -Things in General, at the University of Weissnichtwo in Germany; and -the Reviewer thinks it necessary to enter into some pages of -discussion, in order to convince his readers that Professor -Teufelsdroeckh and his book are both _a hum_. We think the whole -_critique_ a hum of the worst order, viz: a hum unintentional. We will -venture to bet that the meaning (if there be any) of the Sartor -Resartus has only the two faults of the steed in Joe Miller. In the -first place, it is hard to catch. In the second place it is worth -nothing when caught. - -Article X. "A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of -the English Language; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, -Scripture, and Modern Geographical Names. By J. E. Worcester. -Carefully revised and enlarged. Boston, 1835." - -This is a valuable work, and the writer of the _critique_ upon it -seems fully aware of its many excellences. Mr. Worcester has based his -Dictionary upon those of Johnson and Walker, but has given six -thousand more words than are found in the Critical Pronouncing -Dictionary of the latter. A large number of terms purely technical are -given with their meanings--many foreign words, also, in familiar use. - -Article XI.--1. "A Narrative of the Visit to the American Churches, by -the Deputation from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By -Andrew Reed, D.D. and James Matheson, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835." - -2. "Four Years in Great Britain. By Calvin Colton. 2 vols. 12mo. New -York, 1835." - -Dr. Reed's book is reviewed calmly and with strict impartiality--the -reviewer allowing that the Dr. writes with energy when his attention -is fully aroused. This, perhaps, is his chief merit. Of Colton's work -little is said. "His adventures," observes the critic, "are very well -described, and though in some of them he gives too much prominence to -his own doubts and fears, still, if the whole had been written in the -same manner, it would have insured the work a greater popularity than -it is likely to gain." His account of O'Connell is highly praised. - - -CRAYON MISCELLANY. - -_The Crayon Miscellany. By the Author of the Sketch Book. No. -3--Containing Legends of the Conquest of Spain. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard._ - -We feel it almost an act of supererogation to speak of this book, -which is long since in the hands of every American who has leisure for -reading at all. The matter itself is deeply interesting, but, as -usual, its chief beauty is beauty of style. The Conquest of Spain by -the Saracens, an event momentous in the extreme, is yet enveloped, as -regards the motives and actions of the principal _dramatis personæ_ in -triple doubt and confusion. To snatch from this uncertainty a few -striking and picturesque legends, possessing, at the same time, some -absolute portion of verity, and to adorn them in his own magical -language is all that Mr. Irving has done in the present instance. But -that he has done this little well it is needless to say. He does not -claim for the Legends the authenticity of history properly so -called,--yet all are partially _facts_, and however extravagant {65} -some may appear, they will all, to use the words of the author -himself, "be found in the works of sage and reverend chroniclers of -yore, growing side by side with long acknowledged truths, and might be -supported by learned and imposing references in the margin." Were we -to instance any one of the narratives as more beautiful than the rest, -it would be _The Story of the Marvellous and Portentous Tower_. - - -GODWIN'S NECROMANCY. - -_Lives of the Necromancers: or an Account of the Most Eminent Persons -in Successive Ages, who have claimed for themselves, or to whom has -been imputed by others, the Exercise of Magical Power. By William -Godwin, Author of "Caleb Williams," &c. New York: Published by Harper -& Brothers._ - -The name of the author of Caleb Williams, and of St. Leon, is, with -us, a word of weight, and one which we consider a guarantee for the -excellence of any composition to which it may be affixed. There is -about all the writings of Godwin, one peculiarity which we are not -sure that we have ever seen pointed out for observation, but which, -nevertheless, is his chief idiosyncrasy--setting him peculiarly apart -from all other _literati_ of the day. We allude to an air of mature -thought--of deliberate premeditation pervading, in a remarkable -degree, even his most common-place observations. He never uses a -hurried expression, or hazards either an ambiguous phrase, or a -premature opinion. His style therefore is highly artificial; but the -extreme finish and proportion always observable about it, render this -artificiality, which in less able hands would be wearisome, in him a -grace inestimable. We are never tired of his terse, nervous, and -sonorous periods--for their terseness, their energy, and even their -melody, are made, in all cases, subservient to the sense with which -they are invariably fraught. No English writer, with whom we have any -acquaintance, with the single exception of Coleridge, has a fuller -appreciation of the value of _words_; and none is more nicely -discriminative between closely-approximating meanings. - -The avowed purpose of the volume now before us is to exhibit a wide -view of human credulity. "To know"--says Mr. Godwin--"the things that -are not, and cannot be, but have been imagined and believed, is the -most curious chapter in the annals of man." _In extenso_ we differ -with him. - - There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, - Than are dreamt of in thy philosophy. - -There are many things, too, in the great circle of human experience, -more curious than even the records of human credulity--but that they -form one of the most curious chapters, we were at all times ready to -believe, and had we been in any degree skeptical, the _Lives of the -Necromancers_ would have convinced us. - -Unlike the work of Brewster, the Necromancy of Mr. Godwin is not a -Treatise on Natural Magic. It does not pretend to show the _manner_ in -which delusion acts upon mankind--at all events, this is not the -_object_ of the book. The design, if we understand it, is to display -in their widest extent, the great range and wild extravagancy of the -imagination of man. It is almost superfluous to say that in this he -has fully succeeded. His compilation is an invaluable work, evincing -much labor and research, and full of absorbing interest. The only -drawback to the great pleasure which its perusal has afforded us, is -found in the author's unwelcome announcement in the Preface, that for -the present he winds up his literary labors with the production of -this book. The pen which wrote Caleb Williams, should never for a -moment be idle. - -Were we to specify any article, in the Necromancy, as more -particularly interesting than another, it would be the one entitled -'Faustus.' The prevalent idea that Fust the printer, and Faustus the -magician, were identical, is here very properly contradicted. - - -REV. D. L. CARROLL'S ADDRESS. - -_Inaugural Address of the Rev. D. L. Carroll, D.D. President of -Hampden Sidney College, delivered on his induction into that office. -Published by request of the Board of Trustees. Richmond: T. W. White, -1835._ - -The friends of literature in Virginia have lately been favored with -several Inaugural Addresses, each of which has had its peculiar -merits. It is only of that whose title has just been given, that we -intend to speak. In the correspondence which is prefixed to this -Address, we learn that it was "prepared with great haste, amidst -anxieties and efforts to regain health, and amidst all the inquietudes -of journeying and absence from home." Apologies are seldom worth the -time spent in making or reading them. Generally, an author who prints -his production may be supposed to consider it of some value. To make -an apology, then, similar to that of Mr. Carroll, is but a modest way -of hinting that, with a fair trial, the writer could have done much -better. On the whole we _wish_ that there had been no apology; for the -Address needs none. It is not our purpose to give an outline of this -discourse, or enter into a critical examination of its merits--for -merits it has. We wish merely to call the attention of the reader to a -few extracts, hoping that a perusal of these will induce him to -procure and read the whole Address for himself. The first of these -extracts is on a subject too long overlooked, and too much neglected -in all our schools. We refer to social qualities. On this subject the -author's ideas are just and timely. He says: - -"Every literary institution ought to aim at such a well regulated -intercourse amongst its students as would inspire them with a -dignified self-respect--as would cause them, even in retirement, to -conduct themselves with that delicacy and deference to each other's -feelings that become a high-minded and honorable company of gentlemen -associated in the pursuit of learning. They ought also, under proper -restrictions, to mingle occasionally in the best circles of society -around them. Neither their morals, their manners, nor their studies -would suffer from that evolution and play of the social powers to -which such an intercourse would give rise. I know indeed that a -certain degree of awkward reserve, and bluntness of manners, and -recklessness of dress have, in some minds, become almost inseparably -associated with genius. But a moment's reflection may convince any one -that it requires no very extraordinary endowments from the Creator, to -enable a man, after a little practice, to become a _clown_ in his -manners and a _sloven_ in his apparel. Let it not be supposed, -however, that in thus contending for the development of the social -powers and cultivable graces of our nature, we countenance the -contemptible littleness of dandyism. The mere dandy we despise as a -thing whose definition the great American lexicographer has given in -the following appropriate terms--'a male of the human species who -dresses himself like a doll, and carries his character on his back.' -Between the peculiarities of such a creature and the dignified -refinement and suavity of the educated gentleman, it were odious to -institute a comparison. It {66} is the latter to which regard is to be -had in a course of education. All that we contend for is, that the -youthful mind should be inspired with a deep consciousness of the -existence and the worth of those social powers and kindly sympathies -within itself, which bind it indissolubly to its species, and should -be led to regard their development and culture as a _necessary_ part -of its preparation for future life." - -We are no less pleased with the following sentiments on the subject of -the moral influences that should pervade a College. - -"The great question is yet to be decided--_What influence our educated -men will have on the moral destinies of this nation!_ A question -involving all those dear and mighty interests which bind us in hope to -this and to a future world. With such a question pending, I tremble -for the safety of my country, and blush for its reputation for sound -philosophy, when I reflect that here an attempt has been made to break -up the alliance between learning and religion, and to sever our -literary institutions from the practical influence of a pure -Christianity. I am happy to know that this _is not_ to be the order of -things in Hampden Sydney. I am not called to take the helm without a -chart or compass. And I never shall embark on a voyage of such perils -unless I can nail the Bible to the mast. We shall avoid all mere -proselytism and the inculcation of minor sectarian peculiarities. But -we shall _strenuously endeavor_ so to develope, and discipline, and -adapt to action the moral powers of youth, that, appreciating highly -their own immortal interests, they shall go out hence on the highways -of society a chosen band, clothed in the panoply of heaven to act as -_the lifeguards_ of the virtue, order, and common Christianity of -their country." - -The conclusion of Mr. Carroll's Address is full of fervid eloquence, -rendered doubly interesting by a vein of that truest of all -philosophy, the philosophy of the Christian. In the two last -paragraphs sentiments are expressed, which at their delivery must have -produced a strong sensation. Such indeed we learn from those present -on the occasion, was their effect. - -"It well becomes _me_ to tread with modest and tremulous steps in a -path consecrated by the luminous career of such men as the brothers -Smith, an Alexander, a Hoge, and a Cushing. 'There were giants in the -earth in those days--mighty men, even men of renown.' But they have -gone, as we trust, to adorn higher spheres of usefulness and glory, -and to shine in the firmament of God: whilst the radiance of their -characters, still not lost to earth, lingers, like the setting -sun-beams, on the high places of Hampden Sydney. They have _all_ gone -save one, at whose feet, as the Gamaliel of the Church, it has been my -distinguished privilege to sit, and to whose masterly management of -the young mind I am much indebted for whatever of mental furniture I -possess. I enter upon my duties, however diffident, with the -unblenching purpose of doing what I _can_ to promote the best -interests of the Institution over which I am called to preside. True, -with a body and a mind partially wrecked by the arduous labors of past -years and by successive attacks of prolonged illness, I cannot promise -much. But I come to the performance of my new duties cheerfully, and -with the frankness and integrity of a man in _sober earnest_ to do -what I can. - -"Knowing and admiring, as I always have done, the noble generosity of -the Virginian character, I throw myself unreservedly upon the -clemency, and I expect the prompt, cordial, _efficient_ co-operation -of this honorable Board of Trustees. I do more. With a heart still -bleeding under a recent and final separation from that beloved people, -whose sympathies and prayers have been the solace of my past life for -years, I throw myself upon the kindness of this privileged Christian -community. Most gladly would I find a _home_ in their affections. Most -devoutly do I hope for and desire the sustaining influence of _their_ -sympathies and of _their_ supplications to heaven in my behalf and in -behalf of this Institution. Let all the pious and prayerful join with -me to-day, in a renewed consecration of this College to God, under the -deep conviction that 'except the Lord keep the city the watchman -waketh but in vain.' With such for my allies, and God as my help, I -shall enter on my labors with the assurance that the inspiriting -motto--'_nil desperandum est_'--is far more applicable to Hampden -Sydney than it was to the republic of Rome in the zenith of her -glory." - - -EULOGIES ON MARSHALL. - -1. _Judge Story's Discourse_. 2. _Binney's Eulogium_. - -We have received Mr. Binney's EULOGY pronounced at Philadelphia, and -Judge Story's DISCOURSE in Boston, upon our great and lamented -countryman, fellow-townsman, neighbor, and _friend_--for by all these -names did a fortuitous conjuncture of circumstances, including his own -kind and prideless heart, entitle us to call him. We have read them -both, with an interest _created_ by long admiration and love for the -subject, but rendered more intense by the beauties of the _manner_, in -which the subject is displayed. We do not say, '_materiem superat -opus_.' To _such_ a material, no human skill could be incommensurately -great: and Mr. Binney speaks with no less truth than modesty, in -making it the consolation alike of the humblest, and of the most -gifted eulogist, "that the case of this illustrious man is one, in -which _to give with simplicity the record of his life_," is most -nearly to copy "the great original;" and to attempt more, "is - - ... 'with taper light - To seek the beauteous eye _of Heaven to garnish_.'" - -But except Everett among the living, and Wirt and Ames among the -departed of our countrymen, we doubt if any American, with the -effusions of whose mind we are familiar, could have more closely -rivalled by language the character and the actions attempted to be -portrayed. - -It is not our purpose now to review these two eulogies. A more -extended notice of them, and of their great subject, we defer for our -next number; in which we shall, perhaps, give also a few light -personal reminiscences of Judge Marshall. - - -MINOR'S ADDRESS. - -_An Address on Education, as connected with the Permanence of our -Republican Institutions. Delivered before the Institute of Education -of Hampden Sidney College, at its Anniversary Meeting, September the -24th, 1835, on the invitation of that Body. By Lucian Minor, Esq. of -Louisa. Published by request of the Institute._ - -We earnestly call the attention of the public at large, but more -especially the attention of all good citizens of Virginia, to the -Address with whose title this article is headed. It will be found -entire in the columns of the Messenger--but its appearance, likewise, -in pamphlet form, simultaneously with the issuing of the present -number, affords us an opportunity of noticing it editorially without -deviating from established rules. - -Virginia is indebted to Mr. Minor--indebted for the seasonable -application of his remarks, and doubly indebted for the brilliant -eloquence, and impressive energy with which he has enforced them. We -sincerely wish--nay, we even confidently hope, that words so full of -warning, and at the same time so pregnant with truth, may succeed in -stirring up something akin to action in the legislative halls of the -land. Indeed there is no time to squander in speculation. The most -lukewarm friend of the State must perceive--if he perceives any -thing--that the glory of the Ancient Dominion is in a fainting--is in -a dying condition. Her once great name is becoming, in the North, a -bye-word for imbecility--all over the South, a type for "the things -that _have_ {67} _been_." And tamely to ponder upon times gone by is -not to meet the exigencies of times present or to come. Memory will -not help us. The recollection of our former high estate will not -benefit us. Let us act. While we have a resource let us make it of -avail. Let us proceed, at once, to the establishment throughout the -country, of _district schools_, upon a plan of organization similar to -that of our New England friends. If then, in time, Virginia shall be -regenerated--if she shall, hereafter, assume, as is just, that proud -station from which her own supine and over-weening self-esteem has -been the means of precipitating her, "it will all be owing," (we take -pleasure in repeating the noble and prophetic words of Mr. Minor,) "it -will all be owing, under Providence, to the hearkening to that -voice--not loud, but solemn and earnest--which from the shrine of -Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and enforces -the momentous precept--'ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE.'" - - -LEGENDS OF A LOG CABIN. - -_Legends of a Log Cabin. By a Western Man. New York: George Dearborn, -Publisher._ - -We have been much interested in this book in spite of some very -glaring faults and absurdities with which it is besprinkled. The work -is dedicated to Charles F. Hoffman, Esq. the author of _A Winter in -the West_, (why will our writers persist in this piece of starched and -antique affectation?) and consists of seven Tales, viz. _The Hunter's -Vow_, _The Heiress of Brandsby_, _The Frenchman's Story_, _The -Englishman's Story_, _The Yankee's Story_, _The Wyandot's Story_, and -the _Minute Men_. The plot will be readily conceived. A heterogeneous -company are assembled by accident, on a snowy night, in the Log Cabin -of a Western hunter, and, _pour passer le temps_, amuse themselves in -telling Stories. - -_The Hunter's Vow_ is, we think, the best of the series. A dreamy -student who can never be induced to forsake his books for the more -appropriate toils of a backwoods' existence, is suddenly aroused from -his apathy by the murder of his old father by an Indian--a murder -which takes place under the scholar's own eyes, and which might have -been prevented but for his ignorance in the art of handling and -loading a rifle. The entire change wrought in the boy's character is -well managed. The _Heiress of Brandsby_ is a tale neither so -verisimilar, nor so well told. It details the love of a Virginian -heiress for a Methodist of no very enticing character; and concludes -by the utter subversion, through the means of all powerful love, of -the lady's long cherished notions of aristocracy. The _Frenchman's -Story_ has appeared before in the American Monthly Magazine. It is a -well imagined and well executed tale of the French Revolution. The -fate of M. Girond "_who left town suddenly_," is related with that air -of naked and unvarnished truth so apt to render even a silly narrative -interesting. The _Englishman's Story_ is a failure--full of such -palpable folly that we have a difficulty in ascribing it to the same -pen which wrote the other portions of the volume. The whole tale -betrays a gross ignorance of law in general--and of English law in -especial. The _Yankee's Story_ is much better--but not very good. We -have our doubts as to the genuine Yankeeism of the narrator. His -language, at all events, savors but little of _Down East_. The -_Wyandot's Story_ is also good (this too has appeared in the American -Monthly Magazine)--but we have fault to find, likewise, with the -phraseology in this instance. No Indian, let Chateaubriand and others -say what they please, ever indulged, for a half hour at a time, in the -disjointed and hyperbolical humbug here attributed to the Wyandot. The -_Minute Men_ is the last of the series, and from its being told by the -author himself, is, we suppose, considered by him the best. It is a -tale of the year seventy-five--but, although interesting, we do not -think it equal to either _The Frenchman's Story_ or _The Hunter's -Vow_. We recommend the volume to the attention of our readers. It is -excellently gotten up. - - -TRAITS OF AMERICAN LIFE. - -_Traits of American Life. By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Editor of "The -American Ladies' Magazine," and Author of "Northwood," "Flora's -Interpreter," &c. &c. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey, and A. Hart._ - -This volume is beautifully printed--and we are happy in being able to -say, conscientiously, that its neat external appearance is its very -least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the -Preface--can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Sketches -and Stories here offered to the public"--says Mrs. Hale--"have not -entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor--but the -author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles -illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean -to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if -so, she should have said it more explicitly)--or does she allude -merely to novelty of manner or of matter? We think that some of these -sketches are old acquaintances of ours. - -The volume consists of fourteen different articles. The Lloyds--The -Catholic Convert--The Silver Mine--Political Parties--A New Year's -Story--Captain Glover's Daughter--The Fate of a Favorite--The Romance -of Travelling--The Thanksgiving of the Heart--The Lottery Ticket--An -Old Maid--Ladies' Fairs--The Mode--and The Mysterious Box. The Silver -Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole--but they are all written with -grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale -has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America, -and bids fair to attain a far higher. - - -WESTERN SKETCHES. - -_Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the West. By James Hall. -Philadelphia: Harrison Hall._ - -Mr. Hall has made himself extensively known by his Tales and Legends, -as well as by his labors in the editorship of the _Western Monthly -Magazine_. From his long residence in the West, and from his undoubted -abilities as a writer, we should suppose he would be excellently -qualified to write precisely such a book as he has written. His object -in the present publication seems to be not so much the furnishing of -topographical or statistical details, as the sketching of character -and life in the West, _prior to the close of the late war_. To those -who are at all acquainted with Mr. Hall, or with Mr. Hall's writings, -it is superfluous to say that the book is well written. Wild romance -and exciting adventure form its staple. - -{68} The policy of our government in regard to the Aborigines is -detailed in the commencement of the first volume--the latter portion -is occupied with the manners and customs of the French in the great -valley of the Mississippi, and with the adventures of the white -settlers on the Ohio. The second volume is more varied, and, we think, -by far more interesting. It treats, among other things, of Burr's -conspiracy--of the difficulties experienced in Mississippi navigation, -and of the various military operations carried on in the wilderness of -the North West. An Appendix, at the end of the book, embraces some -papers relative to the first settlement of Kentucky--none of which -have hitherto been published. We confidently recommend to our readers -the Western Sketches of Mr. Hall, in the full anticipation of their -finding in the book a fund both of information and amusement. - - -AMERICAN ALMANAC. - -_The American Almanac, and Repository of Useful Knowledge, for the -year 1836. Boston: Published by Charles Bowen._ - -This is the seventh number of this invaluable work. Its editor, from -the first year of its publication, is understood to have been J. E. -Worcester, Esq. the indefatigable author and compiler of a number of -works requiring great industry, perseverance, and talent. Nearly -twenty years ago he became known to the public by his Universal -Gazetteer, a second edition of which, at the present time, we agree -with the North American Review in thinking would be highly acceptable -to the public. Mr. Worcester has also published a Gazetteer of the -United States--The Elements of Geography--the Elements of History--The -Historical Atlas--an Edition of Johnson's Dictionary, as improved by -Todd and abridged by Chalmers--an Abridgment of the American -Dictionary of Dr. Webster--and, lastly, A Comprehensive Pronouncing -and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language, with Pronouncing -Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and Modern Geographical -Names--all of them works of intrinsic merit. - -The American Almanac has long had a well-established reputation, and -Mr. Worcester is understood to have prepared, invariably, all of its -valuable contents with the exception of the astronomical department. -When we consider the great variety of topics treated of, and the -extreme difficulty of procuring accurate information in relation to -many of them, we must all admire the energy of the editor in having -brought the work to its present high state of perfection and utility. -We know of no publication of the kind more fully entitled to be called -"A Repository of Useful Knowledge." - -The Almanac for 1836 contains the usual Register of the General and -State Governments, together with a vast amount of statistical and -miscellaneous matter; but "it is more particularly characterized by an -account of the principal Benevolent Institutions in the United States, -and a view of the Ecclesiastical Statistics of the Religious -Denominations." - -We believe that no work of an equal extent in America contains as much -important statistical information as the seven volumes of the American -Almanac. We are happy to learn that complete sets of the publication -can still be obtained. - - -CLINTON BRADSHAW. - -_Clinton Bradshaw; or The Adventures of a Lawyer. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard._ - -We have no doubt this book will be a favorite with many readers--but -for our own parts we do not like it. While the author aims at -originality, and evidently fancies himself the pioneer of a new region -in fictitious literature, he has, we think, unwittingly stumbled upon -that very worst species of imitation, _the paraphrasical_. _Clinton -Bradshaw, or the Adventures of a Lawyer_, is intended, we humbly -conceive, as a _pendant_, in America, to _Henry Pelham, or the -Adventures of a Gentleman_, in England. There are, however, some -little awkward discrepancies. When Pelham luxuriates in the -drawing-room, and Bradshaw is obstreperous in the tavern, no ingenuity -can sustain a parallel. The polished manners of the one are not -equalled by even the self-polished pumps of the other. When the -British hero is witty and _recherché_, the American fails to rival him -by merely trying to be both. The exquisite's conversation is sentiment -itself, and we have no stomach afterwards for the lawyer's sentiment -and water. - -"The plan of this novel," says a correspondent of a contemporary -Magazine, for whose _editorial_ opinions we have the highest respect, -"is exceedingly simple, and the moral it unfolds, if not of the most -elevated kind, is still useful and highly applicable to our existing -state of society. It is the story of a young lawyer of limited means, -and popular talents, whose ambition urges him to elevate himself by -all the honorable methods in his power. His professional pursuits lead -him among the coarsest criminals, while his political career brings -him in contact with the venal and corrupt of all parties. But true -alike to himself and the community of which he is a member, the stern -principles of a republican, and the uncompromising spirit of a -gentleman, are operative under all circumstances." These words we -quote as affording, in a brief space, some idea of the plot of Clinton -Bradshaw. We repeat, however, that we dislike the novel, considered -_as a novel_. Some detached passages are very good. The chief -excellence of the book consists in a certain Flemish caricaturing of -vulgar habitudes and action. The whole puts us irresistibly in mind of -_High Life below Stairs_. Its author is, we understand, a gentleman of -Cincinnati. - - -ENGLISH ANNUALS. - -_Friendship's Offering and Winter's Wreath for 1836_--a beautiful -_souvenir_. The literary portion unusually good. The tale of _The -Countess_, by Mrs. Norton, is the best article in the book. The -embellishments are mostly of a high order. Plate No. 7--The Countess, -engraved by H. T. Ryall, from an original painting by E. T. Parris, is -exquisite indeed--unsurpassed by any plate within our knowledge. - -_The Forget Me Not for 1836, edited by Shoberl_, is, perhaps, superior -to the Winter's Wreath in pictorial, although slightly inferior in -literary merit. _All_ the engravings here are admirable. - -_Fisher's Drawing-Room Scrap-Book for 1836, edited by L. E. L._ is, in -typographical beauty, unrivalled.--The literary portion of the work is -but _so so_, although written nearly altogether by L. E. L. These -Annuals may all be obtained, in Richmond, at the bookstore of Mr. C. -Hall. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 64767 *** diff --git a/old/64767-h/64767-h.htm b/old/64767-h/64767-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 5e2dada..0000000 --- a/old/64767-h/64767-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8874 +0,0 @@ - -<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> - -<html> -<head> - <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> - <title>The Project Gutenberg e-Book of The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 1, December 1835, by Various</title> - <style type="text/css"> - <!-- - body {margin:10%; text-align:justify} - h1 {text-align:center} - h2 {text-align:center} - h3 {text-align:center} - h4 {text-align:center} - h5 {text-align:center} - .pagenum {position:absolute; left:92%; text-align:right;} --> - </style> -</head> -<body> -<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 64767 ***</div> -<center>THE</center> -<h2>SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER:</h2> -<center>DEVOTED TO</center> -<h3>EVERY DEPARTMENT OF</h3> -<h1>LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS.</h1> -<br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem1"> - <tr><td><small>Au gré de nos desirs bien plus qu'au gré des vents. </small></td></tr> - <tr><td align="right"><small><i>Crebillon's Electre</i>.</small></td></tr> - <tr><td><small> </small></td></tr> - <tr><td><small>As <i>we</i> will, and not as the winds will.</small></td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<center><small>RICHMOND:<br> -T. W. WHITE, PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR.<br> -1835-6.</small></center> -<br><br><br><br> -<h3>CONTENTS OF VOLUME II, NUMBER 1</h3> - -<p><a href="#sect01">P<small>UBLISHER'S</small> N<small>OTICE</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect02">S<small>KETCHES OF THE</small> H<small>ISTORY</small> and -Present Condition of Tripoli, with some accounts of the other -Barbary States (No. IX)</a>: by R. G.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect03">O<small>CTOBER</small></a>: by Eliza</p> - -<p><a href="#sect04">M<small>OTHER AND</small> C<small>HILD</small></a>: by Imogene</p> - -<p><a href="#sect05">L<small>INES</small> written on one of the blank leaves of a book -sent to a friend in England.</a>: by Imogene</p> - -<p><a href="#sect06">T<small>HE</small> B<small>ROKEN</small> H<small>EART</small></a>: by Eliza</p> - -<p><a href="#sect07">H<small>ALLEY'S</small> C<small>OMET</small>—1760</a>: by Miss E. Draper</p> - -<p><a href="#sect08">E<small>XTRACTS FROM MY</small> M<small>EXICAN</small> J<small>OURNAL</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect09">S<small>CENES FROM AN</small> U<small>NPUBLISHED</small> D<small>RAMA</small></a>: by Edgar A. Poe</p> - -<p><a href="#sect10">L<small>OGIC</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect11">A<small>N</small> A<small>DDRESS ON</small> E<small>DUCATION</small>, as connected with the permanence of our -republican institutions</a>: by Lucian Minor, Esq.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect12">T<small>HE</small> W<small>ISSAHICCON</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect13">L<small>E</small> B<small>RUN</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect14">M<small>EMORY</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect15">T<small>HE</small> C<small>ITY</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect16">M<small>ACEDOINE</small></a>: by the author of Other Things</p> - -<p><a href="#sect17">L<small>IONEL</small> G<small>RANBY</small>, Chapter VI</a>: by Theta</p> - -<p><a href="#sect18">T<small>HE</small> D<small>REAM</small></a>: by Sylvester</p> - -<p><a href="#sect19">MS. F<small>OUND IN A</small> B<small>OTTLE</small></a>: by Edgar A. Poe</p> - -<p><a href="#sect20">A S<small>KETCH</small></a>: by Alex. Lacey Beard, M.D.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect21">G<small>REEK</small> S<small>ONG</small></a>: by P.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect22">S<small>ONNET</small></a>: by * * *</p> - -<p><a href="#sect23">S<small>PECIMENS OF</small> L<small>OVELETTERS</small> in the -Reign of Edward IV</a>: by John Fenn, Esq., M.A. and F. R. S.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect24">M<small>ARCELIA</small></a>: by * * *</p> - -<p><a href="#sect25">T<small>O</small> M<small>IRA</small></a>: by L. A. Wilmer</p> - -<p><a href="#sect26">S<small>TANZAS</small></a>: by Leila</p> - -<p>C<small>RITICAL</small> N<small>OTICES</small><br> - <a href="#sect27">T<small>HE</small> H<small>EROINE</small></a>: -by Eaton Stannard Barrett, Esq.<br> - <a href="#sect28">H<small>AWKS OF</small> -H<small>AWK</small>-H<small>OLLOW</small></a>: by the author of Calavar and the Infidel<br> - <a href="#sect29">P<small>EERAGE AND</small> P<small>EASANTRY</small></a>: -edited by Lady Dacre<br> - <a href="#sect30">E<small>DINBURGH</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. CXXIV, for July 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect31">N<small>UTS TO</small> C<small>RACK</small></a>: -by the author of Facetiæ Cantabrigienses, etc.<br> - <a href="#sect32">R<small>OBINSON'S</small> P<small>RACTICE</small></a>: -by Conway Robinson<br> - <a href="#sect33">M<small>EMOIR OF</small> D<small>R</small>. -R<small>ICE</small></a>: by William Maxwell<br> - <a href="#sect34">L<small>IFE OF</small> D<small>R</small>. -C<small>ALDWELL</small></a>: by Walker Anderson, A.M.<br> - <a href="#sect35">W<small>ASHINGTONII</small> V<small>ITA</small></a>: -by Francis Glass, A.M.<br> - <a href="#sect36">N<small>ORMAN</small> L<small>ESLIE</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect37">T<small>HE</small> L<small>INWOODS</small></a>: -by the author of Hope Leslie, Redwood, etc.<br> - <a href="#sect38">W<small>ESTMINSTER</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. XLV, for July 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect39">L<small>ONDON</small> Q<small>UARTERLY</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. CVII, for July 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect40">N<small>ORTH</small> A<small>MERICAN</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. LXXXIX, for October 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect41">C<small>RAYON</small> M<small>ISCELLANY</small></a>: -by the author of the Sketch Book<br> - <a href="#sect42">G<small>ODWIN'S</small> N<small>ECROMANCY</small></a>: -by William Godwin<br> - <a href="#sect43">R<small>EV</small>. D. L. C<small>ARROLL'S</small> -A<small>DDRESS</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect44">E<small>ULOGIES ON</small> M<small>ARSHALL</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect45">M<small>INOR'S</small> A<small>DDRESS</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect46">L<small>EGENDS OF A</small> L<small>OG</small> -C<small>ABIN</small></a>: by a western man<br> - <a href="#sect47">T<small>RAITS OF</small> A<small>MERICAN</small> -L<small>IFE</small></a>: by Mrs. Sarah J. Hale<br> - <a href="#sect48">W<small>ESTERN</small> S<small>KETCHES</small></a>: -by James Hall<br> - <a href="#sect49">A<small>MERICAN</small> A<small>LMANAC</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect50">C<small>LINTON</small> B<small>RADSHAW</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect51">E<small>NGLISH</small> A<small>NNUALS</small></a></p> -<br> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page1"><small><small>[p. 1]</small></small></a></span> -<br> -<br> -<hr> -<h3>SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER.</h3> -<hr> -<center>V<small>OL</small>. II. RICHMOND, DECEMBER, -1835. N<small>O</small>. 1.</center> -<hr> -<center><small>T. W. WHITE, PROPRIETOR. FIVE -DOLLARS PER ANNUM.</small></center> -<a name="sect01"></a> -<hr> -<br> -<br> -<h3>PUBLISHER'S NOTICE.</h3> -<p> </p> -<table align="left" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Illustration1"> - <tr> - <td width="38"> - <img src="images/pointer.jpg" alt="pointer"> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>The gentleman, referred to in the ninth number of the Messenger, as -filling its editorial chair, retired thence with the eleventh number; -and the intellectual department of the paper is now under the conduct -of the Proprietor, assisted by a gentleman of distinguished literary -talents. Thus seconded, he is sanguine in the hope of rendering the -second volume which the present number commences, <i>at least</i> as -deserving of support as the former was: nay, if he reads aright the -tokens which are given him of the future, it teems with even richer -banquets for his readers, than they have hitherto enjoyed at his -board.</p> - -<p>Some of the contributors, whose effusions have received the largest -share of praise from critics, and (what is better still) have been -read with most pleasure by that larger, unsophisticated class, whom -Sterne loved for reading, and being pleased "they knew not why, and -care not wherefore"—may be expected to continue their favors. Among -these, we hope to be pardoned for singling out the name of Mr. E<small>DGAR</small> -A. P<small>OE</small>; not with design to make any invidious distinction, but because -such a mention of him finds numberless precedents in the journals on -every side, which have rung the praises of his uniquely original vein -of imagination, and of humorous, delicate satire. We wish that decorum -did not forbid our specifying other names also, which would afford -ample guarantee for the fulfilment of larger promises than ours: but -it may not be; and of our other contributors, all we can say is—"by -their fruits ye shall know them."</p> - -<p>It is a part of our present plan, to insert <i>all original -communications</i> as editorial; that is, simply to omit the words "For -the Southern Literary Messenger" at the head of such articles:—unless -the contributor shall especially desire to have that caption prefixed, -or there be something which requires it in the nature of the article -itself. <i>Selected articles</i>, of course, will bear some appropriate -token of their origin.</p> - -<p>With this brief salutation to patrons and readers, we gird up -ourselves for entering upon the work of another year, with zeal and -energy increased, by the recollection of kindness, and by the hopes of -still greater success.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect02"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SKETCHES OF THE HISTORY</h4> -<h5>AND PRESENT CONDITION OF TRIPOLI, WITH SOME ACCOUNTS OF THE OTHER -BARBARY STATES.</h5> -<center>N<small>O</small>. IX.—(Continued.)</center> -<br> -<p>About this period commenced those differences between France and the -Algerine Government, which led to the overthrow of the latter, and the -establishment of the French in Northern Africa; the circumstances -which occasioned the dispute were however of much older date.</p> - -<p>Between 1793 and 1798 the French Government on several occasions -obtained from the Dey and merchants of Algiers, large quantities of -grain on credit, for the subsistence of its armies in Italy, and the -supply of the Southern Department where a great scarcity then -prevailed. The creditors endeavored to have their claims on this -account satisfied by the Directory, but that incapable and rapacious -Government had neither the principle to admit, nor the ability to -discharge such demands; every species of chicanery was in consequence -employed by it in evading them, until the rupture with Turkey produced -by the expedition to Egypt placing the Barbary States either really or -apparently at war with the French Republic, a pretext was thus -afforded for deferring their settlement indefinitely. Under the -Consular <i>regime</i> however, a treaty of peace was concluded with -Algiers on the 17th of December 1801, by the thirteenth article of -which, the Government of each State engaged to cause payment to be -made of all debts due by itself or its subjects to the Government or -subjects of the other; the former political and commercial relations -between the two countries were re-established, and the Dey restored to -France the territories and privileges called the <i>African -Concessions</i>, which had been seized by him on the breaking out of the -war. This treaty was ratified by the Dey on the 5th of April 1802, and -after examination of the claims on both sides, the French Government -acknowledged itself debtor for a large amount to the Jewish mercantile -house of Bacri and Busnach of Algiers, as representing the African -creditors. Of the sum thus acknowledged to be due, only a very small -portion was paid, and the Dey Hadji Ali seeing no other means of -obtaining the remainder, in 1809 seized upon the <i>Concessions;</i> they -were however of little value to France at that time, when her flag was -never seen in the Mediterranean, and their confiscation merely served -as a pretext for withholding farther payment. In 1813, when the star -of Napoleon began to wane, and he found it necessary to assume at -least the appearance of honesty, he declared that measures would be -taken for the adjustment of the Algerine claims; but he fell without -redeeming his promise, and on the distribution of his spoils, the -Jewish merchants had not interest enough to obtain their rightful -portion, which amounted to fourteen millions of francs.</p> - -<p>Upon the return of the Bourbons to the throne of France, the -government of that country became desirous to renew its former -intercourse with the Barbary States, and to regain its ancient -establishments and privileges in their territories, which were -considered important from political as well as commercial motives. For -this purpose, M. Deval a person who was educated in the East and had -been long attached to the French Embassy at Constantinople, was -appointed Consul General of France in Barbary, and sent to Algiers -with powers to negotiate. The first result of this mission, was a -convention which has never been officially published; however in -consequence of it the <i>African Concessions</i> were restored to France, -together with the exclusive right of fishing for coral on the coasts -in their vicinity <span class="pagenum"><a name="page2"><small><small>[p. 2]</small></small></a></span> -and various commercial privileges; in return for -which the French were to pay annually to Algiers, the sum of sixty -thousand francs. It appears also to have been understood between the -parties, that no fortifications were to be erected within the ceded -territories in addition to those already standing, and that -arrangements should be speedily made for the examination and -settlement of all their claims on both sides, not only of those for -which provision was made in the treaty of 1801, but also of such as -were founded on subsequent occurrences; after this mutual adjustment -the treaty of 1801 confirming all former treaties was to be in force.</p> - -<p>The annual sum required by Omar for the <i>Concessions</i>, was much -greater than any which had been previously paid for them by France; -Hussein however immediately on his elevation to the throne, raised it -to two hundred thousand francs, and he moreover declared, that the -debt acknowledged to be due to his subjects must be paid, before any -notice were taken of claims which were still liable to be contested. -In opposition to these demands, the French endeavored to prove their -right to the territories of Calle and Bastion de France by reference -to ancient treaties both with Algiers and the Porte, in which no -mention is made of payment for them; with regard to the claims, they -insisted that the only just mode of settlement, was by admitting into -one statement all the demands which could be established on either -side, and then balancing the account. The Dey however remained firm in -his resolution, and exhibited signs of preparation to expel the French -from the <i>Concessions</i>, when their government yielded the point -concerning the amount to be annually paid.</p> - -<p>A compromise was made respecting the claims between the French -Government and the Agents of the Algerines, on the 28th of October, -1819; as the articles of this agreement have never been published, its -terms are only to be gathered from the declarations of the French -Ministers in the Legislative Chambers, and the semi-official -communications in the <i>Moniteur</i> the organ of the Government. From -these it appears that the French Government acknowledged itself -indebted for the sum of seven millions of francs, to Messrs. Bacri and -Busnach, which was to be received by them in full discharge of claims -on the part of Algiers, under the thirteenth article of the treaty of -1801; from this sum however was to be retained a sufficiency to cover -the demands of French subjects against Algiers under the same article, -which demands were to be substantiated by the Courts of Law of France; -finally, each party was to settle the claims of its own subjects -against the other, founded on occurrences subsequent to the conclusion -of the said treaty. The French historical writers affect to consider -this arrangement entirely as a private affair between their Government -and the Jewish merchants, and indeed the Ministry endeavored at first -to represent it in that light to the Legislature; but they were forced -to abandon this ground when they communicated its stipulations, and -the Minister of Foreign Affairs declared in the Chamber of Deputies, -that the Dey had formally accepted it on the 12th of April 1820, and -had admitted that the treaty of 1801 was thereby fully executed.</p> - -<p>In order to comply with this arrangement, a bill requiring an -appropriation of seven millions of francs was in June, 1820, submitted -by the French Ministry to the Legislative Chambers, in both of which -its adoption was resisted by the small minority then opposed to the -Government. The debates on this occasion are worthy of notice, as many -of the arguments advanced against the appropriation, have been since -employed to defeat the bill for executing the treaty of 1831 by which -the United States were to be indemnified for the injuries inflicted on -their commerce by Napoleon. The claims against France were in both -cases pronounced <i>antiquated</i> and <i>obsolete</i> [<i>vieilles reclamations, -créances dechues</i>] and the fact that they had long remained unsettled, -was thus deemed sufficient to authorize their indefinite postponement. -The great diminution to which the creditors had assented, was -considered as affording strong presumption that their demands were -destitute of foundation; and the probability that many of the claims, -had been purchased at a low price by the actual holders, from the -persons with whom the contracts were originally made, was gravely -alleged as a reason for not satisfying them. The advantages secured to -France by each Convention were examined in detail, and compared with -the sums required for extinguishing the debts; and the Ministry were -in both cases censured for not having obtained more in return for -their payment. It is not surprising to hear such sentiments avowed by -men educated in the service of Napoleon, but it is painful to find -them supported by others distinguished for their literary merits, and -for their exertions in the cause of liberty.</p> - -<p>The bill for the appropriation of the seven millions of francs, was -passed by a large majority in both Chambers, the influence of the -Crown being at that period overwhelming. Four millions and a half were -in consequence paid within the ensuing three years to the Jewish -merchants, who having thus received the whole amount of their own -demands retired to Italy; the remaining two and a half millions were -retained by the Government of France in order to secure the discharge -of the claims of its subjects, under the treaty of 1801, which were -yet pending in the Courts of the Kingdom. At the retention of this -sum, the Dey was, or affected to be at first much surprised, and he -insisted that the Government should hasten the decisions of the -Courts; however as years passed by without any signs of approach to a -definitive settlement, his impatience became uncontrollable. Moreover -in addition to the annoyance occasioned by this constant postponement, -he was much dissatisfied, on account of the fortifications which the -French were erecting at Calle, contrary as he insisted to the -understanding between the parties at the time of its cession. To his -observations and inquiries on both these subjects he received answers -from the French Consul which were generally evasive and often -insulting, until at length wearied by delays and having strong reason -to believe that M. Deval had a personal interest in creating obstacles -to an adjustment of the difficulties, he determined to address the -French Government directly. Accordingly in 1826 he wrote a letter to -the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that country, in which after -indignantly expressing his sense of the conduct of the French -Government, in the retention of this large sum and the erection of -fortresses in the <i>Concessions</i>, he required that the remainder of the -seven millions should be immediately paid into his own hands, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page3"><small><small>[p. 3]</small></small></a></span> and -that the French claimants should then submit their demands to him for -adjustment.</p> - -<p>No notice having been taken of the Dey's letter, the Algerine cruisers -began to search French vessels in a manner contrary to the terms of -existing treaties, and to plunder those of the Papal States which were -by a Convention to be respected as French. Besides these acts of -violence the Dey shortly after issued a proclamation declaring that -all nations would be permitted on the same terms to fish for coral -near the coasts of his Regency. M. Deval complained of these -proceedings at a public audience on the 27th of April, 1827; Hussein -in reply haughtily declared that he had been provoked to them by the -bad faith of the French, and that he should no longer allow them to -have a cannon in his territories, nor to enjoy a single peculiar -privilege; he then demanded why his letter to the French Ministry had -not been answered, and when M. Deval stated that his Government could -only communicate with that of Algiers through himself, he was so much -enraged that he seized a large fan from one of the attendants, with -which he struck the representative of France several times before he -could leave the apartment.</p> - -<p>As soon as the French Government was informed of this outrage, a -schooner was despatched to Algiers with orders to M. Deval to quit the -place instantly; a squadron was also sent in the same direction, under -the command of Commodore Collet who was charged to require -satisfaction from the Dey. The schooner arrived in Algiers on the 11th -of June, and M. Deval embarked in her on the same day, together with -the other French subjects resident in the place, leaving the affairs -of his office under the care of the Sardinian Consul. At the entrance -of the bay the schooner met the French squadron, consisting of a ship -of the line, two frigates and a corvette; M. Deval then joined the -Commodore, and after consultation between them as to the nature and -mode of the reparation to be demanded, the schooner was sent back to -Algiers with a note containing what was declared to be the <i>ultimatum</i> -of the French Government. This note was presented to Hussein on the -14th; in it the Dey was required to apologize for the offence -committed against the dignity of France, by the insult to its -representative; and in order to make the apology the more striking and -complete, it was to be delivered on board the Commodore's ship, by the -Minister of Marine, in the presence of M. Deval, and of all the -foreign Consuls resident in Algiers, whose attendance was to be -requested; the French flag was then to be displayed on the Casauba and -principal forts, and M. Deval was to receive a salute of one hundred -and ten guns.</p> - -<p>The policy as well as the generosity of requiring such humiliating -concessions from the Government of any country, may be questioned, but -it is certainly hazardous to make the demand unless it be accompanied -by the display of a force calculated to insure immediate compliance. -Decatur indeed with a force perhaps inferior to that of Collet, -propounded terms to Omar Dey in 1815, which were really much more -onerous to Algiers than those offered on the present occasion by the -French; they were accepted, and it is therefore needless to inquire -what would have been his course in the other alternative. Collet was -not so fortunate; his demands were rejected with scorn and defiance by -Hussein, who added that if the Commodore did not within twenty-four -hours land and treat with him on the subjects in dispute between the -two nations, he should consider himself at war with France. The French -Commander did not think proper to comply with this invitation, and -declared the place in a state of blockade, under the expectation -probably that the distress produced by such a measure, might occasion -discontent and commotions which would either oblige the Dey to lower -his tone, or lead to the destruction of so refractory an enemy. -Recollecting however what had occurred at Bona in May 1816, he adopted -the precaution of sending vessels to the various establishments in the -<i>Concessions</i>, in order to bring away the Europeans who were there, -under the protection of the French flag; these vessels succeeded in -rescuing the people, who were transported to Corsica, but their -dwellings and magazines were rifled by the Bey of the Province, who -had just received orders to that effect, and the fortifications at -Calle were entirely destroyed.</p> - -<p>The preceding account of the circumstances which led to the war -between France and Algiers, will be found by comparison to vary -considerably from those given by the French historical writers, and to -be defective and unsatisfactory with regard to several important -particulars, which are stated by them with great apparent clearness -and confidence. To these objections, only general replies can be made; -this account has been drawn entirely from original sources, and where -they failed to supply the requisite information, silence has been -preferred to the introduction of statements on doubtful authority. The -only publications on the subject which may be termed official, are the -declarations of the French Ministers contained in the Reports of the -Debates in the Legislative Chambers, and the articles on the subject -in question inserted from time to time in the <i>Moniteur</i>, the avowed -organ of the Government. From the Algerines we have nothing. The -conventions of which the alleged non-fulfilment occasioned this -rupture have been withheld by the French Ministry; no account has been -given of the claims against Algiers brought before the French Courts, -of the causes which retarded the decisions respecting them, of the -amount demanded or awarded; without precise information as to these -particulars, it is impossible to form a correct judgment of the case. -This silence and the vagueness and reserve so apparent in the -communications of the French Government, on the subject, are certainly -calculated to create suspicions, as to its sincerity in maintaining -its engagements, and these suspicions are increased by an examination -of its conduct throughout the whole affair.</p> - -<p>It would be incompatible with the character or plan of these Sketches, -to give a review of the proceedings of the French Government; the -impression produced on the mind of the author, by a diligent study of -the case, is that the parties in the dispute mistrusted the intentions -of each other. The French were anxious to make permanent -establishments on the coast of Northern Africa, which Hussein who had -much more definite ideas of policy than perhaps any of his -predecessors, determined from the commencement of his reign to oppose; -before resorting to violent measures however, he wished to secure the -payment of the large debt <span class="pagenum"><a name="page4"><small><small>[p. 4]</small></small></a></span> -due to himself and his subjects. The -French having good reason from his conduct, to apprehend that as soon -as he had received the whole of the sum, which they had engaged to -pay, he would find some pretext to expel them from his dominions, may -have had recourse to the old expedient of withholding a part, in order -that he might be restrained from aggressions by the fear of losing it. -We have no means of ascertaining the share which M. Deval may have had -in producing or increasing the difficulties, but there is reason to -believe that it was not inconsiderable; his conduct is admitted to -have been highly imprudent and indeed improper, even by the best -French authorities, and it was condemned as dishonorable by the Dey, -as well as by the most respectable portion of the Consular body at -Algiers.</p> - -<p>Before entering upon the events of this war it will be proper to -advert to the situation of the other Barbary States, and to notice the -principal occurrences which transpired in them about this period.</p> - -<p>It would be uninteresting to recount all the attempts made by the -inferior powers of Europe to preserve peace with the Barbary -Regencies; sufficient has been said to demonstrate the vainness of the -expectation that the rulers of those states would be restrained from -any course which promised to be immediately beneficial to their -interests, by regard for engagements however solemnly taken. The King -of the Netherlands by a judicious display of firmness in 1824, -succeeded in preventing his country from being rendered tributary to -Algiers; but he, as well as the sovereigns of Sweden and Denmark, -continued to pay large annual sums to Tunis and Tripoli.</p> - -<p>In Tunis, no events of much importance transpired during the reign of -Mahmoud, which have not been already mentioned. The Regency continued -at peace with foreign nations, and its situation was in general -prosperous, notwithstanding the desolation produced by a plague in -1818, an extensive conspiracy headed by the Prime Minister in 1820, -and the frequent contests between the adherents of Hassan and Mustapha -the two sons of the Bey. Mahmoud at length died quietly on the 28th of -March 1824, and Hassan succeeded without opposition.</p> - -<p>A short time previous to the death of Mahmoud, some alterations not -very material indeed, yet favorable on the whole to the United States, -were made in the treaty concluded between their Government and that of -Tunis in 1797. One of the amended articles provides—that no American -merchant vessel shall be detained against the will of her captain in a -Tunisian port, unless such port be closed for vessels of all nations, -and that no American vessel of war should be so detained under any -circumstances. This was considered by the British Government at -variance with the terms of the engagement made with Admiral Freemantle -in 1812, by which the armed vessels of nations at war with Great -Britain were not to be suffered to leave a Tunisian port within -twenty-four hours after the sailing of a British vessel; and the -Consul was directed to ask for explanations on the subject from the -Bey. Hassan who had by this time succeeded to the throne replied -positively, that there was nothing contradictory in the two -stipulations, and that this agreement had been made with the United -States, merely in order to place them on a level with other nations. -As the British Government had thought proper to make the inquiry, it -is strange that it should have been satisfied with such an answer; -however, under the condition of things then existing and the -probabilities with respect to the future, it was certainly not worth -while to press the matter further.</p> - -<p>The Pasha of Tripoli, notwithstanding the treaties made with Lord -Exmouth in behalf of Sardinia and the Two Sicilies in 1816, and his -protestations to the English and French Admirals three years after, -sent out armed vessels to cruise against the commerce of the Italian -States. When complaint was made of these depredations, Yusuf replied -that the treaties were no longer binding, and that if those nations -wished to remain at peace with him, they must pay him an annual -tribute. To this insolent and unreasonable pretension, the King of -Sardinia replied by fitting out a squadron composed of two frigates, a -corvette and a brig, which sailed from Genoa in September 1825, and -arrived before Tripoli on the 25th of that month.</p> - -<p>Before relating the proceedings of this expedition it will be proper -to give some account of the place against which it was sent.</p> - -<p>The town of Tripoli stands on a rocky point of land projecting -northwardly into the Mediterranean; it is surrounded by a high and -thick wall, forming an unequal pentagon or figure of five sides of -different lengths, of which the two northern are washed by the sea, -the other three looking upon a sandy plain but partially cultivated. -The circumference of the place is about three miles, and the area -enclosed within the wall does not exceed one thousand yards square.</p> - -<p>The shore on the north-western side of the town is bordered by rocky -islets, which render it almost unapproachable by vessels; but in order -to secure the place effectually from attack on that quarter, a battery -has been erected on one of the islets called the French fort. The -harbor is on the north-eastern side; it is about two miles in length -and a mile in width, and is partially enclosed by a reef of rocks -extending for some distance into the sea; on these rocks are situated -the principal fortifications, and by filling up the space between -them, which could be done with but little labor, the reef might be -converted into a continued mole. The depth of water in the harbor no -where exceeds six fathoms, and great care must be taken by vessels to -avoid the numerous shoals and hidden dangers which beset the entrance; -the frigate Philadelphia struck in fourteen feet water on one of these -shoals distant three miles and a half northeast of Tripoli, and one -mile north of Kaliusa Point at the eastern extremity of the harbor.</p> - -<p>The fortifications of Tripoli on the land side are of no value, and -could not for an instant withstand an attack from a well appointed -force; the wall, said to have been built by Dragut, is of great height -and thickness, and provided with a rampart on which are mounted some -guns, but these pieces are generally useless from rust and want of -carriages. Towards the harbor the defences are more respectable, and -have on many occasions as already shown, preserved the place from -capture or destruction. On the shore forming the south-eastern side of -the harbor, are two forts called the Dutch and English forts, and -opposite them on the reef of rocks are two others, much larger and -stronger, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page5"><small><small>[p. 5]</small></small></a></span> -called the New and English forts; these have been all -constructed by European engineers, and are kept in tolerable order.</p> - -<p>There is but little appearance of wealth in Tripoli; the Moorish -population amounting to about fourteen thousand are in general very -poor, the trade being almost exclusively in the hands of the Jews, -whose number is about two thousand. The palace contains some -apartments possessing a certain degree of grandeur and furnished in a -costly manner principally with French articles; in the town there are -a few good stone buildings, with courts and arcades in the Italian -style; these are however chiefly occupied by the foreign Consuls and -merchants, the greater part of the inhabitants dwelling in mere hovels -of mud but one story high. The roofs of the houses are all flat, and -great care is taken to have the rain conveyed from them into cisterns, -as there is not a well or spring of fresh water in the place.</p> - -<p>A triumphant arch, the inscription on which denotes that it was -erected in honor of the Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius -Verus, is the only remarkable monument of antiquity in the place. It -is much defaced, nearly buried in the ground and encumbered with mean -houses; but as far as can be ascertained, it exceeds in beauty of -design, proportion and parts, any other similar relique of Roman art.</p> - -<p>The immediate environs of Tripoli are desert; about two or three miles -to the eastward is a rich and highly cultivated plain called the -Messeah where the Foreign Consuls and the wealthy inhabitants of the -town have their villas.</p> - -<p>As soon as the Sardinian squadron arrived before Tripoli, the -Cavaliere Sivori who commanded it immediately landed with some of his -officers on the guaranty of the British Consul, and had an audience -with the Pasha. Yusuf at first assured him that every thing would be -accommodated, but on the day succeeding he presented a note in which -his demand for tribute was unequivocally stated, accompanied by other -proposals equally insulting. The Cavaliere on this took his leave, and -having recommended the subjects and interests of his master to the -care of the British Consul, he retired to his ships determined to -assert the rights of his country by force. The sea was too rough at -the time to permit the approach of the ships to the town, without -danger of their being stranded; but Sivori wished to lose no time, and -to effect if possible immediately the destruction of the Pasha's -shipping; he accordingly manned a number of boats which entered the -harbor at midnight in three divisions, commanded by Lieutenant -Mamelli. The expedition was perfectly successful; a brig of twelve -guns and two schooners of six guns each were boarded and set on fire, -during a heavy cannonade from all the surrounding batteries; the men -then landed from the boats, and endeavored to force the gates of the -dock-yard and custom house, but this being found impracticable, they -retreated in good order to their ships. The next day the weather -proving more favorable, preparations were made for an attack on the -town; but Yusuf finding that he had mistaken the character of his -assailants, and not wishing to subject himself to further loss, agreed -to an adjustment, and signed a convention renewing the engagements -made to Lord Exmouth in 1816.</p> - -<p>The King of the Two Sicilies was less fortunate in his attempt to -bring the Pasha of Tripoli to reasonable terms. Yusuf had suspended -his demands on Naples for some time after the attack made on him by -the Sardinians, and it was supposed that he had abandoned them; -however in the beginning of 1828, he suddenly required from His -Sicilian Majesty payment of one hundred thousand dollars immediately, -and an annual tribute of five thousand more, as the price of -continuance of peace. King Francis considered the honor of his country -too precious, or the sums demanded by the Pasha too great, for he -refused to pay either present or tribute and even sent a squadron to -Tripoli to bear his reply. The Sicilian force consisted of a ship of -the line, two frigates, two corvettes, a brig, a schooner, and twelve -gun and mortar boats, and arrived off Tripoli on the 22d of August, -1828, under the command of Baron Alphonso Sosi de Caraffa, who was -authorized to treat with the Pasha respecting the future relations -between the two countries. The Commander instantly landed under proper -assurance of safety, and held a conference with the Pasha, in which he -endeavored to induce him to adhere to the treaty of 1815; Yusuf -however remained firm to his purpose, and rejected all propositions of -adjustment on other terms than those he had already offered. The -Sicilian flag was in consequence taken down from the Consulate, and -the Consul retired with the Baron on board the squadron.</p> - -<p>The next morning the 23d, the Sicilian squadron sailed into the -harbor, and commenced an attack on the Tripoline vessels of war, -twenty in number, which were drawn up in front of the reef of rocks, -under the guns of the New and Spanish forts. The large ships of the -squadron kept aloof from the batteries and only a few of the gun and -mortar boats approached near enough to produce any effect by their -fires. The injury sustained by either party was thus very slight, and -a storm coming up, after a desultory contest of three hours, Caraffa -thought proper to withdraw his forces, and put to sea. The storm -continued for the two succeeding days; on the 26th the attack was -resumed, but in the same inefficient manner; it was renewed on the -27th and 28th, during which the Sicilians expended a great deal of -ammunition, but to very little purpose on account of the great -distance at which their ships remained from the object of attack. At -length on the 29th, the Commodore concluded that his attempts were -likely to prove fruitless, and therefore resolved to return to Naples.</p> - -<p>The Tripolines behaved with great gallantry throughout the affair, -their own boats advancing frequently towards the enemy; their loss was -trifling, and only two or three shots from the Sicilians reached the -town, where they caused no damage. Immediately on the retreat of the -squadron, Yusuf sent out his cruisers which took several Sicilian -vessels, but the French Government interfered, and its Consul at -Tripoli was ordered to negotiate in favor of Naples. The Pasha could -not refuse such a mediation, and a Convention was in consequence -signed on the 28th of October, by which the former treaty was renewed, -the King of Naples however engaging to pay immediately twenty thousand -dollars to Tripoli as indemnification for the expenses occasioned by -the war.</p> - -<p>Yusuf had by this time become an old man, and the decay of his body -was accompanied by corresponding -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page6"><small><small>[p. 6]</small></small></a></span> -changes in his character and -mental faculties. The firmness which had so long sustained him under -the pressure of heavy difficulties, gave place to a disposition to -temporize, inclining him to sacrifice prospects of future advantage, -in order to avert a present evil; the energy which had caused him to -be viewed with a certain degree of respect, notwithstanding his -repeated acts of treachery and violence, now exhibited itself in -undignified bursts of passion, and an insatiable desire to increase -his treasures was the only remnant of his former ambition. The -condition of the Regency had indeed been improved in many respects -during his reign; its productiveness was increased, the communications -were more easy and secure, and the affairs of internal administration, -as well as the intercourse with foreign nations, were conducted with -greater regularity and precision than before his accession. These -reforms however served as they were intended, only to advance the -personal interests of the sovereign; and the people became more -wretched as the means of oppression were thus rendered more effectual -by system. To obtain money had become the sole object of Yusuf's -plans: if he repressed the ravages of the wandering tribes, it was -only that he might levy greater contributions himself; and if the -caravans traversed his dominions with unwonted security, this -advantage was more than counterbalanced by the augmentation of duties -on their merchandize. In imitation of the Viceroy of Egypt, whom he -seems to have adopted as his model, he likewise engaged in commercial -speculations, which were productive of serious evils to his subjects. -These enterprises were generally carried on by the Pasha in -conjunction with foreigners resident in Tripoli, or through their -agency; and in order to affect the value in the market of articles -which he might wish to buy or sell, the duties on their export or -import were on several occasions suddenly raised or lowered, to the -ruin of regular merchants. Notwithstanding these arbitrary measures, -or perhaps in consequence of them, the speculations were generally -unsuccessful, and the Pasha became indebted on account of their -failure for immense sums, principally to subjects of France and -England; these creditors, when unable to obtain settlement of their -claims in any other way, were in the habit of applying to their own -Governments for relief, and the unfortunate Pasha after having been -long dunned by an overbearing Consul, was occasionally obliged to open -his treasury on the summons of an Admiral.</p> - -<p>These and other troubles affected the Pasha the more deeply as he -could place little confidence in those who surrounded him. Mohammed -D'Ghies whose kindness and integrity were worthy of being employed in -a better cause, still lived and bore the title of Chief Minister; but -age and blindness had long rendered him incapable of attending to -business, and the duties of his office were performed by his eldest -son Hassuna, of whom more will be said hereafter. The other ministers -and agents of the Pasha, were persons of whose unscrupulous character -he must have received too many evidences, to have supposed them -attached to him by any other ties than their interests.</p> - -<p>In the members of his own family Yusuf could place but little -reliance; he whose youth had been signalized by the murder of his -brother and rebellion against his father, could with an ill grace -recommend fraternal affection among his children, or require of them -obedience to his own authority. The attempt made by his eldest son -Mohammed in 1816 to obtain possession of the throne has been already -noticed; this wretch continued for ten years after his pardon in a -species of exile, as Governor of Derne, while his next brother Ahmed -enjoyed the title of Bey of the Regency, and was regarded as the -probable successor to the crown. Ahmed however dying suddenly, -Mohammed organized another conspiracy in his province, with a view to -the overthrow of his father, which attempt proving like the former one -unsuccessful, he again fled to Egypt where he died in 1829. Mohammed -left in Tripoli a son named Emhammed who would have been the regular -heir to the crown according to the customs of succession in Europe; -but primogeniture is for various reasons little regarded in Oriental -countries, and the reigning sovereign usually favors the pretensions -of the son to whom he is the most attached, or whom he considers most -capable of maintaining possession of the inheritance. For one or both -of these reasons, Yusuf thought proper to set aside Emhammed, and to -designate his own next surviving son Ali as the future Pasha of -Tripoli; this prince was accordingly on the death of Ahmed, invested -with the title of Bey, which gave him command of the troops, and in -order to increase his wealth and influence, he was married to the -daughter of the Chief Minister D'Ghies. These marks of favor only -served to render Ali more impatient to enjoy the prize which they were -intended to insure to him, and while waiting an opportunity to seize -it, he gratified his own avarice by extorting as much money as he -could from the people, through the aid of his myrmidons. The -inhabitants thus suffering from the violent and arbitrary exactions of -the Bey, in addition to the taxes and duties imposed on them by the -Pasha, were frequently driven into rebellions, the suppressions of -which by increasing the public expenses increased the miseries of the country.</p> - -<p>In addition to these difficulties, Yusuf was tormented by the quarrels -and jealousies of the Foreign Consuls residing in his capital, and by -their interference in the affairs of his Government. Quarrels and -jealousies are naturally to be expected among the members of a -diplomatic corps, particularly of one in which all bear the same title -and are nominally equal, while the influence possessed by each is -generally commensurate with the power of the country which he -represents. Thus the Consuls of France and England in Barbary have -ever considered themselves superior to the representatives of other -states, and have ever been rivals, each demanding the precedence on -public occasions, and claiming a host of exclusive privileges either -on the strength of treaties, or of custom. Their claims to superiority -both in rank and privileges have been generally allowed by their -European colleagues who according to circumstances range themselves -under the banner of one or the other of these potentates; the Consuls -of the United States have however uniformly refused to admit any -inferiority on their own part, demanding for themselves the enjoyment -of every substantial right granted to the representative of any other -power, and abstaining from appearance on occasions of ceremony, in -which a preference unfavorable to themselves may be manifested.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page7"><small><small>[p. 7]</small></small></a></span> -<p>In Algiers and Tunis, these disputes seldom attracted the notice -of the Government, and the influence which a Consul could exercise in -either of those Regencies, was scarcely worth the sums which must be -paid for it. In Tripoli however, and especially since 1815, the agents -of Great Britain and France have each endeavored to obtain a degree of -control in the affairs of the state. Colonel Warrington who has -represented Great Britain during that period, is well calculated by -his general intelligence and the inflexible resolution of his -character to acquire this superiority; and having been always -supported by his Government, many of his demands have been instantly -complied with, which would otherwise have been regarded merely as the -ebullitions of arrogance and presumption. On the slightest resistance -to his wishes, the ships of war of his nation appeared in the harbor, -the Minister who offended him sat uneasy in his place, and every -aggression committed by a Tripoline upon the honor or interests of -Great Britain, was speedily and severely punished.</p> - -<p>The possession of such powers by the representative of Great Britain, -would certainly not be regarded with indifference by France; as it is -not so convenient however, to send squadrons on all occasions to the -aid of the Consul, he is obliged to rely the more on his own -resources. The French Consuls in Barbary and the East are generally -persons who have been educated for the purpose, either in the embassy -at Constantinople, or at some consulate in those countries. With -regard to the propriety of such selections, experience seems to have -shown that the advantages of acquaintance with the customs and -languages of the Eastern nations, are more than counterbalanced by the -loss of honorable feelings, and the disregard of moral restraints -which frequently result from this mode of acquiring them. Whether -Baron Rousseau who was for many years Consul of France in Tripoli, was -trained in one of these schools, it is needless to inquire, but he -appears to have displayed during his residence in that Regency, a -talent and a disposition for intrigue, which would have done honor to -the most accomplished drogaman of Pera. Between him and Warrington -there was a constant struggle for influence, and the Pasha was -alternately annoyed by the overbearing dictation of the British -Consul, and the wily manoeuvres of Rousseau.</p> - -<p>One of the most frequent causes of difficulties between the -Governments of Barbary and the Consuls of Foreign Powers, is the right -claimed by the latter to protect all persons within the walls of their -residence. In those countries it is absolutely requisite for the -security of the Consul and for the discharge of his duties, that the -persons in his employ should not be subjected to the despotism of the -Government, nor to the doubtful decisions of the tribunals; and -provisions to that effect are generally inserted in the treaties -between Christian nations and those of Barbary. The Consuls however -insist that the privilege should extend to the protection not only of -their families, servants and countrymen, but also of all other persons -under their roof; and the most abandoned criminals having entered such -a sanctuary, are thus frequently screened from punishment. This -privilege is productive of inconvenience not only to the Government -but also to the Consuls whom it frequently involves in difficulties; -the representatives of the inferior powers therefore seldom attempt to -maintain it, but generally surrender the fugitive, if a native of the -country, to the Government, or oblige him to quit their dwelling, -rather than subject themselves to the hazard of having it invaded by -force; those of Great Britain and France on the contrary, make it a -point of honor not to yield, except in cases where the fugitive has -injured some one of their colleagues or his guilt is clearly proved; -and even then they have frequently required assurances that he should -be pardoned, or that his punishment should be mitigated. A -circumstance of this nature occurred in 1829 which brought these two -parties in direct and open collision, and for a time involved the -Consul of the United States in difficulties with the Government of -Tripoli; the affair was originally of a private nature, but has -ultimately produced the most serious changes in the situation of the Regency.</p> - -<p>It is well known that many efforts have been made during the last -forty years, by individuals and by some European Governments, to -obtain information respecting the interior of the African Continent; -we are all familiar with the names and adventures of Ledyard, Parke, -Burckhardt, Denham, Clapperton, Laing, Lander and others, whose labors -have been important from the light thrown by them on the subject of -their researches, and still more so as exhibiting instances of -perseverance and moral courage with which the annals of warfare offer -few parallels. Several of these heroic travellers took their departure -from Tripoli, as the communications between that place and the regions -which they desired to explore are comparatively easy and safe; and the -Pasha, whether actuated by the expectation of obtaining some advantage -from their discoveries, or by more laudable motives, appears from -their accounts to have used every exertion to facilitate their -movements. They likewise concur in expressing their gratitude and -respect for Mohammed D'Ghies, who entertained them all hospitably in -Tripoli and furnished them with letters of credit and introduction, -which, says Denham, "were always duly honored throughout Northern Africa."</p> - -<p>Hassuna and Mohammed D'Ghies the two sons of this respectable person, -are also mentioned in terms of high commendation by many who visited -Tripoli. Hassuna the elder was educated in France, and afterwards -spent some time in England where he was much noticed in high circles, -notwithstanding the assertion of the Quarterly Review to the contrary; -on his return to his native country, he for some time conducted the -affairs of his father's commercial house, and afterwards those of his -ministerial office, in which he was distinguished for his attention to -business and his apparent desire to advance the welfare of his -country. Mohammed the younger son was brought up under the eye of his -father at home; Captain Beechy of the British Navy who spent some time -at Tripoli in 1822 while employed in surveying the adjacent coast, -describes him as "an excellent young man," and as "an admirable -example of true devotion to the religion of his country, united with -the more extended and liberal feelings of Europeans. He daily visits -the public school where young boys are taught to read the Koran, and -superintends the charitable distribution of food which the bounty of -his father provides for the poor who daily present themselves at his -gate. Besides his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page8"><small><small>[p. 8]</small></small></a></span> -acquaintance with English and French he is able -to converse with the slaves of the family in several languages of the -interior of Africa," &c. He was subsequently employed also in public -affairs, and became the intimate confident of his brother-in-law the -Bey Ali.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of July 1825, Major Gordon Laing of the British Army a -son-in-law of Consul Warrington, quitted Tripoli with the intention of -penetrating if possible directly to Tombuctoo, and thence descending -the river which is said to flow near that city, to its termination. He -was amply supplied with letters by the D'Ghies family; and orders were -sent to the governors and chiefs of places on his route, which were -subject to the Pasha to aid him by every means in the prosecution of -his journey, and to forward his letters and journals to Tripoli. For -some time after his departure his communications were regularly -received and bills drawn by him at various places were presented at -Tripoli for payment. From these accounts it appears, that taking a -south-western course he arrived on the 13th of September at Ghadamis a -town of considerable trade situated in an <i>oasis</i> about five hundred -miles from Tripoli; thence he passed to Einsalah in the country of the -Tuaricks (a fierce race of wanderers) which he reached on the 3d of -December and left on the 10th of January 1826. His journals up to this -date were regularly received; from his few subsequent letters we learn -that during the month of February, the caravan with which he travelled -was suddenly attacked in the night by a band of Tuaricks, who had for -some days accompanied them; many persons of the caravan were killed -and the Major was dreadfully wounded, but he escaped and arrived at -Tombuctoo on the 18th of August. At this place he had remained five -weeks when Boubokar the Governor of the town who had previously -treated him with favor, suddenly urged him to depart immediately, -stating that he had received a letter from Bello the Sultan of the -Foulahs a Prince of great power in the vicinity of Tombuctoo, -expressing the strongest hostility to the stranger; Laing accordingly -quitted Tombuctoo on the 22d of September, in company with Burbushi an -Arab Sheik who had engaged to conduct him in safety to Arouan, distant -about three hundred miles to the northward.</p> - -<p>After this date nothing farther was heard from the traveller, no more -of his bills were presented for payment at Tripoli, and Mr. Warrington -becoming uneasy prevailed on the Pasha to have inquiries made -respecting him. Messengers were accordingly despatched southward in -various directions, one of whom on his return in the spring of 1827 -brought an account that the Christian had been murdered soon after -leaving Tombuctoo, by a party despatched from that place for the -purpose. This statement was confirmed by all the other messengers on -their return, and it was confidently repeated in a long article on the -subject published in a Paris Journal, which gave the Prime Minister of -Tripoli as authority. The other caravans and travellers however from -the South contradicted these reports, and Hassuna D'Ghies on being -questioned respecting the account driven in the Paris Journal, denied -that he had supplied such information and asserted his total disbelief -of the story. These and other circumstances induced Mr. Warrington to -suspect that the Pasha or his Minister had for some interested motive -suppressed Laing's communications; at his request therefore, the -Commander of the British squadron in the Mediterranean sent a ship of -war to Tripoli to give Yusuf notice that as the traveller had -proceeded to the interior under his protection, he should hold him -responsible for his safety, or at least for the delivery of his -property and papers. This intimation was certainly of a most -unreasonable character; the Pasha however could only exert himself to -avert the threatened evil, by endeavoring to discover the traveller -and at all events to disprove any unfair dealings or bad intentions on -his own part with regard to him.</p> - -<p>All doubts respecting the fate of the British traveller were however -dispelled by the return to Tripoli of the servant who had accompanied -him; from the statements of this man it was clearly ascertained, that -the unfortunate Laing had been murdered in his sleep by his Arab -conductor Burbushi on the third night after their departure from -Tombuctoo, that is on the 25th of September 1826.</p> - -<p>Some time after receiving this melancholy news, the British Consul was -induced to believe that papers which were sent by his son-in-law from -Tombuctoo, had actually arrived in Tripoli; and in the course of the -investigations which he made in consequence, a suspicion was awakened -in his mind that they had been secreted by Hassuna D'Ghies, in order -to conceal some gross treachery or misconduct on his part. Under this -impression Mr. Warrington urged the Pasha to have the papers secured, -and not being satisfied with the means used for the purpose, he -finally struck his flag, and declared that all official intercourse -between himself and the Government of Tripoli, would be suspended -until they were produced.</p> - -<p>To avert the evils which might result from this measure, Yusuf labored -diligently, and in the spring of 1829 he intercepted some letters sent -from Ghadamis to Hassuna, which indicated a means of unravelling the -mystery. Pursuing his inquiries farther, he became fully convinced of -the perfidy of his Minister, and at length he declared to a friend of -the British Consul, that two sealed packages sent by Laing from -Tombuctoo, had been received by Hassuna and delivered by him to the -French Consul in consideration of the abatement of forty per cent. in -the amount of a large debt due by him to some French subjects. The -fact of the receipt of the papers by Hassuna was to be proved by the -evidence of the Courier who brought them from Ghadamis, and of other -persons daily expected in Tripoli; the remainder of the Pasha's -strange statement appears to have been founded entirely on a written -deposition to that effect, of Mohammed D'Ghies the younger brother of -the accused Minister, which was said to have been made in the presence -of the Bey Ali and of Hadji Massen the Governor of the city.</p> - -<p>On the strength of this declaration, Mr. Warrington insisted on the -immediate apprehension of Hassuna, but he having received timely -warning fled for refuge on the 20th of July, to the house of Mr. Coxe -the American Consul; and immediately after to the surprise of all -concerned, it was found that his brother Mohammed had likewise sought -an asylum under the roof of Baron Rousseau.</p> -<br> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page9"><small><small>[p. 9]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect03"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>OCTOBER.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>October in New England is perhaps the most beautiful—certainly the -most magnificent month in the year. The peculiar brilliancy of the -skies and purity of the atmosphere,—the rich and variegated colors of -the forest trees, and the deep, bright dyes of the flowers, are -unequalled by any thing in the other seasons of the year; but the ruin -wrought among the flowers by one night of those severe frosts which -occur at the latter end of the month, after a day of cloudless and -intense sunshine, can scarcely be imagined by one not familiar with -the scene.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem2"> - <tr><td>Thou'rt here again, October, with that queenly look of thine—<br> -All gorgeous thine apparel and all golden thy sunshine—<br> -So brilliant and so beautiful—'tis like a fairy show—<br> -The earth in such a splendid garb, the heav'ns in such a glow.<br> -<br> -'Tis not the loveliness of Spring—the roses and the birds,<br> -Nor Summer's soft luxuriance and her lightsome laughing words;<br> -Yet not the fresh Spring's loveliness, nor Summer's mellow glee<br> -Come o'er my spirit like the charm that's spread abroad by thee.<br> -<br> -The gaily-mottled woods that shine—all crimson, drab, and gold,<br> -With fascination strong the mind in pensive musings hold,<br> -And the rays of glorious sunshine there in saddening lustre fall—<br> -'Tis the funeral pageant of a king with his gold and crimson pall.<br> -<br> -Thou'rt like the Indian matron, who adorns her baby fair,<br> -E'er she gives it to the Ganges' flood, all bright, to perish there;<br> -Thou callest out the trusting buds with the lustre of thy sky,<br> -And clothest them in hues of Heaven all gloriously—to die.<br> -<br> -Thou'rt like the tyrant lover, wooing soft his gentle bride—<br> -Anon the fit of passion comes—and her smitten heart hath died;<br> -The tyrant's smile may come again, and thy cheering noonday skies,<br> -But smitten hearts and flowers are woo'd, in vain, again to rise.</td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center"><br>* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td><br>Thy reign was short, thou Beautiful, but they were despot's hours—<br> -The gold leaves met the forest ground, and fallen are the flowers;<br> -Ah, 'tis the bitterness of earth, that fairest, goodliest show,<br> -Comes to the heart deceitfully, and leaves the deeper wo.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>ELIZA. </small></div> - -<blockquote><i>Maine</i>.</blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect04"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MOTHER AND CHILD.</h4> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem3"> - - <tr><td align="center">CHILD.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>Where, mother, where have the fire-flies been<br> -All the day long, that their light was not seen?</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">MOTHER.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>They've been 'mong the flowers and flown through the air,<br> - But could not be seen—for the sunshine was there.<br> - And thus, little girl, in thy morning's first light,<br> - There are many things hid from thy mind's dazzled sight,<br> - Which the ev'ning of life will too clearly reveal,<br> - And teach thee to see—or, it may be, to feel.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">CHILD.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>Where, mother, where will the fire-flies go<br> - When the chilling snows fall and the winter winds blow?</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">MOTHER.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>The tempest o'ercomes them, but cannot destroy:<br> - For the spring time awakes them to sunshine and joy.<br> - And thus, little girl, when life's seasons are o'er,<br> - And thy joys and thy hopes and thy griefs are no more,<br> - May'st thou rise from death's slumbers to high worlds of light,<br> - Where all things are joyous, and all things are bright.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>IMOGENE. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect05"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LINES</h4> -<center>Written on one of the blank leaves of a book sent to a friend in -England.</center><br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem4"> - <tr><td>As he who sails afar on southern seas,<br> - Catches rich odor on the evening breeze,<br> - Turns to the shore whence comes the perfum'd air,<br> - And knows, though all unseen, some flower is there—<br><br> - Thus, when o'er ocean's wave these pages greet<br> - Thine eye, with many a line from minstrel sweet,<br> - Think of Virginia's clime far off and fair,<br> - And know, though all unseen, a friend is there</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>IMOGENE. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect06"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE BROKEN HEART.</h4> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem5"> -<tr><td> - -... The morning dew-drop,<br> -With all its pearliness and diamond form<br> -Vanisheth.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td> -... She turned her from the gate, and walked<br> - As quietly into her father's hall,<br> - As though her lover had been true. No trace<br> - Of disappointment or of hate was found<br> - Upon the maiden's brow: but settled calm,<br> - And dignity unequalled. And they spoke<br> - To her, and she did mildly answer them<br> - And smiled: and smiling, seem'd so like an angel,<br> - That you would think the man who could desert<br> - A form so lovely, after he had won<br> - Her warm affections, must be more than demon.<br> -<br> - And though she shrunk not from the love of those<br> - Who were around her, and was never found<br> - In fretful mood—yet did they soon discover<br> - The rosy tinge upon her youthful cheek<br> - Concentrate all its radiance into one<br> - Untimely spot, and her too delicate frame<br> - Wither away beneath the false one's power.<br> - But lovelier yet, and brighter still she grew<br> - Though Death was near at hand—as the moon looks<br> - Most lovely as she sinks within the sea.<br> - Her fond devoted parents watch with care<br> - The fatal enemy: friends and physicians<br> - Exert their skill most faithfully. Alas!<br> - Could Love or Friendship bind a broken heart,<br> - The fading flower might be recalled to life.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>She's gone, where she will chant the melody<br> - Of Seraphim <i>and live</i>—beyond the power<br> - Of the base. Then weep not, childless parents, weep not,—<br> - But think to meet her soon. Her smile is yet<br> - More lovely now than when a child of earth:<br> - For she has caught the ray of dazzling glory<br> - And sweet divinity, that beams all bright<br> - Upon her Saviour's face; and waits to cast<br> - That smile on thee.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>ELIZA. </small></div> - -<blockquote><i>Richmond, Va.</i></blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect07"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>HALLEY'S COMET—1760.</h4> - -<center>BY MISS E. DRAPER.</center> -<br><br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem6"> -<tr><td>Good George the Third was sitting on his throne—<br> - His limbs were healthy, and his wits were sound;<br> -In gorgeous state St. James's palace shone—<br> - And bending courtiers gather'd thick around<br> -The new made monarch and his German bride,<br> -Who sat in royal splendor side by side.<br> -<br> -Pitt was haranguing in the House of Lords—<br> - Blair in the Pulpit—Blackstone at the Bar—<br> -Garrick and Foote upon the Thespian boards—<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page10"><small><small>[p. 10]</small></small></a></span> - And pious Whitfield in the open air—<br> -While nervous Cowper, shunning public cares,<br> -Sat in his study, fattening up his hares.<br> -<br> -Sterne was correcting proof-sheets—Edmund Burke<br> - Planning a register—Goldsmith and Hume<br> -Scribbling their histories—and hard at work<br> - Was honest Johnson; close at hand were some<br> -Impatient creditors, to urge the sale<br> -Of his new book, the Abyssinian tale.<br> -<br> -Italia smiled beneath her sunny skies—<br> - Her matchless works were in her classic walls;<br> -They had not gone to feast the Frenchman's eyes—<br> - They had not gone to fill Parisian halls:<br> -The Swiss was in his native Canton free,<br> -And Francis mildly ruled in Germany.<br> -<br> -Adolphus reigned in Sweden; the renown<br> - Of Denmark's Frederic overawed her foes;<br> -A gentle Empress wore the Russian crown;<br> - Amid the gilded domes of Moscow rose<br> -The ancient palace of her mighty Czars,<br> -Adorn'd with trophies of their glorious wars.<br> -<br> -Altho' the glory of the Pole was stain'd,<br> - Still Warsaw glitter'd with a courtly train,<br> -And o'er her land Augustus Frederic reign'd;<br> - Joseph in Portugal, and Charles in Spain—<br> -Louis in France, while in imperial state<br> -O'er Prussia's realm ruled Frederic the Great.<br> -<br> -In gloomy grandeur, on the Ottoman throne<br> - Sat proud Mustapha. Kerim Khan was great<br> -Amid fair Persia's sons; his sword was one<br> - That served a friend, but crush'd a rival's hate:<br> -O'er ancient China, and her countless throng,<br> -Reign'd the bold Tartar mighty Kian Long.<br> -<br> -America then held a common horde<br> - Of strange adventurers; with bloody blade<br> -The Frenchman ruled—the Englishman was lord—<br> - The haughty Spaniard, o'er his conquests sway'd—<br> -While the wild Indian, driven from his home,<br> -Ranged far and lawless, in the forest's gloom.<br> -<br> -Thus was the world when last yon Comet blazed<br> - Above our earth. On its celestial light<br> -Proudly the free American may gaze:<br> - Nations that last beheld its rapid flight<br> -Are fading fast; the rest no more are known,<br> -While his has risen to a mighty one.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect08"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>EXTRACTS FROM MY MEXICAN JOURNAL.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>Mexico—Procession of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios—Visit to the -Country—Society and Manners in Mexico—Climate.</small></blockquote> -<br> - -<p>20th June, 1825. Since our arrival on the 25th May, my occupations -have been such as to prevent my seeing many of the <i>lions</i> of Mexico. -I have, however, walked through the principal streets, and visited -most of the churches, of which some are very rich and splendid—some -are ancient and venerable—others are fine and gaudy—while a few of -the more modern are extremely neat and handsome. The churches are -numerous: these, with the convents, occupy almost every alternate -square of the city; but with all this show of religion, there is a -proportionate degree of vice among its population.</p> - -<p>The city is, indeed, magnificent; many of the buildings are spacious. -The streets are not wide, but well paved—clean in the most -frequented, but excessively filthy in the more remote parts, and -thronged with dirty, diseased, deformed, and half naked creatures. -Disgusting sights every moment present themselves. At the corners of -every street—each square is called a street, and bears a distinct -name,—at the doors of the churches which you must be passing -constantly in your walks—and sometimes in the areas of the private -residences, you are importuned by miserable beggars, some of whom, not -satisfied with a modest refusal, chase you into charity, which you are -not assured is well bestowed.</p> - -<p>We meet in the streets very few well dressed people; the ladies seldom -walk, except to mass early in the morning, when some pretty faces are -seen.</p> - -<p>Such is the character of the street-population of Mexico. So much -filth, so much vice, so much ignorance are rarely found elsewhere -combined. Those who have seen the lazzaroni of Naples, may form a -faint idea of the <i>leperos</i> of Mexico.</p> - -<p>The <i>leperos</i> are most dexterous thieves—none can be more expert in -relieving you of your pocket handkerchief; it is unsafe to trust them -within your doors. I knew an American who had his hat stolen from -under the bench on which he was seated in the Cathedral listening to a -sermon!<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small></p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> A very ingenious theft by one of this class was mentioned -to me by an American who was present when it took place. At a fair in -the interior of the country, two Americans were seated on a bench -engaged in conversation, one of them having his hat by his side with -his hand upon it for its protection. Talking earnestly he occasionally -uplifted his hand from the hat. On his rising from his seat, he was -surprised to find in his hand not his own beaver, but an inferior one -which had been substituted for it. At an incautious moment he had -ceased to guard it; a hat was there when he put down his hand—but it -was not his own.</small></blockquote> - -<p>They are superstitious, too, almost to idolatry. I may here include -with them the better class of people also. The recent reception of the -image of <i>Nuestra Senora de los Remedios</i>, (Our Lady of Remedies,) I -give as evidence of the justice of this remark. Her history is briefly -this. She is a deity of Spanish origin—the more highly esteemed Lady -of <i>Guadalupe</i>—the patron saint of Mexico, is indigenous. She -accompanied the conquerors to the city of <i>Muteczuma</i><small><small><sup>2</sup></small></small>—was lost in -their disastrous retreat on the celebrated <i>noche triste</i>—was found -some years afterwards, in 1540, seated in a <i>maguey</i>, by an Indian, -<i>Juan de Aguila</i>, who carried her to his dwelling, and fed her with -<i>tortillas</i>, (Indian corn-cakes,) which were regularly deposited in -the chest where she was kept. Suddenly she fled, and was discovered on -the spot where her temple now stands—the place to which Cortes -retreated on the night of his flight from the city. It is an eminence -to the west of Mexico, distant about five miles.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>2</sup></small> Cortés, in his Letters, writes the name of the Emperor of -Mexico, <i>Muteczuma</i>. Humboldt says, I know not on what authority, that -<i>Moteuczoma</i> was his name. The English historians always call him -Montezuma.</small></blockquote> - -<p>This identical image, they say, still exists—it is about eight inches -in height—it is richly decorated. It is believed to possess the power -of bringing rain, and of staying the ravages of disease.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page11"><small><small>[p. 11]</small></small></a></span> -<p>For many days previous to her entrance into the city, great -preparations had been made. On the 11th inst. she was conveyed from -her sanctuary in the President's coach, which was driven by a nobleman -of the old regime, the <i>Marques de Salvatierra</i>, bare headed, and -attended by a large number of coaches, and crowds of people on foot, -to the <i>parroquia de Santa Vera Cruz</i>, a church just within the limits -of the city. Here, as is usual, she was to rest one night, and on the -following evening to proceed to the Cathedral. Before the appointed -time, the streets leading to it were covered with canopies of canvass; -draperies were suspended from every balcony, and strings of shawls and -handkerchiefs stretched across, were seen fluttering in the wind. A -regiment of troops marched out to form her escort, and thousands -flocked to join her train. But a heavy rain began to fall, and the -procession was necessarily postponed, the populace being delighted to -find that the intercession of Our Lady was of so much avail, and their -faith strengthened at the trifling expense of wet jackets. The -procession was now appointed for an early hour the next <i>morning</i>, (a -<i>prudent</i> arrangement, for it rains, in course, every evening, the -rainy season having commenced,) and preparations were again made with -increased zeal, proportionate with the gratitude felt at so prompt a -dispensation of her Ladyship's favors. Two regiments of infantry and -one of cavalry now composed the escort. The concourse of people was -immense. Wax tapers, lanterns, candle-boxes, flags, and all the -frippery of the churches were carried to grace the occasion; children -dressed fantastically, with wings, and gay decorations upon their -heads, but barefooted, with tapers in their hands, were led by their -parents or nurses to take part in the pageant.</p> - -<p>After the procession was formed, a discharge of artillery announced -the departure of the holy image from the church, in which she had -until now rested. The advance was a corps of cavalry, followed by -flocks of ragged Indians, by respectable citizens and the civil -authorities, all bearing lighted wax tapers; then followed the -numerous religious orders, each order preceded by an Indian carrying -on his back a huge mahogany candle-box; the higher dignitaries of the -order, with their hands meekly folded on their breasts, each attended -by two assistants, bringing up the rear of Carmelites, Augustines, -Franciscans, Dominicans, and Mercedarians; next these were other -Indians, followed by the <i>angelic</i> little children, who strew roses -before the object of their adoration, <i>La Santa Virgen de los -Remedios</i>, who stands majestically under a canopy, richly clothed, and -surrounded by gilded ornaments, supported by four men. As she passed, -the people who crowded the streets, and all who fill the windows under -which she is carried, knelt, and roses are showered upon her from the -roofs of the houses. Next her was another canopy, under which the Host -was carried, to which the people also knelt. The troops brought up the -rear, escorting Our Lady to the Cathedral, where she remains nine -days. If it rain during this time, it is ascribed to her influence. If -rain precede her entrance, it is because she was to be brought into -the city; and if it follow her departure, it is the consequence of her -late presence. The miracle, of course, never fails. After the rainy -season has set in, she is introduced annually for the idolatrous -worship of this ignorant, superstitious people—not only the -<i>canaille</i>, but also the most respectable portion of the community.</p> - -<p>14th August, 1825. I returned to the city yesterday after an excursion -of a week in the vicinity of <i>Chalco</i>, about twenty-five or thirty -miles distant. We were invited by an acquaintance to his <i>hacienda</i>, -where he promised fine sport with our guns. Not content with abundance -of deer, we were to return with the spoils of sundry wild animals, -such as wild-cats, bears, panthers, wolves and tigers. Prepared for -ferocious contests, we set out with all the eagerness of huntsmen who -feast in their imagination on their slaughtered prey. But in fact, -though to hunt was our ostensible object, from which we expected -little, although entertained by our friend with extravagant hopes, we -left the city chiefly for the purpose of exercise, of viewing the -country, and avoiding the water, which, at this season of the year, -impregnated with the soda which the heavy rains disengage from the -soil, deals sadly with strangers.</p> - -<p>A ride of five or six hours brought us to the <i>hacienda</i>. This, I have -elsewhere said, is a country seat, generally of large extent, with a -chapel forming a part of the building, and surrounded by the reed or -mud huts of the Indians, who are the laborers, or, as it were, vassals -of the estate. A plain, thickly strewed with these <i>haciendas</i>, -presents the appearance of numerous villages, each with its steeple -and bell. The buildings are hollow squares, extensive and commodious, -and embracing in their several ranges the usual conveniences of a -farm, such as stables, and yards for poultry, sheep and cattle. They -all have a look of antiquity, of strength and durability, which, at a -distance, is imposing; but on nearer view, they are commonly found -dilapidated, and devoid of neatness, and destitute of the garden and -the orchard, which give so much the appearance of comfort to the -country houses of the United States.</p> - -<p>This is their general character, as far as I have seen them, and such -was the commodious dwelling to which we were now hospitably invited. -It bore the air of tattered grandeur—in its dimensions and in its -ruined state showing marks of pristine elegance. It was partially -fortified, as were most of them, during the revolution, for protection -from lawless depredation, and from the numerous bands of banditti who -then roamed through the country, and were royalists or republicans, as -was most expedient to accomplish their designs. Even at this time, -these defences are esteemed necessary to ensure safety from the -robbers who have escaped the vigilance of government by concealing -themselves in the adjacent mountains.</p> - -<p>On the day of our arrival nothing occurred particularly to attract our -notice, except that, after the conclusion of dinner, the tall Indian -waiter fell upon his knees in the middle of the room and gave -thanks—a custom common, I am told, in the country. To our surprise, -this was not repeated. He was either told that we were heretics, (as -all foreigners are designated) or was deterred because some of our -Catholic friends were less devout on the occasion than was to be -expected from them.</p> - -<p>It may not be amiss here to mention, that the dinner table of the -Mexicans is of indefinite length, always standing in the eating room. -One end only is <span class="pagenum"><a name="page12"><small><small>[p. 12]</small></small></a></span> -commonly used. The seat of honor is at the head, -where the most distinguished and most honored guest is always placed; -the rest arrange themselves according to their rank and consequence; -the dependants occupying the lowest seats.</p> - -<p>After a cup of chocolate at six o'clock the next morning, we went in -pursuit of game, and roamed through the hills and mountains which are -contiguous, meeting with very little success. At about twelve we -partook of our breakfast, which was brought to us more than two -leagues from the <i>hacienda</i>—after which we prosecuted our hunt. Our -sole reward was a heavy shower of rain—and between four and five we -returned to the <i>hacienda</i>, well wearied, having walked at least -twelve miles over steep mountains.</p> - -<p>On the following day we set out with our mules, &c. to try our fortune -higher up the mountains, and after a ride of between three and four -hours, reached a herdsman's hut, where we were to lodge at night. We -were unsuccessful in finding game in the evening, and after a -laborious search for deer, sought our hut—a log building, about -fifteen feet square, in which twelve of us, men, women and children, -stowed ourselves. Annoyed by fleas, and almost frozen by the chill -mountain air, within two leagues of the snow-crowned <i>Iztaccihuatl</i>, -we passed a sleepless night.</p> - -<p>Early next morning, whilst others of the party engaged in hunting for -deer, with two companions I ascended the highest peak of this range, -(except those covered with snow,) with great labor and fatigue; but we -were compensated amply by the grand view beneath and around us. The -adjoining peak to the south of us was the <i>Iztaccihuatl</i>, about a -league distant. We felt very sensibly the influence of its snow. -Beyond this, the <i>Popocatepetl</i> raised its lofty cone, while far in -the southeast appeared <i>Orizaba</i>, around whose crest the clouds were -just then gathering. The plains of <i>Puebla</i> and <i>Mexico</i> are on -opposite sides of this seemingly interminable ridge on which we stood. -From the latter, the clouds, which we had been long admiring far -beneath us, hiding the world from our view, were gradually curling, -and disclosed the distant capital with its adjoining lakes and -isolated hills. The chilling wind drove us from our height, but in -descending we often rested to enjoy a scene which the eyes never tire -in beholding.</p> - -<p>In the evening, we left the mountain for the <i>hacienda</i>, where we -spent another day. Our friends were extremely kind to us, and -regretted more than ourselves our ill success in quest of game. Being -little of a sportsman, to me it was a trifling disappointment. I -enjoyed abundant gratification in seeing the country, its people and -manner of living. Whatever may be said of the bad blood of the -Mexicans, I cannot but view them as a mild and amiable people—nature -has bestowed her bounties liberally upon them: for their state of -degradation and ignorance they are indebted not to any natural -deficiencies of their own, but to the miserable and timid policy of -their former Spanish masters. They are superstitious, but this arises -from their education; they are jealous of strangers—the policy of -Spain made them so; and they are ignorant, for in ignorance alone -could they be retained in blind subjection to the mother country. If -they are vicious, their vices arise from their ignorance of what is -virtuous—of what is ennobling. They are indolent because they are not -permitted to enjoy the fruits of industry, and nature supplies their -wants so bountifully, they are compelled to exert themselves but little.</p> - -<p>These are in fact serious defects, but the improvement of the Mexican -people is daily taking place. They are beginning to be enlightened -with the rays of the rising sun of liberty; and after the present -generation has passed away, the succeeding one will exhibit those -political and moral virtues, which are the offspring of freedom. The -effects of a daily increasing intercourse with foreigners are even now -perceptible, and lead me to believe, that, before many years roll -over, a wonderful change must take place. Society, too, will improve: -ladies will no longer gormandize or smoke—will discover that it is -vulgar to attend cock-fights, and will bestow, with increased regard -for their personal appearance, greater attention upon the cultivation -of their minds.</p> - -<p>In Mexico, there are few parties, either at dinner, or in the evening. -None will suit but great balls, and these must occur seldom, else none -but the wealthy can attend them, so expensive are the decorations and -dresses of the ladies. They esteem it extremely vulgar to wear the -same ball-dress more than once. Society is cut up into small -<i>tertulias</i> or parties of intimate acquaintances, who meet invariably -at the same house, and talk, play the piano, sing, dance, and smoke at -their ease and pleasure.</p> - -<p>Sometimes I attend the Theatre. This is divided into boxes, which -families hire for a year. If the play be uninteresting, they visit -each other's box, and pass the evening in conversation. It is -diverting to observe the gentlemen take from their pockets a flint and -steel for the purpose of lighting their cigars, and then to extend the -favor of a light to the ladies; and sometimes the whole theatre seems -as if filled with fire-flies.</p> - -<p>Immediately on rising, a Mexican takes a small cup of chocolate with a -little bread and a glass of water. At ten, they take what they call -breakfast—it is in fact equivalent to a dinner, consisting not of tea -or coffee, but of meats, sweetmeats and wine. At about three, dinner -is served. At six or seven, they again take chocolate; and at ten, an -enormous supper is laid of hot meats, &c. equal to a third dinner. At -these meals, three or four dishes of meats, with very few vegetables, -are brought on in various courses—the <i>olla podrida</i>, a mixture of -meats, fruits, and vegetables boiled together—always constitutes a -part of the first course—<i>frijoles</i>—beans boiled—invariably precede -the sweetmeats, of which the Mexicans are extremely fond. Perhaps this -is the reason why good teeth are seldom seen in Mexico.</p> - -<center>* * - * - * - *</center> - -<p>23d November, 1825. I have stated that few parties are given in -Mexico. Balls are sometimes held by the American and English -Legations. If, on these occasions, fifty ladies attend, it is -considered a prodigious number to assemble together. The expenses of -preparation which they incur are enormous, and deter many, however -devoted they may be to pleasure, from partaking in frequent diversions -of this kind. Society, too, has not acquired that equilibrium which -the democratical institutions of the country must produce eventually. -A powerful aristocracy, as may reasonably be supposed, still exists in -the capital—time alone will level this—it will die with the present -generation, taking for granted -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page13"><small><small>[p. 13]</small></small></a></span> -that the republicanism of Mexico -will be permanent. Aristocracy, of course, reduces the highest class -of society to a limited number, so that a large assemblage of ladies -here would be thought small in the United States.</p> - -<p>At whatever hour you invite company, it will not collect before nine, -and the most fashionable appear between ten and eleven. The music soon -invites them to the waltz, or to the Spanish country-dance, both of -which are graceful, and perhaps voluptuous, when danced, as in Mexico, -to the music of guitars or of bandolines. They dance upon brick -floors—there are none other in Mexican houses—generally bare, but -foreigners have introduced the more comfortable fashion of covering -them with canvass; and as the steps are simple, without the hopping -and restlessness of our cotillons or quadrilles, it is not so -unpleasant as would be supposed; they glide over the pavement without -much exertion. The dancing continues, not uninterruptedly as with us, -but at intervals, until twelve o'clock, when the ladies are conducted -to the supper table, which must be loaded with substantial as well as -sweet things. After supper, dancing is continued, and the company -begins to disperse between one and two in the morning, and sometimes -not until near daybreak.</p> - -<p>None of the wealthy families have followed the example set them by -foreigners. They give no balls or dinners. Although I have now been -here six months, I have never dined in a Mexican house in the city. -Their hospitality consists in this: they place their houses and all -they possess at your disposal, and are the better pleased the oftener -you visit them, but they rarely, if ever, offer you refreshments of -any kind. It is said that they are gratified if you will dine with -them unceremoniously, but they never invite you.</p> - -<p>31st December, 1825. I can scarcely persuade myself that to-morrow -will be New-Year's day. The weather is most delightful. We are now -sitting with our windows open—at night too. About a fortnight ago the -mornings were uncomfortably cool; but the sun at mid-day is always -hot. What a delightful climate! And we are now eating the fruits of a -northern mid-summer. We have always had fresh oranges since our -arrival. A week since we had green peas; and to-day five different -kinds of fruit appeared upon our table—oranges, apples, walnuts, -<i>granadites de China</i>, and <i>chirimoyas</i>—the last, <i>la reina de los -frutos</i>, (the queen of fruit,) tasting like strawberries and cream. -The markets contain numerous other sorts. Our friends at home are now -gathering around the glowing coals, or treading the snow without. We -see the former in the kitchen only—the latter on the valcanoes which -tower in the distance.</p> - -<center>* * - * - * - *</center> - -<p>7th December, 1827. A letter from home affords me the satisfaction of -knowing that our friends generally continue to enjoy good health, and -are subject to none other than the ordinary ills of life, such as -cut-throat weather, squalling brats, or a twinge or two of gout or -rheumatism. These are evils which humanity is decreed to suffer -throughout the world; but in Mexico we are more exempt from most of -them than elsewhere. The sun now <i>shines</i> twelve hours of every day, -and either the moon or stars give light to the other twelve. Such will -the weather continue to be until May or June, when the rains fall with -such regularity and certainty, that very slight observation enables us -to know when to go out, or to shelter ourselves. The mornings now are -only a little cool, although we are in mid-winter; and our tables are -supplied with fruit as bountifully as in the months of July and -August. Our other ills are in like manner trivial. We are sometimes -<i>ennuyés</i> for want of society, but books, and sometimes a game of -chess, enable us to live without being driven to the commission of -suicide. And as a <i>dernier resort</i>, we throw ourselves into the arms -of Morpheus, this being the peculiar delightful climate for sleep—no -mosquitos, nor extremes of heat or cold. The thermometer ordinarily -ranges at about 70° of Fahrenheit.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect09"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SCENES FROM AN UNPUBLISHED DRAMA,</h4> - -<center>BY EDGAR A. POE.</center> -<br> -<br> -<h4>I.</h4> -<blockquote><small>ROME. A Lady's apartment, with a window open and looking into a -garden. Lalage, in deep mourning, reading at a table on which lie some -books and a hand mirror. In the back ground Jacinta (a servant maid) -leans carelessly upon a chair.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Jacinta! is it thou?</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i> (<i>pertly</i>.) Yes, Ma'am, I'm here.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. I did not know, Jacinta, you were in waiting.<br> -Sit down!—let not my presence trouble you—<br> -Sit down!—for I am humble, most humble.</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i> (<i>aside</i>.) 'Tis time.</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>Jacinta seats herself in a side-long manner upon the chair, -resting her elbows upon the back, and regarding her mistress -with a contemptuous look. Lalage continues to read.</i>)</blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. "It in another climate, so he said,<br> -Bore a bright golden flower, but not i' this soil!"</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>pauses—turns over some leaves, and resumes</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p>"No lingering winters there, nor snow, nor shower—<br> -But Ocean ever to refresh mankind<br> -Breathes the shrill spirit of the western wind."<br> -Oh, beautiful!—most beautiful!—how like<br> -To what my fevered soul doth dream of Heaven!<br> -O happy land! (<i>pauses</i>.) She died!—the maiden died!<br> -O still more happy maiden who could'st die!<br> -Jacinta!</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>Jacinta returns no answer, and Lalage presently resumes.</i>)</blockquote> - -<p>Again!—a similar tale<br> -Told of a beauteous dame beyond the sea!<br> -Thus speaketh one Ferdinand in the words of the play—<br> -"She died full young"—one Bossola answers him—<br> -"I think not so!—her infelicity<br> -Seem'd to have years too many"—Ah luckless lady!<br> -Jacinta! (<i>still no answer</i>.)<br> - Here's a far sterner story<br> -But like—oh! very like in its despair—<br> -Of that Egyptian queen, winning so easily<br> -A thousand hearts—losing at length her own.<br> -She died. Thus endeth the history—and her maids<br> -Lean over her and weep—two gentle maids<br> -With gentle names—Eiros and Charmion!<br> -Rainbow and Dove!——Jacinta!</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i> (<i>pettishly</i>.) Madam, what <i>is</i> it?</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Wilt thou, my good Jacinta, be so kind<br> -As go down in the library and bring me<br> -The Holy Evangelists.</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. Pshaw! (<i>exit</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. If there be balm<br> -For the wounded spirit in Gilead it is there!<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page14"><small><small>[p. 14]</small></small></a></span> -Dew in the night time of my bitter trouble<br> -Will there be found—"dew sweeter far than that<br> -Which hangs like chains of pearl on Hermon hill."<br> - -<blockquote>(<i>re-enter Jacinta, and throws a volume on the table</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p>There, ma'am's, the book. Indeed she is very troublesome. - (<i>aside</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i> (astonished.) What didst thou say Jacinta? Have I done aught<br> -To grieve thee or to vex thee?—I am sorry.<br> -For thou hast served me long and ever been<br> -Trust-worthy and respectful. (<i>resumes her reading</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. I can't believe<br> -She has any more jewels—no—no—she gave me all. (<i>aside</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. What didst thou say, Jacinta? Now I bethink me<br> -Thou hast not spoken lately of thy wedding.<br> -How fares good Ugo?—and when is it to be?<br> -Can I do aught?—is there no farther aid<br> -Thou needest, Jacinta?</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. Is there no <i>farther</i> aid?<br> -That's meant for me. (<i>aside</i>.) I'm sure, Madam, you need not<br> -Be always throwing those jewels in my teeth.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Jewels! Jacinta,—now indeed, Jacinta,<br> -I thought not of the jewels.</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. Oh! perhaps not!<br> -But then I might have sworn it. After all,<br> -There's Ugo says the ring is only paste,<br> -For he's sure the Count Castiglione never<br> -Would have given a real diamond to such as you;<br> -And at the best I'm certain, Madam, you cannot<br> -Have use for jewels <i>now</i>. But I might have sworn it. (<i>exit</i>.)</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>Lalage bursts into tears and leans her head upon the -table—after a short pause raises it</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Poor Lalage!—and is it come to this?<br> -Thy servant maid!—but courage!—'tis but a viper<br> -Whom thou hast cherished to sting thee to the -soul! (<i>taking up the mirror</i>.)<br> -Ha! here at least's a friend—too much a friend<br> -In earlier days—a friend will not deceive thee.<br> -Fair mirror and true! now tell me (for thou canst)<br> -A tale—a pretty tale—and heed thou not<br> -Though it be rife with woe. It answers me.<br> -It speaks of sunken eyes, and wasted cheeks,<br> -And Beauty long deceased—remembers me<br> -Of Joy departed—Hope, the Seraph Hope,<br> -Inurned and entombed!—now, in a tone<br> -Low, sad, and solemn, but most audible,<br> -Whispers of early grave untimely yawning<br> -For ruin'd maid. Fair mirror and true!—thou liest not!<br> -<i>Thou</i> hast no end to gain—no heart to break—<br> -Castiglione lied who said he loved——<br> -Thou true—he false!—false!—false!<br> - -<blockquote>(<i>while she speaks a monk enters her apartment, and approaches - unobserved</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Refuge thou hast<br> -Sweet daughter! in Heaven. Think of eternal things!<br> -Give up thy soul to penitence, and pray!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i> (<i>arising hurriedly</i>.) I <i>cannot</i> pray!—My soul is at war with God!<br> -The frightful sounds of merriment below<br> -Disturb my senses—go! I cannot pray—<br> -The sweet airs from the garden worry me!<br> -Thy presence grieves me—go!—thy priestly raiment<br> -Fills me with dread—thy ebony crucifix<br> -With horror and awe!</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Think of thy precious soul!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Think of my early days!—think of my father<br> -And mother in Heaven! think of our quiet home,<br> -And the rivulet that ran before the door!<br> -Think of my little sisters!—think of them!<br> -And think of me!—think of my trusting love<br> -And confidence—his vows—my ruin—think! think!<br> -Of my unspeakable misery!——begone!<br> -Yet stay! yet stay!—what was it thou saidst of prayer<br> -And penitence? Didst thou not speak of faith<br> -And vows before the throne?</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. I did.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. 'Tis well.<br> -There <i>is</i> a vow were fitting should be made—<br> -A sacred vow, imperative, and urgent,<br> -A solemn vow!</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Daughter, this zeal is well!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Father, this zeal is any thing but well!<br> -Hast thou a crucifix fit for this thing?<br> -A crucifix whereon to register<br> -A vow—a vow. (<i>he hands her his own</i>.)<br> -Not that—Oh! no!—no!—no! (<i>shuddering</i>.)<br> -Not that! Not that!—I tell thee, holy man,<br> -Thy raiments and thy ebony cross affright me!<br> -Stand back! I have a crucifix myself,—<br> -<i>I</i> have a crucifix! Methinks 'twere fitting -The deed—the vow—the symbol of the deed—<br> -And the deed's register should tally, -father! (<i>draws a cross-handled dagger and raises it on high</i>.)<br> -Behold the cross wherewith a vow like mine<br> -Is written in Heaven!</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Thy words are madness, daughter!<br> -And speak a purpose unholy—thy lips are livid—<br> -Thine eyes are wild—tempt not the wrath divine—<br> -Pause ere too late—oh be not—be not rash!<br> -Swear not the oath—oh swear it not!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. 'Tis sworn!<p> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="50"> - -<h4>II.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>ROME. An apartment in a palace. Politian and Baldazzar, his friend.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>.——Arouse thee now, Politian!<br> -Thou must not—nay indeed, indeed, thou shalt not<br> -Give way unto these humors. Be thyself!<br> -Shake off the idle fancies that beset thee,<br> -And live, for now thou diest!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Not so, Baldazzar,<br> -I live—I live.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Politian, it doth grieve me<br> -To see thee thus.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Baldazzar, it doth grieve me<br> -To give thee cause for grief, my honored friend.<br> -Command me, sir, what wouldst thou have me do?<br> -At thy behest I will shake off that nature<br> -Which from my forefathers I did inherit,<br> -Which with my mother's milk I did imbibe,<br> -And be no more Politian, but some other.<br> -Command me, sir.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. To the field then—to the field,<br> -To the senate or the field.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Alas! Alas!<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page15"><small><small>[p. 15]</small></small></a></span> -There is an imp would follow me even there!<br> -There is an imp <i>hath</i> followed me even there!<br> -There is——what voice was that?</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. I heard it not.<br> -I heard not any voice except thine own,<br> -And the echo of thine own.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Then I but dreamed.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Give not thy soul to dreams: the camp—the court<br> -Befit thee—Fame awaits thee—Glory calls—<br> -And her the trumpet-tongued thou wilt not hear<br> -In hearkening to imaginary sounds<br> -And phantom voices.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. It <i>is</i> a phantom voice,<br> -Didst thou not hear it <i>then?</i></p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. I heard it not.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Thou heardst it not!——Baldazzar, speak no more<br> -To me, Politian, of thy camps and courts.<br> -Oh! I am sick, sick, sick, even unto death,<br> -Of the hollow and high sounding vanities<br> -Of the populous Earth! Bear with me yet awhile!<br> -We have been boys together—school-fellows—<br> -And now are friends—yet shall not be so long.<br> -For in the eternal city thou shalt do me<br> -A kind and gentle office, and a Power—<br> -A Power august, benignant, and supreme—<br> -Shall then absolve thee of all farther duties<br> -Unto thy friend.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Thou speakest a fearful riddle<br> -I <i>will</i> not understand.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Yet now as Fate<br> -Approaches, and the hours are breathing low,<br> -The sands of Time are changed to golden grains,<br> -And dazzle me, Baldazzar. Alas! Alas!<br> -I <i>cannot</i> die, having within my heart<br> -So keen a relish for the beautiful<br> -As hath been kindled within it. Methinks the air<br> -Is balmier now than it was wont to be—<br> -Rich melodies are floating in the winds—<br> -A rarer loveliness bedecks the earth—<br> -And with a holier lustre the quiet moon<br> -Sitteth in Heaven.—Hist! hist! thou canst not say<br> -Thou hearest not <i>now</i>, Baldazzar!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Indeed I hear not.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Not hear it!—listen now,—listen!—the faintest sound<br> -And yet the sweetest that ear ever heard!<br> -A lady's voice!—and sorrow in the tone!<br> -Baldazzar, it oppresses me like a spell!<br> -Again!—again!—how solemnly it falls<br> -Into my heart of hearts! that voice—that voice<br> -I surely never heard—yet it were well<br> -Had I but heard it with its thrilling tones<br> -In earlier days!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. I myself hear it now.<br> -Be still!—the voice, if I mistake not greatly,<br> -Proceeds from yonder lattice—which you may see<br> -Very plainly through the window—that lattice belongs,<br> -Does it not? unto this palace of the Duke.<br> -The singer is undoubtedly beneath<br> -The roof of his Excellency—and perhaps<br> -Is even that Alessandra of whom he spoke<br> -As the betrothed of Castiglione,<br> -His son and heir.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Be still!—it comes again!</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>very faintly</i>.)<br> - And is thy heart so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus<br> - Who hath loved thee so long<br> - In wealth and wo among?<br> - And is thy heart so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus?<br> - Say nay—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. The song is English, and I oft have heard it<br> -In merry England—never so plaintively—<br> -Hist—hist! it comes again!</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>more loudly</i>.)<br> - Is it so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus,<br> - Who hath loved thee so long<br> - In wealth and wo among?<br> - And is thy heart so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus?<br> - Say nay—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. 'Tis hush'd and all is still!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. All is <i>not</i> still.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Let us go down.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Go down, Baldazzar! go!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. The hour is growing late—the Duke awaits us,—<br> -Thy presence is expected in the hall<br> -Below. What ails thee, Earl Politian?</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>distinctly</i>.)<br> - Who hath loved thee so long,<br> - In wealth and wo among,<br> - And is thy heart so strong?<br> - Say nay!—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Let us descend!—'tis time. Politian, give<br> -These fancies to the wind. Remember, pray,<br> -Your bearing lately savored much of rudeness<br> -Unto the Duke. Arouse thee! and remember!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Remember? I do. Lead on! I <i>do</i> remember. (<i>going</i>.)<br> -Let us descend. Baldazzar! Oh I would give,<br> -Freely would give the broad lands of my earldom<br> -To look upon the face hidden by yon lattice,<br> -To gaze upon that veiled face, and hear<br> -Once more that silent tongue.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Let me beg you, sir,<br> -Descend with me—the Duke may be offended.<br> -Let us go down I pray you.</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>loudly</i>.) Say nay!—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i> (<i>aside</i>.) 'Tis strange!—'tis very strange—methought the voice<br> -Chimed in with my desires and bade me stay! (<i>approaching the window</i>.)<br> -Sweet voice! I heed thee, and will surely stay.<br> -Now be this Fancy, by Heaven, or be it Fate,<br> -Still will I not descend. Baldazzar, make<br> -Apology unto the Duke for me,<br> -I go not down to-night.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Your lordship's pleasure<br> -Shall be attended to. Good night, Politian.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Good night, my friend, good night.</p> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="50"> - -<h4>III.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>The Gardens of a Palace—Moonlight. Lalage and Politian.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. And dost thou speak of love<br> -To <i>me</i>, Politian?—dost thou speak of love<br> -To Lalage?—ah wo—ah wo is me!<br> -This mockery is most cruel—most cruel indeed!</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page16"><small><small>[p. 16]</small></small></a></span> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Weep not! oh, weep not thus—thy bitter tears<br> -Will madden me. Oh weep not, Lalage—<br> -Be comforted. I know—I know it all,<br> -And <i>still</i> I speak of love. Look at me, brightest,<br> -And beautiful Lalage, and listen to <i>me!</i><br> -Thou askest me if I could speak of love,<br> -Knowing what I know, and seeing what I have seen.<br> -Thou askest me that—and thus I answer thee—<br> -Thus on my bended knee I answer thee. (<i>kneeling</i>.)<br> -Sweet Lalage, I love thee—love thee—love thee;<br> -Thro' good and ill—thro' weal and wo I love thee.<br> -Not mother, with her first born on her knee,<br> -Thrills with intenser love than I for thee.<br> -Not on God's altar, in any time or clime,<br> -Burned there a holier fire than burneth now<br> -Within my spirit for thee. And do I love? (<i>arising</i>.)<br> -Even for thy woes I love thee—even for thy woes—<br> -Thy beauty and thy woes.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Alas, proud Earl,<br> -Thou dost forget thyself, remembering me!<br> -How, in thy father's halls, among the maidens<br> -Pure and reproachless of thy princely line,<br> -Could the dishonored Lalage abide?<br> -Thy wife, and with a tainted memory—<br> -My seared and blighted name, how would it tally<br> -With the ancestral honors of thy house,<br> -And with thy glory?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Speak not—speak not of glory!<br> -I hate—I loathe the name; I do abhor<br> -The unsatisfactory and ideal thing.<br> -Art thou not Lalage and I Politian?<br> -Do I not love—art thou not beautiful—<br> -What need we more? Ha! glory!—now speak not of it!<br> -By all I hold most sacred and most solemn—<br> -By all my wishes now—my fears hereafter—<br> -By all I scorn on earth and hope in heaven—<br> -There is no deed I would more glory in,<br> -Than in thy cause to scoff at this same glory<br> -And trample it under foot. What matters it—<br> -What matters it, my fairest, and my best,<br> -That we go down unhonored and forgotten<br> -Into the dust—so we descend together.<br> -Descend together—and then—and then perchance——</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Why dost thou pause, Politian?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. And then perchance<br> -Arise together, Lalage, and roam<br> -The starry and quiet dwellings of the blest,<br> -And still——</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Why dost thou pause, Politian?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. And still together—together.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Now Earl of Leicester!<br> -Thou <i>lovest</i> me, and in my heart of hearts<br> -I feel thou lovest me truly.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Oh, Lalage!? (<i>throwing -himself upon his knee</i>.)<br> -And lovest thou <i>me?</i></p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Hist!—hush! within the gloom<br> -Of yonder trees methought a figure past—<br> -A spectral figure, solemn, and slow, and noiseless—<br> -Like the grim shadow Conscience, solemn and -noiseless.? (<i>walks across and returns</i>.)<br> -I was mistaken—'twas but a giant bough<br> -Stirred by the autumn wind. Politian!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. My Lalage—my love! why art thou moved?<br> -Why dost thou turn so pale? Not Conscience' self,<br> -Far less a shadow which thou likenest to it,<br> -Should shake the firm spirit thus. But the night wind<br> -Is chilly—and these melancholy boughs<br> -Throw over all things a gloom.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Politian!<br> -Thou speakest to me of love. Knowest thou the land<br> -With which all tongues are busy—a land new found—<br> -Miraculously found by one of Genoa—<br> -A thousand leagues within the golden west;<br> -A fairy land of flowers, and fruit, and sunshine,<br> -And crystal lakes, and over-arching forests,<br> -And mountains, around whose towering summits the winds<br> -Of Heaven untrammelled flow—which air to breathe<br> -Is Happiness now, and will be Freedom hereafter<br> -In days that are to come?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. O, wilt thou—wilt thou<br> -Fly to that Paradise—my Lalage, wilt thou<br> -Fly thither with me? There Care shall be forgotten,<br> -And Sorrow shall be no more, and Eros be all.<br> -And life shall then be mine, for I will live<br> -For thee, and in thine eyes—and thou shalt be<br> -No more a mourner—but the radiant Joys<br> -Shall wait upon thee, and the angel Hope<br> -Attend thee ever; and I will kneel to thee,<br> -And worship thee, and call thee my beloved,<br> -My own, my beautiful, my love, my wife,<br> -My all;—oh, wilt thou—wilt thou, Lalage,<br> -Fly thither with me?</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. A deed is to be done—<br> -Castiglione lives!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. And he shall die! (<i>exit</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i> (<i>after a pause</i>.) And—he—shall—die!——alas!<br> - Castiglione die? Who spoke the words?<br> - Where am I?—what was it he said?—Politian!<br> - Thou <i>art</i> not gone—thou art not <i>gone</i>, Politian!<br> - I <i>feel</i> thou art not gone—yet dare not look,<br> - Lest I behold thee not; thou <i>couldst</i> not go<br> - With those words upon thy lips—O, speak to me!<br> - And let me hear thy voice—one word—one word,<br> - To say thou art not gone,—one little sentence,<br> - To say how thou dost scorn—how thou dost hate<br> - My womanly weakness. Ha! ha! thou <i>art</i> not gone—<br> - O speak to me! I <i>knew</i> thou wouldst not go!<br> - I knew thou wouldst not, couldst not, durst not go.<br> - Villain, thou <i>art</i> not gone—thou mockest me!<br> - And thus I clutch thee—thus!——He is gone, he is gone—<br> - Gone—gone. Where am I?——'tis well—'tis very well!<br> - So that the blade be keen—the blow be sure,<br> - 'Tis well, 'tis very well—alas! alas! (<i>exit</i>.)</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect10"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LOGIC.</h4> -<br> - -<p>Among ridiculous conceits may be selected <i>par excellence</i>, the -thought of a celebrated Abbé—"that the heart of man being triangular, -and the world spherical in form, it was evident that all worldly -greatness could not fill the heart of man." The same person concluded, -"that since among the Hebrews the same word expresses death and life, -(a point only making the difference,) it was therefore plain that -there was little difference between life and death." The chief -objection to this is, that <i>no</i> one Hebrew word signifies life and death.</p> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page17"><small><small>[p. 17]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect11"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>AN ADDRESS ON EDUCATION,</h4> - -<h5>AS CONNECTED WITH THE PERMANENCE OF OUR REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS.</h5> - -<blockquote><small>Delivered before the Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, -at its Anniversary Meeting, September the 24th, 1835, on the -invitation of that body,—by Lucian Minor, Esq. of Louisa.</small></blockquote> - -<center><small>[<i>Published by request of the Institute</i>.]</small></center> -<br> -<br> -<p><small>Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Institute:</small></p> - -<p>I am to offer you, and this large assembly, some thoughts upon -E<small>DUCATION</small>, <i>as a means of preserving the Republican Institutions of -our country</i>.</p> - -<p>The sentiment of the Roman Senate, who, upon their general's return -with the shattered remains of a great army from an almost annihilating -defeat, thanked and applauded him for <i>not despairing of the -Republic</i>, has, in later times, been moulded into an apothegm of -political morality; and few sayings, of equal dignity, are now more -hackneyed, than that "A good citizen will <i>never</i> despair of the -commonwealth."</p> - -<p>I shall hope to escape the anathema, and the charge of disloyalty to -our popular institutions, implied in the terms of this apothegm, if I -doubt, somewhat, its unqualified truth; when you consider how -frequently omens of ruin, overclouding the sky of our country, have -constrained the most unquestionable republican patriot's heart to -quiver with alarm, if not to sink in despair.</p> - -<p>When a factious minority, too strong to be punished as traitors, -treasonably refuse to rally under their country's flag, in defence of -her rights and in obedience to her laws; when a factious majority, by -partial legislation, pervert the government to the ends of -self-aggrandizement or tyranny; when mobs dethrone justice, by -assuming to be her ministers, and rush madly to the destruction of -property or of life; when artful demagogues, playing upon the -credulity or the bad passions of a confiding multitude, sway them to -measures the most adverse to the public good; or when a popular chief -(though he were a Washington) contrives so far to plant his will in -the place of law and of policy, that the people approve or condemn -both measures and men, mainly if not solely, by his judgment or -caprice; and when all history shews these identical causes (the -offspring of ignorance and vice) to have overthrown every proud -republic of former times;—then, surely, a Marcus Brutus or an -Algernon Sidney,—the man whose heart is the most irrevocably sworn to -liberty, and whose life, if required, would be a willing sacrifice -upon her altars—must find the most gloomy forebodings often haunting -his thoughts, and darkening his hopes.</p> - -<p>Indeed, at the best, it is no trivial task, to conduct the affairs of -a great people. Even in the tiny republics of antiquity, some twenty -of which were crowded into a space less than two-thirds of -Virginia,—government was no such <i>simple machine</i>, as some fond -enthusiasts would have us believe it might be. The only very simple -form of government, is despotism. There, every question of policy, -every complicated problem of state economy, every knotty dispute -respecting the rights or interests of individuals or of provinces, is -at once solved by the intelligible and irreversible <i>sic volo</i> of a -Nicholas or a Mohammed. But in republics, there are passions to -soothe; clashing interests to reconcile; jarring opinions to mould -into one result, for the general weal. To effect this, requires -extensive and accurate knowledge, supported by all the powers of -reasoning and persuasion, in discussing not only <i>systems</i> of -measures, but their minutest details, year after year, before -successive councils, in successive generations: and supposing the -<i>machinery</i> of <i>Legislative</i>, <i>Executive</i>, and <i>Judiciary</i> to be so -simple or so happily adjusted, that an idiot might propel it, and a -school-lad with the first four rules of arithmetic—or even "a negro -boy with his knife and tally stick"<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small>—might regulate its movements -and record their results; still, those other objects demand all the -comprehension and energies of no contracted or feeble mind. Nor are -these qualities needful only to the actual administrators of the -government. Its proprietors, the people, must look both vigilantly and -intelligently to its administration: for so liable is power to -continual abuse; so perpetually is it tending to steal from them to -their steward or their agent; that if they either want the requisite -sagacity to judge of his acts, or substitute a blind confidence in him -for that wise distrust, which all experience proves indispensable to -the preservation of power in the people,—it will soon be <i>their</i> -power no longer. A tame surrender of it to him is inevitable, unless -they comprehend the subjects of his action well enough to judge the -character of his acts: unless they know something of that vast and -diversified field of policy, of duty, and of right, in which they have -set him to labor. Yes—in its least perplexed form, on its most -diminutive scale, the task of self-government is a perilously -difficult one; difficult, in proportion to its nobleness: calling for -the highest attributes of the human character. What, then, must it be, -in a system so complex as ours? Two sets of public functionaries, to -appoint and superintend: two sets of machinery to watch, and keep in -order: each of them not only complicated within itself, but constantly -tending to clash with the other. Viewing the State government alone, -how many fearful dissensions have arisen, as to the extent of its -powers, and the propriety of its acts! Turning then to the Federal -government, how much more awful and numerous controversies, respecting -both the constitutionality and expediency of its measures, have, -within half a century, convulsed the whole Union! No less than three -conjunctures within that time, threatening us with disunion and civil -war; not to mention the troubles of the elder Adams' administration, -the conspiracy of Burr, the Missouri dispute, or the cloud (now, I -trust, about to disperse) which has just been lowering in our northern -sky. To the complexity of our two governments, separately considered, -add the delicate problems daily springing from their relations with -one another, and from the mutual relations of the twenty-four -states—disputes concerning territory; claims urged by citizens of -one, against another state; or wrongs done to some states, by citizens -and residents of others—all these, and innumerable other questions, -involving each innumerable ramifications, continually starting up to -try the wisdom and temper, if not to mar the peace, of our -country;—and say, if there are words forcible and emphatic enough to -express the need, that the <small>POPULAR WILL</small>, which supremely controls this -labyrinthine complication of difficulties, should be enlightened by -knowledge, tempered by kindness, and ruled by justice?</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> Mr. Randolph's Speech in the Virginia Convention, -November, 1829.</small></blockquote> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page18"><small><small>[p. 18]</small></small></a></span> -<p>Gentlemen, when such dangers hedge our political edifice; when we -recollect the storms which have already burst upon it, and that, -although it has survived them, we have no guarantee for its -withstanding even less furious ones hereafter—as a ship may ride out -many a tempest safely, and yet be so racked in her joints as to go -down at last under a capful of wind; above all, when we reflect that -the same cankers which have destroyed all former commonwealths, are -now at work within our own;—it would betoken, to my view, more of -irrational credulity than of patriotism, to feel that sanguine, -unconditional confidence in the durableness of our institutions, which -those profess, who are perpetually making it the test of good -citizenship "<i>never</i> to despair of the republic."</p> - -<p>But is it ever to be thus? Were then the visions of liberty for -centuries on centuries, which our fathers so fondly cherished, all -deceitful? Were the toil, and treasure, and blood they lavished as -that liberty's price, all lavished in vain? Is there no deliverance -for man, from the doom of subjection which kings and their minions -pronounce against him? No remedy for the diseases which, in freedom's -apparently most healthful state, menace her with death?</p> - -<p>If it is not ever to be thus; if the anticipations of our -revolutionary patriots were not all delusive dreams, and their blood -fell not in vain to the ground; if man's general doom is not -subjection, and the examples of his freedom are not mere deceitful -glimmerings up of happiness above the fixed darkness which enwraps -him, designed but to amuse his fancy and to cheat his hopes; if there -is a remedy for the diseases that poison the health of liberty;—the -reason—that remedy—can be found only in one short precept—ENLIGHTEN -THE PEOPLE!</p> - -<p>Nothing—I scruple not to avow—it has been my thought for -years—nothing but my reliance on the efficacy of this precept, -prevents my being, at this instant, <i>a monarchist</i>. Did I not, with -burning confidence, believe that the people can be enlightened, and -that they may so escape the dangers which encompass them, I should be -for consigning them at once to the calm of hereditary monarchy. But -this confidence makes me no monarchist: makes me, I trust, a true -<i>whig;</i> not in the party acceptation of the day, but in the sense, -employed by Jefferson, of one who <i>trusts and cherishes the -people</i>.<small><small><sup>2</sup></small></small> Throughout his life, we find that great statesman -insisting upon <i>popular instruction</i> as an inseparable requisite to -his belief in the permanency of any popular government: "Ignorance and -bigotry," said he, "like other insanities, are incapable of -self-government." His authority might be fortified by those of Sidney, -Montesquieu, and of all who have written extensively or luminously -upon free government: but this is no time for elaborate quotations; -and indeed why cite authorities, to prove what is palpable to the -glance?</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>2</sup></small> "The parties of Whig and Tory are those of nature. They -exist in all countries, whether called by these names, or by those of -Aristocrats and Democrats—<i>Côté droite</i> and <i>côté gauche</i>—Ultras and -Radicals—Serviles and Liberals. The sickly, weakly, timid man, fears -the people, and is a tory by nature. The healthy, strong, and bold, -cherishes them, and is a whig by nature." <i>Jefferson</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Immense is the chasm to be filled, immeasurable the space to be -traversed, between the present condition of mental culture in -Virginia, and that which can be safely relied upon, to save her from -the dangers that hem round a democracy, unsupported by popular -knowledge and virtue. Cyrus the Great, when a boy, among his play -fellows, avoided contests with his inferiors in strength and -swiftness; always challenging to the race or the wrestling match, -those fleeter and stronger than himself: by which means, observes -Xenophon, he soon excelled them. Imitating this wise magnanimity of -Cyrus, let us, in looking around to find how we may attain an -excellence, worthy of Virginia's early and long illustrious but now -paling fame, compare ourselves not with States that have been as -neglectful as we, of popular education, but with some which have -outstript us in that march of true glory.<small><small><sup>3</sup></small></small></p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>3</sup></small> Montesquieu, mentioning the adoption, by the Romans, of -an improved <i>buckler</i> from a conquered nation, remarks, that the chief -secret of Roman greatness was, <i>their renouncing any usage of their -own, the moment they found a better one</i>. ("Ils ont toujours renoncé à -leurs usages, sitot qu'ils en ont trouvé de meilleurs.") <i>Grandeur et -Decadence des Romains</i>—<i>Chap.</i> 1.</small></blockquote> - -<p>The <i>Common-school</i> system of New York, which has been in operation -since the year 1816, is in substance this: The counties having been -already laid off into tracts of five or six miles square, called -<i>townships</i>,—each of these, upon raising one half the sum needed -there for teachers' wages, is entitled to have the other half -furnished from the state treasury: and each <i>neighborhood</i> in the -township, before it can receive any part of this joint sum, must -organize itself as a <i>school district</i>, build and furnish a school -house, and cause a school to be taught there for at least three -months, by a teacher who has been examined and found duly qualified, -by a standing committee, appointed for that purpose. To the schools -thus established, all children, rich and poor alike, are admitted -without charge. Mark the fruits of this system. In 1832, there were in -the state 508,878 children; of whom 494,959 were <i>regular pupils at -the common-schools:</i> leaving fewer than 14,000 for private or other -instruction, and reducing the number who are unschooled, to an -inappreciable point. In Massachusetts, the townships are compelled by -law to defray nearly the whole expense of their schools; and the -organization is in other respects less perfect than in New York. In -each, however, about <small>ONE-FOURTH</small> <i>of the whole population</i> is receiving -instruction for a considerable part of the year; and in Massachusetts, -in 1832, there were <i>but</i> <small>TEN</small> <i>persons between the ages of 14 and 21, -who could not read and write</i>.</p> - -<p>Connecticut, with a school fund yielding 180,000 dollars annually, and -with common schools established by law in every township, finds their -efficacy in a great degree marred by a single error in her plan. This -error is, that <i>the whole expense is defrayed by the state</i>. In -consequence of this, the people take little interest in the schools; -and the children are sent so irregularly, as to derive a very -insignificant amount of beneficial instruction: so clearly is it -shewn, that a <i>gratuity</i>, or <i>what seems</i> to be one, is but lightly -valued. The statesmen of Connecticut, convinced that the only method -of rousing the people from their indifference, is to make them -contribute something for the schools in their own immediate -neighborhood, and so become solicitous to <i>get the worth of their -money</i>, are meditating the adoption of a plan like that of New York.</p> - -<p>Even in Europe, we may find admirable, nay wonderful examples, for our imitation.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page19"><small><small>[p. 19]</small></small></a></span> -<p>P<small>RUSSIA</small> has a system, strikingly analogous to that of New York; -and in some respects, superior to it. As in New York, the -superintendence of popular education is entrusted to a distinct branch -of the government; to a gradation of salaried officers, whose whole -time is employed in regulating the courses of study, compiling or -selecting books, examining teachers, and inspecting the schools. At -suitable intervals, are schools expressly <i>for the instruction of -teachers:</i> of which, in 1831, there existed thirty-three—supplying a -stock of instructors, accomplished in all the various knowledge taught -in the Prussian schools. In no country on earth—little as we might -imagine it—is there probably so well taught a population as in -Prussia. Witness the fact, that in 1831, out of 2,043,000 children in -the kingdom, 2,021,000 regularly attended the common schools: leaving -but 22,000 to be taught at their homes or in private academies.<small><small><sup>4</sup></small></small> -France, in 1833, adopted the Prussian plan, with effects already -visible in the habits and employments of her people; and similar -systems have long existed in Germany, and even in Austria. The schools -for training teachers (called, in France and Germany, <i>normal</i> -schools) pervade all these countries.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>4</sup></small> The enumeration in Prussia, is of children between 7 and -14 years of age; in New York, of those between 5 and 16. In Prussia, -the sending of all children to school is ensured by legal penalties -upon parents, guardians, and masters, who fail to send. New York -approximates remarkably to the same result, by simply enlisting the -<i>interest</i> of her people in their schools.</small></blockquote> - -<p>In England, government has yet done little towards educating the -common people: but Scotland has long<small><small><sup>5</sup></small></small> enjoyed <i>parish schools</i> -equalled only by those of Prussia, Germany, and some of our own -states, in creating a virtuous and intelligent yeomanry. Throughout -Great Britain, voluntary associations for the diffusion of useful -knowledge, in which are enrolled some of the most illustrious minds -not only of the British empire but of this age, have been for years in -active and salutary operation; and, by publishing cheap and simple -tracts upon useful and entertaining subjects, and by sending over the -country competent persons to deliver plain and popular lectures, -illustrated by suitable apparatus, they have, as the North American -Review expresses it, "poured floods of intellectual light upon the -lower ranks of society."</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>5</sup></small> Ever since 1646, except 36 years, embracing the -tyrannical and worthless reigns of Charles II and James II.</small></blockquote> - -<p>From a comparison with no one of the eight American and European -states that I have mentioned, can Virginia find, in what she has done -towards enlightening her people, the slightest warrant for that -pre-eminent self-esteem, which, in some other respects, she is so well -entitled to indulge. Except England, she is far behind them all: and -even England (if her Societies for diffusing knowledge have not -already placed her before us) is now preparing, by wise and beneficent -legislation, to lead away with the rest.</p> - -<p>Let me not be deemed unfilial or irreverent, if I expose, somewhat -freely, the deficiencies of our venerable commonwealth in this one -particular. It is done in a dutiful spirit, with a view purely to -their amendment: and may not children, in such a spirit and with such -a view, commune frankly with one another?</p> - -<p>A great and obvious difference between our primary school system, and -the <i>common</i>-school systems of the northern states, is, that <i>they</i> -take in <small>ALL</small> children: while we aim to instruct only the children of -the <i>poor; literary paupers</i>. We thus at once create two causes of -failure: first, <i>the slight value which men set upon what costs them -nothing</i>, as was evinced in the case of Connecticut; second, <i>the -mortification to pride</i> (an honest though mistaken pride,) in being -singled out as an object of charity.<small><small><sup>6</sup></small></small> As if these fatal errors had -not sufficiently ensured the impotence of the scheme, the schools -themselves are the least efficient that could be devised. Instead of -teachers retained expressly for the purpose,—selected, after strict -examination into their capacities, and vigilantly superintended -afterwards, by competent judges—the poor children are <i>entered</i> by -the neighboring commissioner (often himself entirely unqualified -either to teach or to direct teaching,) in the private school which -chance, or the teacher's unfitness for any other employment, combined -always with cheapness of price, may have already established nearest -at hand. There, the little <i>protegé</i> of the commonwealth is thrown -amongst pupils, whose parents pay for them and give some heed to their -progress; and having no friend to see that he is properly -instructed—mortified by the humiliating name of <i>poor -scholar</i>—neglected by the teacher—and not rigorously urged to school -by any one—he learns nothing, slackens his attendance, and soon quits -the temple of science in rooted disgust.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>6</sup></small> "What you say here, is verified" (said a venerable friend -to me, on reading these sheets as they were preparing for the press—a -friend who at the age of 72, has taken upon him to teach 12 or 14 -boys; more than half of them without compensation—) "what you say -here, is verified in my school. Those who do not pay, attend hardly -half their time; and one, who is anxious to learn, and would learn if -he came regularly, is kept by his father to work at home, and has not -<i>been to school</i> now for more than a fortnight. And it was just so," -continued he, "when I managed the W. trust fund for a charity school, -20 odd years ago. The parents could not be induced to send their -children. Sometimes they were wanted at home: sometimes they were too -ragged to go abroad: sometimes they had no victuals to carry to -school. And when we offered to furnish them provisions if they would -attend, the parents said 'no, <i>that</i> was being too dependent.' In -short, the school produced not half the good it might have done. There -was the most striking difference between the charity scholars, and -those who paid." Similar testimony as to such schools may be obtained -of hundreds.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Observe now, I pray you, how precisely the results agree with what -might have been foretold, of such a system. In 1833, nearly 33,000 -<i>poor children</i> (literary paupers) were found in 100 counties of -Virginia; of whom but 17,081 <i>attended school at all: and these 17,081 -attended on an average, but</i> <small>SIXTY-FIVE DAYS OF THE YEAR, EACH</small>! The -average of <i>learning</i> acquired by each, during those 65 days, would be a -curious subject of contemplation: but I know of no arithmetical rule, -by which it could be ascertained. That it bears a much less proportion -to the <i>reasonable</i> attainments of a full scholastic year, than 65 -bears to the number of days in that year, there can be no doubt.</p> - -<p>Ranging, out of the schools, through the general walks of society, we -find among our poorer classes, and not seldom in the middling, an -ignorance equally deplorable and mortifying. Judging by the number met -with in <i>business</i> transactions, who cannot write their names or read, -and considering how many there are whose poverty or sex debars them -from such transactions, and lessens their chances of scholarship; we -should scarcely exceed the truth, in estimating the <i>white adults of -Virginia who cannot read or write, at twenty or thirty thousand</i>. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page20"><small><small>[p. 20]</small></small></a></span> -And of many who can read, how contracted the range of intellect! The -mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, all unexplored, though -presented hourly to the eye; the glorious heavens, their grandeur, -their distances, and the laws of their motion, unthought of; man -himself—his structure, so fearful and so wonderful—those traits in -his bodily and mental frame, attention to which would the most -essentially conduce to bodily and mental health—all unnoted; History, -Geography, <i>tabulæ rasæ</i> to them! And for political knowledge, upon -which we of Virginia mainly pride ourselves—choose, at random, a man -from the throng in any court-house yard, and question him touching the -division of power between our two governments, and its distribution -among the departments of each: the probabilities are ten to one, that -he will not solve one in ten of your questions—even of those which -are to be answered from the mere faces of the two constitutions. Take -him then into that wild, where <i>construction</i> has been wont to -expatiate, and you will find him just able to declare <i>for</i> or -<i>against</i> this or that controverted power or measure: not because his -reason has discerned it to be constitutional or otherwise, but because -it is approved or disapproved by a chief of his own party, or by the -leader of a hostile one. And the aggregate of opinions thus caught by -accident, is the basis of the <i>popular will:</i> and it is the voice -prompted by this will, that is called "<i>The voice of God!</i>"</p> - -<p>Do not misapprehend me. Never would I have the voice of the people -other than "the voice of God"—other than all-powerful—within its -appropriate sphere. I am as loyal to their sovereignty as the most -devout of their flatterers can be: and it is from my desire to see it -perpetuated, that I speak out these unpalatable truths. Some roughness -of handling is often necessary to heal a wound. The people, like other -sovereigns, are sometimes misled by flattery: they should imitate also -the wisdom of those monarchs we occasionally meet with in history, who -can hear unwelcome truths, and let the speaker live; nay, hearken -kindly to his discourse, and let it weigh upon their future conduct. -Do I overrate the portion of the people I now address, in classing -them with such monarchs?</p> - -<p>Sagacious men have not been wanting among us, to see the radical -defects of our primary school system: and in 1829, the late Mr. -Fitzhugh<small><small><sup>7</sup></small></small> of Fairfax, stimulated the Legislature to a feeble effort -towards correcting them, by <i>empowering</i> the school commissioners of -any county to lay it off into districts of not less than three nor -more than seven miles square; and to pay, out of the public fund, -<i>two-fifths</i> of the sum requisite for building a school house, and -half a teacher's salary, for any one of those districts, whenever its -inhabitants, by <i>voluntary subscription</i>, should raise the residue -necessary for these purposes: and the schools thus established were to -be open, gratuitously, alike to rich and poor. But the <i>permissive</i> -phraseology of this statute completely neutralized its effect. It -might have been foreseen, and it <i>was</i> foreseen, that <i>empowering</i> the -commissioners to act, and leaving the rest to <i>voluntary -contributions</i>, would be unavailing, where the workings of the school -system had so long been regarded with apathy. The statute has been -acted upon, so far as I have learned, in but <i>three</i> counties of the -State; remaining, as to the other 107, a dead letter. I have the -strongest warrant—that of <i>actual experiment</i>, in New York and in -Massachusetts—for saying, that had the law <i>commanded</i> the -commissioners to lay off districts in all counties where the census -shewed a sufficiently dense white population; and had it then -organized in the districts some local authorities, whose <i>duty</i> it -should be to levy the needful amount upon their people;—I should have -been saved the ungracious task of reproaching my country with her want -of parental care; and Virginia would now be striding onward, speedily -to recover the ground she has lost in the career of true greatness.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>7</sup></small> William H. Fitzhugh—whose death cannot yet cease to be -deplored as a public calamity; cutting short, as it did, a career, -which his extraordinary means and his devoted will alike bade fair to -make a career of distinguished usefulness.</small></blockquote> - -<p>If a sense of interest, and of duty, do not prompt her people, and her -legislature, immediately, to supply defects so obvious, to correct -evils so glaring; surely, very shame at the contemplation of her -inferiority to those, above whom she once vaunted herself so highly, -will induce measures which cannot be much longer deferred without -disgrace as well as danger.</p> - -<p>In addition to <i>normal schools</i> (for training teachers,) an able -writer in the Edinburgh Review (to which<small><small><sup>8</sup></small></small> I owe the particulars of -the Prussian, German, and French school systems) suggests, in my -opinion very judiciously, the attaching of a Professorship to -Colleges, for lecturing upon the <i>art of instruction;</i> to be called -the professorship of <i>Didactics</i>. Such a chair, ably filled, would be -invaluable for multiplying enlightened teachers, and for enhancing the -dignity of that under-estimated pursuit. Conjointly with the normal -schools, it would soon ensure an abundant supply of instructors for -all the common schools.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>8</sup></small> Nos. 116, 117—July and October, 1833—reviewing several -works of <i>M. Cousin</i>, who went as commissioner from France, to explore -and report upon the Prussian and German systems of public -instruction.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>The kinds of knowledge</i> which should be studied in the schools, and -diffused by books, tracts, and oral lectures, among the people, form -an important topic of consideration. It is not for me, at least now -and here, to obtrude an inventory of my favorite subjects, or favorite -books: but the claims of a few subjects upon our regard are so -overshadowing, as to make dissent scarcely possible, and their -omission wholly unpardonable, in any extensive view of the connexion -between <i>popular education</i>, and <i>popular government</i>.</p> - -<p>Foremost of these, is the subject of Constitutional Law, and Political -Right: something of which might be taught, even in childhood. If the -children of Rome were obliged, at school, to lay up in memory the laws -of the Twelve Tables, with all their ferocious absurdities; how much -more should the children of our country learn those fundamental laws, -which guarantee to them the noble inheritance of a rational and -virtuous freedom! Even to very young minds, the structure and powers -of our two governments may be rendered intelligible by familiar and -impartial treatises, with clear oral explanations. The merit of -impartiality in these political lessons, is illustrated by the -odiousness of a departure from it, which startled me the other day, in -reading the <small>THIRTY-FIFTH EDITION</small> of a popular and in other respects an -excellent History of the United States,<small><small><sup>9</sup></small></small> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page21"><small><small>[p. 21]</small></small></a></span> -designed for schools; where that section<small><small><sup>10</sup></small></small> -of the Federal Constitution which declares the -powers of Congress, is presented thus: "The Congress of the United -States shall have power to make and enforce <i>all laws which are -necessary to</i> <small>THE GENERAL WELFARE</small>—AS to lay and collect taxes," -&c.—going on to enumerate the specified powers, as <i>mere examples</i> of -Congressional omnipotence! And the myriads of tender minds, which -probably already owe all their knowledge of the Constitution to the -abstract where this precious morsel of political doctrine occurs, can -hardly fail to carry through life the impression, that the powers of -Congress are virtually as unbounded as those of the British -Parliament. Now, to make patriots, and not partisans—upholders of -vital faith, not of sectarian doctrine—treatises for the political -instruction of youth should quote the <i>letter</i> of every such -controverted passage, with a brief and fair statement of the opinions -and reasonings on both sides. The course of political study would be -very incomplete, without the Declaration of Independence, and -Washington's Farewell Address: and occasion might readily be found to -correct or guard against some fallacies, afloat among mankind, and -often mischievously used as axioms. "That the majority should govern," -is an instance of them: a saying, which, by being taken unqualifiedly -as at all times placing <i>the majority</i> above the Constitution and -Laws, has repeatedly caused both to be outraged. Witness the "New -Court Law" of Kentucky, in 1825; and a very similar act passed by -Congress, in 1801. The prevalent opinions, that parties, and party -spirit, are salutary in a republic; that every citizen is in duty -bound to join one or the other party; and that he ought to <i>go with -his party</i>, in all measures, whether they be intrinsically proper or -otherwise; if not fallacies so monstrous as to make their currency -wonderful, are at least propositions so questionable and so important, -as to make them worthy of long and thorough investigation before they -be adopted as truths.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>9</sup></small> By Charles A. Goodrich. The abstract of the Constitution -is taken, he says, from "Webster's Elements of General Knowledge."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>10</sup></small> Article 1 § 8.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Without expending a word upon that trite theme, the <i>utility of -history</i> to all who have any concern in government, I may be allowed -to remark, that works for historical instruction, instead of being -filled with sieges and battles, should unfold, as much as possible, -those occult and less imposing circumstances, which often so -materially influence the destinies of nations: the well-timed -flattery—the lap-dog saved—the favorite's intrigue—the priest's -resentment or ambition—to which field marshals owe their rise, -cabinets their dissolution, massacres their carnage, or empires their -overthrow. Yet the reader need not be denied the glow he will -experience at the story of Thermopylæ, Marathon, Leuctra, or Bunker -Hill. All those incidents, too, whether grand or minute, which may -serve as warnings or as encouragements to posterity, should be placed -in bold relief, and their influence on the current of events, clearly -displayed. Numberless opportunities will occur, for impressing upon -the minds of young republicans, truths which deeply concern the -responsibilities involved in that name: the artifices of -demagogues—the danger, in a democracy, of <i>trusting</i> implicitly to -the honesty and skill of public agents—the worthlessness of -popularity, unless it be "the popularity which <i>follows</i>, not that -which is <i>run after</i>"<small><small><sup>11</sup></small></small>—the importance of learning to resist the -erring impulses of a misguided multitude, not less than the -unrighteous mandates of a frowning tyrant<small><small><sup>12</sup></small></small>—the ease, so often -exemplified, with which a people may be duped by the <i>forms</i> of -freedom, long after the substance is gone—the incredible aptitude of -<i>example</i> to become <i>precedent</i>, and of <i>precedent</i> to ripen into -<i>law</i>, until usurpation is established upon the ruins of liberty—and -the difference between <i>true</i> and <i>false</i> <small>GREATNESS</small>, so little -appreciated by the mass of mankind. This last point could not be -better illustrated, than by a fair comparison of Washington with -Bonaparte: a task which Dr. Channing, of Boston, has executed, in an -essay among the most elegant and powerful in the English or any other -language.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>11</sup></small> Lord Mansfield.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>12</sup></small> The "<i>ardor civium prava jubentium</i>," not less than the -"<i>vultus instantis tyranni</i>."</small></blockquote> - -<p>To render <i>Political Economy</i> intelligible to a moderate capacity, -dissertations sufficiently plain and full might easily be extracted -from the writings of Smith and Say, and from the many luminous -discussions, oral and written, which it has undergone in our own -country. Miss Martineau has shewn how well its truths may be set forth -in the captivating form of tales: and the writings of Mr. Condy Raguet -teem with felicitous illustrations.</p> - -<p><i>Practical Morals</i>—I mean that department, which teaches, and -<i>habituates</i> us, to behave justly and kindly to our fellow -creatures—will ever be poorly taught by dry precepts and formal -essays. No vehicle of moral instruction is comparable to the striking -narrative. How is it possible for any school-boy to rob an orchard, -after having read Miss Edgeworth's "Tarlton?"—or to practise -unfairness in any bargain, when he has glowed at the integrity of -Francisco, in purposely shewing the <i>bruised side</i> of his melon to a -purchaser? or not to loathe party spirit, when he has been early -imbued with the rational sentiments contained in the "Barring Out?" In -short, to be familiar with the mass of that lady's incomparable -writings for youth, and not have the principles and feelings of -economy, industry, courage, honor, filial and fraternal love, -engrained into his very soul? Or how can he fail to find, in "Sandford -and Merton," for the daily occasions of life, the happiest lessons of -duty and humanity, and for those great conjunctures which never occur -in many a life time, the most resistless incentives to a more than -Roman heroism?</p> - -<p>Other branches of knowledge are desirable for the republican citizen, -less from any peculiar appositeness to his character as such, than -from their tendency to enlarge his mind; and especially because, by -affording exhaustless stores of refined and innocent pleasure, they -win him away from the haunts of sensuality. "I should not think the -most exalted faculties a gift worthy of heaven," says Junius, "nor any -assistance in their improvement a subject of gratitude to man, if I -were not satisfied, that <i>to inform the understanding, corrects and -enlarges the heart</i>." Felix Neff, the Alpine pastor, whose ardent, -untiring benevolence, ten years ago, wrought what the indolent would -deem miracles, in diffusing knowledge, and a love of knowledge, -amongst an untutored peasantry, found their indifference towards -<i>foreign missions</i> immovable, until they had learned something of -<i>geography:</i> but so soon as they had read the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page22"><small><small>[p. 22]</small></small></a></span> description of -distant countries, and seen them upon the map, they conceived an -interest in the people who dwelt there; and entered warmly into the -scheme of beneficence, which before had solicited their attention in -vain. "Their new acquirements," observes Neff, "enlarged their spirit, -and made new creatures of them; seeming to triple their very -existence." Geometry, he remarked, also "produced a happy moral -development:" doubtless by the beauty of its unerring march to truth. -Arithmetic it is superfluous to recommend: but its adjunct, Algebra, -deserves cultivation as an exercise to the analyzing faculties; as an -implement, indispensable to the prosecution of several other studies; -and as opening a unique and curious field of knowledge to the view.</p> - -<p>The <i>physical sciences</i>, shewing the composition and defects of soils, -and the modes of remedying those defects—the natures and properties -of minerals and vegetables—the modes in which different bodies affect -each other—the mechanical powers—the structure of man's own frame, -and the causes which benefit or injure it—the utility of these cannot -escape any mind.</p> - -<p>For <i>books</i>, and <i>tracts</i>, and <i>oral lectures for the people</i>, there -will be no want of materials or models, or even of the actual fabrics -themselves. The publications of the British and American Societies for -the Diffusion of Knowledge, are mines, in which selection, -compilation, and imitation, may work with the richest results to this -great cause. Many of these productions, and still more eminently, the -scientific writings of Dr. Franklin, afford most happy specimens of -the style, suited to treatises for popular use: no parade of learning; -no long word, where a short will serve the turn; no Latin or Greek -derivative, where an Anglo-Saxon is at hand; no technical term, where -a popular one can be used. By presenting, in a form thus brief, -simple, and attractive, subjects which in their accustomed guise of -learned and costly quartos or octavos, frighten away the common gaze, -as from a Gorgon upon which none might look, and live, you may -insinuate them into every dwelling, and every mind: the school urchin -may find them neither incomprehensible, nor wearisome; and the -laboring man be detained from the tippling house, and even for an -hour, after the day's toil is over, from his pillow, to snatch a few -morsels from the banquet of instruction.</p> - -<p>Many will cavil at the attempt to disseminate generally, so extended a -round of knowledge: and if, to escape the charge of -<i>impracticability</i>, we say, that our aim is to impart merely a slight -and general acquaintance with the proposed subjects,—then, -<i>sciolism</i>, and <i>smattering</i>, will be imputed to the plan; and Pope's -clever lines, so often misapplied, about the <i>intoxicating effect of -shallow draughts from the Pierian Spring</i>, will be quoted upon us. -Come the objection in prose or in verse, it is entirely fallacious.</p> - -<p>Learning, either superficial or profound, intoxicates with vanity, -only when it is confined to a few. It is by seeing or fancying himself -wiser than those around him, that the pedant is puffed up. But now, -all the community, male and female, are proposed to be made partakers -of knowledge; and cannot be vain, of what all equally possess. -Besides—the sort of knowledge that naturally engenders conceit and -leads to error, is the <i>partial</i> knowledge of <i>details;</i> not a -comprehensive acquaintance with <i>outlines</i>, and <i>general principles</i>. -A quack can use the lancet, and knows it to have been successfully -employed for severe contusions and excessive heat; but does not know -the <i>general</i> fact, that under extreme exhaustion, indicated by a -suspended pulse, stimulants, and not depletives, are proper. Seeing a -man just fallen from a scaffold, or exhausted with heat and fatigue in -the harvest field—his pulse gone—the quack bleeds him, and the -patient dies. Again—a lounger at judicial trials, having picked up a -few legal doctrines and phrases—perhaps being master of a "Hening's -Justice"—conceives himself a profound jurisprudent; and besides -tiring the ears of all his acquaintance with technical pedantry, he -persuades a credulous neighbor, or plunges himself, into a long, -expensive, and ruinous law-suit. The worthy Mr. Saddletree, and Poor -Peter Peebles,<small><small><sup>13</sup></small></small> are masterly pictures of such a personage: -pictures, of which few experienced lawyers have not seen originals. -The storm so lately (and perhaps even yet) impending from the north, -and several other conspicuous ebullitions of fanaticism, are clearly -traceable to the perversion of a text<small><small><sup>14</sup></small></small> in our Declaration of -Independence and Bills of Rights, detached from its natural connexion -with kindred and qualifying truths, by minds uninstructed in the -<i>general principles</i> of civil and political right. The mind which has -been accustomed only to a microscopic observation of one subject, or -one set of subjects, is necessarily contracted, fanatical, and -intolerant: as the wrinkled crone, who, during a long life, has never -passed the hills environing her cabin, or heard of any land besides -her own province, believes her native hamlet the choicest abode of -wisdom and goodness, and its humble church the grandest specimen of -architectural magnificence, in the world; and hears with incredulity -or horror, of distant countries, containing mountains, rivers, -climates, and cities, such as her thoughts never conceived, and people -with complexions, customs, language, and religion, different from all -that she has ever known. But the intellect, that has surveyed the -outlines and observed the relations of many various subjects (even -though not thoroughly familiar with any,) resembles the man who by -travelling, or even on a map, has traced the boundaries and marked the -relative positions of different countries. Knowing that <i>they exist</i>, -and <i>are peopled</i>, he readily forms distinct ideas of their surfaces, -and their moral traits: their mountains, rivers, and cities, their -arts, commerce, manners, institutions, and wars, rise before his -imagination, or are grasped by his knowledge: and whatever he hears, -he is prepared rationally to credit or reject, to approve or censure, -as it comports well or ill with probability and with reason. Now, to -counteract the one, and to promote the other, of these two conditions -of mind, are precisely what is proposed by the advocates of popular -instruction. They propose to teach <i>outlines;</i> and carefully to -impress the fact, that <i>only outlines are taught:</i> so as to shew the -learner, plainly, the precise extent of his knowledge, and (what is -yet more important) of his <i>ignorance</i>. It is thus, that, being not -"proud that he hath learned so much," but rather "humble that he knows -no more," vanity and self-conceit will be most certainly prevented: -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page23"><small><small>[p. 23]</small></small></a></span> -that a wise doubt of his own infallibility will make him tolerant -of dissent from his opinions: that he will be prepared at all times to -extend his acquisitions easily and judiciously, and to connect them -well with previous acquisitions—proving how truly Blackstone has -said, in paraphrase of Cicero,<small><small><sup>15</sup></small></small> "the sciences are <i>social</i>, and -flourish best in the neighborhood of each other:" in short, that he -will approach most nearly to that "healthful, well proportioned" -expansion of intellect and liberality of character, which Locke<small><small><sup>16</sup></small></small> -terms a <i>large, sound, roundabout sense</i>. In this point of view, it -will be found that "a little learning is" <i>not</i> "a dangerous thing."</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>13</sup></small> In "The Heart of Mid Lothian," and -"Redgauntlet."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>14</sup></small> "All men are created equal," &c. This principle is, in -substance, asserted in the Bill of Rights or Constitution of almost -every State in the Union.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>15</sup></small> ——"omnes artes, quae ad humanitatem pertinent, habent -quoddam commune vinculum, et quasi cognatione quadam inter sese -continentur." <i>Orat. pro Arch. Poet.</i></small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>16</sup></small> Conduct of the Understanding.</small></blockquote> - -<p>I am deeply sensible, that I have left untouched many topics, even -more important and more pertinent to the main theme of my remarks, -than some which I have discussed. Indeed, so wide and so varied is -that main theme, that I have found myself greatly embarrassed in -selecting from the numerous particulars which solicited my regard on -every hand. I have not presumed to offer any fully rounded plan, of -that legislative action which is so imperiously demanded by the public -weal, and soon will be, I trust, by the public voice. A few hints, are -all that seemed to become me, or indeed that could well be crowded -into my brief share of this day's time. For a plan, both in outline -and in detail, I point to our sister states and to the European -countries, that have taken the lead of us: and to the virtues and -wisdom, by which our statesmen will be able to supply the defects, -avoid the errors, and even, I trust, surpass the excellences, of those -states and countries. That the Legislature may be wrought up to act, -individual influence, and the more powerful influence of associations -for the purpose—of whom I deem you, gentlemen, the chief, because the -first—must be exerted. You must draw the minds of the constituent -body forcibly to the subject. It must be held up in every light; -supported by every argument; until the people shall be persuaded but -to <i>consider</i> it. Then, half the work will have been done. And in its -further progress towards consummation—when the illuminating process -shall have fairly begun—still it will be for you, gentlemen, and for -those whom your example shall call into this field of usefulness with -and after you, to exert, with no slumbering energy, the endowments -wherewith you and they, are entrusted. You, and they, must become -authors, and the prompters of authors. Books, for use in the schools, -and cheap, simplifying tracts as well as books for circulation among -the people, must be composed, compiled, and selected. Lectures, plain -and cheap, and suitably illustrated, must be delivered through town -and country. After the example of the good Watts, and of our own many -illustrious contemporaries in Britain and America, learned men must -oblige Science to lay aside the starched dignity and grand attire, by -which hitherto she has awed away the vulgar; and to render herself -universally amiable, by being humbly useful: as the wisest<small><small><sup>17</sup></small></small> of -heathens is said to have "brought Philosophy down from the skies, -placed her in human haunts, and made her discourse on the daily -concerns of human life."</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>17</sup></small> Socrates. "Primus ille Philosophiam devocavit e coelo, -et in urbibus collocavit, et in domus introduxit; et coegit de vita et -moribus, rebusque bonis et malis quærere." <i>Cic. Tuscul. 5</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<p>In this whole enterprise, its undertakers should resolve to be -convinced by no sneers, daunted by no difficulties, arrested by no -obstacles. Difficulties and obstacles enough, indeed, will present -themselves to the timid or superficial glance; but they will vanish, -before calm scrutiny and brave determination. Even where the means of -solving or removing them may not occur before hand to the mind, what -was lately said in a worse cause, will prove to be true: "Where there -is a <small>WILL</small>, there is a <small>WAY</small>." In such a cause as ours, and in reference -to the epithets of "visionary," "impracticable," "chimerical," -"Quixotic," and all the other imaginary lions which will be discovered -in our path, well may we say, with the generous confidence of Lord -Chatham, that we "<i>trample upon impossibilities</i>."</p> - -<p>Has not our success, indeed, been already demonstrated? Demonstrated, -in the first place, by unnumbered instances of parallel, and more -stupendous enterprises, accomplished under circumstances less -favorable than those which attend our undertaking? Such enterprises as -the Reformation of Luther—the settlement of America—her deliverance -from a foreign yoke—the teaching of the blind and the -dumb<small><small><sup>18</sup></small></small> to -read and to write? Demonstrated, again, by actual <i>experiment</i>, that -sovereign test of practicability—experiment, seven times repeated, -with extensive, if not complete success—in New York, in Connecticut, -in Massachusetts, in Austria, in Germany, in Prussia, in Scotland? -Yes—it is no untried path we are called to tread: scarcely a step of -the way, but has been explored and smoothed before us. All that we -have to do, is to look around—see what others have done—correct our -own procedure by what we perceive defective in theirs—and forthwith -open the floodgates of light, and bid the torrent pour.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>18</sup></small> Dr. Johnson, after having witnessed the surprising -performances of the pupils in a College for the deaf and dumb at -Edinburgh in 1773, concluded that such a triumph over an infirmity -apparently irremediable, left nothing hopeless to human resolution. -"After having seen the deaf taught arithmetic," says he, "who would be -afraid to cultivate the Hebrides?" <i>Journey to the Western Islands</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Young gentlemen, foster-sons of the venerable institution near us! -Some, if not all of you, are destined by your opportunities, and by -bosoms glowing with honorable ambition, and beating high with the -consciousness of talent, for a conspicuous part in the drama of life. -Your eyes, doubtless, have already often glanced around, to see in -what field you shall reap the harvest of wealth, respect, and fame, -which hope represents as awaiting you. The buzz of notoriety, the palm -of eloquence, the gorgeousness of office—those glittering bribes, -which have lured onward their tens of thousands to mere splendid -misery or to a shameful end after all—have, no doubt, displayed their -attractions to you: but permit me to suggest, that if you will devote -the powers with which nature and education have gifted you, to the -patriot task of purifying and expanding the minds of your -countrymen—besides enjoying in your latter days that sweetest of -earthly thoughts, the thought of a life spent in usefulness—you may -have gathered laurels of glory, compared with which, all the chaplets -ever won in the tilt-yard of vulgar ambition are paltry weeds.</p> - -<p>My wealthy fellow citizens! remember, that where -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page24"><small><small>[p. 24]</small></small></a></span> suffrage is -nearly universal and the majority rules, if the great body of the -people be ignorant or immoral, property is never secure from assaults, -under the disguise of law: either agrarian schemes, or oppressive -protecting systems, or advantages to certain classes, or some form of -unequal taxation; all, the result of ill-informed minds, or of -depraved dispositions. And if lawlessness assume not the garb of -legislation, still it is always banded with ignorance in the firing of -barns, the destruction of labor-saving machinery,<small><small><sup>19</sup></small></small> conspiracies to -raise wages, and all the terrific outrages that spring from the fury -of mobs. Thus, by a wise Providence, are you, who are the most <i>able</i> -to promote the education of the people, also by far the most -<i>interested</i> in doing so. If there can be a case, in which a judicious -liberality is the truest economy, that case is now yours: and never -may the <i>ill husbandry of niggardliness</i> be more awfully exemplified, -than by your grudging a small particle of your wealth, to place the -remainder beyond the reach of this peril.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>19</sup></small> No one can have forgotten the ravages committed, a year -or two since, by the ignorant poor of Kent, and some others of the -southern and middle counties of England, chiefly under the delusive -idea, that their sufferings were caused by labor-saving machinery.</small></blockquote> - -<p>My fellow citizens (if any such are before me) who do not possess -wealth, and who have scarcely tasted of the cup of knowledge! You -surely need no exhortation to quaff freely of that cup, when it shall -come within your grasp: but I do exhort you to employ your influence -as men, and your constitutional power as voters, in persuading your -fellow citizens, and in prompting your public agents, to adopt the -requisite measures for dispelling, now and forever, the clouds and -darkness in which republican freedom can never long live.</p> - -<p>And if, at the remotest point of future time, to which we may look -forward as witnessing the existence of human government any where, our -democratic forms shall still retain, unimpaired, even their present -purity, and present fertility of substantial freedom and happiness; -much more, if they shall have waxed purer, and stronger, and more -fruitful of good, with each revolving century,—defying the power or -conciliating the love of foreign states—maintaining domestic -harmony—oppressing none, protecting all—and so fully realizing the -fondest hopes of the most sanguine statesman, that no "despair of the -republic" can trouble the faintest heart:—all will be owing (under -Providence,) to the hearkening of this generation and the succeeding -ones, to that voice—not loud, but solemn and earnest—which, from the -shrine of Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and -enforces the momentous precept—"ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect12"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE WISSAHICCON.</h4> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem7"> - -<tr><td><small>Its bounding crystal frolicked in the ray,<br> - And gushed from cleft to crag with saltless spray.<br> - - - - - <i>Byron</i></small>.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br><br> - -<p>It is probable there are but few individuals residing in the vicinity -of Philadelphia, who have not heard, during some interval of business -engagements, of Wissahiccon creek, a beautiful and romantic stream -that falls into the no less romantic Schuylkill, about five miles -above the city. The stream is visited, statedly, by but a small number -of persons, but as it is neither found on any map, nor marked in any -gazetteer that I have ever examined, there may be some apology -afforded for the indifference to magnificent scenery, manifested by -hundreds and thousands of our citizens, who, though domiciled in its -immediate vicinity, have never deemed it worthy of a visit. So true it -is, that there is a proneness in human nature to undervalue the gifts -of Providence which are placed within our reach, and to admire and -covet those which are located at a distance. Were a fatiguing journey -of several hundred miles necessary, in order to enjoy a ramble along -the banks of the Wissahiccon, we should then, without doubt, view its -placid waters, its sluggish, meandering course, its richly covered -banks, and its imposing precipices, with the admiration and enthusiasm -which scenes of this character never fail to inspire in the minds of -those who passionately love the untouched works of the hand of nature. -But the delightful little stream courses along within a few miles of -our doors, and a ride to its most picturesque views, is but an hour's -excursion; hence, except to a few, whose researches have discovered, -and whose good taste enabled them to appreciate, the beauty, sublimity -and majesty of this stream, it is almost unknown.</p> - -<p>But there are persons who have not been thus negligent of nature's -treasures in this vicinity, and to these a visit to the fascinating -Wissahiccon, calls up remembrances and associations of the most -delightful character. To those who enjoy Nature in her majesty—free, -uncontrolled, undespoiled of her beauty by the effacing efforts of -human skill—there is no spot, within a circle of many miles, so rich -in imagery, so imposing in appearance, so fascinating in attraction, -as the banks of the Wissahiccon. The stream takes its rise from -several springs in the upper part of Montgomery county, and flows, for -a short distance, through a limestone country, remarkable for -fertility and a high state of cultivation. Thence it passes, -south-westernly, "a sweet smiling stream sleeping on the green sward," -into more undulating land, until it reaches the Chesnut ridge, from -which it progresses, at times indolently, and at times with an -impetuous current, through a narrow valley, hedged in on either side -by high hills, steep and craggy cliffs and precipitous mountains, -until it strikes the Schuylkill, about a mile above the falls. Along -its whole course the scenery of the Wissahiccon is beautiful, but it -is the portion lying within six or eight miles of its mouth, that is -generally regarded as the most attractive, as it exhibits, in bolder -relief than any other portion, the peculiar sublimity and grandeur of -the stream, and the imposing and majestic ledge of rock work through -which it passes. It is along this distance that I have been accustomed -to ramble during leisure moments, for years, and it is under the shade -of the forests of brilliant hue that line its banks, that I have often -reclined, and enjoyed, undisturbed, the sweet melody of nature, -issuing from the bursting green foliage around me. I love nature with -enthusiasm, and whether standing on the bank of a running stream and -listening to the sweet gushing sound of its waters, or seated on an -eminence overlooking the waving fields of golden fruit that bless the -labor of the husbandman; whether enchanted by the Siren song of -nature's minstrels in the spring, or watching the many-colored leaves -of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page25"><small><small>[p. 25]</small></small></a></span> -forest, as they are borne through the air by the whistling -winds of autumn—there is, in the scene before me, absorbing -attraction, calling forth reflections which never fail to mellow down -the selfish and unkind feelings of the heart, and to shed a peaceful, -consoling, and happy influence—all-pervading and lasting in its -impressions—over the heart.</p> - -<p>The wild and majestic are, however, the scenes to which I am most -strongly attached, and which invariably elicit, to a greater extent -than those of a softer character, passionate emotions of wonder and -admiration. I love to stand at the base of a mountain whose summit -reaches the clouds, and to clamber among rocks and under precipices -whose projecting cliffs threaten destruction to the hardy -adventurer—I love to explore the dense forests of our bold and -beautiful hills, and to bury myself in the hidden recesses of nature, -where the foot of man has never trod, where the sound of civilization -has never been heard—I love to stand at the foot of Niagara, and -watch the mighty torrent of a mighty inland sea hurling its -concentrated power into the gulph below, and to gaze deep, deep, into -that awful abyss—unfathomable, destructive, appalling—I love to see -the elements at war, to hear the rush of the tornado and whirlwind, -laying prostrate in their furious course every impediment to their -destructive progress, and to witness the fall of the powerful oak and -the whirlings of its cleft branches in the sea of matter above, -crushing and overwhelming the most formidable obstacles of art. These -are scenes in which the spirit of the enthusiast revels, and they are -scenes which strike the soul with awe, speaking trumpet-tongued of the -presence of an Almighty power, of the omnipotence of his authority, of -the insignificance of human effort, and the frailty of human life.</p> - -<p>The scenery near the mouth of the Wissahiccon is of a wild, romantic, -and imposing character, beautiful in its ever-varying aspect, and -interesting in its mystic associations. High hills, occasionally -assuming the appearance of mountains, rise on either side, covered -with a dense and beautifully-variegated foliage. The dogwood, with its -beautiful flowers, the chesnut, the locust, the melancholy willow, the -sumac, the gum, with its vermillion leaves, and the gloomy hemlock, -flourish here in all their native grandeur; and the lofty oak, the -father of the forest, stretches out his thickly-covered branches to -afford shade and shelter to the weary pedestrian. Wild flowers, in -great number and varieties, rivalling each other in loveliness, are -found in the underwood, giving effect to the drapery of the verdant -trees, by enlivening the dark hues of the thickly-growing and -overshadowed forest. Some of these flowers and plants are of rare -quality and surpassing beauty, and far eclipse in attraction many that -are cultivated with care and pride in our gardens; but here they -spring up, year after year, in silence and solitude, being literally</p> - -<center> -"———Born to blush unseen,<br> -And waste their fragrance on the desert air."</center> - -<p>In the valley of the stream, along the eastern side of which, for a -mile or two, a convenient road has been chisseled and scooped out of -the sides of the stony hill, the vision is completely obstructed by -the imposing banks, and hills rising above hills, on either shore; and -but for the unpoetic noise of a laboring mill, and the span of a rude -bridge which crosses to a small cavern or cleft in the rocky slope, -there would be nothing to betray the presence of man, or to mark the -contiguity of human enterprise. Alas! that not one spot—not even the -glorious Wissahiccon—bearing the undoubted impress of the hand of the -God of nature, can escape the desolating depredations and officious -interference of the onward march of civilization.</p> - -<p>The carriage road commencing at the mouth of the Wissahiccon, crosses -the stream on a covered bridge, about a mile and a half above, winds -up a hill of considerable elevation, and passes over to the ridge. -From the covered bridge access along the creek is obtained by means of -a foot path, on the western side, which is marked through the forest, -over crags and cliffs, rugged rocks and rooted trees, until it reaches -a beautiful green lawn, a little parlor in the wilderness, celebrated -as the resort of occasional pic-nic parties of young ladies and -gentlemen from the city, and where, on the grassy floor, youth and -beauty have often mingled in the graceful dance, and joined in the -merry song of innocence and gay hilarity. It is a sweet spot, and -surrounded, as it is, by scenery of the wildest and most romantic -character, may very appropriately be designated the "oasis of the -Wissahiccon." Near this place, immediately on the water's edge, the -ruins of an antiquated stone building are discovered, scattered over -the ground, and as no trace of the original appearance of the edifice -can be found, the imagination is permitted to enjoy free scope in -dwelling upon the character and pursuits of its ancient founders. On -the opposite side, the banks rise up, in many places almost -perpendicularly, to the height of mountains, and but few have the -temerity to attempt a passage along the course of the stream, as a -single false step might hurl them among the dangerous rocks and -jutting cliffs below. Here, as well as on the western side, several -clefts and caverns in the granite rocks may be found, but it does not -appear that they extend to any great depth under the massive -structure; and here, upon the edge of a hill, may be seen the point at -which it was sometime since proposed to throw a bridge over the -stream, to carry across the rail road from Philadelphia to Norristown. -The projectors of the scheme reached thus far in their onward -progress, but in casting a glance over the precipice into the gulph -below, were struck with dismay at the formidable obstacles which -appeared, and prudently abandoned the hazardous and wildly-conceived -undertaking.</p> - -<p>Near Garsed's flax mill, the foot-path crosses to the eastern shore of -the stream, on a rude log chained to an adjacent stone, and passes up -through a forest overhanging the sluggish waters, and through a thick -underwood, which, in some places, is almost impenetrable. Occasional -openings in the dense foliage, which become more frequent as the -pedestrian progresses up the stream, afford highly picturesque and -enchanting views of the surrounding hills, such as those who -appreciate Nature in her majesty, would journey miles upon miles, and -endure pain and fatigue without murmuring, to behold. In every -direction the scenes unfolded to the eye are rich and enchanting -beyond description, and remind the writer who associates therewith -ideas of intellectual pleasure and enjoyment, of the beautiful lines -of the poet:</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page26"><small><small>[p. 26]</small></small></a></span> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem8"> -<tr><td><small>"Dear solitary groves, where peace doth dwell!<br> - Sweet harbors of pure love and innocence!<br> - How willingly could I forever stay<br> - Beneath the shade of your embracing greens,<br> - List'ning unto the harmony of birds,<br> - Tun'd with the gentle murmur of the stream."</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>One of the most interesting spots on the Wissahiccon, is in the -immediate vicinity of the great perpendicular rock of granite, -opposite Rittenhouse's mill. Here the dark shadows of the hill fall, -with beautiful effect, upon the gurgling stream, and the rich and deep -woodland foliage, the tangled and fragrant shrubbery, the towering -cliffs on the one side, and imposing hills and dales on the other, -give to the place a charm and fascination, which the reflecting mind -may enjoy, but of which it is impossible to convey with the pen, any -accurate description. It was near this enchanting place, on the sun -side of a high hill, as is currently believed, that Kelpius and his -friend, scholars of Germany, located themselves about the close of the -seventeenth century, and where for years they dwelt in quiet and -religious meditation, awaiting, with anxious prayer, the coming of the -"Lady of the Wilderness," and where they died, as we now know, -"without the sight." It was here, that, at a period long anterior to -the arrival of Kelpius, the untamed monarch of these wilds came to -enjoy the rich treasures of nature, and to worship, in silence, the -goodness and bounty of the Great Spirit. It was here, perhaps, on the -summit of this very hill, that the original owners of the soil -convened for the war dance and to make preparations for a furious and -bloody contest; or mayhap it was here that the chiefs of different -tribes assembled to bury the hatchet of war, and to smoke the calumet -of amity and peace. Perhaps it was here that the noble young warrior, -flushed with the honors of victory, stole silently at the midnight -hour, to breathe his tale of love and his vows of devotion, into the -ear of his blushing and affianced bride; and surely no spot can be -found, in the whole range of our wide-spread territory, so suitable -for scenes of this character. Here is the abode of romance, here the -spirit of nature holds undisputed sway—and here, among these rugged -rocks, and in this dense foliage—by the side of this poetic stream, -with its associations of woody heights and shady dells, it is fitting -that pure and holy vows of love should be uttered, where Heaven, in -every leaf of the forest, in every blade of grass, may be called upon -to bear witness to their sincerity and truth.</p> - -<p>But the Wissahiccon has fallen into other hands. The untutored savage -no longer strolls over these silent mountains and vales, for his abode -has been removed far away, beyond the western waters. The bones of his -warrior fathers lie bleached and neglected in the depths of the -valley, for the high-bounding spirit of the son is tamed, by the -contaminating influence of his civilized brethren. The active deer no -longer bounds over the hills and dales of the Wissahiccon, for he has -been driven to more sequestered abodes. The stream is, however, much -the same—its placid waters are still beautiful as mirrors—its shores -are still romantic—its groves are still enchanting—and so may they -ever remain, undisturbed, untouched by the dilapidating hand of man! -The place should ever be reserved as a refreshing retreat, where the -soul may be uplifted in devotion, and the heart gladdened in sweet -contemplation—where no sound shall be heard but the notes of melody -and joy, in delightful unison with the tones of the murmuring rill.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem9"> -<tr><td><small> "To sit on rocks, to muse o'er flood and fell,<br> - To slowly trace the forest's shady scene,<br> - Where things that own not man's dominion dwell,<br> - And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been;<br> - To climb the trackless mountain, all unseen,<br> - With the wild flock that never needs a fold;<br> - Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean;<br> - This is not solitude—'tis but to hold<br> -Converse with nature's charms, and see her stores unroll'd."</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Two or three miles above the perpendicular rock, on the eastern shore -of the stream, and in a spot equally beautiful and romantic, stands an -edifice of great antiquity, connected with which there are a number of -interesting associations. It is built nearly on the summit of a slope -that stretches into a ravine, walled in on three sides by elevated -hills, thickly covered with foliage. The building is of stone, three -stories high, with numerous windows, four to each chamber, of uniform -size, and appearance; sixty years ago there was a balcony around the -second story, and the old-fashioned eaves, plastered in semi-circular -form, still to be seen, exhibit the architectural taste and style of a -past century. The date of its erection is supposed to be the year -1706, and its founders a society of religious Germans, probably known -as <i>Pietists</i> or <i>Seven day Baptists</i>, who no doubt selected this -secluded situation in order to secure peace and quietness in their -religious devotions. Many of the aged inhabitants of the neighborhood -remember this monastery, as a building of unchanged appearance, even -from the days of their boyhood, and some have connected therewith -curious traditions of romance and legends of mystic tale. -Notwithstanding the edifice has lately undergone a thorough -alteration, and is now the permanent residence of a highly respectable -and very intelligent family, it still bears the reputation of being -visited by spirits.</p> - -<p>The fact of this building having been occupied as a monastery, by a -brotherhood of Germans, is, however, involved in doubt. One tradition -alleges, that it was tenanted for sometime, by a fraternity of -Capuchins, or White Friars, who took upon themselves vows of -abstinence and poverty, and who slept upon wooden or stone pillows, -with places scolloped out for the head. In confirmation of this -tradition, an ancient burial place near the premises, now under -tillage, is pointed out, where repose the remains of many of the -brotherhood. Another and more probable story is, that the building was -actually erected for a religious society, professing a faith similar -to that of the Seven day Baptists at Ephrata, near Lancaster, but -never occupied, as those for whom it was designed deemed it expedient -to leave the neighborhood, and join the settlement at Ephrata. The -Chronica Ephrata expressly states that, previous to the formation of -that community, in May, 1733, they had dwelt in separate places as -hermits, and "the hermits of the ridge" are frequently mentioned. That -there was a feeling of affection between these hermits and the -brotherhood in Ephrata, is beyond all doubt, as the Chronica, in -another place, speaks of some brothers of single devotedness at -Roxborough, "who subsequently fell in with the spirit of the world and -married."</p> - -<p>Kelpius, probably the first of the hermits, on the Wissahiccon, died -in the year 1708. He was succeeded by -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page27"><small><small>[p. 27]</small></small></a></span> -Seelig, who survived him -many years, and who was contemporary with Conrad Matthias, another -recluse, whose cave was near the Schuylkill. Tradition speaks of these -Germans as being men of undoubted piety and great learning. Kelpius -wrote several languages, and his journal, in Latin, is now in the -possession of a distinguished antiquarian of Philadelphia. He waited -the coming of the "Lady of the Wilderness,"—the "woman clothed with -the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of -twelve stars," spoken of in the scriptures, as having "fled into the -wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should -feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Rev. -xii.) We may wonder that such a man as Kelpius should labor under a -delusion of this character, but those who will visit the spot he -selected for his "prayerful waiting," will agree with me in opinion -that it was singularly well chosen to harmonize with and foster his -eccentric views, and romantic religious expectations.</p> - -<p>There is another interesting legend, connected with the monastery on -the Wissahiccon, which I feel inclined to allude to, if I may do so -without being held responsible for its veracity. It is a tale of -unhappy love, and relates to a young, beautiful, and accomplished -French lady, who followed her lover to the Indian wars, who fought in -disguise by his side, and who closed his eyes when he fell at her -feet, mortally wounded. Being subsequently admitted, for temporary -shelter, into the monastery, she passed a year or two in unavailing -grief, and died, heart-broken at the loss of all she held near and -dear on earth. The particulars of the melancholy fate of the beautiful -Louisa I may hereafter unfold to the reader, but I beg my young -friends who may discover the mound which covers her remains at the -foot of a weeping willow, washed by the gurgling stream, to shed a -tear to the memory of one whose beauty and virtues deserved a happier fate.</p> - -<p>I have thus attempted to give a sketch of the ever-delightful -Wissahiccon, and to cast a hasty glance at a few of the prominent -incidents with which it was once associated. If I have failed to -excite interest in the mind of the reader, let him not hesitate to -attribute the circumstance to the feeble powers of the writer, rather -than to the poverty of the subject to which his attention has been -called. Beautiful and magnificent beyond comparison are the -picturesque views of this romantic stream, and for ages to come may -its crystal waters continue to course through the valley, affording -peaceful enjoyment to the pedestrian on its banks, and unqualified -delight to those who may ramble through its attractive forests.</p> - -<blockquote><i>Philadelphia, October 1835</i>.</blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect13"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LE BRUN.</h4> -<br> -<p>Le Brun, a Jesuit, wrote what he called a Christian Virgil, and a -Christian Ovid. The Virgil consists, of Eclogues, Georgics, and an -Epic of twelve books, all however on devotional subjects. The Ovid is -in the same taste. The Epistles are pious ones—the Fasti are the six -days of the Creation—the Elegies are the Lamentations of -Jeremiah—the Art of Love is a poem on The Love of God, and the -history of some Conversions supplies the place of the Metamorphoses.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect14"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MEMORY.</h4> -<br> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem10"> -<tr><td>Oh! why should Memory love to dwell<br> - On pleasures which can come no more?<br> -And why should Fancy's magic spell<br> - So brightly gild each scene of yore?<br> -<br> -Ev'n Hope's delusive, glittering beam<br> - May cease to shed its cheering light;<br> -And, dull and cold, Time's onward stream<br> - May flow before the aching sight.<br> -<br> -But Memory, like a fairy dream,<br> - Still haunts the pensive view,<br> -And, like mild Evening's lingering beam,<br> - Clothes fading scenes in loveliest hue.<br> -<br> -The Past, with all its glittering train<br> - Of joys, so sweet, so quickly fled,<br> -At Memory's touch returns again,<br> - To cheer the heart whose hopes are dead.<br> -<br> -Fond Retrospection lingers near<br> - Each scene of bliss which could not last,<br> -And links again that chain so dear,<br> - Which Memory flings around the past.<br> -<br> -Hopes, Friendships, <i>Loves</i>—a seraph band—<br> - Which Time's cold blast had rudely torn,<br> -As Memory waves her magic wand,<br> - With more than former bliss return.<br> -<br> -They come, like Music's distant breath,<br> - So soft, so sweet their whisperings are—<br> -And fadeless is that lovely wreath<br> - With which they bind the brow of care.<br> -<br> -Oh! Memory's joys will <i>always</i> last—<br> - No cloud can dim their brilliant ray;<br> -Still bright and brighter glows the Past,<br> - As Hope's sweet visions fade away.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect15"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE CITY.</h4> -<br> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem11"> -<tr><td> The City—the City—its glare and din—<br> -Oh! my soul is sick of its sights and shows,<br> - My spirit is cramp'd, and my soul pent in—<br> - I can scarcely think, and it seems to me<br> - My very breathing is not so free,<br> -As where the breeze in its freedom blows,<br> - And the vines untrammel'd but seem to be<br> - Disporting to tell of their liberty.<br> -There, <i>there</i> I'd be—Oh! my spirit pines<br> -For the rivers, the trees, and the forest vines.<br> -<br> - From the crowded streets, and the jostling throng,<br> -And garish glitter, and vain parade—<br> - My native woods! how I long, I long<br> - To bury me in thy wilds again;<br> - Then Art, and Fashion, and Form, oh! then<br> -I'll eschew ye all in my wild-wood shade.<br> - Like an uncaged bird, I shall scarcely know<br> - Which way to bend me, or whither to go;<br> -Yet I think my spirit would grateful rise<br> -Unto God, who dwells in the clear blue skies.</td></tr> -</table> -<blockquote><i>Columbia, S. C.</i></blockquote> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page28"><small><small>[p. 28]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect16"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MACEDOINE:</h4> -<center>BY THE AUTHOR OF OTHER THINGS.</center> -<br><br> -<center>I.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem12"> -<tr><td><small>"I tell it as 'twas whispered unto me,<br> - By a strange voice not of this world I ween."</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem13"> -<tr><td> The Baron has gone to a distant land<br> - Beyond the far wave the sun sets on;<br> - Last eve but one he kissed his hand<br> - To his lady, the lovely Marion,<br> -As he urged his proud courser along the plain<br> -That leads to the sea, from his wide domain,<br> -In the van of a gallant vassal train.<br> -<br> -In sooth, her lord is a noble knight<br> -As e'er couched lance in tourney or fight—<br> -But yet the lady loved him not,<br> -And heaven ne'er blest their lonely lot.<br> -"No little voices, no fairy footfalls<br> -Broke the deep hush of their silent halls;"<br> -For Coldness hung over their bridal couch,<br> -And chilled their hearts with his icy touch.<br> -The lady scarce smiled when her lord was nigh—<br> -And when she did, her pensive eye<br> -Had somewhat in its look the while<br> -Which seemed to chide the moment's guile,<br> -And check the mimic play of mirth<br> -To which the lip alone gave birth.<br> -Like light that sports on frozen streams<br> -That warm not in its wintry beams,<br> -Is the smile of the lip that would fain seem glad—<br> -Albeit the heart is gloomy and sad.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>I watched the lady from afar,<br> - As she sat in the western balcony—<br> - Oh! none more beautiful could be;<br> - The sun had sunk upon the sea,<br> -And twilight came with the evening star.<br> -<br> - The lady leaned o'er the balustrade,—<br> - I ween 'twas not the voice of the breeze<br> - That came from the grove of orange trees;<br> -For the lady started as half afraid,<br> -And her cheek turned pale, then flushed blood-red,<br> -As the voice of lips invisible said:<br> -"Meet me to-night by the bastioned wall,<br> - When the midnight moon looks over the sea—<br> -When the mermaid sleeps in her ocean hall,<br> - And the world seems made but for you and me."</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>'Twas a lovely night—the moonlit sea<br> - Was smooth and fair as beauty's brow;<br> - And down in the coral caves below,<br> - Where white pearls lie, and seaflowers grow,<br> -The mermaid was dreaming quietly.<br> -And lo! a knight and a lady fair<br> - Stood in the shade of the bastioned wall:<br> -I watched them as they lingered there—<br> - Oh! they were to each other all<br> -In the wide, wide world their hearts held dear;<br> - He clasped her trembling to his breast,<br> -And kissed from her lids the glittering tear.<br> - She sighed, and pointed to the west,<br> - And again her tears flowed unreprest;</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<center>II.</center> -<br> -<center>SONG.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem14"> -<tr><td><small>Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto -those that be of heavy hearts.<br> -Let him drink—and remember his misery no more.</small></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><small><i>Proverbs—Chap. xxxi. 6 and 7</i>. </small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem15"> -<tr><td>This is a dark and dreary world<br> - To which we're vainly clinging—<br> -We spurn at life, yet dread the fate<br> - Each hour is nearer bringing.<br> -It is not love—it is not hope,<br> - That binds us to our sorrow—<br> -But wild vague fears—a shrinking dread<br> - Of an unearthly morrow:<br> -Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine—<br> - A truce to sober thinking—<br> -And pledge the joy that lingers yet—<br> - The deep, deep joy of drinking.<br> -<br> -Oh! 'tis a dark and fearful curse<br> - Hangs o'er this brief existence—<br> -The knowledge of a fixed doom<br> - That mocks our poor resistance.<br> -In vain the path is strewed with flowers,<br> - The truth will ne'er forsake us—<br> -A grisly demon dogs our steps,<br> - And must at last o'ertake us:<br> -Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine—<br> - Avaunt all idle thinking—<br> -And pledge the joy that yet remains—<br> - The deep, deep joy of drinking.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<center>III.</center> -<br> -<center>RUINS.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem16"> -<tr><td>Ye grey and mouldering walls!—ye ivied towers!<br> - From whence the midnight-loving bird doth pour<br> - Her dreary note upon the solemn hour!<br> -Ye dim arcades!—ye fancy-haunted bowers!<br> -Ruined—but how majestic in decay!<br> - I love thee well; and gazing thus on thee<br> - In twilight solitude, it seems to me<br> -A spirit voice comes stealing up this way—<br> -The voice of vanished years—and many a tale<br> - It tells my musing mind of gallant lords<br> - And ladies gay—of moonlight-whispered words,<br> -And deeds of high renown—of crimes that pale<br> - The cheek to dream—and the malignant scowl<br> - Of evil eyes beneath the monkish cowl.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<center>IV.</center> -<br> -<center>SONNET.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem17"> -<tr><td>Oh! I could almost weep to think that thou<br> - Whom heaven hath moulded in a form as fair<br> - As fancy pictures those of upper air,<br> -Shouldst thus belie the promise of that brow<br> -Where truth seems to repose, pure as its snow.<br> - Alas! that treachery should lurk beneath<br> - Such smiles!—a hidden serpent in a wreath<br> -Of Eden flowers!—what art thou, wouldst thou know?<br> -In all thy pride of charms?—A living tomb<br> - Of buried hopes—the grave of ruined hearts<br> - Which trusted, loved thee,—dreaming not that arts<br> -Which taught the soul excess of bliss, would doom<br> - The worshipper to—no! not Death, but worse—<br> - And yet thou art too fair a thing to curse.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page29"><small><small>[p. 29]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect17"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LIONEL GRANBY.</h4> -<center>CHAP. VI.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem18"> -<tr><td><small>"The letters are original, though sometimes in bad taste, and -generally verbose."</small></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><small><i>Edinburgh Review</i>.</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> - -<p>I had not been a long time at College before I received a large packet -from home, enclosing a number of letters from my uncle, Frederick, and -Lucy. One of them was folded in an odd fashion—directed in a stiff -and inky hand, and surmounted with a mass of red sealing wax, on which -was rudely impressed the ragged outline of the Granby arms. This was -one of my uncle's pedantic, prolix, advisory, and generous epistles, -and I was soon placed in possession of the following neatly written -sentences.</p> - -<div align="right"><i>Chalgrave</i>, ——. - </div> - -<blockquote><i>My Dear Boy:</i>—When Erasmus visited Sir Thomas More, that obstinate -sophist, and that martyr to a scolding wife, (how nobly he bore her!) -he said that he could always write a pleasing letter when his hand was -the secretary of his heart. <i>En passant</i>, Erasmus made a gallant -speech on this memorable visit. In admiring the kind fashion of -saluting females with a kiss, on your arrival or departure from an -entertainment, he said, and that philosophically, that this habit -preserved health, in calling a constant and blushing glow to the -cheek, and that in his moments of sickness he could wish no happier -situation than to be placed near an English nunnery, where if he could -not be kissed for charity he might yet live in hopes of it. Now my -hand is the obedient secretary, and my heart is anxious to dictate its -duties. How true, yet how simple is this conceit! and how far superior -to the monkish verbosity, and strangled sentiment of those bad novels -which you read merely because they are new. The heart is the -<i>écritoire</i> of the letter writer, and have you never paused with -feelings of admiration and delight over the affectionate and eloquent -letters of a woman? She writes from the heart, and pours out the -swelling torrent of all her thoughts and feelings. Man thinks <i>what</i> -to write, and will fritter away feeling and sacrifice nature in the -struggle for easy periods and mellifluous cadences. It is not learning -that shadows with tints of tenderness the beautiful letters of -Tully—nor is it philosophy which lends that nameless grace, and -elastic interest, to the epistles of Pliny. 'Tis nature whose -affections, like the rainbow, beautify and hallow the roughness of -every spot over which it spans its creative arch. A letter, says -Tully, cannot blush, "<i>epistola enim non erubescit</i>," if it could, it -would never have this characteristic when I addressed it to you. I -cannot write aught that will suffuse either your cheek or mine, though -I might whisper something about your fair cousin, Isa Gordon. You love -her, Lionel? and she may return your affection, but you must owe it to -your distinction. Isa is no sickly and prurient-hearted girl who can -solely love the person, for she demands the intellectual man, and in -the hymeneal chaplet which is to adorn her brow, the laurel must twine -its emblematic vanities. Let this hope excite you to study—let this -holy object imp your eagle wing, for on every page of your books you -must see her name urging and stimulating the slumbering energies of -your ambition. I would not have you free from love, nor untouched, as -Spenser calls it, by its pensive discontent, for no young man can -prosper without its stirring and startling excitements. I myself, -"<i>vixi puellis idoneus</i>," and I know that it softens the asperities of -temper—gentles the turbulence of youth—breaks down the outworks of -vice, and detracts no more from the firmness of mind than the polish -of the diamond does from its solidity. You may read philosophy and -think of woman—dwell on poetry and find your taste expanding into -delicacy and elevation by dreaming of her gentleness, and I suppose -that even in the crabbed study of the law, you may find her image -peeping over black letter, or smiling through yellow parchment. When I -was at college poor Ridon whom Johnstone shot, ('twas a fair duel) -being in love, translated most of that portion of Coke upon Littleton -which relates to females, into poetry of all styles, and measures. -Only think of his drawing poetical conceits from this dull book, and -scattering them on the margin of the leaden volume, like so many -flowers prodigally thrown into a grave-yard! I have this rare copy, -and in a page blotted with notes, references, and <i>quæres</i>, these -crippled lines, have stumbled themselves into the text.</blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem19"> -<tr><td>"<i>Tenant per la curtesie d'Englettere</i>." </td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">Chap. iv. sect. 35.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem20"> -<tr><td>A feme that has lands<br> -Enters Hymen's bands,<br> -And has heirs in the nuptial tye;<br> -Then these lands shall descend,<br> -When her life's at an end,<br> -To her Lord in curtesy.</td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote>This species of poetry was all that he ever wrote, and he was wont to -say, that he thought it was his duty to the sex, to use the language -of rhyme, and thus make the law respectful.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>I do not know how to advise you about the study of law. I once looked -into it, and though it may be a garden teeming with the elegancies of -Poestum, I could not bear that rough dragon of pedantry, Coke, who -guarded its threshold. It is a sort of hustle-cap game, between judges -and lawyers, and a perilous mystery wherein common sense cannot trust -itself, without that peculiar and dogged impudence, which bears all -the vulgarity, without the courage, of effrontery. Now there is -philosophy in every thing, and if you will acquire decent effrontery I -will call it, for your sake, dignity and learning; and I will even -believe that it requires some mind to understand a plain statute, and -some genius to pervert it. Yet I cannot look with a sarcastic eye on -the hallowed relics of the legal institutions of antiquity. Go back, -my dear boy, to the redundant fountains of ancient literature—and you -will find that Plato and Tully, have long ago, looked up for the pure -seat of law only to the bosom of God, and that the Norman gibberish -and dog-latin, which were quoted to burn witches and sustain kings, -though they may make you a lawyer skilled in precedents, can never -make you the scourge of knavery, the fearless champion of innocence, -nor the enlightened advocate of your country's rights. Old Sir Roger -L'Estrange wrote a mournful valedictory, when he left the riots and -Apician nights of the Inns for the labors and stolid gravity of the -bar, and, amid many sarcasms on the profession, he has thus happily -sketched the character of an honest lawyer.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>"He can prosecute a suit in equity without seeking to create a -whirlpool where one order shall beget another, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page30"><small><small>[p. 30]</small></small></a></span> and the poor -client be swung around (like a cat before execution,) from decree to -rehearing—from report to exception, and <i>vice versâ</i>, till his -fortunes are shipwrecked, and himself drowned, for want of white and -yellow earth to wade through on. He does not play the empiric with his -client, and put him on the rack to make him bleed more freely; casting -him into a swoon with frights of a judgment, and then reviving him -again with a cordial writ of error, or the dear elixir of an -injunction, to keep the brangle alive, as long as there are any vital -spirits in the pouch. He can suffer his neighbors to live quiet about -him without perpetual alarms of actions and indictments, or conjuring -up dormant titles to every commodious seat, and making land fall five -years purchase, merely for lying within ten miles of him."</blockquote> - -<blockquote>Devote most of your leisure hours to the study of Virginian -antiquities, for it is a noble field, and one which glows into beauty -beneath cultivation. Williamsburg itself is a hoary and whitened -monument of ancient pomp and power, and there still dwells around it -the trembling twilight of former greatness. There is something -distinctive, learned, and patriotic, in the character of a home -antiquary, which will lift you far above the little pedants, who have -dipped the wing in Kennet, or tasted of the shallow learning of -Athenian Stuart. Do you not remember the indignant, yet pathetic lines -which Warton wrote in a blank leaf of Dugdale's Monasticon, and the -spirited scorn with which he repels the sneers of ignorance and -dulness? The antiquary is neither a visionary, nor an enthusiast, for -his pursuits teach the holiest love of country, and call into action -the softest and gentlest affections of the human heart, while his -guileless life occasionally shines forth with the chastened light of -virtue and learning. Virginia is a land whose thrilling history -beggars all romance—every fragment of which, like a broken vase, will -multiply perfume. Who knows aught of that gallant band, who so -fearfully revenged the massacre of 1622?—the bold patriots who -resisted the illegal restrictions on trade—the intrepid spirits who, -led by Bacon, anticipated by a century our national æra, or that -chivalric corps, who, under Vernon, rotted on the pestilential shores -of Carthagena? Who dwells with the patriot's pride, on that -unconquerable strength of infant freedom which made historic Beverley -the Hampden of the colony? Or who troubles himself to inquire into the -blood-stained life of that Westmoreland Parke, who seized the throne -of Antigua, and who died in the last dyke of a bootless though -fiercely fought field? Who cares to remember the enlightened and -learned botanist Clayton, whose modest book, written in the purest -Latin, gained for himself and country, a once proud though now -forgotten fame? And who will believe that the wise, pious, and -eloquent Bishop Porteus was born, and gambolled away his boyhood on -the sunny shores of the majestic York-river? They are all forgotten! -and we neglect the vivid and truthful romance of our own beautiful -land, to learn the nursery tales of fickle Greece, and factious Rome. -In the shifting of the social scene, naught has been left to remind us -of the busy drama once acted in Virginia, and even garrulous tradition -now doubts its existence, while our feet hourly trample on the -sepulchered silence of all that once adorned, dignified, and elevated -human nature.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>I do not wish to give you a learned essay on books, nor to advise you -what authors to read. Your taste is now matured, and that faculty will -see that justice is done to its delicacy. The great object of study is -to teach us <i>how</i>, and not <i>what</i> to think; and the principal art of -authorship is the power of pilfering with judgment from the ruins of -ancient lore. But trust not to this poor and suspicious honor. Rely -for success on the daring emprise of your own genius, and should it -fail to lift you from the earth, descend not to the dunghill of -pedantry. Be a poet for the women—a historian for the men—and a -scholar for your own happiness. Confirm your taste by satiating memory -with the beauties of the Spectator, and let Horace hourly talk you -into the dignity and elegance of the sensible gentleman. Be accurate, -rather than extensive, in your knowledge of history, and a -recollection of dates will give you victory in every contest. Learn -the technicalities of geometry; for this will satisfy the groping -mathematician, while the world will take your pedantry for wisdom, and -your crabbed words for learning. There has been, and ever will be, an -everlasting conflict between the radiant course of genius, and the -mole-hill track of diagrams and problems. Strength of mind is claimed -as the attribute of mathematical study, while we forget that any other -study, pursued with the same strictness of attention, will equally -fashion the mind into system and method, while it will be free from -the slavish obedience and indurated dulness, which result from the -memory of lines and proportions.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>You know, my dear boy, my notions concerning your dress. Express -nothing in fancy; and without being the Alpha or Omega of fashion, be -neither fop nor sloven, and dress for the effect of general and not -particular dignity, and never wear a striped cravat. Do not ape -eccentricity of manner and opinion, and take the world in a laughing -and good humored mood. I detest a beardless Cato, for I never knew one -of them, who could stand fire. Talk to women about every thing but -prudence and propriety, and they will think you as wise as you are -well bred; for they cannot bear the restraint of advice, or the -judgment of criticism. Tasso makes his heroine taunt Rinaldo with -gravity and sedateness, and when she calls him a "Zenocrates in love" -the volume of her eloquence exhibits the bitterest venom of female -invective.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>Chalgrave is now still, solitary, and deserted; and were it not for -Lucy's cheerful voice, I should look on myself as a living tomb. Your -pup Gildippe tore off the cover of my Elzevir Horace, an offence -deserving a halter, yet she is pardoned for your sake. Tell me not of -Sir Isaac Newton's diamond, for he never destroyed a jewel so rare, -and so highly prized—ask Col. H. if a colt is best broken in a -snaffle-bit—and tell him 'tis downright superstition to worm a -genuine pointer. I send the pistols made by Wodgen and Barton, and -carrying a ball of the most approved weight. Do write to me, and never -forget that you are a Granby.</blockquote> - -<div align="right">I am, my dear boy, - <br> -Yours truly, - <br> -C<small>HARLES</small> G<small>RANBY</small>. - </div> - -<blockquote>P. S. Translate the Ode to Fortune for me! Old Schrevelli said that he -had rather be the author of that poem, than the Emperor of all the -Austrias, and there was more sense than enthusiasm in his noble -preference.</blockquote> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page31"><small><small>[p. 31]</small></small></a></span> -<blockquote>P. S. Never scrape your bullets with a knife—but use a flat -file. Do not play the flute; and never write verses on a "flower -presented to a lady," on "a lady singing," or on "receiving a lock of -hair;" for of all puppyism, this is the smallest accomplishment.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>P. S. Never buy a gaudy handkerchief! Do not say <i>raised</i>, -<i>disremember</i>, <i>expect</i> for <i>suspect;</i> and never end the common -courtesies of conversation with the frigid Sir! "Thank ye <i>Sir!</i>" -Drink tea instead of coffee, for 'tis more patrician; and do not -render yourself suspected by pronouncing criticisms on wines.</blockquote> - -<p>The postscripts were multiplied through a full page, which presented a -striking picture of all the odd conceits—incongruous notions, and -broad feeling which tortured my kind uncle's tranquil brain, and I -arose from the perusal of his letter with mingled emotions of love, -respect, and laughter. Lucy's epistle was like that of all girls, full -of small news, long words, and burning sentences of love and -sentiment, and inquiring in a postscript of the health of Arthur -Ludwell, as her mother was greatly interested in his welfare. -Frederick gave me a learned dissertation on the origin of civil -society, and the philosophy of Bolingbroke, scourging me into frantic -ambition, and ending with a prayer that I would ever keep my honor -untainted. My <i>honor</i> was then the subject of their hopes and fears; -and, as I eyed the pistols, I found the fierceness of my nature -lurking with a tranquil rapture around the open, and undisguised hints -of my family. To my temperament, the neat and elegant workmanship, and -the beautiful polish of the pistols, argued sternness and chivalry: -and under the protection of the code of honor, I was determined, by -braving every conflict, to gratify my long, deep, and vindictive hate -of Pilton. How curiously constituted, how wayward, and yet how -uncontrollable is the swelling pulse of the human heart, when agitated -by some momentary and master passion; at any other period, the -remembrance of Isa Gordon, would have soothed me into a lover's -thoughtful gloom, but now every gentle and luxuriant tendril which was -woven around my heart was a crushed and bleeding ruin, and I examined -my uncle's gift of blood—only to murmur the name of Pilton.</p> - -<p>My visits to Miss Pilton's had been attentive, and constant, and I had -concealed my fraud with such art, that I found her listening with -unhesitating confidence, to the deceitful passion which I daily -uttered. Cautious of proposing matrimony, yet ever alert to hint -it—affecting distress and melancholy—and alternately jealous and -confiding, I awoke her sympathy, only to gain her passionate and -abiding affection, while I secured my victory by every art which -duplicity could invent, or falsehood suggest. I saw her reject the -accomplished and educated youth whose pure and guileless feelings had -retained the early romance of childhood's love, and when I found her -in tears, with her head reclining on my bosom, she told me, with a -blushing cheek, that she had sacrificed him, whose singleness and -purity of heart she could not doubt, for me alone.</p> - -<p>'Twas a calm and soft evening when Miss Pilton left Williamsburg, and, -ere we parted, I extorted from her unsuspicious feelings a promise -that she would write to me. Day had languished itself into night, when -I found myself a solitary loiterer in the noiseless grove which -skirted the city. The wind sobbed through the dreary and desolate -silence of the forest, and when I looked up to the twinkling and -radiant light which blazes in a starry sky of Virginia, the innate -piety of Nature almost chastened me into repentance. How vain is that -feeble wisdom which impotently labors to read those mute and living -oracles of God? yet who, in searching into them, docs not feel that -his heart is kindled into enthusiasm, by their wild and spiritual -eloquence. May not each bright and dazzling star whose lambent fire -dances over the cloudless sky be the abode of spirits enjoying a realm -of mind—of philosophers who rived the adamant of vulgar error—of -patriots who offered their blood at the shrine of their country—of -those who opened a vista for freedom through the gloom of tyranny—and -of the poet who, fettered to the earth, boldly anticipated a foretaste -of his eternal home, in some earthly, yet beautiful and rapturous dream?</p> - -<div align="right"><small>THETA. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect18"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE DREAM.</h4> -<br> -<center>I.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem21"> -<tr><td> I dreamed a dream—and still upon my mind<br> - The image of that dream, on Memory's page<br> - Inscribed in letters large and legible,<br> - Rests vivid as the lightning's scathing flash.<br> - Beneath a spreading oak, that towered high<br> - And lone upon a hillock's grassy plot,<br> - A Maiden stood—and by her side a Youth,<br> - Whose summers did, tho' few, outnumber hers;<br> - And <i>she</i> was beautiful as rainbow tints—<br> - Her voice, like sweetest music borne upon<br> - The bosom of some gentle breeze far o'er<br> - The hushed and silent waters of the deep—<br> - Her breath, like fragrant odors from the lap<br> - Of Flora sent, when Morning's blush appears—<br> - Her heart, the home where wild affections dwelt—<br> - Her mind, of intellectual power the seat—<br> - Her eye, the mirror to her speaking soul!<br> - Upon her marble brow was set the seal<br> - Of <i>Dignity</i>—and in her slender form<br> - Were blended grace and perfect symmetry.<br> - The Youth was tall, erect—but unlike her<br> - In all things save affection's swelling tide:<br> - Unknowing of the bright and quenchless fire,<br> - At Beauty's altar lit, that constant burned<br> - Within his bosom's deep recess, the world<br> - Had deemed him changeful as the fitful wind.<br> - Silent they were, and round them silence reigned:<br> - Above, the clear blue ether spread her veil,<br> - And by them swept the gentle, fresh'ning breeze<br> - That cooled the burning temples of the one,<br> - The flowing tresses of the other waved.<br> - Beneath them was a wide spread plain, o'er which<br> - The full Moon poured her streams of silver light,<br> - And in a flood of glory bathed both plain<br> - And rugged cliffs that wildly rose beyond.<br> - Upon that lovely scene the maiden looked<br> - That joy and stillness breathed into her heart;<br> - But he that meeting, had not sought to gaze<br> - On landscapes, living though they were. He saw<br> - But her whose form before him rose, so bright,<br> - So beautiful, that all else faded from<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page32"><small><small>[p. 32]</small></small></a></span> - The view: He heard no sound save that alone<br> - Which from his beating heart was sent: and oft<br> - He did essay to breathe the hallowed thoughts<br> - That in his bosom long had slept—the pent-<br> - Up fountains of his love to ope; but oft<br> - In vain, 'till faltering accents came at last,<br> - And told the feelings of his inmost soul.<br> - But <i>she</i> was calm; no falling of the eye—<br> - No heightened color's tinge—no trembling of<br> - That silver voice, spoke aught of passion there.<br> - Yet kindness breathed in every word that fell<br> - From off her Angel lips—and told that though<br> - Her heart with his beat not in unison,<br> - It still could feel for sorrows not its own.<br> - Though soft, like breath of pois'nous Simoom came<br> - Her voice. Young Hope her dewy pinions shook,<br> - And as she winged her airy flight away,<br> - Came casking Care her place to fill. And yet<br> - A moment's space he lingered there; and as<br> - Upon her saddened face he once again<br> - Did look with mingled feelings, inly swore<br> - To perish ere his love should fade and die.<br> - And she did pensive turn her steps along<br> - Their homeward way, again to be the life,<br> - The light, the chiefest joy of all around.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">II.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> A change swept o'er the aspect of my dream,<br> - And in its mystic flight my spirit bore<br> - Me to the festive hall. I saw them 'midst<br> - The thoughtless throng—their eyes lit up with joy—<br> - Their lips all wreathed in smiles—and on their cheeks<br> - The glowing hues of pleasure mantled high.<br> - He spoke not oft to her, but frequent did<br> - Address him to some other fair—and all<br> - Did deem, and she did hope that love of her<br> - Was buried deep in Lethe's magic pool;<br> - And lighter then of heart to think that care<br> - His mind had left, unwonted gladness beamed<br> - Forth from her speaking eye, and lit with ten-<br> - Fold lustre up those features ever fair.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">III.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> The scene was changed. Apart within the walls<br> - Of his lone study sat the youth. Before<br> - Him lay a letter, breathing much of deep,<br> - Impassioned love. Yes, he again had dared<br> - At that same Angel-shrine his heart to lay,<br> - And, well as <i>words</i> could speak, a love to paint,<br> - Not torpid, cold and calculating, like<br> - The selfish feeling of a worldly man—<br> - But with the every fibre of his heart<br> - Inwove. For he had seen her oft, and well<br> - Had studied both her features, mind and heart,<br> - Since first the pangs of unrequited love<br> - Across his bosom shot: in all things had<br> - He found her of such perfect, faultless mould—<br> - So far beyond compare with all that e'er<br> - His eye had looked upon—yea, e'en than aught<br> - Of fairy form, which frolic fancy in<br> - Her wildest mood had shadowed glowing forth<br> - To young imagination's quickened sight,—<br> - That madly had he drunk at passion's fount,<br> - Ere yet the voice of reason whispered late,<br> - (Too late, alas! for in the vortex was<br> - He twirling then, unskilled the yawning gulf<br> - To shun,) that she was not for one like him.<br> - Perchance the spell that bound him unto her<br> - And deep affection's gushing waters stirred,<br> - Was wrought into its present strength—for that<br> - She minded him of one—a sister dear—<br> - Like her in nature as in name, on whom<br> - His heart did centre once, when joyous, bright<br> - And sunny hours e'er gilded o'er the stream<br> - Of early life about their childhood's home;<br> - When each was to the other all that earth<br> - Of joy could give—a little world—beyond<br> - Whose narrow bounds their youthful vision then<br> - Extended not. And now in her he saw<br> - The image of that sister's mind and heart<br> - Reflected back in colors yet more bright,<br> - And felt that life to him was nothing worth,<br> - Except with her its joys and ills were shared.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">IV.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> The scene was changed. Within her father's home<br> - The maiden sat, and bent her o'er the page<br> - On which were traced the wild outpourings of<br> - Her lover's heart. A cloud was on her brow—<br> - Not gathered there by anger, but by grief.<br> - And long she sorrowed o'er the fate of one<br> - Whom she had learned to value far above<br> - The worthless crowd that throngs round Beauty's form;<br> - Then sudden snatched a pen, and tho' it pained<br> - Her much, did haste once more in kindest terms<br> - To bid him banish Hope—for tho' a <i>friend</i><br> - She'd ever be—to him she could no more.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">V.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> Again my spirit bore me to the youth's<br> - Lone study, where I saw him pacing to<br> - And fro, with heavy step and downcast look.<br> - His eye was fixed and dull—all smiles had fled,<br> - And o'er his pallid, bloodless cheek had woe<br> - His sable mantle flung. But whilst he thus<br> - Was moved, anon there entered one endeared<br> - By Friendship's strongest ties, who knew the fate<br> - His fondest hopes had met, and told a tale<br> - Of which he deemed not aught before—a tale<br> - That scarce at first could credence gain, so dread<br> - Its import was; yet soon he found 'twas but<br> - Too true—"His sacred letter, ere it reached<br> - Its destined port, had by some strange mischance<br> - Been torn, its secrets filched and heralded<br> - Abroad: yet, by the wakeful kindness of<br> - That much-loved one, his hallowed thoughts had reached<br> - The ears of few." Then sudden o'er him came<br> - A fearful mood that shook his every limb.<br> - Like liquid fire his blood along his veins<br> - Did course, and to his throbbing temples mount—<br> - Then rush tumultuous back upon his heart<br> - That sent it once again with quickened speed<br> - Along his swollen, well-nigh bursting veins;<br> - And from his lips at times did fall unmeet<br> - And vengeful words, that told what passion stirred<br> - Within. But that soon passed, and to the eye<br> - His troubled soul, as that of infant hushed<br> - To sleep upon its mother's breast, was calm.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">VI.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> The scene was changed. Before the altar stood<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page33"><small><small>[p. 33]</small></small></a></span> - The maiden, in her bridal vestments clad,<br> - And gave her hand and virgin heart away—<br> - Whilst mantling blushes o'er her features spread<br> - Like Iris' colors on the deepened blue<br> - Of Heaven's high vault—to one whose kindling eye<br> - Was turned with rapture on her matchless face,<br> - And who in part was like unto the youth<br> - That first beside her stood—<i>yet not the same</i>.<br> - And she did love him with a boundless love—<br> - Deep, pure and changeless as Jehovah's word—<br> - The very essence of her being, that life's<br> - Quiescent stream with fairest garlands strewed—<br> - For he her youthful heart's responsive chord<br> - Had known to touch with sweet and winning words,<br> - By graceful mien, and giant strength of mind.<br> - Unblest he was with Mammon's glittering hoard—<br> - In nothing rich, save worth's neglected store;<br> - And yet for that, her heart with wildest joy<br> - Did but the closer cling unchanged to him.<br> - And he, with pride and pleasure took her to<br> - His bosom beating high; for none could know,<br> - And knowing not admire. But his was not<br> - The fervent adoration of the heart,<br> - In prostrate homage bowed before her shrine,<br> - That moved the soul of him who first essayed<br> - Her peerless love to win. And yet before<br> - Them to all seeming lay a flowery path,<br> - Along whose scented walks they might their way<br> - With noiseless step and even tenor wend.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">VII.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> Once more, and only once, a change passed o'er<br> - My fitful dream. In sultry, southern clime,<br> - Again upon my vision fell the tall,<br> - Attenuated image of that youth,<br> - Whom first beneath the spreading oak I saw;<br> - And he was changed not less in feature than<br> - In heart. The glow of health had fled his cheek,<br> - Now haggard, swart and bronzed by burning sun.<br> - His eye, once bright with joyous life, had lost<br> - Its lustre now, and deep upon his brow<br> - Had care her furrows traced. His spirit too,<br> - So light and buoyant once, was now all bound<br> - And broken like the willow's drooping branch.<br> - But o'er his heart a yet more fearful change<br> - Had come. <i>Once</i> warm and sensibly alive<br> - To pity's cry—e'er breathing love for all—<br> - <i>Now</i> cold and seared—the living fountains of<br> - Its sympathy were dried—and dead it was<br> - To all things save the worldly schemes that fierce<br> - Ambition wrought. And none did know the weight<br> - Of anguish on its aching chords that pressed,<br> - Since living man no commune held with him:<br> - For he did spurn them as unhallowed things,<br> - And 'round him wrapt the cloak of selfishness:<br> - For what was now the world to him, since she<br> - Whose presence had made all things beautiful,<br> - Was lost, forever lost? And he did look<br> - Unmoved on fairest form, and brightest eye;<br> - Unmoved he heard full many a voice attuned<br> - In sweet accordance with the soft piano;<br> - For mute were all the echoes of his soul,<br> - Since never could he hope again such pure,<br> - Such bright, such dazzling purity to find,<br> - As dwelt within the heart of her he loved.<br> - And naught the slumbering powers of his mind<br> - Did rouse and prompt to grapple with the herd<br> - That crossed his path, save only the desire<br> - To banish thought and leave a name behind.<br> - For he did feel that none would glory in<br> - His present fame, and that he was a lone<br> - And desert being—all forgetting, and<br> - By all forgot. And though his soul did thirst<br> - At honor's fount to drink and laurels win,<br> - He inly scorned the world—the world's acclaim—<br> - And whilst it flattered, loathed its fulsome praise.<br> - And yet unto all outward seeming was<br> - His spirit calm as ocean's waves, when lie<br> - The winds of Heaven upon her bosom hushed.<br> -<br> - Here ceased my dream—for on my slumbers broke<br> - The glare of day, and called my spirit home.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>SYLVESTER. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect19"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MS. FOUND IN A BOTTLE.</h4> - -<center><small>[<i>From 'The Gift,' edited by Miss Leslie</i>.]</small><br> -<br> -BY EDGAR A. POE.<br> -<br> -<small>A wet sheet and a flowing sea.<br> - - - <i>Cunningham</i>.</small></center> -<br> - -<p>Of my country and of my family I have little to say. Ill usage and -length of years have driven me from the one, and estranged me from the -other. Hereditary wealth afforded me an education of no common order, -and a contemplative turn of mind enabled me to methodize the stores -which early study very diligently garnered up. Beyond all things the -works of the German moralists gave me great delight; not from any -ill-advised admiration of their eloquent madness, but from the ease -with which my habits of rigid thought enabled me to detect their -falsities. I have often been reproached with the aridity of my -genius—a deficiency of imagination has been imputed to me as a -crime—and the Pyrrhonism of my opinions has at all times rendered me -notorious. Indeed a strong relish for Physical Philosophy has, I fear, -tinctured my mind with a very common error of this age—I mean the -habit of referring occurrences, even the least susceptible of such -reference, to the principles of that science. Upon the whole, no -person could be less liable than myself to be led away from the severe -precincts of truth by the <i>ignes fatui</i> of superstition. I have -thought proper to premise thus much lest the incredible tale I have to -tell should be considered rather the ravings of a crude imagination, -than the positive experience of a mind to which the reveries of fancy -have been a dead letter and a nullity.</p> - -<p>After many years spent in foreign travel, I sailed in the year 18—, -from the port of Batavia, in the rich and populous island of Java, on -a voyage to the Archipelago of the Sunda islands. I went as -passenger—having no other inducement than a kind of nervous -restlessness which haunted me like a fiend.</p> - -<p>Our vessel was a beautiful ship of about four hundred tons, -copper-fastened, and built at Bombay of Malabar teak. She was -freighted with cotton-wool and oil, from the Lachadive islands. We had -also on board coir, jaggeree, ghee, cocoa-nuts, and a few cases of -opium. The stowage was clumsily done, and the vessel consequently -crank.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page34"><small><small>[p. 34]</small></small></a></span> -<p>We got under way with a mere breath of wind, and for many days -stood along the eastern coast of Java without any other incident to -beguile the monotony of our course than the occasional meeting with -some of the small grabs of the Archipelago to which we were bound.</p> - -<p>One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very singular, -isolated cloud, to the N. W. It was remarkable, as well for its color, -as from its being the first we had seen since our departure from -Batavia. I watched it attentively until sunset, when it spread all at -once to the Eastward and Westward, girting in the horizon with a -narrow strip of vapor, and looking like a long line of low beach. My -notice was soon afterwards attracted by the dusky red appearance of -the moon, and the peculiar character of the sea. The latter was -undergoing a rapid change, and the water seemed more than usually -transparent. Although I could distinctly see the bottom, yet, heaving -the lead, I found the ship in fifteen fathoms. The air now became -intolerably hot, and was loaded with spiral exhalations similar to -those arising from heated iron. As night came on, every breath of wind -died away, and a more entire calm it is impossible to conceive. The -flame of a candle burned upon the poop without the least perceptible -motion, and a long hair, held between the finger and thumb, hung -without the possibility of detecting a vibration. However, as the -captain said he could perceive no indication of danger, and as we were -drifting in bodily to shore, he ordered the sails to be furled, and -the anchor let go. No watch was set, and the crew, consisting -principally of Malays, stretched themselves deliberately upon deck. I -went below—not without a full presentiment of evil. Indeed every -appearance warranted me in apprehending a Simoom. I told the captain -my fears—but he paid no attention to what I said, and left me without -deigning to give a reply. My uneasiness however prevented me from -sleeping, and about midnight I went upon deck. As I placed my foot -upon the upper step of the companion ladder, I was startled with a -loud, humming noise, like that occasioned by the rapid revolution of a -mill-wheel, and before I could ascertain its meaning, I found the ship -quivering to its centre. In the next instant, a wilderness of foam -hurled us upon our beam-ends, and, rushing over us fore and aft, swept -the entire decks from stem to stern.</p> - -<p>The extreme fury of the blast proved in a great measure the salvation -of the ship. Although completely water-logged, yet, as all her masts -had gone by the board, she rose, after a minute, heavily from the sea, -and, staggering awhile beneath the immense pressure of the tempest, -finally righted.</p> - -<p>By what miracle I escaped destruction, it is impossible to say. -Stunned by the shock of the water, I found myself upon recovery, -jammed in between the stern-post and rudder. With great difficulty I -gained my feet, and looking dizzily around, was, at first, struck with -the idea of our being among breakers, so terrific beyond the wildest -imagination was the whirlpool of mountainous and foaming ocean within -which we were engulfed. After a while, I heard the voice of an old -Swede, who had shipped with us at the moment of our leaving port. I -hallooed to him with all my strength, and presently he came reeling -aft. We soon discovered that we were the sole survivors of the -accident. All on deck, with the exception of ourselves, had been swept -overboard, and the captain and mates must have perished as they slept, -for the cabins were deluged with water. Without assistance, we could -expect to do little for the security of the ship, and our exertions -were at first paralyzed by the momentary expectation of going down. -Our cable had, of course, parted like pack-thread, at the first breath -of the hurricane, or we should have been instantaneously overwhelmed. -We scudded with frightful velocity before the sea, and the water made -clear breaches over us. The frame-work of our stern was shattered -excessively, and, in almost every respect, we had received -considerable injury—but to our extreme joy we found the pumps -unchoked, and that we had no great difficulty in keeping free. The -main fury of the Simoom had already blown over, and we apprehended -little danger from the violence of the wind—but we looked forward to -its total cessation with dismay, well believing, that, in our -shattered condition, we should inevitably perish in the tremendous -swell which would ensue. But this very just apprehension seemed by no -means likely to be soon verified. For five entire days and -nights—during which our only subsistence was a small quantity of -jaggeree, procured with great difficulty from the forecastle—the hulk -flew at a rate defying computation, before rapidly succeeding flaws of -wind, which, without equalling the first violence of the Simoom, were -still more terrific than any tempest I had before encountered. Our -course for the first four days was, with trifling variations, S. E. -and by South; and we must have run down the coast of New Holland. On -the fifth day the cold became extreme, although the wind had hauled -round a point more to the Northward. The sun arose with a sickly -yellow lustre, and clambered a very few degrees above the -horizon—emitting no decisive light. There were no clouds whatever -apparent, yet the wind was upon the increase, and blew with a fitful -and unsteady fury. About noon, as nearly as we could guess, our -attention was again arrested by the appearance of the sun. It gave out -no light, properly so called, but a dull and sullen glow unaccompanied -by any ray. Just before sinking within the turgid sea its central -fires suddenly went out, as if hurriedly extinguished by some -unaccountable power. It was a dim, silver-like rim, alone, as it -rushed down the unfathomable ocean.</p> - -<p>We waited in vain for the arrival of the sixth day—that day to me has -not yet arrived—to him, never did arrive. Thenceforward we were -enshrouded in pitchy darkness, so that we could not have seen an -object at twenty paces from the ship. Eternal night continued to -envelop us, all unrelieved by the phosphoric sea-brilliancy to which -we had been accustomed in the tropics. We observed too, that, although -the tempest continued to rage with unabated violence, there was no -longer to be discovered the usual appearance of surf, or foam, which -had hitherto attended us. All around was horror, and thick gloom, and -a black sweltering desert of ebony. Superstitious terror crept by -degrees into the spirit of the old Swede, and my own soul was wrapped -up in silent wonder. We neglected all care of the ship, as worse than -useless, and securing ourselves as well as possible to the stump of -the mizen-mast, looked out bitterly into the world of ocean. We had no -means of calculating time, nor could we form any guess of our -situation. We were however well aware -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page35"><small><small>[p. 35]</small></small></a></span> -of having made farther to -the Southward than any previous navigators, and felt extreme amazement -at not meeting with the usual impediments of ice. In the meantime -every moment threatened to be our last—every mountainous billow -hurried to overwhelm us. The swell surpassed any thing I had imagined -possible, and that we were not instantly buried is a miracle. My -companion spoke of the lightness of our cargo, and reminded me of the -excellent qualities of our ship—but I could not help feeling the -utter hopelessness of hope itself, and prepared myself gloomily for -that death which I thought nothing could defer beyond an hour, as, -with every knot of way the ship made, the swelling of the black -stupendous seas became more dismally appalling. At times we gasped for -breath at an elevation beyond the Albatross—at times became dizzy -with the velocity of our descent into some watery Hell, where the air -grew stagnant, and no sound disturbed the slumbers of the Kraken.</p> - -<p>We were at the bottom of one of these abysses, when a quick scream -from my companion broke fearfully upon the night. 'See! see!'—cried -he, shrieking in my ears,—'Almighty God! see! see!' As he spoke, I -became aware of a dull, sullen glare of light which rolled, as it -were, down the sides of the vast chasm where we lay, and threw a -fitful brilliancy upon our deck. Casting my eyes upwards, I beheld a -spectacle which froze the current of my blood. At a terrific height -directly above us, and upon the very verge of the precipitous descent, -hovered a gigantic ship of nearly four thousand tons. Although -upreared upon the summit of a wave of more than a hundred times her -own altitude, her apparent size still exceeded that of any ship of the -line or East Indiaman in existence. Her huge hull was of a deep dingy -black, unrelieved by any of the customary carvings of a ship. A single -row of brass cannon protruded from her open ports, and dashed off from -their polished surfaces the fires of innumerable battle-lanterns, -which swung to and fro about her rigging. But what mainly inspired us -with horror and astonishment, was that she bore up under a press of -sail in the very teeth of that supernatural sea, and of that -ungovernable hurricane. When we first discovered her, her stupendous -bows were alone to be seen, as she rose up, like a demon of the deep, -slowly from the dim and horrible gulf beyond her. For a moment of -intense terror she paused upon the giddy pinnacle, as if in -contemplation of her own sublimity, then trembled and tottered, -and—came down.</p> - -<p>At this instant, I know not what sudden self-possession came over my -spirit. Staggering as far aft as I could, I awaited fearlessly the -ruin that was to overwhelm. Our own vessel was at length ceasing from -her struggles, and sinking with her head to the sea. The shock of the -descending mass struck her, consequently, in that portion of her frame -which was already under water, and the inevitable result was to hurl -me with irresistible violence upon the rigging of the stranger.</p> - -<p>As I fell, the ship hove in stays, and went about, and to the -confusion ensuing, I attributed my escape from the notice of the crew. -With little difficulty I made my way unperceived to the main hatchway, -which was partially open, and soon found an opportunity of secreting -myself in the hold. Why I did so I can hardly tell. A nameless and -indefinite sense of awe, which at first sight of the navigators of the -ship had taken hold of my mind, was perhaps the principle of my -concealment. I was unwilling to trust myself with a race of people who -had offered, to the cursory glance I had taken, so many points of -vague novelty, doubt, and apprehension. I therefore thought proper to -contrive a hiding-place in the hold. This I did by removing a small -portion of the shifting-boards in such a manner as to afford me a -convenient retreat between the huge timbers of the ship.</p> - -<p>I had scarcely completed my work, when a footstep in the hold forced -me to make use of it. A man passed by my place of concealment with a -feeble and unsteady gait. I could not see his face, but had an -opportunity of observing his general appearance. There was about it an -evidence of great age and infirmity. His knees tottered beneath a load -of years, and his entire frame quivered under the burthen. He muttered -to himself in a low broken tone, some words of a language which I -could not understand, and groped in a corner among a pile of -singular-looking instruments, and decayed charts of navigation. His -manner was a wild mixture of the peevishness of second childhood, and -the solemn dignity of a God. He at length went on deck, and I saw him -no more.</p> - -<center>* * - * - * - *</center> - -<p>A feeling, for which I have no name, has taken possession of my -soul—a sensation which will admit of no analysis, to which the -lessons of by-gone time are inadequate, and for which I fear futurity -itself will offer me no key. To a mind constituted like my own the -latter consideration is an evil. I shall never,—I know that I shall -never—be satisfied with regard to the nature of my conceptions. Yet -it is not wonderful that these conceptions are indefinite, since they -have their origin in sources so utterly novel. A new sense, a new -entity is added to my soul.</p> - -<p>It is long since I first trod the deck of this terrible ship, and the -rays of my destiny are, I think, gathering to a focus. -Incomprehensible men! Wrapped up in meditations of a kind which I -cannot divine, they pass me by unnoticed. Concealment is utter folly -on my part, for the people <i>will not</i> see. It was but just now that I -passed directly before the eyes of the mate,—it was no long while ago -that I ventured into the captain's own private cabin, and took thence -the materials with which I write, and have written. I shall from time -to time continue this journal. It is true that I may not find an -opportunity of transmitting it to the world, but I will not fail to -make the endeavor. At the last moment I will enclose the MS. in a -bottle, and cast it within the sea.</p> - -<p>An incident has occurred which has given me new room for meditation. -Are such things the operations of ungoverned Chance? I had ventured -upon deck and thrown myself down, without attracting any notice, among -a pile of ratlin-stuff and old sails in the bottom of the yawl. While -musing upon the singularity of my fate, I unwittingly daubed with a -tar-brush the edges of a neatly-folded studding-sail which lay near me -on a barrel. The studding-sail is now bent upon the ship, and the -thoughtless touches of the brush are spread out into the word -DISCOVERY.</p> - -<p>I have made many observations lately upon the structure of the vessel. -Although well armed, she is not, I think, a ship of war. Her rigging, -build, and general equipment, all negative a supposition of this kind. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page36"><small><small>[p. 36]</small></small></a></span> -What she <i>is not</i> I can easily perceive, what she <i>is</i> I fear it -is impossible to say. I know not how it is, but in scrutinizing her -strange model and singular cast of spars, her huge size and overgrown -suits of canvass, her severely simple bow and antiquated stern, there -will occasionally flash across my mind a sensation of familiar things, -and there is always mixed up with such shadows, as it were, of -recollection, an unaccountable memory of old foreign chronicles and -ages long ago.</p> - -<p>I have been looking at the timbers of the ship. She is built of a -material to which I am a stranger. There is a peculiar character about -the wood which strikes me as rendering it unfit for the purpose to -which it has been applied. I mean its extreme <i>porousness</i>, considered -independently of the worm-eaten condition which is a consequence of -navigation in these seas, and apart from the rottenness attendant upon -age. It will appear perhaps an observation somewhat over-curious, but -this wood has every characteristic of Spanish oak, <i>if Spanish oak -were distended or swelled by any unnatural means</i>.</p> - -<p>In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old -weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection. 'It is -as sure,' he was wont to say, when any doubt was entertained of his -veracity, 'as sure as there is a sea where the ship itself will grow -in bulk like the living body of the seaman.'</p> - -<p>About an hour ago I made bold to thrust myself among a group of the -crew. They paid me no manner of attention, and, although I stood in -the very midst of them all, seemed utterly unconscious of my presence. -Like the one I had at first seen in the hold, they all bore about them -the marks of a hoary old age. Their knees trembled with infirmity, -their shoulders were bent double with decrepitude, their shrivelled -skins rattled in the wind, their voices were low, tremulous, and -broken, their eyes glistened with the rheum of years, and their gray -hairs streamed terribly in the tempest. Around them on every part of -the deck lay scattered mathematical instruments of the most quaint and -obsolete construction.</p> - -<p>I mentioned some time ago the bending of a studding-sail. From that -period the ship, being thrown dead off the wind, has held her terrific -course due South, with every rag of canvass packed upon her from her -trucks to her lower-studding-sail booms, and rolling every moment her -top-gallant yard-arms into the most appalling hell of water, which it -can enter into the mind of man to imagine. I have just left the deck, -where I find it impossible to maintain a footing, although the crew -seem to experience little inconvenience. It appears to me a miracle of -miracles that our enormous bulk is not buried up at once and forever. -We are surely doomed to hover continually upon the brink of Eternity, -without taking a final plunge into the abyss. From billows a thousand -times more stupendous than any I have ever seen, we glide away with -the facility of the arrowy sea-gull, and the colossal waters rear -their heads above us like demons of the deep, but like demons confined -to simple threats and forbidden to destroy. I am led to attribute -these frequent escapes to the only natural cause which can account for -such effect. I must suppose the ship to be within the influence of -some strong current, or impetuous under-tow.</p> - -<p>I have seen the captain face to face, and in his own cabin—but, as I -expected, he paid me no attention. Although in his appearance there -is, to a casual observer, nothing which might bespeak him more or less -than man—still a feeling of irrepressible reverence and awe mingled -with the sensation of wonder with which I regarded him. In stature he -is nearly my own height, that is, about five feet eight inches. He is -of a well-knit and compact frame of body, neither robust nor -remarkably otherwise. But it is the singularity of the expression -which reigns upon the face, it is the intense, the wonderful, the -thrilling evidence of old age so utter, so extreme, which strikes upon -my soul with the shock of a Galvanic battery. His forehead, although -little wrinkled, seems to bear upon it the stamp of a myriad of years. -His gray hairs are records of the past, and his grayer eyes are Sybils -of the future. The cabin floor was thickly strewn with strange, -iron-clasped folios, and mouldering instruments of science, and -obsolete, long-forgotten charts. His head was bowed down upon his -hands, and he pored with a fiery unquiet eye over a paper which I took -to be a commission, and which, at all events, bore the signature of a -monarch. He muttered to himself, as did the first seaman whom I saw in -the hold, some low, peevish syllables of a foreign tongue, and -although the speaker was close at my elbow, yet his voice seemed to -reach my ears from the distance of a mile.</p> - -<p>The ship and all in it are imbued with the spirit of Eld. The crew -glide to and fro like the ghosts of buried centuries, their eyes have -an eager and uneasy meaning, and when their figures fall athwart my -path in the wild glare of the battle-lanterns, I feel as I have never -felt before, although I have been all my life a dealer in antiquities, -and have imbibed the shadows of fallen columns at Balbec, and Tadmor, -and Persepolis, until my very soul has become a ruin.</p> - -<p>When I look around me I feel ashamed of my former apprehensions. If I -trembled at the blast which has hitherto attended us, shall I not -stand aghast at a warring of wind and ocean, to convey any idea of -which the words tornado and Simoom are trivial and ineffective! All in -the immediate vicinity of the ship is the blackness of eternal night, -and a chaos of foamless water; but, about a league on either side of -us, may be seen, indistinctly and at intervals, stupendous ramparts of -ice, towering away into the desolate sky, and looking like the walls -of the Universe.</p> - -<p>As I imagined, the ship proves to be in a current, if that appellation -can properly be given to a tide which, howling and shrieking by the -white ice, thunders on to the Southward with a velocity like the -headlong dashing of a cataract.</p> - -<p>To conceive the horror of my sensations is, I presume, utterly -impossible—yet a curiosity to penetrate the mysteries of these awful -regions predominates even over my despair, and will reconcile me to -the most hideous aspect of death. It is evident that we are hurrying -onwards to some exciting knowledge—some never-to-be-imparted secret, -whose attainment is destruction. Perhaps this current leads us to the -Southern Pole itself—it must be confessed that a supposition -apparently so wild has every probability in its favor.</p> - -<p>The crew pace the deck with unquiet and tremulous step, but there is -upon their countenances an expression more of the eagerness of hope -than of the apathy of despair.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page37"><small><small>[p. 37]</small></small></a></span> -<p>In the meantime the wind is still in our poop, and as we carry a -crowd of canvass, the ship is at times lifted bodily from out the -sea—Oh, horror upon horror! the ice opens suddenly to the right, and -to the left, and we are whirling dizzily in immense concentric -circles, round and round the borders of a gigantic amphitheatre, the -summit of whose walls is lost in the darkness and the distance. But -little time will be left me to ponder upon my destiny—the circles -rapidly grow small—we are plunging madly within the grasp of the -whirlpool—and amid a roaring, and bellowing, and shrieking of ocean -and of tempest, the ship is quivering, oh God! and—going down.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect20"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>A SKETCH.</h4> -<center>BY ALEX. LACEY BEARD, M.D.</center> -<br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem22"> -<tr><td> The shades of night are fleeing fast away<br> - Before the blushing of the morning light;<br> - The diamond stars that gleamed in bright array<br> - Through the lone watches of the silent night,<br> - Are fading dimly, as an orb more bright,<br> - The glorious sun, from the deep coral caves,<br> - Comes leaping forth in swift and tireless flight,<br> - And as the sea his burning bosom laves,<br> - More brightly throws his glance across the bounding waves.<br> -<br> - The cheerful songsters of the verdant grove,<br> - Are trilling forth their merry morning lays—<br> - Their matin songs of warm impassioned love,<br> - Which sweetly strike the ear of him who strays<br> - Through the green paths and shady woodland ways,<br> - Drinking deep pleasure from old Nature's wells,<br> - Where the wild cat'ract in the sunlight plays,<br> - Or seated lone, mid dark and mossy dells—<br> - Or on some rocky mount yields to her magic spells.<br> -<br> - The red-breast, mounted on some tow'ring tree,<br> - Is chanting loud his merry, mirthful strain;<br> - And the sweet lark's melodious notes of glee,<br> - Are softly floating o'er the dewy plain.<br> - From the broad fields which wave with golden grain,<br> - Echoes the whistle of the timid quail;<br> - And the loud laughter of the reaper train<br> - Sweeps wildly by, borne on the passing gale<br> - O'er woodland hill afar, and flowery-vested vale.<br> -<br> - I hear the tuneful sound of humming bees,<br> - And gently blows the soothing summer wind<br> - With murmuring sound among the wavy trees,<br> - And where gay flowers, in wild luxuriance twined,<br> - Shed fragrance on its wings. How dull, how blind<br> - To nature and her charms is he who sleeps<br> - Through the glad morn, nor feels the fragrant wind<br> - That o'er the hills and verdant valleys sweeps,<br> - 'Till with wild joy the heart of Nature's lover leaps!<br> -<br> - O'er hill and valley far away I've strayed,<br> - And gathered roses wet with morning dew,<br> - To deck the grave where sleeps a gentle maid<br> - Whose tender heart no change nor coldness knew,<br> - But throbbed with love, which warmer, holier grew<br> - As waxed more dim life's faint and flickering light,<br> - And to the close remained unchanged and true—<br> - A holy flame that burned, amid the blight,<br> - Of fell disease and anguish, more divinely bright.<br> -<br> - The sun climbs higher in the azure sky—<br> - More fiercely on the earth descend his beams—<br> - The tender flowers hang low their heads and die,<br> - And wearied cattle seek the cooling streams.<br> - Faint grow the ploughmen and their toil-worn teams;<br> - The reapers too have ceased their strains of mirth;<br> - No more the air with sounds of pleasure teems;<br> - And now the shadows traced upon the earth,<br> - And the fierce heat, proclaim the sultry noon-day's birth.<br> -<br> - O'er the wide fields the herds have ceased to rove,<br> - The tuneful birds have hushed their morning song,<br> - Silent and lone is the deserted grove<br> - Which late re-echoed to the warbling throng.<br> - Hark! hark! I hear, sounding the vales along,<br> - The mellow horn—the pleasant sound which calls<br> - From the hot fields, the wearied harvest throng<br> - To seek, where the old oak tree's shadow falls,<br> - Their noon-day meal hard by the flowery cottage walls.<br> -<br> - Within a green and trellised bower I lie,<br> - Securely sheltered from the solar rays,<br> - And on the bright and glowing summer sky<br> - In contemplation rapt, I fix my gaze,<br> - And scan each fleecy cloud which slowly strays<br> - Like some pure spirit o'er the azure dome,<br> - Making amid its wild and trackless ways,<br> - Its boundless depths, a bright ethereal home<br> - Where lone and airy forms in silent grandeur roam.<br> -<br> - And here at noon-day hour I often dream<br> - Of the fair hopes which light life's gloomy waste—<br> - A desart plain o'er which a laughing stream,<br> - Has found a way, its banks with wild flowers graced.<br> - But ah! alas! when the fair stream is traced,<br> - Amid lone sands we find its darksome goal.<br> - O dreary life! in death's cold grasp embraced—<br> - A withered thing, a dark and blotted scroll,<br> - O'er which oblivion's deep and sluggish waters roll.<br> -<br> - In early youth upon the sea of life,<br> - We spread our sails, nor dream of pain nor care,<br> - Nor the fierce tempest, nor the raging strife<br> - Which gathers round our bark where'er we steer,<br> - But on we rush, heedless and without fear,<br> - Till, shipwrecked all our hopes, we helpless lie<br> - And feel the bitter pangs of black despair—<br> - Or from the demon strive in vain to fly,<br> - Or rush into the arms of Death and madly die.<br> -<br> - The sun is sinking down the western skies—<br> - A holy calm is reigning o'er the earth—<br> - From the green valleys cheerful sounds arise—<br> - The tinkling sheep-bell, and the merry mirth<br> - Of happy children—laughing at the birth<br> - Of some new pleasure. Now the setting sun,<br> - More brightly gleaming o'er the virent earth,<br> - Casts a rich glow of golden light upon<br> - The fleecy clouds, which line the western horizon.<br> -<br> - Along yon valley where (a silent grove!)<br> - Those dark green pines in loneliness arise;<br> - With a sad heart in solitude I'll rove,<br> - And darkly muse upon the broken ties<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page38"><small><small>[p. 38]</small></small></a></span> - Of happier days—the bright and smiling eyes,<br> - Whose gentle light gave life a summer bloom,<br> - And made this earth seem like a Paradise—<br> - Now cold and rayless in the starless gloom,<br> - Which darkly hovers o'er and shrouds the loathsome tomb.<br> -<br> - The twilight shades are gathering o'er the land—<br> - Shrouding the valleys in the gloom of night,<br> - While I beside a murmuring streamlet stand,<br> - And see depart the last faint rays of light<br> - Which linger round yon mountain's topmost height.<br> - 'Tis the lone night—another day has gone,<br> - And Time who speeds with never tiring flight,<br> - Beheld a thousand laughing eyes this morn,<br> - That now are sleeping where no day shall ever dawn.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect21"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>GREEK SONG.</h4> -<br> -<p>The exploit of Harmodius and Aristogiton, in slaying Hipparchus, -tyrant of Athens, on the festal day of Minerva—hiding their poniards -in myrtle wreaths, which they pretended to carry in honor of the -Goddess, was celebrated in an Ode, the unsurpassed strength and beauty -of which, it has utterly baffled the skill of all English versifiers -to transfuse into our language. The learned are not agreed as to the -author of this noble specimen of classic minstrelsy; though by most, -it is ascribed to Callistratus. Some have set it down to Alcæus; -misled, perhaps, by the tyrant-hating spirit it breathes,—so fully in -unison with the deep, trumpet tones of his "golden lyre." Unhappily -for the paternity of this ode, he died <i>eighty years</i> before the event -it celebrates. Of no other relic of antiquity, probably, have so many -translations been attempted. I have seen seven or eight. If the -following be added to so many woful failures, the author will not be -greatly troubled. It never was in print before—I believe.</p> - - -<h5>HYMN,</h5> - -<center><small>IN HONOR OF HARMODIUS AND ARISTOGITON.</small></center> -<br> -<center><img src="images/greek.jpg" alt="greek verse"><br> -<br> - -TRANSLATION.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem23"> -<tr><td>Wreath'd in myrtle, my sword I'll conceal,<br> - Like those champions, devoted and brave,<br> - When they plunged in the tyrant their steel,<br> - And to Athens deliverance gave.<br> -<br> - Belov'd heroes! your deathless souls roam,<br> - In the joy-breathing isles of the blest;<br> - Where the mighty of old have their home—<br> - Where Achilles and Diomed rest.<br> -<br> - In fresh myrtle my blade I'll entwine,<br> - Like Harmodius, the gallant and good,<br> - When he made, at the tutelar shrine,<br> - A libation of Tyranny's blood.<br> -<br> - Ye deliverers of Athens from shame—<br> - Ye avengers of Liberty's wrongs!<br> - Endless ages shall cherish your fame,<br> - Embalmed in their echoing songs.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Amongst other translations of this exquisite ode, is one by <i>Charles -Abraham Elton</i>, a translator of Hesiod, and of several other Grecian -poems; all of which are in a London edition of two elegant 8vo. -volumes. The first stanza of his version is as follows:</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem24"> -<tr><td>"In myrtle veiled will I my falchion wear;<br> - For thus the patriot sword<br> - Harmodius and Aristogeiton bare,<br> - When they the tyrant's bosom gored,<br> - And bade the men of Athens be<br> - Regenerate in equality."</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>It is a proof of the fairness with which Mr. Elton has aimed at a -literal rendering of his author, that he has made even the name of -A<small>RISTOGEITON</small> retain its place; as inharmonious a one, perhaps, as ever -"filled the trump of future fame." In the Edinburgh Review for -January, 1833, we find a translation of considerable merit, in the -stanza of "Bruce's Address:" less literal than Mr. Elton's, yet more -brief and simple, and partaking more of the thrilling energy of the -original. In its arrangement, the edition of Ilgen is followed. It is -due to the author of the foregoing translation to say, that it was -written long before the year in which this one was published; and -before he had seen the seven or eight others above mentioned.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem25"> -<tr><td>"Wreathed with myrtles be my glaive,<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small><br> - Like the falchion of the brave,<br> - Death to Athens' lord that gave,<br> - - Death to Tyranny!<br> -<br> - Yes! let myrtle wreaths be round,<br> - Such as then the falchion bound,<br> - When with deeds the feast was crown'd,<br> - - Done for Liberty!<br> -<br> - Voiced by Fame eternally,<br> - Noble pair! your names shall be,<br> - For the stroke that made us free,<br> - - When the tyrant fell!<br> -<br> - Death, Harmodius! came not near thee,<br> - Isles of bliss and brightness cheer thee,<br> - There heroic breasts revere thee,<br> - - There the mighty dwell!"</td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> Sword.</small></blockquote> - -<div align="right"><small>P. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect22"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SONNET.</h4> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem26"> -<tr><td><small>O fairest flow'r; no sooner blown than blasted,<br> - Soft silken primrose faded timelessly.—<i>Milton</i>.</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem27"> -<tr><td>It was an infant dying! and I stood<br> - Watching beside its couch, to mark how Death,<br> - His hour being come, would steal away the breath<br> - Of one so young, so innocent, so good.<br> - Friends also waited near—and now the blood<br> - 'Gan leave the tender cheek, and the dark eye<br> - To lose its wonted lustre. Suddenly<br> - Slight tremblings o'er him came; anon, subdued<br> - To utter passiveness, the sufferer lay,<br> - Far, far more beautiful in his decay<br> - Than e'er methought before! I held his hand<br> - Fast lock'd in mine, and felt more feebly flow<br> - The pulse already faint and fluttering. Lo!<br> - It ceased; I turn'd, and bow'd to God's command.<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small></td></tr> -</table> -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> Samuel II. Chap. xii.—22, 23.</small></blockquote> - -<div align="right">* * * </div> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page39"><small><small>[p. 39]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect23"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SPECIMENS OF LOVELETTERS</h4> - -<center><small>IN THE REIGN OF EDWARD IV.</small></center> - -<blockquote><small>From the second volume of a Collection of Original Letters written -during the reigns of Henry VI, Edward IV, and Richard III. By John -Fenn, Esq., M.A. and F. R. S.</small></blockquote> -<br> - -<h5>I.</h5> - -<blockquote>Right reverend and worshipful, and my right well beloved Valentine, I -recommend me unto you, full heartilie desiring to hear of your -welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve unto his -pleasure, and your heart's desire.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And if it please you to hear of my welfare, I am not in good heele -(<i>health</i>) of bodie, nor of heart, nor shall be till I hear from you</blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem28"> -<tr><td><small>For there wottes (<i>knows</i>) no creature that pain I endure<br> -And for to be dead (<i>for my life</i>), I dare it not discur (<i>discover</i>)</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote>And my lady my mother hath labored the matter to my father full -diligently, but she can no more get than ye know of, for the which God -knoweth I am full sorry. But if that ye love me, as I trust verily -that ye do, ye will not leave me therefore; for if that ye had not -half the livelihood that ye have, for to do the greatest labour that -any woman alive might, I would not forsake you.</blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem29"> -<tr><td><small>And if ye command me to keep me true wherever I go,<br> - I wis I will do all my might you to love, and never no mo,<br> - And if my friends say, that I do amiss<br> - They shall not me let (<i>hinder</i>) so for to do,<br> - Mine heart me bids ever more to love you—<br> - Truly over all earthlie thing<br> - And if they be never so wrath<br> - I trust it shall be better in time coming</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote>No more to you at this time, but the Holy Trinity have you in keeping; -and I beseech you that this bill be not seen of none earthlie creature -save only yourself.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And this letter was endited at Topcroft, with full heavy heart &c.</blockquote> - -<div align="right">By your own - <br> -<small>MARGERY BREWS</small>. - </div> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<h5>II.</h5> - -<blockquote>Right worshipful and well beloved Valentine, in my most humble wise, I -recommend me unto you &c.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And heartilie I thank you for the letter, which that ye send me by -John Beckerton, whereby I understand and know that ye be purposed to -come to Topcroft in short time, and without any errand or matter, but -only to have a conclusion of the matter betwixt my father and you; I -would be the most glad of any creature alive, so that the matter might -grow to effect. And thereas (<i>whereas</i>) ye say, an (<i>if</i>) ye come and -find the matter no more towards you than ye did aforetime, ye would no -more put my father and my lady my mother to no cost nor business for -that cause a good while after, which causeth my heart to be full -heavie; and if that ye come, and the matter take to none effect, then -should I be much more sorry, and full of heaviness.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And as for myself I have done, and understand in the matter that I can -or may, as God knoweth; and I let you plainly understand, that my -father will no more money part withal in that behalf, but an 100<i>l</i>. -and 50 marks (33<i>l</i>. 6<i>s</i>. 8<i>d</i>.) which is right far from the -accomplishment of your desire.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>Wherefore, if that ye could be content with that good, and my poor -person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; and if ye think not -yourself so satisfyed, or that ye might have much more good, as I have -understood by you afore; good, true, and loving Valentine, that ye -take no such labor upon you, as to come more for that matter, but let -what is, pass and never more be spoken of, as I may be your true lover -and beadwoman during my life.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>No more unto you at this time, but Almighty Jesu preserve you both -bodie and soul &c.</blockquote> - -<div align="right">By your Valentine - <br> -<small>MARGERY BREWS</small>. - </div> - -<blockquote> Topcroft 1476.7.</blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect24"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MARCELIA.</h4> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem30"> -<tr><td><small> -Then she is drown'd?<br> -————Drown'd—Drown'd.<br> -Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia!<br> -And therefore I forbid my tears.—<i>Hamlet</i>.</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br><br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem31"> -<tr><td> - It was a solitary spot!—<br> - The shallow brook that ran throughout the forest,<br> - (Aye chattering as it went,) there took a turn<br> - And widened;—all its music died away,<br> - And in the place, a silent eddy told<br> - That there the stream grew deeper. There dark trees<br> - Funereal (cypress, yew, and shadowy pine,<br> - And spicy cedar,) cluster'd; and at night<br> - Shook from their melancholy branches sounds<br> - And sighs like death!—'Twas strange, for thro' the day<br> - They stood quite motionless, and looked, methought,<br> - Like monumental things, which the sad earth<br> - From its green bosom had cast out in pity,<br> - To mark a young girl's grave. The very leaves<br> - Disown'd their natural green, and took a black<br> - And mournful hue: and the rough brier had stretch'd<br> - His straggling arms across the water, and<br> - Lay like an armed sentinel there, catching<br> - With his tenacious leaf, straws, wither'd boughs,<br> - Moss that the banks had lost, coarse grasses which<br> - Swam with the current—and with these it hid<br> - The poor Marcelia's death-bed!<br> - - - -Never may net<br> - Of vent'rous fisher be cast in with hope,<br> - For not a fish abides there. The slim deer<br> - Snorts, as he ruffles with his shorten'd breath<br> - The brook, and, panting, flies th' unholy place—<br> - And the wild heifer lows and passes on;<br> - The foaming hound laps not, and winter birds<br> - Go higher up the stream. And yet <i>I</i> love<br> - To loiter there; and when the rising moon<br> - Flames down the avenue of pines, and looks<br> - Red and dilated through the evening mists,<br> - And chequer'd as the heavy branches sway<br> - To and fro with the wind, I listen, and<br> - Can fancy to myself that voices there<br> - Plain, and low prayers come moaning thro' the leaves<br> - For some misdeed!<br> - - -The story goes, that a<br> - Neglected girl (an orphan whom the world<br> - Frown'd upon,) once strayed thither, and 'twas thought<br> - Did cast her in the stream. You may have heard<br> - Of one Marcelia, poor Molini's daughter, who<br> - Fell ill, and came to want in youth? No?—Oh!<br> - She loved a man who marked her not. He wed,<br> - And then the girl grew sick, and pin'd away,<br> - And drown'd herself for love!—Some day or other<br> - I'll tell you all the story.</td></tr> -</table> - -<div align="right">* * * </div> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page40"><small><small>[p. 40]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect25"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>TO MIRA.</h4> - -<center>BY L. A. WILMER.</center> -<br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem32"> -<tr><td> Far from the gaudy scenes my earliest youth<br> - Loved to inhabit, which Hope's rising sun<br> - Lent every grace and charm—save that of Truth,<br> - And made me happy but to be undone,<br> - (My joys expectant blasted ere begun,)<br> - Far from those pleasing scenes 'tis mine to roam.<br> - Friendless, forlorn, my idle course I run,<br> - While Disappointment, a malignant gnome,<br> - Still tortures, and the grave appears my happiest home.<br> -<br> - Ere yet I bid a long, a last farewell<br> - To the sweet Muse, reluctant to forego<br> - The sacred solace and enchanting spell<br> - Which charm'd my solitude, and sooth'd my woe—<br> - Ere I renounce my harp, and cease to know<br> - The poet's rapture, when his eye surveys<br> - The heavenly visions fancy doth bestow,<br> - On which her favored sons alone may gaze,<br> - Once more I lift my voice to sing in Mira's praise.<br> -<br> - While sickly flattery heaps the unhallowed shrine<br> - Of pomp and pride with praise that palls the sense,<br> - Let spotless candor, Heaven-born truth be mine:<br> - Base are the praises sold at truth's expense:<br> - Mira! thy name all falsehood drives from hence!<br> - Accept this tribute due to worth like thine—<br> - Accept this offering of a heart from whence<br> - No guile shall rise to taint this verse of mine,<br> - But friendship's holy signet sanctify each line.<br> -<br> - O might I deem my verse could live beyond<br> - The petty confines of the dreary tomb—<br> - Might I believe my wishes not too fond,<br> - That point to fame beyond the eternal gloom—<br> - When this frail form shall in the grave consume,<br> - That future ages shall my works behold—<br> - Then, Mira, on this page thy name's perfume<br> - Should breathe a fragrance, when the hand is cold<br> - And crumbled into dust which here that name enrolled.<br> -<br> - As long as years revolved, and seasons came,<br> - Tho' other flowers should fade away and die,<br> - An ever-blooming flower should be thy name,<br> - Dipped in the radiance of the evening sky:<br> - When marble monuments in ruins lie,<br> - And sculptured pillars from their bases fall,<br> - Could I but place fair Mira's name on high<br> - In Fame's eternal, adamantine hall,<br> - Then would my lot be blessed, my hopes accomplished all.<br> -<br> - Tho' placed by Fate in this ungenial clime,<br> - Where scarce the sacred Muse hath deigned to tread—<br> - These Western lands, where Song appears a crime,<br> - And Genius rears a sad and sickly head—<br> - And tho' malignant stars their influence shed—<br> - Yet might I boast thy friendship, I would bend<br> - No more when black misfortunes round me spread;<br> - But my last breath in thankfulness would send,<br> - And tell to future times thou wast my only friend.<br> -<br> - I have seen womankind in all their charms—<br> - Yea! all that beauty, wealth, and wit bestow—<br> - With all that strikes the eye, or fancy warms,<br> - In festal halls, where gold and diamonds glow,<br> - And gay costumes that mock the painted bow<br> - Of Iris hanging on Heaven's battlements:<br> - Yet not all these could bid my bosom know<br> - Such admiration, or such joys dispense,<br> - As when the maiden smiled in heavenly innocence.<br> -<br> - Then, Mira, not to pride my harp is strung—<br> - Not to the measures of the giddy dance—<br> - The boasted beauty shall remain unsung,<br> - For I, unmoved, can meet her fatal glance.<br> - Not in the fairy regions of romance<br> - My footsteps stray—but <i>Truth</i> directs my song:<br> - To <i>Truth's</i> eternal portals I advance,<br> - Deserted by the rhyming crew so long,<br> - And Virtue, Worth, and Thou shall still employ my tongue.<br> -<br> - With thee, sweet Modesty and Truth reside—<br> - Sincerity from courts and crowds exiled—<br> - Virtue, that shuns the haughty brow of Pride—<br> - And Charity, Heaven's first-born, favorite child,—<br> - As if the skies upon thy birth had smiled,<br> - And given thee all to make a woman dear.<br> - Yes! thou couldst humanize the savage wild,<br> - Make tigers pause thy soothing voice to hear,<br> - Melt marble hearts, and smooth the brow of cankering care.<br> -<br> - When the last echoes of my harp expire,<br> - In mournful breathings on Patapsco's shore—<br> - When the unpractised hand that struck the wire,<br> - Shall wake those wild and artless notes no more—<br> - When the green meadow and the torrent's roar—<br> - The woody walk, so long my dear delight,<br> - With all that charmed my fancy most before—<br> - When Death shall veil these objects from my sight,<br> - O say, wilt thou my name in thy remembrance write?<br> -<br> - Then let the world its malice all combine—<br> - Its hate I reck not, and its wrongs despise:<br> - A bliss they dream not of shall still be mine—<br> - A bliss untold, yet worthy of the skies,<br> - Which all their curs'd malevolence defies.<br> - Even in the anguish of the mortal hour,<br> - My soul superior to the gloom shall rise,<br> - And smile on Death when all his terrors lower,<br> - And the grim tyrant stalks full panoplied in power.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect26"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>STANZAS.</h4> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem33"> -<tr><td>Oh! never, never, until now,<br> - Seem'd happiness so near me—<br> - Hope never wore a brighter brow<br> - To flatter or to cheer me:<br> - Yet while I listen to her voice,<br> - Sad memory is chiding—<br> - And I must tremble to rejoice,<br> - And weep while I'm confiding.<br> -<br> - I thought my spirit had grown old,<br> - While counting years by sorrow,<br> - And that the future could unfold<br> - For me no happier morrow;<br> - But ah! I find myself a child<br> - Of newly waken'd feeling,<br> - As full of dreams, as bright and wild,<br> - As fancy's first revealing.</td></tr> -</table> - -<div align="right"><small>LEILA</small>. </div> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page41"><small><small>[p. 41]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect27"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4><i>Critical Notices</i>.</h4> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<h5>THE HEROINE.</h5> - -<p><i>The Heroine: or Adventures of Cherubina. By Eaton Stannard Barrett, -Esq. New Edition. Richmond: Published by P. D. Bernard.</i></p> - -<p>Cherubina! Who has not heard of Cherubina? Who has not heard of that -most spiritual, that most ill-treated, that most accomplished of -women—of that most consummate, most sublimated, most fantastic, most -unappreciated, and most inappreciable of heroines? Exquisite and -delicate creation of a mind overflowing with fun, frolic, farce, wit, -humor, song, sentiment, and sense, what mortal is there so dead to -every thing graceful and glorious as not to have devoured thy -adventures? Who is there so unfortunate as not to have taken thee by -the hand?—who so lost as not to have cultivated thy -acquaintance?—who so stupid, as not to have enjoyed thy -companionship?—who so much of a log, as not to have laughed until he -has wept for very laughter in the perusal of thine incomparable, -inimitable, and inestimable eccentricities? But we are becoming -pathetic to no purpose, and supererogatively oratorical. <i>Every body</i> -has read Cherubina. There is no one so superlatively unhappy as not to -have done this thing. But if such there be—if by any possibility such -person should exist, we have only a few words to say to him. Go, silly -man, and purchase forthwith "<i>The Heroine: or Adventures of -Cherubina</i>."</p> - -<p>The Heroine was first published many years ago, (we believe shortly -after the appearance of Childe Harold;) but although it has run -through editions innumerable, and has been universally read and -admired by all possessing talent or taste, it has never, in our -opinion, attracted half that notice on the part of the critical press, -which is undoubtedly its due. There are few books written with more -tact, spirit, <i>näïveté</i>, or grace, few which take hold more -irresistibly upon the attention of the reader, and none more fairly -entitled to rank among the classics of English literature than the -Heroine of Eaton Stannard Barrett. When we say all this of a book -possessing not even the remotest claim to originality, either in -conception or execution, it may reasonably be supposed, that we have -discovered in its matter, or manner, some rare qualities, inducing us -to hazard an assertion of so bold a nature. This is actually the case. -Never was any thing so charmingly written: the mere style is -positively inimitable. Imagination, too, of the most etherial kind, -sparkles and blazes, now sportively like the Will O' the Wisp, now -dazzlingly like the Aurora Borealis, over every page—over every -sentence in the book. It is absolutely radiant with fancy, and that of -a nature the most captivating, although, at the same time, the most -airy, the most capricious, and the most intangible. Yet the Heroine -must be considered a mere burlesque; and, being a copy from Don -Quixotte, is to that immortal work of Cervantes what <i>The School for -Scandal</i> is to <i>The Merry Wives of Windsor</i>. The Plot is briefly as -follows.</p> - -<p>Gregory Wilkinson, an English farmer worth 50,000 pounds, has a pretty -daughter called Cherry, whose head is somewhat disordered from romance -reading. Her governess is but little more rational than herself, and -is one day turned out of the house for allowing certain undue -liberties on the part of the butler. In revenge she commences a -correspondence with Miss Cherry, in which she persuades that young -lady that Wilkinson is not her real father—that she is a child of -mystery, &c.—in short that she is actually and <i>bonâ fide</i> a heroine. -In the meantime, Miss Cherry, in rummaging among her father's papers, -comes across an antique parchment—a lease of lives—on which the -following words are alone legible.</p> - -<blockquote><small>This Indenture<br> - For and in consideration of<br> - Doth grant, bargain, release<br> - Possession, and to his heirs and assigns<br> - Lands of Sylvan Lodge, in the<br> - Trees, stones, quarries, &c.<br> - Reasonable amends and satisfaction<br> - This demise<br> - Molestation of him the said Gregory Wilkinson.<br> - The natural life of<br> - Cherry Wilkinson only daughter of<br> - De Willoughby eldest son of Thomas<br> - Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle.</small></blockquote> - -<p>This "excruciating MS." brings matters to a crisis—for Miss Cherry -has no difficulty in filling up the blanks.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"It is a written covenant," says this interesting young lady in a -letter to her Governess, "between this Gregory Wilkinson, and the -miscreant (whom my being an heiress had prevented from enjoying the -title and estate that would devolve to him at my death) stipulating to -give Wilkinson 'Sylvan Lodge,' together with 'trees, stones, &c.' as -'reasonable amends and satisfaction' for being the instrument of my -'demise,' and declaring that there shall be 'no molestation of him the -said Gregory Wilkinson' for taking away the 'natural life of Cherry -Wilkinson, only daughter of' —— somebody 'De Willoughby eldest son -of Thomas.' Then follows 'Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle.' So that it is -evident I am a De Willoughby, and related to Lady Gwyn! What perfectly -confirms me in the latter supposition, is an old portrait which I -found soon after, among Wilkinson's papers, representing a young and -beautiful female superbly dressed; and underneath, in large letters, -the name of 'Nell Gwyn.'"</small></blockquote> - -<p>Fired with this idea, Miss Cherry gets up a scene, rushes with hair -dishevelled into the presence of the good man Wilkinson, and accuses -him to his teeth of plotting against her life, and of sundry other -mal-practices and misdemeanors. The worthy old gentleman is -astonished, as well he may be; but is somewhat consoled upon receiving -a letter from his nephew, Robert Stuart, announcing his intention of -paying the family a visit immediately. Wilkinson is in hopes that a -lover may change the current of his daughter's ideas; but in that he -is mistaken. Stuart has the misfortune of being merely a rich man, a -handsome man, an honest man, and a fashionable man—he is no hero. -This is not to be borne: and Miss Cherry, having assumed the name of -the Lady Cherubina De Willoughby, makes a precipitate retreat from the -house, and commences a journey on foot to London. Her adventures here -properly begin, and are laughable in the extreme. But we must not be -too minute. They are modelled very much after those of Don Quixotte, -and are related in a series of letters from the young lady herself to -her governess. The principal characters who figure in the Memoirs are -Betterton, an old <i>debauché</i> who endeavors to entangle the Lady -Cherubina in his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42"><small><small>[p. 42]</small></small></a></span> -toils—Jerry Sullivan, an Irish simpleton, who -is ready to lose his life at any moment for her ladyship, whose story -he implicitly believes, without exactly comprehending it—Higginson, a -grown baby, and a mad poet—Lady Gwyn, whom Cherubina believes to be -her mortal enemy, and the usurper of her rights, and who encourages -the delusion for the purpose of entertaining her guests—Mary and -William, two peasants betrothed, but whom Cherry sets by the ears for -the sake of an interesting episode—Abraham Grundy, a tenth rate -performer at Covent Garden, who having been mistaken by Cherry for an -earl, supports the character <i>à merveille</i> with the hope of eventually -marrying her, and thus securing 10,000 pounds, a sum which it appears -the lady possesses in her own right. He calls himself the Lord -Altamont Mortimer Montmorenci. Stuart, her cousin, whom we have -mentioned before, finally rescues her from the toils of Betterton and -Grundy, and restores her to reason, and to her friends. Of course he -is rewarded with her hand.</p> - -<p>We repeat that Cherubina is a book which should be upon the shelves of -every well-appointed library. No one can read it without entertaining -a high opinion of the varied and brilliant talents of its author. No -one can read it without laughter. Its wit, especially, and its humor, -are indisputable—not frittered and refined away into that insipid -compound which we occasionally meet with, half giggle and half -sentiment—but racy, dashing, and palpable. Some of the songs with -which the work is interspersed have attained a most extensive -popularity, while many persons, to whom they are as familiar as -household things, are not aware of the very existence of the Heroine. -All our readers must remember the following.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem34"> -<tr><td><small>Dear Sensibility, O la!<br> - I heard a little lamb cry ba!<br> - Says I, so you have lost mamma!<br> - - - Ah!<br><br> - The little lamb as I said so,<br> - Frisking about the fields did go,<br> - And frisking trod upon my toe.<br> - - - Oh!</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>And this also.</p> - -<center><small>TO DOROTHY PULVERTAFT.</small></center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem35"> -<tr><td><small>If Black-sea, White-sea, Red-sea ran<br> - One tide of ink to Ispahan;<br> - If all the geese in Lincoln fens<br> - Produced spontaneous well-made pens;<br> - If Holland old or Holland new,<br> - One wondrous sheet of paper grew;<br> - Could I, by stenographic power,<br> - Write twenty libraries an hour;<br> - And should I sing but half the grace<br> - Of half a freckle on thy face;<br> - Each syllable I wrote should reach<br> - From Inverness to Bognor's beach;<br> - Each hair-stroke be a river Rhine,<br> - Each verse an equinoctial line.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>We have already exceeded our limits, but cannot refrain from -extracting Chapter XXV. It will convey some idea of the character of -the Heroine. She is now at the mansion of Lady Gwyn, who, for the -purpose of amusing her friends, has dressed up her nephew to represent -the supposed mother of the Lady Cherubina.</p> - -<center><small>CHAPTER XXV.</small></center> - -<blockquote><small>This morning I awoke almost well, and towards evening was able to -appear below. Lady Gwyn had invited several of her friends; so that I -passed a delightful afternoon; the charm, admiration, and astonishment -of all.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>When I retired to rest, I found this note on my toilette.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<center><small><i>To the Lady Cherubina</i>. </small></center> - -<blockquote><small><i>Your mother lives!</i> and is confined in a subterranean vault of the -villa. At midnight two men will tap at your door, and conduct you to -her. Be silent, courageous, and circumspect.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<blockquote><small>What a flood of new feelings gushed upon my soul, as I laid down the -billet, and lifted my filial eyes to Heaven! Mother—endearing name! I -pictured that unfortunate lady stretched on a mattress of straw, her -eyes sunken in their sockets, yet retaining a portion of their -youthful fire; her frame emaciated, her voice feeble, her hand damp -and chill. Fondly did I depict our meeting—our embrace; she gently -pushing me from her, and baring my forehead, to gaze on the lineaments -of my countenance. All, all is convincing; and she calls me the -softened image of my noble father!</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Two tedious hours I waited in extreme anxiety. At length the clock -struck twelve; my heart beat responsive, and immediately the promised -signal was made. I unbolted the door, and beheld two men masked and -cloaked. They blindfolded me, and each taking an arm, led me along. -Not a word passed. We traversed apartments, ascended, descended -stairs; now went this way, now that; obliquely, circularly, angularly; -till I began to imagine we were all the time in one spot.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>At length my conductors stopped.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Unlock the postern gate,' whispered one, 'while I light a torch.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'We are betrayed!' said the other, 'for this is the wrong key.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Then thou beest the traitor,' cried the first.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Thou liest, dost lie, and art lying!' cried the second.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Take that!' exclaimed the first. A groan followed, and the wretch -tumbled to the ground.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'You have killed him!' cried I, sickening with horror.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'I have only hamstrung him, my Lady,' said the fellow. 'He will be -lame while ever he lives; but by St. Cripplegate, that won't be long; -for our captain has given him four ducats to murder himself in a -month.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>He then burst open the gate; a sudden current of wind met us, and we -hurried forward with incredible speed, while moans and smothered -shrieks were heard at either side.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Gracious goodness, where are we?' cried I.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'In the cavern of death!' said my conductor; 'but never fear, Signora -mia illustrissima, for the bravo Abellino is your povero devotissimo.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>On a sudden innumerable footsteps sounded behind us. We ran swifter.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Fire!' cried a ferocious accent, almost at my ear; and there came a -discharge of arms.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I stopped, unable to move, breathe, or speak.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'I am wounded all over, right and left, fore and aft, long ways and -cross ways, Death and the Devil!' cried the bravo.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Am I bleeding?' said I, feeling myself with my hands.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'No, blessed St. Fidget be praised!' answered he; 'and now all is -safe, for the banditti have turned into the wrong passage.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>He then stopped, and unlocked a door.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Enter,' said he, 'and behold your mother!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>He led me forward, tore the bandage from my eyes, and retiring, locked -the door after him.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Agitated by the terrors of my dangerous expedition, I felt additional -horror in finding myself within a dismal cell, lighted with a lantern; -where, at a small table, sat a woman suffering under a corpulency -unparalleled in the memoirs of human monsters. Her dress was a -patchwork of blankets and satins, and her gray tresses were like -horses' tails. Hundreds of frogs leaped about the floor; a piece of -mouldy bread, and a mug of water, lay on the table; some straw, strewn -with dead snakes and sculls, occupied one corner, and the distant end -of the cell was concealed behind a black curtain.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I stood at the door, doubtful, and afraid to advance; while the -prodigious prisoner sat examining me all over.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>At last I summoned courage to say, 'I fear, madam, I am an intruder -here. I have certainly been shown into the wrong room.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'It is, it is my own, my only daughter, my Cherubina!' cried she, with -a tremendous voice. 'Come to my maternal arms, thou living picture of -the departed Theodore!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Why, ma'am,' said I, 'I would with great pleasure, but I am -afraid—Oh, madam, indeed, indeed, I am quite sure you cannot be my -mother!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Why not, thou unnatural girl?' cried she.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Because, madam,' answered I, 'my mother was of a thin habit; as her -portrait proves.'</small></blockquote> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page43"><small><small>[p. 43]</small></small></a></span> -<blockquote><small>'And so I was once,' said she. 'This deplorable plumpness is -owing to want of exercise. But I thank the Gods I am as pale as ever.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Heavens! no,' cried I. 'Your face, pardon me, is a rich scarlet.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'And is this our tender meeting?' cried she. 'To disown me, to throw -my fat in my teeth, to violate the lilies of my skin with a dash of -scarlet? Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle! Tell me, girl, -will you embrace me, or will you not?'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Indeed, madam,' answered I, 'I will presently.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Presently!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Yes, depend upon it I will. Only let me get over the first shock.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Shock!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Dreading her violence, and feeling myself bound to do the duties of a -daughter, I kneeled at her feet, and said:</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Ever respected, ever venerable author of my being, I beg thy maternal -blessing!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>My mother raised me from the ground, and hugged me to her heart, with -such cruel vigor, that, almost crushed, I cried out stoutly, and -struggled for release.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'And now,' said she, relaxing her grasp, 'let me tell you of my -sufferings. Ten long years I have eaten nothing but bread. Oh, ye -favorite pullets, oh, ye inimitable tit-bits, shall I never, never -taste you more? It was but last night, that maddened by hunger, -methought I beheld the Genius of Dinner in my dreams. His mantle was -laced with silver eels, and his locks were dropping with soups. He had -a crown of golden fishes upon his head, and pheasants' wings at his -shoulders. A flight of little tartlets fluttered about him, and the -sky rained down comfits. As I gazed on him, he vanished in a sigh, -that was impregnated with the fumes of brandy. Hey diddle diddle, the -cat and the fiddle.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I stood shuddering, and hating her more and more every moment.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Pretty companion of my confinement!' cried she, apostrophizing an -enormous toad which she pulled out of her bosom 'dear, spotted -fondling, thou, next to my Cherubina, art worthy of my love. Embrace -each other, my friends.' And she put the hideous pet into my hand. I -screamed and dropped it.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Oh!' cried I, in a passion of despair, 'what madness possessed me to -undertake this execrable enterprise!' and I began beating with my hand -against the door.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Do you want to leave your poor mother?' said she in a whimpering -tone.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Oh! I am so frightened!' cried I.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'You will spend the night here, however,' said she; 'and your whole -life too; for the ruffian who brought you hither was employed by Lady -Gwyn to entrap you.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>When I heard this terrible sentence, my blood ran cold, and I began -crying bitterly.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Come, my love!' said my mother, 'and let me clasp thee to my heart -once more!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'For goodness sake!' cried I, 'spare me!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'What!' exclaimed she, 'do you spurn my proffered embrace again?'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Dear, no, madam,' answered I. 'But—but indeed now, you squeeze one -so!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>My mother made a huge stride towards me; then stood groaning and -rolling her eyes.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Help!' cried I, half frantic, 'help! help!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I was stopped by a suppressed titter of infernal laughter, as if from -many demons; and on looking towards the black curtain, whence the -sound came, I saw it agitated; while about twenty terrific faces -appeared peeping through slits in it, and making grins of a most -diabolical nature. I hid my face with my hands.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>''Tis the banditti!' cried my mother.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>As she spoke, the door opened, a bandage was flung over my eyes, and I -was borne away half senseless, in some one's arms; till at length, I -found myself alone in my own chamber.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Such was the detestable adventure of to-night. Oh, that I should live -to meet this mother of mine! How different from the mothers that other -heroines rummage out in northern turrets and ruined chapels! I am out -of all patience. Liberate her I must, of course, and make a suitable -provision for her too, when I get my property; but positively, never -will I sleep under the same roof with—(ye powers of filial love, -forgive me!) such a living mountain of human horror. Adieu.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect28"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>HAWKS OF HAWK-HOLLOW.</h5> - -<p><i>The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow; a Tradition of Pennsylvania. By the author -of Calavar and the Infidel. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard.</i></p> - -<p>By <i>The Gladiator</i>, by <i>Calavar</i>, and by <i>The Infidel</i>, Dr. Bird has -risen, in a comparatively short space of time, to a very enviable -reputation; and we have heard it asserted that his last novel '<i>The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow</i>,' will not fail to place his name in the very -first rank of American writers of fiction. Without venturing to -subscribe implicitly to this latter supposition, we still think very -highly of him who has written <i>Calavar</i>. Of this last mentioned work, -and of the <i>Infidel</i>, we have already given our opinion, although not -altogether as fully as we could have desired: and we regret that -circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from noticing the -<i>Hawks of Hawk-Hollow</i> until so late a day as the present.</p> - -<p>Had this novel reached us some years ago, with the title of, '<i>The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow: A Romance by the author of Waverley</i>,' we should -not perhaps have engaged in its perusal with as much genuine -eagerness, or with so dogged a determination to be pleased with it at -all events, as we have actually done upon receiving it with its proper -title, and under really existing circumstances. But having read the -book <i>through</i>, as undoubtedly we should have done, if only for the -sake of Auld Lang Syne, and for the sake of certain pleasantly -mirthful, or pleasantly mournful recollections connected with -<i>Ivanhoe</i>, with the <i>Antiquary</i>, with <i>Kenilworth</i>, and above all with -that most pure, perfect, and radiant gem of fictitious literature the -<i>Bride of Lammermuir</i>—having, we say, on this account, and for the -sake of these recollections read the novel from beginning to end, from -Aleph to Tau, we should have pronounced our opinion of its merits -somewhat in the following manner.</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary to tell us that this novel is written by Sir Walter -Scott; and we are really glad to find that he has at length ventured -to turn his attention to American incidents, scenery, and manners. We -repeat that it was a mere act of supererogation to place the words 'By -the author of Waverley' in the title page. The book speaks for itself. -The style vulgarly so called—the manner properly so called—the -handling of the subject to speak pictorially, or graphically, or as a -German would say plastically—in a word the general air, the <i>tout -ensemble</i>, the prevailing character of the story, all proclaim, in -words which one who runs may read, that these volumes were indited 'By -the author of Waverley.'" Having said thus much, we should resume our -<i>critique</i> as follows.</p> - -<p>"The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is, however, by no means in the <i>best</i> -manner of its illustrious author. To speak plainly it is a positive -failure, and must take its place by the side of the Redgauntlets, the -Monasteries, the Pirates, and the Saint Ronan's Wells."</p> - -<p>All this we should perhaps have been induced to say had the book been -offered to us for perusal some few years ago, with the supposititious -title, and under the supposititious circumstances aforesaid. But alas! -for our critical independency, the case is very different indeed. -There can be no mistake or misconception in the present instance, such -as we have so fancifully imagined. The title page (here we have it) is -clear, explanatory, and not to be misunderstood. The Hawks of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page44"><small><small>[p. 44]</small></small></a></span> -Hawk-Hollow, A Tradition of Pennsylvania, that is to say a novel, is -written, so we are assured, not by the author of Waverley, but by the -author of that very fine romance Calavar—not by Sir Walter Scott, -Baronet, but by Robert M. Bird, M.D. Now Robert M. Bird is an -American.</p> - -<p>We will endeavour to give an outline of the story. In a little valley -bordering upon the Delaware, and called Hawk-Hollow from a colony of -hawks who time out of mind had maintained possession of a blasted tree -at its <i>embouchure</i>, resided, some fifty years ago, one Gilbert, an -English emigrant. He had seven sons, all of whom displayed in early -life a spirit of desperate and reckless adventure, and a love of the -wild life of the woods and mountains. Oran was the name of the eldest, -and at the same time the most savage and intractable of the seven. The -disposition thus evinced obtained for these young desperadoes the -<i>sobriquet</i> of the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. Gilbert, the father, falls -heir to a rich estate in England, and after making a vain attempt to -settle in that country and educate his children as gentlemen, returns -at length to the valley of Hawk-Hollow, so much more congenial to the -temper and habits of his sons. A fine but fantastic manor-house is -erected, and the family acquire consideration in the land. In the -meantime Mr. Gilbert's first wife dying, he weds another, who bears -him a daughter, Jessie. At the opening of the tale, however, a Captain -Loring resides upon the estate, and in the mansion of the Gilberts, -holding them as the agent or tenant of a certain Col. Falconer, who is -a second edition of Falkland in Caleb Williams,—and who has managed -to possess himself of the property at Hawk-Hollow, upon its -confiscation on account of the tory principles and conduct of the -Hawks.</p> - -<p>During the happier days of the Gilberts, the life of this Falconer was -preserved by three of them, upon a certain occasion of imminent peril. -He however, being badly wounded, they convey him to their father's -house, and Jessie, their sister, attends him in the character of -nurse. She loves him. He returns her love with gratitude and perhaps -some little actual affection, not however sufficient to banish from -his mind the charms or the wealth of a lady of whom he had been -previously enamored—the daughter of a gentleman who had succored and -patronised him at a time when he needed aid, and who discarded him -upon perceiving the growing intimacy between his child and his -<i>protegé</i>. Grateful however for the kindness and evident affection of -Jessie, and intoxicated with her beauty, he marries her in a moment of -madness and passion—prevailing upon her to keep the marriage a secret -for a short time. At this critical juncture, Falconer, who has already -risen to honors and consideration in the world, as an officer of the -Colonial army, receives overtures of reconciliation both from his old -patron and his daughter. His former flame is rekindled in his bosom. -He puts off from day to day the publication of his marriage with -Jessie, and, finally, goaded by love and ambition, and encouraged by -the accidental death of the regimental chaplain who married him, as -well as by that of the only witness to the ceremony, he flies from -Jessie who is about to become a mother, and leaving herself and -friends under the impression that the rite of marriage had been a mere -mockery for the purpose of seduction, throws himself at once into the -arms of his first love, and at length espouses her, a short time -before the decease of Jessie, who dies in bringing a son into the -world.</p> - -<p>The wrath of the brothers of Jessie, has doomed this child to -destruction—but their mother, at this same period giving birth to a -still-born infant, an exchange is brought about through the -instrumentality of an old nurse Elsie Bell, who plays an anomalous -part in the story, being half witch, and half gentlewoman. The effect -of this exchange is that the still-born child of Mrs. Gilbert is -buried as the offspring of Jessie, while her real offspring, is sent -to the West Indies, to be nurtured and educated by a sister of Mr. -Gilbert. The boy thus sent was called Hyland, after one of the Hawks -who perished in the rescue of Col. Falconer.</p> - -<p>Such are the events which, at the opening of the story, have broken up -the family of the Gilberts, and effected their ruin.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"The sons no longer hunted with the young men of the county, but went, -as in their war expeditions, alone: and when others thrust themselves -into their company they quarrelled with them, so that they began to be -universally feared and detested. To crown all, as soon as the -Revolution burst out they went over to the enemy: and, being -distributed among the wild and murderous bands of savages forming on -the north-western frontiers, they soon obtained a dreadful notoriety -for their deeds of daring and cruelty. Of course this remarkable -defection of the sons, caused the unlucky father to be suspected and -watched. He was accused at last of aiding and abetting them in their -treasonable practices, and soon, either from timidity or a -consciousness of guilt, he fled, seeking refuge within the royal -lines. This was sufficient for his ruin: for, after the usual legal -preliminaries, he was formally outlawed, as his sons had been before, -and his property confiscated. He died soon afterwards, either at New -York, or Jamaica."</small></blockquote> - -<p>Hyland, the son of Falconer by Jessie, but the supposed youngest -brother of the Hawks, returns after many years, to his native country -with the intention of accepting a British commission; but seeing more -closely, and with his own eyes, the true principles which actuated the -colonists, he finally relinquishes that design. In the meantime -visiting the Hawk-Hollow under the assumed name of Herman Hunter, and -in the character of a painter, he becomes enamored of Catherine, the -daughter of Captain Loring. The attachment is mutual, although the -lady is already betrothed to Henry, the son of Col. Falconer, a rather -gentlemanly, although a very dissipated and good-for-nothing -personage. Difficulties thicken of course. Miss Harriet Falconer, a -copy in many respects of Di Vernon, becomes, for some very trivial -reason, a violent enemy of Herman Hunter, and even goes so far as to -suspect him of being connected with the outlawed Hawks of the Hollow. -Captain Loring, on the other hand, is his firm friend—a circumstance -which restores matters to a more proper equilibrium, and much -flirtation is consequently carried on, in and about the old mansion -house and pleasure grounds of the Gilberts. In the meantime an attempt -is made, by some unknown assassin, upon the life of Col. Falconer, at -New York; and the county is thrown into a panic, by the rumor that -Oran, the eldest brother of the Hawks, is not dead, as was supposed, -but in existence near the Hollow with a desperate band of refugees, -and ready to pounce upon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page45"><small><small>[p. 45]</small></small></a></span> -the neighboring village of Hillborough. -Miss Harriet Falconer busies herself in a very unlady-like manner to -ferret out the assassin of her father. Plot and counterplot follow in -rapid succession. New characters appear upon the scene. A tall -disciple of Roscius called Sterling, is, among others, very -conspicuous, thrusting his nose into every adventure, and assuming by -turns, although in a very slovenly way, the character of a Methodist -preacher, of a pedlar, of a Quaker, and of a French dancing master. -Elsie Bell, the old witch, prophecies, predicates, and prognosticates; -and in short matters begin to assume a very serious and inexplicable -aspect. Hyland Gilbert <i>alias</i> Herman Hunter, the painter, is drawn -into an involuntary connection with his supposed brother Oran, the -refugee, and some circumstances coming to light not very much to his -credit, he is obliged to flee from the mansion of the gallant -Captain—not, however, until he has declared his passion for the -daughter, into the ear of the daughter herself. Through the -instigation of Harriet Falconer, the day is at length fixed for the -marriage of her brother Henry with Catherine Loring. Accident delays -the ceremony until night, when, just as the lady is hesitating whether -she shall say <i>yes</i>, or <i>no</i>, the tall gentleman ycleped Sterling who -has managed, no one knows how, to install himself as major-domo, chief -fiddler, and master of ceremonies at the wedding, takes the liberty of -knocking the bridegroom on the head with his violin, while Oran, the -refugee, jumps in at one window with a gang of his followers, and -Hyland Gilbert, <i>alias</i> Herman Hunter, the painter, popping in at -another, carries off the bride at a back door <i>nemine contradicente</i>. -The bird being flown, the hue and cry is presently raised, and the -whole county starts in pursuit. But the affair ends very lamely. -Precisely at the moment when Hyland Gilbert, <i>alias</i> Herman Hunter, -the painter, has carried his mistress beyond any prospect of danger -from pursuit, he suddenly takes it into his head, to change his mind -in relation to the entire business, and so, turning back as he came, -very deliberately carries the lady home again. He himself, however, -being caught, is sentenced to be hung—all which is exceedingly just. -But to be serious.</p> - -<p>The crime with which the young man is charged, is the murder of Henry -Falconer, who fell by a pistol shot in an affray during the pursuit. -The criminal is lodged in jail at Hillborough—is tried—and, chiefly -through the instrumentality of Col. Falconer, is in danger of being -found guilty. But Elsie Bell now makes her appearance, and matters -assume a new aspect. She reveals to Col. Falconer the exchange of the -two infants—a fact with which he had been hitherto unacquainted—and -consequently astounds him with the information that he is seeking the -death of his own son. A new turn is also given to the evidence in the -case of the murder by the death-bed confession of Sterling, who owns -that he himself shot the deceased Henry Falconer, and also attempted -the assassination of the Colonel. The prisoner is acquitted by -acclamation. Col. Falconer, is shot by mistake while visiting his son -in prison. Harriet dies of grief at the exposure of her father's -villainy, and of her own consequent illegitimacy. Hyland Gilbert and -Catherine are united. Oran, the refugee, who fired the shot by which -Col. Falconer was accidentally killed, being hotly pursued, and -dangerously wounded, escapes, finally, to his fastnesses in the -mountains, where, after a lapse of many years, his bones and his rifle -are identified. Thus ends the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow.</p> - -<p>We have already spoken of the character of Elsie Bell. That of Harriet -Falconer, is forced, unnatural, and overstrained. Catherine Loring, -however, is one of the sweetest creations ever emanating from the -fancy of poet, or of painter. Truly feminine in thought, in manner, -and in action, she is altogether a conception of which Dr. Bird has -great reason to be proud. Phoebe, the waiting maid, (we have not -thought it worth while to mention her in our outline,) is a mere -excrescence, and, like some other personages in the tale, introduced -for no imaginable purpose. Of the male <i>dramatis personæ</i> some are -good—some admirable—some execrable. Among the good, we may mention -Captain Caliver of the Dragoons. Captain Loring is a <i>chéf d'oeuvre</i>. -His oddities, his infirmities, his enthusiasm, his petulancy, his -warm-heartedness, and his mutability of disposition, altogether make -up a character which we may be permitted to consider original, -inasmuch as we have never seen its prototype either in print, or in -actual existence. It is however true to itself, and to propriety, and -although at times verging upon the <i>outré</i>, is highly creditable to -the genius of its author. Oran, the refugee, is well—but not -excellently drawn. The hero Hyland, with whom we were much interested -in the beginning of the book, proves inconsistent with himself in the -end; and although to be inconsistent with one's self, is not always to -be false to Nature—still, in the present instance, Hyland Gilbert in -prison, and in difficulty, and Herman Hunter, in the opening of the -novel, possess none of the same traits, and are not, in point of fact, -identical. Sterling is a mere mountebank, without even the merit of -being an original one: and his death-bed repentance is too ludicrously -ill-managed, and altogether too manifestly out of place, to be -mentioned any farther. Squire Schlachtenschlager, the Magistrate, is -the best personification of a little brief authority in the person of -a Dutchman, which it has ever been our good fortune to encounter.</p> - -<p>In regard to that purely mechanical portion of Dr. Bird's novel, which -it would now be fashionable to denominate its <i>style</i>, we have very -few observations to make. In general it is faultless. Occasionally we -meet with a sentence ill-constructed—an inartificial adaptation of -the end to the beginning of a paragraph—a circumlocutory mode of -saying what might have been better said, if said with brevity—now and -then with a pleonasm, as for example. "And if he wore a mask in his -commerce with men, it was like that <i>iron</i> one of the Bastile, which -when put on, was put on for life, and was at the same time <i>of -iron</i>,"—not unfrequently with a bull proper, videlicet. "As he spoke -there came into the den, eight men attired like the two first <i>who -were included in the number</i>." But we repeat that upon the whole the -style of the novel—if that may be called its style, which style is -not—is at least <i>equal</i> to that of any American writer whatsoever.</p> - -<p>In the style <i>properly</i> so called—that is to say in the prevailing -tone and manner which give character and individuality to the book, we -cannot bring ourselves to think that Dr. Bird has been equally -fortunate. His subject appears always ready to fly away from him. He -dallies with it continually—hovers incessantly round -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page46"><small><small>[p. 46]</small></small></a></span> it, and -about it—and not until driven to exertion by the necessity of -bringing his volumes to a close, does he finally grasp it with any -appearance of energy or good will. The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is -composed with great inequality of manner—at times forcible and -manly—at times sinking into the merest childishness and imbecility. -Some portions of the book, we surmise, were either not written by Dr. -Bird, or were written by him in moments of the most utter mental -exhaustion. On the other hand, the reader will not be disappointed, if -he looks to find in the novel many—very many well sustained passages -of great eloquence and beauty. We open the book at random, and one -presents itself immediately to our notice. If Dr. Bird has a general -manner at all—a question which we confess ourselves unable to -decide—the passage which we are about to quote is a very fair, -although perhaps rather too favorable specimen of that manner.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"Thus whiling away the fatigue of climbing over rocks, and creeping -through thickets with a gay rattle of discourse, the black-eyed maiden -dragged her companion along until they reached a place where the -stream was contracted by the projection on the one bank of a huge mass -of slaty rock, and on the other, by the protrusion of the roots of a -gigantic plane-tree—the sycamore or button-wood of vulgar speech. -Above them, and beyond the crag, the channel of the rivulet widened -into a pool; and there was a plot of green turf betwixt the water and -the hill, on the farther bank, whereon fairies, if such had ever made -their way to the world of Twilight, might have loved to gambol under -the light of the moon. A hill shut up the glen at its upper extremity; -and it was hemmed in on the left, by the rocky and woody declivity -over which the maidens had already passed. Over this, and just behind -a black rounded shoulder that it thrust into the glen, a broad ray -from the evening sun shot across the stream, and fell in a rich yellow -flood over the vacant plot. There was something almost Arcadian in -this little solitude; and if instead of two well-bred maidens perched -upon the roots of the sycamore, on seats chosen with a due regard to -the claims of their dresses, there had been a batch of country girls -romping in the water, a passing Actæon might have dreamed of the piny -Gargaphy, its running well <i>fons tenui perlucidus unda</i>—and the -bright creatures of the mythic day that once animated the waters of -that solitary grot. But the fairy and the wood-nymph are alike unknown -in America. Poetic illusion has not yet consecrated her glens and -fountains; her forests nod in uninvaded gloom, her rivers roll in -unsanctified silence, and even her ridgy mountains lift up their blue -tops in unphantomed solitude. Association sleeps, or it reverts only -to the vague mysteries of speculation. Perhaps</small></blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem36"> -<tr><td><small>A restless Indian queen,<br> - Pale Marian with the braided hair,</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote><small>may wander at night by some highly favored spring; perhaps some tall -and tawny hunter</small></blockquote> - -<center><small>In vestments for the chase arrayed,</small></center> - -<blockquote><small>may yet hunt the hart over certain distinguished ridges, or urge his -barken canoe over some cypress-fringed pool; but all other places are -left to the fancies of the utilitarian. A Greek would have invented a -God to dwell under the watery arch of Niagara; an American is -satisfied with a paper-mill clapped just above it."</small></blockquote> - -<p>Of the songs and other poetic pieces interspersed throughout the book, -and sometimes not aptly or gracefully introduced, we have a very high -opinion. Some of them are of rare merit and beauty. If Dr. Bird can -always write thus, and we see no reason for supposing the contrary, he -should at once, in the language of one with whom he is no doubt well -acquainted,</p> - -<center><small>Turn bard, and drop the play-wright and the novelist.</small></center> - -<p>In evidence that we say nothing more than what is absolutely just; we -insert here the little poem of <i>The Whippoorwill</i>.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem37"> -<tr><td><small>Sleep, sleep! be thine the sleep that throws<br> - Elysium o'er the soul's repose,<br> - Without a dream, save such as wind<br> - Like midnight angels, through the mind;<br> - While I am watching on the hill<br> - I, and the wailing whippoorwill.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!<br> -<br> - Sleep, sleep! and once again I'll tell<br> - The oft pronounced yet vain farewell:<br> - Such should his word, oh maiden, be<br> - Who lifts the fated eye to thee;<br> - Such should it be, before the chain<br> - That wraps his spirit, binds his brain.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!<br> -<br> - Sleep, sleep! the ship hath left the shore,<br> - The steed awaits his lord no more;<br> - His lord still madly lingers by,<br> - The fatal maid he cannot fly—<br> - And thrids the wood, and climbs the hill—<br> - He and the wailing whippoorwill.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!<br> -<br> - Sleep, sleep! the morrow hastens on;<br> - Then shall the wailing slave be gone,<br> - Flitting the hill-top far for fear<br> - The sounds of joy may reach his ear;<br> - The sounds of joy!—the hollow knell<br> - Pealed from the mocking chapel bell.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>In conclusion: The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow, if it add a single bay to the -already green wreath of Dr. Bird's <i>popular</i> reputation, will not, at -all events, among men whose decisions are entitled to consideration, -advance the high opinion previously entertained of his abilities. It -has no pretensions to <i>originality</i> of manner, or of style—for we -insist upon the distinction—and very few to originality of matter. It -is, in many respects, a bad imitation of Sir Walter Scott. Some of its -characters, and one or two of its incidents, have seldom been -surpassed, for force, fidelity to nature, and power of exciting -interest in the reader. It is altogether more worthy of its author in -its scenes of hurry, of tumult, and confusion, than in those of a more -quiet and philosophical nature. Like <i>Calavar</i> and <i>The Infidel</i>, it -excels in the drama of action and passion, and fails in the drama of -colloquy. It is inferior, as a whole, to the <i>Infidel</i>, and vastly -inferior to <i>Calavar</i>.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect29"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>PEERAGE AND PEASANTRY.</h5> - -<p><i>Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry, Edited by Lady Dacre. New -York: Harper & Brothers.</i> - -<p>We had been looking with much impatience for the republication of -these volumes, and henceforward we shall look with still greater -anxiety for any thing announced as under the <i>editorial</i> supervision -of Lady Dacre. But why, Lady Dacre, this excessive show of modesty, or -rather this most unpardonable piece of affectation? Why deny having -written volumes whose authorship would be an enviable and an honorable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page47"><small><small>[p. 47]</small></small></a></span> -distinction to the proudest literati of your land? And why, above -all, announce yourself as editor in a title-page, merely to proclaim -yourself author in a preface?</p> - -<p>The <i>Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry</i> are three in number. The -first and the longest is <i>Winifred, Countess of Nithsdale</i>, (have a -care, Messieurs Harpers, you have spelt it <i>Nithsadle</i> in the very -heading of the very initial chapter) a thrilling, and spirited story, -rich with imagination, pathos, and passion, and in which the -successful termination of a long series of exertions, and trials, -whereby the devoted Winifred finally rescues her husband, the Earl of -Nithsdale, from tyranny, prison, and death, inspires the reader with -scarcely less heartfelt joy and exultation than we can conceive -experienced by the happy pair themselves. But the absolute conclusion -of this tale speaks volumes for the artist-like skill of the fair -authoress. An every day writer would have ended a story of continued -sorrow and suffering, with a bright gleam of unalloyed happiness, and -sunshine—thus destroying, at a single blow, that indispensable unity -which has been rightly called the unity of effect, and throwing down, -as it were, in a paragraph what, perhaps, an entire volume has been -laboring to establish. We repeat that Lady Dacre has given conclusive -evidence of talent and skill, in the final sentences of the <i>Countess -of Nithsdale</i>—evidence, however, which will not be generally -appreciated, or even very extensively understood. We will transcribe -the passages alluded to.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"'And dearer to my ears'—said Lady Nithsdale 'the simple ballad of a -Scottish maiden, than even these sounds as they are wafted to us over -the waters!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"They stopped to listen to the song as it died away; and, as they -listened, another and more awful sound struck upon their ears. The -bell of one of the small chapels often constructed on the shores of -Catholic countries, was tolled for the soul of a departed mariner. As -it happened, the tone was not unlike one of which they both retained -only too vivid and painful a recollection. The Countess felt her -husband's frame quiver beneath the stroke. There was no need of words. -With a mutual pressure of the arm they returned upon their steps and -sought their home. Unconsciously their pace quickened. They seemed to -fly before the stroke of that bell! Such suffering as they had both -experienced, leaves traces in the soul which time itself can never -wholly efface."</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>The Hampshire Cottage</i> is next in order—a tale of the Peasantry; and -the volumes conclude with <i>Blanche</i>, a tale of the Peerage. Both are -admirable, and worthy of companionship with <i>Winifred, Countess of -Nithsdale</i>. There can be no doubt that Lady Dacre is a writer of -infinite genius, possessing great felicity of expression, a happy -talent for working up a story, and, above all, a far more profound and -philosophical knowledge of the hidden springs of the human heart, and -a greater skill in availing herself of that knowledge, than <i>any of -her female contemporaries</i>. This we say deliberately. We have not yet -forgotten the <i>Recollections of a Chaperon</i>. No person, of even common -sensibility, has ever perused the magic tale of <i>Ellen Wareham</i> -without feeling the very soul of passion and imagination aroused and -stirred up within him, as at the sound of a trumpet.</p> - -<p>Let Lady Dacre but give up her talents and energies, and especially -<i>her time</i> to the exaltation of her literary fame, and we are sorely -mistaken if, hereafter, she do not accomplish something which will not -readily die.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect30"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>EDINBURGH REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The Edinburgh Review, No. CXXIV, for July 1835. American Edition, -Vol. II, No. 2. New York: Theodore Foster.</i></p> - -<p>Article I in this number is a <i>critique</i> upon "The History of the -Revolution in England in 1688. Comprising a View of the Reign of James -the Second, from his Accession to the Enterprise of the Prince of -Orange. By the late Right Honorable Sir James Mackintosh; and -completed to the Settlement of the Crown, by the Editor. To which is -prefixed, a Notice of the Life, Writings, and Speeches of Sir James -Mackintosh. 4to. London, 1834." The Reviewer commences by instituting -a comparison between the work of Sir James, and Fox's History of James -the Second. Both books are on the same subject—both were posthumously -published, and neither had received the last corrections. The authors, -likewise, belonged to the same political party, and had the same -opinions concerning the merits and defects of the English -Constitution, and concerning most of the prominent characters and -events in English history. The palm is awarded to the work of -Mackintosh. "Indeed"—says the critic—"the superiority of Mr. Fox to -Sir James as an orator, is hardly more clear than the superiority of -Sir James to Mr. Fox as an historian. Mr. Fox with a pen in his hand, -and Sir James on his legs in the House of Commons were, we think, each -out of his proper element. We could never read a page of Mr. Fox's -writings—we could never listen for a quarter of an hour to the -speaking of Sir James—without feeling that there was a constant -effort, a tug up-hill. Mr. Fox wrote debates. Sir James Mackintosh -spoke essays." The style of the fragment is highly complimented, and -justly. Every body must agree with the Reviewer, that a History of -England written throughout, in the manner of the History of the -Revolution, would be the most fascinating book in the language. The -printer and editor of the work are severely censured, but the censure -is, in some respects, misapplied. Such errors as making the pension of -60,000 livres, which Lord Sunderland received from France, equivalent -to 2,500 pounds sterling only, when, at the time Sunderland was in -power, the livre was worth more than eighteen pence, are surely -attributable to no one but the author—although the editor may come in -for a small portion of the blame for not correcting an oversight so -palpable. On the other hand the misprinting the name of Thomas Burnet -repeatedly throughout the book, both in the text and Index, is a -blunder for which the editor is alone responsible. The name is -invariably spelt Bennet. Thomas Burnet, Master of the Charter House, -and author of the <i>Theoria Sacra</i>, is a personage of whom, or of whose -works, the gentleman who undertook to edit the Fragment of Sir James -Mackintosh has evidently never heard. The Memoir prefixed to the -History, and its Continuation to the settlement of the Crown, both by -the Editor of the Fragment, are unsparingly, but indeed most -righteously, condemned. The Memoir is childish and imbecile, and the -Continuation full of gross inaccuracies, and altogether unworthy of -being appended to any thing from the pen of Mackintosh.</p> - -<p>Article II is a very clever Review of the "Acharnenses of -Aristophanes, with Notes Critical and Explanatory, adapted to the Use -of Schools and Universities. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page48"><small><small>[p. 48]</small></small></a></span> -By T. Mitchell, A.M. 8vo. London, -1835." Mr. Mitchell made his first appearance as a translator and -commentator in 1820, and his second in 1822, upon both which occasions -he was favorably noticed in the Edinburgh. High praise is bestowed in -the present instance upon the <i>Acharnenses</i>. The <i>Wasps</i> will follow, -and thus it appears the chronological order of the Comedies will not -be preserved. The old fault is to be found with this Review, viz: It -is more of a dissertation on the subject matter of the book in -question than an analysis of its merits or defects. By far the greater -part of the Article is occupied in a discussion of the character of -the Athenians.</p> - -<p>Article III is headed "a Voyage of Discovery to Africa and Arabia, -performed in his Majesty's Ships Leven and Barracouta, from 1822 to -1826, under the command of Capt. F. W. W. Owen, R. N. By Capt. Thomas -Boteler, R. N. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835." Captain Owen sailed in -January 1822 in the Leven Frigate, accompanied by the Barracouta, a -ten-gun brig, with instructions to survey the entire Eastern coast of -Africa, the Western coast of Madagascar—the islets and shoals -interjacent—together with the Western coast of the Continent from the -Zaire to Benin, and from the Rio Grande to the Gambia. All this was -accomplished in five years. The narrative of Boteler, who was -lieutenant of the Leven, is nothing more than a revised edition of -that originally prepared by Capt. Owen, and which was a failure in a -literary sense. The Review, as usual, says very little concerning the -manner in which Captain Boteler has performed his task.</p> - -<p>Article IV. "Deontology; or the Science of Morality: in which the -Harmony and Coincidence of Duty and Self-interest, Virtue and -Felicity, Prudence and Benevolence, are explained and exemplified. -From the MSS. of Jeremy Bentham. Arranged and edited by John Bowring, -2 vols. octavo, London, 1834." "This book," says the Reviewer, "simply -contains Mr. Bentham's thrice told tale upon Utility. It furnishes us -with no fresh illustrations, no better system than we had already -found in his 'Principles of Morals and Legislation.'" We heartily -agree with the critic that there was no necessity for the publication -of these posthumous volumes. They add nothing to the work just -mentioned, and are, in many points, inferior. But the Notice concludes -in the following words. "Is it to be wondered at, that the most -learned, accurate, and philosophical nation in Europe—the -Germans—treat with contempt ignorance and insolence like this? They -admit the merits of Mr. Bentham as a jurisconsult, in his analysis and -classification of the <i>material</i> interests of life; but their -metaphysicians and moralists agree, we believe without an exception, -in considering his speculative philosophy as undeserving even the pomp -and ceremony of an argument." We have only to add, that, in our -opinion of the metaphysics of Mr. Bentham, we are, by no means, -Germans to the very letter.</p> - -<p>Article V. is an excellently well toned, and perfectly satisfactory -Review of the "Journal by Frances Anne Butler, 2 vols. 8vo. London, -1835." It defends this lady from the charge of intentionally -depreciating America; cites a long list of instances in which she has -spoken in terms of the greatest cordiality of our people, -individually, and as a nation; shows in what manner she has repeatedly -let slip opportunities of saying, and saying too with perfect justice, -things little likely to flatter our vanity; defends her from the -ridiculous accusation of vulgarity (there is positively not an iota of -vulgarity in the composition of Fanny Kemble) and very justly gives us -a rap over the knuckles for our overweening vanity, self-sufficiency, -and testiness of temper. The whole article is excellent, and the -conclusion is particularly to our mind. "There is no chance of her -return to a profession that she so cordially detested. Under these -circumstances the only compensation Mr. Butler can make to us he must -make. He is bound to see that she goes on with her faithful and -amusing journal, and that she finishes, at her leisure, some of the -sundry stories, plays, and novels, on which, it seems, she had already -set to work amid the interruptions of the stage."</p> - -<p>The sixth article is a review of "The Works of George Dalgarno, of -Aberdeen. 4to. Reprinted at Edinburgh: 1834." This work is merely a -reprint of the old Treatises of Dalgarno, the publication not -extending beyond the sphere of the Maitland Club—a society instituted -at Glasgow in imitation of the Edinburgh Ballantyne Club. The first -treatise of Dalgarno is entitled "Ars Signorum, Vulgo Character -Universalis, et Lingua Philosophica. Londini 1661." The second is -"Didascalocophus, or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Tutor: to which is added -a Discourse of the Nature and Number of Double Consonants: both which -Tracts being the first (for what the author knows) that have been -published upon either of the subjects. Printed at the Theater in -Oxford, 1680." The memory of Dalgarno had nearly perished when Dugald -Stewart called public attention to his writings, on account of his -having anticipated, on grounds purely speculative, and <i>a priori</i>, -what has now been proved <i>a posteriori</i> by Horne Tooke and others, -viz: that all grammatical inflections are reducible to the noun alone.</p> - -<p>Article VII is headed "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a -North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions during -the years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833. By Sir John Ross, C. B., -K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., Captain in the Royal Navy. Including the -Reports of Commander, now Captain, James Clark Ross, R. N., F. R. S., -F. L. S., &c. and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole. 4to. -London: 1835." The Reviewer professes himself unable to regard the -observations made by Commander Ross in relation to the Magnetic Pole -in the light of a discovery. "It was certainly a great satisfaction to -stand upon a rock where the dip was 89° 59', and where the polarity of -nicely suspended needles was insensible; but it may be questioned -whether or not the place of the Magnetic Pole can be best determined -by observations made at a distance or near the spot; and we are not -satisfied that the position assigned by Commander Ross is more -accurate than that given by the curves of Professor Barlow, the -calculations of Hansteen, and the observations of Captain Parry." The -fact is that the Magnetic Pole is <i>moveable</i>, and, place it where we -will, we shall not find it in the same place to-morrow. Notice is -taken also by the critic that neither Captain nor Commander Ross has -made the slightest reference to the fact that the Magnetic -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page49"><small><small>[p. 49]</small></small></a></span> Pole -is not coincident with the <i>Pole of maximum cold</i>. From observations -made by Scoresby in East Greenland, and by Sir Charles Giesecke and -the Danish Governors in West Greenland, and confirmed by all the -meteorological observations made by Captains Parry and Franklin, Sir -David Brewster has deduced the fact that the Pole of the Equator is -not the Pole of maximum cold: and as the matter is well established, -it is singular, to say no more, that it has been alluded to by neither -the Commander nor the Captain.</p> - -<p>Article VIII is 1. A "History of the Cotton Manufacture in Great -Britain, with a Notice of its Early History in the East, and in all -quarters of the Globe; a Description of the Great Mechanical -Inventions which have caused its unexampled extension in Great -Britain: and a View of the Present State of the Manufacture, and the -condition of the Classes engaged in its several departments. By Edward -Baines, Jr. Esq. 8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "The Philosophy of Manufactures: or an Exposition of the -Scientific, Moral, and Commercial Economy of the Factory System of -Great Britain. By Andrew Ure, M.D. 8vo. London: 1835." Mr. Baines' -work is spoken of in high terms, as discovering much laborious -research, and being both interesting and valuable. With the exception -of Smith's <i>Memoirs of Wool</i>, published in 1747, it is said to be the -only work giving a clear and copious account of the rise, progress, -and actual condition of any of the great branches of industry carried -on in the kingdom. Dr. Ure's work is censured for inaccuracy of -detail. Its title is evidently a misnomer.</p> - -<p>Article IX is "A Poet's Portfolio; or Minor Poems. In Three Books. By -James Montgomery, 12mo. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>The first production of Mr. Montgomery, 'The Wanderer of Switzerland,' -was noticed about twenty-eight years ago in the Edinburgh, and much -fault found with it for inflation of style, and affectation. The -present volume has induced the Journal to alter its tone entirely, and -the <i>Minor Poems</i> are (perhaps a little too highly) lauded. "There -is," says the critic, "something in all his poetry which makes fiction -the most impressive teacher of truth and wisdom; and by which, while -the intellect is gratified, and the imagination roused, the heart, if -it retains any sensibility to tender or elevating emotions, cannot -fail to be made better." The Reviewer, as usual, does not stick to his -text, but comments, in detail, upon <i>all</i> the published poems of -Montgomery.</p> - -<p>The tenth and concluding paper is a Review of "The Second Report of -his Majesty's Commissioners on Ecclesiastical Revenue and Patronage: -Ireland. Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed: 1834"—and -"First Report of the Commissioners of Public Instruction: Ireland. -Presented to both Houses of Parliament, by command of his Majesty: 1835."</p> - -<p>This article is written with great ability; but why call that a Review -which is purely a dissertation on the state of the Irish Church? It -concludes with a correspondence between the Editor of the Edinburgh, -and Mr. Alan Stevenson, respecting evidence given, by the latter, -before the Parliamentary Committee on Light Houses. The Journal, in -No. CXXIII, accused Mr. S. of deceiving the Committee by erroneous -testimony; and, upon Mr. S. demanding an explanation, the Review not -only refuses to retract its assertions, but declares that, had it -known certain facts at the time of inditing the offensive article, it -would have expressed itself with double severity.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect31"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>NUTS TO CRACK.</h5> - -<p><i>Nuts to Crack: or Quips, Quirks, Anecdote and Facete of Oxford and -Cambridge scholars. By the author of Facetiæ Cantabrigienses, etc. -etc. etc. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey & A. Hart.</i></p> - -<p>Although this little volume is obviously intended for no other eyes -than those of the 'Oxford and Cambridge scholar,' and although it is -absolutely impossible for any American to enter fully into the spirit -of its most inestimable quizzes, oddities and eccentricities, still we -have no intention of quarrelling with Carey & Hart, for republishing -the work on this side of the Atlantic. Never was there a better thing -for whiling away a few loose or unappropriated half hours—that is to -say in the hands of a reader who is, even in a moderate degree, imbued -with a love of classical whimsicalities. We can assure our -friends—all of them who expect to find in these excellent 'Nuts to -Crack' a mere <i>rifacimento</i> of stale jests—that there are not more -than two or three anecdotes in the book positively entitled to the -appellation of antique. Some things, however, have surprised us. In -the first place what is the meaning of <i>Anecdote</i> and <i>Facete?</i> In the -second what are we to think of such blunders, as "one of honest Vere's -classical <i>jeu d'esprit</i>," (the <i>jeu d'esprit</i> printed too in Long -Primer Capitals) in a volume professing to be <i>Anecdote</i> and <i>Facete</i> -(oh!—too bad) of Oxford and Cambridge <i>scholars?</i> And thirdly is it -possible that he who wrote the <i>Facetiæ Cantabrigienses</i> is not aware -that the "cutting retort attributed to the celebrated Lord -Chesterfield, when a student of Trinity Hall, Cambridge" may be found -among the Facetiæ of Hierocles—not to mention innumerable editions of -Joe Miller?</p> - -<p>We have already said enough of the <i>Nuts to Crack</i>, but cannot, for -our lives, refrain from selecting one of its good things for the -benefit of our own especial readers.</p> - -<blockquote><small>The learned Chancery Barrister, John Bell, K. C., "<i>the Great Bell of -Lincoln</i>," as he has been aptly called, was Senior Wrangler, on -graduating B.A., at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1786, with many -able competitors for that honor. He is likewise celebrated, as every -one knows, for writing three several hands; one only he himself can -read, another nobody but his clerk can read, and a third neither -himself, clerk, nor any body else can read. It was in the latter hand, -he one day wrote to his legal contemporary and friend, the present Sir -Launcelot Shadwell, inviting him to dinner. Sir Launcelot, finding all -his attempts to decypher the note about as vain, as the wise men found -theirs to unravel the cabalistic characters of yore, took a sheet of -paper, and having smeared it over with ink, folded and sealed it, and -sent it as his answer. The receipt of it staggered even the Great Bell -of Lincoln, and after breaking the seal, and eyeing it, and turning it -round and round, he hurried to Mr. Shadwell's chambers with it, -declaring he could make nothing of it. "Nor I of your note," retorted -Mr. S. "My dear fellow" exclaimed Mr. B. taking his own letter in his -hand, "is not this as plain as can be,—Dear Shadwell, I shall be glad -to see you at dinner to day?" "And is not this equally as plain," said -Mr. S. pointing to his own paper, "My dear Bell, I shall be happy to -come and dine with you?"</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect32"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page50"><small><small>[p. 50]</small></small></a></span> -<br> -<h5>ROBINSON'S PRACTICE.</h5> - -<p><i>The Practice in Courts of Law and Equity in Virginia. By Conway -Robinson. Vol. II, containing Practice in suits in Equity, pp. 648. -Richmond: Printed by Samuel Shepherd. 1835.</i></p> - -<p>The first volume of this work came out about three years ago; and -received so earnest a welcome from the legal profession, that the -author's tardiness in producing the second might be matter of wonder, -were not his devoted attention to an unusually large practice well -known. The present is destined, because it deserves, to be a much -greater favorite with the law-book-reading public, than the former -volume was. The arrangement is after a better classification of -subjects; rendering it easier to find the doctrine desired, on any -given point: and there is a larger proportion of valuable -matter—matter not to be found in the Revised Code, or in Tate's -Digest. Indeed there are few works, more copiously filled with useful, -and <i>not-too-obvious</i> learning. Industry and research are the author's -manifest characteristics. He is a real <i>brownie</i>—if not for -supernatural speed of workmanship, at least in the world of trouble he -will save his brethren. Here, within 442 pages (for the other 206 of -this tome—<i>horresco referens</i>—are <i>index</i>,) he has compressed -matter, and inestimable matter too, for which the practitioner would -otherwise have to hunt through, not only the thirty volumes of -Virginia Reports (counting Chancellor Wythe's) but the numberless ones -of New York, Massachusetts, the Federal Courts, and England.</p> - -<p>In his <i>abstracts of cases</i>, the author is, in the main, particularly -successful. Not only does he give them with a clearness, (the result -of brevity, effected by discarding non-essentials) which we would -gladly see judges and reporters emulate,—but he sometimes gathers -from them doctrines, which the reporter has overlooked, and which a -cursory reader would therefore be little apt to discover. For example, -in pp. 20, 21, he states these two points, as decided in the case of -<i>Blow</i> v. <i>Maynard</i>, 2 Leigh, 21: 1st, That a fraudulent donee of -personalty is accountable for it and its increase, and also for hires, -and profits, accruing since the donor's death, as executor <i>de son -tort;</i> just as a rightful executor would be, who had taken possession -at the donor's death: and 2d, That a <i>privy</i> to the fraud, who shared -with the donee the profits of the property fraudulently conveyed, is -accountable jointly with the donee. Now the reporter in his marginal -summary of the case, does not mention these as among the points -decided; though in the decree of the court (2 Leigh, p. 67,) they -manifestly appear. Again—in the case of <i>Tod</i> v. <i>Baylor</i>, (as now -reported in 4 Leigh, 498,) it is not said, at all, that <i>only two of -the judges concurred</i> in the third point there stated as adjudged. But -our author tells us so, (p. 10,) and we are thus enabled to estimate -the authority at its true value—as <i>persuasive</i> only,—not -<i>obligatory</i>, in other cases.</p> - -<p>The mechanical execution of the book does infinite credit to the -printer. The typography is unsurpassed; and the paper is white, pure, -and firm, so as to receive notes of the pen without blotting—a great -merit in law books.</p> - -<p>If it were only to shew that we are free of our craft as critics, we -must find some fault with this work: premising, that <i>merit</i> is its -<i>staple;</i> and that, if more of the criticism be occupied with its -faults, it is chiefly because they are somewhat hard to detect, amidst -the pile of excellences. The chaff, this time, is hidden by the wheat.</p> - -<p>There is <i>not enough compression</i> in some parts. In this volume, it is -true, not a tithe of the statute law is quoted, that over-burthens the -former one: but when he does cite a statute, the author still gives it -to us in all the exuberance of legislative verbosity. Thus, he fills -the third part of a page with the law of <i>lapsing legacies;</i> (p. 91) -when, considering that only the <i>substance</i> was essential—especially -as every owner of the book may be supposed to have the Code also—it -might more clearly, and as satisfactorily, have been couched in five -lines, as follows: "When a legatee or devisee, descended from the -testator, dies before him, leaving any descendant who survives him; -the legacy or devise shall vest in such surviving descendant, as if -the legatee or devisee had survived the testator, and then died -unmarried and intestate." And he takes <i>three quarters of a page</i> -(copied from the Revised Code) to say that "a surety may in writing -notify the creditor to sue upon the bond, bill, or note, which binds -the surety; and unless the creditor sue in reasonable time, and -proceed with due diligence to recover the sum due, the surety shall be -exonerated." (pp. 132, 133.) In the name of all that is reasonable, -why should not a writer disencumber his pages of the rubbish of -<i>howbeit</i>, <i>provided</i>, <i>nevertheless</i>, <i>notwithstanding</i>, and -<i>aforesaid</i>, when, by doing so, he might save himself and his readers -so much time and toil?</p> - -<p>Some quarrel, too, we have, with the <i>judicial</i> law, which principally -fills the book. It is too <i>mere a digest of cases</i>. A head in the -Table of Contents refers us to a page, where we expect to find a full -elementary exposition of at least the leading doctrines that fall -under that head: but we see perhaps only a single <i>case</i>, or a judge's -<i>dictum</i>, not at all realizing the promise of the reference, by -unfolding all pertinent general principles. Thus, under the caption, -"W<small>HEN A STATEMENT OF A TRANSACTION MUST BE TAKEN ALTOGETHER</small>," instead -of finding a general rule laid down on the point indicated, we find -only a case briefly stated, from which we are left to deduce a rule, -<i>if we can</i>. (pp. 329, 330.) Under the very next head, the well -established principle, that 'an Answer is no evidence for the -defendant, as to any thing it affirms, not responsive to the -allegations of the Bill, but that it <i>is</i> evidence, so far as it -responds to those allegations'—is whittled away to the position, that -it is not evidence as to any affirmative matter, touching which the -Bill <i>seeks no discovery</i>. Now, if the Bill positively alleges one -thing (whether it calls for a <i>discovery</i> or not,) and the answer as -positively alleges the reverse; such denial stands for proof, and must -be rebutted by testimony: and so, we conceive, do the cases clearly -evince, which are cited by our author himself; <i>Beckwith</i> v. <i>Butler</i>, -<i>Paynes</i> v. <i>Coles</i> (see 1 Munf. 379, 389, 397,) and even <i>Taylor</i> v. -<i>Moore</i>, whence he quotes (and quotes truly) in the form of a judge's -<i>dictum</i>, the position in question—not to speak of 1 Call, 224, 390; -the <i>dicta</i> of Roane and Carrington in the case of <i>Rowton</i> v. -<i>Rowton</i>, 1 Hen. and Munf.; and many other authorities. The principle, -in its true extent, is well illustrated by the case cited from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page51"><small><small>[p. 51]</small></small></a></span> -1 Johnson's Reports, 580, where an Answer alleging usury, of which the -Bill had said nothing, was held <i>no evidence</i>. The case from 2 Leigh, -29, is infelicitously adduced. The <i>point</i> professedly quoted from it -was not there adjudged: it was only maintained by <i>one judge</i>, who (we -say it with a deference heightened by affection, as well as by -respect) seems to us to have therein gainsayed the well settled -doctrine we have referred to, and therefore to have <i>erred</i>. The -Answer, there, (see 2 Leigh, 35, 36) was responsive to the Bill, and -must have prevailed against it, but for the numerous and weighty -countervailing circumstances detailed by that judge himself. (pp. 49 -to 53.) The <i>deed</i> in controversy was stamped with more badges of -fraud than are enumerated in the celebrated <i>Twyne's Case</i>. These, -doubtless, and not any doubt as to the legal effect of the Answer, -satisfied the minds of the other judges, who merely agreed in -pronouncing the deed fraudulent, without assigning reasons.</p> - -<p>Some omissions in so comprehensive a work, were to be expected—indeed -were unavoidable. Not in the spirit of censure, therefore, but merely -to awaken the author's attention in his next edition, or in his next -production, we remark, that he has overlooked an important decision; -(in 2 Leigh, 370,) 'that a tenant, whose goods are wrongfully -distrained, cannot obtain relief in equity, unless he shew good reason -for not having brought his action of replevin.'</p> - -<p>Divers other topics we were minded to discuss with our intelligent -author: but on glancing over our two last paragraphs, we are struck -with fear lest our unprofessional readers may have been already -offended at the strong <i>smell of the shop</i>, discernible in what we -have produced; and stop their ears against the technical dissonance of</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem38"> -<tr><td><small>——"sounds uncouth, and accents dry,<br> - That grate the soul of harmony."</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>But we cannot let the <i>Index</i> pass unreproved. Its length—the length -of its <i>indicating</i> sentences—and the utter absence of any -<i>sub-alphabetical</i> arrangement—in a great degree frustrate its use as -an index. We can find what we want nearly as well by the 'Contents.'</p> - -<p>After all our censures, however—or cavils, if the author -pleases—there remains to him so large a residue of solid desert, that -he cannot miss the small deduction we have made. His book is one which -we would advise every lawyer, in Virginia at least, to buy; and even -those in other states—the Western, especially, whose Chancery systems -most resemble ours—can hardly find one that will aid them so much in -disentangling the intricacies of Chancery Practice. Never have we paid -the price of a commodity more ungrudgingly.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect33"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>MEMOIR OF DR. RICE.</h5> - -<p><i>A Memoir of the Reverend John H. Rice, D.D. First Professor of -Christian Theology in Union Theological Seminary, Virginia. By William -Maxwell. Philadelphia: Published by J. Whetham.</i></p> - -<p>This Memoir will be received and read with pleasure generally: and -among those who have been so fortunate as to have seen and heard Dr. -Rice, it will be perused with the deepest interest and gratification. -We believe there are very many, in Virginia especially, who will be -able to identify the letters of this divine, contained in the present -volume, with the voice, the manner, and personal appearance of the man -himself—and upon all such Mr. Maxwell has conferred an obligation of -no common kind. The greater portion of the work consists of these -letters, and they are valuable in every respect. Many of them are, as -Mr. M. himself expresses it, entirely <i>narrative</i>, and give the most -authentic and minute accounts of the various movements of the writer -at different periods of his life, particularly after his removal to -Richmond, and during his labors in establishing the Union Theological -Seminary. Others again are <i>pastoral</i>, and addressed to different -members of his Church. Some are merely ordinary letters of friendship. -All, however, are full of thought, and give evidence of an elevated, a -healthy, cheerful, powerful, and well regulated mind.</p> - -<p>In availing himself of the assistance afforded by these letters, Mr. -Maxwell has never anticipated their contents—thus avoiding much -useless repetition, and suffering the subject of the Memoir to tell, -in a great measure, his own story in his own words. The work is -well—indeed even beautifully <i>gotten up</i>—is embellished with an -admirably finished head of Mr. Rice, engraved by J. Sartain, from a -painting by W. J. Hubard—and is, in every respect, an acceptable and -valuable publication. Among the letters in the volume is one from John -Randolph of Roanoke, and several from Wm. Wirt. We select one of these -latter, being well assured that it will be read with that deep -interest which is attached to every thing emanating from the same pen.</p> - -<center><small>TO THE REV. JOHN H. RICE.</small></center> - -<div align="right"><small><i>Washington, February 1, -1822</i>. - </small></div> - -<blockquote><small>M<small>Y</small> D<small>EAR</small> S<small>IR</small>,—Your -letter of the 31st ult. is just received at 5 P.M. -for I have just returned from the President's. I feel the blush of -genuine shame at the apparent presumption of adding my name in favor -of the magazine to that of the eminent gentlemen at Princeton. This is -real and unaffected—but you desire it—and I dare follow your beck in -any direction. Would that I could in one still more important.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Holingshead's History of Duncan of Scotland, is under copy by my -Elizabeth (my daughter, once your pet) for the purpose of showing the -full basis of Shakspeare's Macbeth. I think you will be pleased with -it—and the readers of Shakspeare must differ much from me, if they do -not find it very interesting.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>If you suppose from what I said of nine o'clock that that is my hour -of going to bed on <i>week-day nights</i>, you are mistaken by several -hours. For some time past, I have been obliged to be in my office -before breakfast, and till nine or ten o'clock at night, when I have -to come home, take my tea, talk over family affairs, and get to bed -between eleven and twelve; but it is killing me also. And as death -would be most extremely inconvenient to me in more respects than one, -at this time, I shall quit that course of operations, and look a -little to my health, if I can survive the approaching Supreme -Court—<i>sed quære de hoc</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>My troubles not being already enough, in the estimation of the -honorable body now assembled in the Capitol, they are beginning to -institute inquiries, for my better amusement, into the circumstances -of three fees paid me by the government, in the course of the four -years that I have been here, for professional services foreign to my -official duties—a thing which has been continually done at all times, -under this government, but which they affect to think a new affair -entirely, and only an additional proof among ten thousand others of -the waste of public money, by the rapacity, if not peculation, of -those in office. I am sick of public life; my skin is too thin for the -business; a politician should have the hide of a rhinoceros, to bear -the thrusts of the folly, ignorance, and meanness of those who are -disposed to mount into momentary consequence by questioning <i>their -betters</i>, if I may be excused the expression after professing my -modesty. "There's nought but care on every hand;" all, all is vanity -and vexation of spirit, save religion, friendship, and literature.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I agree that your story of the <i>Oysterman</i> is the best, but I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page52"><small>[p. 51]</small></a></span> -suspect that the Orange story is the true original. I knew old -Bletcher: <i>he</i> was a <i>Baptist</i> preacher; and although I did not hear -the words, they are so much in his character that I verily believe -them to have been uttered by him; and it would have been quite in his -character too to have gone on with the amplification you suggest.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I do sincerely wish it were in my power to mount the aforesaid gay -streamer, and long Tom, on your gallant little barque. I will try in -the spring and summer to contribute a stripe or two, and a blank -cartridge or so; but I shall not tell you when I do, that it is I, for -it is proper you should have it in your power to say truly, "I do not -know who it is." I have already got credit for much that I never -wrote, and much that I never said. The guessers have an uncommon -propensity to attribute all galling personalities to me, all sketches -of character that touch the quick, and make some readers wince. I -have, in truth, in times gone by, been a little wanton and imprudent -in this particular, and I deserve to smart a little in my turn. But I -never wrote a line wickedly or maliciously. There is nothing in the -Spy that deserves this imputation, and nothing in the Old Bachelor, -which, give me leave to tell you, "<i>venia deter verbo</i>," you and your -magazine, and your writer, ** have underrated. There is a juster -criticism of it in the Analectic Magazine—but this writer, too, has -not true taste nor sensibility. He accuses me of extravagance only -because he never felt himself, the rapture of inspiration. And you -accuse me of redundant figure, because you are not much troubled -yourself with the throes of imagination—just as G— H— abuses -eloquence because there is no chord in his heart that responds to its -notes. So take that. And if you abuse me any more, I will belabor your -magazine as one of the heaviest, dullest, most drab-colored -periodicals extant in these degenerate days. What! shall a Conestoga -wagon-horse find fault with a courser of the sun, because he sometimes -runs away with the chariot of day, and sets the world on fire? So take -that again, and put it in your pocket. But enough of this <i>badinage</i>, -for if I pursue it much farther you will think me serious—besides it -is verging to eleven, and the fire has gone down. I began this scrawl -a little after five—walked for health till dark—came in and found -company who remained till near ten—and could not go to bed without a -little more talk with you. But I shall tire you and catch cold—so -with our united love to Mrs. Rice, my dear Harriet, and yourself, good -night.</small></blockquote> - -<div align="right"><small>Your friend, in truth, - <br> -W<small>M</small>. W<small>IRT</small>. - </small></div> -<br> -<a name="sect34"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>LIFE OF DR. CALDWELL.</h5> - -<p><i>Oration on the Life and Character of the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, D.D. -late President of the University of North Carolina, by Walker -Anderson, A.M.</i></p> - -<p>It was only within the last few days that we met with the above -oration, in a pamphlet form—and we cannot refrain from expressing the -very great pleasure its perusal has afforded us. Dr. Caldwell was -unquestionably a great and good man—and certain are we that the task -of paying tribute to his manifold qualifications and virtues, now that -he is gone, could not have been committed to abler hands, than those -of Professor Anderson. The tone of feeling pervading the oration is -quite characteristic of its author—ardent—affectionate—consistent.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"We come," says he, near the beginning, "we come as a band of -brothers, to do homage to that parental love, of which all of us, the -old as well as the young, have been the objects; and by communing with -the spirit of our departed father, to enkindle those hallowed emotions -which are the fittest offering to his memory. But why needs the living -speaker recall to your remembrance the venerated and beloved being -whose loss is fresh in the memories of all who hear me? We stand not, -it is true, over his grave, as the Spartan over the sepulchre of his -king, but his memorials present themselves to the eye on every side -and are felt in every throbbing bosom. The shady retreats of this -consecrated grove—the oft frequented halls of this seat of -learning—the sacred edifice in which we are assembled—and the very -spot on which I stand, are memorials to awaken the busy and thronging -recollections of many a full heart! <i>Quocumque ingredimur in aliquam -historiam vestigium ponimus.</i> I look around this assembly and see -monuments of his love and of his labors, such as can never grace the -memory of the warrior, and which throw contempt on all the sculptured -memorials of kings. I look at the eyes beaming with intelligence; I -contemplate the refined intellects; I see their rich fruits in public -and honorable employment; I recall the memory of others who are far -distant, but whose thoughts are mingling with ours upon this occasion; -who have carried with them the seeds of virtue and wisdom which they -gathered here, and in other lands, have brought forth the noblest -results of usefulness and honorable consideration. I revert, too, to -those whose bright career is ended, and who preceded their guide and -instructor to the abodes of the blessed. I think of all this, and feel -that you need not the voice of the speaker to arouse your grateful -recollections." p. 4.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Mr. Anderson shortly after this, goes into a very interesting sketch -of the family history of the deceased, portraying with great -tenderness and delicacy, the maternal solicitude to which young -Caldwell was so deeply indebted for his well doing in after life—and -evincing as we humbly conceive, in this part of his oration, fine -powers as a biographical writer. There is much force in his -development of the Doctor's character throughout, but especial beauty, -we think, in the way in which he treats of his religious principles. -One extract more from the pamphlet, in proof of what we have just -said, must close this hasty and imperfect notice of it.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"The religious character of Dr. Caldwell, was not the formation of a -day, nor the hasty and imperfect work of a dying bed. His trust was -anchored on the rock of ages, and he was therefore well furnished for -the terrible conflict that awaited him. We have seen that he had made -Religion the guide of his youth; it beautified and sanctified the -labors of his well spent life; nor did it fail him in the trying hour, -which an allwise but inscrutable Providence permitted to be to him -peculiarly dark and fearful. The rich consolations of his faith became -brighter and stronger, amidst the wreck of the decaying tabernacle of -flesh; and if the dying testimony of a pure and humble spirit may be -received, death had for him no sting—the grave achieved no triumph. -In any frequent and detailed account of his religious feelings he was -not inclined to indulge—the spirit that walks most closely with its -God, needs not the sustaining influence of such excitements—yet a few -weeks previous to his death, a friend from a distant part of the State -calling to see him, made inquiries as to the state of his mind, and -had the privilege of hearing from him the calm assurance of his -perfect resignation and submission to the will of God. His hope of a -happy immortality beyond the grave, was such as belongs only to the -Christian, and by him was modestly but humbly entertained. It was to -him a principle of strength that sustained him amidst the conflicts of -the dark valley; and to us who witnessed the agonies of his parting -hour, a bright radiance illuming the gloom which memory throws around -the trying scene." pp. 38, 39.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect35"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>WASHINGTONII VITA.</h5> - -<p><i>A Life of George Washington, in Latin Prose: By Francis Glass, A.M. -of Ohio. Edited by J. N. Reynolds. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>We may truly say that not for years have we taken up a volume with -which we have been so highly gratified, as with the one now before us. -A Life of Washington, succinct in form, yet in matter sufficiently -comprehensive, has been long a desideratum: but a Life of Washington -precisely such as a compendious Life of that great man should -be—written by a native of Ohio—and written too, in Latin, which is -not one jot inferior to the Latin of Erasmus, is, to say the least of -it,—a novelty.</p> - -<p>We confess that we regarded the first announcement -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page53"><small><small>[p. 53]</small></small></a></span> of this <i>rara -avis</i> with an evil and suspicious eye. The thing was improbable, we -thought. Mr. Reynolds was quizzing us—the brothers Harper were -hoaxed—and Messieurs Anthon and Co. were mistaken. At all events we -had made up our minds to be especially severe upon Mr. Glass, and to -put no faith in that species of classical Latin which should emanate -from the back woods of Ohio. We now solemnly make a recantation of our -preconceived opinions, and so proceed immediately to do penance for -our unbelief.</p> - -<p>Mr. Reynolds is entitled to the thanks of his countrymen for his -instrumentality in bringing this book before the public. It has -already done wonders in the cause of the classics; and we are false -prophets if it do not ultimately prove the means of stirring up to a -new life and a regenerated energy that love of the learned tongues -which is the surest protection of our own vernacular language from -impurity, but which, we are grieved to see, is in a languishing and -dying condition in the land.</p> - -<p>We have read Mr. R's preface with great attention; and meeting with -it, as we have done, among a multiplicity of worldly concerns, and -every-day matters and occurrences, it will long remain impressed upon -our minds as an episode of the purest romance. We have no difficulty -in entering fully with Mr. Reynolds into his kindly feelings towards -Mr. Glass. We perceive at once that we could have loved and reverenced -the man. His image is engraven upon our fancy. Indeed we behold him -<i>now</i>—at this very moment—with all his oddities and appurtenances -about him. We behold the low log-cabin of a school-house—the -clap-board roof but indifferently tight—the holes, ycleped windows, -covered with oiled paper to keep out the air—the benches of hewn -timber stuck fast in the ground—the stove, the desk, the urchins, and -the Professor. We can hear the worthy pedagogue's classical -'<i>Salves</i>,' and our ears are still tingling with his hyperclassical -exhortations. In truth he was a man after our own heart, and, were we -not Alexander, we should have luxuriated in being Glass.</p> - -<p>A word or two respecting the Latinity of the book. We sincerely think -that it has been underrated. While we agree with Mr. Reynolds, for -whose opinions, generally, we have a high respect, that the work can -boast of none of those elegancies of diction, no rich display of those -beauties and graces which adorn the pages of some modern Latinists, we -think he has forgotten, in his search after the mere flowers of -Latinity, the peculiar nature of that labor in which Mr. Glass has -been employed. Simplicity <i>here</i> was the most reasonable, and indeed -the only admissible elegance. And if this be taken into consideration, -we really can call to mind, at this moment, no modern Latin -composition whatever much superior to the <i>Washingtonii Vita</i> of Mr. -Glass.</p> - -<p>The clothing of modern ideas in a language dead for centuries, is a -task whose difficulty can never be fully appreciated by those who have -never undertaken it. The various changes and modifications, which, -since the Augustan age, have come to pass in the sciences of war and -legislation especially, must render any attempt similar to that which -we are now criticising, one of the most hazardous and awkward -imaginable. But we cannot help thinking that our author has succeeded -<i>à merveille</i>. His ingenuity is not less remarkable than his -grammatical skill. Indeed he is never at a loss. It is nonsense to -laugh at his calling Quakers <i>Tremebundi</i>. <i>Tremebundi</i> is as good -Latin as <i>Trementes</i>, and more euphonical Latin than <i>Quackeri</i>—for -both which latter expressions we have the authority of Schroeckh: and -<i>glandes plumbeæ</i>, for bullets, is something better, we imagine, than -Wyttenbach's <i>bombarda</i>, for a cannon; Milton's <i>globulus</i>, for a -button; or Grotius' <i>capilamentum</i>, for a wig. As a specimen of Mr. -G's Latinity, we subjoin an extract from the work. It is Judge -Marshall's announcement in Congress of the death of Washington.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"Nuncius tristis, quem heri accepimus, hodierno die nimium certus -advenit. Fuit Washingtonius; heros, dux, et philosophus; ille, -denique, quem, imminente periculo, omnes intuebantur, factorum -clarorum memoriâ duntaxat vixit. Quamvis enim, eos honore afficere -solenne non esset, quorum vita in generis humani commodis promovendis -insumpta fuit, Washingtonii, tamen, res gestoe tantoe extiterunt, ut -populus universus Americanus, doloris indicium, qui tam latè patet, -deposcere suo jure debet."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Rempublicam hancce nostram, tam longè latèque divisam, unus ferè -Washingtonius ordinandi et condendi laudem meret. Rebus omnibus, -tandem confectis, quarum causâ exercitibus Americanis proepositus -fuerat, gladium in vomerem convertit, bellumque pace lætissimè -commutavit. Cum civitatum foederatarum Americanarum infirmitas omnibus -manifesta videretur, et vincula, quibus Columbi terra latissima -continebatur, solverentur, Washingtonium omnium, qui hancce nostram -proeclaram rempublicam stabiliverant, principem vidimus. Cum patria -charissima eum ad sedandos tumultus, bellumque sibi imminens ad -propulsandum et avertendum, vocaret; Washingtonium, otium domesticum, -quod ei semper charum fuit, relinquentem, et undis civilibus, civium -commoda et libertatem servandi causâ, mersum, haud semel conspeximus; -et consilia, quibus libertatem Americanam stabilem effecerat, -perpetua, ut spero, semper, erunt."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Cum populi liberi magistratus summus bis constitutus esset, cumque -tertiò præses fieri facillimè potuisset, ad villam, tamen, suam, -secessit, seque ab omni munere civili in posterum procul amoveri, ex -animo cupiebat. Utcunque vulgi opinio, quoad alios homines, mutetur, -Washingtonii, certè, fama sempiterna et eadem permanebit. Honoremus, -igitur, patres conscripti, hunc tantum virum mortuum: civitatum -foederatarum Americanarum consilium publicum civium omnium sententias, -hác una in re, declaret."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Quamobrem, chartas quasdam hîc manu teneo, de quibus Congressûs -sententiam rogare velim: ut, nempe, civitatum foederatarum -Americanarum consilium publicum proesidem visat, simul cum eo, gravi -de hoc casu, condoliturum: ut Congressûs principis sella vestibus -pullis ornetur; utque Congressus pars reliqua vestibus pullis -induatur: utque, denique, idonea à Congressu parentur, quibus planè -manifestum fiat, Congressum, virum bello, pace, civiumque animis -primum, honore summo afficere velle."<small><sup>1</sup></small></small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> The sad tidings which yesterday brought us, this day has -but too surely confirmed. Washington is no more. The hero, the -general, the philosopher—he, upon whom, in the hour of danger, all -eyes were turned, now lives in the remembrance, only, of his -illustrious actions. And although, even, it were not customary to -render honor unto those who have spent their lives in promoting the -welfare of their fellow men, still, so great are the deeds of -Washington, that the whole American nation is bound to give a public -manifestation of that grief which is so extensively prevalent.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Washington, we had nearly said Washington <i>alone</i>, deserves the credit -of regulating and building up, as it were, the widely extended -territory of this our Republic. Having finally achieved all for which -he had accepted the command of the American forces, he converted his -sword into a ploughshare, and joyfully exchanged war for peace. When -the weakness of the United States of America appeared manifest to all, -and the bands by which the very extensive land of Columbus was held -together, were in danger of being loosened, we have seen Washington -the first among those who re-invigorated this our glorious Republic. -When his beloved country called him to quiet tumults, and to avert the -war with which she was menaced, we have once more seen Washington -abandon that domestic tranquillity so dear to him, and plunge into the -waters of civil life to preserve the liberties and happiness of his -countrymen: and the counsels with which he re-established American -liberty will be, as I hope, perpetual.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>When he had been twice appointed the Chief Magistrate of a free -people, and when, for the third time, he might easily have been -President, he nevertheless retired to his farm, and really desired to -be freed from all civil offices forever. However vulgar opinion may -vary in respect to other men, the fame of Washington will, surely, be -the same to all eternity. Therefore, let us show our reverence for -this so great man who is departed, and let this public counsel of the -United States of America declare upon this one subject the opinion of -all our citizens.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>For this end I hold these resolutions in my hand, concerning which I -would wish the opinion of Congress, viz: that this public counsel of -the United States of America should visit the President to condole -with him upon this heavy calamity—that the speaker's chair be arrayed -in black—that the members of Congress wear mourning—and lastly, that -arrangements be entered into by this assembly, in which it may be made -manifest that Congress wish to do every honor to the man first in war, -first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.</small></blockquote> - -<p>The 'barbarisms' of Mr. Glass are always so well in accordance with -the genius of Latin declension, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page54"><small><small>[p. 54]</small></small></a></span> -never to appear at variance -with the spirit of the language, or out of place in their respective -situations. His 'equivalents,' too, are, in all cases, ingeniously -managed: and we are mistaken if the same can be said of the -'equivalents' of Erasmus—certainly not of those used by Grotius, or -Addison, or Schroeckh, or Buchanan, neither of whom are scrupulous in -introducing words, from which a modern one is deduced, in the exact -sense of the English analogous term—although that term may have been -greatly perverted from its original meaning.</p> - -<p>Having said thus much in favor of the <i>Washingtonii Vita</i>, we may now -be permitted to differ in opinion with Professor Wylie and others who -believe that this book will be a valuable acquisition to our classical -schools, as initiatory to Cæsar or Nepos. We are quite as fully -impressed with the excellences of Mr. Glass' work as the warmest of -his admirers; and perhaps, even more than any of them, are we anxious -to do it justice. Still the book is—as it professes to be—a Life of -Washington; and it treats, consequently, of events and incidents -occurring <i>in a manner</i> utterly unknown to the Romans, and <i>at a -period</i> many centuries after their ceasing to exist as a nation. If, -therefore, by Latin we mean the Language spoken by the Latins, a large -proportion of the work—disguise the fact as we may—is necessarily -<i>not Latin at all</i>. Did we indeed design to instruct our youth in a -language of possibilities—did we wish to make them proficient in the -tongue which <i>might have been spoken</i> in ancient Rome, had ancient -Rome existed in the nineteenth century, we could scarcely have a -better book for the purpose than the Washington of Mr. Glass. But we -do not perceive that, in teaching Latin, we have any similar view. And -we have given over all hope of making this language the medium of -universal communication—that day-dream, with a thousand others, is -over. Our object then, at present, is simply to imbue the mind of the -student with the idiom, the manner, the thought, and above all, with -<i>the words</i> of antiquity. If this is not our object, what is it? But -this object cannot be effected by any such work as the <i>Washingtonii -Vita</i>.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect36"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>NORMAN LESLIE.</h5> - -<p><i>Norman Leslie. A Tale of the Present Times. New York: Published by -Harper and Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>Well!—here we have it! This is <i>the</i> book—<i>the</i> book <i>par -excellence</i>—the book bepuffed, beplastered, and be-<i>Mirrored:</i> the -book "attributed to" Mr. Blank, and "said to be from the pen" of Mr. -Asterisk: the book which has been "about to appear"—"in press"—"in -progress"—"in preparation"—and "forthcoming:" the book "graphic" in -anticipation—"talented" <i>a priori</i>—and God knows what <i>in -prospectu</i>. For the sake of every thing puffed, puffing, and puffable, -let us take a peep at its contents!</p> - -<p>Norman Leslie, gentle reader, a Tale of the Present Times, is, after -all, written by nobody in the world but Theodore S. Fay, and Theodore -S. Fay is nobody in the world but "one of the Editors of the New York -Mirror." The book commences with a Dedication to Colonel Herman Thorn, -in which that worthy personage, whoever he may be, is held up, in -about a dozen lines, to the admiration of the public, as "hospitable," -"generous," "attentive," "benevolent," "kind-hearted," "liberal," -"highly-esteemed," and withal "a patron of the arts." But the less we -say of this matter the better.</p> - -<p>In the Preface Mr. Fay informs us that the most important features of -his story are founded on fact—that he has availed himself of certain -poetical licenses—that he has transformed character, and particularly -the character of a young lady, (oh fi! Mr. Fay—oh, Mr. Fay, fi!) that -he has sketched certain peculiarities with a mischievous hand—and -that the art of novel writing is as dignified as the art of Canova, -Mozart or Raphael,—from which we are left to infer, that Mr. Fay -himself is as dignified as Raphael, Mozart, and Canova—all three. -Having satisfied us on this head, he goes on to say something about an -humble student, with a feeble hand, throwing groupings upon a canvass, -and standing behind a curtain: and then, after perpetrating all these -impertinences, thinks it best "frankly to bespeak the indulgence of -the solemn and sapient critics." Body of Bacchus! <i>we</i>, at least, are -neither solemn nor sapient, and, therefore, do not feel ourselves -bound to show him a shadow of mercy. But will any body tell us what is -the object of Prefaces in general, and what is the meaning of Mr. -Fay's Preface in particular?</p> - -<p>As far as we can understand the plot of Norman Leslie, it is this. A -certain family reside in Italy—"independent," "enlightened," -"affectionate," "happy,"—and all that. Their villa, of course, stands -upon the seashore, and their whole establishment is, we are assured, -"a scene of Heaven," &c. Mr. Fay says he will not even attempt to -describe it—why, therefore, should we? A daughter of this family is -nineteen when she is wooed by a young Neapolitan, Rinaldo, of "mean -extraction, but of great beauty and talent." The lover, being a man of -suspicious character, is rejected by the parents, and a secret -marriage ensues. The lady's brother pursues the bridegroom—they -fight—and the former is killed. The father and mother die (it is -impossible to see for what purpose they ever lived) and Rinaldo flies -to Venice. Upon rejoining her husband in that city, the lady (for Mr. -Fay has not thought her worth enduing with a specific appellation) -discovers <span class="pagenum"><a name="page55"><small><small>[p. 55]</small></small></a></span> -him, for the first time, to be a rascal. One fine day -he announces his intention of leaving herself and son for an -indefinite time. The lady beseeches and finally threatens. "It was the -first unfolding," says she, in a letter towards the <i>dénouement</i> of -the story, "of that character which neither he nor I knew belonged to -my nature. It was the first uncoiling of the basilisk within me, (good -Heavens, a snake in a lady's stomach!). He gazed on me incredulously, -and cooly smiled. You remember that smile—I fainted!!!" Alas! Mr. -Davy Crockett,—Mr. Davy Crockett, alas!—thou art beaten hollow—thou -art defunct, and undone! thou hast indeed succeeded in grinning a -squirrel from a tree, but it surpassed even thine extraordinary -abilities to smile a lady into a fainting fit!</p> - -<p>"When I recovered"—continues the lady—"he was gone. It was two years -before I could trace him. At length I found he had sailed for America. -I followed him in the depth of winter—I and my child. I knew not the -name he had assumed, and I was struck mute with astonishment, in your -beautiful city, on beholding, surrounded by fair ladies, the form of -my husband, still beautiful, and still adored. You know the rest." But -as our readers may not be as well informed as the correspondent of the -fair forsaken, we will enlighten them with some farther particulars.</p> - -<p>Rinaldo, upon leaving his <i>cara sposa</i>, had taken shipping for New -York, where, assuming the name of "Count Clairmont of the French -army," he succeeds in cutting a dash, or, in more proper parlance, in -creating a sensation, among the beaux and belles of the city of -Gotham. One fair lady, and rich heiress, Miss Flora Temple, is -particularly honored by his attentions, and the lady's mother, Mrs. -T., fired with the idea of her daughter becoming a real countess, -makes no scruple of encouraging his addresses. Matters are in this -position when the wife of the adventurer arrives in New York, and is -quite bewildered with astonishment upon beholding, one snowy day, her -beloved Rinaldo sleighing it to and fro about the streets of New York. -In the midst of her amazement she is in danger of being run over by -some horses, when a certain personage, by name Norman Leslie, but who -might, with equal propriety, be called Sir Charles Grandison, flies to -her assistance, whisks herself and child up in the very nick of time, -and suddenly rescues them, as Mr. Fay has it, "from the very jaws of -Death"—by which we are to understand from the very hoofs of the -horses. The lady of course swoons—then recovers—and then—is -excessively grateful. Her gratitude, however, being of no service just -at that moment, is bottled up for use hereafter, and will no doubt, -according to established usage in such cases, come into play towards -the close of the second volume. But we shall see.</p> - -<p>Having ascertained the address of Rinaldo, <i>alias</i> the Count -Clairmont, the lady, next morning, is successful in obtaining an -interview. Then follows a second edition of entreaties and threats, -but, fortunately for the nerves Of Mrs. Rinaldo, the Count, upon this -occasion, is so forbearing as not to indulge in a smile. She accuses -him of a design to marry Miss Temple, and he informs her that it is no -concern of hers—that she is not his wife, their marriage having been -a feigned one. "She would have cried him through the city for a -villain," (Dust ho!—she should have advertised him) but he swears -that, in that case, he will never sleep until he has taken the life of -both the lady and her child, which assurance puts an end to the -debate. "He then frankly confesses"—says Mrs. Rinaldo, in the letter -which we have before quoted,—"that his passion for Miss Temple was -only a mask—he loved her not. <i>Me</i> he said he loved. It was his -intention to fly when he could raise a large sum of money, and he -declared that I should be his companion." His designs, however, upon -Miss Temple fail—that lady very properly discarding the rascal. -Nothing daunted at this mishap our Count proceeds to make love to a -certain Miss Rosalie Romain, and with somewhat better success. He -prevails upon her to fly, and to carry with her upon her person a -number of diamonds which the lover hopes to find sufficient for his -necessities. He manages also to engage Mrs. Rinaldo (so we must call -her for want of a better name) in his schemes.</p> - -<p>It has so happened that for some time prior to these occurrences, -Clairmont and Norman Leslie, the hero of the novel, have been sworn -foes. On the day fixed for Miss Romain's elopement, that young lady -induces Mr. Leslie to drive her, in a gig, a short distance out of -town. They are met by no less a personage than Mrs. Rinaldo herself, -in another gig, and driving (<i>proh pudor!</i>) through the woods <i>sola</i>. -Hereupon Miss Rosalie Romain very deliberately, and to the great -astonishment, no doubt, of Mr. Leslie, gets out of that gentleman's -gig, and into the gig of Mrs. Rinaldo. Here's plot! as Vapid says in -the play. Our friend Norman, finding that nothing better can be done, -turns his face towards New York again, where he arrives, in due time, -without farther accident or adventure. Late the same evening Clairmont -sends the ladies aboard a vessel bound for Naples, and which is to -sail in the morning—returning himself, for the present, to his hotel -in Broadway. While here he receives a horse-whipping from Mr. Leslie -on account of certain insinuations in disparagement of that -gentleman's character. Not relishing this treatment he determines upon -revenge, and can think of no better method of accomplishing it than -the directing of public suspicion against Mr. Leslie as the murderer -of Miss Romain—whose disappearance has already created much -excitement. He sends a message to Mrs. Rinaldo that the vessel must -sail without him, and that he would, by a French ship, meet them on -their landing at Naples. He then flings a hat and feathers belonging -to Miss Romain upon a stream, and her handkerchief in a -wood—afterwards remaining some time in America to avert suspicion -from himself. Leslie is arrested for the murder, and the proofs are -damning against him. He is, however, to the great indignation of the -populace, acquitted, Miss Temple appearing to testify that she -actually saw Miss Romain subsequently to her ride with Leslie. Our -hero, however, although acquitted, is universally considered guilty, -and, through the active malice of Clairmont, is heaped with every -species of opprobrium. Miss Temple, who, it appears, is in love with -him, falls ill with grief: but is cured, after all other means have -failed, by a letter from her lover announcing a reciprocal -passion—for the young lady has hitherto supposed him callous to her -charms. Leslie himself, however, takes it into his head, at this -critical juncture, to travel; and, having packed up his baggage, does -actually forget himself so far as to go -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page56"><small><small>[p. 56]</small></small></a></span> -a-Willising in foreign -countries. But we have no reason to suppose that, goose as the young -gentleman is, he is silly enough to turn travelling correspondent to -any weekly paper. In Rome, having assumed the <i>alias</i> of Montfort, he -meets with a variety of interesting adventures. All the ladies die for -him: and one in particular, Miss Antonia Torrini, the only child of a -Duke with several millions of piastres, and a palace which Mr. Fay -thinks very much like the City Hall in New York, absolutely throws -herself <i>sans ceremonie</i> into his arms, and meets—tell it not in -Gath!—with a flat and positive refusal.</p> - -<p>Among other persons whom he encounters is a monk Ambrose, a painter -Angelo, another painter Ducci, a Marquis Alezzi, and a Countess D., -which latter personage he is convinced of having seen at some prior -period of his life. For a page or two we are entertained with a -prospect of a conspiracy, and have great hopes that the principal -characters in the plot will so far oblige us as to cut one another's -throats: but (alas for human expectations!) Mr. Fay having clapped his -hands, and cried "Presto!—vanish!" the whole matter ends in smoke, -or, as our author beautifully expresses it, is "veiled in impenetrable mystery."</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie now pays a visit to the painter Ducci, and is astonished at -there beholding the portrait of the very youth whose life he saved, -together with that of his mother, from the horses in New York. Then -follows a series of interesting ejaculations, among which we are able -to remember only "horrible suspicion!" "wonderful development!" "alack -and alas!" with some two or three others. Mr. Leslie is, however, -convinced that the portrait of the boy is, as Mr. F. gracefully has -it, "inexplicably connected with his own mysterious destiny." He pays -a visit to the Countess D., and demands of her if she was, at any -time, acquainted with a gentleman called Clairmont. The lady very -properly denies all knowledge of that character, and Mr. Leslie's -"mysterious destiny" is in as bad a predicament as ever. He is however -fully convinced that Clairmont is the origin of all evil—we do not -mean to say that he is precisely the devil—but the origin of all Mr. -Leslie's evil. Therefore, and on this account, he goes to a -masquerade, and, sure enough, Mr. Clairmont, (who has not been heard -of for seven or eight years,) Mr. Clairmont (we suppose through Mr. -L's "mysterious destiny") happens to go, at precisely the same time, -to precisely the same masquerade. But there are surely no bounds to -Mr. Fay's excellent invention. Miss Temple, of course, happens to be -at the same place, and Mr. Leslie is in the act of making love to her -once more, when the "inexplicable" Countess D. whispers into his ear -some ambiguous sentences in which Mr. L. is given to understand that -he must beware of all the Harlequins in the room, one of whom is -Clairmont. Upon leaving the masquerade, somebody hands him a note -requesting him to meet the unknown writer at St. Peter's. While he is -busy reading the paper he is uncivilly interrupted by Clairmont, who -attempts to assassinate him, but is finally put to flight. He hies, -then, to the rendezvous at St. Peter's, where "the unknown" tells him -St. Peter's won't answer, and that he must proceed to the Coliseum. He -goes—why should he not?—and there not only finds the Countess D. who -turns out to be Mrs. Rinaldo, and who now uncorks her bottle of -gratitude, but also Flora Temple, Flora Temple's father, Clairmont, -Kreutzner, a German friend from New York, and, last but not least, -Rosalie Romain herself; all having gone there, no doubt, at three -o'clock in the morning, under the influence of that interesting young -gentleman Norman Leslie's "most inexplicable and mysterious destiny." -Matters now come to a crisis. The hero's innocence is established, and -Miss Temple falls into his arms in consequence. Clairmont, however, -thinks he can do nothing better than shoot Mr. Leslie, and is about to -do so, when he is very justly and very dexterously knocked in the head -by Mr. Kreutzner. Thus ends the Tale of the Present Times, and thus -ends the most inestimable piece of balderdash with which the common -sense of the good people of America was ever so openly or so -villainously insulted.</p> - -<p>We do not mean to say that there is positively <i>nothing</i> in Mr. Fay's -novel to commend—but there is indeed very little. One incident is -tolerably managed, in which, at the burning house of Mr. Temple, -Clairmont anticipates Leslie in his design of rescuing Flora. A -cotillon scene, too, where Morton, a simple fop, is frequently -interrupted in his attempts at making love to Miss Temple, by the -necessity of forward-twoing and <i>sachezing</i>, (as Mr. Fay thinks proper -to call it) is by no means very bad, although savoring too much of the -farcical. A duel story told by Kreutzner is really good, but -unfortunately not original, there being a Tale in the <i>Diary of a -Physician</i>, from which both its matter and manner are evidently -borrowed. And here we are obliged to pause; for we can positively -think of nothing farther worth even a qualified commendation. The -plot, as will appear from the running outline we have given of it, is -a monstrous piece of absurdity and incongruity. The characters <i>have -no character;</i> and, with the exception of Morton, who is, (perhaps) -amusing, are, one and all, vapidity itself. No attempt seems to have -been made at individualization. All the good ladies and gentlemen are -demi-gods and demi-goddesses, and all the bad are—the d—l. The hero, -Norman Leslie, "that young and refined man with a leaning to poetry," -is a great coxcomb and a great fool. What else must we think of a -<i>bel-esprit</i> who, in picking up a rose just fallen from the curls of -his lady fair, can hit upon no more appropriate phrase with which to -make her a presentation of the same, than "Miss Temple, you have -dropped your rose—allow me!"—who courts his mistress with a "Dear, -dear Flora, how I love you!"—who calls a <i>buffet</i> a <i>bufet</i>, an -<i>improvisatore</i> an <i>improvisitore</i>—who, before bestowing charity, is -always ready with the canting question if the object be -<i>deserving</i>—who is everlastingly talking of his foe "sleeping in the -same red grave with himself," as if American sextons made a common -practice of burying two people together—and, who having not a sous in -his pocket at page 86, pulls out a handful at page 87, although he has -had no opportunity of obtaining a copper in the interim?</p> - -<p>As regards Mr. Fay's <i>style</i>, it is unworthy of a school-boy. The -"Editor of the New York Mirror" has either never seen an edition of -Murray's Grammar, or he has been a-Willising so long as to have -forgotten his vernacular language. Let us examine one or two of his -sentences at random. Page 28, vol. i. "He -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page57"><small><small>[p. 57]</small></small></a></span> -was doomed to wander -through the <i>fartherest</i> climes alone and branded." Why not say at -once <i>fartherertherest</i>? Page 150, vol. i. "Yon kindling orb should be -hers; and that faint spark close to its side should teach her how dim -and yet how near my soul was to her own." What is the meaning of all -this? Is Mr. Leslie's soul dim to her own, as well as near to her -own?—for the sentence implies as much. Suppose we say "should teach -her how dim was my soul, and yet how near to her own." Page 101, vol. -i. "You are both right and both wrong—you, Miss Romain, to judge so -harshly of all men who are not versed in the easy elegance of the -drawing room, and your father in too great lenity towards men of -sense, &c." This is really something new, but we are sorry to say, -something incomprehensible. Suppose we translate it. "You are both -right and both wrong—you, Miss Romain, <i>are both right and wrong</i> to -judge so harshly of all not versed in the elegance of the -drawing-room, &c.; and your father <i>is both right and wrong</i> in too -great lenity towards men of sense."—Mr. Fay, have you ever visited -Ireland in your peregrinations? But the book is full to the brim of -such absurdities, and it is useless to pursue the matter any farther. -There is not a single page of Norman Leslie in which even a school-boy -would fail to detect at least two or three gross errors in Grammar, -and some two or three most egregious sins against common-sense.</p> - -<p>We will dismiss the "Editor of the Mirror" with a few questions. When -did you ever know, Mr. Fay, of any prosecuting attorney behaving so -much like a bear as <i>your</i> prosecuting attorney in the novel of Norman -Leslie? When did you ever hear of an American Court of Justice -objecting to the testimony of a witness on the ground that the said -witness <i>had an interest</i> in the cause at issue? What do you mean by -informing us at page 84, vol. i, "that you <i>think</i> much faster than -you write?" What do you mean by "<i>the wind roaring in the air?</i>" see -page 26, vol. i. What do you mean by "an <i>unshadowed</i> Italian girl?" -see page 67, vol. ii. Why are you always talking about "stamping of -feet," "kindling and flashing of eyes," "plunging and parrying," -"cutting and thrusting," "passes through the body," "gashes open in -the cheek," "sculls cleft down," "hands cut off," and blood gushing -and bubbling, and doing God knows what else—all of which pretty -expressions may be found on page 88, vol. i.? What "mysterious and -inexplicable destiny" compels you to the so frequent use, in all its -inflections, of that euphonical dyssyllable <i>blister?</i> We will call to -your recollection some few instances in which you have employed it. -Page 185, vol. i. "But an arrival from the city brought the fearful -intelligence in all its <i>blistering</i> and naked details." Page 193, -vol. i. "What but the glaring and <i>blistering</i> truth of the charge -would select him, &c." Page 39, vol. ii. "Wherever the winds of heaven -wafted the English language, the <i>blistering</i> story must have been -echoed." Page 150, vol. ii. "Nearly seven years had passed away, and -here he found himself, as at first, still marked with the <i>blistering</i> -and burning brand." Here we have a <i>blistering</i> detail, a <i>blistering</i> -truth, a <i>blistering</i> story, and a <i>blistering</i> brand, to say nothing -of innumerable other blisters interspersed throughout the book. But we -have done with Norman Leslie,—if ever we saw as silly a thing, may we -be —— blistered.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect37"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>THE LINWOODS.</h5> - -<p><i>The Linwoods; or, "Sixty Years Since" in America. By the Author of -"Hope Leslie," "Redwood," &c. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>Miss Sedgwick is one among the few American writers who have risen by -merely their own intrinsic talents, and without the <i>a priori</i> aid of -foreign opinion and puffery, to any exalted rank in the estimation of -our countrymen. She is at the same time fully deserving of all the -popularity she has attained. By those who are most fastidious in -matters of literary criticism, the author of <i>Hope Leslie</i> is the most -ardently admired, and we are acquainted with few persons of sound and -accurate discrimination who would hesitate in placing her upon a level -with the best of our native novelists. Of American <i>female</i> writers we -must consider her the first. The character of her pen is essentially -feminine. No man could have written <i>Hope Leslie;</i> and no man, we are -assured, can arise from the perusal of <i>The Linwoods</i> without a full -conviction that his own abilities would have proved unequal to the -delicate yet picturesque handling; the grace, warmth, and radiance; -the exquisite and judicious filling in, of the volumes which have so -enchanted him. Woman is, after all, the only true painter of that -gentle and beautiful mystery, the heart of woman. She is the only -proper Scheherazade for the fairy tales of love.</p> - -<p>We think <i>The Linwoods</i> superior to <i>Hope Leslie</i>, and superior to -<i>Redwood</i>. It is full of deep natural interest, rivetting attention -without undue or artificial means for attaining that end. It contains -nothing forced, or in any degree exaggerated. Its prevailing features -are equability, ease, perfect accuracy and purity of style, a manner -never at <i>outrance</i> with the subject matter, pathos, and -verisimilitude. It cannot, however, be considered as ranking with the -master novels of the day. It is neither an Eugene Aram, nor a -Contarini Fleming.</p> - -<p><i>The Linwoods</i> has few—indeed no pretensions to a connected plot of -any kind. The scene, as the title indicates, is in America, and about -sixty years ago. The adventures of the family of a Mr. Linwood, a -resident of New York, form the principal subject of the book. The -character of this gentleman is happily drawn, but we are aware of a -slight discrepancy between his initial and his final character as -depicted. He has two children, Herbert and Isabella. Being himself a -tory, the boyish impulses of his son in favor of the revolutionists -are watched with anxiety and vexation; and, upon the breaking out of -the war, Herbert, positively refusing to drink the king's health, is, -in consequence, ejected from his father's house—an incident upon -which hinges much of the interest of the narrative. Isabella is the -heroine proper; a being full of lofty and generous impulses, -beautiful, intellectual, and <i>spirituelle</i>—indeed a most fascinating -creature. But the family of a widow Lee forms, perhaps, the true -secret of that charm which pervades the novel before us. A matronly, -pious, and devoted mother, yielding up her son, without a murmur, to -the sacred cause of her country—the son, Eliot, gallant, thoughtful, -chivalrous, and prudent—and above all, a daughter, Bessie, -frail-minded, susceptible of light impressions, gentle, loving, and -melancholy. Indeed, in the creation of Bessie Lee, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page58"><small><small>[p. 58]</small></small></a></span> Miss Sedgwick -has given evidence not to be disputed, of a genius far more than -common. We do not hesitate to call it a truly beautiful and original -conception, evincing imagination of the highest order. It is the old -story of a meek and trusting spirit bowed down to the dust by the -falsehood of a deceiver. But in the narration of Miss Sedgwick it -becomes a magical tale, and bursts upon us with all the freshness of -novel emotion. Deserted by her lover, (Jasper Meredith, an -accomplished and aristocratical coxcomb,) the spirits of the gentle -girl sink gradually from trusting affection to simple hope—from hope -to anxiety—from anxiety to doubt—from doubt to melancholy—and from -melancholy to madness. She escapes from her home and her friends in -New England, and endeavors to make her way alone to New York, with the -object of restoring, to him who has abandoned her, some tokens he had -given her of his love—an act which her disordered fancy assures her -will effect, in her own person, a disenthralment from passion. Her -piety, her madness, and her beauty stand her in the stead of the lion -of Una, and she reaches the great city in safety. In that portion of -the novel which embodies the narrative of this singular journey, are -some passages of the purest and most exalted poetry—passages which no -mind but one thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the beautiful could -have conceived, and which, perhaps, no other writer in this country -than Miss Sedgwick could have executed. Our readers will find that -what we say upon this head is very far from exaggeration.</p> - -<p>Jasper Meredith, considered as an actual entity, is, as we have -already said, a heartless, calculating coxcomb—with merely a spice of -what we may call susceptibility to impressions of the beautiful, to -redeem him from utter contempt. As a character in a novel, he is -admirable—because he is accurately true to nature, and to himself. -His perfidy to Bessie (we shall never forget Bessie) meets with -poetical justice in a couple of unsuccessful courtships, (in each of -which the villain's heart is in some degree concerned,) and in a final -marriage with a flirt, Helen Ruthven, who fills him up, with a -vengeance, the full measure of his deserts. Mrs. Meredith is a -striking picture of the heartless and selfish woman of fashion and -aristocracy. Kisel, the servant of Eliot Lee, is original, and, next -to Bessie, the best conception in the book. He is a simple, childish, -yet acute and affectionate fool, who follows his master as would a -dog, and finally dies at his feet under circumstances of the truest -pathos. While Miss Sedgwick can originate such characters as these, -she need apprehend few rivals near the throne.</p> - -<p>We cannot pass over in silence a little episode in which a blind child -is torn away at night from a distracted mother, by one of the -notorious bands of <i>Skinners</i> infesting the country. The mother's -house is set on fire by the robbers, in their search after plunder; -but her most valuable property having been previously removed to New -York, the exasperated ruffians seize and bear off the fainting child, -with the view of extorting money for its ransom. Eliot Lee, aided by -General Putnam, rescues the child, and restores it to the mother. This -whole incident is worthy of Miss Sedgwick.</p> - -<p>We have mentioned the name of Putnam,—he as well as Washington, -Lafayette, Clinton, and some other well-known personages are -familiarly introduced in the narrative, but are simply accessories to -the main interest, and very little attempt is made at portraying their -historical characters. Whatever <i>is</i> done, however, is well done.</p> - -<p>So much real pleasure have we derived from the perusal of <i>The -Linwoods</i>, that we can hardly find it in our hearts to pick a quarrel -with the fair author, for the very few trifling inadvertences into -which she has been betrayed. There were, we believe, some points at -which we intended to cavil, but hot having pencilled them down in the -course of perusal, they have now escaped our recollection. Somewhat -more energy in occasional passages—somewhat less diffuseness in -others—would operate, we think, to the improvement of Miss Sedgwick's -generally excellent <i>style</i>. Now and then, we meet with a discrepancy -between the words and the character of a speaker. For example: page -38, vol. i. "'No more of my contempt for the Yankees, Hal, an' thou -lovest me,' replied Jasper; 'you remember Æsop's advice to Croesus, at -the Persian court?' 'No, I am sure I do not. You have the most -provoking way of resting the lever by which you bring out your own -knowledge, on your friend's ignorance.'" Now all this is very pretty, -but it is not the language of school-boys. Again: page 226 vol. i. -'Now out on you, you lazy, slavish, loons,' cried Rose, 'cannot you -see these men are raised up, to fight for freedom, for more than -themselves? If the chain is broken at one end, the links will fall -apart sooner or later. When you see the sun on the mountain top, you -may be sure it will shine into the deepest valleys before long.' Who -would suppose this graceful eloquence, and these impressive images to -proceed from the mouth of a negro-woman? Yet such is Rose. And at page -24, vol. i. we have the following. "True, I never saw her; but I tell -you, young lad, there is such a thing as seeing the shadow of things -far distant and past, and never seeing the realities though they it be -that cast the shadows." The speaker here, is an old woman who a few -sentences before talks about her proficiency in telling <i>fortins</i>.</p> - -<p>There are one or two other trifles with which we have to find fault. -Putnam's deficiency in spelling is, perhaps, a little burlesqued; and -the imaginary note written to Eliot Lee, is not in accordance with -that laconic epistle subsequently introduced, and which was a <i>bonâ -fide</i> existence. We dislike the death of Kisel—that is we dislike its -occurring so soon—indeed we see no necessity for killing him at all. -His end is beautifully managed, but leaves a kind of uneasy and -painful impression, which a judicious writer will be chary of -exciting. We must quarrel also, with some slight liberties taken with -the King's English. Miss Sedgwick has no good authority for the use of -such verbs, as "to ray." Page 117, vol. i. "They had all heard of -Squire Saunders, whose fame rayed through a large circle"—Also, in -page 118, vol. i. "The next morning he called, his kind heart raying -out through his jolly face, to present me to General Washington." Nor -is she justifiable in making use of the verb "incense," with the -meaning attached to it in the following sentence. Page 211, vol. i. -"Miss Ruthven seemed like an humble worshipper, incensing two -divinities." We dislike also, the vulgarity of such a phrase as "I put -in my oar"—meaning "I joined in the conversation"—especially in the -mouth of so well-bred a lady, as Miss Isabella Linwood—see -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page59"><small><small>[p. 59]</small></small></a></span> page -61, vol. i. We do not wish either to see a marquee, called a "markee," -or a <i>dénouement</i>, a <i>denoeument</i>. Miss Sedgwick should look over her -proof-sheets, or, be responsible for the blunders of her printer. The -plural "<i>genii</i>" at page 84, vol. ii. is used in place of the singular -<i>genius</i>. "Isabella is rather <i>penseroso</i>" is likewise an error—see -page 164, vol. ii.; it should be <i>penserosa</i>. But we are heartily -ashamed of finding fault with such trifles, and should certainly not -have done so, had there been a possibility of finding fault with any -thing of more consequence. We recommend <i>The Linwoods</i> to all persons -of taste. But let none others touch it.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect38"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>WESTMINSTER REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The Westminster Review, No. XLV, for July, 1835. American Edition, -Vol. IV, No. 1. New York: Theodore Foster.</i></p> - -<p>Article I is "Philanthropic Economy; or the Philosophy of Happiness, -practically applied to the Social, Political, and Commercial Relations -of Great Britain. By Mrs. Loudon, Author of 'First Love,' 'Fortune -Hunting,' and 'Dilemmas of Pride.' London: Churton, 1835. 8vo. pp. 312."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Loudon's Economy has excited great attention in England, and her -work is highly lauded in the present instance. As an able and -chivalrous champion of the cause of the people, she deserves all the -encomiums which she has received, and we are not in any degree -disposed to pick a quarrel with her Ethics, which, to say the truth, -are as little to the purpose as her political, or if she pleases, her -philanthropic Economy, is most effectually to the point. We have not -seen her entire publication, but merely judge of it from the copious -extracts in the article before us. Her answer to the objections to the -ballot is forcible, and coming as it does from a lady, its value is -quadrupled in our eyes. The Notice of her book concludes as follows. -"It is plain that Mrs. Loudon is a splendid woman, and has, at one -effort, taken her place in line, among the political economists upon -the people's side. She is fortunate too in having fallen upon times -when 'the spread of education is, in fact, rendering the <i>peaceable</i> -continuance of abuses impossible.'"</p> - -<p>Article II is "Venetian History. Family Library, No. XX—London, -Murray, 1833." A compendious History of Venice, and apparently forced -into the service of the Review "will I, nill I," without any object -farther than the emptying of some writer's portfolio, or common-place -book. It is nevertheless an invaluable paper.</p> - -<p>Article III is "Memoirs of John Napier of Merchiston, his Lineage, -Life, and Times, with a History of the Invention of Logarithms. By -Mark Napier, Esq. Blackwood, Edinburgh; Cadell, London, 1834. 4to. pp. 534."</p> - -<p>This is a Review of exceeding interest, and evidently from a mind -thoroughly imbued with a love of science. It enters largely into the -subject matter of the book reviewed, and defends Napier from the often -repeated accusation of having derived his principle from the works of -Archimedes, Ditmarsus, and Byrgius. A short account of the -philosopher's treatises on Arithmetic and Algebra, as they appear at -the end of the Memoirs, is given in the conclusion of the Notice. We -perceive that Mr. Napier has here taken occasion to observe that -Horsley, Hutton, Leslie, and Playfair, are mistaken in supposing -Albert Girard the first who made use of the expressions <i>majores -nihilo</i> and <i>minores nihilo</i> in relation to positive and negative -quantities.</p> - -<p>Article IV is "An Essay on Musical Intervals, Harmonics, and the -Temperament of the Musical Scale, &c. By W. S. B. Woolhouse, Head -Assistant of the Nautical Almanac Establishment."</p> - -<p>This is a short article in which the book under review is condemned -for inaccuracy and misrepresentation. The Essay itself is another -instance of the interest now taken in the mathematics of music.</p> - -<p>Article V is "A Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Artists: comprising -Painters, Sculptors, Engravers and Architects, from the earliest ages -to the present time. By John Gould—Second Edition, 2 vols. 12mo. -Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1835."</p> - -<p>The work in question is spoken of as having been composed—"conceived, -planned, and probably in part executed among lowing herds and -obstinate swine." It is preceded by an historical, biographical, and -professional introduction, apparently of no very great merit. The -Dictionary is called a most laborious, and on the whole a very -successful compilation. "The chief matter of some hundreds of volumes -is condensed into two small duodecimos. As this is all it aims to do, -by this only can it be fairly judged, and not by any standard of -original criticism."</p> - -<p>Article VI. "History of Scotland. By Patrick Fraser Tytler, Esq. F. R. -S. E. and F. A. S. Edinburgh. Vols. i–v. 1828–1834."</p> - -<p>This critique speaks of Tytler's Scotland as displaying much research, -and considerable skill, as well as impartiality, but the greater part -of the article is taken up in reviewing some of the leading features -in Scottish History.</p> - -<p>Article VII.—1. "The Forms of Deeds and Documents in England and -France, compared and exemplified, in a Letter to the Lord Chancellor. -Paris: Galignani. London: Saunders and Benning, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "The Mechanics of Law-making. Intended for the use of Legislators, -and all other persons concerned in the making and understanding of -English Laws. By Arthur Symonds, Esq. London: Churton, 1835."</p> - -<p>The authors of the works here reviewed have attempted to unfold, and -to show the worthlessness of, those technical mysteries which have so -long enveloped the science of Law. The "Forms of Deeds, &c." is from -the pen of Mr. Okey. He gives several examples of English and French -Deeds—printing them on opposite pages. The difference in conciseness -is said to be four to one in favor of the French, while in clearness -they admit of no comparison. The greater brevity of the French -documents is attributed to the existence of a Code. "The Mechanics of -Law making" insists upon the necessity of reform in the arrangement, -language, classification, and contents of the British Acts of -Parliament, and in the agency by which the laws are 'prepared, made, -promulgated, superintended, enforced, and amended.' The Review is -brief—but concurs heartily in the necessity alluded to.</p> - -<p>Article VIII. 1. "Sur les Créances réclamées de la France par la -Russie au nom du Royaume de Pologne. Paris, 1835."</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page60"><small><small>[p. 60]</small></small></a></span> -<p>2. "On the Russo-Polish Claims on France. (From the periodical -<i>Le Polonais</i>, published monthly in Paris, by a member of the Polish -Diet. Number for February 1835.")</p> - -<p>3. "A few more words on the Polish question, (<i>From Le -Polonais</i>—number for March 1835.")</p> - -<p>The author of the work <i>Sur les Créances</i>, enters into an examination -of the titles of which the Russian government avails itself "either to -effect a final settlement, or to claim payment of sums which might -ultimately be proved to be due to the kingdom of Poland." The editor -of <i>Le Polonais</i> is of a family to which Poland is indebted for -"several brilliant exploits, not only in the field of battle, but in -the tribute of the National Assembly." His journal is devoted to the -history and literature of Poland—but more especially to its political -interests. The Review enters into some discussion on the Russo-Polish -Claims, and makes it apparent that the policy of Great Britain is -materially involved, in the Russo-French liquidation. "She has -joined"—says the critic—"in refusing to uphold Russia in the -violation of the constitution and nationality of Poland; Lord -Palmerston gave lengthened and clear explanations on this point to -Parliament on the 9th of April, 1833. Tranquilly to stand by, and -witness the Russo-French liquidation, an act which would be equivalent -to a passive acknowledgment on the part of France, of the usurpations -of Russia, would be contrary to the dignity and interest of the -British nation."</p> - -<p>Article IX—1. "Thoughts upon the Aristocracy of England. By Isaac -Tompkins, Gent. Fifth Edition. London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 23."</p> - -<p>2. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, Gent., author of the Thoughts upon the -Aristocracy. From Mr. Peter Jenkins. Fifth Edition, with a Postscript. -London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 11."</p> - -<p>3. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, and Peter Jenkins on Primogeniture. By -Timothy Winterbottom. Fourth Edition. London: William Pickering, 1835."</p> - -<p>From the specimens of these Pamphlets, given in the Review before us, -we are inclined to think them excessively amusing. Mr. Isaac Tompkins -busies himself with the House of Lords, and Mr. Peter Jenkins gives -the lash to the House of Commons. Mr. T's account of patrician taste -in literature and wit—of courts, courtiers, court-jesters, -buffoonery, &c. are not a little edifying. His book has created a -great sensation. In a note appended to the fourth edition, occur the -following significant remarks. "The Quarterly Review, the organ of the -Aristocratic Church, and of the Lay Aristocracy, has taken the -opportunity of printing the greater part of the work, under pretence -of giving a Review of it. Pretence it plainly is; for there is hardly -one remark added, and not one syllable of censure or objection! Can -any thing more plainly demonstrate that the cause of the Aristocracy -is hateful, even to the very writers who affect to support it? Can any -thing better prove its decline among all educated and sensible men? -Mr. Canning's abhorrence of it is well known, and so is the hatred -with which he was repaid. But in our time, the advocate of -establishments can think of nothing better than giving a very wide -circulation to Mr. J. Tompkins' observations. These Quarterly -Reviewers would not for the world, that these observations were not -generally known." Peter Jenkins concludes his pamphlet with some -remarks on the new liberal government. Winterbottom's letter treats -chiefly of the evils resulting from the accumulation of wealth in a -few hands. "The whole family of Tompkins &c. is good"—says the -Reviewer—"and the public, will be glad to see more of their kin and -kind."</p> - -<p>Article X. "The History of Ireland. By Thomas Moore, Esq. In three -volumes. Vol. i. London: Longman & Co. 1835."</p> - -<p>This is an excellent and very laudatory notice, of a work which cannot -be too highly commended. The difficulties Mr. Moore has overcome, in -reducing to order a chaotic discordance of materials, with a view to -this History, will, perhaps, never be fully appreciated. It cannot -indeed be asserted that every portion of his subject has been hitherto -uninvestigated, or, that all the questions he has discussed have been -satisfactorily settled; but that, under existing circumstances, such a -book should have been written <i>at all</i>, is a matter for -admiration—and that it has been so rationally, so lucidly, and so -critically written, is a fact which cannot fail to elevate its author -immeasurably in the estimation of his friends. The future volumes of -<i>The History of Ireland</i>, will be looked for with intense interest. In -them we may expect to find the records of a dark and troubled period. -Moore will speak fearlessly, or we are much mistaken.</p> - -<p>Article XI. "A Bill for granting Relief in relation to the Celebration -of Marriages, to certain persons dissenting from the Church of England -and Ireland, 1835."</p> - -<p>The Reviewer, here, seems to think that Sir Robert Peel's Bill, with -some little amendment, would meet the case of the Dissenters in the -manner most satisfactory, and, under all circumstances most -convenient. The Dissenters themselves have little to propose, and that -little impracticable.</p> - -<p>Article XII. "Plantagenet.—3 vols. London: John Macrone, 1835."</p> - -<p>Plantagenet is a novel: and the writer's object is stated by the -critic to be pretty nearly identical with that of Mr. Timothy -Winterbottom, of whom we have spoken before—viz: to lay bare the -social evils of primogeniture. The English system of education is -detailed, and its effect upon character analyzed. The writer's design -is said not to be very well carried into execution—nevertheless the -Reviewer places him in the first line of modern political novelists, -and says there is nobody, except the author of 'The Radical,' who, -stands out as a model for him to overtake or pursue.</p> - -<p>Article XIII.—1. "Colonization of South Australia. By R. Torrens, -Esq. F. R. S. Chairman of the Colonization Commission, for South -Australia. London: Longman, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Colonization; particularly in Southern Australia; with some -remarks on Small Farms and Over-population. By Colonel Charles James -Napier, C. B.—London: T. & W. Boone, 1835."</p> - -<p>Colonel Torrens' book is bitterly and sarcastically reviewed. It is an -octavo of more than 300 pages, with an Appendix of about 20. The first -part of the body of the work is in the form of a letter, divided into -twelve parts, and addressed "To the author of the History of the -Indian Archipelago." This portion discusses the new scheme for -colonizing South Australia. Its style is called pamphleteering and -polemical. The <span class="pagenum"><a name="page61"><small><small>[p. 61]</small></small></a></span> -second part is said to be "in the usual cold, -cramped, and unpopular manner of the author's politico-economical -writings." The Appendix consists of the Act of Parliament for the -formation of the Colony, of two letters signed Kangaroo, and of -another from A. B., approving of Kangaroo's opinions. Kangaroo is -thought by the Reviewer a better writer of English than his master. -Colonel Napier's book is favorably noticed. His views are in direct -opposition to those of Torrens.</p> - -<p>Article XIV. "The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy. By Thomas -Keightley, Esq. 8vo. London, 1831." This is an interesting and able -paper, but has no pretensions to the name of Review. The position of -the Bacchanalians in Greek and Roman History, and their progress, -together with the dangers and impediments encountered in their course, -forms the subject of the Essay—for <i>it is</i> an Essay, although an -admirable one.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect39"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>LONDON QUARTERLY REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The London Quarterly Review, No. CVII. for July, 1835. American -Edition, Vol. III, No. 1.</i></p> - -<p>Article I.—1. "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a North-West -Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions, during the Years -1829–30–31–32–33. By Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c. -Captain in the Royal Navy, London: 1835, 4to. pp. 740."</p> - -<p>2. "The Late Voyage of Captain Sir John Ross, R. N. to the Arctic -Regions, for the Discovery of a North-West Passage; performed in the -Years 1829–30–31–32–33. From authentic information, and original -documents, transmitted by William Light, Purser's Steward to the -Expedition. By Robert Huish, author of the 'Memoirs of the Princess -Charlotte,' 'Treatise on Bees,' &c. &c. London: 1835, 8vo. pp. 760."</p> - -<p>3. "Report from a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on the -Expedition to the Arctic Seas, commanded by Captain John Ross, R. N. 1834."</p> - -<p>This is, in many respects, a clever and judicious Review, although -abounding with much vulgar abuse of Captain Ross, whom it accuses, not -only of gross ignorance and misrepresentation, but of several minor -indecorums, such for example, as "the opening of a subscription shop -in Regent Street—the sending of a set of fellows, usually called -trampers, but who call themselves agents, to knock at every -gentleman's door, in town and country, not humbly to solicit, but with -pertinacious importunity, almost to force subscriptions—the getting -up of Vauxhall and panoramic exhibitions, and some other circumstances -not worth detailing." It hints something also, of the Captain's having -procured the literary aid of "a practised embroiderer of periods, one -Dr. M'Culloch." Huish's book is treated with derision, but the -Quarterly cannot resist the temptation of giving additional currency -to a malignant accusation of cruelty, brought by this very man Huish, -against the Captain. The charge is republished in the Review—with a -hint, that it is quite as likely to be true as not. The Article -concludes with a hope, that if the Government should determine upon -another expedition, its direction may be given to Captain James Clarke -Ross, and Back, appointed his second in command—and roundly asserts -that Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., is utterly -incompetent to conduct any enterprise of the kind, to a successful termination.</p> - -<p>Article II. "Journal of Frances Anne Butler (Fanny Kemble,) 2 vols. -Post 8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>The tone of this Notice is very similar to that of the Article on the -same subject in the Edinburgh for July—perhaps, upon the whole, not -quite so complimentary. The Reviewer is of opinion, that 'Master -Fanny's' Journal was from an early period, if not from the first line, -intended for publication, and that the entire thing is arranged for -stage-effect. Both these suppositions are highly probable. Indeed for -our own part, we never had a doubt about the matter. The personifier -of Julia, of Nell, and of Lady Macbeth, wished to make it apparent -that she could mingle up in the same page, simplicity, frivolity and -dignity. She has succeeded to a miracle, and we think nothing the -worse of her performance for its premeditation. The critic finds -fault, also, with Fanny's <i>transparent</i> affectation—a charge from -which we have neither the wish, nor the ability to defend her. -Affectation is the Promethean fire of a pretty and intelligent -woman—and provided always the things, the qualities, or manners -affected are not <i>in se</i> disagreeable or odious, it is very seldom -worth any one's while to quarrel with it. As for the <i>transparent</i> -part of the accusation, it betrays a want of philosophical acumen. -Affectation, when we cannot see through it, is no longer affectation. -The political fal lal of the fair lady is, of course, made a matter of -high merit by the Quarterly Review. "Her observations," quoth the -critic, "evince a depth of penetration, and a soundness of judgment, -rare in any one, but wonderful in a person of her age and sex." A -chuckle also is elicited, by Fanny's astounding conviction, that -"America will be a monarchy before she (Mrs. Butler) is a skeleton."</p> - -<p>Article III. "The Last Essays of Elia." London: 12mo. 1833.</p> - -<p>This is an Essay on the Essays of Lamb by one who thoroughly -understands the man. And there are not many men who <i>do</i> thoroughly -comprehend him. Altho' not the greatest among his contemporaries he -was the most original—and his writings are, we feel assured, a true -copy of his individual mind. He was one of those men of infinite -genius, so rarely to be met with, who unite the most exquisite -daintiness and finish of style with a vigorous and dashing <i>abandon</i> -of manner. This manner has been called affected—but it was not so. -That his thoughts "were villainously pranked in an array of antique -words and phrases" was a necessary thing. The language of the times of -James and Charles I. was as natural to him as his native air—it was a -portion of his intellect. As a critic, Lamb had no equal, and we are -moreover half inclined to agree with the Quarterly, that there are, -amongst his poetical pieces, some as near perfection in their kind as -any thing in our literature—"specimens of exceeding artifice and -felicity in rhythm, metre, and diction."</p> - -<p>Article IV. "History of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, -illustrated by original documents. By Frederick Von Raumer. Translated -from the German by Lord Francis Egerton, in 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>Frederick Von Raumer, the author of the work here reviewed, is the -same who wrote the 'History of the House of Hohenstauffen,' noticed in -a former number of the Quarterly. The present History is spoken of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page62"><small><small>[p. 62]</small></small></a></span> -in high terms. It is the result of the author's residence in -Paris in 1830, and consists of a series of extracts from MSS. in the -<i>Bibliothèque Royale</i>—chiefly the despatches of Ambassadors. Lord -Egerton's translation is favorably mentioned.</p> - -<p>Article V. "The Life of Edmund Kean. In 2 vols. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>This is a most severe and galling Philippic upon a very worthless -book. Indeed Barry Cornwall was the last person in the world who -should have attempted the Life of Kean. From the poet's peculiar cast -of mind, (Procter is merely a dealer in delicate prettinesses,) he is -particularly ill-qualified for discussing the merits of an actor whose -province lay altogether amid the tempestuous regions of passion and -energy. "A worse man"—says the critic—"might have made Kean's story -entertaining—a wiser, if he had told it at all, would have at least -tried to make it instructive." The Essays upon the chief characters of -Shakspeare, which fill nearly half the second volume, are truly said -to be devoid of originality, vigor, or grace. To the entire book is -laughably applied a couplet from an old criticism upon Suckling's Aglaura.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem39"> -<tr><td><small>This great <i>voluminous pamphlet</i> may be said,<br> - To be like one that hath more hair than head.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Article VI. 1. "Physiologie du Goût: ou Meditations de Gastronomie -Transcendante; Ouvrage Théorique, Historique, et à l'ordre du Jour. -Dédié aux Gastronomes Parisiens. Par un Professeur (M. Brillat -Savarin) Membre de Plusiéurs Sociétés Savantes. 2 tomes, 5me edition, -Paris: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "The French Cook. A System of Fashionable and Economical Cookery; -adapted to the use of English Families, &c. by Louis Eustace Ude, -ci-devant Cook to Louis XVI, and the Earl of Sefton, &c. &c. &c., 12th -edition, with Appendix &c., London: 1833."</p> - -<p>This article is written in the most exquisite spirit of banter, and is -irresistibly amusing. It commences with a sketch of the history, -present state and <i>literature</i> of cookery! and concludes with a -particular Notice of the books at the head of the article. -"Mirabeau"—says the critic—"used to present Condorcet with <i>voilà ma -théorie</i>, and the Abbé Maury with <i>voilà ma pratique</i>. We beg leave to -present M. Brillat Savarin as <i>our</i> theory, M. Ude as <i>our</i> practice." -A biographical account of Savarin is introduced—full of wit. Savarin -was Judge of the Court of Cassation, Member of the Legion of Honor, -and of most of the scientific and literary societies of France. His -work consists of "a collection of aphorisms, a dialogue between the -author and a friend as to the expediency of publication, a -biographical notice of the friend, thirty meditations, and a -concluding Miscellany of adventures, inventions, and anecdotes."</p> - -<p>Article VII. 1. "Souvenirs, Impressions, Pensées, et Paysages pendant -un Voyage en Orient, 1832, 1833. Par M. Alphonse de Lamartine, 4 vols. -Paris: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, &c. By Alphonse de Lamartine, 3 -vols. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>An English translation of Lamartine's Pilgrimage, and even a pirated -Bruselles edition of the original, were read in London before the -publication of the original itself. This is high evidence of the -writer's popularity, at least, however prejudicial it may have proved -to his literary and pecuniary interests. The Remarks in the Review -under consideration are deduced from the English translation, which is -from the pen of Miss Landon. With the exception of the French verses -scattered throughout the work, and which are not very happily rendered -(we should think it impossible to translate them) L. E. L. has -executed her task with much ability—at least so says the Quarterly, -and we believe it. Some singular misconceptions of the meaning of the -original are, however, occasionally met with, and we are at a loss -whether to attribute them to carelessness or an imperfect acquaintance -with the French. The Review cites the following as an instance, and we -have noted several others equally glaring.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem40"> -<tr><td><small>N'attends donc plus de moi ces vers où la pensée<br> - Comme d'un arc sonore avec grace élancée<br> - Et sur deux mots pareils vibrant à l'unisson<br> - Dansent complaisamment aux caprices du son!<br> - Ce froid écho des vers répugne à mon oreille.<br> -<br> - From me expect no more the verse where thought<br> - Glances in grace as from the sounding bow,<br> - When two words vibrating in unison<br> - Complacent dance to the caprice of sound.<br> - Now verse in its cold echo shocks my ear.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The Review lavishes many compliments upon Lamartine, and enters into a -compendious sketch of his Pilgrimage.</p> - -<p>Article VIII. "Yarrow Revisited and other Poems. By Wm. Wordsworth. -12mo. pp. 349. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>Here is one of those exceedingly rare cases in which a British critic -confines himself strictly to his text—but this is nearly all that can -be said in favor of the Article. A more partial, a more indiscriminate -or fulsome panegyric we never wish to see, and surely "Yarrow -Revisited" is worthy of a better fate. "There is," quoth the Reviewer, -"a spirit of <i>elegance</i> in these poems more prominently and uniformly -prevailing than in any equal portion of Mr. Wordsworth's former works. -We mean an elegance such as Quinctillian ascribes to several of the -Greek and Roman writers—a nobleness of thought and feeling made vocal -in perfectly pure and appropriate language. It struck us, at first, as -an odd remark of Coleridge's, that Goethe and Wordsworth were -something alike, but &c. &c." Heaven save us from our friends!</p> - -<p>Article IX.—1. "Rough Leaves from a Journal kept in Spain and -Portugal. By Lieut. Col. Badcock, 8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Recollections of a few days spent with the Queen's Army in Spain, -in September 1833, 12mo. (privately printed,) London: 1835."</p> - -<p>3. "Recollections of a visit to the Monasteries of Alcobaça, and -Batalha. By the author of Vathek, 8vo. London: 1835, pp. 228."</p> - -<p>Colonel Badcock's book is favorably noticed. This Officer was sent to -the Peninsula, by Earl Grey's Ministry, for the purpose of -transmitting exact intelligence to the government at home. In the -discharge of this mission, he traversed the greater part of Spain, was -present at the siege of Oporto, and attended Don Pedro to the camp -before Santarem. His "Rough Leaves" are the result. From the work -whose title appears in the second place large extracts are made, all -of a highly amusing nature. The <i>critique</i> concludes with a brief -complimentary notice of Mr. Beckford's 'Recollections,' which are -excessively overpraised.</p> - -<p>Article X.—1. "First Report of the Commissioners -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page63"><small><small>[p. 63]</small></small></a></span> appointed to -inquire into the Municipal Corporations of England and Wales, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Protest of Sir Francis Palgrave, against the First Report, &c. -1835."</p> - -<p>3. "Observations on the Principles to be adopted in the Establishment -of new Municipalities, the Reform of Ancient Corporations, and the -Cheap Administration of Justice. By Sir Francis Palgrave, K. H. -London: 1833." This is a violent party-paper, and abounds in -misrepresentation. One of its passages is forcible enough. "The first -step in this extraordinary affair, (the plan of Municipal Reform) was -in itself most extraordinary. A commission was issued under the Great -Seal of England, with powers and for purposes now confessed to have -been illegal!... The town-clerk of a petty borough, discomfited the -Lord High Chancellor of England, on a point of law, of his Lordship's -own raising, within his own special jurisdiction; and for the very -first time, we believe, since the days of James and Jeffries, a -commission under the Great Seal of England was <i>convicted of -illegality</i>."</p> - -<p>Article XI. "Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honorable Sir James -Mackintosh. Edited by his son, Robert James Mackintosh, Esq. 2 vols. -8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>This Article we think upon the whole, better toned than the one upon -the same subject, in the Edinburgh. It characterizes the work as a -most interesting collection of <i>Mackintoshiana</i>, although not a good -Life. Sir James is very justly styled an "idealogical writer, who, -treating of human affairs, prefers to deal with <i>thoughts</i>, rather -than <i>things</i>."</p> -<br> -<a name="sect40"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The North American Review. No. LXXXIX—Vol. XLI. For October 1835. -Boston: Charles Bowen.</i></p> - -<p>It is now very generally known that Mr. Palfrey has become the editor -of this Review, and the present number is the first issued since the -announcement of the new arrangement. It is difficult to speak of a -work like this as a whole. Particular articles strike us as being very -good—some are worthless. We will briefly notice them one by one.</p> - -<p>Article I. "Life of Jehudi Ashmun, late Colonial Agent in Liberia. -With an Appendix, containing Extracts from his Journal and other -Writings; and a brief Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Lott Carey. By -Ralph Randolph Gurley. Washington."</p> - -<p>"The capacities of Ashmun's character were such," says the Reviewer, -"that had he lived in any age or country, (pray, did he <i>not</i> live in -any age or country?) their energy must have hurried them into -development as inevitably as the waters flow to the sea." All this we -are willing to believe, and also that the man in question was a noble -martyr in the cause of African colonization. We doubt, however, if -there are not a crowd of books daily issuing unnoticed from the press, -of far more general interest, and consequently more worthy the -attention of our leading Review than even <i>The Life of Ashmun</i>. We -shall soon, perhaps, have a Life of some Cuffy the Great, by Solomon -Sapient; and then the North American will feel itself bound to devote -one half of its pages to that important publication. In expressing -ourselves thus, we mean not the slightest disrespect to either Ashmun -or his Biographer. But the <i>critique</i> is badly written, and its -enthusiasm <i>outré</i> and disproportionate.</p> - -<p>Article II.—1. "Ward's Law of Nations. 8vo. 2 vols. 1795."</p> - -<p>2. "Vattel's Law of Nations, by Chitty, 8vo. 1829."</p> - -<p>This is an excellent essay—a practical exposition of the source and -character of the Law International, and for which the works -above-mentioned afford the <i>materiel</i>. A few articles similar to this -would at once redeem the reputation of American critical literature. -Our position in regard to France, gives to this review, at this -moment, additional interest.</p> - -<p>Article III. "Matthias and his Impostures, or the Progress of -Fanaticism. Illustrated in the Extraordinary Case of Robert Matthews, -and some of his Forerunners and Disciples. By W. L. Stone. 12mo. New -York, 1835."</p> - -<p>The critic here adopts the very just opinion that Matthias had formed -himself and his creed designedly upon the model of John of Leyden. We -think it probable that the impostor, who was grossly ignorant, may -have seen an account of the proceedings at Munster in some popular -historical work, and formed his own conduct accordingly. The leader of -the fanatics at Munster was <i>Matthias</i>, a baker. Matthews called -himself <i>Matthias</i>. The former had his Rothman and Knipperdoling, men -of respectable family and some consideration—the latter had his -Pierson and Folger, men similarly circumstanced. Rothman and -Knipperdoling were invested with an authority which was merely -nominal. It was the same with Pierson and Folger. John had his Mount -Zion at Munster, and Matthews his Mount Zion at Sing-Sing. The Review -gives a digest of Stone's book, and is very entertaining.</p> - -<p>Article IV. "Scriptores Rerum Mythicarum Latini tres, Romæ nuper -Reperti. Ad fidem codicum M.S.S. Guelferbytanorum, Gottingensis, -Gothani, et Parisiensis, Integriores edidit ac Scholiis illustravit -Dr. Georgius Henricus Bode, Ordinis Philos. Gotting. Assessor, -Societatis literar. quæ Cantabrigiæ Americanorum floret Socius. -Celles, 1834."</p> - -<p>Angelo Maio discovered and published, about three years ago, the works -of three Roman writers, supposed by him to be Leontius, Placidus, and -Hyginus, who flourished about the close of the fourth century, or as -the Review incorrectly states, after the commencement of the fifth. -The work criticised in the present article is a new edition of Maio's -publication, improved by the collation of MSS. at Wolfenbuttel, -Gottingen, Gotha, and Paris. Dr. Bode, a scholar of high reputation, -and who resided for some time in a New England literary institution, -is the editor. The reviewer speaks of the Latinity as simple and easy, -and, for the most part, classical in construction.</p> - -<p>Article V.—1. "A Lecture on the Working Men's Party, first delivered -October 6th, before the Charlestown Lyceum, and published at their -request. By Edward Everett. Boston, 1830."</p> - -<p>2. "An Oration delivered before the Trades' Union of Boston and -Vicinity, on Fort Hill, on the Fifty-eighth Anniversary of American -Independence. By Frederick Robinson. Boston, 1834."</p> - -<p>3. "The Rights of Industry, addressed to the Working Men of the United -Kingdom. By the Author of 'The Results of Machinery.' Philadelphia, 1832."</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page64"><small><small>[p. 64]</small></small></a></span> -<p>The Reviewer here commences with what we consider a <i>naïve</i> -acknowledgment, viz: that he has not selected the works whose titles -are placed at the head of this article because they are recent, or -unknown, but merely with the view of directing public attention to the -subject of which they treat. The Essay, however, is an excellent one, -and shows in a forcible manner, by a rapid comparative view of the -condition of the laboring classes in our own and other countries, how -few just causes of complaint exist among our 'working people.'</p> - -<p>Article VI. "The Ministry for the Poor. A Discourse delivered before -the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches in Boston, on their first -anniversary, April 9th, 1835. By William E. Channing. Boston, 1835."</p> - -<p>The North American, in its last number, considered Southey a fine -writer, but Washington Irving a much finer, and indeed 'the best -living writer of English prose:' having, however, to review Mr. -Channing in the present number, its opinions are conveniently modified -to suit the occasion, and <i>now</i> the English of William E. Channing is -declared <i>coram populo</i> to be 'equally <i>elegant</i>, and a little more -pure, correct, and pointed than that of Mr. Irving.' There is surely -something very absurd in all this. Mr. Irving is a fine writer, and -so, beyond doubt, is Mr. Channing—but the Review seems perseveringly -bent upon making the public think otherwise. What does the critic mean -too by the assertion that Coleridge's reputation is greater in America -than in England, and that he possesses <i>very slender</i> claims to the -distinction of the first philosopher of his age? We should like to see -some direct evidence of what the Reviewer has so roundly asserted, -viz: that "Coleridge shews an almost total want of precision and -clearness of thought." The works of the man are before the public, and -we greatly prefer proof to assertion. We think this whole paper -exceedingly silly.</p> - -<p>Article VII. "A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History. -By William Swainson. London, 1834."</p> - -<p>We have not seen Swainson's work, and of course can say nothing about -it—the present article however, which professes to be, but is not, a -Review of it, we pronounce excellent indeed. It must be read to be -thoroughly appreciated.</p> - -<p>Article VIII.—1. "Poems. By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. Philadelphia, -1834."</p> - -<p>2. "Poems. By Miss H. F. Gould. Boston, 1835."</p> - -<p>The only fault we have with this <i>critique</i> is, that it hardly does -justice to the noble talents of Mrs. Sigourney. Something more, we -think, might have been said, and said with perfect truth. Miss Gould -is more fairly dealt with, but nevertheless the criticism does not -appear to come from the heart of a poet. Some incidental remarks upon -Miss Sedgwick are highly complimentary and exceedingly just. Mrs. -Sigourney's first publication was reviewed in the North American about -twenty years ago. She was then Miss Huntley.</p> - -<p>Article IX. "Sartor Resartus: in three Books. Reprinted for friends, -from Fraser's Magazine. London, 1834."</p> - -<p>The North American might have been better employed than in reviewing -this book—even although it be "no secret in England or here that it -is the work of a person to whom the public is indebted for a number of -articles in the late British Reviews." The book purports to be a -commentary (the author incog.) on a late work on the Philosophy of -Dress, by Dr. Diogenes Teufelsdroeckh, Professor of the Science of -Things in General, at the University of Weissnichtwo in Germany; and -the Reviewer thinks it necessary to enter into some pages of -discussion, in order to convince his readers that Professor -Teufelsdroeckh and his book are both <i>a hum</i>. We think the whole -<i>critique</i> a hum of the worst order, viz: a hum unintentional. We will -venture to bet that the meaning (if there be any) of the Sartor -Resartus has only the two faults of the steed in Joe Miller. In the -first place, it is hard to catch. In the second place it is worth -nothing when caught.</p> - -<p>Article X. "A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of -the English Language; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, -Scripture, and Modern Geographical Names. By J. E. Worcester. -Carefully revised and enlarged. Boston, 1835."</p> - -<p>This is a valuable work, and the writer of the <i>critique</i> upon it -seems fully aware of its many excellences. Mr. Worcester has based his -Dictionary upon those of Johnson and Walker, but has given six -thousand more words than are found in the Critical Pronouncing -Dictionary of the latter. A large number of terms purely technical are -given with their meanings—many foreign words, also, in familiar use.</p> - -<p>Article XI.—1. "A Narrative of the Visit to the American Churches, by -the Deputation from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By -Andrew Reed, D.D. and James Matheson, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Four Years in Great Britain. By Calvin Colton. 2 vols. 12mo. New -York, 1835."</p> - -<p>Dr. Reed's book is reviewed calmly and with strict impartiality—the -reviewer allowing that the Dr. writes with energy when his attention -is fully aroused. This, perhaps, is his chief merit. Of Colton's work -little is said. "His adventures," observes the critic, "are very well -described, and though in some of them he gives too much prominence to -his own doubts and fears, still, if the whole had been written in the -same manner, it would have insured the work a greater popularity than -it is likely to gain." His account of O'Connell is highly praised.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect41"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>CRAYON MISCELLANY.</h5> - -<p><i>The Crayon Miscellany. By the Author of the Sketch Book. No. -3—Containing Legends of the Conquest of Spain. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard.</i></p> - -<p>We feel it almost an act of supererogation to speak of this book, -which is long since in the hands of every American who has leisure for -reading at all. The matter itself is deeply interesting, but, as -usual, its chief beauty is beauty of style. The Conquest of Spain by -the Saracens, an event momentous in the extreme, is yet enveloped, as -regards the motives and actions of the principal <i>dramatis personæ</i> in -triple doubt and confusion. To snatch from this uncertainty a few -striking and picturesque legends, possessing, at the same time, some -absolute portion of verity, and to adorn them in his own magical -language is all that Mr. Irving has done in the present instance. But -that he has done this little well it is needless to say. He does not -claim for the Legends the authenticity of history properly so -called,—yet all are partially <i>facts</i>, and however extravagant -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page65"><small><small>[p. 65]</small></small></a></span> -some may appear, they will all, to use the words of the author -himself, "be found in the works of sage and reverend chroniclers of -yore, growing side by side with long acknowledged truths, and might be -supported by learned and imposing references in the margin." Were we -to instance any one of the narratives as more beautiful than the rest, -it would be <i>The Story of the Marvellous and Portentous Tower</i>.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect42"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>GODWIN'S NECROMANCY.</h5> - -<p><i>Lives of the Necromancers: or an Account of the Most Eminent Persons -in Successive Ages, who have claimed for themselves, or to whom has -been imputed by others, the Exercise of Magical Power. By William -Godwin, Author of "Caleb Williams," &c. New York: Published by Harper -& Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>The name of the author of Caleb Williams, and of St. Leon, is, with -us, a word of weight, and one which we consider a guarantee for the -excellence of any composition to which it may be affixed. There is -about all the writings of Godwin, one peculiarity which we are not -sure that we have ever seen pointed out for observation, but which, -nevertheless, is his chief idiosyncrasy—setting him peculiarly apart -from all other <i>literati</i> of the day. We allude to an air of mature -thought—of deliberate premeditation pervading, in a remarkable -degree, even his most common-place observations. He never uses a -hurried expression, or hazards either an ambiguous phrase, or a -premature opinion. His style therefore is highly artificial; but the -extreme finish and proportion always observable about it, render this -artificiality, which in less able hands would be wearisome, in him a -grace inestimable. We are never tired of his terse, nervous, and -sonorous periods—for their terseness, their energy, and even their -melody, are made, in all cases, subservient to the sense with which -they are invariably fraught. No English writer, with whom we have any -acquaintance, with the single exception of Coleridge, has a fuller -appreciation of the value of <i>words;</i> and none is more nicely -discriminative between closely-approximating meanings.</p> - -<p>The avowed purpose of the volume now before us is to exhibit a wide -view of human credulity. "To know"—says Mr. Godwin—"the things that -are not, and cannot be, but have been imagined and believed, is the -most curious chapter in the annals of man." <i>In extenso</i> we differ -with him.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem41"> -<tr><td><small>There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio,<br> - Than are dreamt of in thy philosophy.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>There are many things, too, in the great circle of human experience, -more curious than even the records of human credulity—but that they -form one of the most curious chapters, we were at all times ready to -believe, and had we been in any degree skeptical, the <i>Lives of the -Necromancers</i> would have convinced us.</p> - -<p>Unlike the work of Brewster, the Necromancy of Mr. Godwin is not a -Treatise on Natural Magic. It does not pretend to show the <i>manner</i> in -which delusion acts upon mankind—at all events, this is not the -<i>object</i> of the book. The design, if we understand it, is to display -in their widest extent, the great range and wild extravagancy of the -imagination of man. It is almost superfluous to say that in this he -has fully succeeded. His compilation is an invaluable work, evincing -much labor and research, and full of absorbing interest. The only -drawback to the great pleasure which its perusal has afforded us, is -found in the author's unwelcome announcement in the Preface, that for -the present he winds up his literary labors with the production of -this book. The pen which wrote Caleb Williams, should never for a -moment be idle.</p> - -<p>Were we to specify any article, in the Necromancy, as more -particularly interesting than another, it would be the one entitled -'Faustus.' The prevalent idea that Fust the printer, and Faustus the -magician, were identical, is here very properly contradicted.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect43"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>REV. D. L. CARROLL'S ADDRESS.</h5> - -<p><i>Inaugural Address of the Rev. D. L. Carroll, D.D. President of -Hampden Sidney College, delivered on his induction into that office. -Published by request of the Board of Trustees. Richmond: T. W. White, -1835.</i></p> - -<p>The friends of literature in Virginia have lately been favored with -several Inaugural Addresses, each of which has had its peculiar -merits. It is only of that whose title has just been given, that we -intend to speak. In the correspondence which is prefixed to this -Address, we learn that it was "prepared with great haste, amidst -anxieties and efforts to regain health, and amidst all the inquietudes -of journeying and absence from home." Apologies are seldom worth the -time spent in making or reading them. Generally, an author who prints -his production may be supposed to consider it of some value. To make -an apology, then, similar to that of Mr. Carroll, is but a modest way -of hinting that, with a fair trial, the writer could have done much -better. On the whole we <i>wish</i> that there had been no apology; for the -Address needs none. It is not our purpose to give an outline of this -discourse, or enter into a critical examination of its merits—for -merits it has. We wish merely to call the attention of the reader to a -few extracts, hoping that a perusal of these will induce him to -procure and read the whole Address for himself. The first of these -extracts is on a subject too long overlooked, and too much neglected -in all our schools. We refer to social qualities. On this subject the -author's ideas are just and timely. He says:</p> - -<blockquote><small>"Every literary institution ought to aim at such a well regulated -intercourse amongst its students as would inspire them with a -dignified self-respect—as would cause them, even in retirement, to -conduct themselves with that delicacy and deference to each other's -feelings that become a high-minded and honorable company of gentlemen -associated in the pursuit of learning. They ought also, under proper -restrictions, to mingle occasionally in the best circles of society -around them. Neither their morals, their manners, nor their studies -would suffer from that evolution and play of the social powers to -which such an intercourse would give rise. I know indeed that a -certain degree of awkward reserve, and bluntness of manners, and -recklessness of dress have, in some minds, become almost inseparably -associated with genius. But a moment's reflection may convince any one -that it requires no very extraordinary endowments from the Creator, to -enable a man, after a little practice, to become a <i>clown</i> in his -manners and a <i>sloven</i> in his apparel. Let it not be supposed, -however, that in thus contending for the development of the social -powers and cultivable graces of our nature, we countenance the -contemptible littleness of dandyism. The mere dandy we despise as a -thing whose definition the great American lexicographer has given in -the following appropriate terms—'a male of the human species who -dresses himself like a doll, and carries his character on his back.' -Between the peculiarities of such a creature and the dignified -refinement and suavity of the educated gentleman, it were odious to -institute a comparison. It -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page66"><small>[p. 66]</small></a></span> -is the latter to which regard is to be -had in a course of education. All that we contend for is, that the -youthful mind should be inspired with a deep consciousness of the -existence and the worth of those social powers and kindly sympathies -within itself, which bind it indissolubly to its species, and should -be led to regard their development and culture as a <i>necessary</i> part -of its preparation for future life."</small></blockquote> - -<p>We are no less pleased with the following sentiments on the subject of -the moral influences that should pervade a College.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"The great question is yet to be decided—<i>What influence our educated -men will have on the moral destinies of this nation!</i> A question -involving all those dear and mighty interests which bind us in hope to -this and to a future world. With such a question pending, I tremble -for the safety of my country, and blush for its reputation for sound -philosophy, when I reflect that here an attempt has been made to break -up the alliance between learning and religion, and to sever our -literary institutions from the practical influence of a pure -Christianity. I am happy to know that this <i>is not</i> to be the order of -things in Hampden Sydney. I am not called to take the helm without a -chart or compass. And I never shall embark on a voyage of such perils -unless I can nail the Bible to the mast. We shall avoid all mere -proselytism and the inculcation of minor sectarian peculiarities. But -we shall <i>strenuously endeavor</i> so to develope, and discipline, and -adapt to action the moral powers of youth, that, appreciating highly -their own immortal interests, they shall go out hence on the highways -of society a chosen band, clothed in the panoply of heaven to act as -<i>the lifeguards</i> of the virtue, order, and common Christianity of -their country."</small></blockquote> - -<p>The conclusion of Mr. Carroll's Address is full of fervid eloquence, -rendered doubly interesting by a vein of that truest of all -philosophy, the philosophy of the Christian. In the two last -paragraphs sentiments are expressed, which at their delivery must have -produced a strong sensation. Such indeed we learn from those present -on the occasion, was their effect.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"It well becomes <i>me</i> to tread with modest and tremulous steps in a -path consecrated by the luminous career of such men as the brothers -Smith, an Alexander, a Hoge, and a Cushing. 'There were giants in the -earth in those days—mighty men, even men of renown.' But they have -gone, as we trust, to adorn higher spheres of usefulness and glory, -and to shine in the firmament of God: whilst the radiance of their -characters, still not lost to earth, lingers, like the setting -sun-beams, on the high places of Hampden Sydney. They have <i>all</i> gone -save one, at whose feet, as the Gamaliel of the Church, it has been my -distinguished privilege to sit, and to whose masterly management of -the young mind I am much indebted for whatever of mental furniture I -possess. I enter upon my duties, however diffident, with the -unblenching purpose of doing what I <i>can</i> to promote the best -interests of the Institution over which I am called to preside. True, -with a body and a mind partially wrecked by the arduous labors of past -years and by successive attacks of prolonged illness, I cannot promise -much. But I come to the performance of my new duties cheerfully, and -with the frankness and integrity of a man in <i>sober earnest</i> to do -what I can.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Knowing and admiring, as I always have done, the noble generosity of -the Virginian character, I throw myself unreservedly upon the -clemency, and I expect the prompt, cordial, <i>efficient</i> co-operation of -this honorable Board of Trustees. I do more. With a heart still -bleeding under a recent and final separation from that beloved people, -whose sympathies and prayers have been the solace of my past life for -years, I throw myself upon the kindness of this privileged Christian -community. Most gladly would I find a <i>home</i> in their affections. Most -devoutly do I hope for and desire the sustaining influence of <i>their</i> -sympathies and of <i>their</i> supplications to heaven in my behalf and in -behalf of this Institution. Let all the pious and prayerful join with -me to-day, in a renewed consecration of this College to God, under the -deep conviction that 'except the Lord keep the city the watchman -waketh but in vain.' With such for my allies, and God as my help, I -shall enter on my labors with the assurance that the inspiriting -motto—'<i>nil desperandum est</i>'—is far more applicable to Hampden -Sydney than it was to the republic of Rome in the zenith of her -glory."</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect44"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>EULOGIES ON MARSHALL.</h5> - -<p>1. <i>Judge Story's Discourse</i>. 2. <i>Binney's Eulogium</i>.</p> - -<p>We have received Mr. Binney's E<small>ULOGY</small> pronounced at Philadelphia, and -Judge Story's D<small>ISCOURSE</small> in Boston, upon our great and lamented -countryman, fellow-townsman, neighbor, and <i>friend</i>—for by all these -names did a fortuitous conjuncture of circumstances, including his own -kind and prideless heart, entitle us to call him. We have read them -both, with an interest <i>created</i> by long admiration and love for the -subject, but rendered more intense by the beauties of the <i>manner</i>, in -which the subject is displayed. We do not say, '<i>materiem superat -opus</i>.' To <i>such</i> a material, no human skill could be incommensurately -great: and Mr. Binney speaks with no less truth than modesty, in -making it the consolation alike of the humblest, and of the most -gifted eulogist, "that the case of this illustrious man is one, in -which <i>to give with simplicity the record of his life</i>," is most -nearly to copy "the great original;" and to attempt more, "is</p> - -<center> - - ... 'with taper light<br> -To seek the beauteous eye <i>of Heaven to garnish</i>.'"</center> - -<p>But except Everett among the living, and Wirt and Ames among the -departed of our countrymen, we doubt if any American, with the -effusions of whose mind we are familiar, could have more closely -rivalled by language the character and the actions attempted to be -portrayed.</p> - -<p>It is not our purpose now to review these two eulogies. A more -extended notice of them, and of their great subject, we defer for our -next number; in which we shall, perhaps, give also a few light -personal reminiscences of Judge Marshall.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect45"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>MINOR'S ADDRESS.</h5> - -<p><i>An Address on Education, as connected with the Permanence of our -Republican Institutions. Delivered before the Institute of Education -of Hampden Sidney College, at its Anniversary Meeting, September the -24th, 1835, on the invitation of that Body. By Lucian Minor, Esq. of -Louisa. Published by request of the Institute.</i></p> - -<p>We earnestly call the attention of the public at large, but more -especially the attention of all good citizens of Virginia, to the -Address with whose title this article is headed. It will be found -entire in the columns of the Messenger—but its appearance, likewise, -in pamphlet form, simultaneously with the issuing of the present -number, affords us an opportunity of noticing it editorially without -deviating from established rules.</p> - -<p>Virginia is indebted to Mr. Minor—indebted for the seasonable -application of his remarks, and doubly indebted for the brilliant -eloquence, and impressive energy with which he has enforced them. We -sincerely wish—nay, we even confidently hope, that words so full of -warning, and at the same time so pregnant with truth, may succeed in -stirring up something akin to action in the legislative halls of the -land. Indeed there is no time to squander in speculation. The most -lukewarm friend of the State must perceive—if he perceives any -thing—that the glory of the Ancient Dominion is in a fainting—is in -a dying condition. Her once great name is becoming, in the North, a -bye-word for imbecility—all over the South, a type for "the things -that <i>have</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67"><small><small>[p. 67]</small></small></a></span> -<i>been</i>." And tamely to ponder upon times gone by is -not to meet the exigencies of times present or to come. Memory will -not help us. The recollection of our former high estate will not -benefit us. Let us act. While we have a resource let us make it of -avail. Let us proceed, at once, to the establishment throughout the -country, of <i>district schools</i>, upon a plan of organization similar to -that of our New England friends. If then, in time, Virginia shall be -regenerated—if she shall, hereafter, assume, as is just, that proud -station from which her own supine and over-weening self-esteem has -been the means of precipitating her, "it will all be owing," (we take -pleasure in repeating the noble and prophetic words of Mr. Minor,) "it -will all be owing, under Providence, to the hearkening to that -voice—not loud, but solemn and earnest—which from the shrine of -Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and enforces -the momentous precept—'<small>ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE</small>.'"</p> -<br> -<a name="sect46"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>LEGENDS OF A LOG CABIN.</h5> - -<p><i>Legends of a Log Cabin. By a Western Man. New York: George Dearborn, -Publisher.</i></p> - -<p>We have been much interested in this book in spite of some very -glaring faults and absurdities with which it is besprinkled. The work -is dedicated to Charles F. Hoffman, Esq. the author of <i>A Winter in -the West</i>, (why will our writers persist in this piece of starched and -antique affectation?) and consists of seven Tales, viz. <i>The Hunter's -Vow</i>, <i>The Heiress of Brandsby</i>, <i>The Frenchman's Story</i>, <i>The Englishman's -Story</i>, <i>The Yankee's Story</i>, <i>The Wyandot's Story</i>, and the <i>Minute Men</i>. -The plot will be readily conceived. A heterogeneous company are -assembled by accident, on a snowy night, in the Log Cabin of a Western -hunter, and, <i>pour passer le temps</i>, amuse themselves in telling Stories.</p> - -<p><i>The Hunter's Vow</i> is, we think, the best of the series. A dreamy -student who can never be induced to forsake his books for the more -appropriate toils of a backwoods' existence, is suddenly aroused from -his apathy by the murder of his old father by an Indian—a murder -which takes place under the scholar's own eyes, and which might have -been prevented but for his ignorance in the art of handling and -loading a rifle. The entire change wrought in the boy's character is -well managed. The <i>Heiress of Brandsby</i> is a tale neither so -verisimilar, nor so well told. It details the love of a Virginian -heiress for a Methodist of no very enticing character; and concludes -by the utter subversion, through the means of all powerful love, of -the lady's long cherished notions of aristocracy. The <i>Frenchman's -Story</i> has appeared before in the American Monthly Magazine. It is a -well imagined and well executed tale of the French Revolution. The -fate of M. Girond "<i>who left town suddenly</i>," is related with that air -of naked and unvarnished truth so apt to render even a silly narrative -interesting. The <i>Englishman's Story</i> is a failure—full of such -palpable folly that we have a difficulty in ascribing it to the same -pen which wrote the other portions of the volume. The whole tale -betrays a gross ignorance of law in general—and of English law in -especial. The <i>Yankee's Story</i> is much better—but not very good. We -have our doubts as to the genuine Yankeeism of the narrator. His -language, at all events, savors but little of <i>Down East</i>. The -<i>Wyandot's Story</i> is also good (this too has appeared in the American -Monthly Magazine)—but we have fault to find, likewise, with the -phraseology in this instance. No Indian, let Chateaubriand and others -say what they please, ever indulged, for a half hour at a time, in the -disjointed and hyperbolical humbug here attributed to the Wyandot. The -<i>Minute Men</i> is the last of the series, and from its being told by the -author himself, is, we suppose, considered by him the best. It is a -tale of the year seventy-five—but, although interesting, we do not -think it equal to either <i>The Frenchman's Story</i> or <i>The Hunter's -Vow</i>. We recommend the volume to the attention of our readers. It is -excellently gotten up.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect47"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>TRAITS OF AMERICAN LIFE.</h5> - -<p><i>Traits of American Life. By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Editor of "The -American Ladies' Magazine," and Author of "Northwood," "Flora's -Interpreter," &c. &c. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey, and A. Hart.</i></p> - -<p>This volume is beautifully printed—and we are happy in being able to -say, conscientiously, that its neat external appearance is its very -least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the -Preface—can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Sketches -and Stories here offered to the public"—says Mrs. Hale—"have not -entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor—but the -author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles -illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean -to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if -so, she should have said it more explicitly)—or does she allude -merely to novelty of manner or of matter? We think that some of these -sketches are old acquaintances of ours.</p> - -<p>The volume consists of fourteen different articles. The Lloyds—The -Catholic Convert—The Silver Mine—Political Parties—A New Year's -Story—Captain Glover's Daughter—The Fate of a Favorite—The Romance -of Travelling—The Thanksgiving of the Heart—The Lottery Ticket—An -Old Maid—Ladies' Fairs—The Mode—and The Mysterious Box. The Silver -Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole—but they are all written with -grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale -has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America, -and bids fair to attain a far higher.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect48"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>WESTERN SKETCHES.</h5> - -<p><i>Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the West. By James Hall. -Philadelphia: Harrison Hall.</i></p> - -<p>Mr. Hall has made himself extensively known by his Tales and Legends, -as well as by his labors in the editorship of the <i>Western Monthly -Magazine</i>. From his long residence in the West, and from his undoubted -abilities as a writer, we should suppose he would be excellently -qualified to write precisely such a book as he has written. His object -in the present publication seems to be not so much the furnishing of -topographical or statistical details, as the sketching of character -and life in the West, <i>prior to the close of the late war</i>. To those -who are at all acquainted with Mr. Hall, or with Mr. Hall's writings, -it is superfluous to say that the book is well written. Wild romance -and exciting adventure form its staple.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page68"><small><small>[p. 68]</small></small></a></span> -<p>The policy of our government in regard to the Aborigines is -detailed in the commencement of the first volume—the latter portion -is occupied with the manners and customs of the French in the great -valley of the Mississippi, and with the adventures of the white -settlers on the Ohio. The second volume is more varied, and, we think, -by far more interesting. It treats, among other things, of Burr's -conspiracy—of the difficulties experienced in Mississippi navigation, -and of the various military operations carried on in the wilderness of -the North West. An Appendix, at the end of the book, embraces some -papers relative to the first settlement of Kentucky—none of which -have hitherto been published. We confidently recommend to our readers -the Western Sketches of Mr. Hall, in the full anticipation of their -finding in the book a fund both of information and amusement.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect49"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>AMERICAN ALMANAC.</h5> - -<p><i>The American Almanac, and Repository of Useful Knowledge, for the -year 1836. Boston: Published by Charles Bowen.</i></p> - -<p>This is the seventh number of this invaluable work. Its editor, from -the first year of its publication, is understood to have been J. E. -Worcester, Esq. the indefatigable author and compiler of a number of -works requiring great industry, perseverance, and talent. Nearly -twenty years ago he became known to the public by his Universal -Gazetteer, a second edition of which, at the present time, we agree -with the North American Review in thinking would be highly acceptable -to the public. Mr. Worcester has also published a Gazetteer of the -United States—The Elements of Geography—the Elements of History—The -Historical Atlas—an Edition of Johnson's Dictionary, as improved by -Todd and abridged by Chalmers—an Abridgment of the American -Dictionary of Dr. Webster—and, lastly, A Comprehensive Pronouncing -and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language, with Pronouncing -Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and Modern Geographical -Names—all of them works of intrinsic merit.</p> - -<p>The American Almanac has long had a well-established reputation, and -Mr. Worcester is understood to have prepared, invariably, all of its -valuable contents with the exception of the astronomical department. -When we consider the great variety of topics treated of, and the -extreme difficulty of procuring accurate information in relation to -many of them, we must all admire the energy of the editor in having -brought the work to its present high state of perfection and utility. -We know of no publication of the kind more fully entitled to be called -"A Repository of Useful Knowledge."</p> - -<p>The Almanac for 1836 contains the usual Register of the General and -State Governments, together with a vast amount of statistical and -miscellaneous matter; but "it is more particularly characterized by an -account of the principal Benevolent Institutions in the United States, -and a view of the Ecclesiastical Statistics of the Religious -Denominations."</p> - -<p>We believe that no work of an equal extent in America contains as much -important statistical information as the seven volumes of the American -Almanac. We are happy to learn that complete sets of the publication -can still be obtained.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect50"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>CLINTON BRADSHAW.</h5> - -<p><i>Clinton Bradshaw; or The Adventures of a Lawyer. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard.</i></p> - -<p>We have no doubt this book will be a favorite with many readers—but -for our own parts we do not like it. While the author aims at -originality, and evidently fancies himself the pioneer of a new region -in fictitious literature, he has, we think, unwittingly stumbled upon -that very worst species of imitation, <i>the paraphrasical</i>. <i>Clinton -Bradshaw, or the Adventures of a Lawyer</i>, is intended, we humbly -conceive, as a <i>pendant</i>, in America, to <i>Henry Pelham, or the -Adventures of a Gentleman</i>, in England. There are, however, some -little awkward discrepancies. When Pelham luxuriates in the -drawing-room, and Bradshaw is obstreperous in the tavern, no ingenuity -can sustain a parallel. The polished manners of the one are not -equalled by even the self-polished pumps of the other. When the -British hero is witty and <i>recherché</i>, the American fails to rival him -by merely trying to be both. The exquisite's conversation is sentiment -itself, and we have no stomach afterwards for the lawyer's sentiment -and water.</p> - -<p>"The plan of this novel," says a correspondent of a contemporary -Magazine, for whose <i>editorial</i> opinions we have the highest respect, -"is exceedingly simple, and the moral it unfolds, if not of the most -elevated kind, is still useful and highly applicable to our existing -state of society. It is the story of a young lawyer of limited means, -and popular talents, whose ambition urges him to elevate himself by -all the honorable methods in his power. His professional pursuits lead -him among the coarsest criminals, while his political career brings -him in contact with the venal and corrupt of all parties. But true -alike to himself and the community of which he is a member, the stern -principles of a republican, and the uncompromising spirit of a -gentleman, are operative under all circumstances." These words we -quote as affording, in a brief space, some idea of the plot of Clinton -Bradshaw. We repeat, however, that we dislike the novel, considered -<i>as a novel</i>. Some detached passages are very good. The chief -excellence of the book consists in a certain Flemish caricaturing of -vulgar habitudes and action. The whole puts us irresistibly in mind of -<i>High Life below Stairs</i>. Its author is, we understand, a gentleman of -Cincinnati.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect51"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>ENGLISH ANNUALS.</h5> - -<p><i>Friendship's Offering and Winter's Wreath for 1836</i>—a beautiful -<i>souvenir</i>. The literary portion unusually good. The tale of <i>The -Countess</i>, by Mrs. Norton, is the best article in the book. The -embellishments are mostly of a high order. Plate No. 7—The Countess, -engraved by H. T. Ryall, from an original painting by E. T. Parris, is -exquisite indeed—unsurpassed by any plate within our knowledge.</p> - -<p><i>The Forget Me Not for 1836, edited by Shoberl</i>, is, perhaps, superior -to the Winter's Wreath in pictorial, although slightly inferior in -literary merit. <i>All</i> the engravings here are admirable.</p> - -<p><i>Fisher's Drawing-Room Scrap-Book for 1836, edited by L. E. L.</i> is, in -typographical beauty, unrivalled.—The literary portion of the work is -but <i>so so</i>, although written nearly altogether by L. E. L. These -Annuals may all be obtained, in Richmond, at the bookstore of Mr. C. Hall.</p> - -<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 64767 ***</div> -</body> -</html> diff --git a/old/64767-h/images/greek.jpg b/old/64767-h/images/greek.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index 3e2bba4..0000000 --- a/old/64767-h/images/greek.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/64767-h/images/pointer.jpg b/old/64767-h/images/pointer.jpg Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index cfab938..0000000 --- a/old/64767-h/images/pointer.jpg +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/old/64767-0.txt b/old/old/64767-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index ccaad75..0000000 --- a/old/old/64767-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8838 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., -No. 1, December, 1835, by Various - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 1, December, 1835 - -Author: Various - -Release Date: March 09, 2021 [eBook #64767] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Ron Swanson - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER, -VOL. II., NO. 1, DECEMBER, 1835 *** - -THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER: - -DEVOTED TO EVERY DEPARTMENT OF LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS. - - -Au gré de nos desirs bien plus qu'au gré des vents. - _Crebillon's Electre_. - -As _we_ will, and not as the winds will. - - -RICHMOND: -T. W. WHITE, PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR. -1835-6. - - -{1} - - -SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER. - -VOL. II. RICHMOND, DECEMBER, 1835. NO. 1. - -T. W. WHITE, PROPRIETOR. FIVE DOLLARS PER ANNUM. - - - - -PUBLISHER'S NOTICE. - - -The gentleman, referred to in the ninth number of the Messenger, as -filling its editorial chair, retired thence with the eleventh number; -and the intellectual department of the paper is now under the conduct -of the Proprietor, assisted by a gentleman of distinguished literary -talents. Thus seconded, he is sanguine in the hope of rendering the -second volume which the present number commences, _at least_ as -deserving of support as the former was: nay, if he reads aright the -tokens which are given him of the future, it teems with even richer -banquets for his readers, than they have hitherto enjoyed at his -board. - -Some of the contributors, whose effusions have received the largest -share of praise from critics, and (what is better still) have been -read with most pleasure by that larger, unsophisticated class, whom -Sterne loved for reading, and being pleased "they knew not why, and -care not wherefore"--may be expected to continue their favors. Among -these, we hope to be pardoned for singling out the name of Mr. EDGAR -A. POE; not with design to make any invidious distinction, but because -such a mention of him finds numberless precedents in the journals on -every side, which have rung the praises of his uniquely original vein -of imagination, and of humorous, delicate satire. We wish that decorum -did not forbid our specifying other names also, which would afford -ample guarantee for the fulfilment of larger promises than ours: but -it may not be; and of our other contributors, all we can say is--"by -their fruits ye shall know them." - -It is a part of our present plan, to insert _all original -communications_ as editorial; that is, simply to omit the words "For -the Southern Literary Messenger" at the head of such articles:--unless -the contributor shall especially desire to have that caption prefixed, -or there be something which requires it in the nature of the article -itself. _Selected articles_, of course, will bear some appropriate -token of their origin. - -With this brief salutation to patrons and readers, we gird up -ourselves for entering upon the work of another year, with zeal and -energy increased, by the recollection of kindness, and by the hopes of -still greater success. - - - - -SKETCHES OF THE HISTORY - -AND PRESENT CONDITION OF TRIPOLI, WITH SOME ACCOUNTS OF THE OTHER -BARBARY STATES. - -NO. IX.--(Continued.) - - -About this period commenced those differences between France and the -Algerine Government, which led to the overthrow of the latter, and the -establishment of the French in Northern Africa; the circumstances -which occasioned the dispute were however of much older date. - -Between 1793 and 1798 the French Government on several occasions -obtained from the Dey and merchants of Algiers, large quantities of -grain on credit, for the subsistence of its armies in Italy, and the -supply of the Southern Department where a great scarcity then -prevailed. The creditors endeavored to have their claims on this -account satisfied by the Directory, but that incapable and rapacious -Government had neither the principle to admit, nor the ability to -discharge such demands; every species of chicanery was in consequence -employed by it in evading them, until the rupture with Turkey produced -by the expedition to Egypt placing the Barbary States either really or -apparently at war with the French Republic, a pretext was thus -afforded for deferring their settlement indefinitely. Under the -Consular _regime_ however, a treaty of peace was concluded with -Algiers on the 17th of December 1801, by the thirteenth article of -which, the Government of each State engaged to cause payment to be -made of all debts due by itself or its subjects to the Government or -subjects of the other; the former political and commercial relations -between the two countries were re-established, and the Dey restored to -France the territories and privileges called the _African -Concessions_, which had been seized by him on the breaking out of the -war. This treaty was ratified by the Dey on the 5th of April 1802, and -after examination of the claims on both sides, the French Government -acknowledged itself debtor for a large amount to the Jewish mercantile -house of Bacri and Busnach of Algiers, as representing the African -creditors. Of the sum thus acknowledged to be due, only a very small -portion was paid, and the Dey Hadji Ali seeing no other means of -obtaining the remainder, in 1809 seized upon the _Concessions_; they -were however of little value to France at that time, when her flag was -never seen in the Mediterranean, and their confiscation merely served -as a pretext for withholding farther payment. In 1813, when the star -of Napoleon began to wane, and he found it necessary to assume at -least the appearance of honesty, he declared that measures would be -taken for the adjustment of the Algerine claims; but he fell without -redeeming his promise, and on the distribution of his spoils, the -Jewish merchants had not interest enough to obtain their rightful -portion, which amounted to fourteen millions of francs. - -Upon the return of the Bourbons to the throne of France, the -government of that country became desirous to renew its former -intercourse with the Barbary States, and to regain its ancient -establishments and privileges in their territories, which were -considered important from political as well as commercial motives. For -this purpose, M. Deval a person who was educated in the East and had -been long attached to the French Embassy at Constantinople, was -appointed Consul General of France in Barbary, and sent to Algiers -with powers to negotiate. The first result of this mission, was a -convention which has never been officially published; however in -consequence of it the _African Concessions_ were restored to France, -together with the exclusive right of fishing for coral on the coasts -in their vicinity {2} and various commercial privileges; in return for -which the French were to pay annually to Algiers, the sum of sixty -thousand francs. It appears also to have been understood between the -parties, that no fortifications were to be erected within the ceded -territories in addition to those already standing, and that -arrangements should be speedily made for the examination and -settlement of all their claims on both sides, not only of those for -which provision was made in the treaty of 1801, but also of such as -were founded on subsequent occurrences; after this mutual adjustment -the treaty of 1801 confirming all former treaties was to be in force. - -The annual sum required by Omar for the _Concessions_, was much -greater than any which had been previously paid for them by France; -Hussein however immediately on his elevation to the throne, raised it -to two hundred thousand francs, and he moreover declared, that the -debt acknowledged to be due to his subjects must be paid, before any -notice were taken of claims which were still liable to be contested. -In opposition to these demands, the French endeavored to prove their -right to the territories of Calle and Bastion de France by reference -to ancient treaties both with Algiers and the Porte, in which no -mention is made of payment for them; with regard to the claims, they -insisted that the only just mode of settlement, was by admitting into -one statement all the demands which could be established on either -side, and then balancing the account. The Dey however remained firm in -his resolution, and exhibited signs of preparation to expel the French -from the _Concessions_, when their government yielded the point -concerning the amount to be annually paid. - -A compromise was made respecting the claims between the French -Government and the Agents of the Algerines, on the 28th of October, -1819; as the articles of this agreement have never been published, its -terms are only to be gathered from the declarations of the French -Ministers in the Legislative Chambers, and the semi-official -communications in the _Moniteur_ the organ of the Government. From -these it appears that the French Government acknowledged itself -indebted for the sum of seven millions of francs, to Messrs. Bacri and -Busnach, which was to be received by them in full discharge of claims -on the part of Algiers, under the thirteenth article of the treaty of -1801; from this sum however was to be retained a sufficiency to cover -the demands of French subjects against Algiers under the same article, -which demands were to be substantiated by the Courts of Law of France; -finally, each party was to settle the claims of its own subjects -against the other, founded on occurrences subsequent to the conclusion -of the said treaty. The French historical writers affect to consider -this arrangement entirely as a private affair between their Government -and the Jewish merchants, and indeed the Ministry endeavored at first -to represent it in that light to the Legislature; but they were forced -to abandon this ground when they communicated its stipulations, and -the Minister of Foreign Affairs declared in the Chamber of Deputies, -that the Dey had formally accepted it on the 12th of April 1820, and -had admitted that the treaty of 1801 was thereby fully executed. - -In order to comply with this arrangement, a bill requiring an -appropriation of seven millions of francs was in June, 1820, submitted -by the French Ministry to the Legislative Chambers, in both of which -its adoption was resisted by the small minority then opposed to the -Government. The debates on this occasion are worthy of notice, as many -of the arguments advanced against the appropriation, have been since -employed to defeat the bill for executing the treaty of 1831 by which -the United States were to be indemnified for the injuries inflicted on -their commerce by Napoleon. The claims against France were in both -cases pronounced _antiquated_ and _obsolete_ [_vieilles reclamations, -créances dechues_] and the fact that they had long remained unsettled, -was thus deemed sufficient to authorize their indefinite postponement. -The great diminution to which the creditors had assented, was -considered as affording strong presumption that their demands were -destitute of foundation; and the probability that many of the claims, -had been purchased at a low price by the actual holders, from the -persons with whom the contracts were originally made, was gravely -alleged as a reason for not satisfying them. The advantages secured to -France by each Convention were examined in detail, and compared with -the sums required for extinguishing the debts; and the Ministry were -in both cases censured for not having obtained more in return for -their payment. It is not surprising to hear such sentiments avowed by -men educated in the service of Napoleon, but it is painful to find -them supported by others distinguished for their literary merits, and -for their exertions in the cause of liberty. - -The bill for the appropriation of the seven millions of francs, was -passed by a large majority in both Chambers, the influence of the -Crown being at that period overwhelming. Four millions and a half were -in consequence paid within the ensuing three years to the Jewish -merchants, who having thus received the whole amount of their own -demands retired to Italy; the remaining two and a half millions were -retained by the Government of France in order to secure the discharge -of the claims of its subjects, under the treaty of 1801, which were -yet pending in the Courts of the Kingdom. At the retention of this -sum, the Dey was, or affected to be at first much surprised, and he -insisted that the Government should hasten the decisions of the -Courts; however as years passed by without any signs of approach to a -definitive settlement, his impatience became uncontrollable. Moreover -in addition to the annoyance occasioned by this constant postponement, -he was much dissatisfied, on account of the fortifications which the -French were erecting at Calle, contrary as he insisted to the -understanding between the parties at the time of its cession. To his -observations and inquiries on both these subjects he received answers -from the French Consul which were generally evasive and often -insulting, until at length wearied by delays and having strong reason -to believe that M. Deval had a personal interest in creating obstacles -to an adjustment of the difficulties, he determined to address the -French Government directly. Accordingly in 1826 he wrote a letter to -the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that country, in which after -indignantly expressing his sense of the conduct of the French -Government, in the retention of this large sum and the erection of -fortresses in the _Concessions_, he required that the remainder of the -seven millions should be immediately paid into his own hands, {3} and -that the French claimants should then submit their demands to him for -adjustment. - -No notice having been taken of the Dey's letter, the Algerine cruisers -began to search French vessels in a manner contrary to the terms of -existing treaties, and to plunder those of the Papal States which were -by a Convention to be respected as French. Besides these acts of -violence the Dey shortly after issued a proclamation declaring that -all nations would be permitted on the same terms to fish for coral -near the coasts of his Regency. M. Deval complained of these -proceedings at a public audience on the 27th of April, 1827; Hussein -in reply haughtily declared that he had been provoked to them by the -bad faith of the French, and that he should no longer allow them to -have a cannon in his territories, nor to enjoy a single peculiar -privilege; he then demanded why his letter to the French Ministry had -not been answered, and when M. Deval stated that his Government could -only communicate with that of Algiers through himself, he was so much -enraged that he seized a large fan from one of the attendants, with -which he struck the representative of France several times before he -could leave the apartment. - -As soon as the French Government was informed of this outrage, a -schooner was despatched to Algiers with orders to M. Deval to quit the -place instantly; a squadron was also sent in the same direction, under -the command of Commodore Collet who was charged to require -satisfaction from the Dey. The schooner arrived in Algiers on the 11th -of June, and M. Deval embarked in her on the same day, together with -the other French subjects resident in the place, leaving the affairs -of his office under the care of the Sardinian Consul. At the entrance -of the bay the schooner met the French squadron, consisting of a ship -of the line, two frigates and a corvette; M. Deval then joined the -Commodore, and after consultation between them as to the nature and -mode of the reparation to be demanded, the schooner was sent back to -Algiers with a note containing what was declared to be the _ultimatum_ -of the French Government. This note was presented to Hussein on the -14th; in it the Dey was required to apologize for the offence -committed against the dignity of France, by the insult to its -representative; and in order to make the apology the more striking and -complete, it was to be delivered on board the Commodore's ship, by the -Minister of Marine, in the presence of M. Deval, and of all the -foreign Consuls resident in Algiers, whose attendance was to be -requested; the French flag was then to be displayed on the Casauba and -principal forts, and M. Deval was to receive a salute of one hundred -and ten guns. - -The policy as well as the generosity of requiring such humiliating -concessions from the Government of any country, may be questioned, but -it is certainly hazardous to make the demand unless it be accompanied -by the display of a force calculated to insure immediate compliance. -Decatur indeed with a force perhaps inferior to that of Collet, -propounded terms to Omar Dey in 1815, which were really much more -onerous to Algiers than those offered on the present occasion by the -French; they were accepted, and it is therefore needless to inquire -what would have been his course in the other alternative. Collet was -not so fortunate; his demands were rejected with scorn and defiance by -Hussein, who added that if the Commodore did not within twenty-four -hours land and treat with him on the subjects in dispute between the -two nations, he should consider himself at war with France. The French -Commander did not think proper to comply with this invitation, and -declared the place in a state of blockade, under the expectation -probably that the distress produced by such a measure, might occasion -discontent and commotions which would either oblige the Dey to lower -his tone, or lead to the destruction of so refractory an enemy. -Recollecting however what had occurred at Bona in May 1816, he adopted -the precaution of sending vessels to the various establishments in the -_Concessions_, in order to bring away the Europeans who were there, -under the protection of the French flag; these vessels succeeded in -rescuing the people, who were transported to Corsica, but their -dwellings and magazines were rifled by the Bey of the Province, who -had just received orders to that effect, and the fortifications at -Calle were entirely destroyed. - -The preceding account of the circumstances which led to the war -between France and Algiers, will be found by comparison to vary -considerably from those given by the French historical writers, and to -be defective and unsatisfactory with regard to several important -particulars, which are stated by them with great apparent clearness -and confidence. To these objections, only general replies can be made; -this account has been drawn entirely from original sources, and where -they failed to supply the requisite information, silence has been -preferred to the introduction of statements on doubtful authority. The -only publications on the subject which may be termed official, are the -declarations of the French Ministers contained in the Reports of the -Debates in the Legislative Chambers, and the articles on the subject -in question inserted from time to time in the _Moniteur_, the avowed -organ of the Government. From the Algerines we have nothing. The -conventions of which the alleged non-fulfilment occasioned this -rupture have been withheld by the French Ministry; no account has been -given of the claims against Algiers brought before the French Courts, -of the causes which retarded the decisions respecting them, of the -amount demanded or awarded; without precise information as to these -particulars, it is impossible to form a correct judgment of the case. -This silence and the vagueness and reserve so apparent in the -communications of the French Government, on the subject, are certainly -calculated to create suspicions, as to its sincerity in maintaining -its engagements, and these suspicions are increased by an examination -of its conduct throughout the whole affair. - -It would be incompatible with the character or plan of these Sketches, -to give a review of the proceedings of the French Government; the -impression produced on the mind of the author, by a diligent study of -the case, is that the parties in the dispute mistrusted the intentions -of each other. The French were anxious to make permanent -establishments on the coast of Northern Africa, which Hussein who had -much more definite ideas of policy than perhaps any of his -predecessors, determined from the commencement of his reign to oppose; -before resorting to violent measures however, he wished to secure the -payment of the large debt {4} due to himself and his subjects. The -French having good reason from his conduct, to apprehend that as soon -as he had received the whole of the sum, which they had engaged to -pay, he would find some pretext to expel them from his dominions, may -have had recourse to the old expedient of withholding a part, in order -that he might be restrained from aggressions by the fear of losing it. -We have no means of ascertaining the share which M. Deval may have had -in producing or increasing the difficulties, but there is reason to -believe that it was not inconsiderable; his conduct is admitted to -have been highly imprudent and indeed improper, even by the best -French authorities, and it was condemned as dishonorable by the Dey, -as well as by the most respectable portion of the Consular body at -Algiers. - -Before entering upon the events of this war it will be proper to -advert to the situation of the other Barbary States, and to notice the -principal occurrences which transpired in them about this period. - -It would be uninteresting to recount all the attempts made by the -inferior powers of Europe to preserve peace with the Barbary -Regencies; sufficient has been said to demonstrate the vainness of the -expectation that the rulers of those states would be restrained from -any course which promised to be immediately beneficial to their -interests, by regard for engagements however solemnly taken. The King -of the Netherlands by a judicious display of firmness in 1824, -succeeded in preventing his country from being rendered tributary to -Algiers; but he, as well as the sovereigns of Sweden and Denmark, -continued to pay large annual sums to Tunis and Tripoli. - -In Tunis, no events of much importance transpired during the reign of -Mahmoud, which have not been already mentioned. The Regency continued -at peace with foreign nations, and its situation was in general -prosperous, notwithstanding the desolation produced by a plague in -1818, an extensive conspiracy headed by the Prime Minister in 1820, -and the frequent contests between the adherents of Hassan and Mustapha -the two sons of the Bey. Mahmoud at length died quietly on the 28th of -March 1824, and Hassan succeeded without opposition. - -A short time previous to the death of Mahmoud, some alterations not -very material indeed, yet favorable on the whole to the United States, -were made in the treaty concluded between their Government and that of -Tunis in 1797. One of the amended articles provides--that no American -merchant vessel shall be detained against the will of her captain in a -Tunisian port, unless such port be closed for vessels of all nations, -and that no American vessel of war should be so detained under any -circumstances. This was considered by the British Government at -variance with the terms of the engagement made with Admiral Freemantle -in 1812, by which the armed vessels of nations at war with Great -Britain were not to be suffered to leave a Tunisian port within -twenty-four hours after the sailing of a British vessel; and the -Consul was directed to ask for explanations on the subject from the -Bey. Hassan who had by this time succeeded to the throne replied -positively, that there was nothing contradictory in the two -stipulations, and that this agreement had been made with the United -States, merely in order to place them on a level with other nations. -As the British Government had thought proper to make the inquiry, it -is strange that it should have been satisfied with such an answer; -however, under the condition of things then existing and the -probabilities with respect to the future, it was certainly not worth -while to press the matter further. - -The Pasha of Tripoli, notwithstanding the treaties made with Lord -Exmouth in behalf of Sardinia and the Two Sicilies in 1816, and his -protestations to the English and French Admirals three years after, -sent out armed vessels to cruise against the commerce of the Italian -States. When complaint was made of these depredations, Yusuf replied -that the treaties were no longer binding, and that if those nations -wished to remain at peace with him, they must pay him an annual -tribute. To this insolent and unreasonable pretension, the King of -Sardinia replied by fitting out a squadron composed of two frigates, a -corvette and a brig, which sailed from Genoa in September 1825, and -arrived before Tripoli on the 25th of that month. - -Before relating the proceedings of this expedition it will be proper -to give some account of the place against which it was sent. - -The town of Tripoli stands on a rocky point of land projecting -northwardly into the Mediterranean; it is surrounded by a high and -thick wall, forming an unequal pentagon or figure of five sides of -different lengths, of which the two northern are washed by the sea, -the other three looking upon a sandy plain but partially cultivated. -The circumference of the place is about three miles, and the area -enclosed within the wall does not exceed one thousand yards square. - -The shore on the north-western side of the town is bordered by rocky -islets, which render it almost unapproachable by vessels; but in order -to secure the place effectually from attack on that quarter, a battery -has been erected on one of the islets called the French fort. The -harbor is on the north-eastern side; it is about two miles in length -and a mile in width, and is partially enclosed by a reef of rocks -extending for some distance into the sea; on these rocks are situated -the principal fortifications, and by filling up the space between -them, which could be done with but little labor, the reef might be -converted into a continued mole. The depth of water in the harbor no -where exceeds six fathoms, and great care must be taken by vessels to -avoid the numerous shoals and hidden dangers which beset the entrance; -the frigate Philadelphia struck in fourteen feet water on one of these -shoals distant three miles and a half northeast of Tripoli, and one -mile north of Kaliusa Point at the eastern extremity of the harbor. - -The fortifications of Tripoli on the land side are of no value, and -could not for an instant withstand an attack from a well appointed -force; the wall, said to have been built by Dragut, is of great height -and thickness, and provided with a rampart on which are mounted some -guns, but these pieces are generally useless from rust and want of -carriages. Towards the harbor the defences are more respectable, and -have on many occasions as already shown, preserved the place from -capture or destruction. On the shore forming the south-eastern side of -the harbor, are two forts called the Dutch and English forts, and -opposite them on the reef of rocks are two others, much larger and -stronger, {5} called the New and English forts; these have been all -constructed by European engineers, and are kept in tolerable order. - -There is but little appearance of wealth in Tripoli; the Moorish -population amounting to about fourteen thousand are in general very -poor, the trade being almost exclusively in the hands of the Jews, -whose number is about two thousand. The palace contains some -apartments possessing a certain degree of grandeur and furnished in a -costly manner principally with French articles; in the town there are -a few good stone buildings, with courts and arcades in the Italian -style; these are however chiefly occupied by the foreign Consuls and -merchants, the greater part of the inhabitants dwelling in mere hovels -of mud but one story high. The roofs of the houses are all flat, and -great care is taken to have the rain conveyed from them into cisterns, -as there is not a well or spring of fresh water in the place. - -A triumphant arch, the inscription on which denotes that it was -erected in honor of the Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius -Verus, is the only remarkable monument of antiquity in the place. It -is much defaced, nearly buried in the ground and encumbered with mean -houses; but as far as can be ascertained, it exceeds in beauty of -design, proportion and parts, any other similar relique of Roman art. - -The immediate environs of Tripoli are desert; about two or three miles -to the eastward is a rich and highly cultivated plain called the -Messeah where the Foreign Consuls and the wealthy inhabitants of the -town have their villas. - -As soon as the Sardinian squadron arrived before Tripoli, the -Cavaliere Sivori who commanded it immediately landed with some of his -officers on the guaranty of the British Consul, and had an audience -with the Pasha. Yusuf at first assured him that every thing would be -accommodated, but on the day succeeding he presented a note in which -his demand for tribute was unequivocally stated, accompanied by other -proposals equally insulting. The Cavaliere on this took his leave, and -having recommended the subjects and interests of his master to the -care of the British Consul, he retired to his ships determined to -assert the rights of his country by force. The sea was too rough at -the time to permit the approach of the ships to the town, without -danger of their being stranded; but Sivori wished to lose no time, and -to effect if possible immediately the destruction of the Pasha's -shipping; he accordingly manned a number of boats which entered the -harbor at midnight in three divisions, commanded by Lieutenant -Mamelli. The expedition was perfectly successful; a brig of twelve -guns and two schooners of six guns each were boarded and set on fire, -during a heavy cannonade from all the surrounding batteries; the men -then landed from the boats, and endeavored to force the gates of the -dock-yard and custom house, but this being found impracticable, they -retreated in good order to their ships. The next day the weather -proving more favorable, preparations were made for an attack on the -town; but Yusuf finding that he had mistaken the character of his -assailants, and not wishing to subject himself to further loss, agreed -to an adjustment, and signed a convention renewing the engagements -made to Lord Exmouth in 1816. - -The King of the Two Sicilies was less fortunate in his attempt to -bring the Pasha of Tripoli to reasonable terms. Yusuf had suspended -his demands on Naples for some time after the attack made on him by -the Sardinians, and it was supposed that he had abandoned them; -however in the beginning of 1828, he suddenly required from His -Sicilian Majesty payment of one hundred thousand dollars immediately, -and an annual tribute of five thousand more, as the price of -continuance of peace. King Francis considered the honor of his country -too precious, or the sums demanded by the Pasha too great, for he -refused to pay either present or tribute and even sent a squadron to -Tripoli to bear his reply. The Sicilian force consisted of a ship of -the line, two frigates, two corvettes, a brig, a schooner, and twelve -gun and mortar boats, and arrived off Tripoli on the 22d of August, -1828, under the command of Baron Alphonso Sosi de Caraffa, who was -authorized to treat with the Pasha respecting the future relations -between the two countries. The Commander instantly landed under proper -assurance of safety, and held a conference with the Pasha, in which he -endeavored to induce him to adhere to the treaty of 1815; Yusuf -however remained firm to his purpose, and rejected all propositions of -adjustment on other terms than those he had already offered. The -Sicilian flag was in consequence taken down from the Consulate, and -the Consul retired with the Baron on board the squadron. - -The next morning the 23d, the Sicilian squadron sailed into the -harbor, and commenced an attack on the Tripoline vessels of war, -twenty in number, which were drawn up in front of the reef of rocks, -under the guns of the New and Spanish forts. The large ships of the -squadron kept aloof from the batteries and only a few of the gun and -mortar boats approached near enough to produce any effect by their -fires. The injury sustained by either party was thus very slight, and -a storm coming up, after a desultory contest of three hours, Caraffa -thought proper to withdraw his forces, and put to sea. The storm -continued for the two succeeding days; on the 26th the attack was -resumed, but in the same inefficient manner; it was renewed on the -27th and 28th, during which the Sicilians expended a great deal of -ammunition, but to very little purpose on account of the great -distance at which their ships remained from the object of attack. At -length on the 29th, the Commodore concluded that his attempts were -likely to prove fruitless, and therefore resolved to return to Naples. - -The Tripolines behaved with great gallantry throughout the affair, -their own boats advancing frequently towards the enemy; their loss was -trifling, and only two or three shots from the Sicilians reached the -town, where they caused no damage. Immediately on the retreat of the -squadron, Yusuf sent out his cruisers which took several Sicilian -vessels, but the French Government interfered, and its Consul at -Tripoli was ordered to negotiate in favor of Naples. The Pasha could -not refuse such a mediation, and a Convention was in consequence -signed on the 28th of October, by which the former treaty was renewed, -the King of Naples however engaging to pay immediately twenty thousand -dollars to Tripoli as indemnification for the expenses occasioned by -the war. - -Yusuf had by this time become an old man, and the decay of his body -was accompanied by corresponding {6} changes in his character and -mental faculties. The firmness which had so long sustained him under -the pressure of heavy difficulties, gave place to a disposition to -temporize, inclining him to sacrifice prospects of future advantage, -in order to avert a present evil; the energy which had caused him to -be viewed with a certain degree of respect, notwithstanding his -repeated acts of treachery and violence, now exhibited itself in -undignified bursts of passion, and an insatiable desire to increase -his treasures was the only remnant of his former ambition. The -condition of the Regency had indeed been improved in many respects -during his reign; its productiveness was increased, the communications -were more easy and secure, and the affairs of internal administration, -as well as the intercourse with foreign nations, were conducted with -greater regularity and precision than before his accession. These -reforms however served as they were intended, only to advance the -personal interests of the sovereign; and the people became more -wretched as the means of oppression were thus rendered more effectual -by system. To obtain money had become the sole object of Yusuf's -plans: if he repressed the ravages of the wandering tribes, it was -only that he might levy greater contributions himself; and if the -caravans traversed his dominions with unwonted security, this -advantage was more than counterbalanced by the augmentation of duties -on their merchandize. In imitation of the Viceroy of Egypt, whom he -seems to have adopted as his model, he likewise engaged in commercial -speculations, which were productive of serious evils to his subjects. -These enterprises were generally carried on by the Pasha in -conjunction with foreigners resident in Tripoli, or through their -agency; and in order to affect the value in the market of articles -which he might wish to buy or sell, the duties on their export or -import were on several occasions suddenly raised or lowered, to the -ruin of regular merchants. Notwithstanding these arbitrary measures, -or perhaps in consequence of them, the speculations were generally -unsuccessful, and the Pasha became indebted on account of their -failure for immense sums, principally to subjects of France and -England; these creditors, when unable to obtain settlement of their -claims in any other way, were in the habit of applying to their own -Governments for relief, and the unfortunate Pasha after having been -long dunned by an overbearing Consul, was occasionally obliged to open -his treasury on the summons of an Admiral. - -These and other troubles affected the Pasha the more deeply as he -could place little confidence in those who surrounded him. Mohammed -D'Ghies whose kindness and integrity were worthy of being employed in -a better cause, still lived and bore the title of Chief Minister; but -age and blindness had long rendered him incapable of attending to -business, and the duties of his office were performed by his eldest -son Hassuna, of whom more will be said hereafter. The other ministers -and agents of the Pasha, were persons of whose unscrupulous character -he must have received too many evidences, to have supposed them -attached to him by any other ties than their interests. - -In the members of his own family Yusuf could place but little -reliance; he whose youth had been signalized by the murder of his -brother and rebellion against his father, could with an ill grace -recommend fraternal affection among his children, or require of them -obedience to his own authority. The attempt made by his eldest son -Mohammed in 1816 to obtain possession of the throne has been already -noticed; this wretch continued for ten years after his pardon in a -species of exile, as Governor of Derne, while his next brother Ahmed -enjoyed the title of Bey of the Regency, and was regarded as the -probable successor to the crown. Ahmed however dying suddenly, -Mohammed organized another conspiracy in his province, with a view to -the overthrow of his father, which attempt proving like the former one -unsuccessful, he again fled to Egypt where he died in 1829. Mohammed -left in Tripoli a son named Emhammed who would have been the regular -heir to the crown according to the customs of succession in Europe; -but primogeniture is for various reasons little regarded in Oriental -countries, and the reigning sovereign usually favors the pretensions -of the son to whom he is the most attached, or whom he considers most -capable of maintaining possession of the inheritance. For one or both -of these reasons, Yusuf thought proper to set aside Emhammed, and to -designate his own next surviving son Ali as the future Pasha of -Tripoli; this prince was accordingly on the death of Ahmed, invested -with the title of Bey, which gave him command of the troops, and in -order to increase his wealth and influence, he was married to the -daughter of the Chief Minister D'Ghies. These marks of favor only -served to render Ali more impatient to enjoy the prize which they were -intended to insure to him, and while waiting an opportunity to seize -it, he gratified his own avarice by extorting as much money as he -could from the people, through the aid of his myrmidons. The -inhabitants thus suffering from the violent and arbitrary exactions of -the Bey, in addition to the taxes and duties imposed on them by the -Pasha, were frequently driven into rebellions, the suppressions of -which by increasing the public expenses increased the miseries of the -country. - -In addition to these difficulties, Yusuf was tormented by the quarrels -and jealousies of the Foreign Consuls residing in his capital, and by -their interference in the affairs of his Government. Quarrels and -jealousies are naturally to be expected among the members of a -diplomatic corps, particularly of one in which all bear the same title -and are nominally equal, while the influence possessed by each is -generally commensurate with the power of the country which he -represents. Thus the Consuls of France and England in Barbary have -ever considered themselves superior to the representatives of other -states, and have ever been rivals, each demanding the precedence on -public occasions, and claiming a host of exclusive privileges either -on the strength of treaties, or of custom. Their claims to superiority -both in rank and privileges have been generally allowed by their -European colleagues who according to circumstances range themselves -under the banner of one or the other of these potentates; the Consuls -of the United States have however uniformly refused to admit any -inferiority on their own part, demanding for themselves the enjoyment -of every substantial right granted to the representative of any other -power, and abstaining from appearance on occasions of ceremony, in -which a preference unfavorable to themselves may be manifested. - -{7} In Algiers and Tunis, these disputes seldom attracted the notice -of the Government, and the influence which a Consul could exercise in -either of those Regencies, was scarcely worth the sums which must be -paid for it. In Tripoli however, and especially since 1815, the agents -of Great Britain and France have each endeavored to obtain a degree of -control in the affairs of the state. Colonel Warrington who has -represented Great Britain during that period, is well calculated by -his general intelligence and the inflexible resolution of his -character to acquire this superiority; and having been always -supported by his Government, many of his demands have been instantly -complied with, which would otherwise have been regarded merely as the -ebullitions of arrogance and presumption. On the slightest resistance -to his wishes, the ships of war of his nation appeared in the harbor, -the Minister who offended him sat uneasy in his place, and every -aggression committed by a Tripoline upon the honor or interests of -Great Britain, was speedily and severely punished. - -The possession of such powers by the representative of Great Britain, -would certainly not be regarded with indifference by France; as it is -not so convenient however, to send squadrons on all occasions to the -aid of the Consul, he is obliged to rely the more on his own -resources. The French Consuls in Barbary and the East are generally -persons who have been educated for the purpose, either in the embassy -at Constantinople, or at some consulate in those countries. With -regard to the propriety of such selections, experience seems to have -shown that the advantages of acquaintance with the customs and -languages of the Eastern nations, are more than counterbalanced by the -loss of honorable feelings, and the disregard of moral restraints -which frequently result from this mode of acquiring them. Whether -Baron Rousseau who was for many years Consul of France in Tripoli, was -trained in one of these schools, it is needless to inquire, but he -appears to have displayed during his residence in that Regency, a -talent and a disposition for intrigue, which would have done honor to -the most accomplished drogaman of Pera. Between him and Warrington -there was a constant struggle for influence, and the Pasha was -alternately annoyed by the overbearing dictation of the British -Consul, and the wily manoeuvres of Rousseau. - -One of the most frequent causes of difficulties between the -Governments of Barbary and the Consuls of Foreign Powers, is the right -claimed by the latter to protect all persons within the walls of their -residence. In those countries it is absolutely requisite for the -security of the Consul and for the discharge of his duties, that the -persons in his employ should not be subjected to the despotism of the -Government, nor to the doubtful decisions of the tribunals; and -provisions to that effect are generally inserted in the treaties -between Christian nations and those of Barbary. The Consuls however -insist that the privilege should extend to the protection not only of -their families, servants and countrymen, but also of all other persons -under their roof; and the most abandoned criminals having entered such -a sanctuary, are thus frequently screened from punishment. This -privilege is productive of inconvenience not only to the Government -but also to the Consuls whom it frequently involves in difficulties; -the representatives of the inferior powers therefore seldom attempt to -maintain it, but generally surrender the fugitive, if a native of the -country, to the Government, or oblige him to quit their dwelling, -rather than subject themselves to the hazard of having it invaded by -force; those of Great Britain and France on the contrary, make it a -point of honor not to yield, except in cases where the fugitive has -injured some one of their colleagues or his guilt is clearly proved; -and even then they have frequently required assurances that he should -be pardoned, or that his punishment should be mitigated. A -circumstance of this nature occurred in 1829 which brought these two -parties in direct and open collision, and for a time involved the -Consul of the United States in difficulties with the Government of -Tripoli; the affair was originally of a private nature, but has -ultimately produced the most serious changes in the situation of the -Regency. - -It is well known that many efforts have been made during the last -forty years, by individuals and by some European Governments, to -obtain information respecting the interior of the African Continent; -we are all familiar with the names and adventures of Ledyard, Parke, -Burckhardt, Denham, Clapperton, Laing, Lander and others, whose labors -have been important from the light thrown by them on the subject of -their researches, and still more so as exhibiting instances of -perseverance and moral courage with which the annals of warfare offer -few parallels. Several of these heroic travellers took their departure -from Tripoli, as the communications between that place and the regions -which they desired to explore are comparatively easy and safe; and the -Pasha, whether actuated by the expectation of obtaining some advantage -from their discoveries, or by more laudable motives, appears from -their accounts to have used every exertion to facilitate their -movements. They likewise concur in expressing their gratitude and -respect for Mohammed D'Ghies, who entertained them all hospitably in -Tripoli and furnished them with letters of credit and introduction, -which, says Denham, "were always duly honored throughout Northern -Africa." - -Hassuna and Mohammed D'Ghies the two sons of this respectable person, -are also mentioned in terms of high commendation by many who visited -Tripoli. Hassuna the elder was educated in France, and afterwards -spent some time in England where he was much noticed in high circles, -notwithstanding the assertion of the Quarterly Review to the contrary; -on his return to his native country, he for some time conducted the -affairs of his father's commercial house, and afterwards those of his -ministerial office, in which he was distinguished for his attention to -business and his apparent desire to advance the welfare of his -country. Mohammed the younger son was brought up under the eye of his -father at home; Captain Beechy of the British Navy who spent some time -at Tripoli in 1822 while employed in surveying the adjacent coast, -describes him as "an excellent young man," and as "an admirable -example of true devotion to the religion of his country, united with -the more extended and liberal feelings of Europeans. He daily visits -the public school where young boys are taught to read the Koran, and -superintends the charitable distribution of food which the bounty of -his father provides for the poor who daily present themselves at his -gate. Besides his {8} acquaintance with English and French he is able -to converse with the slaves of the family in several languages of the -interior of Africa," &c. He was subsequently employed also in public -affairs, and became the intimate confident of his brother-in-law the -Bey Ali. - -On the 17th of July 1825, Major Gordon Laing of the British Army a -son-in-law of Consul Warrington, quitted Tripoli with the intention of -penetrating if possible directly to Tombuctoo, and thence descending -the river which is said to flow near that city, to its termination. He -was amply supplied with letters by the D'Ghies family; and orders were -sent to the governors and chiefs of places on his route, which were -subject to the Pasha to aid him by every means in the prosecution of -his journey, and to forward his letters and journals to Tripoli. For -some time after his departure his communications were regularly -received and bills drawn by him at various places were presented at -Tripoli for payment. From these accounts it appears, that taking a -south-western course he arrived on the 13th of September at Ghadamis a -town of considerable trade situated in an _oasis_ about five hundred -miles from Tripoli; thence he passed to Einsalah in the country of the -Tuaricks (a fierce race of wanderers) which he reached on the 3d of -December and left on the 10th of January 1826. His journals up to this -date were regularly received; from his few subsequent letters we learn -that during the month of February, the caravan with which he travelled -was suddenly attacked in the night by a band of Tuaricks, who had for -some days accompanied them; many persons of the caravan were killed -and the Major was dreadfully wounded, but he escaped and arrived at -Tombuctoo on the 18th of August. At this place he had remained five -weeks when Boubokar the Governor of the town who had previously -treated him with favor, suddenly urged him to depart immediately, -stating that he had received a letter from Bello the Sultan of the -Foulahs a Prince of great power in the vicinity of Tombuctoo, -expressing the strongest hostility to the stranger; Laing accordingly -quitted Tombuctoo on the 22d of September, in company with Burbushi an -Arab Sheik who had engaged to conduct him in safety to Arouan, distant -about three hundred miles to the northward. - -After this date nothing farther was heard from the traveller, no more -of his bills were presented for payment at Tripoli, and Mr. Warrington -becoming uneasy prevailed on the Pasha to have inquiries made -respecting him. Messengers were accordingly despatched southward in -various directions, one of whom on his return in the spring of 1827 -brought an account that the Christian had been murdered soon after -leaving Tombuctoo, by a party despatched from that place for the -purpose. This statement was confirmed by all the other messengers on -their return, and it was confidently repeated in a long article on the -subject published in a Paris Journal, which gave the Prime Minister of -Tripoli as authority. The other caravans and travellers however from -the South contradicted these reports, and Hassuna D'Ghies on being -questioned respecting the account driven in the Paris Journal, denied -that he had supplied such information and asserted his total disbelief -of the story. These and other circumstances induced Mr. Warrington to -suspect that the Pasha or his Minister had for some interested motive -suppressed Laing's communications; at his request therefore, the -Commander of the British squadron in the Mediterranean sent a ship of -war to Tripoli to give Yusuf notice that as the traveller had -proceeded to the interior under his protection, he should hold him -responsible for his safety, or at least for the delivery of his -property and papers. This intimation was certainly of a most -unreasonable character; the Pasha however could only exert himself to -avert the threatened evil, by endeavoring to discover the traveller -and at all events to disprove any unfair dealings or bad intentions on -his own part with regard to him. - -All doubts respecting the fate of the British traveller were however -dispelled by the return to Tripoli of the servant who had accompanied -him; from the statements of this man it was clearly ascertained, that -the unfortunate Laing had been murdered in his sleep by his Arab -conductor Burbushi on the third night after their departure from -Tombuctoo, that is on the 25th of September 1826. - -Some time after receiving this melancholy news, the British Consul was -induced to believe that papers which were sent by his son-in-law from -Tombuctoo, had actually arrived in Tripoli; and in the course of the -investigations which he made in consequence, a suspicion was awakened -in his mind that they had been secreted by Hassuna D'Ghies, in order -to conceal some gross treachery or misconduct on his part. Under this -impression Mr. Warrington urged the Pasha to have the papers secured, -and not being satisfied with the means used for the purpose, he -finally struck his flag, and declared that all official intercourse -between himself and the Government of Tripoli, would be suspended -until they were produced. - -To avert the evils which might result from this measure, Yusuf labored -diligently, and in the spring of 1829 he intercepted some letters sent -from Ghadamis to Hassuna, which indicated a means of unravelling the -mystery. Pursuing his inquiries farther, he became fully convinced of -the perfidy of his Minister, and at length he declared to a friend of -the British Consul, that two sealed packages sent by Laing from -Tombuctoo, had been received by Hassuna and delivered by him to the -French Consul in consideration of the abatement of forty per cent. in -the amount of a large debt due by him to some French subjects. The -fact of the receipt of the papers by Hassuna was to be proved by the -evidence of the Courier who brought them from Ghadamis, and of other -persons daily expected in Tripoli; the remainder of the Pasha's -strange statement appears to have been founded entirely on a written -deposition to that effect, of Mohammed D'Ghies the younger brother of -the accused Minister, which was said to have been made in the presence -of the Bey Ali and of Hadji Massen the Governor of the city. - -On the strength of this declaration, Mr. Warrington insisted on the -immediate apprehension of Hassuna, but he having received timely -warning fled for refuge on the 20th of July, to the house of Mr. Coxe -the American Consul; and immediately after to the surprise of all -concerned, it was found that his brother Mohammed had likewise sought -an asylum under the roof of Baron Rousseau. - - -{9} - - -OCTOBER. - -October in New England is perhaps the most beautiful--certainly the -most magnificent month in the year. The peculiar brilliancy of the -skies and purity of the atmosphere,--the rich and variegated colors of -the forest trees, and the deep, bright dyes of the flowers, are -unequalled by any thing in the other seasons of the year; but the ruin -wrought among the flowers by one night of those severe frosts which -occur at the latter end of the month, after a day of cloudless and -intense sunshine, can scarcely be imagined by one not familiar with -the scene. - - - Thou'rt here again, October, with that queenly look of thine-- - All gorgeous thine apparel and all golden thy sunshine-- - So brilliant and so beautiful--'tis like a fairy show-- - The earth in such a splendid garb, the heav'ns in such a glow. - - 'Tis not the loveliness of Spring--the roses and the birds, - Nor Summer's soft luxuriance and her lightsome laughing words; - Yet not the fresh Spring's loveliness, nor Summer's mellow glee - Come o'er my spirit like the charm that's spread abroad by thee. - - The gaily-mottled woods that shine--all crimson, drab, and gold, - With fascination strong the mind in pensive musings hold, - And the rays of glorious sunshine there in saddening lustre fall-- - 'Tis the funeral pageant of a king with his gold and crimson pall. - - Thou'rt like the Indian matron, who adorns her baby fair, - E'er she gives it to the Ganges' flood, all bright, to perish there; - Thou callest out the trusting buds with the lustre of thy sky, - And clothest them in hues of Heaven all gloriously--to die. - - Thou'rt like the tyrant lover, wooing soft his gentle bride-- - Anon the fit of passion comes--and her smitten heart hath died; - The tyrant's smile may come again, and thy cheering noonday skies, - But smitten hearts and flowers are woo'd, in vain, again to rise. - - * * * * * - - Thy reign was short, thou Beautiful, but they were despot's hours-- - The gold leaves met the forest ground, and fallen are the flowers; - Ah, 'tis the bitterness of earth, that fairest, goodliest show, - Comes to the heart deceitfully, and leaves the deeper wo. - -ELIZA. - -_Maine_. - - - - -MOTHER AND CHILD. - - -CHILD. - Where, mother, where have the fire-flies been - All the day long, that their light was not seen? - -MOTHER. - They've been 'mong the flowers and flown through the air, - But could not be seen--for the sunshine was there. - And thus, little girl, in thy morning's first light, - There are many things hid from thy mind's dazzled sight, - Which the ev'ning of life will too clearly reveal, - And teach thee to see--or, it may be, to feel. - -CHILD. - Where, mother, where will the fire-flies go - When the chilling snows fall and the winter winds blow? - -MOTHER. - The tempest o'ercomes them, but cannot destroy: - For the spring time awakes them to sunshine and joy. - And thus, little girl, when life's seasons are o'er, - And thy joys and thy hopes and thy griefs are no more, - May'st thou rise from death's slumbers to high worlds of light, - Where all things are joyous, and all things are bright. - -IMOGENE. - - - - -LINES - -Written on one of the blank leaves of a book sent to a friend in -England. - - - As he who sails afar on southern seas, - Catches rich odor on the evening breeze, - Turns to the shore whence comes the perfum'd air, - And knows, though all unseen, some flower is there-- - - Thus, when o'er ocean's wave these pages greet - Thine eye, with many a line from minstrel sweet, - Think of Virginia's clime far off and fair, - And know, though all unseen, a friend is there. - -IMOGENE. - - - - -THE BROKEN HEART. - - - ... The morning dew-drop, - With all its pearliness and diamond form - Vanisheth. - - * * * * * - - ... She turned her from the gate, and walked - As quietly into her father's hall, - As though her lover had been true. No trace - Of disappointment or of hate was found - Upon the maiden's brow: but settled calm, - And dignity unequalled. And they spoke - To her, and she did mildly answer them - And smiled: and smiling, seem'd so like an angel, - That you would think the man who could desert - A form so lovely, after he had won - Her warm affections, must be more than demon. - - And though she shrunk not from the love of those - Who were around her, and was never found - In fretful mood--yet did they soon discover - The rosy tinge upon her youthful cheek - Concentrate all its radiance into one - Untimely spot, and her too delicate frame - Wither away beneath the false one's power. - But lovelier yet, and brighter still she grew - Though Death was near at hand--as the moon looks - Most lovely as she sinks within the sea. - Her fond devoted parents watch with care - The fatal enemy: friends and physicians - Exert their skill most faithfully. Alas! - Could Love or Friendship bind a broken heart, - The fading flower might be recalled to life. - - * * * * * - - She's gone, where she will chant the melody - Of Seraphim _and live_--beyond the power - Of the base. Then weep not, childless parents, weep not,-- - But think to meet her soon. Her smile is yet - More lovely now than when a child of earth: - For she has caught the ray of dazzling glory - And sweet divinity, that beams all bright - Upon her Saviour's face; and waits to cast - That smile on thee. - -ELIZA - -_Richmond, Va._ - - - - -HALLEY'S COMET--1760. - -BY MISS E. DRAPER. - - - Good George the Third was sitting on his throne-- - His limbs were healthy, and his wits were sound; - In gorgeous state St. James's palace shone-- - And bending courtiers gather'd thick around - The new made monarch and his German bride, - Who sat in royal splendor side by side. - - Pitt was haranguing in the House of Lords-- - Blair in the Pulpit--Blackstone at the Bar-- - Garrick and Foote upon the Thespian boards-- {10} - And pious Whitfield in the open air-- - While nervous Cowper, shunning public cares, - Sat in his study, fattening up his hares. - - Sterne was correcting proof-sheets--Edmund Burke - Planning a register--Goldsmith and Hume - Scribbling their histories--and hard at work - Was honest Johnson; close at hand were some - Impatient creditors, to urge the sale - Of his new book, the Abyssinian tale. - - Italia smiled beneath her sunny skies-- - Her matchless works were in her classic walls; - They had not gone to feast the Frenchman's eyes-- - They had not gone to fill Parisian halls: - The Swiss was in his native Canton free, - And Francis mildly ruled in Germany. - - Adolphus reigned in Sweden; the renown - Of Denmark's Frederic overawed her foes; - A gentle Empress wore the Russian crown; - Amid the gilded domes of Moscow rose - The ancient palace of her mighty Czars, - Adorn'd with trophies of their glorious wars. - - Altho' the glory of the Pole was stain'd, - Still Warsaw glitter'd with a courtly train, - And o'er her land Augustus Frederic reign'd; - Joseph in Portugal, and Charles in Spain-- - Louis in France, while in imperial state - O'er Prussia's realm ruled Frederic the Great. - - In gloomy grandeur, on the Ottoman throne - Sat proud Mustapha. Kerim Khan was great - Amid fair Persia's sons; his sword was one - That served a friend, but crush'd a rival's hate: - O'er ancient China, and her countless throng, - Reign'd the bold Tartar mighty Kian Long. - - America then held a common horde - Of strange adventurers; with bloody blade - The Frenchman ruled--the Englishman was lord-- - The haughty Spaniard, o'er his conquests sway'd-- - While the wild Indian, driven from his home, - Ranged far and lawless, in the forest's gloom. - - Thus was the world when last yon Comet blazed - Above our earth. On its celestial light - Proudly the free American may gaze: - Nations that last beheld its rapid flight - Are fading fast; the rest no more are known, - While his has risen to a mighty one. - - - - -EXTRACTS FROM MY MEXICAN JOURNAL. - -Mexico--Procession of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios--Visit to the -Country--Society and Manners in Mexico--Climate. - - -20th June, 1825. Since our arrival on the 25th May, my occupations -have been such as to prevent my seeing many of the _lions_ of Mexico. -I have, however, walked through the principal streets, and visited -most of the churches, of which some are very rich and splendid--some -are ancient and venerable--others are fine and gaudy--while a few of -the more modern are extremely neat and handsome. The churches are -numerous: these, with the convents, occupy almost every alternate -square of the city; but with all this show of religion, there is a -proportionate degree of vice among its population. - -The city is, indeed, magnificent; many of the buildings are spacious. -The streets are not wide, but well paved--clean in the most -frequented, but excessively filthy in the more remote parts, and -thronged with dirty, diseased, deformed, and half naked creatures. -Disgusting sights every moment present themselves. At the corners of -every street--each square is called a street, and bears a distinct -name,--at the doors of the churches which you must be passing -constantly in your walks--and sometimes in the areas of the private -residences, you are importuned by miserable beggars, some of whom, not -satisfied with a modest refusal, chase you into charity, which you are -not assured is well bestowed. - -We meet in the streets very few well dressed people; the ladies seldom -walk, except to mass early in the morning, when some pretty faces are -seen. - -Such is the character of the street-population of Mexico. So much -filth, so much vice, so much ignorance are rarely found elsewhere -combined. Those who have seen the lazzaroni of Naples, may form a -faint idea of the _leperos_ of Mexico. - -The _leperos_ are most dexterous thieves--none can be more expert in -relieving you of your pocket handkerchief; it is unsafe to trust them -within your doors. I knew an American who had his hat stolen from -under the bench on which he was seated in the Cathedral listening to a -sermon![1] - -[Footnote 1: A very ingenious theft by one of this class was mentioned -to me by an American who was present when it took place. At a fair in -the interior of the country, two Americans were seated on a bench -engaged in conversation, one of them having his hat by his side with -his hand upon it for its protection. Talking earnestly he occasionally -uplifted his hand from the hat. On his rising from his seat, he was -surprised to find in his hand not his own beaver, but an inferior one -which had been substituted for it. At an incautious moment he had -ceased to guard it; a hat was there when he put down his hand--but it -was not his own.] - -They are superstitious, too, almost to idolatry. I may here include -with them the better class of people also. The recent reception of the -image of _Nuestra Senora de los Remedios_, (Our Lady of Remedies,) I -give as evidence of the justice of this remark. Her history is briefly -this. She is a deity of Spanish origin--the more highly esteemed Lady -of _Guadalupe_--the patron saint of Mexico, is indigenous. She -accompanied the conquerors to the city of _Muteczuma_[2]--was lost in -their disastrous retreat on the celebrated _noche triste_--was found -some years afterwards, in 1540, seated in a _maguey_, by an Indian, -_Juan de Aguila_, who carried her to his dwelling, and fed her with -_tortillas_, (Indian corn-cakes,) which were regularly deposited in -the chest where she was kept. Suddenly she fled, and was discovered on -the spot where her temple now stands--the place to which Cortes -retreated on the night of his flight from the city. It is an eminence -to the west of Mexico, distant about five miles. - -[Footnote 2: Cortés, in his Letters, writes the name of the Emperor of -Mexico, _Muteczuma_. Humboldt says, I know not on what authority, that -_Moteuczoma_ was his name. The English historians always call him -Montezuma.] - -This identical image, they say, still exists--it is about eight inches -in height--it is richly decorated. It is believed to possess the power -of bringing rain, and of staying the ravages of disease. - -{11} For many days previous to her entrance into the city, great -preparations had been made. On the 11th inst. she was conveyed from -her sanctuary in the President's coach, which was driven by a nobleman -of the old regime, the _Marques de Salvatierra_, bare headed, and -attended by a large number of coaches, and crowds of people on foot, -to the _parroquia de Santa Vera Cruz_, a church just within the limits -of the city. Here, as is usual, she was to rest one night, and on the -following evening to proceed to the Cathedral. Before the appointed -time, the streets leading to it were covered with canopies of canvass; -draperies were suspended from every balcony, and strings of shawls and -handkerchiefs stretched across, were seen fluttering in the wind. A -regiment of troops marched out to form her escort, and thousands -flocked to join her train. But a heavy rain began to fall, and the -procession was necessarily postponed, the populace being delighted to -find that the intercession of Our Lady was of so much avail, and their -faith strengthened at the trifling expense of wet jackets. The -procession was now appointed for an early hour the next _morning_, (a -_prudent_ arrangement, for it rains, in course, every evening, the -rainy season having commenced,) and preparations were again made with -increased zeal, proportionate with the gratitude felt at so prompt a -dispensation of her Ladyship's favors. Two regiments of infantry and -one of cavalry now composed the escort. The concourse of people was -immense. Wax tapers, lanterns, candle-boxes, flags, and all the -frippery of the churches were carried to grace the occasion; children -dressed fantastically, with wings, and gay decorations upon their -heads, but barefooted, with tapers in their hands, were led by their -parents or nurses to take part in the pageant. - -After the procession was formed, a discharge of artillery announced -the departure of the holy image from the church, in which she had -until now rested. The advance was a corps of cavalry, followed by -flocks of ragged Indians, by respectable citizens and the civil -authorities, all bearing lighted wax tapers; then followed the -numerous religious orders, each order preceded by an Indian carrying -on his back a huge mahogany candle-box; the higher dignitaries of the -order, with their hands meekly folded on their breasts, each attended -by two assistants, bringing up the rear of Carmelites, Augustines, -Franciscans, Dominicans, and Mercedarians; next these were other -Indians, followed by the _angelic_ little children, who strew roses -before the object of their adoration, _La Santa Virgen de los -Remedios_, who stands majestically under a canopy, richly clothed, and -surrounded by gilded ornaments, supported by four men. As she passed, -the people who crowded the streets, and all who fill the windows under -which she is carried, knelt, and roses are showered upon her from the -roofs of the houses. Next her was another canopy, under which the Host -was carried, to which the people also knelt. The troops brought up the -rear, escorting Our Lady to the Cathedral, where she remains nine -days. If it rain during this time, it is ascribed to her influence. If -rain precede her entrance, it is because she was to be brought into -the city; and if it follow her departure, it is the consequence of her -late presence. The miracle, of course, never fails. After the rainy -season has set in, she is introduced annually for the idolatrous -worship of this ignorant, superstitious people--not only the -_canaille_, but also the most respectable portion of the community. - -14th August, 1825. I returned to the city yesterday after an excursion -of a week in the vicinity of _Chalco_, about twenty-five or thirty -miles distant. We were invited by an acquaintance to his _hacienda_, -where he promised fine sport with our guns. Not content with abundance -of deer, we were to return with the spoils of sundry wild animals, -such as wild-cats, bears, panthers, wolves and tigers. Prepared for -ferocious contests, we set out with all the eagerness of huntsmen who -feast in their imagination on their slaughtered prey. But in fact, -though to hunt was our ostensible object, from which we expected -little, although entertained by our friend with extravagant hopes, we -left the city chiefly for the purpose of exercise, of viewing the -country, and avoiding the water, which, at this season of the year, -impregnated with the soda which the heavy rains disengage from the -soil, deals sadly with strangers. - -A ride of five or six hours brought us to the _hacienda_. This, I have -elsewhere said, is a country seat, generally of large extent, with a -chapel forming a part of the building, and surrounded by the reed or -mud huts of the Indians, who are the laborers, or, as it were, vassals -of the estate. A plain, thickly strewed with these _haciendas_, -presents the appearance of numerous villages, each with its steeple -and bell. The buildings are hollow squares, extensive and commodious, -and embracing in their several ranges the usual conveniences of a -farm, such as stables, and yards for poultry, sheep and cattle. They -all have a look of antiquity, of strength and durability, which, at a -distance, is imposing; but on nearer view, they are commonly found -dilapidated, and devoid of neatness, and destitute of the garden and -the orchard, which give so much the appearance of comfort to the -country houses of the United States. - -This is their general character, as far as I have seen them, and such -was the commodious dwelling to which we were now hospitably invited. -It bore the air of tattered grandeur--in its dimensions and in its -ruined state showing marks of pristine elegance. It was partially -fortified, as were most of them, during the revolution, for protection -from lawless depredation, and from the numerous bands of banditti who -then roamed through the country, and were royalists or republicans, as -was most expedient to accomplish their designs. Even at this time, -these defences are esteemed necessary to ensure safety from the -robbers who have escaped the vigilance of government by concealing -themselves in the adjacent mountains. - -On the day of our arrival nothing occurred particularly to attract our -notice, except that, after the conclusion of dinner, the tall Indian -waiter fell upon his knees in the middle of the room and gave -thanks--a custom common, I am told, in the country. To our surprise, -this was not repeated. He was either told that we were heretics, (as -all foreigners are designated) or was deterred because some of our -Catholic friends were less devout on the occasion than was to be -expected from them. - -It may not be amiss here to mention, that the dinner table of the -Mexicans is of indefinite length, always standing in the eating room. -One end only is {12} commonly used. The seat of honor is at the head, -where the most distinguished and most honored guest is always placed; -the rest arrange themselves according to their rank and consequence; -the dependants occupying the lowest seats. - -After a cup of chocolate at six o'clock the next morning, we went in -pursuit of game, and roamed through the hills and mountains which are -contiguous, meeting with very little success. At about twelve we -partook of our breakfast, which was brought to us more than two -leagues from the _hacienda_--after which we prosecuted our hunt. Our -sole reward was a heavy shower of rain--and between four and five we -returned to the _hacienda_, well wearied, having walked at least -twelve miles over steep mountains. - -On the following day we set out with our mules, &c. to try our fortune -higher up the mountains, and after a ride of between three and four -hours, reached a herdsman's hut, where we were to lodge at night. We -were unsuccessful in finding game in the evening, and after a -laborious search for deer, sought our hut--a log building, about -fifteen feet square, in which twelve of us, men, women and children, -stowed ourselves. Annoyed by fleas, and almost frozen by the chill -mountain air, within two leagues of the snow-crowned _Iztaccihuatl_, -we passed a sleepless night. - -Early next morning, whilst others of the party engaged in hunting for -deer, with two companions I ascended the highest peak of this range, -(except those covered with snow,) with great labor and fatigue; but we -were compensated amply by the grand view beneath and around us. The -adjoining peak to the south of us was the _Iztaccihuatl_, about a -league distant. We felt very sensibly the influence of its snow. -Beyond this, the _Popocatepetl_ raised its lofty cone, while far in -the southeast appeared _Orizaba_, around whose crest the clouds were -just then gathering. The plains of _Puebla_ and _Mexico_ are on -opposite sides of this seemingly interminable ridge on which we stood. -From the latter, the clouds, which we had been long admiring far -beneath us, hiding the world from our view, were gradually curling, -and disclosed the distant capital with its adjoining lakes and -isolated hills. The chilling wind drove us from our height, but in -descending we often rested to enjoy a scene which the eyes never tire -in beholding. - -In the evening, we left the mountain for the _hacienda_, where we -spent another day. Our friends were extremely kind to us, and -regretted more than ourselves our ill success in quest of game. Being -little of a sportsman, to me it was a trifling disappointment. I -enjoyed abundant gratification in seeing the country, its people and -manner of living. Whatever may be said of the bad blood of the -Mexicans, I cannot but view them as a mild and amiable people--nature -has bestowed her bounties liberally upon them: for their state of -degradation and ignorance they are indebted not to any natural -deficiencies of their own, but to the miserable and timid policy of -their former Spanish masters. They are superstitious, but this arises -from their education; they are jealous of strangers--the policy of -Spain made them so; and they are ignorant, for in ignorance alone -could they be retained in blind subjection to the mother country. If -they are vicious, their vices arise from their ignorance of what is -virtuous--of what is ennobling. They are indolent because they are not -permitted to enjoy the fruits of industry, and nature supplies their -wants so bountifully, they are compelled to exert themselves but -little. - -These are in fact serious defects, but the improvement of the Mexican -people is daily taking place. They are beginning to be enlightened -with the rays of the rising sun of liberty; and after the present -generation has passed away, the succeeding one will exhibit those -political and moral virtues, which are the offspring of freedom. The -effects of a daily increasing intercourse with foreigners are even now -perceptible, and lead me to believe, that, before many years roll -over, a wonderful change must take place. Society, too, will improve: -ladies will no longer gormandize or smoke--will discover that it is -vulgar to attend cock-fights, and will bestow, with increased regard -for their personal appearance, greater attention upon the cultivation -of their minds. - -In Mexico, there are few parties, either at dinner, or in the evening. -None will suit but great balls, and these must occur seldom, else none -but the wealthy can attend them, so expensive are the decorations and -dresses of the ladies. They esteem it extremely vulgar to wear the -same ball-dress more than once. Society is cut up into small -_tertulias_ or parties of intimate acquaintances, who meet invariably -at the same house, and talk, play the piano, sing, dance, and smoke at -their ease and pleasure. - -Sometimes I attend the Theatre. This is divided into boxes, which -families hire for a year. If the play be uninteresting, they visit -each other's box, and pass the evening in conversation. It is -diverting to observe the gentlemen take from their pockets a flint and -steel for the purpose of lighting their cigars, and then to extend the -favor of a light to the ladies; and sometimes the whole theatre seems -as if filled with fire-flies. - -Immediately on rising, a Mexican takes a small cup of chocolate with a -little bread and a glass of water. At ten, they take what they call -breakfast--it is in fact equivalent to a dinner, consisting not of tea -or coffee, but of meats, sweetmeats and wine. At about three, dinner -is served. At six or seven, they again take chocolate; and at ten, an -enormous supper is laid of hot meats, &c. equal to a third dinner. At -these meals, three or four dishes of meats, with very few vegetables, -are brought on in various courses--the _olla podrida_, a mixture of -meats, fruits, and vegetables boiled together--always constitutes a -part of the first course--_frijoles_--beans boiled--invariably precede -the sweetmeats, of which the Mexicans are extremely fond. Perhaps this -is the reason why good teeth are seldom seen in Mexico. - - * * * * * - -23d November, 1825. I have stated that few parties are given in -Mexico. Balls are sometimes held by the American and English -Legations. If, on these occasions, fifty ladies attend, it is -considered a prodigious number to assemble together. The expenses of -preparation which they incur are enormous, and deter many, however -devoted they may be to pleasure, from partaking in frequent diversions -of this kind. Society, too, has not acquired that equilibrium which -the democratical institutions of the country must produce eventually. -A powerful aristocracy, as may reasonably be supposed, still exists in -the capital--time alone will level this--it will die with the present -generation, taking for granted {13} that the republicanism of Mexico -will be permanent. Aristocracy, of course, reduces the highest class -of society to a limited number, so that a large assemblage of ladies -here would be thought small in the United States. - -At whatever hour you invite company, it will not collect before nine, -and the most fashionable appear between ten and eleven. The music soon -invites them to the waltz, or to the Spanish country-dance, both of -which are graceful, and perhaps voluptuous, when danced, as in Mexico, -to the music of guitars or of bandolines. They dance upon brick -floors--there are none other in Mexican houses--generally bare, but -foreigners have introduced the more comfortable fashion of covering -them with canvass; and as the steps are simple, without the hopping -and restlessness of our cotillons or quadrilles, it is not so -unpleasant as would be supposed; they glide over the pavement without -much exertion. The dancing continues, not uninterruptedly as with us, -but at intervals, until twelve o'clock, when the ladies are conducted -to the supper table, which must be loaded with substantial as well as -sweet things. After supper, dancing is continued, and the company -begins to disperse between one and two in the morning, and sometimes -not until near daybreak. - -None of the wealthy families have followed the example set them by -foreigners. They give no balls or dinners. Although I have now been -here six months, I have never dined in a Mexican house in the city. -Their hospitality consists in this: they place their houses and all -they possess at your disposal, and are the better pleased the oftener -you visit them, but they rarely, if ever, offer you refreshments of -any kind. It is said that they are gratified if you will dine with -them unceremoniously, but they never invite you. - -31st December, 1825. I can scarcely persuade myself that to-morrow -will be New-Year's day. The weather is most delightful. We are now -sitting with our windows open--at night too. About a fortnight ago the -mornings were uncomfortably cool; but the sun at mid-day is always -hot. What a delightful climate! And we are now eating the fruits of a -northern mid-summer. We have always had fresh oranges since our -arrival. A week since we had green peas; and to-day five different -kinds of fruit appeared upon our table--oranges, apples, walnuts, -_granadites de China_, and _chirimoyas_--the last, _la reina de los -frutos_, (the queen of fruit,) tasting like strawberries and cream. -The markets contain numerous other sorts. Our friends at home are now -gathering around the glowing coals, or treading the snow without. We -see the former in the kitchen only--the latter on the valcanoes which -tower in the distance. - - * * * * * - -7th December, 1827. A letter from home affords me the satisfaction of -knowing that our friends generally continue to enjoy good health, and -are subject to none other than the ordinary ills of life, such as -cut-throat weather, squalling brats, or a twinge or two of gout or -rheumatism. These are evils which humanity is decreed to suffer -throughout the world; but in Mexico we are more exempt from most of -them than elsewhere. The sun now _shines_ twelve hours of every day, -and either the moon or stars give light to the other twelve. Such will -the weather continue to be until May or June, when the rains fall with -such regularity and certainty, that very slight observation enables us -to know when to go out, or to shelter ourselves. The mornings now are -only a little cool, although we are in mid-winter; and our tables are -supplied with fruit as bountifully as in the months of July and -August. Our other ills are in like manner trivial. We are sometimes -_ennuyés_ for want of society, but books, and sometimes a game of -chess, enable us to live without being driven to the commission of -suicide. And as a _dernier resort_, we throw ourselves into the arms -of Morpheus, this being the peculiar delightful climate for sleep--no -mosquitos, nor extremes of heat or cold. The thermometer ordinarily -ranges at about 70° of Fahrenheit. - - - - -SCENES FROM AN UNPUBLISHED DRAMA, - -BY EDGAR A. POE. - - -I. - -ROME. A Lady's apartment, with a window open and looking into a -garden. Lalage, in deep mourning, reading at a table on which lie some -books and a hand mirror. In the back ground Jacinta (a servant maid) -leans carelessly upon a chair. - -_Lalage_. Jacinta! is it thou? - -_Jacinta_ (_pertly_.) Yes, Ma'am, I'm here. - -_Lalage_. I did not know, Jacinta, you were in waiting. - Sit down!--let not my presence trouble you-- - Sit down!--for I am humble, most humble. - -_Jacinta_ (_aside_.) 'Tis time. - - (_Jacinta seats herself in a side-long manner upon the chair, - resting her elbows upon the back, and regarding her mistress - with a contemptuous look. Lalage continues to read._) - -_Lalage_. "It in another climate, so he said, - Bore a bright golden flower, but not i' this soil!" - - (_pauses--turns over some leaves, and resumes_.) - - "No lingering winters there, nor snow, nor shower-- - But Ocean ever to refresh mankind - Breathes the shrill spirit of the western wind." - Oh, beautiful!--most beautiful!--how like - To what my fevered soul doth dream of Heaven! - O happy land! (_pauses_.) She died!--the maiden died! - O still more happy maiden who could'st die! - Jacinta! - - (_Jacinta returns no answer, and Lalage presently resumes._) - - Again!--a similar tale - Told of a beauteous dame beyond the sea! - Thus speaketh one Ferdinand in the words of the play-- - "She died full young"--one Bossola answers him-- - "I think not so!--her infelicity - Seem'd to have years too many"--Ah luckless lady! - Jacinta! (_still no answer_.) - Here's a far sterner story - But like--oh! very like in its despair-- - Of that Egyptian queen, winning so easily - A thousand hearts--losing at length her own. - She died. Thus endeth the history--and her maids - Lean over her and weep--two gentle maids - With gentle names--Eiros and Charmion! - Rainbow and Dove!----Jacinta! - -_Jacinta_ (_pettishly_.) Madam, what _is_ it? - -_Lalage_. Wilt thou, my good Jacinta, be so kind - As go down in the library and bring me - The Holy Evangelists. - -_Jacinta_. Pshaw! (_exit_.) - -_Lalage_. If there be balm - For the wounded spirit in Gilead it is there! {14} - Dew in the night time of my bitter trouble - Will there be found--"dew sweeter far than that - Which hangs like chains of pearl on Hermon hill." - - (_re-enter Jacinta, and throws a volume on the table_.) - - There, ma'am's, the book. Indeed she is very troublesome. - (_aside_.) - -_Lalage_ (astonished.) What didst thou say Jacinta? Have I done aught - To grieve thee or to vex thee?--I am sorry. - For thou hast served me long and ever been - Trust-worthy and respectful. (_resumes her reading_.) - -_Jacinta_. I can't believe - She has any more jewels--no--no--she gave me all. (_aside_.) - -_Lalage_. What didst thou say, Jacinta? Now I bethink me - Thou hast not spoken lately of thy wedding. - How fares good Ugo?--and when is it to be? - Can I do aught?--is there no farther aid - Thou needest, Jacinta? - -_Jacinta_. Is there no _farther_ aid? - That's meant for me. (_aside_.) I'm sure, Madam, you need not - Be always throwing those jewels in my teeth. - -_Lalage_. Jewels! Jacinta,--now indeed, Jacinta, - I thought not of the jewels. - -_Jacinta_. Oh! perhaps not! - But then I might have sworn it. After all, - There's Ugo says the ring is only paste, - For he's sure the Count Castiglione never - Would have given a real diamond to such as you; - And at the best I'm certain, Madam, you cannot - Have use for jewels _now_. But I might have sworn it. (_exit_.) - - (_Lalage bursts into tears and leans her head upon the - table--after a short pause raises it_.) - -_Lalage_. Poor Lalage!--and is it come to this? - Thy servant maid!--but courage!--'tis but a viper - Whom thou hast cherished to sting thee to the soul! (_taking up - the mirror_.) - Ha! here at least's a friend--too much a friend - In earlier days--a friend will not deceive thee. - Fair mirror and true! now tell me (for thou canst) - A tale--a pretty tale--and heed thou not - Though it be rife with woe. It answers me. - It speaks of sunken eyes, and wasted cheeks, - And Beauty long deceased--remembers me - Of Joy departed--Hope, the Seraph Hope, - Inurned and entombed!--now, in a tone - Low, sad, and solemn, but most audible, - Whispers of early grave untimely yawning - For ruin'd maid. Fair mirror and true!--thou liest not! - _Thou_ hast no end to gain--no heart to break-- - Castiglione lied who said he loved---- - Thou true--he false!--false!--false! - - (_while she speaks a monk enters her apartment, and approaches - unobserved_.) - -_Monk_. Refuge thou hast - Sweet daughter! in Heaven. Think of eternal things! - Give up thy soul to penitence, and pray! - -_Lalage_ (_arising hurriedly_.) I _cannot_ pray!--My soul is at war - with God! - The frightful sounds of merriment below - Disturb my senses--go! I cannot pray-- - The sweet airs from the garden worry me! - Thy presence grieves me--go!--thy priestly raiment - Fills me with dread--thy ebony crucifix - With horror and awe! - -_Monk_. Think of thy precious soul! - -_Lalage_. Think of my early days!--think of my father - And mother in Heaven! think of our quiet home, - And the rivulet that ran before the door! - Think of my little sisters!--think of them! - And think of me!--think of my trusting love - And confidence--his vows--my ruin--think! think! - Of my unspeakable misery!----begone! - Yet stay! yet stay!--what was it thou saidst of prayer - And penitence? Didst thou not speak of faith - And vows before the throne? - -_Monk_. I did. - -_Lalage_. 'Tis well. - There _is_ a vow were fitting should be made-- - A sacred vow, imperative, and urgent, - A solemn vow! - -_Monk_. Daughter, this zeal is well! - -_Lalage_. Father, this zeal is any thing but well! - Hast thou a crucifix fit for this thing? - A crucifix whereon to register - A vow--a vow. (_he hands her his own_.) - Not that--Oh! no!--no!--no! (_shuddering_.) - Not that! Not that!--I tell thee, holy man, - Thy raiments and thy ebony cross affright me! - Stand back! I have a crucifix myself,-- - _I_ have a crucifix! Methinks 'twere fitting - The deed--the vow--the symbol of the deed-- - And the deed's register should tally, father! (_draws a - cross-handled dagger and raises it on high_.) - Behold the cross wherewith a vow like mine - Is written in Heaven! - -_Monk_. Thy words are madness, daughter! - And speak a purpose unholy--thy lips are livid-- - Thine eyes are wild--tempt not the wrath divine-- - Pause ere too late--oh be not--be not rash! - Swear not the oath--oh swear it not! - -_Lalage_. 'Tis sworn! - - -II. - -ROME. An apartment in a palace. Politian and Baldazzar, his friend. - -_Baldazzar_.----Arouse thee now, Politian! - Thou must not--nay indeed, indeed, thou shalt not - Give way unto these humors. Be thyself! - Shake off the idle fancies that beset thee, - And live, for now thou diest! - -_Politian_. Not so, Baldazzar, - I live--I live. - -_Baldazzar_. Politian, it doth grieve me - To see thee thus. - -_Politian_. Baldazzar, it doth grieve me - To give thee cause for grief, my honored friend. - Command me, sir, what wouldst thou have me do? - At thy behest I will shake off that nature - Which from my forefathers I did inherit, - Which with my mother's milk I did imbibe, - And be no more Politian, but some other. - Command me, sir. - -_Baldazzar_. To the field then--to the field, - To the senate or the field. - -_Politian_. Alas! Alas! {15} - There is an imp would follow me even there! - There is an imp _hath_ followed me even there! - There is----what voice was that? - -_Baldazzar_. I heard it not. - I heard not any voice except thine own, - And the echo of thine own. - -_Politian_. Then I but dreamed. - -_Baldazzar_. Give not thy soul to dreams: the camp--the court - Befit thee--Fame awaits thee--Glory calls-- - And her the trumpet-tongued thou wilt not hear - In hearkening to imaginary sounds - And phantom voices. - -_Politian_. It _is_ a phantom voice, - Didst thou not hear it _then_? - -_Baldazzar_. I heard it not. - -_Politian_. Thou heardst it not!----Baldazzar, speak no more - To me, Politian, of thy camps and courts. - Oh! I am sick, sick, sick, even unto death, - Of the hollow and high sounding vanities - Of the populous Earth! Bear with me yet awhile! - We have been boys together--school-fellows-- - And now are friends--yet shall not be so long. - For in the eternal city thou shalt do me - A kind and gentle office, and a Power-- - A Power august, benignant, and supreme-- - Shall then absolve thee of all farther duties - Unto thy friend. - -_Baldazzar_. Thou speakest a fearful riddle - I _will_ not understand. - -_Politian_. Yet now as Fate - Approaches, and the hours are breathing low, - The sands of Time are changed to golden grains, - And dazzle me, Baldazzar. Alas! Alas! - I _cannot_ die, having within my heart - So keen a relish for the beautiful - As hath been kindled within it. Methinks the air - Is balmier now than it was wont to be-- - Rich melodies are floating in the winds-- - A rarer loveliness bedecks the earth-- - And with a holier lustre the quiet moon - Sitteth in Heaven.--Hist! hist! thou canst not say - Thou hearest not _now_, Baldazzar! - -_Baldazzar_. Indeed I hear not. - -_Politian_. Not hear it!--listen now,--listen!--the faintest sound - And yet the sweetest that ear ever heard! - A lady's voice!--and sorrow in the tone! - Baldazzar, it oppresses me like a spell! - Again!--again!--how solemnly it falls - Into my heart of hearts! that voice--that voice - I surely never heard--yet it were well - Had I but heard it with its thrilling tones - In earlier days! - -_Baldazzar_. I myself hear it now. - Be still!--the voice, if I mistake not greatly, - Proceeds from yonder lattice--which you may see - Very plainly through the window--that lattice belongs, - Does it not? unto this palace of the Duke. - The singer is undoubtedly beneath - The roof of his Excellency--and perhaps - Is even that Alessandra of whom he spoke - As the betrothed of Castiglione, - His son and heir. - -_Politian_. Be still!--it comes again! - -_Voice_ (_very faintly_.) - And is thy heart so strong - As for to leave me thus - Who hath loved thee so long - In wealth and wo among? - And is thy heart so strong - As for to leave me thus? - Say nay--say nay! - -_Baldazzar_. The song is English, and I oft have heard it - In merry England--never so plaintively-- - Hist--hist! it comes again! - -_Voice_ (_more loudly_.) - Is it so strong - As for to leave me thus, - Who hath loved thee so long - In wealth and wo among? - And is thy heart so strong - As for to leave me thus? - Say nay--say nay! - -_Baldazzar_. 'Tis hush'd and all is still! - -_Politian_. All is _not_ still. - -_Baldazzar_. Let us go down. - -_Politian_. Go down, Baldazzar! go! - -_Baldazzar_. The hour is growing late--the Duke awaits us,-- - Thy presence is expected in the hall - Below. What ails thee, Earl Politian? - -_Voice_ (_distinctly_.) - Who hath loved thee so long, - In wealth and wo among, - And is thy heart so strong? - Say nay!--say nay! - -_Baldazzar_. Let us descend!--'tis time. Politian, give - These fancies to the wind. Remember, pray, - Your bearing lately savored much of rudeness - Unto the Duke. Arouse thee! and remember! - -_Politian_. Remember? I do. Lead on! I _do_ remember. (_going_.) - Let us descend. Baldazzar! Oh I would give, - Freely would give the broad lands of my earldom - To look upon the face hidden by yon lattice, - To gaze upon that veiled face, and hear - Once more that silent tongue. - -_Baldazzar_. Let me beg you, sir, - Descend with me--the Duke may be offended. - Let us go down I pray you. - -_Voice_ (_loudly_.) Say nay!--say nay! - -_Politian_ (_aside_.) 'Tis strange!--'tis very strange--methought the - voice - Chimed in with my desires and bade me stay! (_approaching the - window_.) - Sweet voice! I heed thee, and will surely stay. - Now be this Fancy, by Heaven, or be it Fate, - Still will I not descend. Baldazzar, make - Apology unto the Duke for me, - I go not down to-night. - -_Baldazzar_. Your lordship's pleasure - Shall be attended to. Good night, Politian. - -_Politian_. Good night, my friend, good night. - - -III. - -The Gardens of a Palace--Moonlight. Lalage and Politian. - -_Lalage_. And dost thou speak of love - To _me_, Politian?--dost thou speak of love - To Lalage?--ah wo--ah wo is me! - This mockery is most cruel--most cruel indeed! {16} - -_Politian_. Weep not! oh, weep not thus--thy bitter tears - Will madden me. Oh weep not, Lalage-- - Be comforted. I know--I know it all, - And _still_ I speak of love. Look at me, brightest, - And beautiful Lalage, and listen to _me_! - Thou askest me if I could speak of love, - Knowing what I know, and seeing what I have seen. - Thou askest me that--and thus I answer thee-- - Thus on my bended knee I answer thee. (_kneeling_.) - Sweet Lalage, I love thee--love thee--love thee; - Thro' good and ill--thro' weal and wo I love thee. - Not mother, with her first born on her knee, - Thrills with intenser love than I for thee. - Not on God's altar, in any time or clime, - Burned there a holier fire than burneth now - Within my spirit for thee. And do I love? (_arising_.) - Even for thy woes I love thee--even for thy woes-- - Thy beauty and thy woes. - -_Lalage_. Alas, proud Earl, - Thou dost forget thyself, remembering me! - How, in thy father's halls, among the maidens - Pure and reproachless of thy princely line, - Could the dishonored Lalage abide? - Thy wife, and with a tainted memory-- - My seared and blighted name, how would it tally - With the ancestral honors of thy house, - And with thy glory? - -_Politian_. Speak not--speak not of glory! - I hate--I loathe the name; I do abhor - The unsatisfactory and ideal thing. - Art thou not Lalage and I Politian? - Do I not love--art thou not beautiful-- - What need we more? Ha! glory!--now speak not of it! - By all I hold most sacred and most solemn-- - By all my wishes now--my fears hereafter-- - By all I scorn on earth and hope in heaven-- - There is no deed I would more glory in, - Than in thy cause to scoff at this same glory - And trample it under foot. What matters it-- - What matters it, my fairest, and my best, - That we go down unhonored and forgotten - Into the dust--so we descend together. - Descend together--and then--and then perchance---- - -_Lalage_. Why dost thou pause, Politian? - -_Politian_. And then perchance - Arise together, Lalage, and roam - The starry and quiet dwellings of the blest, - And still---- - -_Lalage_. Why dost thou pause, Politian? - -_Politian_. And still together--together. - -_Lalage_. Now Earl of Leicester! - Thou _lovest_ me, and in my heart of hearts - I feel thou lovest me truly. - -_Politian_. Oh, Lalage! (_throwing himself upon his knee_.) - And lovest thou _me_? - -_Lalage_. Hist!--hush! within the gloom - Of yonder trees methought a figure past-- - A spectral figure, solemn, and slow, and noiseless-- - Like the grim shadow Conscience, solemn and noiseless. (_walks - across and returns_.) - I was mistaken--'twas but a giant bough - Stirred by the autumn wind. Politian! - -_Politian_. My Lalage--my love! why art thou moved? - Why dost thou turn so pale? Not Conscience' self, - Far less a shadow which thou likenest to it, - Should shake the firm spirit thus. But the night wind - Is chilly--and these melancholy boughs - Throw over all things a gloom. - -_Lalage_. Politian! - Thou speakest to me of love. Knowest thou the land - With which all tongues are busy--a land new found-- - Miraculously found by one of Genoa-- - A thousand leagues within the golden west; - A fairy land of flowers, and fruit, and sunshine, - And crystal lakes, and over-arching forests, - And mountains, around whose towering summits the winds - Of Heaven untrammelled flow--which air to breathe - Is Happiness now, and will be Freedom hereafter - In days that are to come? - -_Politian_. O, wilt thou--wilt thou - Fly to that Paradise--my Lalage, wilt thou - Fly thither with me? There Care shall be forgotten, - And Sorrow shall be no more, and Eros be all. - And life shall then be mine, for I will live - For thee, and in thine eyes--and thou shalt be - No more a mourner--but the radiant Joys - Shall wait upon thee, and the angel Hope - Attend thee ever; and I will kneel to thee, - And worship thee, and call thee my beloved, - My own, my beautiful, my love, my wife, - My all;--oh, wilt thou--wilt thou, Lalage, - Fly thither with me? - -_Lalage_. A deed is to be done-- - Castiglione lives! - -_Politian_. And he shall die! (_exit_.) - -_Lalage_ (_after a pause_.) And--he--shall--die!----alas! - Castiglione die? Who spoke the words? - Where am I?--what was it he said?--Politian! - Thou _art_ not gone--thou art not _gone_, Politian! - I _feel_ thou art not gone--yet dare not look, - Lest I behold thee not; thou _couldst_ not go - With those words upon thy lips--O, speak to me! - And let me hear thy voice--one word--one word, - To say thou art not gone,--one little sentence, - To say how thou dost scorn--how thou dost hate - My womanly weakness. Ha! ha! thou _art_ not gone-- - O speak to me! I _knew_ thou wouldst not go! - I knew thou wouldst not, couldst not, durst not go. - Villain, thou _art_ not gone--thou mockest me! - And thus I clutch thee--thus!----He is gone, he is gone-- - Gone--gone. Where am I?----'tis well--'tis very well! - So that the blade be keen--the blow be sure, - 'Tis well, 'tis very well--alas! alas! (_exit_.) - - - - -LOGIC. - - -Among ridiculous conceits may be selected _par excellence_, the -thought of a celebrated Abbé--"that the heart of man being triangular, -and the world spherical in form, it was evident that all worldly -greatness could not fill the heart of man." The same person concluded, -"that since among the Hebrews the same word expresses death and life, -(a point only making the difference,) it was therefore plain that -there was little difference between life and death." The chief -objection to this is, that _no_ one Hebrew word signifies life and -death. - - -{17} - - -AN ADDRESS ON EDUCATION, - -AS CONNECTED WITH THE PERMANENCE OF OUR REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS. - -Delivered before the Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, -at its Anniversary Meeting, September the 24th, 1835, on the -invitation of that body,--by Lucian Minor, Esq. of Louisa. - -[_Published by request of the Institute_.] - - -Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Institute: - -I am to offer you, and this large assembly, some thoughts upon -EDUCATION, _as a means of preserving the Republican Institutions of -our country_. - -The sentiment of the Roman Senate, who, upon their general's return -with the shattered remains of a great army from an almost annihilating -defeat, thanked and applauded him for _not despairing of the -Republic_, has, in later times, been moulded into an apothegm of -political morality; and few sayings, of equal dignity, are now more -hackneyed, than that "A good citizen will _never_ despair of the -commonwealth." - -I shall hope to escape the anathema, and the charge of disloyalty to -our popular institutions, implied in the terms of this apothegm, if I -doubt, somewhat, its unqualified truth; when you consider how -frequently omens of ruin, overclouding the sky of our country, have -constrained the most unquestionable republican patriot's heart to -quiver with alarm, if not to sink in despair. - -When a factious minority, too strong to be punished as traitors, -treasonably refuse to rally under their country's flag, in defence of -her rights and in obedience to her laws; when a factious majority, by -partial legislation, pervert the government to the ends of -self-aggrandizement or tyranny; when mobs dethrone justice, by -assuming to be her ministers, and rush madly to the destruction of -property or of life; when artful demagogues, playing upon the -credulity or the bad passions of a confiding multitude, sway them to -measures the most adverse to the public good; or when a popular chief -(though he were a Washington) contrives so far to plant his will in -the place of law and of policy, that the people approve or condemn -both measures and men, mainly if not solely, by his judgment or -caprice; and when all history shews these identical causes (the -offspring of ignorance and vice) to have overthrown every proud -republic of former times;--then, surely, a Marcus Brutus or an -Algernon Sidney,--the man whose heart is the most irrevocably sworn to -liberty, and whose life, if required, would be a willing sacrifice -upon her altars--must find the most gloomy forebodings often haunting -his thoughts, and darkening his hopes. - -Indeed, at the best, it is no trivial task, to conduct the affairs of -a great people. Even in the tiny republics of antiquity, some twenty -of which were crowded into a space less than two-thirds of -Virginia,--government was no such _simple machine_, as some fond -enthusiasts would have us believe it might be. The only very simple -form of government, is despotism. There, every question of policy, -every complicated problem of state economy, every knotty dispute -respecting the rights or interests of individuals or of provinces, is -at once solved by the intelligible and irreversible _sic volo_ of a -Nicholas or a Mohammed. But in republics, there are passions to -soothe; clashing interests to reconcile; jarring opinions to mould -into one result, for the general weal. To effect this, requires -extensive and accurate knowledge, supported by all the powers of -reasoning and persuasion, in discussing not only _systems_ of -measures, but their minutest details, year after year, before -successive councils, in successive generations: and supposing the -_machinery_ of _Legislative_, _Executive_, and _Judiciary_ to be so -simple or so happily adjusted, that an idiot might propel it, and a -school-lad with the first four rules of arithmetic--or even "a negro -boy with his knife and tally stick"[1]--might regulate its movements -and record their results; still, those other objects demand all the -comprehension and energies of no contracted or feeble mind. Nor are -these qualities needful only to the actual administrators of the -government. Its proprietors, the people, must look both vigilantly and -intelligently to its administration: for so liable is power to -continual abuse; so perpetually is it tending to steal from them to -their steward or their agent; that if they either want the requisite -sagacity to judge of his acts, or substitute a blind confidence in him -for that wise distrust, which all experience proves indispensable to -the preservation of power in the people,--it will soon be _their_ -power no longer. A tame surrender of it to him is inevitable, unless -they comprehend the subjects of his action well enough to judge the -character of his acts: unless they know something of that vast and -diversified field of policy, of duty, and of right, in which they have -set him to labor. Yes--in its least perplexed form, on its most -diminutive scale, the task of self-government is a perilously -difficult one; difficult, in proportion to its nobleness: calling for -the highest attributes of the human character. What, then, must it be, -in a system so complex as ours? Two sets of public functionaries, to -appoint and superintend: two sets of machinery to watch, and keep in -order: each of them not only complicated within itself, but constantly -tending to clash with the other. Viewing the State government alone, -how many fearful dissensions have arisen, as to the extent of its -powers, and the propriety of its acts! Turning then to the Federal -government, how much more awful and numerous controversies, respecting -both the constitutionality and expediency of its measures, have, -within half a century, convulsed the whole Union! No less than three -conjunctures within that time, threatening us with disunion and civil -war; not to mention the troubles of the elder Adams' administration, -the conspiracy of Burr, the Missouri dispute, or the cloud (now, I -trust, about to disperse) which has just been lowering in our northern -sky. To the complexity of our two governments, separately considered, -add the delicate problems daily springing from their relations with -one another, and from the mutual relations of the twenty-four -states--disputes concerning territory; claims urged by citizens of -one, against another state; or wrongs done to some states, by citizens -and residents of others--all these, and innumerable other questions, -involving each innumerable ramifications, continually starting up to -try the wisdom and temper, if not to mar the peace, of our -country;--and say, if there are words forcible and emphatic enough to -express the need, that the POPULAR WILL, which supremely controls this -labyrinthine complication of difficulties, should be enlightened by -knowledge, tempered by kindness, and ruled by justice? - -[Footnote 1: Mr. Randolph's Speech in the Virginia Convention, -November, 1829.] - -{18} Gentlemen, when such dangers hedge our political edifice; when we -recollect the storms which have already burst upon it, and that, -although it has survived them, we have no guarantee for its -withstanding even less furious ones hereafter--as a ship may ride out -many a tempest safely, and yet be so racked in her joints as to go -down at last under a capful of wind; above all, when we reflect that -the same cankers which have destroyed all former commonwealths, are -now at work within our own;--it would betoken, to my view, more of -irrational credulity than of patriotism, to feel that sanguine, -unconditional confidence in the durableness of our institutions, which -those profess, who are perpetually making it the test of good -citizenship "_never_ to despair of the republic." - -But is it ever to be thus? Were then the visions of liberty for -centuries on centuries, which our fathers so fondly cherished, all -deceitful? Were the toil, and treasure, and blood they lavished as -that liberty's price, all lavished in vain? Is there no deliverance -for man, from the doom of subjection which kings and their minions -pronounce against him? No remedy for the diseases which, in freedom's -apparently most healthful state, menace her with death? - -If it is not ever to be thus; if the anticipations of our -revolutionary patriots were not all delusive dreams, and their blood -fell not in vain to the ground; if man's general doom is not -subjection, and the examples of his freedom are not mere deceitful -glimmerings up of happiness above the fixed darkness which enwraps -him, designed but to amuse his fancy and to cheat his hopes; if there -is a remedy for the diseases that poison the health of liberty;--the -reason--that remedy--can be found only in one short precept--ENLIGHTEN -THE PEOPLE! - -Nothing--I scruple not to avow--it has been my thought for -years--nothing but my reliance on the efficacy of this precept, -prevents my being, at this instant, _a monarchist_. Did I not, with -burning confidence, believe that the people can be enlightened, and -that they may so escape the dangers which encompass them, I should be -for consigning them at once to the calm of hereditary monarchy. But -this confidence makes me no monarchist: makes me, I trust, a true -_whig_; not in the party acceptation of the day, but in the sense, -employed by Jefferson, of one who _trusts and cherishes the -people_.[2] Throughout his life, we find that great statesman -insisting upon _popular instruction_ as an inseparable requisite to -his belief in the permanency of any popular government: "Ignorance and -bigotry," said he, "like other insanities, are incapable of -self-government." His authority might be fortified by those of Sidney, -Montesquieu, and of all who have written extensively or luminously -upon free government: but this is no time for elaborate quotations; -and indeed why cite authorities, to prove what is palpable to the -glance? - -[Footnote 2: "The parties of Whig and Tory are those of nature. They -exist in all countries, whether called by these names, or by those of -Aristocrats and Democrats--_Côté droite_ and _côté gauche_--Ultras and -Radicals--Serviles and Liberals. The sickly, weakly, timid man, fears -the people, and is a tory by nature. The healthy, strong, and bold, -cherishes them, and is a whig by nature." _Jefferson_.] - -Immense is the chasm to be filled, immeasurable the space to be -traversed, between the present condition of mental culture in -Virginia, and that which can be safely relied upon, to save her from -the dangers that hem round a democracy, unsupported by popular -knowledge and virtue. Cyrus the Great, when a boy, among his play -fellows, avoided contests with his inferiors in strength and -swiftness; always challenging to the race or the wrestling match, -those fleeter and stronger than himself: by which means, observes -Xenophon, he soon excelled them. Imitating this wise magnanimity of -Cyrus, let us, in looking around to find how we may attain an -excellence, worthy of Virginia's early and long illustrious but now -paling fame, compare ourselves not with States that have been as -neglectful as we, of popular education, but with some which have -outstript us in that march of true glory.[3] - -[Footnote 3: Montesquieu, mentioning the adoption, by the Romans, of -an improved _buckler_ from a conquered nation, remarks, that the chief -secret of Roman greatness was, _their renouncing any usage of their -own, the moment they found a better one_. ("Ils ont toujours renoncé à -leurs usages, sitot qu'ils en ont trouvé de meilleurs.") _Grandeur et -Decadence des Romains_--_Chap._ 1.] - -The _Common-school_ system of New York, which has been in operation -since the year 1816, is in substance this: The counties having been -already laid off into tracts of five or six miles square, called -_townships_,--each of these, upon raising one half the sum needed -there for teachers' wages, is entitled to have the other half -furnished from the state treasury: and each _neighborhood_ in the -township, before it can receive any part of this joint sum, must -organize itself as a _school district_, build and furnish a school -house, and cause a school to be taught there for at least three -months, by a teacher who has been examined and found duly qualified, -by a standing committee, appointed for that purpose. To the schools -thus established, all children, rich and poor alike, are admitted -without charge. Mark the fruits of this system. In 1832, there were in -the state 508,878 children; of whom 494,959 were _regular pupils at -the common-schools_: leaving fewer than 14,000 for private or other -instruction, and reducing the number who are unschooled, to an -inappreciable point. In Massachusetts, the townships are compelled by -law to defray nearly the whole expense of their schools; and the -organization is in other respects less perfect than in New York. In -each, however, about ONE-FOURTH _of the whole population_ is receiving -instruction for a considerable part of the year; and in Massachusetts, -in 1832, there were _but_ TEN _persons between the ages of 14 and 21, -who could not read and write_. - -Connecticut, with a school fund yielding 180,000 dollars annually, and -with common schools established by law in every township, finds their -efficacy in a great degree marred by a single error in her plan. This -error is, that _the whole expense is defrayed by the state_. In -consequence of this, the people take little interest in the schools; -and the children are sent so irregularly, as to derive a very -insignificant amount of beneficial instruction: so clearly is it -shewn, that a _gratuity_, or _what seems_ to be one, is but lightly -valued. The statesmen of Connecticut, convinced that the only method -of rousing the people from their indifference, is to make them -contribute something for the schools in their own immediate -neighborhood, and so become solicitous to _get the worth of their -money_, are meditating the adoption of a plan like that of New York. - -Even in Europe, we may find admirable, nay wonderful examples, for our -imitation. - -{19} PRUSSIA has a system, strikingly analogous to that of New York; -and in some respects, superior to it. As in New York, the -superintendence of popular education is entrusted to a distinct branch -of the government; to a gradation of salaried officers, whose whole -time is employed in regulating the courses of study, compiling or -selecting books, examining teachers, and inspecting the schools. At -suitable intervals, are schools expressly _for the instruction of -teachers_: of which, in 1831, there existed thirty-three--supplying a -stock of instructors, accomplished in all the various knowledge taught -in the Prussian schools. In no country on earth--little as we might -imagine it--is there probably so well taught a population as in -Prussia. Witness the fact, that in 1831, out of 2,043,000 children in -the kingdom, 2,021,000 regularly attended the common schools: leaving -but 22,000 to be taught at their homes or in private academies.[4] -France, in 1833, adopted the Prussian plan, with effects already -visible in the habits and employments of her people; and similar -systems have long existed in Germany, and even in Austria. The schools -for training teachers (called, in France and Germany, _normal_ -schools) pervade all these countries. - -[Footnote 4: The enumeration in Prussia, is of children between 7 and -14 years of age; in New York, of those between 5 and 16. In Prussia, -the sending of all children to school is ensured by legal penalties -upon parents, guardians, and masters, who fail to send. New York -approximates remarkably to the same result, by simply enlisting the -_interest_ of her people in their schools.] - -In England, government has yet done little towards educating the -common people: but Scotland has long[5] enjoyed _parish schools_ -equalled only by those of Prussia, Germany, and some of our own -states, in creating a virtuous and intelligent yeomanry. Throughout -Great Britain, voluntary associations for the diffusion of useful -knowledge, in which are enrolled some of the most illustrious minds -not only of the British empire but of this age, have been for years in -active and salutary operation; and, by publishing cheap and simple -tracts upon useful and entertaining subjects, and by sending over the -country competent persons to deliver plain and popular lectures, -illustrated by suitable apparatus, they have, as the North American -Review expresses it, "poured floods of intellectual light upon the -lower ranks of society." - -[Footnote 5: Ever since 1646, except 36 years, embracing the -tyrannical and worthless reigns of Charles II and James II.] - -From a comparison with no one of the eight American and European -states that I have mentioned, can Virginia find, in what she has done -towards enlightening her people, the slightest warrant for that -pre-eminent self-esteem, which, in some other respects, she is so well -entitled to indulge. Except England, she is far behind them all: and -even England (if her Societies for diffusing knowledge have not -already placed her before us) is now preparing, by wise and beneficent -legislation, to lead away with the rest. - -Let me not be deemed unfilial or irreverent, if I expose, somewhat -freely, the deficiencies of our venerable commonwealth in this one -particular. It is done in a dutiful spirit, with a view purely to -their amendment: and may not children, in such a spirit and with such -a view, commune frankly with one another? - -A great and obvious difference between our primary school system, and -the _common_-school systems of the northern states, is, that _they_ -take in ALL children: while we aim to instruct only the children of -the _poor; literary paupers_. We thus at once create two causes of -failure: first, _the slight value which men set upon what costs them -nothing_, as was evinced in the case of Connecticut; second, _the -mortification to pride_ (an honest though mistaken pride,) in being -singled out as an object of charity.[6] As if these fatal errors had -not sufficiently ensured the impotence of the scheme, the schools -themselves are the least efficient that could be devised. Instead of -teachers retained expressly for the purpose,--selected, after strict -examination into their capacities, and vigilantly superintended -afterwards, by competent judges--the poor children are _entered_ by -the neighboring commissioner (often himself entirely unqualified -either to teach or to direct teaching,) in the private school which -chance, or the teacher's unfitness for any other employment, combined -always with cheapness of price, may have already established nearest -at hand. There, the little _protegé_ of the commonwealth is thrown -amongst pupils, whose parents pay for them and give some heed to their -progress; and having no friend to see that he is properly -instructed--mortified by the humiliating name of _poor -scholar_--neglected by the teacher--and not rigorously urged to school -by any one--he learns nothing, slackens his attendance, and soon quits -the temple of science in rooted disgust. - -[Footnote 6: "What you say here, is verified" (said a venerable friend -to me, on reading these sheets as they were preparing for the press--a -friend who at the age of 72, has taken upon him to teach 12 or 14 -boys; more than half of them without compensation--) "what you say -here, is verified in my school. Those who do not pay, attend hardly -half their time; and one, who is anxious to learn, and would learn if -he came regularly, is kept by his father to work at home, and has not -_been to school_ now for more than a fortnight. And it was just so," -continued he, "when I managed the W. trust fund for a charity school, -20 odd years ago. The parents could not be induced to send their -children. Sometimes they were wanted at home: sometimes they were too -ragged to go abroad: sometimes they had no victuals to carry to -school. And when we offered to furnish them provisions if they would -attend, the parents said 'no, _that_ was being too dependent.' In -short, the school produced not half the good it might have done. There -was the most striking difference between the charity scholars, and -those who paid." Similar testimony as to such schools may be obtained -of hundreds.] - -Observe now, I pray you, how precisely the results agree with what -might have been foretold, of such a system. In 1833, nearly 33,000 -_poor children_ (literary paupers) were found in 100 counties of -Virginia; of whom but 17,081 _attended school at all: and these 17,081 -attended on an average, but_ SIXTY-FIVE DAYS OF THE YEAR, EACH! The -average of _learning_ acquired by each, during those 65 days, would be -a curious subject of contemplation: but I know of no arithmetical -rule, by which it could be ascertained. That it bears a much less -proportion to the _reasonable_ attainments of a full scholastic year, -than 65 bears to the number of days in that year, there can be no -doubt. - -Ranging, out of the schools, through the general walks of society, we -find among our poorer classes, and not seldom in the middling, an -ignorance equally deplorable and mortifying. Judging by the number met -with in _business_ transactions, who cannot write their names or read, -and considering how many there are whose poverty or sex debars them -from such transactions, and lessens their chances of scholarship; we -should scarcely exceed the truth, in estimating the _white adults of -Virginia who cannot read or write, at twenty or thirty thousand_. {20} -And of many who can read, how contracted the range of intellect! The -mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, all unexplored, though -presented hourly to the eye; the glorious heavens, their grandeur, -their distances, and the laws of their motion, unthought of; man -himself--his structure, so fearful and so wonderful--those traits in -his bodily and mental frame, attention to which would the most -essentially conduce to bodily and mental health--all unnoted; History, -Geography, _tabulæ rasæ_ to them! And for political knowledge, upon -which we of Virginia mainly pride ourselves--choose, at random, a man -from the throng in any court-house yard, and question him touching the -division of power between our two governments, and its distribution -among the departments of each: the probabilities are ten to one, that -he will not solve one in ten of your questions--even of those which -are to be answered from the mere faces of the two constitutions. Take -him then into that wild, where _construction_ has been wont to -expatiate, and you will find him just able to declare _for_ or -_against_ this or that controverted power or measure: not because his -reason has discerned it to be constitutional or otherwise, but because -it is approved or disapproved by a chief of his own party, or by the -leader of a hostile one. And the aggregate of opinions thus caught by -accident, is the basis of the _popular will_: and it is the voice -prompted by this will, that is called "_The voice of God!_" - -Do not misapprehend me. Never would I have the voice of the people -other than "the voice of God"--other than all-powerful--within its -appropriate sphere. I am as loyal to their sovereignty as the most -devout of their flatterers can be: and it is from my desire to see it -perpetuated, that I speak out these unpalatable truths. Some roughness -of handling is often necessary to heal a wound. The people, like other -sovereigns, are sometimes misled by flattery: they should imitate also -the wisdom of those monarchs we occasionally meet with in history, who -can hear unwelcome truths, and let the speaker live; nay, hearken -kindly to his discourse, and let it weigh upon their future conduct. -Do I overrate the portion of the people I now address, in classing -them with such monarchs? - -Sagacious men have not been wanting among us, to see the radical -defects of our primary school system: and in 1829, the late Mr. -Fitzhugh[7] of Fairfax, stimulated the Legislature to a feeble effort -towards correcting them, by _empowering_ the school commissioners of -any county to lay it off into districts of not less than three nor -more than seven miles square; and to pay, out of the public fund, -_two-fifths_ of the sum requisite for building a school house, and -half a teacher's salary, for any one of those districts, whenever its -inhabitants, by _voluntary subscription_, should raise the residue -necessary for these purposes: and the schools thus established were to -be open, gratuitously, alike to rich and poor. But the _permissive_ -phraseology of this statute completely neutralized its effect. It -might have been foreseen, and it _was_ foreseen, that _empowering_ the -commissioners to act, and leaving the rest to _voluntary -contributions_, would be unavailing, where the workings of the school -system had so long been regarded with apathy. The statute has been -acted upon, so far as I have learned, in but _three_ counties of the -State; remaining, as to the other 107, a dead letter. I have the -strongest warrant--that of _actual experiment_, in New York and in -Massachusetts--for saying, that had the law _commanded_ the -commissioners to lay off districts in all counties where the census -shewed a sufficiently dense white population; and had it then -organized in the districts some local authorities, whose _duty_ it -should be to levy the needful amount upon their people;--I should have -been saved the ungracious task of reproaching my country with her want -of parental care; and Virginia would now be striding onward, speedily -to recover the ground she has lost in the career of true greatness. - -[Footnote 7: William H. Fitzhugh--whose death cannot yet cease to be -deplored as a public calamity; cutting short, as it did, a career, -which his extraordinary means and his devoted will alike bade fair to -make a career of distinguished usefulness.] - -If a sense of interest, and of duty, do not prompt her people, and her -legislature, immediately, to supply defects so obvious, to correct -evils so glaring; surely, very shame at the contemplation of her -inferiority to those, above whom she once vaunted herself so highly, -will induce measures which cannot be much longer deferred without -disgrace as well as danger. - -In addition to _normal schools_ (for training teachers,) an able -writer in the Edinburgh Review (to which[8] I owe the particulars of -the Prussian, German, and French school systems) suggests, in my -opinion very judiciously, the attaching of a Professorship to -Colleges, for lecturing upon the _art of instruction_; to be called -the professorship of _Didactics_. Such a chair, ably filled, would be -invaluable for multiplying enlightened teachers, and for enhancing the -dignity of that under-estimated pursuit. Conjointly with the normal -schools, it would soon ensure an abundant supply of instructors for -all the common schools. - -[Footnote 8: Nos. 116, 117--July and October, 1833--reviewing several -works of _M. Cousin_, who went as commissioner from France, to explore -and report upon the Prussian and German systems of public -instruction.] - -_The kinds of knowledge_ which should be studied in the schools, and -diffused by books, tracts, and oral lectures, among the people, form -an important topic of consideration. It is not for me, at least now -and here, to obtrude an inventory of my favorite subjects, or favorite -books: but the claims of a few subjects upon our regard are so -overshadowing, as to make dissent scarcely possible, and their -omission wholly unpardonable, in any extensive view of the connexion -between _popular education_, and _popular government_. - -Foremost of these, is the subject of Constitutional Law, and Political -Right: something of which might be taught, even in childhood. If the -children of Rome were obliged, at school, to lay up in memory the laws -of the Twelve Tables, with all their ferocious absurdities; how much -more should the children of our country learn those fundamental laws, -which guarantee to them the noble inheritance of a rational and -virtuous freedom! Even to very young minds, the structure and powers -of our two governments may be rendered intelligible by familiar and -impartial treatises, with clear oral explanations. The merit of -impartiality in these political lessons, is illustrated by the -odiousness of a departure from it, which startled me the other day, in -reading the THIRTY-FIFTH EDITION of a popular and in other respects an -excellent History of the United States,[9] {21} designed for schools; -where that section[10] of the Federal Constitution which declares the -powers of Congress, is presented thus: "The Congress of the United -States shall have power to make and enforce _all laws which are -necessary to_ THE GENERAL WELFARE--AS to lay and collect taxes," -&c.--going on to enumerate the specified powers, as _mere examples_ of -Congressional omnipotence! And the myriads of tender minds, which -probably already owe all their knowledge of the Constitution to the -abstract where this precious morsel of political doctrine occurs, can -hardly fail to carry through life the impression, that the powers of -Congress are virtually as unbounded as those of the British -Parliament. Now, to make patriots, and not partisans--upholders of -vital faith, not of sectarian doctrine--treatises for the political -instruction of youth should quote the _letter_ of every such -controverted passage, with a brief and fair statement of the opinions -and reasonings on both sides. The course of political study would be -very incomplete, without the Declaration of Independence, and -Washington's Farewell Address: and occasion might readily be found to -correct or guard against some fallacies, afloat among mankind, and -often mischievously used as axioms. "That the majority should govern," -is an instance of them: a saying, which, by being taken unqualifiedly -as at all times placing _the majority_ above the Constitution and -Laws, has repeatedly caused both to be outraged. Witness the "New -Court Law" of Kentucky, in 1825; and a very similar act passed by -Congress, in 1801. The prevalent opinions, that parties, and party -spirit, are salutary in a republic; that every citizen is in duty -bound to join one or the other party; and that he ought to _go with -his party_, in all measures, whether they be intrinsically proper or -otherwise; if not fallacies so monstrous as to make their currency -wonderful, are at least propositions so questionable and so important, -as to make them worthy of long and thorough investigation before they -be adopted as truths. - -[Footnote 9: By Charles A. Goodrich. The abstract of the Constitution -is taken, he says, from "Webster's Elements of General Knowledge."] - -[Footnote 10: Article 1 § 8.] - -Without expending a word upon that trite theme, the _utility of -history_ to all who have any concern in government, I may be allowed -to remark, that works for historical instruction, instead of being -filled with sieges and battles, should unfold, as much as possible, -those occult and less imposing circumstances, which often so -materially influence the destinies of nations: the well-timed -flattery--the lap-dog saved--the favorite's intrigue--the priest's -resentment or ambition--to which field marshals owe their rise, -cabinets their dissolution, massacres their carnage, or empires their -overthrow. Yet the reader need not be denied the glow he will -experience at the story of Thermopylæ, Marathon, Leuctra, or Bunker -Hill. All those incidents, too, whether grand or minute, which may -serve as warnings or as encouragements to posterity, should be placed -in bold relief, and their influence on the current of events, clearly -displayed. Numberless opportunities will occur, for impressing upon -the minds of young republicans, truths which deeply concern the -responsibilities involved in that name: the artifices of -demagogues--the danger, in a democracy, of _trusting_ implicitly to -the honesty and skill of public agents--the worthlessness of -popularity, unless it be "the popularity which _follows_, not that -which is _run after_"[11]--the importance of learning to resist the -erring impulses of a misguided multitude, not less than the -unrighteous mandates of a frowning tyrant[12]--the ease, so often -exemplified, with which a people may be duped by the _forms_ of -freedom, long after the substance is gone--the incredible aptitude of -_example_ to become _precedent_, and of _precedent_ to ripen into -_law_, until usurpation is established upon the ruins of liberty--and -the difference between _true_ and _false_ GREATNESS, so little -appreciated by the mass of mankind. This last point could not be -better illustrated, than by a fair comparison of Washington with -Bonaparte: a task which Dr. Channing, of Boston, has executed, in an -essay among the most elegant and powerful in the English or any other -language. - -[Footnote 11: Lord Mansfield.] - -[Footnote 12: The "_ardor civium prava jubentium_," not less than the -"_vultus instantis tyranni_."] - -To render _Political Economy_ intelligible to a moderate capacity, -dissertations sufficiently plain and full might easily be extracted -from the writings of Smith and Say, and from the many luminous -discussions, oral and written, which it has undergone in our own -country. Miss Martineau has shewn how well its truths may be set forth -in the captivating form of tales: and the writings of Mr. Condy Raguet -teem with felicitous illustrations. - -_Practical Morals_--I mean that department, which teaches, and -_habituates_ us, to behave justly and kindly to our fellow -creatures--will ever be poorly taught by dry precepts and formal -essays. No vehicle of moral instruction is comparable to the striking -narrative. How is it possible for any school-boy to rob an orchard, -after having read Miss Edgeworth's "Tarlton?"--or to practise -unfairness in any bargain, when he has glowed at the integrity of -Francisco, in purposely shewing the _bruised side_ of his melon to a -purchaser? or not to loathe party spirit, when he has been early -imbued with the rational sentiments contained in the "Barring Out?" In -short, to be familiar with the mass of that lady's incomparable -writings for youth, and not have the principles and feelings of -economy, industry, courage, honor, filial and fraternal love, -engrained into his very soul? Or how can he fail to find, in "Sandford -and Merton," for the daily occasions of life, the happiest lessons of -duty and humanity, and for those great conjunctures which never occur -in many a life time, the most resistless incentives to a more than -Roman heroism? - -Other branches of knowledge are desirable for the republican citizen, -less from any peculiar appositeness to his character as such, than -from their tendency to enlarge his mind; and especially because, by -affording exhaustless stores of refined and innocent pleasure, they -win him away from the haunts of sensuality. "I should not think the -most exalted faculties a gift worthy of heaven," says Junius, "nor any -assistance in their improvement a subject of gratitude to man, if I -were not satisfied, that _to inform the understanding, corrects and -enlarges the heart_." Felix Neff, the Alpine pastor, whose ardent, -untiring benevolence, ten years ago, wrought what the indolent would -deem miracles, in diffusing knowledge, and a love of knowledge, -amongst an untutored peasantry, found their indifference towards -_foreign missions_ immovable, until they had learned something of -_geography_: but so soon as they had read the {22} description of -distant countries, and seen them upon the map, they conceived an -interest in the people who dwelt there; and entered warmly into the -scheme of beneficence, which before had solicited their attention in -vain. "Their new acquirements," observes Neff, "enlarged their spirit, -and made new creatures of them; seeming to triple their very -existence." Geometry, he remarked, also "produced a happy moral -development:" doubtless by the beauty of its unerring march to truth. -Arithmetic it is superfluous to recommend: but its adjunct, Algebra, -deserves cultivation as an exercise to the analyzing faculties; as an -implement, indispensable to the prosecution of several other studies; -and as opening a unique and curious field of knowledge to the view. - -The _physical sciences_, shewing the composition and defects of soils, -and the modes of remedying those defects--the natures and properties -of minerals and vegetables--the modes in which different bodies affect -each other--the mechanical powers--the structure of man's own frame, -and the causes which benefit or injure it--the utility of these cannot -escape any mind. - -For _books_, and _tracts_, and _oral lectures for the people_, there -will be no want of materials or models, or even of the actual fabrics -themselves. The publications of the British and American Societies for -the Diffusion of Knowledge, are mines, in which selection, -compilation, and imitation, may work with the richest results to this -great cause. Many of these productions, and still more eminently, the -scientific writings of Dr. Franklin, afford most happy specimens of -the style, suited to treatises for popular use: no parade of learning; -no long word, where a short will serve the turn; no Latin or Greek -derivative, where an Anglo-Saxon is at hand; no technical term, where -a popular one can be used. By presenting, in a form thus brief, -simple, and attractive, subjects which in their accustomed guise of -learned and costly quartos or octavos, frighten away the common gaze, -as from a Gorgon upon which none might look, and live, you may -insinuate them into every dwelling, and every mind: the school urchin -may find them neither incomprehensible, nor wearisome; and the -laboring man be detained from the tippling house, and even for an -hour, after the day's toil is over, from his pillow, to snatch a few -morsels from the banquet of instruction. - -Many will cavil at the attempt to disseminate generally, so extended a -round of knowledge: and if, to escape the charge of -_impracticability_, we say, that our aim is to impart merely a slight -and general acquaintance with the proposed subjects,--then, -_sciolism_, and _smattering_, will be imputed to the plan; and Pope's -clever lines, so often misapplied, about the _intoxicating effect of -shallow draughts from the Pierian Spring_, will be quoted upon us. -Come the objection in prose or in verse, it is entirely fallacious. - -Learning, either superficial or profound, intoxicates with vanity, -only when it is confined to a few. It is by seeing or fancying himself -wiser than those around him, that the pedant is puffed up. But now, -all the community, male and female, are proposed to be made partakers -of knowledge; and cannot be vain, of what all equally possess. -Besides--the sort of knowledge that naturally engenders conceit and -leads to error, is the _partial_ knowledge of _details_; not a -comprehensive acquaintance with _outlines_, and _general principles_. -A quack can use the lancet, and knows it to have been successfully -employed for severe contusions and excessive heat; but does not know -the _general_ fact, that under extreme exhaustion, indicated by a -suspended pulse, stimulants, and not depletives, are proper. Seeing a -man just fallen from a scaffold, or exhausted with heat and fatigue in -the harvest field--his pulse gone--the quack bleeds him, and the -patient dies. Again--a lounger at judicial trials, having picked up a -few legal doctrines and phrases--perhaps being master of a "Hening's -Justice"--conceives himself a profound jurisprudent; and besides -tiring the ears of all his acquaintance with technical pedantry, he -persuades a credulous neighbor, or plunges himself, into a long, -expensive, and ruinous law-suit. The worthy Mr. Saddletree, and Poor -Peter Peebles,[13] are masterly pictures of such a personage: -pictures, of which few experienced lawyers have not seen originals. -The storm so lately (and perhaps even yet) impending from the north, -and several other conspicuous ebullitions of fanaticism, are clearly -traceable to the perversion of a text[14] in our Declaration of -Independence and Bills of Rights, detached from its natural connexion -with kindred and qualifying truths, by minds uninstructed in the -_general principles_ of civil and political right. The mind which has -been accustomed only to a microscopic observation of one subject, or -one set of subjects, is necessarily contracted, fanatical, and -intolerant: as the wrinkled crone, who, during a long life, has never -passed the hills environing her cabin, or heard of any land besides -her own province, believes her native hamlet the choicest abode of -wisdom and goodness, and its humble church the grandest specimen of -architectural magnificence, in the world; and hears with incredulity -or horror, of distant countries, containing mountains, rivers, -climates, and cities, such as her thoughts never conceived, and people -with complexions, customs, language, and religion, different from all -that she has ever known. But the intellect, that has surveyed the -outlines and observed the relations of many various subjects (even -though not thoroughly familiar with any,) resembles the man who by -travelling, or even on a map, has traced the boundaries and marked the -relative positions of different countries. Knowing that _they exist_, -and _are peopled_, he readily forms distinct ideas of their surfaces, -and their moral traits: their mountains, rivers, and cities, their -arts, commerce, manners, institutions, and wars, rise before his -imagination, or are grasped by his knowledge: and whatever he hears, -he is prepared rationally to credit or reject, to approve or censure, -as it comports well or ill with probability and with reason. Now, to -counteract the one, and to promote the other, of these two conditions -of mind, are precisely what is proposed by the advocates of popular -instruction. They propose to teach _outlines_; and carefully to -impress the fact, that _only outlines are taught_: so as to shew the -learner, plainly, the precise extent of his knowledge, and (what is -yet more important) of his _ignorance_. It is thus, that, being not -"proud that he hath learned so much," but rather "humble that he knows -no more," vanity and self-conceit will be most certainly prevented: -{23} that a wise doubt of his own infallibility will make him tolerant -of dissent from his opinions: that he will be prepared at all times to -extend his acquisitions easily and judiciously, and to connect them -well with previous acquisitions--proving how truly Blackstone has -said, in paraphrase of Cicero,[15] "the sciences are _social_, and -flourish best in the neighborhood of each other:" in short, that he -will approach most nearly to that "healthful, well proportioned" -expansion of intellect and liberality of character, which Locke[16] -terms a _large, sound, roundabout sense_. In this point of view, it -will be found that "a little learning is" _not_ "a dangerous thing." - -[Footnote 13: In "The Heart of Mid Lothian," and "Redgauntlet."] - -[Footnote 14: "All men are created equal," &c. This principle is, in -substance, asserted in the Bill of Rights or Constitution of almost -every State in the Union.] - -[Footnote 15: ----"omnes artes, quae ad humanitatem pertinent, habent -quoddam commune vinculum, et quasi cognatione quadam inter sese -continentur." _Orat. pro Arch. Poet._] - -[Footnote 16: Conduct of the Understanding.] - -I am deeply sensible, that I have left untouched many topics, even -more important and more pertinent to the main theme of my remarks, -than some which I have discussed. Indeed, so wide and so varied is -that main theme, that I have found myself greatly embarrassed in -selecting from the numerous particulars which solicited my regard on -every hand. I have not presumed to offer any fully rounded plan, of -that legislative action which is so imperiously demanded by the public -weal, and soon will be, I trust, by the public voice. A few hints, are -all that seemed to become me, or indeed that could well be crowded -into my brief share of this day's time. For a plan, both in outline -and in detail, I point to our sister states and to the European -countries, that have taken the lead of us: and to the virtues and -wisdom, by which our statesmen will be able to supply the defects, -avoid the errors, and even, I trust, surpass the excellences, of those -states and countries. That the Legislature may be wrought up to act, -individual influence, and the more powerful influence of associations -for the purpose--of whom I deem you, gentlemen, the chief, because the -first--must be exerted. You must draw the minds of the constituent -body forcibly to the subject. It must be held up in every light; -supported by every argument; until the people shall be persuaded but -to _consider_ it. Then, half the work will have been done. And in its -further progress towards consummation--when the illuminating process -shall have fairly begun--still it will be for you, gentlemen, and for -those whom your example shall call into this field of usefulness with -and after you, to exert, with no slumbering energy, the endowments -wherewith you and they, are entrusted. You, and they, must become -authors, and the prompters of authors. Books, for use in the schools, -and cheap, simplifying tracts as well as books for circulation among -the people, must be composed, compiled, and selected. Lectures, plain -and cheap, and suitably illustrated, must be delivered through town -and country. After the example of the good Watts, and of our own many -illustrious contemporaries in Britain and America, learned men must -oblige Science to lay aside the starched dignity and grand attire, by -which hitherto she has awed away the vulgar; and to render herself -universally amiable, by being humbly useful: as the wisest[17] of -heathens is said to have "brought Philosophy down from the skies, -placed her in human haunts, and made her discourse on the daily -concerns of human life." - -[Footnote 17: Socrates. "Primus ille Philosophiam devocavit e coelo, -et in urbibus collocavit, et in domus introduxit; et coegit de vita et -moribus, rebusque bonis et malis quærere." _Cic. Tuscul. 5_.] - -In this whole enterprise, its undertakers should resolve to be -convinced by no sneers, daunted by no difficulties, arrested by no -obstacles. Difficulties and obstacles enough, indeed, will present -themselves to the timid or superficial glance; but they will vanish, -before calm scrutiny and brave determination. Even where the means of -solving or removing them may not occur before hand to the mind, what -was lately said in a worse cause, will prove to be true: "Where there -is a WILL, there is a WAY." In such a cause as ours, and in reference -to the epithets of "visionary," "impracticable," "chimerical," -"Quixotic," and all the other imaginary lions which will be discovered -in our path, well may we say, with the generous confidence of Lord -Chatham, that we "_trample upon impossibilities_." - -Has not our success, indeed, been already demonstrated? Demonstrated, -in the first place, by unnumbered instances of parallel, and more -stupendous enterprises, accomplished under circumstances less -favorable than those which attend our undertaking? Such enterprises as -the Reformation of Luther--the settlement of America--her deliverance -from a foreign yoke--the teaching of the blind and the dumb[18] to -read and to write? Demonstrated, again, by actual _experiment_, that -sovereign test of practicability--experiment, seven times repeated, -with extensive, if not complete success--in New York, in Connecticut, -in Massachusetts, in Austria, in Germany, in Prussia, in Scotland? -Yes--it is no untried path we are called to tread: scarcely a step of -the way, but has been explored and smoothed before us. All that we -have to do, is to look around--see what others have done--correct our -own procedure by what we perceive defective in theirs--and forthwith -open the floodgates of light, and bid the torrent pour. - -[Footnote 18: Dr. Johnson, after having witnessed the surprising -performances of the pupils in a College for the deaf and dumb at -Edinburgh in 1773, concluded that such a triumph over an infirmity -apparently irremediable, left nothing hopeless to human resolution. -"After having seen the deaf taught arithmetic," says he, "who would be -afraid to cultivate the Hebrides?" _Journey to the Western Islands_.] - -Young gentlemen, foster-sons of the venerable institution near us! -Some, if not all of you, are destined by your opportunities, and by -bosoms glowing with honorable ambition, and beating high with the -consciousness of talent, for a conspicuous part in the drama of life. -Your eyes, doubtless, have already often glanced around, to see in -what field you shall reap the harvest of wealth, respect, and fame, -which hope represents as awaiting you. The buzz of notoriety, the palm -of eloquence, the gorgeousness of office--those glittering bribes, -which have lured onward their tens of thousands to mere splendid -misery or to a shameful end after all--have, no doubt, displayed their -attractions to you: but permit me to suggest, that if you will devote -the powers with which nature and education have gifted you, to the -patriot task of purifying and expanding the minds of your -countrymen--besides enjoying in your latter days that sweetest of -earthly thoughts, the thought of a life spent in usefulness--you may -have gathered laurels of glory, compared with which, all the chaplets -ever won in the tilt-yard of vulgar ambition are paltry weeds. - -My wealthy fellow citizens! remember, that where {24} suffrage is -nearly universal and the majority rules, if the great body of the -people be ignorant or immoral, property is never secure from assaults, -under the disguise of law: either agrarian schemes, or oppressive -protecting systems, or advantages to certain classes, or some form of -unequal taxation; all, the result of ill-informed minds, or of -depraved dispositions. And if lawlessness assume not the garb of -legislation, still it is always banded with ignorance in the firing of -barns, the destruction of labor-saving machinery,[19] conspiracies to -raise wages, and all the terrific outrages that spring from the fury -of mobs. Thus, by a wise Providence, are you, who are the most _able_ -to promote the education of the people, also by far the most -_interested_ in doing so. If there can be a case, in which a judicious -liberality is the truest economy, that case is now yours: and never -may the _ill husbandry of niggardliness_ be more awfully exemplified, -than by your grudging a small particle of your wealth, to place the -remainder beyond the reach of this peril. - -[Footnote 19: No one can have forgotten the ravages committed, a year -or two since, by the ignorant poor of Kent, and some others of the -southern and middle counties of England, chiefly under the delusive -idea, that their sufferings were caused by labor-saving machinery.] - -My fellow citizens (if any such are before me) who do not possess -wealth, and who have scarcely tasted of the cup of knowledge! You -surely need no exhortation to quaff freely of that cup, when it shall -come within your grasp: but I do exhort you to employ your influence -as men, and your constitutional power as voters, in persuading your -fellow citizens, and in prompting your public agents, to adopt the -requisite measures for dispelling, now and forever, the clouds and -darkness in which republican freedom can never long live. - -And if, at the remotest point of future time, to which we may look -forward as witnessing the existence of human government any where, our -democratic forms shall still retain, unimpaired, even their present -purity, and present fertility of substantial freedom and happiness; -much more, if they shall have waxed purer, and stronger, and more -fruitful of good, with each revolving century,--defying the power or -conciliating the love of foreign states--maintaining domestic -harmony--oppressing none, protecting all--and so fully realizing the -fondest hopes of the most sanguine statesman, that no "despair of the -republic" can trouble the faintest heart:--all will be owing (under -Providence,) to the hearkening of this generation and the succeeding -ones, to that voice--not loud, but solemn and earnest--which, from the -shrine of Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and -enforces the momentous precept--"ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE!" - - - - -THE WISSAHICCON. - - Its bounding crystal frolicked in the ray, - And gushed from cleft to crag with saltless spray. - _Byron_. - - -It is probable there are but few individuals residing in the vicinity -of Philadelphia, who have not heard, during some interval of business -engagements, of Wissahiccon creek, a beautiful and romantic stream -that falls into the no less romantic Schuylkill, about five miles -above the city. The stream is visited, statedly, by but a small number -of persons, but as it is neither found on any map, nor marked in any -gazetteer that I have ever examined, there may be some apology -afforded for the indifference to magnificent scenery, manifested by -hundreds and thousands of our citizens, who, though domiciled in its -immediate vicinity, have never deemed it worthy of a visit. So true it -is, that there is a proneness in human nature to undervalue the gifts -of Providence which are placed within our reach, and to admire and -covet those which are located at a distance. Were a fatiguing journey -of several hundred miles necessary, in order to enjoy a ramble along -the banks of the Wissahiccon, we should then, without doubt, view its -placid waters, its sluggish, meandering course, its richly covered -banks, and its imposing precipices, with the admiration and enthusiasm -which scenes of this character never fail to inspire in the minds of -those who passionately love the untouched works of the hand of nature. -But the delightful little stream courses along within a few miles of -our doors, and a ride to its most picturesque views, is but an hour's -excursion; hence, except to a few, whose researches have discovered, -and whose good taste enabled them to appreciate, the beauty, sublimity -and majesty of this stream, it is almost unknown. - -But there are persons who have not been thus negligent of nature's -treasures in this vicinity, and to these a visit to the fascinating -Wissahiccon, calls up remembrances and associations of the most -delightful character. To those who enjoy Nature in her majesty--free, -uncontrolled, undespoiled of her beauty by the effacing efforts of -human skill--there is no spot, within a circle of many miles, so rich -in imagery, so imposing in appearance, so fascinating in attraction, -as the banks of the Wissahiccon. The stream takes its rise from -several springs in the upper part of Montgomery county, and flows, for -a short distance, through a limestone country, remarkable for -fertility and a high state of cultivation. Thence it passes, -south-westernly, "a sweet smiling stream sleeping on the green sward," -into more undulating land, until it reaches the Chesnut ridge, from -which it progresses, at times indolently, and at times with an -impetuous current, through a narrow valley, hedged in on either side -by high hills, steep and craggy cliffs and precipitous mountains, -until it strikes the Schuylkill, about a mile above the falls. Along -its whole course the scenery of the Wissahiccon is beautiful, but it -is the portion lying within six or eight miles of its mouth, that is -generally regarded as the most attractive, as it exhibits, in bolder -relief than any other portion, the peculiar sublimity and grandeur of -the stream, and the imposing and majestic ledge of rock work through -which it passes. It is along this distance that I have been accustomed -to ramble during leisure moments, for years, and it is under the shade -of the forests of brilliant hue that line its banks, that I have often -reclined, and enjoyed, undisturbed, the sweet melody of nature, -issuing from the bursting green foliage around me. I love nature with -enthusiasm, and whether standing on the bank of a running stream and -listening to the sweet gushing sound of its waters, or seated on an -eminence overlooking the waving fields of golden fruit that bless the -labor of the husbandman; whether enchanted by the Siren song of -nature's minstrels in the spring, or watching the many-colored leaves -of the {25} forest, as they are borne through the air by the whistling -winds of autumn--there is, in the scene before me, absorbing -attraction, calling forth reflections which never fail to mellow down -the selfish and unkind feelings of the heart, and to shed a peaceful, -consoling, and happy influence--all-pervading and lasting in its -impressions--over the heart. - -The wild and majestic are, however, the scenes to which I am most -strongly attached, and which invariably elicit, to a greater extent -than those of a softer character, passionate emotions of wonder and -admiration. I love to stand at the base of a mountain whose summit -reaches the clouds, and to clamber among rocks and under precipices -whose projecting cliffs threaten destruction to the hardy -adventurer--I love to explore the dense forests of our bold and -beautiful hills, and to bury myself in the hidden recesses of nature, -where the foot of man has never trod, where the sound of civilization -has never been heard--I love to stand at the foot of Niagara, and -watch the mighty torrent of a mighty inland sea hurling its -concentrated power into the gulph below, and to gaze deep, deep, into -that awful abyss--unfathomable, destructive, appalling--I love to see -the elements at war, to hear the rush of the tornado and whirlwind, -laying prostrate in their furious course every impediment to their -destructive progress, and to witness the fall of the powerful oak and -the whirlings of its cleft branches in the sea of matter above, -crushing and overwhelming the most formidable obstacles of art. These -are scenes in which the spirit of the enthusiast revels, and they are -scenes which strike the soul with awe, speaking trumpet-tongued of the -presence of an Almighty power, of the omnipotence of his authority, of -the insignificance of human effort, and the frailty of human life. - -The scenery near the mouth of the Wissahiccon is of a wild, romantic, -and imposing character, beautiful in its ever-varying aspect, and -interesting in its mystic associations. High hills, occasionally -assuming the appearance of mountains, rise on either side, covered -with a dense and beautifully-variegated foliage. The dogwood, with its -beautiful flowers, the chesnut, the locust, the melancholy willow, the -sumac, the gum, with its vermillion leaves, and the gloomy hemlock, -flourish here in all their native grandeur; and the lofty oak, the -father of the forest, stretches out his thickly-covered branches to -afford shade and shelter to the weary pedestrian. Wild flowers, in -great number and varieties, rivalling each other in loveliness, are -found in the underwood, giving effect to the drapery of the verdant -trees, by enlivening the dark hues of the thickly-growing and -overshadowed forest. Some of these flowers and plants are of rare -quality and surpassing beauty, and far eclipse in attraction many that -are cultivated with care and pride in our gardens; but here they -spring up, year after year, in silence and solitude, being literally - - "------Born to blush unseen, - And waste their fragrance on the desert air." - -In the valley of the stream, along the eastern side of which, for a -mile or two, a convenient road has been chisseled and scooped out of -the sides of the stony hill, the vision is completely obstructed by -the imposing banks, and hills rising above hills, on either shore; and -but for the unpoetic noise of a laboring mill, and the span of a rude -bridge which crosses to a small cavern or cleft in the rocky slope, -there would be nothing to betray the presence of man, or to mark the -contiguity of human enterprise. Alas! that not one spot--not even the -glorious Wissahiccon--bearing the undoubted impress of the hand of the -God of nature, can escape the desolating depredations and officious -interference of the onward march of civilization. - -The carriage road commencing at the mouth of the Wissahiccon, crosses -the stream on a covered bridge, about a mile and a half above, winds -up a hill of considerable elevation, and passes over to the ridge. -From the covered bridge access along the creek is obtained by means of -a foot path, on the western side, which is marked through the forest, -over crags and cliffs, rugged rocks and rooted trees, until it reaches -a beautiful green lawn, a little parlor in the wilderness, celebrated -as the resort of occasional pic-nic parties of young ladies and -gentlemen from the city, and where, on the grassy floor, youth and -beauty have often mingled in the graceful dance, and joined in the -merry song of innocence and gay hilarity. It is a sweet spot, and -surrounded, as it is, by scenery of the wildest and most romantic -character, may very appropriately be designated the "oasis of the -Wissahiccon." Near this place, immediately on the water's edge, the -ruins of an antiquated stone building are discovered, scattered over -the ground, and as no trace of the original appearance of the edifice -can be found, the imagination is permitted to enjoy free scope in -dwelling upon the character and pursuits of its ancient founders. On -the opposite side, the banks rise up, in many places almost -perpendicularly, to the height of mountains, and but few have the -temerity to attempt a passage along the course of the stream, as a -single false step might hurl them among the dangerous rocks and -jutting cliffs below. Here, as well as on the western side, several -clefts and caverns in the granite rocks may be found, but it does not -appear that they extend to any great depth under the massive -structure; and here, upon the edge of a hill, may be seen the point at -which it was sometime since proposed to throw a bridge over the -stream, to carry across the rail road from Philadelphia to Norristown. -The projectors of the scheme reached thus far in their onward -progress, but in casting a glance over the precipice into the gulph -below, were struck with dismay at the formidable obstacles which -appeared, and prudently abandoned the hazardous and wildly-conceived -undertaking. - -Near Garsed's flax mill, the foot-path crosses to the eastern shore of -the stream, on a rude log chained to an adjacent stone, and passes up -through a forest overhanging the sluggish waters, and through a thick -underwood, which, in some places, is almost impenetrable. Occasional -openings in the dense foliage, which become more frequent as the -pedestrian progresses up the stream, afford highly picturesque and -enchanting views of the surrounding hills, such as those who -appreciate Nature in her majesty, would journey miles upon miles, and -endure pain and fatigue without murmuring, to behold. In every -direction the scenes unfolded to the eye are rich and enchanting -beyond description, and remind the writer who associates therewith -ideas of intellectual pleasure and enjoyment, of the beautiful lines -of the poet: {26} - - "Dear solitary groves, where peace doth dwell! - Sweet harbors of pure love and innocence! - How willingly could I forever stay - Beneath the shade of your embracing greens, - List'ning unto the harmony of birds, - Tun'd with the gentle murmur of the stream." - -One of the most interesting spots on the Wissahiccon, is in the -immediate vicinity of the great perpendicular rock of granite, -opposite Rittenhouse's mill. Here the dark shadows of the hill fall, -with beautiful effect, upon the gurgling stream, and the rich and deep -woodland foliage, the tangled and fragrant shrubbery, the towering -cliffs on the one side, and imposing hills and dales on the other, -give to the place a charm and fascination, which the reflecting mind -may enjoy, but of which it is impossible to convey with the pen, any -accurate description. It was near this enchanting place, on the sun -side of a high hill, as is currently believed, that Kelpius and his -friend, scholars of Germany, located themselves about the close of the -seventeenth century, and where for years they dwelt in quiet and -religious meditation, awaiting, with anxious prayer, the coming of the -"Lady of the Wilderness," and where they died, as we now know, -"without the sight." It was here, that, at a period long anterior to -the arrival of Kelpius, the untamed monarch of these wilds came to -enjoy the rich treasures of nature, and to worship, in silence, the -goodness and bounty of the Great Spirit. It was here, perhaps, on the -summit of this very hill, that the original owners of the soil -convened for the war dance and to make preparations for a furious and -bloody contest; or mayhap it was here that the chiefs of different -tribes assembled to bury the hatchet of war, and to smoke the calumet -of amity and peace. Perhaps it was here that the noble young warrior, -flushed with the honors of victory, stole silently at the midnight -hour, to breathe his tale of love and his vows of devotion, into the -ear of his blushing and affianced bride; and surely no spot can be -found, in the whole range of our wide-spread territory, so suitable -for scenes of this character. Here is the abode of romance, here the -spirit of nature holds undisputed sway--and here, among these rugged -rocks, and in this dense foliage--by the side of this poetic stream, -with its associations of woody heights and shady dells, it is fitting -that pure and holy vows of love should be uttered, where Heaven, in -every leaf of the forest, in every blade of grass, may be called upon -to bear witness to their sincerity and truth. - -But the Wissahiccon has fallen into other hands. The untutored savage -no longer strolls over these silent mountains and vales, for his abode -has been removed far away, beyond the western waters. The bones of his -warrior fathers lie bleached and neglected in the depths of the -valley, for the high-bounding spirit of the son is tamed, by the -contaminating influence of his civilized brethren. The active deer no -longer bounds over the hills and dales of the Wissahiccon, for he has -been driven to more sequestered abodes. The stream is, however, much -the same--its placid waters are still beautiful as mirrors--its shores -are still romantic--its groves are still enchanting--and so may they -ever remain, undisturbed, untouched by the dilapidating hand of man! -The place should ever be reserved as a refreshing retreat, where the -soul may be uplifted in devotion, and the heart gladdened in sweet -contemplation--where no sound shall be heard but the notes of melody -and joy, in delightful unison with the tones of the murmuring rill. - - "To sit on rocks, to muse o'er flood and fell, - To slowly trace the forest's shady scene, - Where things that own not man's dominion dwell, - And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been; - To climb the trackless mountain, all unseen, - With the wild flock that never needs a fold; - Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean; - This is not solitude--'tis but to hold - Converse with nature's charms, and see her stores unroll'd." - -Two or three miles above the perpendicular rock, on the eastern shore -of the stream, and in a spot equally beautiful and romantic, stands an -edifice of great antiquity, connected with which there are a number of -interesting associations. It is built nearly on the summit of a slope -that stretches into a ravine, walled in on three sides by elevated -hills, thickly covered with foliage. The building is of stone, three -stories high, with numerous windows, four to each chamber, of uniform -size, and appearance; sixty years ago there was a balcony around the -second story, and the old-fashioned eaves, plastered in semi-circular -form, still to be seen, exhibit the architectural taste and style of a -past century. The date of its erection is supposed to be the year -1706, and its founders a society of religious Germans, probably known -as _Pietists_ or _Seven day Baptists_, who no doubt selected this -secluded situation in order to secure peace and quietness in their -religious devotions. Many of the aged inhabitants of the neighborhood -remember this monastery, as a building of unchanged appearance, even -from the days of their boyhood, and some have connected therewith -curious traditions of romance and legends of mystic tale. -Notwithstanding the edifice has lately undergone a thorough -alteration, and is now the permanent residence of a highly respectable -and very intelligent family, it still bears the reputation of being -visited by spirits. - -The fact of this building having been occupied as a monastery, by a -brotherhood of Germans, is, however, involved in doubt. One tradition -alleges, that it was tenanted for sometime, by a fraternity of -Capuchins, or White Friars, who took upon themselves vows of -abstinence and poverty, and who slept upon wooden or stone pillows, -with places scolloped out for the head. In confirmation of this -tradition, an ancient burial place near the premises, now under -tillage, is pointed out, where repose the remains of many of the -brotherhood. Another and more probable story is, that the building was -actually erected for a religious society, professing a faith similar -to that of the Seven day Baptists at Ephrata, near Lancaster, but -never occupied, as those for whom it was designed deemed it expedient -to leave the neighborhood, and join the settlement at Ephrata. The -Chronica Ephrata expressly states that, previous to the formation of -that community, in May, 1733, they had dwelt in separate places as -hermits, and "the hermits of the ridge" are frequently mentioned. That -there was a feeling of affection between these hermits and the -brotherhood in Ephrata, is beyond all doubt, as the Chronica, in -another place, speaks of some brothers of single devotedness at -Roxborough, "who subsequently fell in with the spirit of the world and -married." - -Kelpius, probably the first of the hermits, on the Wissahiccon, died -in the year 1708. He was succeeded by {27} Seelig, who survived him -many years, and who was contemporary with Conrad Matthias, another -recluse, whose cave was near the Schuylkill. Tradition speaks of these -Germans as being men of undoubted piety and great learning. Kelpius -wrote several languages, and his journal, in Latin, is now in the -possession of a distinguished antiquarian of Philadelphia. He waited -the coming of the "Lady of the Wilderness,"--the "woman clothed with -the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of -twelve stars," spoken of in the scriptures, as having "fled into the -wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should -feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Rev. -xii.) We may wonder that such a man as Kelpius should labor under a -delusion of this character, but those who will visit the spot he -selected for his "prayerful waiting," will agree with me in opinion -that it was singularly well chosen to harmonize with and foster his -eccentric views, and romantic religious expectations. - -There is another interesting legend, connected with the monastery on -the Wissahiccon, which I feel inclined to allude to, if I may do so -without being held responsible for its veracity. It is a tale of -unhappy love, and relates to a young, beautiful, and accomplished -French lady, who followed her lover to the Indian wars, who fought in -disguise by his side, and who closed his eyes when he fell at her -feet, mortally wounded. Being subsequently admitted, for temporary -shelter, into the monastery, she passed a year or two in unavailing -grief, and died, heart-broken at the loss of all she held near and -dear on earth. The particulars of the melancholy fate of the beautiful -Louisa I may hereafter unfold to the reader, but I beg my young -friends who may discover the mound which covers her remains at the -foot of a weeping willow, washed by the gurgling stream, to shed a -tear to the memory of one whose beauty and virtues deserved a happier -fate. - -I have thus attempted to give a sketch of the ever-delightful -Wissahiccon, and to cast a hasty glance at a few of the prominent -incidents with which it was once associated. If I have failed to -excite interest in the mind of the reader, let him not hesitate to -attribute the circumstance to the feeble powers of the writer, rather -than to the poverty of the subject to which his attention has been -called. Beautiful and magnificent beyond comparison are the -picturesque views of this romantic stream, and for ages to come may -its crystal waters continue to course through the valley, affording -peaceful enjoyment to the pedestrian on its banks, and unqualified -delight to those who may ramble through its attractive forests. - -_Philadelphia, October 1835_. - - - - -LE BRUN. - - -Le Brun, a Jesuit, wrote what he called a Christian Virgil, and a -Christian Ovid. The Virgil consists, of Eclogues, Georgics, and an -Epic of twelve books, all however on devotional subjects. The Ovid is -in the same taste. The Epistles are pious ones--the Fasti are the six -days of the Creation--the Elegies are the Lamentations of -Jeremiah--the Art of Love is a poem on The Love of God, and the -history of some Conversions supplies the place of the Metamorphoses. - - - - -MEMORY. - - - Oh! why should Memory love to dwell - On pleasures which can come no more? - And why should Fancy's magic spell - So brightly gild each scene of yore? - - Ev'n Hope's delusive, glittering beam - May cease to shed its cheering light; - And, dull and cold, Time's onward stream - May flow before the aching sight. - - But Memory, like a fairy dream, - Still haunts the pensive view, - And, like mild Evening's lingering beam, - Clothes fading scenes in loveliest hue. - - The Past, with all its glittering train - Of joys, so sweet, so quickly fled, - At Memory's touch returns again, - To cheer the heart whose hopes are dead. - - Fond Retrospection lingers near - Each scene of bliss which could not last, - And links again that chain so dear, - Which Memory flings around the past. - - Hopes, Friendships, _Loves_--a seraph band-- - Which Time's cold blast had rudely torn, - As Memory waves her magic wand, - With more than former bliss return. - - They come, like Music's distant breath, - So soft, so sweet their whisperings are-- - And fadeless is that lovely wreath - With which they bind the brow of care. - - Oh! Memory's joys will _always_ last-- - No cloud can dim their brilliant ray; - Still bright and brighter glows the Past, - As Hope's sweet visions fade away. - - - - -THE CITY. - - - The City--the City--its glare and din-- - Oh! my soul is sick of its sights and shows, - My spirit is cramp'd, and my soul pent in-- - I can scarcely think, and it seems to me - My very breathing is not so free, - As where the breeze in its freedom blows, - And the vines untrammel'd but seem to be - Disporting to tell of their liberty. - There, _there_ I'd be--Oh! my spirit pines - For the rivers, the trees, and the forest vines. - - From the crowded streets, and the jostling throng, - And garish glitter, and vain parade-- - My native woods! how I long, I long - To bury me in thy wilds again; - Then Art, and Fashion, and Form, oh! then - I'll eschew ye all in my wild-wood shade. - Like an uncaged bird, I shall scarcely know - Which way to bend me, or whither to go; - Yet I think my spirit would grateful rise - Unto God, who dwells in the clear blue skies. - -_Columbia, S. C._ - - -{28} - - -MACEDOINE: - -BY THE AUTHOR OF OTHER THINGS. - - -I. - - "I tell it as 'twas whispered unto me, - By a strange voice not of this world I ween." - - - The Baron has gone to a distant land - Beyond the far wave the sun sets on; - Last eve but one he kissed his hand - To his lady, the lovely Marion, - As he urged his proud courser along the plain - That leads to the sea, from his wide domain, - In the van of a gallant vassal train. - - In sooth, her lord is a noble knight - As e'er couched lance in tourney or fight-- - But yet the lady loved him not, - And heaven ne'er blest their lonely lot. - "No little voices, no fairy footfalls - Broke the deep hush of their silent halls;" - For Coldness hung over their bridal couch, - And chilled their hearts with his icy touch. - The lady scarce smiled when her lord was nigh-- - And when she did, her pensive eye - Had somewhat in its look the while - Which seemed to chide the moment's guile, - And check the mimic play of mirth - To which the lip alone gave birth. - Like light that sports on frozen streams - That warm not in its wintry beams, - Is the smile of the lip that would fain seem glad-- - Albeit the heart is gloomy and sad. - - * * * * * - - I watched the lady from afar, - As she sat in the western balcony-- - Oh! none more beautiful could be; - The sun had sunk upon the sea, - And twilight came with the evening star. - - The lady leaned o'er the balustrade,-- - I ween 'twas not the voice of the breeze - That came from the grove of orange trees; - For the lady started as half afraid, - And her cheek turned pale, then flushed blood-red, - As the voice of lips invisible said: - "Meet me to-night by the bastioned wall, - When the midnight moon looks over the sea-- - When the mermaid sleeps in her ocean hall, - And the world seems made but for you and me." - - * * * * * - - 'Twas a lovely night--the moonlit sea - Was smooth and fair as beauty's brow; - And down in the coral caves below, - Where white pearls lie, and seaflowers grow, - The mermaid was dreaming quietly. - And lo! a knight and a lady fair - Stood in the shade of the bastioned wall: - I watched them as they lingered there-- - Oh! they were to each other all - In the wide, wide world their hearts held dear; - He clasped her trembling to his breast, - And kissed from her lids the glittering tear. - She sighed, and pointed to the west, - And again her tears flowed unreprest; - - * * * * * - - -II. - -SONG. - -Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto -those that be of heavy hearts. - -Let him drink--and remember his misery no more. - - _Proverbs--Chap. xxxi. 6 and 7_. - - - This is a dark and dreary world - To which we're vainly clinging-- - We spurn at life, yet dread the fate - Each hour is nearer bringing. - It is not love--it is not hope, - That binds us to our sorrow-- - But wild vague fears--a shrinking dread - Of an unearthly morrow: - Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine-- - A truce to sober thinking-- - And pledge the joy that lingers yet-- - The deep, deep joy of drinking. - - Oh! 'tis a dark and fearful curse - Hangs o'er this brief existence-- - The knowledge of a fixed doom - That mocks our poor resistance. - In vain the path is strewed with flowers, - The truth will ne'er forsake us-- - A grisly demon dogs our steps, - And must at last o'ertake us: - Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine-- - Avaunt all idle thinking-- - And pledge the joy that yet remains-- - The deep, deep joy of drinking. - - -III. - -RUINS. - - - Ye grey and mouldering walls!--ye ivied towers! - From whence the midnight-loving bird doth pour - Her dreary note upon the solemn hour! - Ye dim arcades!--ye fancy-haunted bowers! - Ruined--but how majestic in decay! - I love thee well; and gazing thus on thee - In twilight solitude, it seems to me - A spirit voice comes stealing up this way-- - The voice of vanished years--and many a tale - It tells my musing mind of gallant lords - And ladies gay--of moonlight-whispered words, - And deeds of high renown--of crimes that pale - The cheek to dream--and the malignant scowl - Of evil eyes beneath the monkish cowl. - - -IV. - -SONNET. - - - Oh! I could almost weep to think that thou - Whom heaven hath moulded in a form as fair - As fancy pictures those of upper air, - Shouldst thus belie the promise of that brow - Where truth seems to repose, pure as its snow. - Alas! that treachery should lurk beneath - Such smiles!--a hidden serpent in a wreath - Of Eden flowers!--what art thou, wouldst thou know? - In all thy pride of charms?--A living tomb - Of buried hopes--the grave of ruined hearts - Which trusted, loved thee,--dreaming not that arts - Which taught the soul excess of bliss, would doom - The worshipper to--no! not Death, but worse-- - And yet thou art too fair a thing to curse. - - -{29} - - -LIONEL GRANBY. - -CHAP. VI. - -"The letters are original, though sometimes in bad taste, and -generally verbose." - _Edinburgh Review_. - - -I had not been a long time at College before I received a large packet -from home, enclosing a number of letters from my uncle, Frederick, and -Lucy. One of them was folded in an odd fashion--directed in a stiff -and inky hand, and surmounted with a mass of red sealing wax, on which -was rudely impressed the ragged outline of the Granby arms. This was -one of my uncle's pedantic, prolix, advisory, and generous epistles, -and I was soon placed in possession of the following neatly written -sentences. - - -_Chalgrave_, ----. - -_My Dear Boy_:--When Erasmus visited Sir Thomas More, that obstinate -sophist, and that martyr to a scolding wife, (how nobly he bore her!) -he said that he could always write a pleasing letter when his hand was -the secretary of his heart. _En passant_, Erasmus made a gallant -speech on this memorable visit. In admiring the kind fashion of -saluting females with a kiss, on your arrival or departure from an -entertainment, he said, and that philosophically, that this habit -preserved health, in calling a constant and blushing glow to the -cheek, and that in his moments of sickness he could wish no happier -situation than to be placed near an English nunnery, where if he could -not be kissed for charity he might yet live in hopes of it. Now my -hand is the obedient secretary, and my heart is anxious to dictate its -duties. How true, yet how simple is this conceit! and how far superior -to the monkish verbosity, and strangled sentiment of those bad novels -which you read merely because they are new. The heart is the -_écritoire_ of the letter writer, and have you never paused with -feelings of admiration and delight over the affectionate and eloquent -letters of a woman? She writes from the heart, and pours out the -swelling torrent of all her thoughts and feelings. Man thinks _what_ -to write, and will fritter away feeling and sacrifice nature in the -struggle for easy periods and mellifluous cadences. It is not learning -that shadows with tints of tenderness the beautiful letters of -Tully--nor is it philosophy which lends that nameless grace, and -elastic interest, to the epistles of Pliny. 'Tis nature whose -affections, like the rainbow, beautify and hallow the roughness of -every spot over which it spans its creative arch. A letter, says -Tully, cannot blush, "_epistola enim non erubescit_," if it could, it -would never have this characteristic when I addressed it to you. I -cannot write aught that will suffuse either your cheek or mine, though -I might whisper something about your fair cousin, Isa Gordon. You love -her, Lionel? and she may return your affection, but you must owe it to -your distinction. Isa is no sickly and prurient-hearted girl who can -solely love the person, for she demands the intellectual man, and in -the hymeneal chaplet which is to adorn her brow, the laurel must twine -its emblematic vanities. Let this hope excite you to study--let this -holy object imp your eagle wing, for on every page of your books you -must see her name urging and stimulating the slumbering energies of -your ambition. I would not have you free from love, nor untouched, as -Spenser calls it, by its pensive discontent, for no young man can -prosper without its stirring and startling excitements. I myself, -"_vixi puellis idoneus_," and I know that it softens the asperities of -temper--gentles the turbulence of youth--breaks down the outworks of -vice, and detracts no more from the firmness of mind than the polish -of the diamond does from its solidity. You may read philosophy and -think of woman--dwell on poetry and find your taste expanding into -delicacy and elevation by dreaming of her gentleness, and I suppose -that even in the crabbed study of the law, you may find her image -peeping over black letter, or smiling through yellow parchment. When I -was at college poor Ridon whom Johnstone shot, ('twas a fair duel) -being in love, translated most of that portion of Coke upon Littleton -which relates to females, into poetry of all styles, and measures. -Only think of his drawing poetical conceits from this dull book, and -scattering them on the margin of the leaden volume, like so many -flowers prodigally thrown into a grave-yard! I have this rare copy, -and in a page blotted with notes, references, and _quæres_, these -crippled lines, have stumbled themselves into the text. - - "_Tenant per la curtesie d'Englettere_." - Chap. iv. sect. 35. - - A feme that has lands - Enters Hymen's bands, - And has heirs in the nuptial tye; - Then these lands shall descend, - When her life's at an end, - To her Lord in curtesy. - -This species of poetry was all that he ever wrote, and he was wont to -say, that he thought it was his duty to the sex, to use the language -of rhyme, and thus make the law respectful. - -I do not know how to advise you about the study of law. I once looked -into it, and though it may be a garden teeming with the elegancies of -Poestum, I could not bear that rough dragon of pedantry, Coke, who -guarded its threshold. It is a sort of hustle-cap game, between judges -and lawyers, and a perilous mystery wherein common sense cannot trust -itself, without that peculiar and dogged impudence, which bears all -the vulgarity, without the courage, of effrontery. Now there is -philosophy in every thing, and if you will acquire decent effrontery I -will call it, for your sake, dignity and learning; and I will even -believe that it requires some mind to understand a plain statute, and -some genius to pervert it. Yet I cannot look with a sarcastic eye on -the hallowed relics of the legal institutions of antiquity. Go back, -my dear boy, to the redundant fountains of ancient literature--and you -will find that Plato and Tully, have long ago, looked up for the pure -seat of law only to the bosom of God, and that the Norman gibberish -and dog-latin, which were quoted to burn witches and sustain kings, -though they may make you a lawyer skilled in precedents, can never -make you the scourge of knavery, the fearless champion of innocence, -nor the enlightened advocate of your country's rights. Old Sir Roger -L'Estrange wrote a mournful valedictory, when he left the riots and -Apician nights of the Inns for the labors and stolid gravity of the -bar, and, amid many sarcasms on the profession, he has thus happily -sketched the character of an honest lawyer. - -"He can prosecute a suit in equity without seeking to create a -whirlpool where one order shall beget another, {30} and the poor -client be swung around (like a cat before execution,) from decree to -rehearing--from report to exception, and _vice versâ_, till his -fortunes are shipwrecked, and himself drowned, for want of white and -yellow earth to wade through on. He does not play the empiric with his -client, and put him on the rack to make him bleed more freely; casting -him into a swoon with frights of a judgment, and then reviving him -again with a cordial writ of error, or the dear elixir of an -injunction, to keep the brangle alive, as long as there are any vital -spirits in the pouch. He can suffer his neighbors to live quiet about -him without perpetual alarms of actions and indictments, or conjuring -up dormant titles to every commodious seat, and making land fall five -years purchase, merely for lying within ten miles of him." - -Devote most of your leisure hours to the study of Virginian -antiquities, for it is a noble field, and one which glows into beauty -beneath cultivation. Williamsburg itself is a hoary and whitened -monument of ancient pomp and power, and there still dwells around it -the trembling twilight of former greatness. There is something -distinctive, learned, and patriotic, in the character of a home -antiquary, which will lift you far above the little pedants, who have -dipped the wing in Kennet, or tasted of the shallow learning of -Athenian Stuart. Do you not remember the indignant, yet pathetic lines -which Warton wrote in a blank leaf of Dugdale's Monasticon, and the -spirited scorn with which he repels the sneers of ignorance and -dulness? The antiquary is neither a visionary, nor an enthusiast, for -his pursuits teach the holiest love of country, and call into action -the softest and gentlest affections of the human heart, while his -guileless life occasionally shines forth with the chastened light of -virtue and learning. Virginia is a land whose thrilling history -beggars all romance--every fragment of which, like a broken vase, will -multiply perfume. Who knows aught of that gallant band, who so -fearfully revenged the massacre of 1622?--the bold patriots who -resisted the illegal restrictions on trade--the intrepid spirits who, -led by Bacon, anticipated by a century our national æra, or that -chivalric corps, who, under Vernon, rotted on the pestilential shores -of Carthagena? Who dwells with the patriot's pride, on that -unconquerable strength of infant freedom which made historic Beverley -the Hampden of the colony? Or who troubles himself to inquire into the -blood-stained life of that Westmoreland Parke, who seized the throne -of Antigua, and who died in the last dyke of a bootless though -fiercely fought field? Who cares to remember the enlightened and -learned botanist Clayton, whose modest book, written in the purest -Latin, gained for himself and country, a once proud though now -forgotten fame? And who will believe that the wise, pious, and -eloquent Bishop Porteus was born, and gambolled away his boyhood on -the sunny shores of the majestic York-river? They are all forgotten! -and we neglect the vivid and truthful romance of our own beautiful -land, to learn the nursery tales of fickle Greece, and factious Rome. -In the shifting of the social scene, naught has been left to remind us -of the busy drama once acted in Virginia, and even garrulous tradition -now doubts its existence, while our feet hourly trample on the -sepulchered silence of all that once adorned, dignified, and elevated -human nature. - -I do not wish to give you a learned essay on books, nor to advise you -what authors to read. Your taste is now matured, and that faculty will -see that justice is done to its delicacy. The great object of study is -to teach us _how_, and not _what_ to think; and the principal art of -authorship is the power of pilfering with judgment from the ruins of -ancient lore. But trust not to this poor and suspicious honor. Rely -for success on the daring emprise of your own genius, and should it -fail to lift you from the earth, descend not to the dunghill of -pedantry. Be a poet for the women--a historian for the men--and a -scholar for your own happiness. Confirm your taste by satiating memory -with the beauties of the Spectator, and let Horace hourly talk you -into the dignity and elegance of the sensible gentleman. Be accurate, -rather than extensive, in your knowledge of history, and a -recollection of dates will give you victory in every contest. Learn -the technicalities of geometry; for this will satisfy the groping -mathematician, while the world will take your pedantry for wisdom, and -your crabbed words for learning. There has been, and ever will be, an -everlasting conflict between the radiant course of genius, and the -mole-hill track of diagrams and problems. Strength of mind is claimed -as the attribute of mathematical study, while we forget that any other -study, pursued with the same strictness of attention, will equally -fashion the mind into system and method, while it will be free from -the slavish obedience and indurated dulness, which result from the -memory of lines and proportions. - -You know, my dear boy, my notions concerning your dress. Express -nothing in fancy; and without being the Alpha or Omega of fashion, be -neither fop nor sloven, and dress for the effect of general and not -particular dignity, and never wear a striped cravat. Do not ape -eccentricity of manner and opinion, and take the world in a laughing -and good humored mood. I detest a beardless Cato, for I never knew one -of them, who could stand fire. Talk to women about every thing but -prudence and propriety, and they will think you as wise as you are -well bred; for they cannot bear the restraint of advice, or the -judgment of criticism. Tasso makes his heroine taunt Rinaldo with -gravity and sedateness, and when she calls him a "Zenocrates in love" -the volume of her eloquence exhibits the bitterest venom of female -invective. - -Chalgrave is now still, solitary, and deserted; and were it not for -Lucy's cheerful voice, I should look on myself as a living tomb. Your -pup Gildippe tore off the cover of my Elzevir Horace, an offence -deserving a halter, yet she is pardoned for your sake. Tell me not of -Sir Isaac Newton's diamond, for he never destroyed a jewel so rare, -and so highly prized--ask Col. H. if a colt is best broken in a -snaffle-bit--and tell him 'tis downright superstition to worm a -genuine pointer. I send the pistols made by Wodgen and Barton, and -carrying a ball of the most approved weight. Do write to me, and never -forget that you are a Granby. - - I am, my dear boy, - Yours truly, - CHARLES GRANBY. - -P. S. Translate the Ode to Fortune for me! Old Schrevelli said that he -had rather be the author of that poem, than the Emperor of all the -Austrias, and there was more sense than enthusiasm in his noble -preference. - -{31} P. S. Never scrape your bullets with a knife--but use a flat -file. Do not play the flute; and never write verses on a "flower -presented to a lady," on "a lady singing," or on "receiving a lock of -hair;" for of all puppyism, this is the smallest accomplishment. - -P. S. Never buy a gaudy handkerchief! Do not say _raised_, -_disremember_, _expect_ for _suspect_; and never end the common -courtesies of conversation with the frigid Sir! "Thank ye _Sir!_" -Drink tea instead of coffee, for 'tis more patrician; and do not -render yourself suspected by pronouncing criticisms on wines. - - -The postscripts were multiplied through a full page, which presented a -striking picture of all the odd conceits--incongruous notions, and -broad feeling which tortured my kind uncle's tranquil brain, and I -arose from the perusal of his letter with mingled emotions of love, -respect, and laughter. Lucy's epistle was like that of all girls, full -of small news, long words, and burning sentences of love and -sentiment, and inquiring in a postscript of the health of Arthur -Ludwell, as her mother was greatly interested in his welfare. -Frederick gave me a learned dissertation on the origin of civil -society, and the philosophy of Bolingbroke, scourging me into frantic -ambition, and ending with a prayer that I would ever keep my honor -untainted. My _honor_ was then the subject of their hopes and fears; -and, as I eyed the pistols, I found the fierceness of my nature -lurking with a tranquil rapture around the open, and undisguised hints -of my family. To my temperament, the neat and elegant workmanship, and -the beautiful polish of the pistols, argued sternness and chivalry: -and under the protection of the code of honor, I was determined, by -braving every conflict, to gratify my long, deep, and vindictive hate -of Pilton. How curiously constituted, how wayward, and yet how -uncontrollable is the swelling pulse of the human heart, when agitated -by some momentary and master passion; at any other period, the -remembrance of Isa Gordon, would have soothed me into a lover's -thoughtful gloom, but now every gentle and luxuriant tendril which was -woven around my heart was a crushed and bleeding ruin, and I examined -my uncle's gift of blood--only to murmur the name of Pilton. - -My visits to Miss Pilton's had been attentive, and constant, and I had -concealed my fraud with such art, that I found her listening with -unhesitating confidence, to the deceitful passion which I daily -uttered. Cautious of proposing matrimony, yet ever alert to hint -it--affecting distress and melancholy--and alternately jealous and -confiding, I awoke her sympathy, only to gain her passionate and -abiding affection, while I secured my victory by every art which -duplicity could invent, or falsehood suggest. I saw her reject the -accomplished and educated youth whose pure and guileless feelings had -retained the early romance of childhood's love, and when I found her -in tears, with her head reclining on my bosom, she told me, with a -blushing cheek, that she had sacrificed him, whose singleness and -purity of heart she could not doubt, for me alone. - -'Twas a calm and soft evening when Miss Pilton left Williamsburg, and, -ere we parted, I extorted from her unsuspicious feelings a promise -that she would write to me. Day had languished itself into night, when -I found myself a solitary loiterer in the noiseless grove which -skirted the city. The wind sobbed through the dreary and desolate -silence of the forest, and when I looked up to the twinkling and -radiant light which blazes in a starry sky of Virginia, the innate -piety of Nature almost chastened me into repentance. How vain is that -feeble wisdom which impotently labors to read those mute and living -oracles of God? yet who, in searching into them, docs not feel that -his heart is kindled into enthusiasm, by their wild and spiritual -eloquence. May not each bright and dazzling star whose lambent fire -dances over the cloudless sky be the abode of spirits enjoying a realm -of mind--of philosophers who rived the adamant of vulgar error--of -patriots who offered their blood at the shrine of their country--of -those who opened a vista for freedom through the gloom of tyranny--and -of the poet who, fettered to the earth, boldly anticipated a foretaste -of his eternal home, in some earthly, yet beautiful and rapturous -dream? - -THETA. - - - - -THE DREAM. - - -I. - - I dreamed a dream--and still upon my mind - The image of that dream, on Memory's page - Inscribed in letters large and legible, - Rests vivid as the lightning's scathing flash. - Beneath a spreading oak, that towered high - And lone upon a hillock's grassy plot, - A Maiden stood--and by her side a Youth, - Whose summers did, tho' few, outnumber hers; - And _she_ was beautiful as rainbow tints-- - Her voice, like sweetest music borne upon - The bosom of some gentle breeze far o'er - The hushed and silent waters of the deep-- - Her breath, like fragrant odors from the lap - Of Flora sent, when Morning's blush appears-- - Her heart, the home where wild affections dwelt-- - Her mind, of intellectual power the seat-- - Her eye, the mirror to her speaking soul! - Upon her marble brow was set the seal - Of _Dignity_--and in her slender form - Were blended grace and perfect symmetry. - The Youth was tall, erect--but unlike her - In all things save affection's swelling tide: - Unknowing of the bright and quenchless fire, - At Beauty's altar lit, that constant burned - Within his bosom's deep recess, the world - Had deemed him changeful as the fitful wind. - Silent they were, and round them silence reigned: - Above, the clear blue ether spread her veil, - And by them swept the gentle, fresh'ning breeze - That cooled the burning temples of the one, - The flowing tresses of the other waved. - Beneath them was a wide spread plain, o'er which - The full Moon poured her streams of silver light, - And in a flood of glory bathed both plain - And rugged cliffs that wildly rose beyond. - Upon that lovely scene the maiden looked - That joy and stillness breathed into her heart; - But he that meeting, had not sought to gaze - On landscapes, living though they were. He saw - But her whose form before him rose, so bright, - So beautiful, that all else faded from {32} - The view: He heard no sound save that alone - Which from his beating heart was sent: and oft - He did essay to breathe the hallowed thoughts - That in his bosom long had slept--the pent- - Up fountains of his love to ope; but oft - In vain, 'till faltering accents came at last, - And told the feelings of his inmost soul. - But _she_ was calm; no falling of the eye-- - No heightened color's tinge--no trembling of - That silver voice, spoke aught of passion there. - Yet kindness breathed in every word that fell - From off her Angel lips--and told that though - Her heart with his beat not in unison, - It still could feel for sorrows not its own. - Though soft, like breath of pois'nous Simoom came - Her voice. Young Hope her dewy pinions shook, - And as she winged her airy flight away, - Came casking Care her place to fill. And yet - A moment's space he lingered there; and as - Upon her saddened face he once again - Did look with mingled feelings, inly swore - To perish ere his love should fade and die. - And she did pensive turn her steps along - Their homeward way, again to be the life, - The light, the chiefest joy of all around. - - -II. - - A change swept o'er the aspect of my dream, - And in its mystic flight my spirit bore - Me to the festive hall. I saw them 'midst - The thoughtless throng--their eyes lit up with joy-- - Their lips all wreathed in smiles--and on their cheeks - The glowing hues of pleasure mantled high. - He spoke not oft to her, but frequent did - Address him to some other fair--and all - Did deem, and she did hope that love of her - Was buried deep in Lethe's magic pool; - And lighter then of heart to think that care - His mind had left, unwonted gladness beamed - Forth from her speaking eye, and lit with ten- - Fold lustre up those features ever fair. - - -III. - - The scene was changed. Apart within the walls - Of his lone study sat the youth. Before - Him lay a letter, breathing much of deep, - Impassioned love. Yes, he again had dared - At that same Angel-shrine his heart to lay, - And, well as _words_ could speak, a love to paint, - Not torpid, cold and calculating, like - The selfish feeling of a worldly man-- - But with the every fibre of his heart - Inwove. For he had seen her oft, and well - Had studied both her features, mind and heart, - Since first the pangs of unrequited love - Across his bosom shot: in all things had - He found her of such perfect, faultless mould-- - So far beyond compare with all that e'er - His eye had looked upon--yea, e'en than aught - Of fairy form, which frolic fancy in - Her wildest mood had shadowed glowing forth - To young imagination's quickened sight,-- - That madly had he drunk at passion's fount, - Ere yet the voice of reason whispered late, - (Too late, alas! for in the vortex was - He twirling then, unskilled the yawning gulf - To shun,) that she was not for one like him. - Perchance the spell that bound him unto her - And deep affection's gushing waters stirred, - Was wrought into its present strength--for that - She minded him of one--a sister dear-- - Like her in nature as in name, on whom - His heart did centre once, when joyous, bright - And sunny hours e'er gilded o'er the stream - Of early life about their childhood's home; - When each was to the other all that earth - Of joy could give--a little world--beyond - Whose narrow bounds their youthful vision then - Extended not. And now in her he saw - The image of that sister's mind and heart - Reflected back in colors yet more bright, - And felt that life to him was nothing worth, - Except with her its joys and ills were shared. - - -IV. - - The scene was changed. Within her father's home - The maiden sat, and bent her o'er the page - On which were traced the wild outpourings of - Her lover's heart. A cloud was on her brow-- - Not gathered there by anger, but by grief. - And long she sorrowed o'er the fate of one - Whom she had learned to value far above - The worthless crowd that throngs round Beauty's form; - Then sudden snatched a pen, and tho' it pained - Her much, did haste once more in kindest terms - To bid him banish Hope--for tho' a _friend_ - She'd ever be--to him she could no more. - - -V. - - Again my spirit bore me to the youth's - Lone study, where I saw him pacing to - And fro, with heavy step and downcast look. - His eye was fixed and dull--all smiles had fled, - And o'er his pallid, bloodless cheek had woe - His sable mantle flung. But whilst he thus - Was moved, anon there entered one endeared - By Friendship's strongest ties, who knew the fate - His fondest hopes had met, and told a tale - Of which he deemed not aught before--a tale - That scarce at first could credence gain, so dread - Its import was; yet soon he found 'twas but - Too true--"His sacred letter, ere it reached - Its destined port, had by some strange mischance - Been torn, its secrets filched and heralded - Abroad: yet, by the wakeful kindness of - That much-loved one, his hallowed thoughts had reached - The ears of few." Then sudden o'er him came - A fearful mood that shook his every limb. - Like liquid fire his blood along his veins - Did course, and to his throbbing temples mount-- - Then rush tumultuous back upon his heart - That sent it once again with quickened speed - Along his swollen, well-nigh bursting veins; - And from his lips at times did fall unmeet - And vengeful words, that told what passion stirred - Within. But that soon passed, and to the eye - His troubled soul, as that of infant hushed - To sleep upon its mother's breast, was calm. - - -VI. - - The scene was changed. Before the altar stood {33} - The maiden, in her bridal vestments clad, - And gave her hand and virgin heart away-- - Whilst mantling blushes o'er her features spread - Like Iris' colors on the deepened blue - Of Heaven's high vault--to one whose kindling eye - Was turned with rapture on her matchless face, - And who in part was like unto the youth - That first beside her stood--_yet not the same_. - And she did love him with a boundless love-- - Deep, pure and changeless as Jehovah's word-- - The very essence of her being, that life's - Quiescent stream with fairest garlands strewed-- - For he her youthful heart's responsive chord - Had known to touch with sweet and winning words, - By graceful mien, and giant strength of mind. - Unblest he was with Mammon's glittering hoard-- - In nothing rich, save worth's neglected store; - And yet for that, her heart with wildest joy - Did but the closer cling unchanged to him. - And he, with pride and pleasure took her to - His bosom beating high; for none could know, - And knowing not admire. But his was not - The fervent adoration of the heart, - In prostrate homage bowed before her shrine, - That moved the soul of him who first essayed - Her peerless love to win. And yet before - Them to all seeming lay a flowery path, - Along whose scented walks they might their way - With noiseless step and even tenor wend. - - -VII. - - Once more, and only once, a change passed o'er - My fitful dream. In sultry, southern clime, - Again upon my vision fell the tall, - Attenuated image of that youth, - Whom first beneath the spreading oak I saw; - And he was changed not less in feature than - In heart. The glow of health had fled his cheek, - Now haggard, swart and bronzed by burning sun. - His eye, once bright with joyous life, had lost - Its lustre now, and deep upon his brow - Had care her furrows traced. His spirit too, - So light and buoyant once, was now all bound - And broken like the willow's drooping branch. - But o'er his heart a yet more fearful change - Had come. _Once_ warm and sensibly alive - To pity's cry--e'er breathing love for all-- - _Now_ cold and seared--the living fountains of - Its sympathy were dried--and dead it was - To all things save the worldly schemes that fierce - Ambition wrought. And none did know the weight - Of anguish on its aching chords that pressed, - Since living man no commune held with him: - For he did spurn them as unhallowed things, - And 'round him wrapt the cloak of selfishness: - For what was now the world to him, since she - Whose presence had made all things beautiful, - Was lost, forever lost? And he did look - Unmoved on fairest form, and brightest eye; - Unmoved he heard full many a voice attuned - In sweet accordance with the soft piano; - For mute were all the echoes of his soul, - Since never could he hope again such pure, - Such bright, such dazzling purity to find, - As dwelt within the heart of her he loved. - And naught the slumbering powers of his mind - Did rouse and prompt to grapple with the herd - That crossed his path, save only the desire - To banish thought and leave a name behind. - For he did feel that none would glory in - His present fame, and that he was a lone - And desert being--all forgetting, and - By all forgot. And though his soul did thirst - At honor's fount to drink and laurels win, - He inly scorned the world--the world's acclaim-- - And whilst it flattered, loathed its fulsome praise. - And yet unto all outward seeming was - His spirit calm as ocean's waves, when lie - The winds of Heaven upon her bosom hushed. - - Here ceased my dream--for on my slumbers broke - The glare of day, and called my spirit home. - -SYLVESTER. - - - - -MS. FOUND IN A BOTTLE. - -[_From 'The Gift,' edited by Miss Leslie_.] - -BY EDGAR A. POE. - - A wet sheet and a flowing sea. - _Cunningham_. - - -Of my country and of my family I have little to say. Ill usage and -length of years have driven me from the one, and estranged me from the -other. Hereditary wealth afforded me an education of no common order, -and a contemplative turn of mind enabled me to methodize the stores -which early study very diligently garnered up. Beyond all things the -works of the German moralists gave me great delight; not from any -ill-advised admiration of their eloquent madness, but from the ease -with which my habits of rigid thought enabled me to detect their -falsities. I have often been reproached with the aridity of my -genius--a deficiency of imagination has been imputed to me as a -crime--and the Pyrrhonism of my opinions has at all times rendered me -notorious. Indeed a strong relish for Physical Philosophy has, I fear, -tinctured my mind with a very common error of this age--I mean the -habit of referring occurrences, even the least susceptible of such -reference, to the principles of that science. Upon the whole, no -person could be less liable than myself to be led away from the severe -precincts of truth by the _ignes fatui_ of superstition. I have -thought proper to premise thus much lest the incredible tale I have to -tell should be considered rather the ravings of a crude imagination, -than the positive experience of a mind to which the reveries of fancy -have been a dead letter and a nullity. - -After many years spent in foreign travel, I sailed in the year 18--, -from the port of Batavia, in the rich and populous island of Java, on -a voyage to the Archipelago of the Sunda islands. I went as -passenger--having no other inducement than a kind of nervous -restlessness which haunted me like a fiend. - -Our vessel was a beautiful ship of about four hundred tons, -copper-fastened, and built at Bombay of Malabar teak. She was -freighted with cotton-wool and oil, from the Lachadive islands. We had -also on board coir, jaggeree, ghee, cocoa-nuts, and a few cases of -opium. The stowage was clumsily done, and the vessel consequently -crank. - -{34} We got under way with a mere breath of wind, and for many days -stood along the eastern coast of Java without any other incident to -beguile the monotony of our course than the occasional meeting with -some of the small grabs of the Archipelago to which we were bound. - -One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very singular, -isolated cloud, to the N. W. It was remarkable, as well for its color, -as from its being the first we had seen since our departure from -Batavia. I watched it attentively until sunset, when it spread all at -once to the Eastward and Westward, girting in the horizon with a -narrow strip of vapor, and looking like a long line of low beach. My -notice was soon afterwards attracted by the dusky red appearance of -the moon, and the peculiar character of the sea. The latter was -undergoing a rapid change, and the water seemed more than usually -transparent. Although I could distinctly see the bottom, yet, heaving -the lead, I found the ship in fifteen fathoms. The air now became -intolerably hot, and was loaded with spiral exhalations similar to -those arising from heated iron. As night came on, every breath of wind -died away, and a more entire calm it is impossible to conceive. The -flame of a candle burned upon the poop without the least perceptible -motion, and a long hair, held between the finger and thumb, hung -without the possibility of detecting a vibration. However, as the -captain said he could perceive no indication of danger, and as we were -drifting in bodily to shore, he ordered the sails to be furled, and -the anchor let go. No watch was set, and the crew, consisting -principally of Malays, stretched themselves deliberately upon deck. I -went below--not without a full presentiment of evil. Indeed every -appearance warranted me in apprehending a Simoom. I told the captain -my fears--but he paid no attention to what I said, and left me without -deigning to give a reply. My uneasiness however prevented me from -sleeping, and about midnight I went upon deck. As I placed my foot -upon the upper step of the companion ladder, I was startled with a -loud, humming noise, like that occasioned by the rapid revolution of a -mill-wheel, and before I could ascertain its meaning, I found the ship -quivering to its centre. In the next instant, a wilderness of foam -hurled us upon our beam-ends, and, rushing over us fore and aft, swept -the entire decks from stem to stern. - -The extreme fury of the blast proved in a great measure the salvation -of the ship. Although completely water-logged, yet, as all her masts -had gone by the board, she rose, after a minute, heavily from the sea, -and, staggering awhile beneath the immense pressure of the tempest, -finally righted. - -By what miracle I escaped destruction, it is impossible to say. -Stunned by the shock of the water, I found myself upon recovery, -jammed in between the stern-post and rudder. With great difficulty I -gained my feet, and looking dizzily around, was, at first, struck with -the idea of our being among breakers, so terrific beyond the wildest -imagination was the whirlpool of mountainous and foaming ocean within -which we were engulfed. After a while, I heard the voice of an old -Swede, who had shipped with us at the moment of our leaving port. I -hallooed to him with all my strength, and presently he came reeling -aft. We soon discovered that we were the sole survivors of the -accident. All on deck, with the exception of ourselves, had been swept -overboard, and the captain and mates must have perished as they slept, -for the cabins were deluged with water. Without assistance, we could -expect to do little for the security of the ship, and our exertions -were at first paralyzed by the momentary expectation of going down. -Our cable had, of course, parted like pack-thread, at the first breath -of the hurricane, or we should have been instantaneously overwhelmed. -We scudded with frightful velocity before the sea, and the water made -clear breaches over us. The frame-work of our stern was shattered -excessively, and, in almost every respect, we had received -considerable injury--but to our extreme joy we found the pumps -unchoked, and that we had no great difficulty in keeping free. The -main fury of the Simoom had already blown over, and we apprehended -little danger from the violence of the wind--but we looked forward to -its total cessation with dismay, well believing, that, in our -shattered condition, we should inevitably perish in the tremendous -swell which would ensue. But this very just apprehension seemed by no -means likely to be soon verified. For five entire days and -nights--during which our only subsistence was a small quantity of -jaggeree, procured with great difficulty from the forecastle--the hulk -flew at a rate defying computation, before rapidly succeeding flaws of -wind, which, without equalling the first violence of the Simoom, were -still more terrific than any tempest I had before encountered. Our -course for the first four days was, with trifling variations, S. E. -and by South; and we must have run down the coast of New Holland. On -the fifth day the cold became extreme, although the wind had hauled -round a point more to the Northward. The sun arose with a sickly -yellow lustre, and clambered a very few degrees above the -horizon--emitting no decisive light. There were no clouds whatever -apparent, yet the wind was upon the increase, and blew with a fitful -and unsteady fury. About noon, as nearly as we could guess, our -attention was again arrested by the appearance of the sun. It gave out -no light, properly so called, but a dull and sullen glow unaccompanied -by any ray. Just before sinking within the turgid sea its central -fires suddenly went out, as if hurriedly extinguished by some -unaccountable power. It was a dim, silver-like rim, alone, as it -rushed down the unfathomable ocean. - -We waited in vain for the arrival of the sixth day--that day to me has -not yet arrived--to him, never did arrive. Thenceforward we were -enshrouded in pitchy darkness, so that we could not have seen an -object at twenty paces from the ship. Eternal night continued to -envelop us, all unrelieved by the phosphoric sea-brilliancy to which -we had been accustomed in the tropics. We observed too, that, although -the tempest continued to rage with unabated violence, there was no -longer to be discovered the usual appearance of surf, or foam, which -had hitherto attended us. All around was horror, and thick gloom, and -a black sweltering desert of ebony. Superstitious terror crept by -degrees into the spirit of the old Swede, and my own soul was wrapped -up in silent wonder. We neglected all care of the ship, as worse than -useless, and securing ourselves as well as possible to the stump of -the mizen-mast, looked out bitterly into the world of ocean. We had no -means of calculating time, nor could we form any guess of our -situation. We were however well aware {35} of having made farther to -the Southward than any previous navigators, and felt extreme amazement -at not meeting with the usual impediments of ice. In the meantime -every moment threatened to be our last--every mountainous billow -hurried to overwhelm us. The swell surpassed any thing I had imagined -possible, and that we were not instantly buried is a miracle. My -companion spoke of the lightness of our cargo, and reminded me of the -excellent qualities of our ship--but I could not help feeling the -utter hopelessness of hope itself, and prepared myself gloomily for -that death which I thought nothing could defer beyond an hour, as, -with every knot of way the ship made, the swelling of the black -stupendous seas became more dismally appalling. At times we gasped for -breath at an elevation beyond the Albatross--at times became dizzy -with the velocity of our descent into some watery Hell, where the air -grew stagnant, and no sound disturbed the slumbers of the Kraken. - -We were at the bottom of one of these abysses, when a quick scream -from my companion broke fearfully upon the night. 'See! see!'--cried -he, shrieking in my ears,--'Almighty God! see! see!' As he spoke, I -became aware of a dull, sullen glare of light which rolled, as it -were, down the sides of the vast chasm where we lay, and threw a -fitful brilliancy upon our deck. Casting my eyes upwards, I beheld a -spectacle which froze the current of my blood. At a terrific height -directly above us, and upon the very verge of the precipitous descent, -hovered a gigantic ship of nearly four thousand tons. Although -upreared upon the summit of a wave of more than a hundred times her -own altitude, her apparent size still exceeded that of any ship of the -line or East Indiaman in existence. Her huge hull was of a deep dingy -black, unrelieved by any of the customary carvings of a ship. A single -row of brass cannon protruded from her open ports, and dashed off from -their polished surfaces the fires of innumerable battle-lanterns, -which swung to and fro about her rigging. But what mainly inspired us -with horror and astonishment, was that she bore up under a press of -sail in the very teeth of that supernatural sea, and of that -ungovernable hurricane. When we first discovered her, her stupendous -bows were alone to be seen, as she rose up, like a demon of the deep, -slowly from the dim and horrible gulf beyond her. For a moment of -intense terror she paused upon the giddy pinnacle, as if in -contemplation of her own sublimity, then trembled and tottered, -and--came down. - -At this instant, I know not what sudden self-possession came over my -spirit. Staggering as far aft as I could, I awaited fearlessly the -ruin that was to overwhelm. Our own vessel was at length ceasing from -her struggles, and sinking with her head to the sea. The shock of the -descending mass struck her, consequently, in that portion of her frame -which was already under water, and the inevitable result was to hurl -me with irresistible violence upon the rigging of the stranger. - -As I fell, the ship hove in stays, and went about, and to the -confusion ensuing, I attributed my escape from the notice of the crew. -With little difficulty I made my way unperceived to the main hatchway, -which was partially open, and soon found an opportunity of secreting -myself in the hold. Why I did so I can hardly tell. A nameless and -indefinite sense of awe, which at first sight of the navigators of the -ship had taken hold of my mind, was perhaps the principle of my -concealment. I was unwilling to trust myself with a race of people who -had offered, to the cursory glance I had taken, so many points of -vague novelty, doubt, and apprehension. I therefore thought proper to -contrive a hiding-place in the hold. This I did by removing a small -portion of the shifting-boards in such a manner as to afford me a -convenient retreat between the huge timbers of the ship. - -I had scarcely completed my work, when a footstep in the hold forced -me to make use of it. A man passed by my place of concealment with a -feeble and unsteady gait. I could not see his face, but had an -opportunity of observing his general appearance. There was about it an -evidence of great age and infirmity. His knees tottered beneath a load -of years, and his entire frame quivered under the burthen. He muttered -to himself in a low broken tone, some words of a language which I -could not understand, and groped in a corner among a pile of -singular-looking instruments, and decayed charts of navigation. His -manner was a wild mixture of the peevishness of second childhood, and -the solemn dignity of a God. He at length went on deck, and I saw him -no more. - - * * * * * - -A feeling, for which I have no name, has taken possession of my -soul--a sensation which will admit of no analysis, to which the -lessons of by-gone time are inadequate, and for which I fear futurity -itself will offer me no key. To a mind constituted like my own the -latter consideration is an evil. I shall never,--I know that I shall -never--be satisfied with regard to the nature of my conceptions. Yet -it is not wonderful that these conceptions are indefinite, since they -have their origin in sources so utterly novel. A new sense, a new -entity is added to my soul. - -It is long since I first trod the deck of this terrible ship, and the -rays of my destiny are, I think, gathering to a focus. -Incomprehensible men! Wrapped up in meditations of a kind which I -cannot divine, they pass me by unnoticed. Concealment is utter folly -on my part, for the people _will not_ see. It was but just now that I -passed directly before the eyes of the mate,--it was no long while ago -that I ventured into the captain's own private cabin, and took thence -the materials with which I write, and have written. I shall from time -to time continue this journal. It is true that I may not find an -opportunity of transmitting it to the world, but I will not fail to -make the endeavor. At the last moment I will enclose the MS. in a -bottle, and cast it within the sea. - -An incident has occurred which has given me new room for meditation. -Are such things the operations of ungoverned Chance? I had ventured -upon deck and thrown myself down, without attracting any notice, among -a pile of ratlin-stuff and old sails in the bottom of the yawl. While -musing upon the singularity of my fate, I unwittingly daubed with a -tar-brush the edges of a neatly-folded studding-sail which lay near me -on a barrel. The studding-sail is now bent upon the ship, and the -thoughtless touches of the brush are spread out into the word -DISCOVERY. - -I have made many observations lately upon the structure of the vessel. -Although well armed, she is not, I think, a ship of war. Her rigging, -build, and general equipment, all negative a supposition of this kind. -{36} What she _is not_ I can easily perceive, what she _is_ I fear it -is impossible to say. I know not how it is, but in scrutinizing her -strange model and singular cast of spars, her huge size and overgrown -suits of canvass, her severely simple bow and antiquated stern, there -will occasionally flash across my mind a sensation of familiar things, -and there is always mixed up with such shadows, as it were, of -recollection, an unaccountable memory of old foreign chronicles and -ages long ago. - -I have been looking at the timbers of the ship. She is built of a -material to which I am a stranger. There is a peculiar character about -the wood which strikes me as rendering it unfit for the purpose to -which it has been applied. I mean its extreme _porousness_, considered -independently of the worm-eaten condition which is a consequence of -navigation in these seas, and apart from the rottenness attendant upon -age. It will appear perhaps an observation somewhat over-curious, but -this wood has every characteristic of Spanish oak, _if Spanish oak -were distended or swelled by any unnatural means_. - -In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old -weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection. 'It is -as sure,' he was wont to say, when any doubt was entertained of his -veracity, 'as sure as there is a sea where the ship itself will grow -in bulk like the living body of the seaman.' - -About an hour ago I made bold to thrust myself among a group of the -crew. They paid me no manner of attention, and, although I stood in -the very midst of them all, seemed utterly unconscious of my presence. -Like the one I had at first seen in the hold, they all bore about them -the marks of a hoary old age. Their knees trembled with infirmity, -their shoulders were bent double with decrepitude, their shrivelled -skins rattled in the wind, their voices were low, tremulous, and -broken, their eyes glistened with the rheum of years, and their gray -hairs streamed terribly in the tempest. Around them on every part of -the deck lay scattered mathematical instruments of the most quaint and -obsolete construction. - -I mentioned some time ago the bending of a studding-sail. From that -period the ship, being thrown dead off the wind, has held her terrific -course due South, with every rag of canvass packed upon her from her -trucks to her lower-studding-sail booms, and rolling every moment her -top-gallant yard-arms into the most appalling hell of water, which it -can enter into the mind of man to imagine. I have just left the deck, -where I find it impossible to maintain a footing, although the crew -seem to experience little inconvenience. It appears to me a miracle of -miracles that our enormous bulk is not buried up at once and forever. -We are surely doomed to hover continually upon the brink of Eternity, -without taking a final plunge into the abyss. From billows a thousand -times more stupendous than any I have ever seen, we glide away with -the facility of the arrowy sea-gull, and the colossal waters rear -their heads above us like demons of the deep, but like demons confined -to simple threats and forbidden to destroy. I am led to attribute -these frequent escapes to the only natural cause which can account for -such effect. I must suppose the ship to be within the influence of -some strong current, or impetuous under-tow. - -I have seen the captain face to face, and in his own cabin--but, as I -expected, he paid me no attention. Although in his appearance there -is, to a casual observer, nothing which might bespeak him more or less -than man--still a feeling of irrepressible reverence and awe mingled -with the sensation of wonder with which I regarded him. In stature he -is nearly my own height, that is, about five feet eight inches. He is -of a well-knit and compact frame of body, neither robust nor -remarkably otherwise. But it is the singularity of the expression -which reigns upon the face, it is the intense, the wonderful, the -thrilling evidence of old age so utter, so extreme, which strikes upon -my soul with the shock of a Galvanic battery. His forehead, although -little wrinkled, seems to bear upon it the stamp of a myriad of years. -His gray hairs are records of the past, and his grayer eyes are Sybils -of the future. The cabin floor was thickly strewn with strange, -iron-clasped folios, and mouldering instruments of science, and -obsolete, long-forgotten charts. His head was bowed down upon his -hands, and he pored with a fiery unquiet eye over a paper which I took -to be a commission, and which, at all events, bore the signature of a -monarch. He muttered to himself, as did the first seaman whom I saw in -the hold, some low, peevish syllables of a foreign tongue, and -although the speaker was close at my elbow, yet his voice seemed to -reach my ears from the distance of a mile. - -The ship and all in it are imbued with the spirit of Eld. The crew -glide to and fro like the ghosts of buried centuries, their eyes have -an eager and uneasy meaning, and when their figures fall athwart my -path in the wild glare of the battle-lanterns, I feel as I have never -felt before, although I have been all my life a dealer in antiquities, -and have imbibed the shadows of fallen columns at Balbec, and Tadmor, -and Persepolis, until my very soul has become a ruin. - -When I look around me I feel ashamed of my former apprehensions. If I -trembled at the blast which has hitherto attended us, shall I not -stand aghast at a warring of wind and ocean, to convey any idea of -which the words tornado and Simoom are trivial and ineffective! All in -the immediate vicinity of the ship is the blackness of eternal night, -and a chaos of foamless water; but, about a league on either side of -us, may be seen, indistinctly and at intervals, stupendous ramparts of -ice, towering away into the desolate sky, and looking like the walls -of the Universe. - -As I imagined, the ship proves to be in a current, if that appellation -can properly be given to a tide which, howling and shrieking by the -white ice, thunders on to the Southward with a velocity like the -headlong dashing of a cataract. - -To conceive the horror of my sensations is, I presume, utterly -impossible--yet a curiosity to penetrate the mysteries of these awful -regions predominates even over my despair, and will reconcile me to -the most hideous aspect of death. It is evident that we are hurrying -onwards to some exciting knowledge--some never-to-be-imparted secret, -whose attainment is destruction. Perhaps this current leads us to the -Southern Pole itself--it must be confessed that a supposition -apparently so wild has every probability in its favor. - -The crew pace the deck with unquiet and tremulous step, but there is -upon their countenances an expression more of the eagerness of hope -than of the apathy of despair. - -{37} In the meantime the wind is still in our poop, and as we carry a -crowd of canvass, the ship is at times lifted bodily from out the -sea--Oh, horror upon horror! the ice opens suddenly to the right, and -to the left, and we are whirling dizzily in immense concentric -circles, round and round the borders of a gigantic amphitheatre, the -summit of whose walls is lost in the darkness and the distance. But -little time will be left me to ponder upon my destiny--the circles -rapidly grow small--we are plunging madly within the grasp of the -whirlpool--and amid a roaring, and bellowing, and shrieking of ocean -and of tempest, the ship is quivering, oh God! and--going down. - - - - -A SKETCH. - -BY ALEX. LACEY BEARD, M.D. - - - The shades of night are fleeing fast away - Before the blushing of the morning light; - The diamond stars that gleamed in bright array - Through the lone watches of the silent night, - Are fading dimly, as an orb more bright, - The glorious sun, from the deep coral caves, - Comes leaping forth in swift and tireless flight, - And as the sea his burning bosom laves, - More brightly throws his glance across the bounding waves. - - The cheerful songsters of the verdant grove, - Are trilling forth their merry morning lays-- - Their matin songs of warm impassioned love, - Which sweetly strike the ear of him who strays - Through the green paths and shady woodland ways, - Drinking deep pleasure from old Nature's wells, - Where the wild cat'ract in the sunlight plays, - Or seated lone, mid dark and mossy dells-- - Or on some rocky mount yields to her magic spells. - - The red-breast, mounted on some tow'ring tree, - Is chanting loud his merry, mirthful strain; - And the sweet lark's melodious notes of glee, - Are softly floating o'er the dewy plain. - From the broad fields which wave with golden grain, - Echoes the whistle of the timid quail; - And the loud laughter of the reaper train - Sweeps wildly by, borne on the passing gale - O'er woodland hill afar, and flowery-vested vale. - - I hear the tuneful sound of humming bees, - And gently blows the soothing summer wind - With murmuring sound among the wavy trees, - And where gay flowers, in wild luxuriance twined, - Shed fragrance on its wings. How dull, how blind - To nature and her charms is he who sleeps - Through the glad morn, nor feels the fragrant wind - That o'er the hills and verdant valleys sweeps, - 'Till with wild joy the heart of Nature's lover leaps! - - O'er hill and valley far away I've strayed, - And gathered roses wet with morning dew, - To deck the grave where sleeps a gentle maid - Whose tender heart no change nor coldness knew, - But throbbed with love, which warmer, holier grew - As waxed more dim life's faint and flickering light, - And to the close remained unchanged and true-- - A holy flame that burned, amid the blight, - Of fell disease and anguish, more divinely bright. - - The sun climbs higher in the azure sky-- - More fiercely on the earth descend his beams-- - The tender flowers hang low their heads and die, - And wearied cattle seek the cooling streams. - Faint grow the ploughmen and their toil-worn teams; - The reapers too have ceased their strains of mirth; - No more the air with sounds of pleasure teems; - And now the shadows traced upon the earth, - And the fierce heat, proclaim the sultry noon-day's birth. - - O'er the wide fields the herds have ceased to rove, - The tuneful birds have hushed their morning song, - Silent and lone is the deserted grove - Which late re-echoed to the warbling throng. - Hark! hark! I hear, sounding the vales along, - The mellow horn--the pleasant sound which calls - From the hot fields, the wearied harvest throng - To seek, where the old oak tree's shadow falls, - Their noon-day meal hard by the flowery cottage walls. - - Within a green and trellised bower I lie, - Securely sheltered from the solar rays, - And on the bright and glowing summer sky - In contemplation rapt, I fix my gaze, - And scan each fleecy cloud which slowly strays - Like some pure spirit o'er the azure dome, - Making amid its wild and trackless ways, - Its boundless depths, a bright ethereal home - Where lone and airy forms in silent grandeur roam. - - And here at noon-day hour I often dream - Of the fair hopes which light life's gloomy waste-- - A desart plain o'er which a laughing stream, - Has found a way, its banks with wild flowers graced. - But ah! alas! when the fair stream is traced, - Amid lone sands we find its darksome goal. - O dreary life! in death's cold grasp embraced-- - A withered thing, a dark and blotted scroll, - O'er which oblivion's deep and sluggish waters roll. - - In early youth upon the sea of life, - We spread our sails, nor dream of pain nor care, - Nor the fierce tempest, nor the raging strife - Which gathers round our bark where'er we steer, - But on we rush, heedless and without fear, - Till, shipwrecked all our hopes, we helpless lie - And feel the bitter pangs of black despair-- - Or from the demon strive in vain to fly, - Or rush into the arms of Death and madly die. - - The sun is sinking down the western skies-- - A holy calm is reigning o'er the earth-- - From the green valleys cheerful sounds arise-- - The tinkling sheep-bell, and the merry mirth - Of happy children--laughing at the birth - Of some new pleasure. Now the setting sun, - More brightly gleaming o'er the virent earth, - Casts a rich glow of golden light upon - The fleecy clouds, which line the western horizon. - - Along yon valley where (a silent grove!) - Those dark green pines in loneliness arise; - With a sad heart in solitude I'll rove, - And darkly muse upon the broken ties {38} - Of happier days--the bright and smiling eyes, - Whose gentle light gave life a summer bloom, - And made this earth seem like a Paradise-- - Now cold and rayless in the starless gloom, - Which darkly hovers o'er and shrouds the loathsome tomb. - - The twilight shades are gathering o'er the land-- - Shrouding the valleys in the gloom of night, - While I beside a murmuring streamlet stand, - And see depart the last faint rays of light - Which linger round yon mountain's topmost height. - 'Tis the lone night--another day has gone, - And Time who speeds with never tiring flight, - Beheld a thousand laughing eyes this morn, - That now are sleeping where no day shall ever dawn. - - - - -GREEK SONG. - - -The exploit of Harmodius and Aristogiton, in slaying Hipparchus, -tyrant of Athens, on the festal day of Minerva--hiding their poniards -in myrtle wreaths, which they pretended to carry in honor of the -Goddess, was celebrated in an Ode, the unsurpassed strength and beauty -of which, it has utterly baffled the skill of all English versifiers -to transfuse into our language. The learned are not agreed as to the -author of this noble specimen of classic minstrelsy; though by most, -it is ascribed to Callistratus. Some have set it down to Alcæus; -misled, perhaps, by the tyrant-hating spirit it breathes,--so fully in -unison with the deep, trumpet tones of his "golden lyre." Unhappily -for the paternity of this ode, he died _eighty years_ before the event -it celebrates. Of no other relic of antiquity, probably, have so many -translations been attempted. I have seen seven or eight. If the -following be added to so many woful failures, the author will not be -greatly troubled. It never was in print before--I believe. - -HYMN, - -IN HONOR OF HARMODIUS AND ARISTOGITON. - - [En myrtou kladi to Chiphos phorêsô - Ôsper Armodios k' Aristogeitôn, &c.] - - -TRANSLATION. - - Wreath'd in myrtle, my sword I'll conceal, - Like those champions, devoted and brave, - When they plunged in the tyrant their steel, - And to Athens deliverance gave. - - Belov'd heroes! your deathless souls roam, - In the joy-breathing isles of the blest; - Where the mighty of old have their home-- - Where Achilles and Diomed rest. - - In fresh myrtle my blade I'll entwine, - Like Harmodius, the gallant and good, - When he made, at the tutelar shrine, - A libation of Tyranny's blood. - - Ye deliverers of Athens from shame-- - Ye avengers of Liberty's wrongs! - Endless ages shall cherish your fame, - Embalmed in their echoing songs. - -Amongst other translations of this exquisite ode, is one by _Charles -Abraham Elton_, a translator of Hesiod, and of several other Grecian -poems; all of which are in a London edition of two elegant 8vo. -volumes. The first stanza of his version is as follows: - - "In myrtle veiled will I my falchion wear; - For thus the patriot sword - Harmodius and Aristogeiton bare, - When they the tyrant's bosom gored, - And bade the men of Athens be - Regenerate in equality." - -It is a proof of the fairness with which Mr. Elton has aimed at a -literal rendering of his author, that he has made even the name of -ARISTOGEITON retain its place; as inharmonious a one, perhaps, as ever -"filled the trump of future fame." In the Edinburgh Review for -January, 1833, we find a translation of considerable merit, in the -stanza of "Bruce's Address:" less literal than Mr. Elton's, yet more -brief and simple, and partaking more of the thrilling energy of the -original. In its arrangement, the edition of Ilgen is followed. It is -due to the author of the foregoing translation to say, that it was -written long before the year in which this one was published; and -before he had seen the seven or eight others above mentioned. - - "Wreathed with myrtles be my glaive,[1] - Like the falchion of the brave, - Death to Athens' lord that gave, - Death to Tyranny! - - Yes! let myrtle wreaths be round, - Such as then the falchion bound, - When with deeds the feast was crown'd, - Done for Liberty! - - Voiced by Fame eternally, - Noble pair! your names shall be, - For the stroke that made us free, - When the tyrant fell! - - Death, Harmodius! came not near thee, - Isles of bliss and brightness cheer thee, - There heroic breasts revere thee, - There the mighty dwell!" - -[Footnote 1: Sword.] - -P. - - - - -SONNET. - - O fairest flow'r; no sooner blown than blasted, - Soft silken primrose faded timelessly.--_Milton_. - - - It was an infant dying! and I stood - Watching beside its couch, to mark how Death, - His hour being come, would steal away the breath - Of one so young, so innocent, so good. - Friends also waited near--and now the blood - 'Gan leave the tender cheek, and the dark eye - To lose its wonted lustre. Suddenly - Slight tremblings o'er him came; anon, subdued - To utter passiveness, the sufferer lay, - Far, far more beautiful in his decay - Than e'er methought before! I held his hand - Fast lock'd in mine, and felt more feebly flow - The pulse already faint and fluttering. Lo! - It ceased; I turn'd, and bow'd to God's command.[1] - -[Footnote 1: Samuel II. Chap. xii.--22, 23.] - -* * * - - -{39} - - -SPECIMENS OF LOVELETTERS - -IN THE REIGN OF EDWARD IV. - -From the second volume of a Collection of Original Letters written -during the reigns of Henry VI, Edward IV, and Richard III. By John -Fenn, Esq., M.A. and F. R. S. - - -I. - -Right reverend and worshipful, and my right well beloved Valentine, I -recommend me unto you, full heartilie desiring to hear of your -welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve unto his -pleasure, and your heart's desire. - -And if it please you to hear of my welfare, I am not in good heele -(_health_) of bodie, nor of heart, nor shall be till I hear from you - - For there wottes (_knows_) no creature that pain I endure - And for to be dead (_for my life_), I dare it not discur - (_discover_) - -And my lady my mother hath labored the matter to my father full -diligently, but she can no more get than ye know of, for the which God -knoweth I am full sorry. But if that ye love me, as I trust verily -that ye do, ye will not leave me therefore; for if that ye had not -half the livelihood that ye have, for to do the greatest labour that -any woman alive might, I would not forsake you. - - And if ye command me to keep me true wherever I go, - I wis I will do all my might you to love, and never no mo, - And if my friends say, that I do amiss - They shall not me let (_hinder_) so for to do, - Mine heart me bids ever more to love you-- - Truly over all earthlie thing - And if they be never so wrath - I trust it shall be better in time coming - -No more to you at this time, but the Holy Trinity have you in keeping; -and I beseech you that this bill be not seen of none earthlie creature -save only yourself. - -And this letter was endited at Topcroft, with full heavy heart &c. - - By your own - MARGERY BREWS. - - -II. - -Right worshipful and well beloved Valentine, in my most humble wise, I -recommend me unto you &c. - -And heartilie I thank you for the letter, which that ye send me by -John Beckerton, whereby I understand and know that ye be purposed to -come to Topcroft in short time, and without any errand or matter, but -only to have a conclusion of the matter betwixt my father and you; I -would be the most glad of any creature alive, so that the matter might -grow to effect. And thereas (_whereas_) ye say, an (_if_) ye come and -find the matter no more towards you than ye did aforetime, ye would no -more put my father and my lady my mother to no cost nor business for -that cause a good while after, which causeth my heart to be full -heavie; and if that ye come, and the matter take to none effect, then -should I be much more sorry, and full of heaviness. - -And as for myself I have done, and understand in the matter that I can -or may, as God knoweth; and I let you plainly understand, that my -father will no more money part withal in that behalf, but an 100_l_. -and 50 marks (33_l_. 6_s_. 8_d_.) which is right far from the -accomplishment of your desire. - -Wherefore, if that ye could be content with that good, and my poor -person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; and if ye think not -yourself so satisfyed, or that ye might have much more good, as I have -understood by you afore; good, true, and loving Valentine, that ye -take no such labor upon you, as to come more for that matter, but let -what is, pass and never more be spoken of, as I may be your true lover -and beadwoman during my life. - -No more unto you at this time, but Almighty Jesu preserve you both -bodie and soul &c. - - By your Valentine - MARGERY BREWS. - -Topcroft 1476.7. - - - - -MARCELIA. - - Then she is drown'd? - --------Drown'd--Drown'd. - Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia! - And therefore I forbid my tears.--_Hamlet_. - - - It was a solitary spot!-- - The shallow brook that ran throughout the forest, - (Aye chattering as it went,) there took a turn - And widened;--all its music died away, - And in the place, a silent eddy told - That there the stream grew deeper. There dark trees - Funereal (cypress, yew, and shadowy pine, - And spicy cedar,) cluster'd; and at night - Shook from their melancholy branches sounds - And sighs like death!--'Twas strange, for thro' the day - They stood quite motionless, and looked, methought, - Like monumental things, which the sad earth - From its green bosom had cast out in pity, - To mark a young girl's grave. The very leaves - Disown'd their natural green, and took a black - And mournful hue: and the rough brier had stretch'd - His straggling arms across the water, and - Lay like an armed sentinel there, catching - With his tenacious leaf, straws, wither'd boughs, - Moss that the banks had lost, coarse grasses which - Swam with the current--and with these it hid - The poor Marcelia's death-bed! - Never may net - Of vent'rous fisher be cast in with hope, - For not a fish abides there. The slim deer - Snorts, as he ruffles with his shorten'd breath - The brook, and, panting, flies th' unholy place-- - And the wild heifer lows and passes on; - The foaming hound laps not, and winter birds - Go higher up the stream. And yet _I_ love - To loiter there; and when the rising moon - Flames down the avenue of pines, and looks - Red and dilated through the evening mists, - And chequer'd as the heavy branches sway - To and fro with the wind, I listen, and - Can fancy to myself that voices there - Plain, and low prayers come moaning thro' the leaves - For some misdeed! - The story goes, that a - Neglected girl (an orphan whom the world - Frown'd upon,) once strayed thither, and 'twas thought - Did cast her in the stream. You may have heard - Of one Marcelia, poor Molini's daughter, who - Fell ill, and came to want in youth? No?--Oh! - She loved a man who marked her not. He wed, - And then the girl grew sick, and pin'd away, - And drown'd herself for love!--Some day or other - I'll tell you all the story. - -* * * - - -{40} - - -TO MIRA. - -BY L. A. WILMER. - - - Far from the gaudy scenes my earliest youth - Loved to inhabit, which Hope's rising sun - Lent every grace and charm--save that of Truth, - And made me happy but to be undone, - (My joys expectant blasted ere begun,) - Far from those pleasing scenes 'tis mine to roam. - Friendless, forlorn, my idle course I run, - While Disappointment, a malignant gnome, - Still tortures, and the grave appears my happiest home. - - Ere yet I bid a long, a last farewell - To the sweet Muse, reluctant to forego - The sacred solace and enchanting spell - Which charm'd my solitude, and sooth'd my woe-- - Ere I renounce my harp, and cease to know - The poet's rapture, when his eye surveys - The heavenly visions fancy doth bestow, - On which her favored sons alone may gaze, - Once more I lift my voice to sing in Mira's praise. - - While sickly flattery heaps the unhallowed shrine - Of pomp and pride with praise that palls the sense, - Let spotless candor, Heaven-born truth be mine: - Base are the praises sold at truth's expense: - Mira! thy name all falsehood drives from hence! - Accept this tribute due to worth like thine-- - Accept this offering of a heart from whence - No guile shall rise to taint this verse of mine, - But friendship's holy signet sanctify each line. - - O might I deem my verse could live beyond - The petty confines of the dreary tomb-- - Might I believe my wishes not too fond, - That point to fame beyond the eternal gloom-- - When this frail form shall in the grave consume, - That future ages shall my works behold-- - Then, Mira, on this page thy name's perfume - Should breathe a fragrance, when the hand is cold - And crumbled into dust which here that name enrolled. - - As long as years revolved, and seasons came, - Tho' other flowers should fade away and die, - An ever-blooming flower should be thy name, - Dipped in the radiance of the evening sky: - When marble monuments in ruins lie, - And sculptured pillars from their bases fall, - Could I but place fair Mira's name on high - In Fame's eternal, adamantine hall, - Then would my lot be blessed, my hopes accomplished all. - - Tho' placed by Fate in this ungenial clime, - Where scarce the sacred Muse hath deigned to tread-- - These Western lands, where Song appears a crime, - And Genius rears a sad and sickly head-- - And tho' malignant stars their influence shed-- - Yet might I boast thy friendship, I would bend - No more when black misfortunes round me spread; - But my last breath in thankfulness would send, - And tell to future times thou wast my only friend. - - I have seen womankind in all their charms-- - Yea! all that beauty, wealth, and wit bestow-- - With all that strikes the eye, or fancy warms, - In festal halls, where gold and diamonds glow, - And gay costumes that mock the painted bow - Of Iris hanging on Heaven's battlements: - Yet not all these could bid my bosom know - Such admiration, or such joys dispense, - As when the maiden smiled in heavenly innocence. - - Then, Mira, not to pride my harp is strung-- - Not to the measures of the giddy dance-- - The boasted beauty shall remain unsung, - For I, unmoved, can meet her fatal glance. - Not in the fairy regions of romance - My footsteps stray--but _Truth_ directs my song: - To _Truth's_ eternal portals I advance, - Deserted by the rhyming crew so long, - And Virtue, Worth, and Thou shall still employ my tongue. - - With thee, sweet Modesty and Truth reside-- - Sincerity from courts and crowds exiled-- - Virtue, that shuns the haughty brow of Pride-- - And Charity, Heaven's first-born, favorite child,-- - As if the skies upon thy birth had smiled, - And given thee all to make a woman dear. - Yes! thou couldst humanize the savage wild, - Make tigers pause thy soothing voice to hear, - Melt marble hearts, and smooth the brow of cankering care. - - When the last echoes of my harp expire, - In mournful breathings on Patapsco's shore-- - When the unpractised hand that struck the wire, - Shall wake those wild and artless notes no more-- - When the green meadow and the torrent's roar-- - The woody walk, so long my dear delight, - With all that charmed my fancy most before-- - When Death shall veil these objects from my sight, - O say, wilt thou my name in thy remembrance write? - - Then let the world its malice all combine-- - Its hate I reck not, and its wrongs despise: - A bliss they dream not of shall still be mine-- - A bliss untold, yet worthy of the skies, - Which all their curs'd malevolence defies. - Even in the anguish of the mortal hour, - My soul superior to the gloom shall rise, - And smile on Death when all his terrors lower, - And the grim tyrant stalks full panoplied in power. - - - - -STANZAS. - - - Oh! never, never, until now, - Seem'd happiness so near me-- - Hope never wore a brighter brow - To flatter or to cheer me: - Yet while I listen to her voice, - Sad memory is chiding-- - And I must tremble to rejoice, - And weep while I'm confiding. - - I thought my spirit had grown old, - While counting years by sorrow, - And that the future could unfold - For me no happier morrow; - But ah! I find myself a child - Of newly waken'd feeling, - As full of dreams, as bright and wild, - As fancy's first revealing. - -LEILA. - - -{41} - - -_Critical Notices_. - - -THE HEROINE. - -_The Heroine: or Adventures of Cherubina. By Eaton Stannard Barrett, -Esq. New Edition. Richmond: Published by P. D. Bernard._ - -Cherubina! Who has not heard of Cherubina? Who has not heard of that -most spiritual, that most ill-treated, that most accomplished of -women--of that most consummate, most sublimated, most fantastic, most -unappreciated, and most inappreciable of heroines? Exquisite and -delicate creation of a mind overflowing with fun, frolic, farce, wit, -humor, song, sentiment, and sense, what mortal is there so dead to -every thing graceful and glorious as not to have devoured thy -adventures? Who is there so unfortunate as not to have taken thee by -the hand?--who so lost as not to have cultivated thy -acquaintance?--who so stupid, as not to have enjoyed thy -companionship?--who so much of a log, as not to have laughed until he -has wept for very laughter in the perusal of thine incomparable, -inimitable, and inestimable eccentricities? But we are becoming -pathetic to no purpose, and supererogatively oratorical. _Every body_ -has read Cherubina. There is no one so superlatively unhappy as not to -have done this thing. But if such there be--if by any possibility such -person should exist, we have only a few words to say to him. Go, silly -man, and purchase forthwith "_The Heroine: or Adventures of -Cherubina_." - -The Heroine was first published many years ago, (we believe shortly -after the appearance of Childe Harold;) but although it has run -through editions innumerable, and has been universally read and -admired by all possessing talent or taste, it has never, in our -opinion, attracted half that notice on the part of the critical press, -which is undoubtedly its due. There are few books written with more -tact, spirit, _näïveté_, or grace, few which take hold more -irresistibly upon the attention of the reader, and none more fairly -entitled to rank among the classics of English literature than the -Heroine of Eaton Stannard Barrett. When we say all this of a book -possessing not even the remotest claim to originality, either in -conception or execution, it may reasonably be supposed, that we have -discovered in its matter, or manner, some rare qualities, inducing us -to hazard an assertion of so bold a nature. This is actually the case. -Never was any thing so charmingly written: the mere style is -positively inimitable. Imagination, too, of the most etherial kind, -sparkles and blazes, now sportively like the Will O' the Wisp, now -dazzlingly like the Aurora Borealis, over every page--over every -sentence in the book. It is absolutely radiant with fancy, and that of -a nature the most captivating, although, at the same time, the most -airy, the most capricious, and the most intangible. Yet the Heroine -must be considered a mere burlesque; and, being a copy from Don -Quixotte, is to that immortal work of Cervantes what _The School for -Scandal_ is to _The Merry Wives of Windsor_. The Plot is briefly as -follows. - -Gregory Wilkinson, an English farmer worth 50,000 pounds, has a pretty -daughter called Cherry, whose head is somewhat disordered from romance -reading. Her governess is but little more rational than herself, and -is one day turned out of the house for allowing certain undue -liberties on the part of the butler. In revenge she commences a -correspondence with Miss Cherry, in which she persuades that young -lady that Wilkinson is not her real father--that she is a child of -mystery, &c.--in short that she is actually and _bonâ fide_ a heroine. -In the meantime, Miss Cherry, in rummaging among her father's papers, -comes across an antique parchment--a lease of lives--on which the -following words are alone legible. - - This Indenture - For and in consideration of - Doth grant, bargain, release - Possession, and to his heirs and assigns - Lands of Sylvan Lodge, in the - Trees, stones, quarries, &c. - Reasonable amends and satisfaction - This demise - Molestation of him the said Gregory Wilkinson. - The natural life of - Cherry Wilkinson only daughter of - De Willoughby eldest son of Thomas - Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle. - -This "excruciating MS." brings matters to a crisis--for Miss Cherry -has no difficulty in filling up the blanks. - -"It is a written covenant," says this interesting young lady in a -letter to her Governess, "between this Gregory Wilkinson, and the -miscreant (whom my being an heiress had prevented from enjoying the -title and estate that would devolve to him at my death) stipulating to -give Wilkinson 'Sylvan Lodge,' together with 'trees, stones, &c.' as -'reasonable amends and satisfaction' for being the instrument of my -'demise,' and declaring that there shall be 'no molestation of him the -said Gregory Wilkinson' for taking away the 'natural life of Cherry -Wilkinson, only daughter of' ---- somebody 'De Willoughby eldest son -of Thomas.' Then follows 'Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle.' So that it is -evident I am a De Willoughby, and related to Lady Gwyn! What perfectly -confirms me in the latter supposition, is an old portrait which I -found soon after, among Wilkinson's papers, representing a young and -beautiful female superbly dressed; and underneath, in large letters, -the name of 'Nell Gwyn.'" - -Fired with this idea, Miss Cherry gets up a scene, rushes with hair -dishevelled into the presence of the good man Wilkinson, and accuses -him to his teeth of plotting against her life, and of sundry other -mal-practices and misdemeanors. The worthy old gentleman is -astonished, as well he may be; but is somewhat consoled upon receiving -a letter from his nephew, Robert Stuart, announcing his intention of -paying the family a visit immediately. Wilkinson is in hopes that a -lover may change the current of his daughter's ideas; but in that he -is mistaken. Stuart has the misfortune of being merely a rich man, a -handsome man, an honest man, and a fashionable man--he is no hero. -This is not to be borne: and Miss Cherry, having assumed the name of -the Lady Cherubina De Willoughby, makes a precipitate retreat from the -house, and commences a journey on foot to London. Her adventures here -properly begin, and are laughable in the extreme. But we must not be -too minute. They are modelled very much after those of Don Quixotte, -and are related in a series of letters from the young lady herself to -her governess. The principal characters who figure in the Memoirs are -Betterton, an old _debauché_ who endeavors to entangle the Lady -Cherubina in his {42} toils--Jerry Sullivan, an Irish simpleton, who -is ready to lose his life at any moment for her ladyship, whose story -he implicitly believes, without exactly comprehending it--Higginson, a -grown baby, and a mad poet--Lady Gwyn, whom Cherubina believes to be -her mortal enemy, and the usurper of her rights, and who encourages -the delusion for the purpose of entertaining her guests--Mary and -William, two peasants betrothed, but whom Cherry sets by the ears for -the sake of an interesting episode--Abraham Grundy, a tenth rate -performer at Covent Garden, who having been mistaken by Cherry for an -earl, supports the character _à merveille_ with the hope of eventually -marrying her, and thus securing 10,000 pounds, a sum which it appears -the lady possesses in her own right. He calls himself the Lord -Altamont Mortimer Montmorenci. Stuart, her cousin, whom we have -mentioned before, finally rescues her from the toils of Betterton and -Grundy, and restores her to reason, and to her friends. Of course he -is rewarded with her hand. - -We repeat that Cherubina is a book which should be upon the shelves of -every well-appointed library. No one can read it without entertaining -a high opinion of the varied and brilliant talents of its author. No -one can read it without laughter. Its wit, especially, and its humor, -are indisputable--not frittered and refined away into that insipid -compound which we occasionally meet with, half giggle and half -sentiment--but racy, dashing, and palpable. Some of the songs with -which the work is interspersed have attained a most extensive -popularity, while many persons, to whom they are as familiar as -household things, are not aware of the very existence of the Heroine. -All our readers must remember the following. - - Dear Sensibility, O la! - I heard a little lamb cry ba! - Says I, so you have lost mamma! - Ah! - - The little lamb as I said so, - Frisking about the fields did go, - And frisking trod upon my toe. - Oh! - -And this also. - -TO DOROTHY PULVERTAFT. - - If Black-sea, White-sea, Red-sea ran - One tide of ink to Ispahan; - If all the geese in Lincoln fens - Produced spontaneous well-made pens; - If Holland old or Holland new, - One wondrous sheet of paper grew; - Could I, by stenographic power, - Write twenty libraries an hour; - And should I sing but half the grace - Of half a freckle on thy face; - Each syllable I wrote should reach - From Inverness to Bognor's beach; - Each hair-stroke be a river Rhine, - Each verse an equinoctial line. - -We have already exceeded our limits, but cannot refrain from -extracting Chapter XXV. It will convey some idea of the character of -the Heroine. She is now at the mansion of Lady Gwyn, who, for the -purpose of amusing her friends, has dressed up her nephew to represent -the supposed mother of the Lady Cherubina. - -CHAPTER XXV. - -This morning I awoke almost well, and towards evening was able to -appear below. Lady Gwyn had invited several of her friends; so that I -passed a delightful afternoon; the charm, admiration, and astonishment -of all. - -When I retired to rest, I found this note on my toilette. - - -_To the Lady Cherubina_. - -_Your mother lives!_ and is confined in a subterranean vault of the -villa. At midnight two men will tap at your door, and conduct you to -her. Be silent, courageous, and circumspect. - - -What a flood of new feelings gushed upon my soul, as I laid down the -billet, and lifted my filial eyes to Heaven! Mother--endearing name! I -pictured that unfortunate lady stretched on a mattress of straw, her -eyes sunken in their sockets, yet retaining a portion of their -youthful fire; her frame emaciated, her voice feeble, her hand damp -and chill. Fondly did I depict our meeting--our embrace; she gently -pushing me from her, and baring my forehead, to gaze on the lineaments -of my countenance. All, all is convincing; and she calls me the -softened image of my noble father! - -Two tedious hours I waited in extreme anxiety. At length the clock -struck twelve; my heart beat responsive, and immediately the promised -signal was made. I unbolted the door, and beheld two men masked and -cloaked. They blindfolded me, and each taking an arm, led me along. -Not a word passed. We traversed apartments, ascended, descended -stairs; now went this way, now that; obliquely, circularly, angularly; -till I began to imagine we were all the time in one spot. - -At length my conductors stopped. - -'Unlock the postern gate,' whispered one, 'while I light a torch.' - -'We are betrayed!' said the other, 'for this is the wrong key.' - -'Then thou beest the traitor,' cried the first. - -'Thou liest, dost lie, and art lying!' cried the second. - -'Take that!' exclaimed the first. A groan followed, and the wretch -tumbled to the ground. - -'You have killed him!' cried I, sickening with horror. - -'I have only hamstrung him, my Lady,' said the fellow. 'He will be -lame while ever he lives; but by St. Cripplegate, that won't be long; -for our captain has given him four ducats to murder himself in a -month.' - -He then burst open the gate; a sudden current of wind met us, and we -hurried forward with incredible speed, while moans and smothered -shrieks were heard at either side. - -'Gracious goodness, where are we?' cried I. - -'In the cavern of death!' said my conductor; 'but never fear, Signora -mia illustrissima, for the bravo Abellino is your povero devotissimo.' - -On a sudden innumerable footsteps sounded behind us. We ran swifter. - -'Fire!' cried a ferocious accent, almost at my ear; and there came a -discharge of arms. - -I stopped, unable to move, breathe, or speak. - -'I am wounded all over, right and left, fore and aft, long ways and -cross ways, Death and the Devil!' cried the bravo. - -'Am I bleeding?' said I, feeling myself with my hands. - -'No, blessed St. Fidget be praised!' answered he; 'and now all is -safe, for the banditti have turned into the wrong passage.' - -He then stopped, and unlocked a door. - -'Enter,' said he, 'and behold your mother!' - -He led me forward, tore the bandage from my eyes, and retiring, locked -the door after him. - -Agitated by the terrors of my dangerous expedition, I felt additional -horror in finding myself within a dismal cell, lighted with a lantern; -where, at a small table, sat a woman suffering under a corpulency -unparalleled in the memoirs of human monsters. Her dress was a -patchwork of blankets and satins, and her gray tresses were like -horses' tails. Hundreds of frogs leaped about the floor; a piece of -mouldy bread, and a mug of water, lay on the table; some straw, strewn -with dead snakes and sculls, occupied one corner, and the distant end -of the cell was concealed behind a black curtain. - -I stood at the door, doubtful, and afraid to advance; while the -prodigious prisoner sat examining me all over. - -At last I summoned courage to say, 'I fear, madam, I am an intruder -here. I have certainly been shown into the wrong room.' - -'It is, it is my own, my only daughter, my Cherubina!' cried she, with -a tremendous voice. 'Come to my maternal arms, thou living picture of -the departed Theodore!' - -'Why, ma'am,' said I, 'I would with great pleasure, but I am -afraid--Oh, madam, indeed, indeed, I am quite sure you cannot be my -mother!' - -'Why not, thou unnatural girl?' cried she. - -'Because, madam,' answered I, 'my mother was of a thin habit; as her -portrait proves.' - -{43} 'And so I was once,' said she. 'This deplorable plumpness is -owing to want of exercise. But I thank the Gods I am as pale as ever.' - -'Heavens! no,' cried I. 'Your face, pardon me, is a rich scarlet.' - -'And is this our tender meeting?' cried she. 'To disown me, to throw -my fat in my teeth, to violate the lilies of my skin with a dash of -scarlet? Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle! Tell me, girl, -will you embrace me, or will you not?' - -'Indeed, madam,' answered I, 'I will presently.' - -'Presently!' - -'Yes, depend upon it I will. Only let me get over the first shock.' - -'Shock!' - -Dreading her violence, and feeling myself bound to do the duties of a -daughter, I kneeled at her feet, and said: - -'Ever respected, ever venerable author of my being, I beg thy maternal -blessing!' - -My mother raised me from the ground, and hugged me to her heart, with -such cruel vigor, that, almost crushed, I cried out stoutly, and -struggled for release. - -'And now,' said she, relaxing her grasp, 'let me tell you of my -sufferings. Ten long years I have eaten nothing but bread. Oh, ye -favorite pullets, oh, ye inimitable tit-bits, shall I never, never -taste you more? It was but last night, that maddened by hunger, -methought I beheld the Genius of Dinner in my dreams. His mantle was -laced with silver eels, and his locks were dropping with soups. He had -a crown of golden fishes upon his head, and pheasants' wings at his -shoulders. A flight of little tartlets fluttered about him, and the -sky rained down comfits. As I gazed on him, he vanished in a sigh, -that was impregnated with the fumes of brandy. Hey diddle diddle, the -cat and the fiddle.' - -I stood shuddering, and hating her more and more every moment. - -'Pretty companion of my confinement!' cried she, apostrophizing an -enormous toad which she pulled out of her bosom 'dear, spotted -fondling, thou, next to my Cherubina, art worthy of my love. Embrace -each other, my friends.' And she put the hideous pet into my hand. I -screamed and dropped it. - -'Oh!' cried I, in a passion of despair, 'what madness possessed me to -undertake this execrable enterprise!' and I began beating with my hand -against the door. - -'Do you want to leave your poor mother?' said she in a whimpering -tone. - -'Oh! I am so frightened!' cried I. - -'You will spend the night here, however,' said she; 'and your whole -life too; for the ruffian who brought you hither was employed by Lady -Gwyn to entrap you.' - -When I heard this terrible sentence, my blood ran cold, and I began -crying bitterly. - -'Come, my love!' said my mother, 'and let me clasp thee to my heart -once more!' - -'For goodness sake!' cried I, 'spare me!' - -'What!' exclaimed she, 'do you spurn my proffered embrace again?' - -'Dear, no, madam,' answered I. 'But--but indeed now, you squeeze one -so!' - -My mother made a huge stride towards me; then stood groaning and -rolling her eyes. - -'Help!' cried I, half frantic, 'help! help!' - -I was stopped by a suppressed titter of infernal laughter, as if from -many demons; and on looking towards the black curtain, whence the -sound came, I saw it agitated; while about twenty terrific faces -appeared peeping through slits in it, and making grins of a most -diabolical nature. I hid my face with my hands. - -''Tis the banditti!' cried my mother. - -As she spoke, the door opened, a bandage was flung over my eyes, and I -was borne away half senseless, in some one's arms; till at length, I -found myself alone in my own chamber. - -Such was the detestable adventure of to-night. Oh, that I should live -to meet this mother of mine! How different from the mothers that other -heroines rummage out in northern turrets and ruined chapels! I am out -of all patience. Liberate her I must, of course, and make a suitable -provision for her too, when I get my property; but positively, never -will I sleep under the same roof with--(ye powers of filial love, -forgive me!) such a living mountain of human horror. Adieu. - - -HAWKS OF HAWK-HOLLOW. - -_The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow; a Tradition of Pennsylvania. By the author -of Calavar and the Infidel. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard._ - -By _The Gladiator_, by _Calavar_, and by _The Infidel_, Dr. Bird has -risen, in a comparatively short space of time, to a very enviable -reputation; and we have heard it asserted that his last novel '_The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow_,' will not fail to place his name in the very -first rank of American writers of fiction. Without venturing to -subscribe implicitly to this latter supposition, we still think very -highly of him who has written _Calavar_. Of this last mentioned work, -and of the _Infidel_, we have already given our opinion, although not -altogether as fully as we could have desired: and we regret that -circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from noticing the -_Hawks of Hawk-Hollow_ until so late a day as the present. - -Had this novel reached us some years ago, with the title of, '_The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow: A Romance by the author of Waverley_,' we should -not perhaps have engaged in its perusal with as much genuine -eagerness, or with so dogged a determination to be pleased with it at -all events, as we have actually done upon receiving it with its proper -title, and under really existing circumstances. But having read the -book _through_, as undoubtedly we should have done, if only for the -sake of Auld Lang Syne, and for the sake of certain pleasantly -mirthful, or pleasantly mournful recollections connected with -_Ivanhoe_, with the _Antiquary_, with _Kenilworth_, and above all with -that most pure, perfect, and radiant gem of fictitious literature the -_Bride of Lammermuir_--having, we say, on this account, and for the -sake of these recollections read the novel from beginning to end, from -Aleph to Tau, we should have pronounced our opinion of its merits -somewhat in the following manner. - -"It is unnecessary to tell us that this novel is written by Sir Walter -Scott; and we are really glad to find that he has at length ventured -to turn his attention to American incidents, scenery, and manners. We -repeat that it was a mere act of supererogation to place the words 'By -the author of Waverley' in the title page. The book speaks for itself. -The style vulgarly so called--the manner properly so called--the -handling of the subject to speak pictorially, or graphically, or as a -German would say plastically--in a word the general air, the _tout -ensemble_, the prevailing character of the story, all proclaim, in -words which one who runs may read, that these volumes were indited 'By -the author of Waverley.'" Having said thus much, we should resume our -_critique_ as follows. - -"The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is, however, by no means in the _best_ -manner of its illustrious author. To speak plainly it is a positive -failure, and must take its place by the side of the Redgauntlets, the -Monasteries, the Pirates, and the Saint Ronan's Wells." - -All this we should perhaps have been induced to say had the book been -offered to us for perusal some few years ago, with the supposititious -title, and under the supposititious circumstances aforesaid. But alas! -for our critical independency, the case is very different indeed. -There can be no mistake or misconception in the present instance, such -as we have so fancifully imagined. The title page (here we have it) is -clear, explanatory, and not to be misunderstood. The Hawks of {44} -Hawk-Hollow, A Tradition of Pennsylvania, that is to say a novel, is -written, so we are assured, not by the author of Waverley, but by the -author of that very fine romance Calavar--not by Sir Walter Scott, -Baronet, but by Robert M. Bird, M.D. Now Robert M. Bird is an -American. - -We will endeavour to give an outline of the story. In a little valley -bordering upon the Delaware, and called Hawk-Hollow from a colony of -hawks who time out of mind had maintained possession of a blasted tree -at its _embouchure_, resided, some fifty years ago, one Gilbert, an -English emigrant. He had seven sons, all of whom displayed in early -life a spirit of desperate and reckless adventure, and a love of the -wild life of the woods and mountains. Oran was the name of the eldest, -and at the same time the most savage and intractable of the seven. The -disposition thus evinced obtained for these young desperadoes the -_sobriquet_ of the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. Gilbert, the father, falls -heir to a rich estate in England, and after making a vain attempt to -settle in that country and educate his children as gentlemen, returns -at length to the valley of Hawk-Hollow, so much more congenial to the -temper and habits of his sons. A fine but fantastic manor-house is -erected, and the family acquire consideration in the land. In the -meantime Mr. Gilbert's first wife dying, he weds another, who bears -him a daughter, Jessie. At the opening of the tale, however, a Captain -Loring resides upon the estate, and in the mansion of the Gilberts, -holding them as the agent or tenant of a certain Col. Falconer, who is -a second edition of Falkland in Caleb Williams,--and who has managed -to possess himself of the property at Hawk-Hollow, upon its -confiscation on account of the tory principles and conduct of the -Hawks. - -During the happier days of the Gilberts, the life of this Falconer was -preserved by three of them, upon a certain occasion of imminent peril. -He however, being badly wounded, they convey him to their father's -house, and Jessie, their sister, attends him in the character of -nurse. She loves him. He returns her love with gratitude and perhaps -some little actual affection, not however sufficient to banish from -his mind the charms or the wealth of a lady of whom he had been -previously enamored--the daughter of a gentleman who had succored and -patronised him at a time when he needed aid, and who discarded him -upon perceiving the growing intimacy between his child and his -_protegé_. Grateful however for the kindness and evident affection of -Jessie, and intoxicated with her beauty, he marries her in a moment of -madness and passion--prevailing upon her to keep the marriage a secret -for a short time. At this critical juncture, Falconer, who has already -risen to honors and consideration in the world, as an officer of the -Colonial army, receives overtures of reconciliation both from his old -patron and his daughter. His former flame is rekindled in his bosom. -He puts off from day to day the publication of his marriage with -Jessie, and, finally, goaded by love and ambition, and encouraged by -the accidental death of the regimental chaplain who married him, as -well as by that of the only witness to the ceremony, he flies from -Jessie who is about to become a mother, and leaving herself and -friends under the impression that the rite of marriage had been a mere -mockery for the purpose of seduction, throws himself at once into the -arms of his first love, and at length espouses her, a short time -before the decease of Jessie, who dies in bringing a son into the -world. - -The wrath of the brothers of Jessie, has doomed this child to -destruction--but their mother, at this same period giving birth to a -still-born infant, an exchange is brought about through the -instrumentality of an old nurse Elsie Bell, who plays an anomalous -part in the story, being half witch, and half gentlewoman. The effect -of this exchange is that the still-born child of Mrs. Gilbert is -buried as the offspring of Jessie, while her real offspring, is sent -to the West Indies, to be nurtured and educated by a sister of Mr. -Gilbert. The boy thus sent was called Hyland, after one of the Hawks -who perished in the rescue of Col. Falconer. - -Such are the events which, at the opening of the story, have broken up -the family of the Gilberts, and effected their ruin. - -"The sons no longer hunted with the young men of the county, but went, -as in their war expeditions, alone: and when others thrust themselves -into their company they quarrelled with them, so that they began to be -universally feared and detested. To crown all, as soon as the -Revolution burst out they went over to the enemy: and, being -distributed among the wild and murderous bands of savages forming on -the north-western frontiers, they soon obtained a dreadful notoriety -for their deeds of daring and cruelty. Of course this remarkable -defection of the sons, caused the unlucky father to be suspected and -watched. He was accused at last of aiding and abetting them in their -treasonable practices, and soon, either from timidity or a -consciousness of guilt, he fled, seeking refuge within the royal -lines. This was sufficient for his ruin: for, after the usual legal -preliminaries, he was formally outlawed, as his sons had been before, -and his property confiscated. He died soon afterwards, either at New -York, or Jamaica." - -Hyland, the son of Falconer by Jessie, but the supposed youngest -brother of the Hawks, returns after many years, to his native country -with the intention of accepting a British commission; but seeing more -closely, and with his own eyes, the true principles which actuated the -colonists, he finally relinquishes that design. In the meantime -visiting the Hawk-Hollow under the assumed name of Herman Hunter, and -in the character of a painter, he becomes enamored of Catherine, the -daughter of Captain Loring. The attachment is mutual, although the -lady is already betrothed to Henry, the son of Col. Falconer, a rather -gentlemanly, although a very dissipated and good-for-nothing -personage. Difficulties thicken of course. Miss Harriet Falconer, a -copy in many respects of Di Vernon, becomes, for some very trivial -reason, a violent enemy of Herman Hunter, and even goes so far as to -suspect him of being connected with the outlawed Hawks of the Hollow. -Captain Loring, on the other hand, is his firm friend--a circumstance -which restores matters to a more proper equilibrium, and much -flirtation is consequently carried on, in and about the old mansion -house and pleasure grounds of the Gilberts. In the meantime an attempt -is made, by some unknown assassin, upon the life of Col. Falconer, at -New York; and the county is thrown into a panic, by the rumor that -Oran, the eldest brother of the Hawks, is not dead, as was supposed, -but in existence near the Hollow with a desperate band of refugees, -and ready to pounce upon {45} the neighboring village of Hillborough. -Miss Harriet Falconer busies herself in a very unlady-like manner to -ferret out the assassin of her father. Plot and counterplot follow in -rapid succession. New characters appear upon the scene. A tall -disciple of Roscius called Sterling, is, among others, very -conspicuous, thrusting his nose into every adventure, and assuming by -turns, although in a very slovenly way, the character of a Methodist -preacher, of a pedlar, of a Quaker, and of a French dancing master. -Elsie Bell, the old witch, prophecies, predicates, and prognosticates; -and in short matters begin to assume a very serious and inexplicable -aspect. Hyland Gilbert _alias_ Herman Hunter, the painter, is drawn -into an involuntary connection with his supposed brother Oran, the -refugee, and some circumstances coming to light not very much to his -credit, he is obliged to flee from the mansion of the gallant -Captain--not, however, until he has declared his passion for the -daughter, into the ear of the daughter herself. Through the -instigation of Harriet Falconer, the day is at length fixed for the -marriage of her brother Henry with Catherine Loring. Accident delays -the ceremony until night, when, just as the lady is hesitating whether -she shall say _yes_, or _no_, the tall gentleman ycleped Sterling who -has managed, no one knows how, to install himself as major-domo, chief -fiddler, and master of ceremonies at the wedding, takes the liberty of -knocking the bridegroom on the head with his violin, while Oran, the -refugee, jumps in at one window with a gang of his followers, and -Hyland Gilbert, _alias_ Herman Hunter, the painter, popping in at -another, carries off the bride at a back door _nemine contradicente_. -The bird being flown, the hue and cry is presently raised, and the -whole county starts in pursuit. But the affair ends very lamely. -Precisely at the moment when Hyland Gilbert, _alias_ Herman Hunter, -the painter, has carried his mistress beyond any prospect of danger -from pursuit, he suddenly takes it into his head, to change his mind -in relation to the entire business, and so, turning back as he came, -very deliberately carries the lady home again. He himself, however, -being caught, is sentenced to be hung--all which is exceedingly just. -But to be serious. - -The crime with which the young man is charged, is the murder of Henry -Falconer, who fell by a pistol shot in an affray during the pursuit. -The criminal is lodged in jail at Hillborough--is tried--and, chiefly -through the instrumentality of Col. Falconer, is in danger of being -found guilty. But Elsie Bell now makes her appearance, and matters -assume a new aspect. She reveals to Col. Falconer the exchange of the -two infants--a fact with which he had been hitherto unacquainted--and -consequently astounds him with the information that he is seeking the -death of his own son. A new turn is also given to the evidence in the -case of the murder by the death-bed confession of Sterling, who owns -that he himself shot the deceased Henry Falconer, and also attempted -the assassination of the Colonel. The prisoner is acquitted by -acclamation. Col. Falconer, is shot by mistake while visiting his son -in prison. Harriet dies of grief at the exposure of her father's -villainy, and of her own consequent illegitimacy. Hyland Gilbert and -Catherine are united. Oran, the refugee, who fired the shot by which -Col. Falconer was accidentally killed, being hotly pursued, and -dangerously wounded, escapes, finally, to his fastnesses in the -mountains, where, after a lapse of many years, his bones and his rifle -are identified. Thus ends the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. - -We have already spoken of the character of Elsie Bell. That of Harriet -Falconer, is forced, unnatural, and overstrained. Catherine Loring, -however, is one of the sweetest creations ever emanating from the -fancy of poet, or of painter. Truly feminine in thought, in manner, -and in action, she is altogether a conception of which Dr. Bird has -great reason to be proud. Phoebe, the waiting maid, (we have not -thought it worth while to mention her in our outline,) is a mere -excrescence, and, like some other personages in the tale, introduced -for no imaginable purpose. Of the male _dramatis personæ_ some are -good--some admirable--some execrable. Among the good, we may mention -Captain Caliver of the Dragoons. Captain Loring is a _chéf d'oeuvre_. -His oddities, his infirmities, his enthusiasm, his petulancy, his -warm-heartedness, and his mutability of disposition, altogether make -up a character which we may be permitted to consider original, -inasmuch as we have never seen its prototype either in print, or in -actual existence. It is however true to itself, and to propriety, and -although at times verging upon the _outré_, is highly creditable to -the genius of its author. Oran, the refugee, is well--but not -excellently drawn. The hero Hyland, with whom we were much interested -in the beginning of the book, proves inconsistent with himself in the -end; and although to be inconsistent with one's self, is not always to -be false to Nature--still, in the present instance, Hyland Gilbert in -prison, and in difficulty, and Herman Hunter, in the opening of the -novel, possess none of the same traits, and are not, in point of fact, -identical. Sterling is a mere mountebank, without even the merit of -being an original one: and his death-bed repentance is too ludicrously -ill-managed, and altogether too manifestly out of place, to be -mentioned any farther. Squire Schlachtenschlager, the Magistrate, is -the best personification of a little brief authority in the person of -a Dutchman, which it has ever been our good fortune to encounter. - -In regard to that purely mechanical portion of Dr. Bird's novel, which -it would now be fashionable to denominate its _style_, we have very -few observations to make. In general it is faultless. Occasionally we -meet with a sentence ill-constructed--an inartificial adaptation of -the end to the beginning of a paragraph--a circumlocutory mode of -saying what might have been better said, if said with brevity--now and -then with a pleonasm, as for example. "And if he wore a mask in his -commerce with men, it was like that _iron_ one of the Bastile, which -when put on, was put on for life, and was at the same time _of -iron_,"--not unfrequently with a bull proper, videlicet. "As he spoke -there came into the den, eight men attired like the two first _who -were included in the number_." But we repeat that upon the whole the -style of the novel--if that may be called its style, which style is -not--is at least _equal_ to that of any American writer whatsoever. - -In the style _properly_ so called--that is to say in the prevailing -tone and manner which give character and individuality to the book, we -cannot bring ourselves to think that Dr. Bird has been equally -fortunate. His subject appears always ready to fly away from him. He -dallies with it continually--hovers incessantly round {46} it, and -about it--and not until driven to exertion by the necessity of -bringing his volumes to a close, does he finally grasp it with any -appearance of energy or good will. The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is -composed with great inequality of manner--at times forcible and -manly--at times sinking into the merest childishness and imbecility. -Some portions of the book, we surmise, were either not written by Dr. -Bird, or were written by him in moments of the most utter mental -exhaustion. On the other hand, the reader will not be disappointed, if -he looks to find in the novel many--very many well sustained passages -of great eloquence and beauty. We open the book at random, and one -presents itself immediately to our notice. If Dr. Bird has a general -manner at all--a question which we confess ourselves unable to -decide--the passage which we are about to quote is a very fair, -although perhaps rather too favorable specimen of that manner. - -"Thus whiling away the fatigue of climbing over rocks, and creeping -through thickets with a gay rattle of discourse, the black-eyed maiden -dragged her companion along until they reached a place where the -stream was contracted by the projection on the one bank of a huge mass -of slaty rock, and on the other, by the protrusion of the roots of a -gigantic plane-tree--the sycamore or button-wood of vulgar speech. -Above them, and beyond the crag, the channel of the rivulet widened -into a pool; and there was a plot of green turf betwixt the water and -the hill, on the farther bank, whereon fairies, if such had ever made -their way to the world of Twilight, might have loved to gambol under -the light of the moon. A hill shut up the glen at its upper extremity; -and it was hemmed in on the left, by the rocky and woody declivity -over which the maidens had already passed. Over this, and just behind -a black rounded shoulder that it thrust into the glen, a broad ray -from the evening sun shot across the stream, and fell in a rich yellow -flood over the vacant plot. There was something almost Arcadian in -this little solitude; and if instead of two well-bred maidens perched -upon the roots of the sycamore, on seats chosen with a due regard to -the claims of their dresses, there had been a batch of country girls -romping in the water, a passing Actæon might have dreamed of the piny -Gargaphy, its running well _fons tenui perlucidus unda_--and the -bright creatures of the mythic day that once animated the waters of -that solitary grot. But the fairy and the wood-nymph are alike unknown -in America. Poetic illusion has not yet consecrated her glens and -fountains; her forests nod in uninvaded gloom, her rivers roll in -unsanctified silence, and even her ridgy mountains lift up their blue -tops in unphantomed solitude. Association sleeps, or it reverts only -to the vague mysteries of speculation. Perhaps - - A restless Indian queen, - Pale Marian with the braided hair, - -may wander at night by some highly favored spring; perhaps some tall -and tawny hunter - - In vestments for the chase arrayed, - -may yet hunt the hart over certain distinguished ridges, or urge his -barken canoe over some cypress-fringed pool; but all other places are -left to the fancies of the utilitarian. A Greek would have invented a -God to dwell under the watery arch of Niagara; an American is -satisfied with a paper-mill clapped just above it." - -Of the songs and other poetic pieces interspersed throughout the book, -and sometimes not aptly or gracefully introduced, we have a very high -opinion. Some of them are of rare merit and beauty. If Dr. Bird can -always write thus, and we see no reason for supposing the contrary, he -should at once, in the language of one with whom he is no doubt well -acquainted, - - Turn bard, and drop the play-wright and the novelist. - -In evidence that we say nothing more than what is absolutely just; we -insert here the little poem of _The Whippoorwill_. - - Sleep, sleep! be thine the sleep that throws - Elysium o'er the soul's repose, - Without a dream, save such as wind - Like midnight angels, through the mind; - While I am watching on the hill - I, and the wailing whippoorwill. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - - Sleep, sleep! and once again I'll tell - The oft pronounced yet vain farewell: - Such should his word, oh maiden, be - Who lifts the fated eye to thee; - Such should it be, before the chain - That wraps his spirit, binds his brain. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - - Sleep, sleep! the ship hath left the shore, - The steed awaits his lord no more; - His lord still madly lingers by, - The fatal maid he cannot fly-- - And thrids the wood, and climbs the hill-- - He and the wailing whippoorwill. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - - Sleep, sleep! the morrow hastens on; - Then shall the wailing slave be gone, - Flitting the hill-top far for fear - The sounds of joy may reach his ear; - The sounds of joy!--the hollow knell - Pealed from the mocking chapel bell. - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill! - -In conclusion: The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow, if it add a single bay to the -already green wreath of Dr. Bird's _popular_ reputation, will not, at -all events, among men whose decisions are entitled to consideration, -advance the high opinion previously entertained of his abilities. It -has no pretensions to _originality_ of manner, or of style--for we -insist upon the distinction--and very few to originality of matter. It -is, in many respects, a bad imitation of Sir Walter Scott. Some of its -characters, and one or two of its incidents, have seldom been -surpassed, for force, fidelity to nature, and power of exciting -interest in the reader. It is altogether more worthy of its author in -its scenes of hurry, of tumult, and confusion, than in those of a more -quiet and philosophical nature. Like _Calavar_ and _The Infidel_, it -excels in the drama of action and passion, and fails in the drama of -colloquy. It is inferior, as a whole, to the _Infidel_, and vastly -inferior to _Calavar_. - - -PEERAGE AND PEASANTRY. - -_Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry, Edited by Lady Dacre. New -York: Harper & Brothers._ - -We had been looking with much impatience for the republication of -these volumes, and henceforward we shall look with still greater -anxiety for any thing announced as under the _editorial_ supervision -of Lady Dacre. But why, Lady Dacre, this excessive show of modesty, or -rather this most unpardonable piece of affectation? Why deny having -written volumes whose authorship would be an enviable and an honorable -{47} distinction to the proudest literati of your land? And why, above -all, announce yourself as editor in a title-page, merely to proclaim -yourself author in a preface? - -The _Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry_ are three in number. The -first and the longest is _Winifred, Countess of Nithsdale_, (have a -care, Messieurs Harpers, you have spelt it _Nithsadle_ in the very -heading of the very initial chapter) a thrilling, and spirited story, -rich with imagination, pathos, and passion, and in which the -successful termination of a long series of exertions, and trials, -whereby the devoted Winifred finally rescues her husband, the Earl of -Nithsdale, from tyranny, prison, and death, inspires the reader with -scarcely less heartfelt joy and exultation than we can conceive -experienced by the happy pair themselves. But the absolute conclusion -of this tale speaks volumes for the artist-like skill of the fair -authoress. An every day writer would have ended a story of continued -sorrow and suffering, with a bright gleam of unalloyed happiness, and -sunshine--thus destroying, at a single blow, that indispensable unity -which has been rightly called the unity of effect, and throwing down, -as it were, in a paragraph what, perhaps, an entire volume has been -laboring to establish. We repeat that Lady Dacre has given conclusive -evidence of talent and skill, in the final sentences of the _Countess -of Nithsdale_--evidence, however, which will not be generally -appreciated, or even very extensively understood. We will transcribe -the passages alluded to. - -"'And dearer to my ears'--said Lady Nithsdale 'the simple ballad of a -Scottish maiden, than even these sounds as they are wafted to us over -the waters!' - -"They stopped to listen to the song as it died away; and, as they -listened, another and more awful sound struck upon their ears. The -bell of one of the small chapels often constructed on the shores of -Catholic countries, was tolled for the soul of a departed mariner. As -it happened, the tone was not unlike one of which they both retained -only too vivid and painful a recollection. The Countess felt her -husband's frame quiver beneath the stroke. There was no need of words. -With a mutual pressure of the arm they returned upon their steps and -sought their home. Unconsciously their pace quickened. They seemed to -fly before the stroke of that bell! Such suffering as they had both -experienced, leaves traces in the soul which time itself can never -wholly efface." - -_The Hampshire Cottage_ is next in order--a tale of the Peasantry; and -the volumes conclude with _Blanche_, a tale of the Peerage. Both are -admirable, and worthy of companionship with _Winifred, Countess of -Nithsdale_. There can be no doubt that Lady Dacre is a writer of -infinite genius, possessing great felicity of expression, a happy -talent for working up a story, and, above all, a far more profound and -philosophical knowledge of the hidden springs of the human heart, and -a greater skill in availing herself of that knowledge, than _any of -her female contemporaries_. This we say deliberately. We have not yet -forgotten the _Recollections of a Chaperon_. No person, of even common -sensibility, has ever perused the magic tale of _Ellen Wareham_ -without feeling the very soul of passion and imagination aroused and -stirred up within him, as at the sound of a trumpet. - -Let Lady Dacre but give up her talents and energies, and especially -_her time_ to the exaltation of her literary fame, and we are sorely -mistaken if, hereafter, she do not accomplish something which will not -readily die. - - -EDINBURGH REVIEW. - -_The Edinburgh Review, No. CXXIV, for July 1835. American Edition, -Vol. II, No. 2. New York: Theodore Foster._ - -Article I in this number is a _critique_ upon "The History of the -Revolution in England in 1688. Comprising a View of the Reign of James -the Second, from his Accession to the Enterprise of the Prince of -Orange. By the late Right Honorable Sir James Mackintosh; and -completed to the Settlement of the Crown, by the Editor. To which is -prefixed, a Notice of the Life, Writings, and Speeches of Sir James -Mackintosh. 4to. London, 1834." The Reviewer commences by instituting -a comparison between the work of Sir James, and Fox's History of James -the Second. Both books are on the same subject--both were posthumously -published, and neither had received the last corrections. The authors, -likewise, belonged to the same political party, and had the same -opinions concerning the merits and defects of the English -Constitution, and concerning most of the prominent characters and -events in English history. The palm is awarded to the work of -Mackintosh. "Indeed"--says the critic--"the superiority of Mr. Fox to -Sir James as an orator, is hardly more clear than the superiority of -Sir James to Mr. Fox as an historian. Mr. Fox with a pen in his hand, -and Sir James on his legs in the House of Commons were, we think, each -out of his proper element. We could never read a page of Mr. Fox's -writings--we could never listen for a quarter of an hour to the -speaking of Sir James--without feeling that there was a constant -effort, a tug up-hill. Mr. Fox wrote debates. Sir James Mackintosh -spoke essays." The style of the fragment is highly complimented, and -justly. Every body must agree with the Reviewer, that a History of -England written throughout, in the manner of the History of the -Revolution, would be the most fascinating book in the language. The -printer and editor of the work are severely censured, but the censure -is, in some respects, misapplied. Such errors as making the pension of -60,000 livres, which Lord Sunderland received from France, equivalent -to 2,500 pounds sterling only, when, at the time Sunderland was in -power, the livre was worth more than eighteen pence, are surely -attributable to no one but the author--although the editor may come in -for a small portion of the blame for not correcting an oversight so -palpable. On the other hand the misprinting the name of Thomas Burnet -repeatedly throughout the book, both in the text and Index, is a -blunder for which the editor is alone responsible. The name is -invariably spelt Bennet. Thomas Burnet, Master of the Charter House, -and author of the _Theoria Sacra_, is a personage of whom, or of whose -works, the gentleman who undertook to edit the Fragment of Sir James -Mackintosh has evidently never heard. The Memoir prefixed to the -History, and its Continuation to the settlement of the Crown, both by -the Editor of the Fragment, are unsparingly, but indeed most -righteously, condemned. The Memoir is childish and imbecile, and the -Continuation full of gross inaccuracies, and altogether unworthy of -being appended to any thing from the pen of Mackintosh. - -Article II is a very clever Review of the "Acharnenses of -Aristophanes, with Notes Critical and Explanatory, adapted to the Use -of Schools and Universities. {48} By T. Mitchell, A.M. 8vo. London, -1835." Mr. Mitchell made his first appearance as a translator and -commentator in 1820, and his second in 1822, upon both which occasions -he was favorably noticed in the Edinburgh. High praise is bestowed in -the present instance upon the _Acharnenses_. The _Wasps_ will follow, -and thus it appears the chronological order of the Comedies will not -be preserved. The old fault is to be found with this Review, viz: It -is more of a dissertation on the subject matter of the book in -question than an analysis of its merits or defects. By far the greater -part of the Article is occupied in a discussion of the character of -the Athenians. - -Article III is headed "a Voyage of Discovery to Africa and Arabia, -performed in his Majesty's Ships Leven and Barracouta, from 1822 to -1826, under the command of Capt. F. W. W. Owen, R. N. By Capt. Thomas -Boteler, R. N. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835." Captain Owen sailed in -January 1822 in the Leven Frigate, accompanied by the Barracouta, a -ten-gun brig, with instructions to survey the entire Eastern coast of -Africa, the Western coast of Madagascar--the islets and shoals -interjacent--together with the Western coast of the Continent from the -Zaire to Benin, and from the Rio Grande to the Gambia. All this was -accomplished in five years. The narrative of Boteler, who was -lieutenant of the Leven, is nothing more than a revised edition of -that originally prepared by Capt. Owen, and which was a failure in a -literary sense. The Review, as usual, says very little concerning the -manner in which Captain Boteler has performed his task. - -Article IV. "Deontology; or the Science of Morality: in which the -Harmony and Coincidence of Duty and Self-interest, Virtue and -Felicity, Prudence and Benevolence, are explained and exemplified. -From the MSS. of Jeremy Bentham. Arranged and edited by John Bowring, -2 vols. octavo, London, 1834." "This book," says the Reviewer, "simply -contains Mr. Bentham's thrice told tale upon Utility. It furnishes us -with no fresh illustrations, no better system than we had already -found in his 'Principles of Morals and Legislation.'" We heartily -agree with the critic that there was no necessity for the publication -of these posthumous volumes. They add nothing to the work just -mentioned, and are, in many points, inferior. But the Notice concludes -in the following words. "Is it to be wondered at, that the most -learned, accurate, and philosophical nation in Europe--the -Germans--treat with contempt ignorance and insolence like this? They -admit the merits of Mr. Bentham as a jurisconsult, in his analysis and -classification of the _material_ interests of life; but their -metaphysicians and moralists agree, we believe without an exception, -in considering his speculative philosophy as undeserving even the pomp -and ceremony of an argument." We have only to add, that, in our -opinion of the metaphysics of Mr. Bentham, we are, by no means, -Germans to the very letter. - -Article V. is an excellently well toned, and perfectly satisfactory -Review of the "Journal by Frances Anne Butler, 2 vols. 8vo. London, -1835." It defends this lady from the charge of intentionally -depreciating America; cites a long list of instances in which she has -spoken in terms of the greatest cordiality of our people, -individually, and as a nation; shows in what manner she has repeatedly -let slip opportunities of saying, and saying too with perfect justice, -things little likely to flatter our vanity; defends her from the -ridiculous accusation of vulgarity (there is positively not an iota of -vulgarity in the composition of Fanny Kemble) and very justly gives us -a rap over the knuckles for our overweening vanity, self-sufficiency, -and testiness of temper. The whole article is excellent, and the -conclusion is particularly to our mind. "There is no chance of her -return to a profession that she so cordially detested. Under these -circumstances the only compensation Mr. Butler can make to us he must -make. He is bound to see that she goes on with her faithful and -amusing journal, and that she finishes, at her leisure, some of the -sundry stories, plays, and novels, on which, it seems, she had already -set to work amid the interruptions of the stage." - -The sixth article is a review of "The Works of George Dalgarno, of -Aberdeen. 4to. Reprinted at Edinburgh: 1834." This work is merely a -reprint of the old Treatises of Dalgarno, the publication not -extending beyond the sphere of the Maitland Club--a society instituted -at Glasgow in imitation of the Edinburgh Ballantyne Club. The first -treatise of Dalgarno is entitled "Ars Signorum, Vulgo Character -Universalis, et Lingua Philosophica. Londini 1661." The second is -"Didascalocophus, or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Tutor: to which is added -a Discourse of the Nature and Number of Double Consonants: both which -Tracts being the first (for what the author knows) that have been -published upon either of the subjects. Printed at the Theater in -Oxford, 1680." The memory of Dalgarno had nearly perished when Dugald -Stewart called public attention to his writings, on account of his -having anticipated, on grounds purely speculative, and _a priori_, -what has now been proved _a posteriori_ by Horne Tooke and others, -viz: that all grammatical inflections are reducible to the noun alone. - -Article VII is headed "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a -North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions during -the years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833. By Sir John Ross, C. B., -K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., Captain in the Royal Navy. Including the -Reports of Commander, now Captain, James Clark Ross, R. N., F. R. S., -F. L. S., &c. and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole. 4to. -London: 1835." The Reviewer professes himself unable to regard the -observations made by Commander Ross in relation to the Magnetic Pole -in the light of a discovery. "It was certainly a great satisfaction to -stand upon a rock where the dip was 89° 59', and where the polarity of -nicely suspended needles was insensible; but it may be questioned -whether or not the place of the Magnetic Pole can be best determined -by observations made at a distance or near the spot; and we are not -satisfied that the position assigned by Commander Ross is more -accurate than that given by the curves of Professor Barlow, the -calculations of Hansteen, and the observations of Captain Parry." The -fact is that the Magnetic Pole is _moveable_, and, place it where we -will, we shall not find it in the same place to-morrow. Notice is -taken also by the critic that neither Captain nor Commander Ross has -made the slightest reference to the fact that the Magnetic {49} Pole -is not coincident with the _Pole of maximum cold_. From observations -made by Scoresby in East Greenland, and by Sir Charles Giesecke and -the Danish Governors in West Greenland, and confirmed by all the -meteorological observations made by Captains Parry and Franklin, Sir -David Brewster has deduced the fact that the Pole of the Equator is -not the Pole of maximum cold: and as the matter is well established, -it is singular, to say no more, that it has been alluded to by neither -the Commander nor the Captain. - -Article VIII is 1. A "History of the Cotton Manufacture in Great -Britain, with a Notice of its Early History in the East, and in all -quarters of the Globe; a Description of the Great Mechanical -Inventions which have caused its unexampled extension in Great -Britain: and a View of the Present State of the Manufacture, and the -condition of the Classes engaged in its several departments. By Edward -Baines, Jr. Esq. 8vo. London: 1835." - -2. "The Philosophy of Manufactures: or an Exposition of the -Scientific, Moral, and Commercial Economy of the Factory System of -Great Britain. By Andrew Ure, M.D. 8vo. London: 1835." Mr. Baines' -work is spoken of in high terms, as discovering much laborious -research, and being both interesting and valuable. With the exception -of Smith's _Memoirs of Wool_, published in 1747, it is said to be the -only work giving a clear and copious account of the rise, progress, -and actual condition of any of the great branches of industry carried -on in the kingdom. Dr. Ure's work is censured for inaccuracy of -detail. Its title is evidently a misnomer. - -Article IX is "A Poet's Portfolio; or Minor Poems. In Three Books. By -James Montgomery, 12mo. London, 1835." - -The first production of Mr. Montgomery, 'The Wanderer of Switzerland,' -was noticed about twenty-eight years ago in the Edinburgh, and much -fault found with it for inflation of style, and affectation. The -present volume has induced the Journal to alter its tone entirely, and -the _Minor Poems_ are (perhaps a little too highly) lauded. "There -is," says the critic, "something in all his poetry which makes fiction -the most impressive teacher of truth and wisdom; and by which, while -the intellect is gratified, and the imagination roused, the heart, if -it retains any sensibility to tender or elevating emotions, cannot -fail to be made better." The Reviewer, as usual, does not stick to his -text, but comments, in detail, upon _all_ the published poems of -Montgomery. - -The tenth and concluding paper is a Review of "The Second Report of -his Majesty's Commissioners on Ecclesiastical Revenue and Patronage: -Ireland. Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed: 1834"--and -"First Report of the Commissioners of Public Instruction: Ireland. -Presented to both Houses of Parliament, by command of his Majesty: -1835." - -This article is written with great ability; but why call that a Review -which is purely a dissertation on the state of the Irish Church? It -concludes with a correspondence between the Editor of the Edinburgh, -and Mr. Alan Stevenson, respecting evidence given, by the latter, -before the Parliamentary Committee on Light Houses. The Journal, in -No. CXXIII, accused Mr. S. of deceiving the Committee by erroneous -testimony; and, upon Mr. S. demanding an explanation, the Review not -only refuses to retract its assertions, but declares that, had it -known certain facts at the time of inditing the offensive article, it -would have expressed itself with double severity. - - -NUTS TO CRACK. - -_Nuts to Crack: or Quips, Quirks, Anecdote and Facete of Oxford and -Cambridge scholars. By the author of Facetiæ Cantabrigienses, etc. -etc. etc. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey & A. Hart._ - -Although this little volume is obviously intended for no other eyes -than those of the 'Oxford and Cambridge scholar,' and although it is -absolutely impossible for any American to enter fully into the spirit -of its most inestimable quizzes, oddities and eccentricities, still we -have no intention of quarrelling with Carey & Hart, for republishing -the work on this side of the Atlantic. Never was there a better thing -for whiling away a few loose or unappropriated half hours--that is to -say in the hands of a reader who is, even in a moderate degree, imbued -with a love of classical whimsicalities. We can assure our -friends--all of them who expect to find in these excellent 'Nuts to -Crack' a mere _rifacimento_ of stale jests--that there are not more -than two or three anecdotes in the book positively entitled to the -appellation of antique. Some things, however, have surprised us. In -the first place what is the meaning of _Anecdote_ and _Facete_? In the -second what are we to think of such blunders, as "one of honest Vere's -classical _jeu d'esprit_," (the _jeu d'esprit_ printed too in Long -Primer Capitals) in a volume professing to be _Anecdote_ and _Facete_ -(oh!--too bad) of Oxford and Cambridge _scholars_? And thirdly is it -possible that he who wrote the _Facetiæ Cantabrigienses_ is not aware -that the "cutting retort attributed to the celebrated Lord -Chesterfield, when a student of Trinity Hall, Cambridge" may be found -among the Facetiæ of Hierocles--not to mention innumerable editions of -Joe Miller? - -We have already said enough of the _Nuts to Crack_, but cannot, for -our lives, refrain from selecting one of its good things for the -benefit of our own especial readers. - -The learned Chancery Barrister, John Bell, K. C., "_the Great Bell of -Lincoln_," as he has been aptly called, was Senior Wrangler, on -graduating B.A., at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1786, with many -able competitors for that honor. He is likewise celebrated, as every -one knows, for writing three several hands; one only he himself can -read, another nobody but his clerk can read, and a third neither -himself, clerk, nor any body else can read. It was in the latter hand, -he one day wrote to his legal contemporary and friend, the present Sir -Launcelot Shadwell, inviting him to dinner. Sir Launcelot, finding all -his attempts to decypher the note about as vain, as the wise men found -theirs to unravel the cabalistic characters of yore, took a sheet of -paper, and having smeared it over with ink, folded and sealed it, and -sent it as his answer. The receipt of it staggered even the Great Bell -of Lincoln, and after breaking the seal, and eyeing it, and turning it -round and round, he hurried to Mr. Shadwell's chambers with it, -declaring he could make nothing of it. "Nor I of your note," retorted -Mr. S. "My dear fellow" exclaimed Mr. B. taking his own letter in his -hand, "is not this as plain as can be,--Dear Shadwell, I shall be glad -to see you at dinner to day?" "And is not this equally as plain," said -Mr. S. pointing to his own paper, "My dear Bell, I shall be happy to -come and dine with you?" - - -{50} ROBINSON'S PRACTICE. - -_The Practice in Courts of Law and Equity in Virginia. By Conway -Robinson. Vol. II, containing Practice in suits in Equity, pp. 648. -Richmond: Printed by Samuel Shepherd. 1835._ - -The first volume of this work came out about three years ago; and -received so earnest a welcome from the legal profession, that the -author's tardiness in producing the second might be matter of wonder, -were not his devoted attention to an unusually large practice well -known. The present is destined, because it deserves, to be a much -greater favorite with the law-book-reading public, than the former -volume was. The arrangement is after a better classification of -subjects; rendering it easier to find the doctrine desired, on any -given point: and there is a larger proportion of valuable -matter--matter not to be found in the Revised Code, or in Tate's -Digest. Indeed there are few works, more copiously filled with useful, -and _not-too-obvious_ learning. Industry and research are the author's -manifest characteristics. He is a real _brownie_--if not for -supernatural speed of workmanship, at least in the world of trouble he -will save his brethren. Here, within 442 pages (for the other 206 of -this tome--_horresco referens_--are _index_,) he has compressed -matter, and inestimable matter too, for which the practitioner would -otherwise have to hunt through, not only the thirty volumes of -Virginia Reports (counting Chancellor Wythe's) but the numberless ones -of New York, Massachusetts, the Federal Courts, and England. - -In his _abstracts of cases_, the author is, in the main, particularly -successful. Not only does he give them with a clearness, (the result -of brevity, effected by discarding non-essentials) which we would -gladly see judges and reporters emulate,--but he sometimes gathers -from them doctrines, which the reporter has overlooked, and which a -cursory reader would therefore be little apt to discover. For example, -in pp. 20, 21, he states these two points, as decided in the case of -_Blow_ v. _Maynard_, 2 Leigh, 21: 1st, That a fraudulent donee of -personalty is accountable for it and its increase, and also for hires, -and profits, accruing since the donor's death, as executor _de son -tort_; just as a rightful executor would be, who had taken possession -at the donor's death: and 2d, That a _privy_ to the fraud, who shared -with the donee the profits of the property fraudulently conveyed, is -accountable jointly with the donee. Now the reporter in his marginal -summary of the case, does not mention these as among the points -decided; though in the decree of the court (2 Leigh, p. 67,) they -manifestly appear. Again--in the case of _Tod_ v. _Baylor_, (as now -reported in 4 Leigh, 498,) it is not said, at all, that _only two of -the judges concurred_ in the third point there stated as adjudged. But -our author tells us so, (p. 10,) and we are thus enabled to estimate -the authority at its true value--as _persuasive_ only,--not -_obligatory_, in other cases. - -The mechanical execution of the book does infinite credit to the -printer. The typography is unsurpassed; and the paper is white, pure, -and firm, so as to receive notes of the pen without blotting--a great -merit in law books. - -If it were only to shew that we are free of our craft as critics, we -must find some fault with this work: premising, that _merit_ is its -_staple_; and that, if more of the criticism be occupied with its -faults, it is chiefly because they are somewhat hard to detect, amidst -the pile of excellences. The chaff, this time, is hidden by the wheat. - -There is _not enough compression_ in some parts. In this volume, it is -true, not a tithe of the statute law is quoted, that over-burthens the -former one: but when he does cite a statute, the author still gives it -to us in all the exuberance of legislative verbosity. Thus, he fills -the third part of a page with the law of _lapsing legacies_; (p. 91) -when, considering that only the _substance_ was essential--especially -as every owner of the book may be supposed to have the Code also--it -might more clearly, and as satisfactorily, have been couched in five -lines, as follows: "When a legatee or devisee, descended from the -testator, dies before him, leaving any descendant who survives him; -the legacy or devise shall vest in such surviving descendant, as if -the legatee or devisee had survived the testator, and then died -unmarried and intestate." And he takes _three quarters of a page_ -(copied from the Revised Code) to say that "a surety may in writing -notify the creditor to sue upon the bond, bill, or note, which binds -the surety; and unless the creditor sue in reasonable time, and -proceed with due diligence to recover the sum due, the surety shall be -exonerated." (pp. 132, 133.) In the name of all that is reasonable, -why should not a writer disencumber his pages of the rubbish of -_howbeit_, _provided_, _nevertheless_, _notwithstanding_, and -_aforesaid_, when, by doing so, he might save himself and his readers -so much time and toil? - -Some quarrel, too, we have, with the _judicial_ law, which principally -fills the book. It is too _mere a digest of cases_. A head in the -Table of Contents refers us to a page, where we expect to find a full -elementary exposition of at least the leading doctrines that fall -under that head: but we see perhaps only a single _case_, or a judge's -_dictum_, not at all realizing the promise of the reference, by -unfolding all pertinent general principles. Thus, under the caption, -"WHEN A STATEMENT OF A TRANSACTION MUST BE TAKEN ALTOGETHER," instead -of finding a general rule laid down on the point indicated, we find -only a case briefly stated, from which we are left to deduce a rule, -_if we can_. (pp. 329, 330.) Under the very next head, the well -established principle, that 'an Answer is no evidence for the -defendant, as to any thing it affirms, not responsive to the -allegations of the Bill, but that it _is_ evidence, so far as it -responds to those allegations'--is whittled away to the position, that -it is not evidence as to any affirmative matter, touching which the -Bill _seeks no discovery_. Now, if the Bill positively alleges one -thing (whether it calls for a _discovery_ or not,) and the answer as -positively alleges the reverse; such denial stands for proof, and must -be rebutted by testimony: and so, we conceive, do the cases clearly -evince, which are cited by our author himself; _Beckwith_ v. _Butler_, -_Paynes_ v. _Coles_ (see 1 Munf. 379, 389, 397,) and even _Taylor_ v. -_Moore_, whence he quotes (and quotes truly) in the form of a judge's -_dictum_, the position in question--not to speak of 1 Call, 224, 390; -the _dicta_ of Roane and Carrington in the case of _Rowton_ v. -_Rowton_, 1 Hen. and Munf.; and many other authorities. The principle, -in its true extent, is well illustrated by the case cited from {51} -1 Johnson's Reports, 580, where an Answer alleging usury, of which the -Bill had said nothing, was held _no evidence_. The case from 2 Leigh, -29, is infelicitously adduced. The _point_ professedly quoted from it -was not there adjudged: it was only maintained by _one judge_, who (we -say it with a deference heightened by affection, as well as by -respect) seems to us to have therein gainsayed the well settled -doctrine we have referred to, and therefore to have _erred_. The -Answer, there, (see 2 Leigh, 35, 36) was responsive to the Bill, and -must have prevailed against it, but for the numerous and weighty -countervailing circumstances detailed by that judge himself. (pp. 49 -to 53.) The _deed_ in controversy was stamped with more badges of -fraud than are enumerated in the celebrated _Twyne's Case_. These, -doubtless, and not any doubt as to the legal effect of the Answer, -satisfied the minds of the other judges, who merely agreed in -pronouncing the deed fraudulent, without assigning reasons. - -Some omissions in so comprehensive a work, were to be expected--indeed -were unavoidable. Not in the spirit of censure, therefore, but merely -to awaken the author's attention in his next edition, or in his next -production, we remark, that he has overlooked an important decision; -(in 2 Leigh, 370,) 'that a tenant, whose goods are wrongfully -distrained, cannot obtain relief in equity, unless he shew good reason -for not having brought his action of replevin.' - -Divers other topics we were minded to discuss with our intelligent -author: but on glancing over our two last paragraphs, we are struck -with fear lest our unprofessional readers may have been already -offended at the strong _smell of the shop_, discernible in what we -have produced; and stop their ears against the technical dissonance of - - ----"sounds uncouth, and accents dry, - That grate the soul of harmony." - -But we cannot let the _Index_ pass unreproved. Its length--the length -of its _indicating_ sentences--and the utter absence of any -_sub-alphabetical_ arrangement--in a great degree frustrate its use as -an index. We can find what we want nearly as well by the 'Contents.' - -After all our censures, however--or cavils, if the author -pleases--there remains to him so large a residue of solid desert, that -he cannot miss the small deduction we have made. His book is one which -we would advise every lawyer, in Virginia at least, to buy; and even -those in other states--the Western, especially, whose Chancery systems -most resemble ours--can hardly find one that will aid them so much in -disentangling the intricacies of Chancery Practice. Never have we paid -the price of a commodity more ungrudgingly. - - -MEMOIR OF DR. RICE. - -_A Memoir of the Reverend John H. Rice, D.D. First Professor of -Christian Theology in Union Theological Seminary, Virginia. By William -Maxwell. Philadelphia: Published by J. Whetham._ - -This Memoir will be received and read with pleasure generally: and -among those who have been so fortunate as to have seen and heard Dr. -Rice, it will be perused with the deepest interest and gratification. -We believe there are very many, in Virginia especially, who will be -able to identify the letters of this divine, contained in the present -volume, with the voice, the manner, and personal appearance of the man -himself--and upon all such Mr. Maxwell has conferred an obligation of -no common kind. The greater portion of the work consists of these -letters, and they are valuable in every respect. Many of them are, as -Mr. M. himself expresses it, entirely _narrative_, and give the most -authentic and minute accounts of the various movements of the writer -at different periods of his life, particularly after his removal to -Richmond, and during his labors in establishing the Union Theological -Seminary. Others again are _pastoral_, and addressed to different -members of his Church. Some are merely ordinary letters of friendship. -All, however, are full of thought, and give evidence of an elevated, a -healthy, cheerful, powerful, and well regulated mind. - -In availing himself of the assistance afforded by these letters, Mr. -Maxwell has never anticipated their contents--thus avoiding much -useless repetition, and suffering the subject of the Memoir to tell, -in a great measure, his own story in his own words. The work is -well--indeed even beautifully _gotten up_--is embellished with an -admirably finished head of Mr. Rice, engraved by J. Sartain, from a -painting by W. J. Hubard--and is, in every respect, an acceptable and -valuable publication. Among the letters in the volume is one from John -Randolph of Roanoke, and several from Wm. Wirt. We select one of these -latter, being well assured that it will be read with that deep -interest which is attached to every thing emanating from the same pen. - -TO THE REV. JOHN H. RICE. - -_Washington, February 1, 1822_. - -MY DEAR SIR,--Your letter of the 31st ult. is just received at 5 P.M. -for I have just returned from the President's. I feel the blush of -genuine shame at the apparent presumption of adding my name in favor -of the magazine to that of the eminent gentlemen at Princeton. This is -real and unaffected--but you desire it--and I dare follow your beck in -any direction. Would that I could in one still more important. - -Holingshead's History of Duncan of Scotland, is under copy by my -Elizabeth (my daughter, once your pet) for the purpose of showing the -full basis of Shakspeare's Macbeth. I think you will be pleased with -it--and the readers of Shakspeare must differ much from me, if they do -not find it very interesting. - -If you suppose from what I said of nine o'clock that that is my hour -of going to bed on _week-day nights_, you are mistaken by several -hours. For some time past, I have been obliged to be in my office -before breakfast, and till nine or ten o'clock at night, when I have -to come home, take my tea, talk over family affairs, and get to bed -between eleven and twelve; but it is killing me also. And as death -would be most extremely inconvenient to me in more respects than one, -at this time, I shall quit that course of operations, and look a -little to my health, if I can survive the approaching Supreme -Court--_sed quære de hoc_. - -My troubles not being already enough, in the estimation of the -honorable body now assembled in the Capitol, they are beginning to -institute inquiries, for my better amusement, into the circumstances -of three fees paid me by the government, in the course of the four -years that I have been here, for professional services foreign to my -official duties--a thing which has been continually done at all times, -under this government, but which they affect to think a new affair -entirely, and only an additional proof among ten thousand others of -the waste of public money, by the rapacity, if not peculation, of -those in office. I am sick of public life; my skin is too thin for the -business; a politician should have the hide of a rhinoceros, to bear -the thrusts of the folly, ignorance, and meanness of those who are -disposed to mount into momentary consequence by questioning _their -betters_, if I may be excused the expression after professing my -modesty. "There's nought but care on every hand;" all, all is vanity -and vexation of spirit, save religion, friendship, and literature. - -I agree that your story of the _Oysterman_ is the best, but I {52} -suspect that the Orange story is the true original. I knew old -Bletcher: _he_ was a _Baptist_ preacher; and although I did not hear -the words, they are so much in his character that I verily believe -them to have been uttered by him; and it would have been quite in his -character too to have gone on with the amplification you suggest. - -I do sincerely wish it were in my power to mount the aforesaid gay -streamer, and long Tom, on your gallant little barque. I will try in -the spring and summer to contribute a stripe or two, and a blank -cartridge or so; but I shall not tell you when I do, that it is I, for -it is proper you should have it in your power to say truly, "I do not -know who it is." I have already got credit for much that I never -wrote, and much that I never said. The guessers have an uncommon -propensity to attribute all galling personalities to me, all sketches -of character that touch the quick, and make some readers wince. I -have, in truth, in times gone by, been a little wanton and imprudent -in this particular, and I deserve to smart a little in my turn. But I -never wrote a line wickedly or maliciously. There is nothing in the -Spy that deserves this imputation, and nothing in the Old Bachelor, -which, give me leave to tell you, "_venia deter verbo_," you and your -magazine, and your writer, ** have underrated. There is a juster -criticism of it in the Analectic Magazine--but this writer, too, has -not true taste nor sensibility. He accuses me of extravagance only -because he never felt himself, the rapture of inspiration. And you -accuse me of redundant figure, because you are not much troubled -yourself with the throes of imagination--just as G-- H-- abuses -eloquence because there is no chord in his heart that responds to its -notes. So take that. And if you abuse me any more, I will belabor your -magazine as one of the heaviest, dullest, most drab-colored -periodicals extant in these degenerate days. What! shall a Conestoga -wagon-horse find fault with a courser of the sun, because he sometimes -runs away with the chariot of day, and sets the world on fire? So take -that again, and put it in your pocket. But enough of this _badinage_, -for if I pursue it much farther you will think me serious--besides it -is verging to eleven, and the fire has gone down. I began this scrawl -a little after five--walked for health till dark--came in and found -company who remained till near ten--and could not go to bed without a -little more talk with you. But I shall tire you and catch cold--so -with our united love to Mrs. Rice, my dear Harriet, and yourself, good -night. - -Your friend, in truth, - WM. WIRT. - - -LIFE OF DR. CALDWELL. - -_Oration on the Life and Character of the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, D.D. -late President of the University of North Carolina, by Walker -Anderson, A.M._ - -It was only within the last few days that we met with the above -oration, in a pamphlet form--and we cannot refrain from expressing the -very great pleasure its perusal has afforded us. Dr. Caldwell was -unquestionably a great and good man--and certain are we that the task -of paying tribute to his manifold qualifications and virtues, now that -he is gone, could not have been committed to abler hands, than those -of Professor Anderson. The tone of feeling pervading the oration is -quite characteristic of its author--ardent--affectionate--consistent. - -"We come," says he, near the beginning, "we come as a band of -brothers, to do homage to that parental love, of which all of us, the -old as well as the young, have been the objects; and by communing with -the spirit of our departed father, to enkindle those hallowed emotions -which are the fittest offering to his memory. But why needs the living -speaker recall to your remembrance the venerated and beloved being -whose loss is fresh in the memories of all who hear me? We stand not, -it is true, over his grave, as the Spartan over the sepulchre of his -king, but his memorials present themselves to the eye on every side -and are felt in every throbbing bosom. The shady retreats of this -consecrated grove--the oft frequented halls of this seat of -learning--the sacred edifice in which we are assembled--and the very -spot on which I stand, are memorials to awaken the busy and thronging -recollections of many a full heart! _Quocumque ingredimur in aliquam -historiam vestigium ponimus._ I look around this assembly and see -monuments of his love and of his labors, such as can never grace the -memory of the warrior, and which throw contempt on all the sculptured -memorials of kings. I look at the eyes beaming with intelligence; I -contemplate the refined intellects; I see their rich fruits in public -and honorable employment; I recall the memory of others who are far -distant, but whose thoughts are mingling with ours upon this occasion; -who have carried with them the seeds of virtue and wisdom which they -gathered here, and in other lands, have brought forth the noblest -results of usefulness and honorable consideration. I revert, too, to -those whose bright career is ended, and who preceded their guide and -instructor to the abodes of the blessed. I think of all this, and feel -that you need not the voice of the speaker to arouse your grateful -recollections." p. 4. - -Mr. Anderson shortly after this, goes into a very interesting sketch -of the family history of the deceased, portraying with great -tenderness and delicacy, the maternal solicitude to which young -Caldwell was so deeply indebted for his well doing in after life--and -evincing as we humbly conceive, in this part of his oration, fine -powers as a biographical writer. There is much force in his -development of the Doctor's character throughout, but especial beauty, -we think, in the way in which he treats of his religious principles. -One extract more from the pamphlet, in proof of what we have just -said, must close this hasty and imperfect notice of it. - -"The religious character of Dr. Caldwell, was not the formation of a -day, nor the hasty and imperfect work of a dying bed. His trust was -anchored on the rock of ages, and he was therefore well furnished for -the terrible conflict that awaited him. We have seen that he had made -Religion the guide of his youth; it beautified and sanctified the -labors of his well spent life; nor did it fail him in the trying hour, -which an allwise but inscrutable Providence permitted to be to him -peculiarly dark and fearful. The rich consolations of his faith became -brighter and stronger, amidst the wreck of the decaying tabernacle of -flesh; and if the dying testimony of a pure and humble spirit may be -received, death had for him no sting--the grave achieved no triumph. -In any frequent and detailed account of his religious feelings he was -not inclined to indulge--the spirit that walks most closely with its -God, needs not the sustaining influence of such excitements--yet a few -weeks previous to his death, a friend from a distant part of the State -calling to see him, made inquiries as to the state of his mind, and -had the privilege of hearing from him the calm assurance of his -perfect resignation and submission to the will of God. His hope of a -happy immortality beyond the grave, was such as belongs only to the -Christian, and by him was modestly but humbly entertained. It was to -him a principle of strength that sustained him amidst the conflicts of -the dark valley; and to us who witnessed the agonies of his parting -hour, a bright radiance illuming the gloom which memory throws around -the trying scene." pp. 38, 39. - - -WASHINGTONII VITA. - -_A Life of George Washington, in Latin Prose: By Francis Glass, A.M. -of Ohio. Edited by J. N. Reynolds. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers._ - -We may truly say that not for years have we taken up a volume with -which we have been so highly gratified, as with the one now before us. -A Life of Washington, succinct in form, yet in matter sufficiently -comprehensive, has been long a desideratum: but a Life of Washington -precisely such as a compendious Life of that great man should -be--written by a native of Ohio--and written too, in Latin, which is -not one jot inferior to the Latin of Erasmus, is, to say the least of -it,--a novelty. - -We confess that we regarded the first announcement {53} of this _rara -avis_ with an evil and suspicious eye. The thing was improbable, we -thought. Mr. Reynolds was quizzing us--the brothers Harper were -hoaxed--and Messieurs Anthon and Co. were mistaken. At all events we -had made up our minds to be especially severe upon Mr. Glass, and to -put no faith in that species of classical Latin which should emanate -from the back woods of Ohio. We now solemnly make a recantation of our -preconceived opinions, and so proceed immediately to do penance for -our unbelief. - -Mr. Reynolds is entitled to the thanks of his countrymen for his -instrumentality in bringing this book before the public. It has -already done wonders in the cause of the classics; and we are false -prophets if it do not ultimately prove the means of stirring up to a -new life and a regenerated energy that love of the learned tongues -which is the surest protection of our own vernacular language from -impurity, but which, we are grieved to see, is in a languishing and -dying condition in the land. - -We have read Mr. R's preface with great attention; and meeting with -it, as we have done, among a multiplicity of worldly concerns, and -every-day matters and occurrences, it will long remain impressed upon -our minds as an episode of the purest romance. We have no difficulty -in entering fully with Mr. Reynolds into his kindly feelings towards -Mr. Glass. We perceive at once that we could have loved and reverenced -the man. His image is engraven upon our fancy. Indeed we behold him -_now_--at this very moment--with all his oddities and appurtenances -about him. We behold the low log-cabin of a school-house--the -clap-board roof but indifferently tight--the holes, ycleped windows, -covered with oiled paper to keep out the air--the benches of hewn -timber stuck fast in the ground--the stove, the desk, the urchins, and -the Professor. We can hear the worthy pedagogue's classical -'_Salves_,' and our ears are still tingling with his hyperclassical -exhortations. In truth he was a man after our own heart, and, were we -not Alexander, we should have luxuriated in being Glass. - -A word or two respecting the Latinity of the book. We sincerely think -that it has been underrated. While we agree with Mr. Reynolds, for -whose opinions, generally, we have a high respect, that the work can -boast of none of those elegancies of diction, no rich display of those -beauties and graces which adorn the pages of some modern Latinists, we -think he has forgotten, in his search after the mere flowers of -Latinity, the peculiar nature of that labor in which Mr. Glass has -been employed. Simplicity _here_ was the most reasonable, and indeed -the only admissible elegance. And if this be taken into consideration, -we really can call to mind, at this moment, no modern Latin -composition whatever much superior to the _Washingtonii Vita_ of Mr. -Glass. - -The clothing of modern ideas in a language dead for centuries, is a -task whose difficulty can never be fully appreciated by those who have -never undertaken it. The various changes and modifications, which, -since the Augustan age, have come to pass in the sciences of war and -legislation especially, must render any attempt similar to that which -we are now criticising, one of the most hazardous and awkward -imaginable. But we cannot help thinking that our author has succeeded -_à merveille_. His ingenuity is not less remarkable than his -grammatical skill. Indeed he is never at a loss. It is nonsense to -laugh at his calling Quakers _Tremebundi_. _Tremebundi_ is as good -Latin as _Trementes_, and more euphonical Latin than _Quackeri_--for -both which latter expressions we have the authority of Schroeckh: and -_glandes plumbeæ_, for bullets, is something better, we imagine, than -Wyttenbach's _bombarda_, for a cannon; Milton's _globulus_, for a -button; or Grotius' _capilamentum_, for a wig. As a specimen of Mr. -G's Latinity, we subjoin an extract from the work. It is Judge -Marshall's announcement in Congress of the death of Washington. - -"Nuncius tristis, quem heri accepimus, hodierno die nimium certus -advenit. Fuit Washingtonius; heros, dux, et philosophus; ille, -denique, quem, imminente periculo, omnes intuebantur, factorum -clarorum memoriâ duntaxat vixit. Quamvis enim, eos honore afficere -solenne non esset, quorum vita in generis humani commodis promovendis -insumpta fuit, Washingtonii, tamen, res gestoe tantoe extiterunt, ut -populus universus Americanus, doloris indicium, qui tam latè patet, -deposcere suo jure debet." - -"Rempublicam hancce nostram, tam longè latèque divisam, unus ferè -Washingtonius ordinandi et condendi laudem meret. Rebus omnibus, -tandem confectis, quarum causâ exercitibus Americanis proepositus -fuerat, gladium in vomerem convertit, bellumque pace lætissimè -commutavit. Cum civitatum foederatarum Americanarum infirmitas omnibus -manifesta videretur, et vincula, quibus Columbi terra latissima -continebatur, solverentur, Washingtonium omnium, qui hancce nostram -proeclaram rempublicam stabiliverant, principem vidimus. Cum patria -charissima eum ad sedandos tumultus, bellumque sibi imminens ad -propulsandum et avertendum, vocaret; Washingtonium, otium domesticum, -quod ei semper charum fuit, relinquentem, et undis civilibus, civium -commoda et libertatem servandi causâ, mersum, haud semel conspeximus; -et consilia, quibus libertatem Americanam stabilem effecerat, -perpetua, ut spero, semper, erunt." - -"Cum populi liberi magistratus summus bis constitutus esset, cumque -tertiò præses fieri facillimè potuisset, ad villam, tamen, suam, -secessit, seque ab omni munere civili in posterum procul amoveri, ex -animo cupiebat. Utcunque vulgi opinio, quoad alios homines, mutetur, -Washingtonii, certè, fama sempiterna et eadem permanebit. Honoremus, -igitur, patres conscripti, hunc tantum virum mortuum: civitatum -foederatarum Americanarum consilium publicum civium omnium sententias, -hác una in re, declaret." - -"Quamobrem, chartas quasdam hîc manu teneo, de quibus Congressûs -sententiam rogare velim: ut, nempe, civitatum foederatarum -Americanarum consilium publicum proesidem visat, simul cum eo, gravi -de hoc casu, condoliturum: ut Congressûs principis sella vestibus -pullis ornetur; utque Congressus pars reliqua vestibus pullis -induatur: utque, denique, idonea à Congressu parentur, quibus planè -manifestum fiat, Congressum, virum bello, pace, civiumque animis -primum, honore summo afficere velle."[1] - -[Footnote 1: The sad tidings which yesterday brought us, this day has -but too surely confirmed. Washington is no more. The hero, the -general, the philosopher--he, upon whom, in the hour of danger, all -eyes were turned, now lives in the remembrance, only, of his -illustrious actions. And although, even, it were not customary to -render honor unto those who have spent their lives in promoting the -welfare of their fellow men, still, so great are the deeds of -Washington, that the whole American nation is bound to give a public -manifestation of that grief which is so extensively prevalent. - -Washington, we had nearly said Washington _alone_, deserves the credit -of regulating and building up, as it were, the widely extended -territory of this our Republic. Having finally achieved all for which -he had accepted the command of the American forces, he converted his -sword into a ploughshare, and joyfully exchanged war for peace. When -the weakness of the United States of America appeared manifest to all, -and the bands by which the very extensive land of Columbus was held -together, were in danger of being loosened, we have seen Washington -the first among those who re-invigorated this our glorious Republic. -When his beloved country called him to quiet tumults, and to avert the -war with which she was menaced, we have once more seen Washington -abandon that domestic tranquillity so dear to him, and plunge into the -waters of civil life to preserve the liberties and happiness of his -countrymen: and the counsels with which he re-established American -liberty will be, as I hope, perpetual. - -When he had been twice appointed the Chief Magistrate of a free -people, and when, for the third time, he might easily have been -President, he nevertheless retired to his farm, and really desired to -be freed from all civil offices forever. However vulgar opinion may -vary in respect to other men, the fame of Washington will, surely, be -the same to all eternity. Therefore, let us show our reverence for -this so great man who is departed, and let this public counsel of the -United States of America declare upon this one subject the opinion of -all our citizens. - -For this end I hold these resolutions in my hand, concerning which I -would wish the opinion of Congress, viz: that this public counsel of -the United States of America should visit the President to condole -with him upon this heavy calamity--that the speaker's chair be arrayed -in black--that the members of Congress wear mourning--and lastly, that -arrangements be entered into by this assembly, in which it may be made -manifest that Congress wish to do every honor to the man first in war, -first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.] - -The 'barbarisms' of Mr. Glass are always so well in accordance with -the genius of Latin declension, as {54} never to appear at variance -with the spirit of the language, or out of place in their respective -situations. His 'equivalents,' too, are, in all cases, ingeniously -managed: and we are mistaken if the same can be said of the -'equivalents' of Erasmus--certainly not of those used by Grotius, or -Addison, or Schroeckh, or Buchanan, neither of whom are scrupulous in -introducing words, from which a modern one is deduced, in the exact -sense of the English analogous term--although that term may have been -greatly perverted from its original meaning. - -Having said thus much in favor of the _Washingtonii Vita_, we may now -be permitted to differ in opinion with Professor Wylie and others who -believe that this book will be a valuable acquisition to our classical -schools, as initiatory to Cæsar or Nepos. We are quite as fully -impressed with the excellences of Mr. Glass' work as the warmest of -his admirers; and perhaps, even more than any of them, are we anxious -to do it justice. Still the book is--as it professes to be--a Life of -Washington; and it treats, consequently, of events and incidents -occurring _in a manner_ utterly unknown to the Romans, and _at a -period_ many centuries after their ceasing to exist as a nation. If, -therefore, by Latin we mean the Language spoken by the Latins, a large -proportion of the work--disguise the fact as we may--is necessarily -_not Latin at all_. Did we indeed design to instruct our youth in a -language of possibilities--did we wish to make them proficient in the -tongue which _might have been spoken_ in ancient Rome, had ancient -Rome existed in the nineteenth century, we could scarcely have a -better book for the purpose than the Washington of Mr. Glass. But we -do not perceive that, in teaching Latin, we have any similar view. And -we have given over all hope of making this language the medium of -universal communication--that day-dream, with a thousand others, is -over. Our object then, at present, is simply to imbue the mind of the -student with the idiom, the manner, the thought, and above all, with -_the words_ of antiquity. If this is not our object, what is it? But -this object cannot be effected by any such work as the _Washingtonii -Vita_. - - -NORMAN LESLIE. - -_Norman Leslie. A Tale of the Present Times. New York: Published by -Harper and Brothers._ - -Well!--here we have it! This is _the_ book--_the_ book _par -excellence_--the book bepuffed, beplastered, and be-_Mirrored_: the -book "attributed to" Mr. Blank, and "said to be from the pen" of Mr. -Asterisk: the book which has been "about to appear"--"in press"--"in -progress"--"in preparation"--and "forthcoming:" the book "graphic" in -anticipation--"talented" _a priori_--and God knows what _in -prospectu_. For the sake of every thing puffed, puffing, and puffable, -let us take a peep at its contents! - -Norman Leslie, gentle reader, a Tale of the Present Times, is, after -all, written by nobody in the world but Theodore S. Fay, and Theodore -S. Fay is nobody in the world but "one of the Editors of the New York -Mirror." The book commences with a Dedication to Colonel Herman Thorn, -in which that worthy personage, whoever he may be, is held up, in -about a dozen lines, to the admiration of the public, as "hospitable," -"generous," "attentive," "benevolent," "kind-hearted," "liberal," -"highly-esteemed," and withal "a patron of the arts." But the less we -say of this matter the better. - -In the Preface Mr. Fay informs us that the most important features of -his story are founded on fact--that he has availed himself of certain -poetical licenses--that he has transformed character, and particularly -the character of a young lady, (oh fi! Mr. Fay--oh, Mr. Fay, fi!) that -he has sketched certain peculiarities with a mischievous hand--and -that the art of novel writing is as dignified as the art of Canova, -Mozart or Raphael,--from which we are left to infer, that Mr. Fay -himself is as dignified as Raphael, Mozart, and Canova--all three. -Having satisfied us on this head, he goes on to say something about an -humble student, with a feeble hand, throwing groupings upon a canvass, -and standing behind a curtain: and then, after perpetrating all these -impertinences, thinks it best "frankly to bespeak the indulgence of -the solemn and sapient critics." Body of Bacchus! _we_, at least, are -neither solemn nor sapient, and, therefore, do not feel ourselves -bound to show him a shadow of mercy. But will any body tell us what is -the object of Prefaces in general, and what is the meaning of Mr. -Fay's Preface in particular? - -As far as we can understand the plot of Norman Leslie, it is this. A -certain family reside in Italy--"independent," "enlightened," -"affectionate," "happy,"--and all that. Their villa, of course, stands -upon the seashore, and their whole establishment is, we are assured, -"a scene of Heaven," &c. Mr. Fay says he will not even attempt to -describe it--why, therefore, should we? A daughter of this family is -nineteen when she is wooed by a young Neapolitan, Rinaldo, of "mean -extraction, but of great beauty and talent." The lover, being a man of -suspicious character, is rejected by the parents, and a secret -marriage ensues. The lady's brother pursues the bridegroom--they -fight--and the former is killed. The father and mother die (it is -impossible to see for what purpose they ever lived) and Rinaldo flies -to Venice. Upon rejoining her husband in that city, the lady (for Mr. -Fay has not thought her worth enduing with a specific appellation) -discovers {55} him, for the first time, to be a rascal. One fine day -he announces his intention of leaving herself and son for an -indefinite time. The lady beseeches and finally threatens. "It was the -first unfolding," says she, in a letter towards the _dénouement_ of -the story, "of that character which neither he nor I knew belonged to -my nature. It was the first uncoiling of the basilisk within me, (good -Heavens, a snake in a lady's stomach!). He gazed on me incredulously, -and cooly smiled. You remember that smile--I fainted!!!" Alas! Mr. -Davy Crockett,--Mr. Davy Crockett, alas!--thou art beaten hollow--thou -art defunct, and undone! thou hast indeed succeeded in grinning a -squirrel from a tree, but it surpassed even thine extraordinary -abilities to smile a lady into a fainting fit! - -"When I recovered"--continues the lady--"he was gone. It was two years -before I could trace him. At length I found he had sailed for America. -I followed him in the depth of winter--I and my child. I knew not the -name he had assumed, and I was struck mute with astonishment, in your -beautiful city, on beholding, surrounded by fair ladies, the form of -my husband, still beautiful, and still adored. You know the rest." But -as our readers may not be as well informed as the correspondent of the -fair forsaken, we will enlighten them with some farther particulars. - -Rinaldo, upon leaving his _cara sposa_, had taken shipping for New -York, where, assuming the name of "Count Clairmont of the French -army," he succeeds in cutting a dash, or, in more proper parlance, in -creating a sensation, among the beaux and belles of the city of -Gotham. One fair lady, and rich heiress, Miss Flora Temple, is -particularly honored by his attentions, and the lady's mother, Mrs. -T., fired with the idea of her daughter becoming a real countess, -makes no scruple of encouraging his addresses. Matters are in this -position when the wife of the adventurer arrives in New York, and is -quite bewildered with astonishment upon beholding, one snowy day, her -beloved Rinaldo sleighing it to and fro about the streets of New York. -In the midst of her amazement she is in danger of being run over by -some horses, when a certain personage, by name Norman Leslie, but who -might, with equal propriety, be called Sir Charles Grandison, flies to -her assistance, whisks herself and child up in the very nick of time, -and suddenly rescues them, as Mr. Fay has it, "from the very jaws of -Death"--by which we are to understand from the very hoofs of the -horses. The lady of course swoons--then recovers--and then--is -excessively grateful. Her gratitude, however, being of no service just -at that moment, is bottled up for use hereafter, and will no doubt, -according to established usage in such cases, come into play towards -the close of the second volume. But we shall see. - -Having ascertained the address of Rinaldo, _alias_ the Count -Clairmont, the lady, next morning, is successful in obtaining an -interview. Then follows a second edition of entreaties and threats, -but, fortunately for the nerves Of Mrs. Rinaldo, the Count, upon this -occasion, is so forbearing as not to indulge in a smile. She accuses -him of a design to marry Miss Temple, and he informs her that it is no -concern of hers--that she is not his wife, their marriage having been -a feigned one. "She would have cried him through the city for a -villain," (Dust ho!--she should have advertised him) but he swears -that, in that case, he will never sleep until he has taken the life of -both the lady and her child, which assurance puts an end to the -debate. "He then frankly confesses"--says Mrs. Rinaldo, in the letter -which we have before quoted,--"that his passion for Miss Temple was -only a mask--he loved her not. _Me_ he said he loved. It was his -intention to fly when he could raise a large sum of money, and he -declared that I should be his companion." His designs, however, upon -Miss Temple fail--that lady very properly discarding the rascal. -Nothing daunted at this mishap our Count proceeds to make love to a -certain Miss Rosalie Romain, and with somewhat better success. He -prevails upon her to fly, and to carry with her upon her person a -number of diamonds which the lover hopes to find sufficient for his -necessities. He manages also to engage Mrs. Rinaldo (so we must call -her for want of a better name) in his schemes. - -It has so happened that for some time prior to these occurrences, -Clairmont and Norman Leslie, the hero of the novel, have been sworn -foes. On the day fixed for Miss Romain's elopement, that young lady -induces Mr. Leslie to drive her, in a gig, a short distance out of -town. They are met by no less a personage than Mrs. Rinaldo herself, -in another gig, and driving (_proh pudor!_) through the woods _sola_. -Hereupon Miss Rosalie Romain very deliberately, and to the great -astonishment, no doubt, of Mr. Leslie, gets out of that gentleman's -gig, and into the gig of Mrs. Rinaldo. Here's plot! as Vapid says in -the play. Our friend Norman, finding that nothing better can be done, -turns his face towards New York again, where he arrives, in due time, -without farther accident or adventure. Late the same evening Clairmont -sends the ladies aboard a vessel bound for Naples, and which is to -sail in the morning--returning himself, for the present, to his hotel -in Broadway. While here he receives a horse-whipping from Mr. Leslie -on account of certain insinuations in disparagement of that -gentleman's character. Not relishing this treatment he determines upon -revenge, and can think of no better method of accomplishing it than -the directing of public suspicion against Mr. Leslie as the murderer -of Miss Romain--whose disappearance has already created much -excitement. He sends a message to Mrs. Rinaldo that the vessel must -sail without him, and that he would, by a French ship, meet them on -their landing at Naples. He then flings a hat and feathers belonging -to Miss Romain upon a stream, and her handkerchief in a -wood--afterwards remaining some time in America to avert suspicion -from himself. Leslie is arrested for the murder, and the proofs are -damning against him. He is, however, to the great indignation of the -populace, acquitted, Miss Temple appearing to testify that she -actually saw Miss Romain subsequently to her ride with Leslie. Our -hero, however, although acquitted, is universally considered guilty, -and, through the active malice of Clairmont, is heaped with every -species of opprobrium. Miss Temple, who, it appears, is in love with -him, falls ill with grief: but is cured, after all other means have -failed, by a letter from her lover announcing a reciprocal -passion--for the young lady has hitherto supposed him callous to her -charms. Leslie himself, however, takes it into his head, at this -critical juncture, to travel; and, having packed up his baggage, does -actually forget himself so far as to go {56} a-Willising in foreign -countries. But we have no reason to suppose that, goose as the young -gentleman is, he is silly enough to turn travelling correspondent to -any weekly paper. In Rome, having assumed the _alias_ of Montfort, he -meets with a variety of interesting adventures. All the ladies die for -him: and one in particular, Miss Antonia Torrini, the only child of a -Duke with several millions of piastres, and a palace which Mr. Fay -thinks very much like the City Hall in New York, absolutely throws -herself _sans ceremonie_ into his arms, and meets--tell it not in -Gath!--with a flat and positive refusal. - -Among other persons whom he encounters is a monk Ambrose, a painter -Angelo, another painter Ducci, a Marquis Alezzi, and a Countess D., -which latter personage he is convinced of having seen at some prior -period of his life. For a page or two we are entertained with a -prospect of a conspiracy, and have great hopes that the principal -characters in the plot will so far oblige us as to cut one another's -throats: but (alas for human expectations!) Mr. Fay having clapped his -hands, and cried "Presto!--vanish!" the whole matter ends in smoke, -or, as our author beautifully expresses it, is "veiled in impenetrable -mystery." - -Mr. Leslie now pays a visit to the painter Ducci, and is astonished at -there beholding the portrait of the very youth whose life he saved, -together with that of his mother, from the horses in New York. Then -follows a series of interesting ejaculations, among which we are able -to remember only "horrible suspicion!" "wonderful development!" "alack -and alas!" with some two or three others. Mr. Leslie is, however, -convinced that the portrait of the boy is, as Mr. F. gracefully has -it, "inexplicably connected with his own mysterious destiny." He pays -a visit to the Countess D., and demands of her if she was, at any -time, acquainted with a gentleman called Clairmont. The lady very -properly denies all knowledge of that character, and Mr. Leslie's -"mysterious destiny" is in as bad a predicament as ever. He is however -fully convinced that Clairmont is the origin of all evil--we do not -mean to say that he is precisely the devil--but the origin of all Mr. -Leslie's evil. Therefore, and on this account, he goes to a -masquerade, and, sure enough, Mr. Clairmont, (who has not been heard -of for seven or eight years,) Mr. Clairmont (we suppose through Mr. -L's "mysterious destiny") happens to go, at precisely the same time, -to precisely the same masquerade. But there are surely no bounds to -Mr. Fay's excellent invention. Miss Temple, of course, happens to be -at the same place, and Mr. Leslie is in the act of making love to her -once more, when the "inexplicable" Countess D. whispers into his ear -some ambiguous sentences in which Mr. L. is given to understand that -he must beware of all the Harlequins in the room, one of whom is -Clairmont. Upon leaving the masquerade, somebody hands him a note -requesting him to meet the unknown writer at St. Peter's. While he is -busy reading the paper he is uncivilly interrupted by Clairmont, who -attempts to assassinate him, but is finally put to flight. He hies, -then, to the rendezvous at St. Peter's, where "the unknown" tells him -St. Peter's won't answer, and that he must proceed to the Coliseum. He -goes--why should he not?--and there not only finds the Countess D. who -turns out to be Mrs. Rinaldo, and who now uncorks her bottle of -gratitude, but also Flora Temple, Flora Temple's father, Clairmont, -Kreutzner, a German friend from New York, and, last but not least, -Rosalie Romain herself; all having gone there, no doubt, at three -o'clock in the morning, under the influence of that interesting young -gentleman Norman Leslie's "most inexplicable and mysterious destiny." -Matters now come to a crisis. The hero's innocence is established, and -Miss Temple falls into his arms in consequence. Clairmont, however, -thinks he can do nothing better than shoot Mr. Leslie, and is about to -do so, when he is very justly and very dexterously knocked in the head -by Mr. Kreutzner. Thus ends the Tale of the Present Times, and thus -ends the most inestimable piece of balderdash with which the common -sense of the good people of America was ever so openly or so -villainously insulted. - -We do not mean to say that there is positively _nothing_ in Mr. Fay's -novel to commend--but there is indeed very little. One incident is -tolerably managed, in which, at the burning house of Mr. Temple, -Clairmont anticipates Leslie in his design of rescuing Flora. A -cotillon scene, too, where Morton, a simple fop, is frequently -interrupted in his attempts at making love to Miss Temple, by the -necessity of forward-twoing and _sachezing_, (as Mr. Fay thinks proper -to call it) is by no means very bad, although savoring too much of the -farcical. A duel story told by Kreutzner is really good, but -unfortunately not original, there being a Tale in the _Diary of a -Physician_, from which both its matter and manner are evidently -borrowed. And here we are obliged to pause; for we can positively -think of nothing farther worth even a qualified commendation. The -plot, as will appear from the running outline we have given of it, is -a monstrous piece of absurdity and incongruity. The characters _have -no character_; and, with the exception of Morton, who is, (perhaps) -amusing, are, one and all, vapidity itself. No attempt seems to have -been made at individualization. All the good ladies and gentlemen are -demi-gods and demi-goddesses, and all the bad are--the d--l. The hero, -Norman Leslie, "that young and refined man with a leaning to poetry," -is a great coxcomb and a great fool. What else must we think of a -_bel-esprit_ who, in picking up a rose just fallen from the curls of -his lady fair, can hit upon no more appropriate phrase with which to -make her a presentation of the same, than "Miss Temple, you have -dropped your rose--allow me!"--who courts his mistress with a "Dear, -dear Flora, how I love you!"--who calls a _buffet_ a _bufet_, an -_improvisatore_ an _improvisitore_--who, before bestowing charity, is -always ready with the canting question if the object be -_deserving_--who is everlastingly talking of his foe "sleeping in the -same red grave with himself," as if American sextons made a common -practice of burying two people together--and, who having not a sous in -his pocket at page 86, pulls out a handful at page 87, although he has -had no opportunity of obtaining a copper in the interim? - -As regards Mr. Fay's _style_, it is unworthy of a school-boy. The -"Editor of the New York Mirror" has either never seen an edition of -Murray's Grammar, or he has been a-Willising so long as to have -forgotten his vernacular language. Let us examine one or two of his -sentences at random. Page 28, vol. i. "He {57} was doomed to wander -through the _fartherest_ climes alone and branded." Why not say at -once _fartherertherest_? Page 150, vol. i. "Yon kindling orb should be -hers; and that faint spark close to its side should teach her how dim -and yet how near my soul was to her own." What is the meaning of all -this? Is Mr. Leslie's soul dim to her own, as well as near to her -own?--for the sentence implies as much. Suppose we say "should teach -her how dim was my soul, and yet how near to her own." Page 101, vol. -i. "You are both right and both wrong--you, Miss Romain, to judge so -harshly of all men who are not versed in the easy elegance of the -drawing room, and your father in too great lenity towards men of -sense, &c." This is really something new, but we are sorry to say, -something incomprehensible. Suppose we translate it. "You are both -right and both wrong--you, Miss Romain, _are both right and wrong_ to -judge so harshly of all not versed in the elegance of the -drawing-room, &c.; and your father _is both right and wrong_ in too -great lenity towards men of sense."--Mr. Fay, have you ever visited -Ireland in your peregrinations? But the book is full to the brim of -such absurdities, and it is useless to pursue the matter any farther. -There is not a single page of Norman Leslie in which even a school-boy -would fail to detect at least two or three gross errors in Grammar, -and some two or three most egregious sins against common-sense. - -We will dismiss the "Editor of the Mirror" with a few questions. When -did you ever know, Mr. Fay, of any prosecuting attorney behaving so -much like a bear as _your_ prosecuting attorney in the novel of Norman -Leslie? When did you ever hear of an American Court of Justice -objecting to the testimony of a witness on the ground that the said -witness _had an interest_ in the cause at issue? What do you mean by -informing us at page 84, vol. i, "that you _think_ much faster than -you write?" What do you mean by "_the wind roaring in the air_?" see -page 26, vol. i. What do you mean by "an _unshadowed_ Italian girl?" -see page 67, vol. ii. Why are you always talking about "stamping of -feet," "kindling and flashing of eyes," "plunging and parrying," -"cutting and thrusting," "passes through the body," "gashes open in -the cheek," "sculls cleft down," "hands cut off," and blood gushing -and bubbling, and doing God knows what else--all of which pretty -expressions may be found on page 88, vol. i.? What "mysterious and -inexplicable destiny" compels you to the so frequent use, in all its -inflections, of that euphonical dyssyllable _blister_? We will call to -your recollection some few instances in which you have employed it. -Page 185, vol. i. "But an arrival from the city brought the fearful -intelligence in all its _blistering_ and naked details." Page 193, -vol. i. "What but the glaring and _blistering_ truth of the charge -would select him, &c." Page 39, vol. ii. "Wherever the winds of heaven -wafted the English language, the _blistering_ story must have been -echoed." Page 150, vol. ii. "Nearly seven years had passed away, and -here he found himself, as at first, still marked with the _blistering_ -and burning brand." Here we have a _blistering_ detail, a _blistering_ -truth, a _blistering_ story, and a _blistering_ brand, to say nothing -of innumerable other blisters interspersed throughout the book. But we -have done with Norman Leslie,--if ever we saw as silly a thing, may we -be ---- blistered. - - -THE LINWOODS. - -_The Linwoods; or, "Sixty Years Since" in America. By the Author of -"Hope Leslie," "Redwood," &c. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers._ - -Miss Sedgwick is one among the few American writers who have risen by -merely their own intrinsic talents, and without the _a priori_ aid of -foreign opinion and puffery, to any exalted rank in the estimation of -our countrymen. She is at the same time fully deserving of all the -popularity she has attained. By those who are most fastidious in -matters of literary criticism, the author of _Hope Leslie_ is the most -ardently admired, and we are acquainted with few persons of sound and -accurate discrimination who would hesitate in placing her upon a level -with the best of our native novelists. Of American _female_ writers we -must consider her the first. The character of her pen is essentially -feminine. No man could have written _Hope Leslie_; and no man, we are -assured, can arise from the perusal of _The Linwoods_ without a full -conviction that his own abilities would have proved unequal to the -delicate yet picturesque handling; the grace, warmth, and radiance; -the exquisite and judicious filling in, of the volumes which have so -enchanted him. Woman is, after all, the only true painter of that -gentle and beautiful mystery, the heart of woman. She is the only -proper Scheherazade for the fairy tales of love. - -We think _The Linwoods_ superior to _Hope Leslie_, and superior to -_Redwood_. It is full of deep natural interest, rivetting attention -without undue or artificial means for attaining that end. It contains -nothing forced, or in any degree exaggerated. Its prevailing features -are equability, ease, perfect accuracy and purity of style, a manner -never at _outrance_ with the subject matter, pathos, and -verisimilitude. It cannot, however, be considered as ranking with the -master novels of the day. It is neither an Eugene Aram, nor a -Contarini Fleming. - -_The Linwoods_ has few--indeed no pretensions to a connected plot of -any kind. The scene, as the title indicates, is in America, and about -sixty years ago. The adventures of the family of a Mr. Linwood, a -resident of New York, form the principal subject of the book. The -character of this gentleman is happily drawn, but we are aware of a -slight discrepancy between his initial and his final character as -depicted. He has two children, Herbert and Isabella. Being himself a -tory, the boyish impulses of his son in favor of the revolutionists -are watched with anxiety and vexation; and, upon the breaking out of -the war, Herbert, positively refusing to drink the king's health, is, -in consequence, ejected from his father's house--an incident upon -which hinges much of the interest of the narrative. Isabella is the -heroine proper; a being full of lofty and generous impulses, -beautiful, intellectual, and _spirituelle_--indeed a most fascinating -creature. But the family of a widow Lee forms, perhaps, the true -secret of that charm which pervades the novel before us. A matronly, -pious, and devoted mother, yielding up her son, without a murmur, to -the sacred cause of her country--the son, Eliot, gallant, thoughtful, -chivalrous, and prudent--and above all, a daughter, Bessie, -frail-minded, susceptible of light impressions, gentle, loving, and -melancholy. Indeed, in the creation of Bessie Lee, {58} Miss Sedgwick -has given evidence not to be disputed, of a genius far more than -common. We do not hesitate to call it a truly beautiful and original -conception, evincing imagination of the highest order. It is the old -story of a meek and trusting spirit bowed down to the dust by the -falsehood of a deceiver. But in the narration of Miss Sedgwick it -becomes a magical tale, and bursts upon us with all the freshness of -novel emotion. Deserted by her lover, (Jasper Meredith, an -accomplished and aristocratical coxcomb,) the spirits of the gentle -girl sink gradually from trusting affection to simple hope--from hope -to anxiety--from anxiety to doubt--from doubt to melancholy--and from -melancholy to madness. She escapes from her home and her friends in -New England, and endeavors to make her way alone to New York, with the -object of restoring, to him who has abandoned her, some tokens he had -given her of his love--an act which her disordered fancy assures her -will effect, in her own person, a disenthralment from passion. Her -piety, her madness, and her beauty stand her in the stead of the lion -of Una, and she reaches the great city in safety. In that portion of -the novel which embodies the narrative of this singular journey, are -some passages of the purest and most exalted poetry--passages which no -mind but one thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the beautiful could -have conceived, and which, perhaps, no other writer in this country -than Miss Sedgwick could have executed. Our readers will find that -what we say upon this head is very far from exaggeration. - -Jasper Meredith, considered as an actual entity, is, as we have -already said, a heartless, calculating coxcomb--with merely a spice of -what we may call susceptibility to impressions of the beautiful, to -redeem him from utter contempt. As a character in a novel, he is -admirable--because he is accurately true to nature, and to himself. -His perfidy to Bessie (we shall never forget Bessie) meets with -poetical justice in a couple of unsuccessful courtships, (in each of -which the villain's heart is in some degree concerned,) and in a final -marriage with a flirt, Helen Ruthven, who fills him up, with a -vengeance, the full measure of his deserts. Mrs. Meredith is a -striking picture of the heartless and selfish woman of fashion and -aristocracy. Kisel, the servant of Eliot Lee, is original, and, next -to Bessie, the best conception in the book. He is a simple, childish, -yet acute and affectionate fool, who follows his master as would a -dog, and finally dies at his feet under circumstances of the truest -pathos. While Miss Sedgwick can originate such characters as these, -she need apprehend few rivals near the throne. - -We cannot pass over in silence a little episode in which a blind child -is torn away at night from a distracted mother, by one of the -notorious bands of _Skinners_ infesting the country. The mother's -house is set on fire by the robbers, in their search after plunder; -but her most valuable property having been previously removed to New -York, the exasperated ruffians seize and bear off the fainting child, -with the view of extorting money for its ransom. Eliot Lee, aided by -General Putnam, rescues the child, and restores it to the mother. This -whole incident is worthy of Miss Sedgwick. - -We have mentioned the name of Putnam,--he as well as Washington, -Lafayette, Clinton, and some other well-known personages are -familiarly introduced in the narrative, but are simply accessories to -the main interest, and very little attempt is made at portraying their -historical characters. Whatever _is_ done, however, is well done. - -So much real pleasure have we derived from the perusal of _The -Linwoods_, that we can hardly find it in our hearts to pick a quarrel -with the fair author, for the very few trifling inadvertences into -which she has been betrayed. There were, we believe, some points at -which we intended to cavil, but hot having pencilled them down in the -course of perusal, they have now escaped our recollection. Somewhat -more energy in occasional passages--somewhat less diffuseness in -others--would operate, we think, to the improvement of Miss Sedgwick's -generally excellent _style_. Now and then, we meet with a discrepancy -between the words and the character of a speaker. For example: page -38, vol. i. "'No more of my contempt for the Yankees, Hal, an' thou -lovest me,' replied Jasper; 'you remember Æsop's advice to Croesus, at -the Persian court?' 'No, I am sure I do not. You have the most -provoking way of resting the lever by which you bring out your own -knowledge, on your friend's ignorance.'" Now all this is very pretty, -but it is not the language of school-boys. Again: page 226 vol. i. -'Now out on you, you lazy, slavish, loons,' cried Rose, 'cannot you -see these men are raised up, to fight for freedom, for more than -themselves? If the chain is broken at one end, the links will fall -apart sooner or later. When you see the sun on the mountain top, you -may be sure it will shine into the deepest valleys before long.' Who -would suppose this graceful eloquence, and these impressive images to -proceed from the mouth of a negro-woman? Yet such is Rose. And at page -24, vol. i. we have the following. "True, I never saw her; but I tell -you, young lad, there is such a thing as seeing the shadow of things -far distant and past, and never seeing the realities though they it be -that cast the shadows." The speaker here, is an old woman who a few -sentences before talks about her proficiency in telling _fortins_. - -There are one or two other trifles with which we have to find fault. -Putnam's deficiency in spelling is, perhaps, a little burlesqued; and -the imaginary note written to Eliot Lee, is not in accordance with -that laconic epistle subsequently introduced, and which was a _bonâ -fide_ existence. We dislike the death of Kisel--that is we dislike its -occurring so soon--indeed we see no necessity for killing him at all. -His end is beautifully managed, but leaves a kind of uneasy and -painful impression, which a judicious writer will be chary of -exciting. We must quarrel also, with some slight liberties taken with -the King's English. Miss Sedgwick has no good authority for the use of -such verbs, as "to ray." Page 117, vol. i. "They had all heard of -Squire Saunders, whose fame rayed through a large circle"--Also, in -page 118, vol. i. "The next morning he called, his kind heart raying -out through his jolly face, to present me to General Washington." Nor -is she justifiable in making use of the verb "incense," with the -meaning attached to it in the following sentence. Page 211, vol. i. -"Miss Ruthven seemed like an humble worshipper, incensing two -divinities." We dislike also, the vulgarity of such a phrase as "I put -in my oar"--meaning "I joined in the conversation"--especially in the -mouth of so well-bred a lady, as Miss Isabella Linwood--see {59} page -61, vol. i. We do not wish either to see a marquee, called a "markee," -or a _dénouement_, a _denoeument_. Miss Sedgwick should look over her -proof-sheets, or, be responsible for the blunders of her printer. The -plural "_genii_" at page 84, vol. ii. is used in place of the singular -_genius_. "Isabella is rather _penseroso_" is likewise an error--see -page 164, vol. ii.; it should be _penserosa_. But we are heartily -ashamed of finding fault with such trifles, and should certainly not -have done so, had there been a possibility of finding fault with any -thing of more consequence. We recommend _The Linwoods_ to all persons -of taste. But let none others touch it. - - -WESTMINSTER REVIEW. - -_The Westminster Review, No. XLV, for July, 1835. American Edition, -Vol. IV, No. 1. New York: Theodore Foster._ - -Article I is "Philanthropic Economy; or the Philosophy of Happiness, -practically applied to the Social, Political, and Commercial Relations -of Great Britain. By Mrs. Loudon, Author of 'First Love,' 'Fortune -Hunting,' and 'Dilemmas of Pride.' London: Churton, 1835. 8vo. pp. -312." - -Mrs. Loudon's Economy has excited great attention in England, and her -work is highly lauded in the present instance. As an able and -chivalrous champion of the cause of the people, she deserves all the -encomiums which she has received, and we are not in any degree -disposed to pick a quarrel with her Ethics, which, to say the truth, -are as little to the purpose as her political, or if she pleases, her -philanthropic Economy, is most effectually to the point. We have not -seen her entire publication, but merely judge of it from the copious -extracts in the article before us. Her answer to the objections to the -ballot is forcible, and coming as it does from a lady, its value is -quadrupled in our eyes. The Notice of her book concludes as follows. -"It is plain that Mrs. Loudon is a splendid woman, and has, at one -effort, taken her place in line, among the political economists upon -the people's side. She is fortunate too in having fallen upon times -when 'the spread of education is, in fact, rendering the _peaceable_ -continuance of abuses impossible.'" - -Article II is "Venetian History. Family Library, No. XX--London, -Murray, 1833." A compendious History of Venice, and apparently forced -into the service of the Review "will I, nill I," without any object -farther than the emptying of some writer's portfolio, or common-place -book. It is nevertheless an invaluable paper. - -Article III is "Memoirs of John Napier of Merchiston, his Lineage, -Life, and Times, with a History of the Invention of Logarithms. By -Mark Napier, Esq. Blackwood, Edinburgh; Cadell, London, 1834. 4to. pp. -534." - -This is a Review of exceeding interest, and evidently from a mind -thoroughly imbued with a love of science. It enters largely into the -subject matter of the book reviewed, and defends Napier from the often -repeated accusation of having derived his principle from the works of -Archimedes, Ditmarsus, and Byrgius. A short account of the -philosopher's treatises on Arithmetic and Algebra, as they appear at -the end of the Memoirs, is given in the conclusion of the Notice. We -perceive that Mr. Napier has here taken occasion to observe that -Horsley, Hutton, Leslie, and Playfair, are mistaken in supposing -Albert Girard the first who made use of the expressions _majores -nihilo_ and _minores nihilo_ in relation to positive and negative -quantities. - -Article IV is "An Essay on Musical Intervals, Harmonics, and the -Temperament of the Musical Scale, &c. By W. S. B. Woolhouse, Head -Assistant of the Nautical Almanac Establishment." - -This is a short article in which the book under review is condemned -for inaccuracy and misrepresentation. The Essay itself is another -instance of the interest now taken in the mathematics of music. - -Article V is "A Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Artists: comprising -Painters, Sculptors, Engravers and Architects, from the earliest ages -to the present time. By John Gould--Second Edition, 2 vols. 12mo. -Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1835." - -The work in question is spoken of as having been composed--"conceived, -planned, and probably in part executed among lowing herds and -obstinate swine." It is preceded by an historical, biographical, and -professional introduction, apparently of no very great merit. The -Dictionary is called a most laborious, and on the whole a very -successful compilation. "The chief matter of some hundreds of volumes -is condensed into two small duodecimos. As this is all it aims to do, -by this only can it be fairly judged, and not by any standard of -original criticism." - -Article VI. "History of Scotland. By Patrick Fraser Tytler, Esq. F. R. -S. E. and F. A. S. Edinburgh. Vols. i-v. 1828-1834." - -This critique speaks of Tytler's Scotland as displaying much research, -and considerable skill, as well as impartiality, but the greater part -of the article is taken up in reviewing some of the leading features -in Scottish History. - -Article VII.--1. "The Forms of Deeds and Documents in England and -France, compared and exemplified, in a Letter to the Lord Chancellor. -Paris: Galignani. London: Saunders and Benning, 1835." - -2. "The Mechanics of Law-making. Intended for the use of Legislators, -and all other persons concerned in the making and understanding of -English Laws. By Arthur Symonds, Esq. London: Churton, 1835." - -The authors of the works here reviewed have attempted to unfold, and -to show the worthlessness of, those technical mysteries which have so -long enveloped the science of Law. The "Forms of Deeds, &c." is from -the pen of Mr. Okey. He gives several examples of English and French -Deeds--printing them on opposite pages. The difference in conciseness -is said to be four to one in favor of the French, while in clearness -they admit of no comparison. The greater brevity of the French -documents is attributed to the existence of a Code. "The Mechanics of -Law making" insists upon the necessity of reform in the arrangement, -language, classification, and contents of the British Acts of -Parliament, and in the agency by which the laws are 'prepared, made, -promulgated, superintended, enforced, and amended.' The Review is -brief--but concurs heartily in the necessity alluded to. - -Article VIII. 1. "Sur les Créances réclamées de la France par la -Russie au nom du Royaume de Pologne. Paris, 1835." - -{60} 2. "On the Russo-Polish Claims on France. (From the periodical -_Le Polonais_, published monthly in Paris, by a member of the Polish -Diet. Number for February 1835.") - -3. "A few more words on the Polish question, (_From Le -Polonais_--number for March 1835.") - -The author of the work _Sur les Créances_, enters into an examination -of the titles of which the Russian government avails itself "either to -effect a final settlement, or to claim payment of sums which might -ultimately be proved to be due to the kingdom of Poland." The editor -of _Le Polonais_ is of a family to which Poland is indebted for -"several brilliant exploits, not only in the field of battle, but in -the tribute of the National Assembly." His journal is devoted to the -history and literature of Poland--but more especially to its political -interests. The Review enters into some discussion on the Russo-Polish -Claims, and makes it apparent that the policy of Great Britain is -materially involved, in the Russo-French liquidation. "She has -joined"--says the critic--"in refusing to uphold Russia in the -violation of the constitution and nationality of Poland; Lord -Palmerston gave lengthened and clear explanations on this point to -Parliament on the 9th of April, 1833. Tranquilly to stand by, and -witness the Russo-French liquidation, an act which would be equivalent -to a passive acknowledgment on the part of France, of the usurpations -of Russia, would be contrary to the dignity and interest of the -British nation." - -Article IX--1. "Thoughts upon the Aristocracy of England. By Isaac -Tompkins, Gent. Fifth Edition. London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 23." - -2. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, Gent., author of the Thoughts upon the -Aristocracy. From Mr. Peter Jenkins. Fifth Edition, with a Postscript. -London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 11." - -3. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, and Peter Jenkins on Primogeniture. By -Timothy Winterbottom. Fourth Edition. London: William Pickering, -1835." - -From the specimens of these Pamphlets, given in the Review before us, -we are inclined to think them excessively amusing. Mr. Isaac Tompkins -busies himself with the House of Lords, and Mr. Peter Jenkins gives -the lash to the House of Commons. Mr. T's account of patrician taste -in literature and wit--of courts, courtiers, court-jesters, -buffoonery, &c. are not a little edifying. His book has created a -great sensation. In a note appended to the fourth edition, occur the -following significant remarks. "The Quarterly Review, the organ of the -Aristocratic Church, and of the Lay Aristocracy, has taken the -opportunity of printing the greater part of the work, under pretence -of giving a Review of it. Pretence it plainly is; for there is hardly -one remark added, and not one syllable of censure or objection! Can -any thing more plainly demonstrate that the cause of the Aristocracy -is hateful, even to the very writers who affect to support it? Can any -thing better prove its decline among all educated and sensible men? -Mr. Canning's abhorrence of it is well known, and so is the hatred -with which he was repaid. But in our time, the advocate of -establishments can think of nothing better than giving a very wide -circulation to Mr. J. Tompkins' observations. These Quarterly -Reviewers would not for the world, that these observations were not -generally known." Peter Jenkins concludes his pamphlet with some -remarks on the new liberal government. Winterbottom's letter treats -chiefly of the evils resulting from the accumulation of wealth in a -few hands. "The whole family of Tompkins &c. is good"--says the -Reviewer--"and the public, will be glad to see more of their kin and -kind." - -Article X. "The History of Ireland. By Thomas Moore, Esq. In three -volumes. Vol. i. London: Longman & Co. 1835." - -This is an excellent and very laudatory notice, of a work which cannot -be too highly commended. The difficulties Mr. Moore has overcome, in -reducing to order a chaotic discordance of materials, with a view to -this History, will, perhaps, never be fully appreciated. It cannot -indeed be asserted that every portion of his subject has been hitherto -uninvestigated, or, that all the questions he has discussed have been -satisfactorily settled; but that, under existing circumstances, such a -book should have been written _at all_, is a matter for -admiration--and that it has been so rationally, so lucidly, and so -critically written, is a fact which cannot fail to elevate its author -immeasurably in the estimation of his friends. The future volumes of -_The History of Ireland_, will be looked for with intense interest. In -them we may expect to find the records of a dark and troubled period. -Moore will speak fearlessly, or we are much mistaken. - -Article XI. "A Bill for granting Relief in relation to the Celebration -of Marriages, to certain persons dissenting from the Church of England -and Ireland, 1835." - -The Reviewer, here, seems to think that Sir Robert Peel's Bill, with -some little amendment, would meet the case of the Dissenters in the -manner most satisfactory, and, under all circumstances most -convenient. The Dissenters themselves have little to propose, and that -little impracticable. - -Article XII. "Plantagenet.--3 vols. London: John Macrone, 1835." - -Plantagenet is a novel: and the writer's object is stated by the -critic to be pretty nearly identical with that of Mr. Timothy -Winterbottom, of whom we have spoken before--viz: to lay bare the -social evils of primogeniture. The English system of education is -detailed, and its effect upon character analyzed. The writer's design -is said not to be very well carried into execution--nevertheless the -Reviewer places him in the first line of modern political novelists, -and says there is nobody, except the author of 'The Radical,' who, -stands out as a model for him to overtake or pursue. - -Article XIII.--1. "Colonization of South Australia. By R. Torrens, -Esq. F. R. S. Chairman of the Colonization Commission, for South -Australia. London: Longman, 1835." - -2. "Colonization; particularly in Southern Australia; with some -remarks on Small Farms and Over-population. By Colonel Charles James -Napier, C. B.--London: T. & W. Boone, 1835." - -Colonel Torrens' book is bitterly and sarcastically reviewed. It is an -octavo of more than 300 pages, with an Appendix of about 20. The first -part of the body of the work is in the form of a letter, divided into -twelve parts, and addressed "To the author of the History of the -Indian Archipelago." This portion discusses the new scheme for -colonizing South Australia. Its style is called pamphleteering and -polemical. The {61} second part is said to be "in the usual cold, -cramped, and unpopular manner of the author's politico-economical -writings." The Appendix consists of the Act of Parliament for the -formation of the Colony, of two letters signed Kangaroo, and of -another from A. B., approving of Kangaroo's opinions. Kangaroo is -thought by the Reviewer a better writer of English than his master. -Colonel Napier's book is favorably noticed. His views are in direct -opposition to those of Torrens. - -Article XIV. "The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy. By Thomas -Keightley, Esq. 8vo. London, 1831." This is an interesting and able -paper, but has no pretensions to the name of Review. The position of -the Bacchanalians in Greek and Roman History, and their progress, -together with the dangers and impediments encountered in their course, -forms the subject of the Essay--for _it is_ an Essay, although an -admirable one. - - -LONDON QUARTERLY REVIEW. - -_The London Quarterly Review, No. CVII. for July, 1835. American -Edition, Vol. III, No. 1._ - -Article I.--1. "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a North-West -Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions, during the Years -1829-30-31-32-33. By Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c. -Captain in the Royal Navy, London: 1835, 4to. pp. 740." - -2. "The Late Voyage of Captain Sir John Ross, R. N. to the Arctic -Regions, for the Discovery of a North-West Passage; performed in the -Years 1829-30-31-32-33. From authentic information, and original -documents, transmitted by William Light, Purser's Steward to the -Expedition. By Robert Huish, author of the 'Memoirs of the Princess -Charlotte,' 'Treatise on Bees,' &c. &c. London: 1835, 8vo. pp. 760." - -3. "Report from a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on the -Expedition to the Arctic Seas, commanded by Captain John Ross, R. N. -1834." - -This is, in many respects, a clever and judicious Review, although -abounding with much vulgar abuse of Captain Ross, whom it accuses, not -only of gross ignorance and misrepresentation, but of several minor -indecorums, such for example, as "the opening of a subscription shop -in Regent Street--the sending of a set of fellows, usually called -trampers, but who call themselves agents, to knock at every -gentleman's door, in town and country, not humbly to solicit, but with -pertinacious importunity, almost to force subscriptions--the getting -up of Vauxhall and panoramic exhibitions, and some other circumstances -not worth detailing." It hints something also, of the Captain's having -procured the literary aid of "a practised embroiderer of periods, one -Dr. M'Culloch." Huish's book is treated with derision, but the -Quarterly cannot resist the temptation of giving additional currency -to a malignant accusation of cruelty, brought by this very man Huish, -against the Captain. The charge is republished in the Review--with a -hint, that it is quite as likely to be true as not. The Article -concludes with a hope, that if the Government should determine upon -another expedition, its direction may be given to Captain James Clarke -Ross, and Back, appointed his second in command--and roundly asserts -that Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., is utterly -incompetent to conduct any enterprise of the kind, to a successful -termination. - -Article II. "Journal of Frances Anne Butler (Fanny Kemble,) 2 vols. -Post 8vo. London: 1835." - -The tone of this Notice is very similar to that of the Article on the -same subject in the Edinburgh for July--perhaps, upon the whole, not -quite so complimentary. The Reviewer is of opinion, that 'Master -Fanny's' Journal was from an early period, if not from the first line, -intended for publication, and that the entire thing is arranged for -stage-effect. Both these suppositions are highly probable. Indeed for -our own part, we never had a doubt about the matter. The personifier -of Julia, of Nell, and of Lady Macbeth, wished to make it apparent -that she could mingle up in the same page, simplicity, frivolity and -dignity. She has succeeded to a miracle, and we think nothing the -worse of her performance for its premeditation. The critic finds -fault, also, with Fanny's _transparent_ affectation--a charge from -which we have neither the wish, nor the ability to defend her. -Affectation is the Promethean fire of a pretty and intelligent -woman--and provided always the things, the qualities, or manners -affected are not _in se_ disagreeable or odious, it is very seldom -worth any one's while to quarrel with it. As for the _transparent_ -part of the accusation, it betrays a want of philosophical acumen. -Affectation, when we cannot see through it, is no longer affectation. -The political fal lal of the fair lady is, of course, made a matter of -high merit by the Quarterly Review. "Her observations," quoth the -critic, "evince a depth of penetration, and a soundness of judgment, -rare in any one, but wonderful in a person of her age and sex." A -chuckle also is elicited, by Fanny's astounding conviction, that -"America will be a monarchy before she (Mrs. Butler) is a skeleton." - -Article III. "The Last Essays of Elia." London: 12mo. 1833. - -This is an Essay on the Essays of Lamb by one who thoroughly -understands the man. And there are not many men who _do_ thoroughly -comprehend him. Altho' not the greatest among his contemporaries he -was the most original--and his writings are, we feel assured, a true -copy of his individual mind. He was one of those men of infinite -genius, so rarely to be met with, who unite the most exquisite -daintiness and finish of style with a vigorous and dashing _abandon_ -of manner. This manner has been called affected--but it was not so. -That his thoughts "were villainously pranked in an array of antique -words and phrases" was a necessary thing. The language of the times of -James and Charles I. was as natural to him as his native air--it was a -portion of his intellect. As a critic, Lamb had no equal, and we are -moreover half inclined to agree with the Quarterly, that there are, -amongst his poetical pieces, some as near perfection in their kind as -any thing in our literature--"specimens of exceeding artifice and -felicity in rhythm, metre, and diction." - -Article IV. "History of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, -illustrated by original documents. By Frederick Von Raumer. Translated -from the German by Lord Francis Egerton, in 2 vols. 8vo. London, -1835." - -Frederick Von Raumer, the author of the work here reviewed, is the -same who wrote the 'History of the House of Hohenstauffen,' noticed in -a former number of the Quarterly. The present History is spoken of -{62} in high terms. It is the result of the author's residence in -Paris in 1830, and consists of a series of extracts from MSS. in the -_Bibliothèque Royale_--chiefly the despatches of Ambassadors. Lord -Egerton's translation is favorably mentioned. - -Article V. "The Life of Edmund Kean. In 2 vols. London: 1835." - -This is a most severe and galling Philippic upon a very worthless -book. Indeed Barry Cornwall was the last person in the world who -should have attempted the Life of Kean. From the poet's peculiar cast -of mind, (Procter is merely a dealer in delicate prettinesses,) he is -particularly ill-qualified for discussing the merits of an actor whose -province lay altogether amid the tempestuous regions of passion and -energy. "A worse man"--says the critic--"might have made Kean's story -entertaining--a wiser, if he had told it at all, would have at least -tried to make it instructive." The Essays upon the chief characters of -Shakspeare, which fill nearly half the second volume, are truly said -to be devoid of originality, vigor, or grace. To the entire book is -laughably applied a couplet from an old criticism upon Suckling's -Aglaura. - - This great _voluminous pamphlet_ may be said, - To be like one that hath more hair than head. - -Article VI. 1. "Physiologie du Goût: ou Meditations de Gastronomie -Transcendante; Ouvrage Théorique, Historique, et à l'ordre du Jour. -Dédié aux Gastronomes Parisiens. Par un Professeur (M. Brillat -Savarin) Membre de Plusiéurs Sociétés Savantes. 2 tomes, 5me edition, -Paris: 1835." - -2. "The French Cook. A System of Fashionable and Economical Cookery; -adapted to the use of English Families, &c. by Louis Eustace Ude, -ci-devant Cook to Louis XVI, and the Earl of Sefton, &c. &c. &c., 12th -edition, with Appendix &c., London: 1833." - -This article is written in the most exquisite spirit of banter, and is -irresistibly amusing. It commences with a sketch of the history, -present state and _literature_ of cookery! and concludes with a -particular Notice of the books at the head of the article. -"Mirabeau"--says the critic--"used to present Condorcet with _voilà ma -théorie_, and the Abbé Maury with _voilà ma pratique_. We beg leave to -present M. Brillat Savarin as _our_ theory, M. Ude as _our_ practice." -A biographical account of Savarin is introduced--full of wit. Savarin -was Judge of the Court of Cassation, Member of the Legion of Honor, -and of most of the scientific and literary societies of France. His -work consists of "a collection of aphorisms, a dialogue between the -author and a friend as to the expediency of publication, a -biographical notice of the friend, thirty meditations, and a -concluding Miscellany of adventures, inventions, and anecdotes." - -Article VII. 1. "Souvenirs, Impressions, Pensées, et Paysages pendant -un Voyage en Orient, 1832, 1833. Par M. Alphonse de Lamartine, 4 vols. -Paris: 1835." - -2. "A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, &c. By Alphonse de Lamartine, 3 -vols. London: 1835." - -An English translation of Lamartine's Pilgrimage, and even a pirated -Bruselles edition of the original, were read in London before the -publication of the original itself. This is high evidence of the -writer's popularity, at least, however prejudicial it may have proved -to his literary and pecuniary interests. The Remarks in the Review -under consideration are deduced from the English translation, which is -from the pen of Miss Landon. With the exception of the French verses -scattered throughout the work, and which are not very happily rendered -(we should think it impossible to translate them) L. E. L. has -executed her task with much ability--at least so says the Quarterly, -and we believe it. Some singular misconceptions of the meaning of the -original are, however, occasionally met with, and we are at a loss -whether to attribute them to carelessness or an imperfect acquaintance -with the French. The Review cites the following as an instance, and we -have noted several others equally glaring. - - N'attends donc plus de moi ces vers où la pensée - Comme d'un arc sonore avec grace élancée - Et sur deux mots pareils vibrant à l'unisson - Dansent complaisamment aux caprices du son! - Ce froid écho des vers répugne à mon oreille. - - From me expect no more the verse where thought - Glances in grace as from the sounding bow, - When two words vibrating in unison - Complacent dance to the caprice of sound. - Now verse in its cold echo shocks my ear. - -The Review lavishes many compliments upon Lamartine, and enters into a -compendious sketch of his Pilgrimage. - -Article VIII. "Yarrow Revisited and other Poems. By Wm. Wordsworth. -12mo. pp. 349. London, 1835." - -Here is one of those exceedingly rare cases in which a British critic -confines himself strictly to his text--but this is nearly all that can -be said in favor of the Article. A more partial, a more indiscriminate -or fulsome panegyric we never wish to see, and surely "Yarrow -Revisited" is worthy of a better fate. "There is," quoth the Reviewer, -"a spirit of _elegance_ in these poems more prominently and uniformly -prevailing than in any equal portion of Mr. Wordsworth's former works. -We mean an elegance such as Quinctillian ascribes to several of the -Greek and Roman writers--a nobleness of thought and feeling made vocal -in perfectly pure and appropriate language. It struck us, at first, as -an odd remark of Coleridge's, that Goethe and Wordsworth were -something alike, but &c. &c." Heaven save us from our friends! - -Article IX.--1. "Rough Leaves from a Journal kept in Spain and -Portugal. By Lieut. Col. Badcock, 8vo. London: 1835." - -2. "Recollections of a few days spent with the Queen's Army in Spain, -in September 1833, 12mo. (privately printed,) London: 1835." - -3. "Recollections of a visit to the Monasteries of Alcobaça, and -Batalha. By the author of Vathek, 8vo. London: 1835, pp. 228." - -Colonel Badcock's book is favorably noticed. This Officer was sent to -the Peninsula, by Earl Grey's Ministry, for the purpose of -transmitting exact intelligence to the government at home. In the -discharge of this mission, he traversed the greater part of Spain, was -present at the siege of Oporto, and attended Don Pedro to the camp -before Santarem. His "Rough Leaves" are the result. From the work -whose title appears in the second place large extracts are made, all -of a highly amusing nature. The _critique_ concludes with a brief -complimentary notice of Mr. Beckford's 'Recollections,' which are -excessively overpraised. - -Article X.--1. "First Report of the Commissioners {63} appointed to -inquire into the Municipal Corporations of England and Wales, 1835." - -2. "Protest of Sir Francis Palgrave, against the First Report, &c. -1835." - -3. "Observations on the Principles to be adopted in the Establishment -of new Municipalities, the Reform of Ancient Corporations, and the -Cheap Administration of Justice. By Sir Francis Palgrave, K. H. -London: 1833." This is a violent party-paper, and abounds in -misrepresentation. One of its passages is forcible enough. "The first -step in this extraordinary affair, (the plan of Municipal Reform) was -in itself most extraordinary. A commission was issued under the Great -Seal of England, with powers and for purposes now confessed to have -been illegal!... The town-clerk of a petty borough, discomfited the -Lord High Chancellor of England, on a point of law, of his Lordship's -own raising, within his own special jurisdiction; and for the very -first time, we believe, since the days of James and Jeffries, a -commission under the Great Seal of England was _convicted of -illegality_." - -Article XI. "Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honorable Sir James -Mackintosh. Edited by his son, Robert James Mackintosh, Esq. 2 vols. -8vo. London: 1835." - -This Article we think upon the whole, better toned than the one upon -the same subject, in the Edinburgh. It characterizes the work as a -most interesting collection of _Mackintoshiana_, although not a good -Life. Sir James is very justly styled an "idealogical writer, who, -treating of human affairs, prefers to deal with _thoughts_, rather -than _things_." - - -NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW. - -_The North American Review. No. LXXXIX--Vol. XLI. For October 1835. -Boston: Charles Bowen._ - -It is now very generally known that Mr. Palfrey has become the editor -of this Review, and the present number is the first issued since the -announcement of the new arrangement. It is difficult to speak of a -work like this as a whole. Particular articles strike us as being very -good--some are worthless. We will briefly notice them one by one. - -Article I. "Life of Jehudi Ashmun, late Colonial Agent in Liberia. -With an Appendix, containing Extracts from his Journal and other -Writings; and a brief Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Lott Carey. By -Ralph Randolph Gurley. Washington." - -"The capacities of Ashmun's character were such," says the Reviewer, -"that had he lived in any age or country, (pray, did he _not_ live in -any age or country?) their energy must have hurried them into -development as inevitably as the waters flow to the sea." All this we -are willing to believe, and also that the man in question was a noble -martyr in the cause of African colonization. We doubt, however, if -there are not a crowd of books daily issuing unnoticed from the press, -of far more general interest, and consequently more worthy the -attention of our leading Review than even _The Life of Ashmun_. We -shall soon, perhaps, have a Life of some Cuffy the Great, by Solomon -Sapient; and then the North American will feel itself bound to devote -one half of its pages to that important publication. In expressing -ourselves thus, we mean not the slightest disrespect to either Ashmun -or his Biographer. But the _critique_ is badly written, and its -enthusiasm _outré_ and disproportionate. - -Article II.--1. "Ward's Law of Nations. 8vo. 2 vols. 1795." - -2. "Vattel's Law of Nations, by Chitty, 8vo. 1829." - -This is an excellent essay--a practical exposition of the source and -character of the Law International, and for which the works -above-mentioned afford the _materiel_. A few articles similar to this -would at once redeem the reputation of American critical literature. -Our position in regard to France, gives to this review, at this -moment, additional interest. - -Article III. "Matthias and his Impostures, or the Progress of -Fanaticism. Illustrated in the Extraordinary Case of Robert Matthews, -and some of his Forerunners and Disciples. By W. L. Stone. 12mo. New -York, 1835." - -The critic here adopts the very just opinion that Matthias had formed -himself and his creed designedly upon the model of John of Leyden. We -think it probable that the impostor, who was grossly ignorant, may -have seen an account of the proceedings at Munster in some popular -historical work, and formed his own conduct accordingly. The leader of -the fanatics at Munster was _Matthias_, a baker. Matthews called -himself _Matthias_. The former had his Rothman and Knipperdoling, men -of respectable family and some consideration--the latter had his -Pierson and Folger, men similarly circumstanced. Rothman and -Knipperdoling were invested with an authority which was merely -nominal. It was the same with Pierson and Folger. John had his Mount -Zion at Munster, and Matthews his Mount Zion at Sing-Sing. The Review -gives a digest of Stone's book, and is very entertaining. - -Article IV. "Scriptores Rerum Mythicarum Latini tres, Romæ nuper -Reperti. Ad fidem codicum M.S.S. Guelferbytanorum, Gottingensis, -Gothani, et Parisiensis, Integriores edidit ac Scholiis illustravit -Dr. Georgius Henricus Bode, Ordinis Philos. Gotting. Assessor, -Societatis literar. quæ Cantabrigiæ Americanorum floret Socius. -Celles, 1834." - -Angelo Maio discovered and published, about three years ago, the works -of three Roman writers, supposed by him to be Leontius, Placidus, and -Hyginus, who flourished about the close of the fourth century, or as -the Review incorrectly states, after the commencement of the fifth. -The work criticised in the present article is a new edition of Maio's -publication, improved by the collation of MSS. at Wolfenbuttel, -Gottingen, Gotha, and Paris. Dr. Bode, a scholar of high reputation, -and who resided for some time in a New England literary institution, -is the editor. The reviewer speaks of the Latinity as simple and easy, -and, for the most part, classical in construction. - -Article V.--1. "A Lecture on the Working Men's Party, first delivered -October 6th, before the Charlestown Lyceum, and published at their -request. By Edward Everett. Boston, 1830." - -2. "An Oration delivered before the Trades' Union of Boston and -Vicinity, on Fort Hill, on the Fifty-eighth Anniversary of American -Independence. By Frederick Robinson. Boston, 1834." - -3. "The Rights of Industry, addressed to the Working Men of the United -Kingdom. By the Author of 'The Results of Machinery.' Philadelphia, -1832." - -{64} The Reviewer here commences with what we consider a _naïve_ -acknowledgment, viz: that he has not selected the works whose titles -are placed at the head of this article because they are recent, or -unknown, but merely with the view of directing public attention to the -subject of which they treat. The Essay, however, is an excellent one, -and shows in a forcible manner, by a rapid comparative view of the -condition of the laboring classes in our own and other countries, how -few just causes of complaint exist among our 'working people.' - -Article VI. "The Ministry for the Poor. A Discourse delivered before -the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches in Boston, on their first -anniversary, April 9th, 1835. By William E. Channing. Boston, 1835." - -The North American, in its last number, considered Southey a fine -writer, but Washington Irving a much finer, and indeed 'the best -living writer of English prose:' having, however, to review Mr. -Channing in the present number, its opinions are conveniently modified -to suit the occasion, and _now_ the English of William E. Channing is -declared _coram populo_ to be 'equally _elegant_, and a little more -pure, correct, and pointed than that of Mr. Irving.' There is surely -something very absurd in all this. Mr. Irving is a fine writer, and -so, beyond doubt, is Mr. Channing--but the Review seems perseveringly -bent upon making the public think otherwise. What does the critic mean -too by the assertion that Coleridge's reputation is greater in America -than in England, and that he possesses _very slender_ claims to the -distinction of the first philosopher of his age? We should like to see -some direct evidence of what the Reviewer has so roundly asserted, -viz: that "Coleridge shews an almost total want of precision and -clearness of thought." The works of the man are before the public, and -we greatly prefer proof to assertion. We think this whole paper -exceedingly silly. - -Article VII. "A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History. -By William Swainson. London, 1834." - -We have not seen Swainson's work, and of course can say nothing about -it--the present article however, which professes to be, but is not, a -Review of it, we pronounce excellent indeed. It must be read to be -thoroughly appreciated. - -Article VIII.--1. "Poems. By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. Philadelphia, -1834." - -2. "Poems. By Miss H. F. Gould. Boston, 1835." - -The only fault we have with this _critique_ is, that it hardly does -justice to the noble talents of Mrs. Sigourney. Something more, we -think, might have been said, and said with perfect truth. Miss Gould -is more fairly dealt with, but nevertheless the criticism does not -appear to come from the heart of a poet. Some incidental remarks upon -Miss Sedgwick are highly complimentary and exceedingly just. Mrs. -Sigourney's first publication was reviewed in the North American about -twenty years ago. She was then Miss Huntley. - -Article IX. "Sartor Resartus: in three Books. Reprinted for friends, -from Fraser's Magazine. London, 1834." - -The North American might have been better employed than in reviewing -this book--even although it be "no secret in England or here that it -is the work of a person to whom the public is indebted for a number of -articles in the late British Reviews." The book purports to be a -commentary (the author incog.) on a late work on the Philosophy of -Dress, by Dr. Diogenes Teufelsdroeckh, Professor of the Science of -Things in General, at the University of Weissnichtwo in Germany; and -the Reviewer thinks it necessary to enter into some pages of -discussion, in order to convince his readers that Professor -Teufelsdroeckh and his book are both _a hum_. We think the whole -_critique_ a hum of the worst order, viz: a hum unintentional. We will -venture to bet that the meaning (if there be any) of the Sartor -Resartus has only the two faults of the steed in Joe Miller. In the -first place, it is hard to catch. In the second place it is worth -nothing when caught. - -Article X. "A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of -the English Language; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, -Scripture, and Modern Geographical Names. By J. E. Worcester. -Carefully revised and enlarged. Boston, 1835." - -This is a valuable work, and the writer of the _critique_ upon it -seems fully aware of its many excellences. Mr. Worcester has based his -Dictionary upon those of Johnson and Walker, but has given six -thousand more words than are found in the Critical Pronouncing -Dictionary of the latter. A large number of terms purely technical are -given with their meanings--many foreign words, also, in familiar use. - -Article XI.--1. "A Narrative of the Visit to the American Churches, by -the Deputation from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By -Andrew Reed, D.D. and James Matheson, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835." - -2. "Four Years in Great Britain. By Calvin Colton. 2 vols. 12mo. New -York, 1835." - -Dr. Reed's book is reviewed calmly and with strict impartiality--the -reviewer allowing that the Dr. writes with energy when his attention -is fully aroused. This, perhaps, is his chief merit. Of Colton's work -little is said. "His adventures," observes the critic, "are very well -described, and though in some of them he gives too much prominence to -his own doubts and fears, still, if the whole had been written in the -same manner, it would have insured the work a greater popularity than -it is likely to gain." His account of O'Connell is highly praised. - - -CRAYON MISCELLANY. - -_The Crayon Miscellany. By the Author of the Sketch Book. No. -3--Containing Legends of the Conquest of Spain. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard._ - -We feel it almost an act of supererogation to speak of this book, -which is long since in the hands of every American who has leisure for -reading at all. The matter itself is deeply interesting, but, as -usual, its chief beauty is beauty of style. The Conquest of Spain by -the Saracens, an event momentous in the extreme, is yet enveloped, as -regards the motives and actions of the principal _dramatis personæ_ in -triple doubt and confusion. To snatch from this uncertainty a few -striking and picturesque legends, possessing, at the same time, some -absolute portion of verity, and to adorn them in his own magical -language is all that Mr. Irving has done in the present instance. But -that he has done this little well it is needless to say. He does not -claim for the Legends the authenticity of history properly so -called,--yet all are partially _facts_, and however extravagant {65} -some may appear, they will all, to use the words of the author -himself, "be found in the works of sage and reverend chroniclers of -yore, growing side by side with long acknowledged truths, and might be -supported by learned and imposing references in the margin." Were we -to instance any one of the narratives as more beautiful than the rest, -it would be _The Story of the Marvellous and Portentous Tower_. - - -GODWIN'S NECROMANCY. - -_Lives of the Necromancers: or an Account of the Most Eminent Persons -in Successive Ages, who have claimed for themselves, or to whom has -been imputed by others, the Exercise of Magical Power. By William -Godwin, Author of "Caleb Williams," &c. New York: Published by Harper -& Brothers._ - -The name of the author of Caleb Williams, and of St. Leon, is, with -us, a word of weight, and one which we consider a guarantee for the -excellence of any composition to which it may be affixed. There is -about all the writings of Godwin, one peculiarity which we are not -sure that we have ever seen pointed out for observation, but which, -nevertheless, is his chief idiosyncrasy--setting him peculiarly apart -from all other _literati_ of the day. We allude to an air of mature -thought--of deliberate premeditation pervading, in a remarkable -degree, even his most common-place observations. He never uses a -hurried expression, or hazards either an ambiguous phrase, or a -premature opinion. His style therefore is highly artificial; but the -extreme finish and proportion always observable about it, render this -artificiality, which in less able hands would be wearisome, in him a -grace inestimable. We are never tired of his terse, nervous, and -sonorous periods--for their terseness, their energy, and even their -melody, are made, in all cases, subservient to the sense with which -they are invariably fraught. No English writer, with whom we have any -acquaintance, with the single exception of Coleridge, has a fuller -appreciation of the value of _words_; and none is more nicely -discriminative between closely-approximating meanings. - -The avowed purpose of the volume now before us is to exhibit a wide -view of human credulity. "To know"--says Mr. Godwin--"the things that -are not, and cannot be, but have been imagined and believed, is the -most curious chapter in the annals of man." _In extenso_ we differ -with him. - - There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio, - Than are dreamt of in thy philosophy. - -There are many things, too, in the great circle of human experience, -more curious than even the records of human credulity--but that they -form one of the most curious chapters, we were at all times ready to -believe, and had we been in any degree skeptical, the _Lives of the -Necromancers_ would have convinced us. - -Unlike the work of Brewster, the Necromancy of Mr. Godwin is not a -Treatise on Natural Magic. It does not pretend to show the _manner_ in -which delusion acts upon mankind--at all events, this is not the -_object_ of the book. The design, if we understand it, is to display -in their widest extent, the great range and wild extravagancy of the -imagination of man. It is almost superfluous to say that in this he -has fully succeeded. His compilation is an invaluable work, evincing -much labor and research, and full of absorbing interest. The only -drawback to the great pleasure which its perusal has afforded us, is -found in the author's unwelcome announcement in the Preface, that for -the present he winds up his literary labors with the production of -this book. The pen which wrote Caleb Williams, should never for a -moment be idle. - -Were we to specify any article, in the Necromancy, as more -particularly interesting than another, it would be the one entitled -'Faustus.' The prevalent idea that Fust the printer, and Faustus the -magician, were identical, is here very properly contradicted. - - -REV. D. L. CARROLL'S ADDRESS. - -_Inaugural Address of the Rev. D. L. Carroll, D.D. President of -Hampden Sidney College, delivered on his induction into that office. -Published by request of the Board of Trustees. Richmond: T. W. White, -1835._ - -The friends of literature in Virginia have lately been favored with -several Inaugural Addresses, each of which has had its peculiar -merits. It is only of that whose title has just been given, that we -intend to speak. In the correspondence which is prefixed to this -Address, we learn that it was "prepared with great haste, amidst -anxieties and efforts to regain health, and amidst all the inquietudes -of journeying and absence from home." Apologies are seldom worth the -time spent in making or reading them. Generally, an author who prints -his production may be supposed to consider it of some value. To make -an apology, then, similar to that of Mr. Carroll, is but a modest way -of hinting that, with a fair trial, the writer could have done much -better. On the whole we _wish_ that there had been no apology; for the -Address needs none. It is not our purpose to give an outline of this -discourse, or enter into a critical examination of its merits--for -merits it has. We wish merely to call the attention of the reader to a -few extracts, hoping that a perusal of these will induce him to -procure and read the whole Address for himself. The first of these -extracts is on a subject too long overlooked, and too much neglected -in all our schools. We refer to social qualities. On this subject the -author's ideas are just and timely. He says: - -"Every literary institution ought to aim at such a well regulated -intercourse amongst its students as would inspire them with a -dignified self-respect--as would cause them, even in retirement, to -conduct themselves with that delicacy and deference to each other's -feelings that become a high-minded and honorable company of gentlemen -associated in the pursuit of learning. They ought also, under proper -restrictions, to mingle occasionally in the best circles of society -around them. Neither their morals, their manners, nor their studies -would suffer from that evolution and play of the social powers to -which such an intercourse would give rise. I know indeed that a -certain degree of awkward reserve, and bluntness of manners, and -recklessness of dress have, in some minds, become almost inseparably -associated with genius. But a moment's reflection may convince any one -that it requires no very extraordinary endowments from the Creator, to -enable a man, after a little practice, to become a _clown_ in his -manners and a _sloven_ in his apparel. Let it not be supposed, -however, that in thus contending for the development of the social -powers and cultivable graces of our nature, we countenance the -contemptible littleness of dandyism. The mere dandy we despise as a -thing whose definition the great American lexicographer has given in -the following appropriate terms--'a male of the human species who -dresses himself like a doll, and carries his character on his back.' -Between the peculiarities of such a creature and the dignified -refinement and suavity of the educated gentleman, it were odious to -institute a comparison. It {66} is the latter to which regard is to be -had in a course of education. All that we contend for is, that the -youthful mind should be inspired with a deep consciousness of the -existence and the worth of those social powers and kindly sympathies -within itself, which bind it indissolubly to its species, and should -be led to regard their development and culture as a _necessary_ part -of its preparation for future life." - -We are no less pleased with the following sentiments on the subject of -the moral influences that should pervade a College. - -"The great question is yet to be decided--_What influence our educated -men will have on the moral destinies of this nation!_ A question -involving all those dear and mighty interests which bind us in hope to -this and to a future world. With such a question pending, I tremble -for the safety of my country, and blush for its reputation for sound -philosophy, when I reflect that here an attempt has been made to break -up the alliance between learning and religion, and to sever our -literary institutions from the practical influence of a pure -Christianity. I am happy to know that this _is not_ to be the order of -things in Hampden Sydney. I am not called to take the helm without a -chart or compass. And I never shall embark on a voyage of such perils -unless I can nail the Bible to the mast. We shall avoid all mere -proselytism and the inculcation of minor sectarian peculiarities. But -we shall _strenuously endeavor_ so to develope, and discipline, and -adapt to action the moral powers of youth, that, appreciating highly -their own immortal interests, they shall go out hence on the highways -of society a chosen band, clothed in the panoply of heaven to act as -_the lifeguards_ of the virtue, order, and common Christianity of -their country." - -The conclusion of Mr. Carroll's Address is full of fervid eloquence, -rendered doubly interesting by a vein of that truest of all -philosophy, the philosophy of the Christian. In the two last -paragraphs sentiments are expressed, which at their delivery must have -produced a strong sensation. Such indeed we learn from those present -on the occasion, was their effect. - -"It well becomes _me_ to tread with modest and tremulous steps in a -path consecrated by the luminous career of such men as the brothers -Smith, an Alexander, a Hoge, and a Cushing. 'There were giants in the -earth in those days--mighty men, even men of renown.' But they have -gone, as we trust, to adorn higher spheres of usefulness and glory, -and to shine in the firmament of God: whilst the radiance of their -characters, still not lost to earth, lingers, like the setting -sun-beams, on the high places of Hampden Sydney. They have _all_ gone -save one, at whose feet, as the Gamaliel of the Church, it has been my -distinguished privilege to sit, and to whose masterly management of -the young mind I am much indebted for whatever of mental furniture I -possess. I enter upon my duties, however diffident, with the -unblenching purpose of doing what I _can_ to promote the best -interests of the Institution over which I am called to preside. True, -with a body and a mind partially wrecked by the arduous labors of past -years and by successive attacks of prolonged illness, I cannot promise -much. But I come to the performance of my new duties cheerfully, and -with the frankness and integrity of a man in _sober earnest_ to do -what I can. - -"Knowing and admiring, as I always have done, the noble generosity of -the Virginian character, I throw myself unreservedly upon the -clemency, and I expect the prompt, cordial, _efficient_ co-operation -of this honorable Board of Trustees. I do more. With a heart still -bleeding under a recent and final separation from that beloved people, -whose sympathies and prayers have been the solace of my past life for -years, I throw myself upon the kindness of this privileged Christian -community. Most gladly would I find a _home_ in their affections. Most -devoutly do I hope for and desire the sustaining influence of _their_ -sympathies and of _their_ supplications to heaven in my behalf and in -behalf of this Institution. Let all the pious and prayerful join with -me to-day, in a renewed consecration of this College to God, under the -deep conviction that 'except the Lord keep the city the watchman -waketh but in vain.' With such for my allies, and God as my help, I -shall enter on my labors with the assurance that the inspiriting -motto--'_nil desperandum est_'--is far more applicable to Hampden -Sydney than it was to the republic of Rome in the zenith of her -glory." - - -EULOGIES ON MARSHALL. - -1. _Judge Story's Discourse_. 2. _Binney's Eulogium_. - -We have received Mr. Binney's EULOGY pronounced at Philadelphia, and -Judge Story's DISCOURSE in Boston, upon our great and lamented -countryman, fellow-townsman, neighbor, and _friend_--for by all these -names did a fortuitous conjuncture of circumstances, including his own -kind and prideless heart, entitle us to call him. We have read them -both, with an interest _created_ by long admiration and love for the -subject, but rendered more intense by the beauties of the _manner_, in -which the subject is displayed. We do not say, '_materiem superat -opus_.' To _such_ a material, no human skill could be incommensurately -great: and Mr. Binney speaks with no less truth than modesty, in -making it the consolation alike of the humblest, and of the most -gifted eulogist, "that the case of this illustrious man is one, in -which _to give with simplicity the record of his life_," is most -nearly to copy "the great original;" and to attempt more, "is - - ... 'with taper light - To seek the beauteous eye _of Heaven to garnish_.'" - -But except Everett among the living, and Wirt and Ames among the -departed of our countrymen, we doubt if any American, with the -effusions of whose mind we are familiar, could have more closely -rivalled by language the character and the actions attempted to be -portrayed. - -It is not our purpose now to review these two eulogies. A more -extended notice of them, and of their great subject, we defer for our -next number; in which we shall, perhaps, give also a few light -personal reminiscences of Judge Marshall. - - -MINOR'S ADDRESS. - -_An Address on Education, as connected with the Permanence of our -Republican Institutions. Delivered before the Institute of Education -of Hampden Sidney College, at its Anniversary Meeting, September the -24th, 1835, on the invitation of that Body. By Lucian Minor, Esq. of -Louisa. Published by request of the Institute._ - -We earnestly call the attention of the public at large, but more -especially the attention of all good citizens of Virginia, to the -Address with whose title this article is headed. It will be found -entire in the columns of the Messenger--but its appearance, likewise, -in pamphlet form, simultaneously with the issuing of the present -number, affords us an opportunity of noticing it editorially without -deviating from established rules. - -Virginia is indebted to Mr. Minor--indebted for the seasonable -application of his remarks, and doubly indebted for the brilliant -eloquence, and impressive energy with which he has enforced them. We -sincerely wish--nay, we even confidently hope, that words so full of -warning, and at the same time so pregnant with truth, may succeed in -stirring up something akin to action in the legislative halls of the -land. Indeed there is no time to squander in speculation. The most -lukewarm friend of the State must perceive--if he perceives any -thing--that the glory of the Ancient Dominion is in a fainting--is in -a dying condition. Her once great name is becoming, in the North, a -bye-word for imbecility--all over the South, a type for "the things -that _have_ {67} _been_." And tamely to ponder upon times gone by is -not to meet the exigencies of times present or to come. Memory will -not help us. The recollection of our former high estate will not -benefit us. Let us act. While we have a resource let us make it of -avail. Let us proceed, at once, to the establishment throughout the -country, of _district schools_, upon a plan of organization similar to -that of our New England friends. If then, in time, Virginia shall be -regenerated--if she shall, hereafter, assume, as is just, that proud -station from which her own supine and over-weening self-esteem has -been the means of precipitating her, "it will all be owing," (we take -pleasure in repeating the noble and prophetic words of Mr. Minor,) "it -will all be owing, under Providence, to the hearkening to that -voice--not loud, but solemn and earnest--which from the shrine of -Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and enforces -the momentous precept--'ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE.'" - - -LEGENDS OF A LOG CABIN. - -_Legends of a Log Cabin. By a Western Man. New York: George Dearborn, -Publisher._ - -We have been much interested in this book in spite of some very -glaring faults and absurdities with which it is besprinkled. The work -is dedicated to Charles F. Hoffman, Esq. the author of _A Winter in -the West_, (why will our writers persist in this piece of starched and -antique affectation?) and consists of seven Tales, viz. _The Hunter's -Vow_, _The Heiress of Brandsby_, _The Frenchman's Story_, _The -Englishman's Story_, _The Yankee's Story_, _The Wyandot's Story_, and -the _Minute Men_. The plot will be readily conceived. A heterogeneous -company are assembled by accident, on a snowy night, in the Log Cabin -of a Western hunter, and, _pour passer le temps_, amuse themselves in -telling Stories. - -_The Hunter's Vow_ is, we think, the best of the series. A dreamy -student who can never be induced to forsake his books for the more -appropriate toils of a backwoods' existence, is suddenly aroused from -his apathy by the murder of his old father by an Indian--a murder -which takes place under the scholar's own eyes, and which might have -been prevented but for his ignorance in the art of handling and -loading a rifle. The entire change wrought in the boy's character is -well managed. The _Heiress of Brandsby_ is a tale neither so -verisimilar, nor so well told. It details the love of a Virginian -heiress for a Methodist of no very enticing character; and concludes -by the utter subversion, through the means of all powerful love, of -the lady's long cherished notions of aristocracy. The _Frenchman's -Story_ has appeared before in the American Monthly Magazine. It is a -well imagined and well executed tale of the French Revolution. The -fate of M. Girond "_who left town suddenly_," is related with that air -of naked and unvarnished truth so apt to render even a silly narrative -interesting. The _Englishman's Story_ is a failure--full of such -palpable folly that we have a difficulty in ascribing it to the same -pen which wrote the other portions of the volume. The whole tale -betrays a gross ignorance of law in general--and of English law in -especial. The _Yankee's Story_ is much better--but not very good. We -have our doubts as to the genuine Yankeeism of the narrator. His -language, at all events, savors but little of _Down East_. The -_Wyandot's Story_ is also good (this too has appeared in the American -Monthly Magazine)--but we have fault to find, likewise, with the -phraseology in this instance. No Indian, let Chateaubriand and others -say what they please, ever indulged, for a half hour at a time, in the -disjointed and hyperbolical humbug here attributed to the Wyandot. The -_Minute Men_ is the last of the series, and from its being told by the -author himself, is, we suppose, considered by him the best. It is a -tale of the year seventy-five--but, although interesting, we do not -think it equal to either _The Frenchman's Story_ or _The Hunter's -Vow_. We recommend the volume to the attention of our readers. It is -excellently gotten up. - - -TRAITS OF AMERICAN LIFE. - -_Traits of American Life. By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Editor of "The -American Ladies' Magazine," and Author of "Northwood," "Flora's -Interpreter," &c. &c. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey, and A. Hart._ - -This volume is beautifully printed--and we are happy in being able to -say, conscientiously, that its neat external appearance is its very -least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the -Preface--can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Sketches -and Stories here offered to the public"--says Mrs. Hale--"have not -entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor--but the -author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles -illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean -to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if -so, she should have said it more explicitly)--or does she allude -merely to novelty of manner or of matter? We think that some of these -sketches are old acquaintances of ours. - -The volume consists of fourteen different articles. The Lloyds--The -Catholic Convert--The Silver Mine--Political Parties--A New Year's -Story--Captain Glover's Daughter--The Fate of a Favorite--The Romance -of Travelling--The Thanksgiving of the Heart--The Lottery Ticket--An -Old Maid--Ladies' Fairs--The Mode--and The Mysterious Box. The Silver -Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole--but they are all written with -grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale -has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America, -and bids fair to attain a far higher. - - -WESTERN SKETCHES. - -_Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the West. By James Hall. -Philadelphia: Harrison Hall._ - -Mr. Hall has made himself extensively known by his Tales and Legends, -as well as by his labors in the editorship of the _Western Monthly -Magazine_. From his long residence in the West, and from his undoubted -abilities as a writer, we should suppose he would be excellently -qualified to write precisely such a book as he has written. His object -in the present publication seems to be not so much the furnishing of -topographical or statistical details, as the sketching of character -and life in the West, _prior to the close of the late war_. To those -who are at all acquainted with Mr. Hall, or with Mr. Hall's writings, -it is superfluous to say that the book is well written. Wild romance -and exciting adventure form its staple. - -{68} The policy of our government in regard to the Aborigines is -detailed in the commencement of the first volume--the latter portion -is occupied with the manners and customs of the French in the great -valley of the Mississippi, and with the adventures of the white -settlers on the Ohio. The second volume is more varied, and, we think, -by far more interesting. It treats, among other things, of Burr's -conspiracy--of the difficulties experienced in Mississippi navigation, -and of the various military operations carried on in the wilderness of -the North West. An Appendix, at the end of the book, embraces some -papers relative to the first settlement of Kentucky--none of which -have hitherto been published. We confidently recommend to our readers -the Western Sketches of Mr. Hall, in the full anticipation of their -finding in the book a fund both of information and amusement. - - -AMERICAN ALMANAC. - -_The American Almanac, and Repository of Useful Knowledge, for the -year 1836. Boston: Published by Charles Bowen._ - -This is the seventh number of this invaluable work. Its editor, from -the first year of its publication, is understood to have been J. E. -Worcester, Esq. the indefatigable author and compiler of a number of -works requiring great industry, perseverance, and talent. Nearly -twenty years ago he became known to the public by his Universal -Gazetteer, a second edition of which, at the present time, we agree -with the North American Review in thinking would be highly acceptable -to the public. Mr. Worcester has also published a Gazetteer of the -United States--The Elements of Geography--the Elements of History--The -Historical Atlas--an Edition of Johnson's Dictionary, as improved by -Todd and abridged by Chalmers--an Abridgment of the American -Dictionary of Dr. Webster--and, lastly, A Comprehensive Pronouncing -and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language, with Pronouncing -Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and Modern Geographical -Names--all of them works of intrinsic merit. - -The American Almanac has long had a well-established reputation, and -Mr. Worcester is understood to have prepared, invariably, all of its -valuable contents with the exception of the astronomical department. -When we consider the great variety of topics treated of, and the -extreme difficulty of procuring accurate information in relation to -many of them, we must all admire the energy of the editor in having -brought the work to its present high state of perfection and utility. -We know of no publication of the kind more fully entitled to be called -"A Repository of Useful Knowledge." - -The Almanac for 1836 contains the usual Register of the General and -State Governments, together with a vast amount of statistical and -miscellaneous matter; but "it is more particularly characterized by an -account of the principal Benevolent Institutions in the United States, -and a view of the Ecclesiastical Statistics of the Religious -Denominations." - -We believe that no work of an equal extent in America contains as much -important statistical information as the seven volumes of the American -Almanac. We are happy to learn that complete sets of the publication -can still be obtained. - - -CLINTON BRADSHAW. - -_Clinton Bradshaw; or The Adventures of a Lawyer. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard._ - -We have no doubt this book will be a favorite with many readers--but -for our own parts we do not like it. While the author aims at -originality, and evidently fancies himself the pioneer of a new region -in fictitious literature, he has, we think, unwittingly stumbled upon -that very worst species of imitation, _the paraphrasical_. _Clinton -Bradshaw, or the Adventures of a Lawyer_, is intended, we humbly -conceive, as a _pendant_, in America, to _Henry Pelham, or the -Adventures of a Gentleman_, in England. There are, however, some -little awkward discrepancies. When Pelham luxuriates in the -drawing-room, and Bradshaw is obstreperous in the tavern, no ingenuity -can sustain a parallel. The polished manners of the one are not -equalled by even the self-polished pumps of the other. When the -British hero is witty and _recherché_, the American fails to rival him -by merely trying to be both. The exquisite's conversation is sentiment -itself, and we have no stomach afterwards for the lawyer's sentiment -and water. - -"The plan of this novel," says a correspondent of a contemporary -Magazine, for whose _editorial_ opinions we have the highest respect, -"is exceedingly simple, and the moral it unfolds, if not of the most -elevated kind, is still useful and highly applicable to our existing -state of society. It is the story of a young lawyer of limited means, -and popular talents, whose ambition urges him to elevate himself by -all the honorable methods in his power. His professional pursuits lead -him among the coarsest criminals, while his political career brings -him in contact with the venal and corrupt of all parties. But true -alike to himself and the community of which he is a member, the stern -principles of a republican, and the uncompromising spirit of a -gentleman, are operative under all circumstances." These words we -quote as affording, in a brief space, some idea of the plot of Clinton -Bradshaw. We repeat, however, that we dislike the novel, considered -_as a novel_. Some detached passages are very good. The chief -excellence of the book consists in a certain Flemish caricaturing of -vulgar habitudes and action. The whole puts us irresistibly in mind of -_High Life below Stairs_. Its author is, we understand, a gentleman of -Cincinnati. - - -ENGLISH ANNUALS. - -_Friendship's Offering and Winter's Wreath for 1836_--a beautiful -_souvenir_. The literary portion unusually good. The tale of _The -Countess_, by Mrs. Norton, is the best article in the book. The -embellishments are mostly of a high order. Plate No. 7--The Countess, -engraved by H. T. Ryall, from an original painting by E. T. Parris, is -exquisite indeed--unsurpassed by any plate within our knowledge. - -_The Forget Me Not for 1836, edited by Shoberl_, is, perhaps, superior -to the Winter's Wreath in pictorial, although slightly inferior in -literary merit. _All_ the engravings here are admirable. - -_Fisher's Drawing-Room Scrap-Book for 1836, edited by L. E. L._ is, in -typographical beauty, unrivalled.--The literary portion of the work is -but _so so_, although written nearly altogether by L. E. L. These -Annuals may all be obtained, in Richmond, at the bookstore of Mr. C. -Hall. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER, -VOL. II., NO. 1, DECEMBER, 1835 *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part -of this license, apply to copying and distributing Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works to protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm -concept and trademark. Project Gutenberg is a registered trademark, -and may not be used if you charge for an eBook, except by following -the terms of the trademark license, including paying royalties for use -of the Project Gutenberg trademark. If you do not charge anything for -copies of this eBook, complying with the trademark license is very -easy. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: The Southern Literary Messenger, Vol. II., No. 1, December, 1835</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Various</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: March 09, 2021 [eBook #64767]</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Ron Swanson</div> - -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER, VOL. II., NO. 1, DECEMBER, 1835 ***</div> -<center>THE</center> -<h2>SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER:</h2> -<center>DEVOTED TO</center> -<h3>EVERY DEPARTMENT OF</h3> -<h1>LITERATURE AND THE FINE ARTS.</h1> -<br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem1"> - <tr><td><small>Au gré de nos desirs bien plus qu'au gré des vents. </small></td></tr> - <tr><td align="right"><small><i>Crebillon's Electre</i>.</small></td></tr> - <tr><td><small> </small></td></tr> - <tr><td><small>As <i>we</i> will, and not as the winds will.</small></td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<center><small>RICHMOND:<br> -T. W. WHITE, PUBLISHER AND PROPRIETOR.<br> -1835-6.</small></center> -<br><br><br><br> -<h3>CONTENTS OF VOLUME II, NUMBER 1</h3> - -<p><a href="#sect01">P<small>UBLISHER'S</small> N<small>OTICE</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect02">S<small>KETCHES OF THE</small> H<small>ISTORY</small> and -Present Condition of Tripoli, with some accounts of the other -Barbary States (No. IX)</a>: by R. G.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect03">O<small>CTOBER</small></a>: by Eliza</p> - -<p><a href="#sect04">M<small>OTHER AND</small> C<small>HILD</small></a>: by Imogene</p> - -<p><a href="#sect05">L<small>INES</small> written on one of the blank leaves of a book -sent to a friend in England.</a>: by Imogene</p> - -<p><a href="#sect06">T<small>HE</small> B<small>ROKEN</small> H<small>EART</small></a>: by Eliza</p> - -<p><a href="#sect07">H<small>ALLEY'S</small> C<small>OMET</small>—1760</a>: by Miss E. Draper</p> - -<p><a href="#sect08">E<small>XTRACTS FROM MY</small> M<small>EXICAN</small> J<small>OURNAL</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect09">S<small>CENES FROM AN</small> U<small>NPUBLISHED</small> D<small>RAMA</small></a>: by Edgar A. Poe</p> - -<p><a href="#sect10">L<small>OGIC</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect11">A<small>N</small> A<small>DDRESS ON</small> E<small>DUCATION</small>, as connected with the permanence of our -republican institutions</a>: by Lucian Minor, Esq.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect12">T<small>HE</small> W<small>ISSAHICCON</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect13">L<small>E</small> B<small>RUN</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect14">M<small>EMORY</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect15">T<small>HE</small> C<small>ITY</small></a></p> - -<p><a href="#sect16">M<small>ACEDOINE</small></a>: by the author of Other Things</p> - -<p><a href="#sect17">L<small>IONEL</small> G<small>RANBY</small>, Chapter VI</a>: by Theta</p> - -<p><a href="#sect18">T<small>HE</small> D<small>REAM</small></a>: by Sylvester</p> - -<p><a href="#sect19">MS. F<small>OUND IN A</small> B<small>OTTLE</small></a>: by Edgar A. Poe</p> - -<p><a href="#sect20">A S<small>KETCH</small></a>: by Alex. Lacey Beard, M.D.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect21">G<small>REEK</small> S<small>ONG</small></a>: by P.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect22">S<small>ONNET</small></a>: by * * *</p> - -<p><a href="#sect23">S<small>PECIMENS OF</small> L<small>OVELETTERS</small> in the -Reign of Edward IV</a>: by John Fenn, Esq., M.A. and F. R. S.</p> - -<p><a href="#sect24">M<small>ARCELIA</small></a>: by * * *</p> - -<p><a href="#sect25">T<small>O</small> M<small>IRA</small></a>: by L. A. Wilmer</p> - -<p><a href="#sect26">S<small>TANZAS</small></a>: by Leila</p> - -<p>C<small>RITICAL</small> N<small>OTICES</small><br> - <a href="#sect27">T<small>HE</small> H<small>EROINE</small></a>: -by Eaton Stannard Barrett, Esq.<br> - <a href="#sect28">H<small>AWKS OF</small> -H<small>AWK</small>-H<small>OLLOW</small></a>: by the author of Calavar and the Infidel<br> - <a href="#sect29">P<small>EERAGE AND</small> P<small>EASANTRY</small></a>: -edited by Lady Dacre<br> - <a href="#sect30">E<small>DINBURGH</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. CXXIV, for July 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect31">N<small>UTS TO</small> C<small>RACK</small></a>: -by the author of Facetiæ Cantabrigienses, etc.<br> - <a href="#sect32">R<small>OBINSON'S</small> P<small>RACTICE</small></a>: -by Conway Robinson<br> - <a href="#sect33">M<small>EMOIR OF</small> D<small>R</small>. -R<small>ICE</small></a>: by William Maxwell<br> - <a href="#sect34">L<small>IFE OF</small> D<small>R</small>. -C<small>ALDWELL</small></a>: by Walker Anderson, A.M.<br> - <a href="#sect35">W<small>ASHINGTONII</small> V<small>ITA</small></a>: -by Francis Glass, A.M.<br> - <a href="#sect36">N<small>ORMAN</small> L<small>ESLIE</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect37">T<small>HE</small> L<small>INWOODS</small></a>: -by the author of Hope Leslie, Redwood, etc.<br> - <a href="#sect38">W<small>ESTMINSTER</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. XLV, for July 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect39">L<small>ONDON</small> Q<small>UARTERLY</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. CVII, for July 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect40">N<small>ORTH</small> A<small>MERICAN</small> R<small>EVIEW</small>, -No. LXXXIX, for October 1835</a><br> - <a href="#sect41">C<small>RAYON</small> M<small>ISCELLANY</small></a>: -by the author of the Sketch Book<br> - <a href="#sect42">G<small>ODWIN'S</small> N<small>ECROMANCY</small></a>: -by William Godwin<br> - <a href="#sect43">R<small>EV</small>. D. L. C<small>ARROLL'S</small> -A<small>DDRESS</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect44">E<small>ULOGIES ON</small> M<small>ARSHALL</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect45">M<small>INOR'S</small> A<small>DDRESS</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect46">L<small>EGENDS OF A</small> L<small>OG</small> -C<small>ABIN</small></a>: by a western man<br> - <a href="#sect47">T<small>RAITS OF</small> A<small>MERICAN</small> -L<small>IFE</small></a>: by Mrs. Sarah J. Hale<br> - <a href="#sect48">W<small>ESTERN</small> S<small>KETCHES</small></a>: -by James Hall<br> - <a href="#sect49">A<small>MERICAN</small> A<small>LMANAC</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect50">C<small>LINTON</small> B<small>RADSHAW</small></a><br> - <a href="#sect51">E<small>NGLISH</small> A<small>NNUALS</small></a></p> -<br> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page1"><small><small>[p. 1]</small></small></a></span> -<br> -<br> -<hr> -<h3>SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER.</h3> -<hr> -<center>V<small>OL</small>. II. RICHMOND, DECEMBER, -1835. N<small>O</small>. 1.</center> -<hr> -<center><small>T. W. WHITE, PROPRIETOR. FIVE -DOLLARS PER ANNUM.</small></center> -<a name="sect01"></a> -<hr> -<br> -<br> -<h3>PUBLISHER'S NOTICE.</h3> -<p> </p> -<table align="left" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="Illustration1"> - <tr> - <td width="38"> - <img src="images/pointer.jpg" alt="pointer"> - </td> - </tr> -</table> - -<p>The gentleman, referred to in the ninth number of the Messenger, as -filling its editorial chair, retired thence with the eleventh number; -and the intellectual department of the paper is now under the conduct -of the Proprietor, assisted by a gentleman of distinguished literary -talents. Thus seconded, he is sanguine in the hope of rendering the -second volume which the present number commences, <i>at least</i> as -deserving of support as the former was: nay, if he reads aright the -tokens which are given him of the future, it teems with even richer -banquets for his readers, than they have hitherto enjoyed at his -board.</p> - -<p>Some of the contributors, whose effusions have received the largest -share of praise from critics, and (what is better still) have been -read with most pleasure by that larger, unsophisticated class, whom -Sterne loved for reading, and being pleased "they knew not why, and -care not wherefore"—may be expected to continue their favors. Among -these, we hope to be pardoned for singling out the name of Mr. E<small>DGAR</small> -A. P<small>OE</small>; not with design to make any invidious distinction, but because -such a mention of him finds numberless precedents in the journals on -every side, which have rung the praises of his uniquely original vein -of imagination, and of humorous, delicate satire. We wish that decorum -did not forbid our specifying other names also, which would afford -ample guarantee for the fulfilment of larger promises than ours: but -it may not be; and of our other contributors, all we can say is—"by -their fruits ye shall know them."</p> - -<p>It is a part of our present plan, to insert <i>all original -communications</i> as editorial; that is, simply to omit the words "For -the Southern Literary Messenger" at the head of such articles:—unless -the contributor shall especially desire to have that caption prefixed, -or there be something which requires it in the nature of the article -itself. <i>Selected articles</i>, of course, will bear some appropriate -token of their origin.</p> - -<p>With this brief salutation to patrons and readers, we gird up -ourselves for entering upon the work of another year, with zeal and -energy increased, by the recollection of kindness, and by the hopes of -still greater success.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect02"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SKETCHES OF THE HISTORY</h4> -<h5>AND PRESENT CONDITION OF TRIPOLI, WITH SOME ACCOUNTS OF THE OTHER -BARBARY STATES.</h5> -<center>N<small>O</small>. IX.—(Continued.)</center> -<br> -<p>About this period commenced those differences between France and the -Algerine Government, which led to the overthrow of the latter, and the -establishment of the French in Northern Africa; the circumstances -which occasioned the dispute were however of much older date.</p> - -<p>Between 1793 and 1798 the French Government on several occasions -obtained from the Dey and merchants of Algiers, large quantities of -grain on credit, for the subsistence of its armies in Italy, and the -supply of the Southern Department where a great scarcity then -prevailed. The creditors endeavored to have their claims on this -account satisfied by the Directory, but that incapable and rapacious -Government had neither the principle to admit, nor the ability to -discharge such demands; every species of chicanery was in consequence -employed by it in evading them, until the rupture with Turkey produced -by the expedition to Egypt placing the Barbary States either really or -apparently at war with the French Republic, a pretext was thus -afforded for deferring their settlement indefinitely. Under the -Consular <i>regime</i> however, a treaty of peace was concluded with -Algiers on the 17th of December 1801, by the thirteenth article of -which, the Government of each State engaged to cause payment to be -made of all debts due by itself or its subjects to the Government or -subjects of the other; the former political and commercial relations -between the two countries were re-established, and the Dey restored to -France the territories and privileges called the <i>African -Concessions</i>, which had been seized by him on the breaking out of the -war. This treaty was ratified by the Dey on the 5th of April 1802, and -after examination of the claims on both sides, the French Government -acknowledged itself debtor for a large amount to the Jewish mercantile -house of Bacri and Busnach of Algiers, as representing the African -creditors. Of the sum thus acknowledged to be due, only a very small -portion was paid, and the Dey Hadji Ali seeing no other means of -obtaining the remainder, in 1809 seized upon the <i>Concessions;</i> they -were however of little value to France at that time, when her flag was -never seen in the Mediterranean, and their confiscation merely served -as a pretext for withholding farther payment. In 1813, when the star -of Napoleon began to wane, and he found it necessary to assume at -least the appearance of honesty, he declared that measures would be -taken for the adjustment of the Algerine claims; but he fell without -redeeming his promise, and on the distribution of his spoils, the -Jewish merchants had not interest enough to obtain their rightful -portion, which amounted to fourteen millions of francs.</p> - -<p>Upon the return of the Bourbons to the throne of France, the -government of that country became desirous to renew its former -intercourse with the Barbary States, and to regain its ancient -establishments and privileges in their territories, which were -considered important from political as well as commercial motives. For -this purpose, M. Deval a person who was educated in the East and had -been long attached to the French Embassy at Constantinople, was -appointed Consul General of France in Barbary, and sent to Algiers -with powers to negotiate. The first result of this mission, was a -convention which has never been officially published; however in -consequence of it the <i>African Concessions</i> were restored to France, -together with the exclusive right of fishing for coral on the coasts -in their vicinity <span class="pagenum"><a name="page2"><small><small>[p. 2]</small></small></a></span> -and various commercial privileges; in return for -which the French were to pay annually to Algiers, the sum of sixty -thousand francs. It appears also to have been understood between the -parties, that no fortifications were to be erected within the ceded -territories in addition to those already standing, and that -arrangements should be speedily made for the examination and -settlement of all their claims on both sides, not only of those for -which provision was made in the treaty of 1801, but also of such as -were founded on subsequent occurrences; after this mutual adjustment -the treaty of 1801 confirming all former treaties was to be in force.</p> - -<p>The annual sum required by Omar for the <i>Concessions</i>, was much -greater than any which had been previously paid for them by France; -Hussein however immediately on his elevation to the throne, raised it -to two hundred thousand francs, and he moreover declared, that the -debt acknowledged to be due to his subjects must be paid, before any -notice were taken of claims which were still liable to be contested. -In opposition to these demands, the French endeavored to prove their -right to the territories of Calle and Bastion de France by reference -to ancient treaties both with Algiers and the Porte, in which no -mention is made of payment for them; with regard to the claims, they -insisted that the only just mode of settlement, was by admitting into -one statement all the demands which could be established on either -side, and then balancing the account. The Dey however remained firm in -his resolution, and exhibited signs of preparation to expel the French -from the <i>Concessions</i>, when their government yielded the point -concerning the amount to be annually paid.</p> - -<p>A compromise was made respecting the claims between the French -Government and the Agents of the Algerines, on the 28th of October, -1819; as the articles of this agreement have never been published, its -terms are only to be gathered from the declarations of the French -Ministers in the Legislative Chambers, and the semi-official -communications in the <i>Moniteur</i> the organ of the Government. From -these it appears that the French Government acknowledged itself -indebted for the sum of seven millions of francs, to Messrs. Bacri and -Busnach, which was to be received by them in full discharge of claims -on the part of Algiers, under the thirteenth article of the treaty of -1801; from this sum however was to be retained a sufficiency to cover -the demands of French subjects against Algiers under the same article, -which demands were to be substantiated by the Courts of Law of France; -finally, each party was to settle the claims of its own subjects -against the other, founded on occurrences subsequent to the conclusion -of the said treaty. The French historical writers affect to consider -this arrangement entirely as a private affair between their Government -and the Jewish merchants, and indeed the Ministry endeavored at first -to represent it in that light to the Legislature; but they were forced -to abandon this ground when they communicated its stipulations, and -the Minister of Foreign Affairs declared in the Chamber of Deputies, -that the Dey had formally accepted it on the 12th of April 1820, and -had admitted that the treaty of 1801 was thereby fully executed.</p> - -<p>In order to comply with this arrangement, a bill requiring an -appropriation of seven millions of francs was in June, 1820, submitted -by the French Ministry to the Legislative Chambers, in both of which -its adoption was resisted by the small minority then opposed to the -Government. The debates on this occasion are worthy of notice, as many -of the arguments advanced against the appropriation, have been since -employed to defeat the bill for executing the treaty of 1831 by which -the United States were to be indemnified for the injuries inflicted on -their commerce by Napoleon. The claims against France were in both -cases pronounced <i>antiquated</i> and <i>obsolete</i> [<i>vieilles reclamations, -créances dechues</i>] and the fact that they had long remained unsettled, -was thus deemed sufficient to authorize their indefinite postponement. -The great diminution to which the creditors had assented, was -considered as affording strong presumption that their demands were -destitute of foundation; and the probability that many of the claims, -had been purchased at a low price by the actual holders, from the -persons with whom the contracts were originally made, was gravely -alleged as a reason for not satisfying them. The advantages secured to -France by each Convention were examined in detail, and compared with -the sums required for extinguishing the debts; and the Ministry were -in both cases censured for not having obtained more in return for -their payment. It is not surprising to hear such sentiments avowed by -men educated in the service of Napoleon, but it is painful to find -them supported by others distinguished for their literary merits, and -for their exertions in the cause of liberty.</p> - -<p>The bill for the appropriation of the seven millions of francs, was -passed by a large majority in both Chambers, the influence of the -Crown being at that period overwhelming. Four millions and a half were -in consequence paid within the ensuing three years to the Jewish -merchants, who having thus received the whole amount of their own -demands retired to Italy; the remaining two and a half millions were -retained by the Government of France in order to secure the discharge -of the claims of its subjects, under the treaty of 1801, which were -yet pending in the Courts of the Kingdom. At the retention of this -sum, the Dey was, or affected to be at first much surprised, and he -insisted that the Government should hasten the decisions of the -Courts; however as years passed by without any signs of approach to a -definitive settlement, his impatience became uncontrollable. Moreover -in addition to the annoyance occasioned by this constant postponement, -he was much dissatisfied, on account of the fortifications which the -French were erecting at Calle, contrary as he insisted to the -understanding between the parties at the time of its cession. To his -observations and inquiries on both these subjects he received answers -from the French Consul which were generally evasive and often -insulting, until at length wearied by delays and having strong reason -to believe that M. Deval had a personal interest in creating obstacles -to an adjustment of the difficulties, he determined to address the -French Government directly. Accordingly in 1826 he wrote a letter to -the Minister of Foreign Affairs of that country, in which after -indignantly expressing his sense of the conduct of the French -Government, in the retention of this large sum and the erection of -fortresses in the <i>Concessions</i>, he required that the remainder of the -seven millions should be immediately paid into his own hands, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page3"><small><small>[p. 3]</small></small></a></span> and -that the French claimants should then submit their demands to him for -adjustment.</p> - -<p>No notice having been taken of the Dey's letter, the Algerine cruisers -began to search French vessels in a manner contrary to the terms of -existing treaties, and to plunder those of the Papal States which were -by a Convention to be respected as French. Besides these acts of -violence the Dey shortly after issued a proclamation declaring that -all nations would be permitted on the same terms to fish for coral -near the coasts of his Regency. M. Deval complained of these -proceedings at a public audience on the 27th of April, 1827; Hussein -in reply haughtily declared that he had been provoked to them by the -bad faith of the French, and that he should no longer allow them to -have a cannon in his territories, nor to enjoy a single peculiar -privilege; he then demanded why his letter to the French Ministry had -not been answered, and when M. Deval stated that his Government could -only communicate with that of Algiers through himself, he was so much -enraged that he seized a large fan from one of the attendants, with -which he struck the representative of France several times before he -could leave the apartment.</p> - -<p>As soon as the French Government was informed of this outrage, a -schooner was despatched to Algiers with orders to M. Deval to quit the -place instantly; a squadron was also sent in the same direction, under -the command of Commodore Collet who was charged to require -satisfaction from the Dey. The schooner arrived in Algiers on the 11th -of June, and M. Deval embarked in her on the same day, together with -the other French subjects resident in the place, leaving the affairs -of his office under the care of the Sardinian Consul. At the entrance -of the bay the schooner met the French squadron, consisting of a ship -of the line, two frigates and a corvette; M. Deval then joined the -Commodore, and after consultation between them as to the nature and -mode of the reparation to be demanded, the schooner was sent back to -Algiers with a note containing what was declared to be the <i>ultimatum</i> -of the French Government. This note was presented to Hussein on the -14th; in it the Dey was required to apologize for the offence -committed against the dignity of France, by the insult to its -representative; and in order to make the apology the more striking and -complete, it was to be delivered on board the Commodore's ship, by the -Minister of Marine, in the presence of M. Deval, and of all the -foreign Consuls resident in Algiers, whose attendance was to be -requested; the French flag was then to be displayed on the Casauba and -principal forts, and M. Deval was to receive a salute of one hundred -and ten guns.</p> - -<p>The policy as well as the generosity of requiring such humiliating -concessions from the Government of any country, may be questioned, but -it is certainly hazardous to make the demand unless it be accompanied -by the display of a force calculated to insure immediate compliance. -Decatur indeed with a force perhaps inferior to that of Collet, -propounded terms to Omar Dey in 1815, which were really much more -onerous to Algiers than those offered on the present occasion by the -French; they were accepted, and it is therefore needless to inquire -what would have been his course in the other alternative. Collet was -not so fortunate; his demands were rejected with scorn and defiance by -Hussein, who added that if the Commodore did not within twenty-four -hours land and treat with him on the subjects in dispute between the -two nations, he should consider himself at war with France. The French -Commander did not think proper to comply with this invitation, and -declared the place in a state of blockade, under the expectation -probably that the distress produced by such a measure, might occasion -discontent and commotions which would either oblige the Dey to lower -his tone, or lead to the destruction of so refractory an enemy. -Recollecting however what had occurred at Bona in May 1816, he adopted -the precaution of sending vessels to the various establishments in the -<i>Concessions</i>, in order to bring away the Europeans who were there, -under the protection of the French flag; these vessels succeeded in -rescuing the people, who were transported to Corsica, but their -dwellings and magazines were rifled by the Bey of the Province, who -had just received orders to that effect, and the fortifications at -Calle were entirely destroyed.</p> - -<p>The preceding account of the circumstances which led to the war -between France and Algiers, will be found by comparison to vary -considerably from those given by the French historical writers, and to -be defective and unsatisfactory with regard to several important -particulars, which are stated by them with great apparent clearness -and confidence. To these objections, only general replies can be made; -this account has been drawn entirely from original sources, and where -they failed to supply the requisite information, silence has been -preferred to the introduction of statements on doubtful authority. The -only publications on the subject which may be termed official, are the -declarations of the French Ministers contained in the Reports of the -Debates in the Legislative Chambers, and the articles on the subject -in question inserted from time to time in the <i>Moniteur</i>, the avowed -organ of the Government. From the Algerines we have nothing. The -conventions of which the alleged non-fulfilment occasioned this -rupture have been withheld by the French Ministry; no account has been -given of the claims against Algiers brought before the French Courts, -of the causes which retarded the decisions respecting them, of the -amount demanded or awarded; without precise information as to these -particulars, it is impossible to form a correct judgment of the case. -This silence and the vagueness and reserve so apparent in the -communications of the French Government, on the subject, are certainly -calculated to create suspicions, as to its sincerity in maintaining -its engagements, and these suspicions are increased by an examination -of its conduct throughout the whole affair.</p> - -<p>It would be incompatible with the character or plan of these Sketches, -to give a review of the proceedings of the French Government; the -impression produced on the mind of the author, by a diligent study of -the case, is that the parties in the dispute mistrusted the intentions -of each other. The French were anxious to make permanent -establishments on the coast of Northern Africa, which Hussein who had -much more definite ideas of policy than perhaps any of his -predecessors, determined from the commencement of his reign to oppose; -before resorting to violent measures however, he wished to secure the -payment of the large debt <span class="pagenum"><a name="page4"><small><small>[p. 4]</small></small></a></span> -due to himself and his subjects. The -French having good reason from his conduct, to apprehend that as soon -as he had received the whole of the sum, which they had engaged to -pay, he would find some pretext to expel them from his dominions, may -have had recourse to the old expedient of withholding a part, in order -that he might be restrained from aggressions by the fear of losing it. -We have no means of ascertaining the share which M. Deval may have had -in producing or increasing the difficulties, but there is reason to -believe that it was not inconsiderable; his conduct is admitted to -have been highly imprudent and indeed improper, even by the best -French authorities, and it was condemned as dishonorable by the Dey, -as well as by the most respectable portion of the Consular body at -Algiers.</p> - -<p>Before entering upon the events of this war it will be proper to -advert to the situation of the other Barbary States, and to notice the -principal occurrences which transpired in them about this period.</p> - -<p>It would be uninteresting to recount all the attempts made by the -inferior powers of Europe to preserve peace with the Barbary -Regencies; sufficient has been said to demonstrate the vainness of the -expectation that the rulers of those states would be restrained from -any course which promised to be immediately beneficial to their -interests, by regard for engagements however solemnly taken. The King -of the Netherlands by a judicious display of firmness in 1824, -succeeded in preventing his country from being rendered tributary to -Algiers; but he, as well as the sovereigns of Sweden and Denmark, -continued to pay large annual sums to Tunis and Tripoli.</p> - -<p>In Tunis, no events of much importance transpired during the reign of -Mahmoud, which have not been already mentioned. The Regency continued -at peace with foreign nations, and its situation was in general -prosperous, notwithstanding the desolation produced by a plague in -1818, an extensive conspiracy headed by the Prime Minister in 1820, -and the frequent contests between the adherents of Hassan and Mustapha -the two sons of the Bey. Mahmoud at length died quietly on the 28th of -March 1824, and Hassan succeeded without opposition.</p> - -<p>A short time previous to the death of Mahmoud, some alterations not -very material indeed, yet favorable on the whole to the United States, -were made in the treaty concluded between their Government and that of -Tunis in 1797. One of the amended articles provides—that no American -merchant vessel shall be detained against the will of her captain in a -Tunisian port, unless such port be closed for vessels of all nations, -and that no American vessel of war should be so detained under any -circumstances. This was considered by the British Government at -variance with the terms of the engagement made with Admiral Freemantle -in 1812, by which the armed vessels of nations at war with Great -Britain were not to be suffered to leave a Tunisian port within -twenty-four hours after the sailing of a British vessel; and the -Consul was directed to ask for explanations on the subject from the -Bey. Hassan who had by this time succeeded to the throne replied -positively, that there was nothing contradictory in the two -stipulations, and that this agreement had been made with the United -States, merely in order to place them on a level with other nations. -As the British Government had thought proper to make the inquiry, it -is strange that it should have been satisfied with such an answer; -however, under the condition of things then existing and the -probabilities with respect to the future, it was certainly not worth -while to press the matter further.</p> - -<p>The Pasha of Tripoli, notwithstanding the treaties made with Lord -Exmouth in behalf of Sardinia and the Two Sicilies in 1816, and his -protestations to the English and French Admirals three years after, -sent out armed vessels to cruise against the commerce of the Italian -States. When complaint was made of these depredations, Yusuf replied -that the treaties were no longer binding, and that if those nations -wished to remain at peace with him, they must pay him an annual -tribute. To this insolent and unreasonable pretension, the King of -Sardinia replied by fitting out a squadron composed of two frigates, a -corvette and a brig, which sailed from Genoa in September 1825, and -arrived before Tripoli on the 25th of that month.</p> - -<p>Before relating the proceedings of this expedition it will be proper -to give some account of the place against which it was sent.</p> - -<p>The town of Tripoli stands on a rocky point of land projecting -northwardly into the Mediterranean; it is surrounded by a high and -thick wall, forming an unequal pentagon or figure of five sides of -different lengths, of which the two northern are washed by the sea, -the other three looking upon a sandy plain but partially cultivated. -The circumference of the place is about three miles, and the area -enclosed within the wall does not exceed one thousand yards square.</p> - -<p>The shore on the north-western side of the town is bordered by rocky -islets, which render it almost unapproachable by vessels; but in order -to secure the place effectually from attack on that quarter, a battery -has been erected on one of the islets called the French fort. The -harbor is on the north-eastern side; it is about two miles in length -and a mile in width, and is partially enclosed by a reef of rocks -extending for some distance into the sea; on these rocks are situated -the principal fortifications, and by filling up the space between -them, which could be done with but little labor, the reef might be -converted into a continued mole. The depth of water in the harbor no -where exceeds six fathoms, and great care must be taken by vessels to -avoid the numerous shoals and hidden dangers which beset the entrance; -the frigate Philadelphia struck in fourteen feet water on one of these -shoals distant three miles and a half northeast of Tripoli, and one -mile north of Kaliusa Point at the eastern extremity of the harbor.</p> - -<p>The fortifications of Tripoli on the land side are of no value, and -could not for an instant withstand an attack from a well appointed -force; the wall, said to have been built by Dragut, is of great height -and thickness, and provided with a rampart on which are mounted some -guns, but these pieces are generally useless from rust and want of -carriages. Towards the harbor the defences are more respectable, and -have on many occasions as already shown, preserved the place from -capture or destruction. On the shore forming the south-eastern side of -the harbor, are two forts called the Dutch and English forts, and -opposite them on the reef of rocks are two others, much larger and -stronger, <span class="pagenum"><a name="page5"><small><small>[p. 5]</small></small></a></span> -called the New and English forts; these have been all -constructed by European engineers, and are kept in tolerable order.</p> - -<p>There is but little appearance of wealth in Tripoli; the Moorish -population amounting to about fourteen thousand are in general very -poor, the trade being almost exclusively in the hands of the Jews, -whose number is about two thousand. The palace contains some -apartments possessing a certain degree of grandeur and furnished in a -costly manner principally with French articles; in the town there are -a few good stone buildings, with courts and arcades in the Italian -style; these are however chiefly occupied by the foreign Consuls and -merchants, the greater part of the inhabitants dwelling in mere hovels -of mud but one story high. The roofs of the houses are all flat, and -great care is taken to have the rain conveyed from them into cisterns, -as there is not a well or spring of fresh water in the place.</p> - -<p>A triumphant arch, the inscription on which denotes that it was -erected in honor of the Roman Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius -Verus, is the only remarkable monument of antiquity in the place. It -is much defaced, nearly buried in the ground and encumbered with mean -houses; but as far as can be ascertained, it exceeds in beauty of -design, proportion and parts, any other similar relique of Roman art.</p> - -<p>The immediate environs of Tripoli are desert; about two or three miles -to the eastward is a rich and highly cultivated plain called the -Messeah where the Foreign Consuls and the wealthy inhabitants of the -town have their villas.</p> - -<p>As soon as the Sardinian squadron arrived before Tripoli, the -Cavaliere Sivori who commanded it immediately landed with some of his -officers on the guaranty of the British Consul, and had an audience -with the Pasha. Yusuf at first assured him that every thing would be -accommodated, but on the day succeeding he presented a note in which -his demand for tribute was unequivocally stated, accompanied by other -proposals equally insulting. The Cavaliere on this took his leave, and -having recommended the subjects and interests of his master to the -care of the British Consul, he retired to his ships determined to -assert the rights of his country by force. The sea was too rough at -the time to permit the approach of the ships to the town, without -danger of their being stranded; but Sivori wished to lose no time, and -to effect if possible immediately the destruction of the Pasha's -shipping; he accordingly manned a number of boats which entered the -harbor at midnight in three divisions, commanded by Lieutenant -Mamelli. The expedition was perfectly successful; a brig of twelve -guns and two schooners of six guns each were boarded and set on fire, -during a heavy cannonade from all the surrounding batteries; the men -then landed from the boats, and endeavored to force the gates of the -dock-yard and custom house, but this being found impracticable, they -retreated in good order to their ships. The next day the weather -proving more favorable, preparations were made for an attack on the -town; but Yusuf finding that he had mistaken the character of his -assailants, and not wishing to subject himself to further loss, agreed -to an adjustment, and signed a convention renewing the engagements -made to Lord Exmouth in 1816.</p> - -<p>The King of the Two Sicilies was less fortunate in his attempt to -bring the Pasha of Tripoli to reasonable terms. Yusuf had suspended -his demands on Naples for some time after the attack made on him by -the Sardinians, and it was supposed that he had abandoned them; -however in the beginning of 1828, he suddenly required from His -Sicilian Majesty payment of one hundred thousand dollars immediately, -and an annual tribute of five thousand more, as the price of -continuance of peace. King Francis considered the honor of his country -too precious, or the sums demanded by the Pasha too great, for he -refused to pay either present or tribute and even sent a squadron to -Tripoli to bear his reply. The Sicilian force consisted of a ship of -the line, two frigates, two corvettes, a brig, a schooner, and twelve -gun and mortar boats, and arrived off Tripoli on the 22d of August, -1828, under the command of Baron Alphonso Sosi de Caraffa, who was -authorized to treat with the Pasha respecting the future relations -between the two countries. The Commander instantly landed under proper -assurance of safety, and held a conference with the Pasha, in which he -endeavored to induce him to adhere to the treaty of 1815; Yusuf -however remained firm to his purpose, and rejected all propositions of -adjustment on other terms than those he had already offered. The -Sicilian flag was in consequence taken down from the Consulate, and -the Consul retired with the Baron on board the squadron.</p> - -<p>The next morning the 23d, the Sicilian squadron sailed into the -harbor, and commenced an attack on the Tripoline vessels of war, -twenty in number, which were drawn up in front of the reef of rocks, -under the guns of the New and Spanish forts. The large ships of the -squadron kept aloof from the batteries and only a few of the gun and -mortar boats approached near enough to produce any effect by their -fires. The injury sustained by either party was thus very slight, and -a storm coming up, after a desultory contest of three hours, Caraffa -thought proper to withdraw his forces, and put to sea. The storm -continued for the two succeeding days; on the 26th the attack was -resumed, but in the same inefficient manner; it was renewed on the -27th and 28th, during which the Sicilians expended a great deal of -ammunition, but to very little purpose on account of the great -distance at which their ships remained from the object of attack. At -length on the 29th, the Commodore concluded that his attempts were -likely to prove fruitless, and therefore resolved to return to Naples.</p> - -<p>The Tripolines behaved with great gallantry throughout the affair, -their own boats advancing frequently towards the enemy; their loss was -trifling, and only two or three shots from the Sicilians reached the -town, where they caused no damage. Immediately on the retreat of the -squadron, Yusuf sent out his cruisers which took several Sicilian -vessels, but the French Government interfered, and its Consul at -Tripoli was ordered to negotiate in favor of Naples. The Pasha could -not refuse such a mediation, and a Convention was in consequence -signed on the 28th of October, by which the former treaty was renewed, -the King of Naples however engaging to pay immediately twenty thousand -dollars to Tripoli as indemnification for the expenses occasioned by -the war.</p> - -<p>Yusuf had by this time become an old man, and the decay of his body -was accompanied by corresponding -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page6"><small><small>[p. 6]</small></small></a></span> -changes in his character and -mental faculties. The firmness which had so long sustained him under -the pressure of heavy difficulties, gave place to a disposition to -temporize, inclining him to sacrifice prospects of future advantage, -in order to avert a present evil; the energy which had caused him to -be viewed with a certain degree of respect, notwithstanding his -repeated acts of treachery and violence, now exhibited itself in -undignified bursts of passion, and an insatiable desire to increase -his treasures was the only remnant of his former ambition. The -condition of the Regency had indeed been improved in many respects -during his reign; its productiveness was increased, the communications -were more easy and secure, and the affairs of internal administration, -as well as the intercourse with foreign nations, were conducted with -greater regularity and precision than before his accession. These -reforms however served as they were intended, only to advance the -personal interests of the sovereign; and the people became more -wretched as the means of oppression were thus rendered more effectual -by system. To obtain money had become the sole object of Yusuf's -plans: if he repressed the ravages of the wandering tribes, it was -only that he might levy greater contributions himself; and if the -caravans traversed his dominions with unwonted security, this -advantage was more than counterbalanced by the augmentation of duties -on their merchandize. In imitation of the Viceroy of Egypt, whom he -seems to have adopted as his model, he likewise engaged in commercial -speculations, which were productive of serious evils to his subjects. -These enterprises were generally carried on by the Pasha in -conjunction with foreigners resident in Tripoli, or through their -agency; and in order to affect the value in the market of articles -which he might wish to buy or sell, the duties on their export or -import were on several occasions suddenly raised or lowered, to the -ruin of regular merchants. Notwithstanding these arbitrary measures, -or perhaps in consequence of them, the speculations were generally -unsuccessful, and the Pasha became indebted on account of their -failure for immense sums, principally to subjects of France and -England; these creditors, when unable to obtain settlement of their -claims in any other way, were in the habit of applying to their own -Governments for relief, and the unfortunate Pasha after having been -long dunned by an overbearing Consul, was occasionally obliged to open -his treasury on the summons of an Admiral.</p> - -<p>These and other troubles affected the Pasha the more deeply as he -could place little confidence in those who surrounded him. Mohammed -D'Ghies whose kindness and integrity were worthy of being employed in -a better cause, still lived and bore the title of Chief Minister; but -age and blindness had long rendered him incapable of attending to -business, and the duties of his office were performed by his eldest -son Hassuna, of whom more will be said hereafter. The other ministers -and agents of the Pasha, were persons of whose unscrupulous character -he must have received too many evidences, to have supposed them -attached to him by any other ties than their interests.</p> - -<p>In the members of his own family Yusuf could place but little -reliance; he whose youth had been signalized by the murder of his -brother and rebellion against his father, could with an ill grace -recommend fraternal affection among his children, or require of them -obedience to his own authority. The attempt made by his eldest son -Mohammed in 1816 to obtain possession of the throne has been already -noticed; this wretch continued for ten years after his pardon in a -species of exile, as Governor of Derne, while his next brother Ahmed -enjoyed the title of Bey of the Regency, and was regarded as the -probable successor to the crown. Ahmed however dying suddenly, -Mohammed organized another conspiracy in his province, with a view to -the overthrow of his father, which attempt proving like the former one -unsuccessful, he again fled to Egypt where he died in 1829. Mohammed -left in Tripoli a son named Emhammed who would have been the regular -heir to the crown according to the customs of succession in Europe; -but primogeniture is for various reasons little regarded in Oriental -countries, and the reigning sovereign usually favors the pretensions -of the son to whom he is the most attached, or whom he considers most -capable of maintaining possession of the inheritance. For one or both -of these reasons, Yusuf thought proper to set aside Emhammed, and to -designate his own next surviving son Ali as the future Pasha of -Tripoli; this prince was accordingly on the death of Ahmed, invested -with the title of Bey, which gave him command of the troops, and in -order to increase his wealth and influence, he was married to the -daughter of the Chief Minister D'Ghies. These marks of favor only -served to render Ali more impatient to enjoy the prize which they were -intended to insure to him, and while waiting an opportunity to seize -it, he gratified his own avarice by extorting as much money as he -could from the people, through the aid of his myrmidons. The -inhabitants thus suffering from the violent and arbitrary exactions of -the Bey, in addition to the taxes and duties imposed on them by the -Pasha, were frequently driven into rebellions, the suppressions of -which by increasing the public expenses increased the miseries of the country.</p> - -<p>In addition to these difficulties, Yusuf was tormented by the quarrels -and jealousies of the Foreign Consuls residing in his capital, and by -their interference in the affairs of his Government. Quarrels and -jealousies are naturally to be expected among the members of a -diplomatic corps, particularly of one in which all bear the same title -and are nominally equal, while the influence possessed by each is -generally commensurate with the power of the country which he -represents. Thus the Consuls of France and England in Barbary have -ever considered themselves superior to the representatives of other -states, and have ever been rivals, each demanding the precedence on -public occasions, and claiming a host of exclusive privileges either -on the strength of treaties, or of custom. Their claims to superiority -both in rank and privileges have been generally allowed by their -European colleagues who according to circumstances range themselves -under the banner of one or the other of these potentates; the Consuls -of the United States have however uniformly refused to admit any -inferiority on their own part, demanding for themselves the enjoyment -of every substantial right granted to the representative of any other -power, and abstaining from appearance on occasions of ceremony, in -which a preference unfavorable to themselves may be manifested.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page7"><small><small>[p. 7]</small></small></a></span> -<p>In Algiers and Tunis, these disputes seldom attracted the notice -of the Government, and the influence which a Consul could exercise in -either of those Regencies, was scarcely worth the sums which must be -paid for it. In Tripoli however, and especially since 1815, the agents -of Great Britain and France have each endeavored to obtain a degree of -control in the affairs of the state. Colonel Warrington who has -represented Great Britain during that period, is well calculated by -his general intelligence and the inflexible resolution of his -character to acquire this superiority; and having been always -supported by his Government, many of his demands have been instantly -complied with, which would otherwise have been regarded merely as the -ebullitions of arrogance and presumption. On the slightest resistance -to his wishes, the ships of war of his nation appeared in the harbor, -the Minister who offended him sat uneasy in his place, and every -aggression committed by a Tripoline upon the honor or interests of -Great Britain, was speedily and severely punished.</p> - -<p>The possession of such powers by the representative of Great Britain, -would certainly not be regarded with indifference by France; as it is -not so convenient however, to send squadrons on all occasions to the -aid of the Consul, he is obliged to rely the more on his own -resources. The French Consuls in Barbary and the East are generally -persons who have been educated for the purpose, either in the embassy -at Constantinople, or at some consulate in those countries. With -regard to the propriety of such selections, experience seems to have -shown that the advantages of acquaintance with the customs and -languages of the Eastern nations, are more than counterbalanced by the -loss of honorable feelings, and the disregard of moral restraints -which frequently result from this mode of acquiring them. Whether -Baron Rousseau who was for many years Consul of France in Tripoli, was -trained in one of these schools, it is needless to inquire, but he -appears to have displayed during his residence in that Regency, a -talent and a disposition for intrigue, which would have done honor to -the most accomplished drogaman of Pera. Between him and Warrington -there was a constant struggle for influence, and the Pasha was -alternately annoyed by the overbearing dictation of the British -Consul, and the wily manoeuvres of Rousseau.</p> - -<p>One of the most frequent causes of difficulties between the -Governments of Barbary and the Consuls of Foreign Powers, is the right -claimed by the latter to protect all persons within the walls of their -residence. In those countries it is absolutely requisite for the -security of the Consul and for the discharge of his duties, that the -persons in his employ should not be subjected to the despotism of the -Government, nor to the doubtful decisions of the tribunals; and -provisions to that effect are generally inserted in the treaties -between Christian nations and those of Barbary. The Consuls however -insist that the privilege should extend to the protection not only of -their families, servants and countrymen, but also of all other persons -under their roof; and the most abandoned criminals having entered such -a sanctuary, are thus frequently screened from punishment. This -privilege is productive of inconvenience not only to the Government -but also to the Consuls whom it frequently involves in difficulties; -the representatives of the inferior powers therefore seldom attempt to -maintain it, but generally surrender the fugitive, if a native of the -country, to the Government, or oblige him to quit their dwelling, -rather than subject themselves to the hazard of having it invaded by -force; those of Great Britain and France on the contrary, make it a -point of honor not to yield, except in cases where the fugitive has -injured some one of their colleagues or his guilt is clearly proved; -and even then they have frequently required assurances that he should -be pardoned, or that his punishment should be mitigated. A -circumstance of this nature occurred in 1829 which brought these two -parties in direct and open collision, and for a time involved the -Consul of the United States in difficulties with the Government of -Tripoli; the affair was originally of a private nature, but has -ultimately produced the most serious changes in the situation of the Regency.</p> - -<p>It is well known that many efforts have been made during the last -forty years, by individuals and by some European Governments, to -obtain information respecting the interior of the African Continent; -we are all familiar with the names and adventures of Ledyard, Parke, -Burckhardt, Denham, Clapperton, Laing, Lander and others, whose labors -have been important from the light thrown by them on the subject of -their researches, and still more so as exhibiting instances of -perseverance and moral courage with which the annals of warfare offer -few parallels. Several of these heroic travellers took their departure -from Tripoli, as the communications between that place and the regions -which they desired to explore are comparatively easy and safe; and the -Pasha, whether actuated by the expectation of obtaining some advantage -from their discoveries, or by more laudable motives, appears from -their accounts to have used every exertion to facilitate their -movements. They likewise concur in expressing their gratitude and -respect for Mohammed D'Ghies, who entertained them all hospitably in -Tripoli and furnished them with letters of credit and introduction, -which, says Denham, "were always duly honored throughout Northern Africa."</p> - -<p>Hassuna and Mohammed D'Ghies the two sons of this respectable person, -are also mentioned in terms of high commendation by many who visited -Tripoli. Hassuna the elder was educated in France, and afterwards -spent some time in England where he was much noticed in high circles, -notwithstanding the assertion of the Quarterly Review to the contrary; -on his return to his native country, he for some time conducted the -affairs of his father's commercial house, and afterwards those of his -ministerial office, in which he was distinguished for his attention to -business and his apparent desire to advance the welfare of his -country. Mohammed the younger son was brought up under the eye of his -father at home; Captain Beechy of the British Navy who spent some time -at Tripoli in 1822 while employed in surveying the adjacent coast, -describes him as "an excellent young man," and as "an admirable -example of true devotion to the religion of his country, united with -the more extended and liberal feelings of Europeans. He daily visits -the public school where young boys are taught to read the Koran, and -superintends the charitable distribution of food which the bounty of -his father provides for the poor who daily present themselves at his -gate. Besides his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page8"><small><small>[p. 8]</small></small></a></span> -acquaintance with English and French he is able -to converse with the slaves of the family in several languages of the -interior of Africa," &c. He was subsequently employed also in public -affairs, and became the intimate confident of his brother-in-law the -Bey Ali.</p> - -<p>On the 17th of July 1825, Major Gordon Laing of the British Army a -son-in-law of Consul Warrington, quitted Tripoli with the intention of -penetrating if possible directly to Tombuctoo, and thence descending -the river which is said to flow near that city, to its termination. He -was amply supplied with letters by the D'Ghies family; and orders were -sent to the governors and chiefs of places on his route, which were -subject to the Pasha to aid him by every means in the prosecution of -his journey, and to forward his letters and journals to Tripoli. For -some time after his departure his communications were regularly -received and bills drawn by him at various places were presented at -Tripoli for payment. From these accounts it appears, that taking a -south-western course he arrived on the 13th of September at Ghadamis a -town of considerable trade situated in an <i>oasis</i> about five hundred -miles from Tripoli; thence he passed to Einsalah in the country of the -Tuaricks (a fierce race of wanderers) which he reached on the 3d of -December and left on the 10th of January 1826. His journals up to this -date were regularly received; from his few subsequent letters we learn -that during the month of February, the caravan with which he travelled -was suddenly attacked in the night by a band of Tuaricks, who had for -some days accompanied them; many persons of the caravan were killed -and the Major was dreadfully wounded, but he escaped and arrived at -Tombuctoo on the 18th of August. At this place he had remained five -weeks when Boubokar the Governor of the town who had previously -treated him with favor, suddenly urged him to depart immediately, -stating that he had received a letter from Bello the Sultan of the -Foulahs a Prince of great power in the vicinity of Tombuctoo, -expressing the strongest hostility to the stranger; Laing accordingly -quitted Tombuctoo on the 22d of September, in company with Burbushi an -Arab Sheik who had engaged to conduct him in safety to Arouan, distant -about three hundred miles to the northward.</p> - -<p>After this date nothing farther was heard from the traveller, no more -of his bills were presented for payment at Tripoli, and Mr. Warrington -becoming uneasy prevailed on the Pasha to have inquiries made -respecting him. Messengers were accordingly despatched southward in -various directions, one of whom on his return in the spring of 1827 -brought an account that the Christian had been murdered soon after -leaving Tombuctoo, by a party despatched from that place for the -purpose. This statement was confirmed by all the other messengers on -their return, and it was confidently repeated in a long article on the -subject published in a Paris Journal, which gave the Prime Minister of -Tripoli as authority. The other caravans and travellers however from -the South contradicted these reports, and Hassuna D'Ghies on being -questioned respecting the account driven in the Paris Journal, denied -that he had supplied such information and asserted his total disbelief -of the story. These and other circumstances induced Mr. Warrington to -suspect that the Pasha or his Minister had for some interested motive -suppressed Laing's communications; at his request therefore, the -Commander of the British squadron in the Mediterranean sent a ship of -war to Tripoli to give Yusuf notice that as the traveller had -proceeded to the interior under his protection, he should hold him -responsible for his safety, or at least for the delivery of his -property and papers. This intimation was certainly of a most -unreasonable character; the Pasha however could only exert himself to -avert the threatened evil, by endeavoring to discover the traveller -and at all events to disprove any unfair dealings or bad intentions on -his own part with regard to him.</p> - -<p>All doubts respecting the fate of the British traveller were however -dispelled by the return to Tripoli of the servant who had accompanied -him; from the statements of this man it was clearly ascertained, that -the unfortunate Laing had been murdered in his sleep by his Arab -conductor Burbushi on the third night after their departure from -Tombuctoo, that is on the 25th of September 1826.</p> - -<p>Some time after receiving this melancholy news, the British Consul was -induced to believe that papers which were sent by his son-in-law from -Tombuctoo, had actually arrived in Tripoli; and in the course of the -investigations which he made in consequence, a suspicion was awakened -in his mind that they had been secreted by Hassuna D'Ghies, in order -to conceal some gross treachery or misconduct on his part. Under this -impression Mr. Warrington urged the Pasha to have the papers secured, -and not being satisfied with the means used for the purpose, he -finally struck his flag, and declared that all official intercourse -between himself and the Government of Tripoli, would be suspended -until they were produced.</p> - -<p>To avert the evils which might result from this measure, Yusuf labored -diligently, and in the spring of 1829 he intercepted some letters sent -from Ghadamis to Hassuna, which indicated a means of unravelling the -mystery. Pursuing his inquiries farther, he became fully convinced of -the perfidy of his Minister, and at length he declared to a friend of -the British Consul, that two sealed packages sent by Laing from -Tombuctoo, had been received by Hassuna and delivered by him to the -French Consul in consideration of the abatement of forty per cent. in -the amount of a large debt due by him to some French subjects. The -fact of the receipt of the papers by Hassuna was to be proved by the -evidence of the Courier who brought them from Ghadamis, and of other -persons daily expected in Tripoli; the remainder of the Pasha's -strange statement appears to have been founded entirely on a written -deposition to that effect, of Mohammed D'Ghies the younger brother of -the accused Minister, which was said to have been made in the presence -of the Bey Ali and of Hadji Massen the Governor of the city.</p> - -<p>On the strength of this declaration, Mr. Warrington insisted on the -immediate apprehension of Hassuna, but he having received timely -warning fled for refuge on the 20th of July, to the house of Mr. Coxe -the American Consul; and immediately after to the surprise of all -concerned, it was found that his brother Mohammed had likewise sought -an asylum under the roof of Baron Rousseau.</p> -<br> -<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page9"><small><small>[p. 9]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect03"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>OCTOBER.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>October in New England is perhaps the most beautiful—certainly the -most magnificent month in the year. The peculiar brilliancy of the -skies and purity of the atmosphere,—the rich and variegated colors of -the forest trees, and the deep, bright dyes of the flowers, are -unequalled by any thing in the other seasons of the year; but the ruin -wrought among the flowers by one night of those severe frosts which -occur at the latter end of the month, after a day of cloudless and -intense sunshine, can scarcely be imagined by one not familiar with -the scene.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem2"> - <tr><td>Thou'rt here again, October, with that queenly look of thine—<br> -All gorgeous thine apparel and all golden thy sunshine—<br> -So brilliant and so beautiful—'tis like a fairy show—<br> -The earth in such a splendid garb, the heav'ns in such a glow.<br> -<br> -'Tis not the loveliness of Spring—the roses and the birds,<br> -Nor Summer's soft luxuriance and her lightsome laughing words;<br> -Yet not the fresh Spring's loveliness, nor Summer's mellow glee<br> -Come o'er my spirit like the charm that's spread abroad by thee.<br> -<br> -The gaily-mottled woods that shine—all crimson, drab, and gold,<br> -With fascination strong the mind in pensive musings hold,<br> -And the rays of glorious sunshine there in saddening lustre fall—<br> -'Tis the funeral pageant of a king with his gold and crimson pall.<br> -<br> -Thou'rt like the Indian matron, who adorns her baby fair,<br> -E'er she gives it to the Ganges' flood, all bright, to perish there;<br> -Thou callest out the trusting buds with the lustre of thy sky,<br> -And clothest them in hues of Heaven all gloriously—to die.<br> -<br> -Thou'rt like the tyrant lover, wooing soft his gentle bride—<br> -Anon the fit of passion comes—and her smitten heart hath died;<br> -The tyrant's smile may come again, and thy cheering noonday skies,<br> -But smitten hearts and flowers are woo'd, in vain, again to rise.</td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center"><br>* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td><br>Thy reign was short, thou Beautiful, but they were despot's hours—<br> -The gold leaves met the forest ground, and fallen are the flowers;<br> -Ah, 'tis the bitterness of earth, that fairest, goodliest show,<br> -Comes to the heart deceitfully, and leaves the deeper wo.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>ELIZA. </small></div> - -<blockquote><i>Maine</i>.</blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect04"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MOTHER AND CHILD.</h4> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem3"> - - <tr><td align="center">CHILD.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>Where, mother, where have the fire-flies been<br> -All the day long, that their light was not seen?</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">MOTHER.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>They've been 'mong the flowers and flown through the air,<br> - But could not be seen—for the sunshine was there.<br> - And thus, little girl, in thy morning's first light,<br> - There are many things hid from thy mind's dazzled sight,<br> - Which the ev'ning of life will too clearly reveal,<br> - And teach thee to see—or, it may be, to feel.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">CHILD.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>Where, mother, where will the fire-flies go<br> - When the chilling snows fall and the winter winds blow?</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">MOTHER.</td></tr> - - <tr><td>The tempest o'ercomes them, but cannot destroy:<br> - For the spring time awakes them to sunshine and joy.<br> - And thus, little girl, when life's seasons are o'er,<br> - And thy joys and thy hopes and thy griefs are no more,<br> - May'st thou rise from death's slumbers to high worlds of light,<br> - Where all things are joyous, and all things are bright.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>IMOGENE. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect05"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LINES</h4> -<center>Written on one of the blank leaves of a book sent to a friend in -England.</center><br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem4"> - <tr><td>As he who sails afar on southern seas,<br> - Catches rich odor on the evening breeze,<br> - Turns to the shore whence comes the perfum'd air,<br> - And knows, though all unseen, some flower is there—<br><br> - Thus, when o'er ocean's wave these pages greet<br> - Thine eye, with many a line from minstrel sweet,<br> - Think of Virginia's clime far off and fair,<br> - And know, though all unseen, a friend is there</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>IMOGENE. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect06"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE BROKEN HEART.</h4> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem5"> -<tr><td> - -... The morning dew-drop,<br> -With all its pearliness and diamond form<br> -Vanisheth.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td> -... She turned her from the gate, and walked<br> - As quietly into her father's hall,<br> - As though her lover had been true. No trace<br> - Of disappointment or of hate was found<br> - Upon the maiden's brow: but settled calm,<br> - And dignity unequalled. And they spoke<br> - To her, and she did mildly answer them<br> - And smiled: and smiling, seem'd so like an angel,<br> - That you would think the man who could desert<br> - A form so lovely, after he had won<br> - Her warm affections, must be more than demon.<br> -<br> - And though she shrunk not from the love of those<br> - Who were around her, and was never found<br> - In fretful mood—yet did they soon discover<br> - The rosy tinge upon her youthful cheek<br> - Concentrate all its radiance into one<br> - Untimely spot, and her too delicate frame<br> - Wither away beneath the false one's power.<br> - But lovelier yet, and brighter still she grew<br> - Though Death was near at hand—as the moon looks<br> - Most lovely as she sinks within the sea.<br> - Her fond devoted parents watch with care<br> - The fatal enemy: friends and physicians<br> - Exert their skill most faithfully. Alas!<br> - Could Love or Friendship bind a broken heart,<br> - The fading flower might be recalled to life.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>She's gone, where she will chant the melody<br> - Of Seraphim <i>and live</i>—beyond the power<br> - Of the base. Then weep not, childless parents, weep not,—<br> - But think to meet her soon. Her smile is yet<br> - More lovely now than when a child of earth:<br> - For she has caught the ray of dazzling glory<br> - And sweet divinity, that beams all bright<br> - Upon her Saviour's face; and waits to cast<br> - That smile on thee.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>ELIZA. </small></div> - -<blockquote><i>Richmond, Va.</i></blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect07"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>HALLEY'S COMET—1760.</h4> - -<center>BY MISS E. DRAPER.</center> -<br><br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem6"> -<tr><td>Good George the Third was sitting on his throne—<br> - His limbs were healthy, and his wits were sound;<br> -In gorgeous state St. James's palace shone—<br> - And bending courtiers gather'd thick around<br> -The new made monarch and his German bride,<br> -Who sat in royal splendor side by side.<br> -<br> -Pitt was haranguing in the House of Lords—<br> - Blair in the Pulpit—Blackstone at the Bar—<br> -Garrick and Foote upon the Thespian boards—<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page10"><small><small>[p. 10]</small></small></a></span> - And pious Whitfield in the open air—<br> -While nervous Cowper, shunning public cares,<br> -Sat in his study, fattening up his hares.<br> -<br> -Sterne was correcting proof-sheets—Edmund Burke<br> - Planning a register—Goldsmith and Hume<br> -Scribbling their histories—and hard at work<br> - Was honest Johnson; close at hand were some<br> -Impatient creditors, to urge the sale<br> -Of his new book, the Abyssinian tale.<br> -<br> -Italia smiled beneath her sunny skies—<br> - Her matchless works were in her classic walls;<br> -They had not gone to feast the Frenchman's eyes—<br> - They had not gone to fill Parisian halls:<br> -The Swiss was in his native Canton free,<br> -And Francis mildly ruled in Germany.<br> -<br> -Adolphus reigned in Sweden; the renown<br> - Of Denmark's Frederic overawed her foes;<br> -A gentle Empress wore the Russian crown;<br> - Amid the gilded domes of Moscow rose<br> -The ancient palace of her mighty Czars,<br> -Adorn'd with trophies of their glorious wars.<br> -<br> -Altho' the glory of the Pole was stain'd,<br> - Still Warsaw glitter'd with a courtly train,<br> -And o'er her land Augustus Frederic reign'd;<br> - Joseph in Portugal, and Charles in Spain—<br> -Louis in France, while in imperial state<br> -O'er Prussia's realm ruled Frederic the Great.<br> -<br> -In gloomy grandeur, on the Ottoman throne<br> - Sat proud Mustapha. Kerim Khan was great<br> -Amid fair Persia's sons; his sword was one<br> - That served a friend, but crush'd a rival's hate:<br> -O'er ancient China, and her countless throng,<br> -Reign'd the bold Tartar mighty Kian Long.<br> -<br> -America then held a common horde<br> - Of strange adventurers; with bloody blade<br> -The Frenchman ruled—the Englishman was lord—<br> - The haughty Spaniard, o'er his conquests sway'd—<br> -While the wild Indian, driven from his home,<br> -Ranged far and lawless, in the forest's gloom.<br> -<br> -Thus was the world when last yon Comet blazed<br> - Above our earth. On its celestial light<br> -Proudly the free American may gaze:<br> - Nations that last beheld its rapid flight<br> -Are fading fast; the rest no more are known,<br> -While his has risen to a mighty one.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect08"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>EXTRACTS FROM MY MEXICAN JOURNAL.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>Mexico—Procession of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios—Visit to the -Country—Society and Manners in Mexico—Climate.</small></blockquote> -<br> - -<p>20th June, 1825. Since our arrival on the 25th May, my occupations -have been such as to prevent my seeing many of the <i>lions</i> of Mexico. -I have, however, walked through the principal streets, and visited -most of the churches, of which some are very rich and splendid—some -are ancient and venerable—others are fine and gaudy—while a few of -the more modern are extremely neat and handsome. The churches are -numerous: these, with the convents, occupy almost every alternate -square of the city; but with all this show of religion, there is a -proportionate degree of vice among its population.</p> - -<p>The city is, indeed, magnificent; many of the buildings are spacious. -The streets are not wide, but well paved—clean in the most -frequented, but excessively filthy in the more remote parts, and -thronged with dirty, diseased, deformed, and half naked creatures. -Disgusting sights every moment present themselves. At the corners of -every street—each square is called a street, and bears a distinct -name,—at the doors of the churches which you must be passing -constantly in your walks—and sometimes in the areas of the private -residences, you are importuned by miserable beggars, some of whom, not -satisfied with a modest refusal, chase you into charity, which you are -not assured is well bestowed.</p> - -<p>We meet in the streets very few well dressed people; the ladies seldom -walk, except to mass early in the morning, when some pretty faces are -seen.</p> - -<p>Such is the character of the street-population of Mexico. So much -filth, so much vice, so much ignorance are rarely found elsewhere -combined. Those who have seen the lazzaroni of Naples, may form a -faint idea of the <i>leperos</i> of Mexico.</p> - -<p>The <i>leperos</i> are most dexterous thieves—none can be more expert in -relieving you of your pocket handkerchief; it is unsafe to trust them -within your doors. I knew an American who had his hat stolen from -under the bench on which he was seated in the Cathedral listening to a -sermon!<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small></p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> A very ingenious theft by one of this class was mentioned -to me by an American who was present when it took place. At a fair in -the interior of the country, two Americans were seated on a bench -engaged in conversation, one of them having his hat by his side with -his hand upon it for its protection. Talking earnestly he occasionally -uplifted his hand from the hat. On his rising from his seat, he was -surprised to find in his hand not his own beaver, but an inferior one -which had been substituted for it. At an incautious moment he had -ceased to guard it; a hat was there when he put down his hand—but it -was not his own.</small></blockquote> - -<p>They are superstitious, too, almost to idolatry. I may here include -with them the better class of people also. The recent reception of the -image of <i>Nuestra Senora de los Remedios</i>, (Our Lady of Remedies,) I -give as evidence of the justice of this remark. Her history is briefly -this. She is a deity of Spanish origin—the more highly esteemed Lady -of <i>Guadalupe</i>—the patron saint of Mexico, is indigenous. She -accompanied the conquerors to the city of <i>Muteczuma</i><small><small><sup>2</sup></small></small>—was lost in -their disastrous retreat on the celebrated <i>noche triste</i>—was found -some years afterwards, in 1540, seated in a <i>maguey</i>, by an Indian, -<i>Juan de Aguila</i>, who carried her to his dwelling, and fed her with -<i>tortillas</i>, (Indian corn-cakes,) which were regularly deposited in -the chest where she was kept. Suddenly she fled, and was discovered on -the spot where her temple now stands—the place to which Cortes -retreated on the night of his flight from the city. It is an eminence -to the west of Mexico, distant about five miles.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>2</sup></small> Cortés, in his Letters, writes the name of the Emperor of -Mexico, <i>Muteczuma</i>. Humboldt says, I know not on what authority, that -<i>Moteuczoma</i> was his name. The English historians always call him -Montezuma.</small></blockquote> - -<p>This identical image, they say, still exists—it is about eight inches -in height—it is richly decorated. It is believed to possess the power -of bringing rain, and of staying the ravages of disease.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page11"><small><small>[p. 11]</small></small></a></span> -<p>For many days previous to her entrance into the city, great -preparations had been made. On the 11th inst. she was conveyed from -her sanctuary in the President's coach, which was driven by a nobleman -of the old regime, the <i>Marques de Salvatierra</i>, bare headed, and -attended by a large number of coaches, and crowds of people on foot, -to the <i>parroquia de Santa Vera Cruz</i>, a church just within the limits -of the city. Here, as is usual, she was to rest one night, and on the -following evening to proceed to the Cathedral. Before the appointed -time, the streets leading to it were covered with canopies of canvass; -draperies were suspended from every balcony, and strings of shawls and -handkerchiefs stretched across, were seen fluttering in the wind. A -regiment of troops marched out to form her escort, and thousands -flocked to join her train. But a heavy rain began to fall, and the -procession was necessarily postponed, the populace being delighted to -find that the intercession of Our Lady was of so much avail, and their -faith strengthened at the trifling expense of wet jackets. The -procession was now appointed for an early hour the next <i>morning</i>, (a -<i>prudent</i> arrangement, for it rains, in course, every evening, the -rainy season having commenced,) and preparations were again made with -increased zeal, proportionate with the gratitude felt at so prompt a -dispensation of her Ladyship's favors. Two regiments of infantry and -one of cavalry now composed the escort. The concourse of people was -immense. Wax tapers, lanterns, candle-boxes, flags, and all the -frippery of the churches were carried to grace the occasion; children -dressed fantastically, with wings, and gay decorations upon their -heads, but barefooted, with tapers in their hands, were led by their -parents or nurses to take part in the pageant.</p> - -<p>After the procession was formed, a discharge of artillery announced -the departure of the holy image from the church, in which she had -until now rested. The advance was a corps of cavalry, followed by -flocks of ragged Indians, by respectable citizens and the civil -authorities, all bearing lighted wax tapers; then followed the -numerous religious orders, each order preceded by an Indian carrying -on his back a huge mahogany candle-box; the higher dignitaries of the -order, with their hands meekly folded on their breasts, each attended -by two assistants, bringing up the rear of Carmelites, Augustines, -Franciscans, Dominicans, and Mercedarians; next these were other -Indians, followed by the <i>angelic</i> little children, who strew roses -before the object of their adoration, <i>La Santa Virgen de los -Remedios</i>, who stands majestically under a canopy, richly clothed, and -surrounded by gilded ornaments, supported by four men. As she passed, -the people who crowded the streets, and all who fill the windows under -which she is carried, knelt, and roses are showered upon her from the -roofs of the houses. Next her was another canopy, under which the Host -was carried, to which the people also knelt. The troops brought up the -rear, escorting Our Lady to the Cathedral, where she remains nine -days. If it rain during this time, it is ascribed to her influence. If -rain precede her entrance, it is because she was to be brought into -the city; and if it follow her departure, it is the consequence of her -late presence. The miracle, of course, never fails. After the rainy -season has set in, she is introduced annually for the idolatrous -worship of this ignorant, superstitious people—not only the -<i>canaille</i>, but also the most respectable portion of the community.</p> - -<p>14th August, 1825. I returned to the city yesterday after an excursion -of a week in the vicinity of <i>Chalco</i>, about twenty-five or thirty -miles distant. We were invited by an acquaintance to his <i>hacienda</i>, -where he promised fine sport with our guns. Not content with abundance -of deer, we were to return with the spoils of sundry wild animals, -such as wild-cats, bears, panthers, wolves and tigers. Prepared for -ferocious contests, we set out with all the eagerness of huntsmen who -feast in their imagination on their slaughtered prey. But in fact, -though to hunt was our ostensible object, from which we expected -little, although entertained by our friend with extravagant hopes, we -left the city chiefly for the purpose of exercise, of viewing the -country, and avoiding the water, which, at this season of the year, -impregnated with the soda which the heavy rains disengage from the -soil, deals sadly with strangers.</p> - -<p>A ride of five or six hours brought us to the <i>hacienda</i>. This, I have -elsewhere said, is a country seat, generally of large extent, with a -chapel forming a part of the building, and surrounded by the reed or -mud huts of the Indians, who are the laborers, or, as it were, vassals -of the estate. A plain, thickly strewed with these <i>haciendas</i>, -presents the appearance of numerous villages, each with its steeple -and bell. The buildings are hollow squares, extensive and commodious, -and embracing in their several ranges the usual conveniences of a -farm, such as stables, and yards for poultry, sheep and cattle. They -all have a look of antiquity, of strength and durability, which, at a -distance, is imposing; but on nearer view, they are commonly found -dilapidated, and devoid of neatness, and destitute of the garden and -the orchard, which give so much the appearance of comfort to the -country houses of the United States.</p> - -<p>This is their general character, as far as I have seen them, and such -was the commodious dwelling to which we were now hospitably invited. -It bore the air of tattered grandeur—in its dimensions and in its -ruined state showing marks of pristine elegance. It was partially -fortified, as were most of them, during the revolution, for protection -from lawless depredation, and from the numerous bands of banditti who -then roamed through the country, and were royalists or republicans, as -was most expedient to accomplish their designs. Even at this time, -these defences are esteemed necessary to ensure safety from the -robbers who have escaped the vigilance of government by concealing -themselves in the adjacent mountains.</p> - -<p>On the day of our arrival nothing occurred particularly to attract our -notice, except that, after the conclusion of dinner, the tall Indian -waiter fell upon his knees in the middle of the room and gave -thanks—a custom common, I am told, in the country. To our surprise, -this was not repeated. He was either told that we were heretics, (as -all foreigners are designated) or was deterred because some of our -Catholic friends were less devout on the occasion than was to be -expected from them.</p> - -<p>It may not be amiss here to mention, that the dinner table of the -Mexicans is of indefinite length, always standing in the eating room. -One end only is <span class="pagenum"><a name="page12"><small><small>[p. 12]</small></small></a></span> -commonly used. The seat of honor is at the head, -where the most distinguished and most honored guest is always placed; -the rest arrange themselves according to their rank and consequence; -the dependants occupying the lowest seats.</p> - -<p>After a cup of chocolate at six o'clock the next morning, we went in -pursuit of game, and roamed through the hills and mountains which are -contiguous, meeting with very little success. At about twelve we -partook of our breakfast, which was brought to us more than two -leagues from the <i>hacienda</i>—after which we prosecuted our hunt. Our -sole reward was a heavy shower of rain—and between four and five we -returned to the <i>hacienda</i>, well wearied, having walked at least -twelve miles over steep mountains.</p> - -<p>On the following day we set out with our mules, &c. to try our fortune -higher up the mountains, and after a ride of between three and four -hours, reached a herdsman's hut, where we were to lodge at night. We -were unsuccessful in finding game in the evening, and after a -laborious search for deer, sought our hut—a log building, about -fifteen feet square, in which twelve of us, men, women and children, -stowed ourselves. Annoyed by fleas, and almost frozen by the chill -mountain air, within two leagues of the snow-crowned <i>Iztaccihuatl</i>, -we passed a sleepless night.</p> - -<p>Early next morning, whilst others of the party engaged in hunting for -deer, with two companions I ascended the highest peak of this range, -(except those covered with snow,) with great labor and fatigue; but we -were compensated amply by the grand view beneath and around us. The -adjoining peak to the south of us was the <i>Iztaccihuatl</i>, about a -league distant. We felt very sensibly the influence of its snow. -Beyond this, the <i>Popocatepetl</i> raised its lofty cone, while far in -the southeast appeared <i>Orizaba</i>, around whose crest the clouds were -just then gathering. The plains of <i>Puebla</i> and <i>Mexico</i> are on -opposite sides of this seemingly interminable ridge on which we stood. -From the latter, the clouds, which we had been long admiring far -beneath us, hiding the world from our view, were gradually curling, -and disclosed the distant capital with its adjoining lakes and -isolated hills. The chilling wind drove us from our height, but in -descending we often rested to enjoy a scene which the eyes never tire -in beholding.</p> - -<p>In the evening, we left the mountain for the <i>hacienda</i>, where we -spent another day. Our friends were extremely kind to us, and -regretted more than ourselves our ill success in quest of game. Being -little of a sportsman, to me it was a trifling disappointment. I -enjoyed abundant gratification in seeing the country, its people and -manner of living. Whatever may be said of the bad blood of the -Mexicans, I cannot but view them as a mild and amiable people—nature -has bestowed her bounties liberally upon them: for their state of -degradation and ignorance they are indebted not to any natural -deficiencies of their own, but to the miserable and timid policy of -their former Spanish masters. They are superstitious, but this arises -from their education; they are jealous of strangers—the policy of -Spain made them so; and they are ignorant, for in ignorance alone -could they be retained in blind subjection to the mother country. If -they are vicious, their vices arise from their ignorance of what is -virtuous—of what is ennobling. They are indolent because they are not -permitted to enjoy the fruits of industry, and nature supplies their -wants so bountifully, they are compelled to exert themselves but little.</p> - -<p>These are in fact serious defects, but the improvement of the Mexican -people is daily taking place. They are beginning to be enlightened -with the rays of the rising sun of liberty; and after the present -generation has passed away, the succeeding one will exhibit those -political and moral virtues, which are the offspring of freedom. The -effects of a daily increasing intercourse with foreigners are even now -perceptible, and lead me to believe, that, before many years roll -over, a wonderful change must take place. Society, too, will improve: -ladies will no longer gormandize or smoke—will discover that it is -vulgar to attend cock-fights, and will bestow, with increased regard -for their personal appearance, greater attention upon the cultivation -of their minds.</p> - -<p>In Mexico, there are few parties, either at dinner, or in the evening. -None will suit but great balls, and these must occur seldom, else none -but the wealthy can attend them, so expensive are the decorations and -dresses of the ladies. They esteem it extremely vulgar to wear the -same ball-dress more than once. Society is cut up into small -<i>tertulias</i> or parties of intimate acquaintances, who meet invariably -at the same house, and talk, play the piano, sing, dance, and smoke at -their ease and pleasure.</p> - -<p>Sometimes I attend the Theatre. This is divided into boxes, which -families hire for a year. If the play be uninteresting, they visit -each other's box, and pass the evening in conversation. It is -diverting to observe the gentlemen take from their pockets a flint and -steel for the purpose of lighting their cigars, and then to extend the -favor of a light to the ladies; and sometimes the whole theatre seems -as if filled with fire-flies.</p> - -<p>Immediately on rising, a Mexican takes a small cup of chocolate with a -little bread and a glass of water. At ten, they take what they call -breakfast—it is in fact equivalent to a dinner, consisting not of tea -or coffee, but of meats, sweetmeats and wine. At about three, dinner -is served. At six or seven, they again take chocolate; and at ten, an -enormous supper is laid of hot meats, &c. equal to a third dinner. At -these meals, three or four dishes of meats, with very few vegetables, -are brought on in various courses—the <i>olla podrida</i>, a mixture of -meats, fruits, and vegetables boiled together—always constitutes a -part of the first course—<i>frijoles</i>—beans boiled—invariably precede -the sweetmeats, of which the Mexicans are extremely fond. Perhaps this -is the reason why good teeth are seldom seen in Mexico.</p> - -<center>* * - * - * - *</center> - -<p>23d November, 1825. I have stated that few parties are given in -Mexico. Balls are sometimes held by the American and English -Legations. If, on these occasions, fifty ladies attend, it is -considered a prodigious number to assemble together. The expenses of -preparation which they incur are enormous, and deter many, however -devoted they may be to pleasure, from partaking in frequent diversions -of this kind. Society, too, has not acquired that equilibrium which -the democratical institutions of the country must produce eventually. -A powerful aristocracy, as may reasonably be supposed, still exists in -the capital—time alone will level this—it will die with the present -generation, taking for granted -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page13"><small><small>[p. 13]</small></small></a></span> -that the republicanism of Mexico -will be permanent. Aristocracy, of course, reduces the highest class -of society to a limited number, so that a large assemblage of ladies -here would be thought small in the United States.</p> - -<p>At whatever hour you invite company, it will not collect before nine, -and the most fashionable appear between ten and eleven. The music soon -invites them to the waltz, or to the Spanish country-dance, both of -which are graceful, and perhaps voluptuous, when danced, as in Mexico, -to the music of guitars or of bandolines. They dance upon brick -floors—there are none other in Mexican houses—generally bare, but -foreigners have introduced the more comfortable fashion of covering -them with canvass; and as the steps are simple, without the hopping -and restlessness of our cotillons or quadrilles, it is not so -unpleasant as would be supposed; they glide over the pavement without -much exertion. The dancing continues, not uninterruptedly as with us, -but at intervals, until twelve o'clock, when the ladies are conducted -to the supper table, which must be loaded with substantial as well as -sweet things. After supper, dancing is continued, and the company -begins to disperse between one and two in the morning, and sometimes -not until near daybreak.</p> - -<p>None of the wealthy families have followed the example set them by -foreigners. They give no balls or dinners. Although I have now been -here six months, I have never dined in a Mexican house in the city. -Their hospitality consists in this: they place their houses and all -they possess at your disposal, and are the better pleased the oftener -you visit them, but they rarely, if ever, offer you refreshments of -any kind. It is said that they are gratified if you will dine with -them unceremoniously, but they never invite you.</p> - -<p>31st December, 1825. I can scarcely persuade myself that to-morrow -will be New-Year's day. The weather is most delightful. We are now -sitting with our windows open—at night too. About a fortnight ago the -mornings were uncomfortably cool; but the sun at mid-day is always -hot. What a delightful climate! And we are now eating the fruits of a -northern mid-summer. We have always had fresh oranges since our -arrival. A week since we had green peas; and to-day five different -kinds of fruit appeared upon our table—oranges, apples, walnuts, -<i>granadites de China</i>, and <i>chirimoyas</i>—the last, <i>la reina de los -frutos</i>, (the queen of fruit,) tasting like strawberries and cream. -The markets contain numerous other sorts. Our friends at home are now -gathering around the glowing coals, or treading the snow without. We -see the former in the kitchen only—the latter on the valcanoes which -tower in the distance.</p> - -<center>* * - * - * - *</center> - -<p>7th December, 1827. A letter from home affords me the satisfaction of -knowing that our friends generally continue to enjoy good health, and -are subject to none other than the ordinary ills of life, such as -cut-throat weather, squalling brats, or a twinge or two of gout or -rheumatism. These are evils which humanity is decreed to suffer -throughout the world; but in Mexico we are more exempt from most of -them than elsewhere. The sun now <i>shines</i> twelve hours of every day, -and either the moon or stars give light to the other twelve. Such will -the weather continue to be until May or June, when the rains fall with -such regularity and certainty, that very slight observation enables us -to know when to go out, or to shelter ourselves. The mornings now are -only a little cool, although we are in mid-winter; and our tables are -supplied with fruit as bountifully as in the months of July and -August. Our other ills are in like manner trivial. We are sometimes -<i>ennuyés</i> for want of society, but books, and sometimes a game of -chess, enable us to live without being driven to the commission of -suicide. And as a <i>dernier resort</i>, we throw ourselves into the arms -of Morpheus, this being the peculiar delightful climate for sleep—no -mosquitos, nor extremes of heat or cold. The thermometer ordinarily -ranges at about 70° of Fahrenheit.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect09"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SCENES FROM AN UNPUBLISHED DRAMA,</h4> - -<center>BY EDGAR A. POE.</center> -<br> -<br> -<h4>I.</h4> -<blockquote><small>ROME. A Lady's apartment, with a window open and looking into a -garden. Lalage, in deep mourning, reading at a table on which lie some -books and a hand mirror. In the back ground Jacinta (a servant maid) -leans carelessly upon a chair.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Jacinta! is it thou?</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i> (<i>pertly</i>.) Yes, Ma'am, I'm here.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. I did not know, Jacinta, you were in waiting.<br> -Sit down!—let not my presence trouble you—<br> -Sit down!—for I am humble, most humble.</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i> (<i>aside</i>.) 'Tis time.</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>Jacinta seats herself in a side-long manner upon the chair, -resting her elbows upon the back, and regarding her mistress -with a contemptuous look. Lalage continues to read.</i>)</blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. "It in another climate, so he said,<br> -Bore a bright golden flower, but not i' this soil!"</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>pauses—turns over some leaves, and resumes</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p>"No lingering winters there, nor snow, nor shower—<br> -But Ocean ever to refresh mankind<br> -Breathes the shrill spirit of the western wind."<br> -Oh, beautiful!—most beautiful!—how like<br> -To what my fevered soul doth dream of Heaven!<br> -O happy land! (<i>pauses</i>.) She died!—the maiden died!<br> -O still more happy maiden who could'st die!<br> -Jacinta!</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>Jacinta returns no answer, and Lalage presently resumes.</i>)</blockquote> - -<p>Again!—a similar tale<br> -Told of a beauteous dame beyond the sea!<br> -Thus speaketh one Ferdinand in the words of the play—<br> -"She died full young"—one Bossola answers him—<br> -"I think not so!—her infelicity<br> -Seem'd to have years too many"—Ah luckless lady!<br> -Jacinta! (<i>still no answer</i>.)<br> - Here's a far sterner story<br> -But like—oh! very like in its despair—<br> -Of that Egyptian queen, winning so easily<br> -A thousand hearts—losing at length her own.<br> -She died. Thus endeth the history—and her maids<br> -Lean over her and weep—two gentle maids<br> -With gentle names—Eiros and Charmion!<br> -Rainbow and Dove!——Jacinta!</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i> (<i>pettishly</i>.) Madam, what <i>is</i> it?</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Wilt thou, my good Jacinta, be so kind<br> -As go down in the library and bring me<br> -The Holy Evangelists.</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. Pshaw! (<i>exit</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. If there be balm<br> -For the wounded spirit in Gilead it is there!<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page14"><small><small>[p. 14]</small></small></a></span> -Dew in the night time of my bitter trouble<br> -Will there be found—"dew sweeter far than that<br> -Which hangs like chains of pearl on Hermon hill."<br> - -<blockquote>(<i>re-enter Jacinta, and throws a volume on the table</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p>There, ma'am's, the book. Indeed she is very troublesome. - (<i>aside</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i> (astonished.) What didst thou say Jacinta? Have I done aught<br> -To grieve thee or to vex thee?—I am sorry.<br> -For thou hast served me long and ever been<br> -Trust-worthy and respectful. (<i>resumes her reading</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. I can't believe<br> -She has any more jewels—no—no—she gave me all. (<i>aside</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. What didst thou say, Jacinta? Now I bethink me<br> -Thou hast not spoken lately of thy wedding.<br> -How fares good Ugo?—and when is it to be?<br> -Can I do aught?—is there no farther aid<br> -Thou needest, Jacinta?</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. Is there no <i>farther</i> aid?<br> -That's meant for me. (<i>aside</i>.) I'm sure, Madam, you need not<br> -Be always throwing those jewels in my teeth.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Jewels! Jacinta,—now indeed, Jacinta,<br> -I thought not of the jewels.</p> - -<p><i>Jacinta</i>. Oh! perhaps not!<br> -But then I might have sworn it. After all,<br> -There's Ugo says the ring is only paste,<br> -For he's sure the Count Castiglione never<br> -Would have given a real diamond to such as you;<br> -And at the best I'm certain, Madam, you cannot<br> -Have use for jewels <i>now</i>. But I might have sworn it. (<i>exit</i>.)</p> - -<blockquote>(<i>Lalage bursts into tears and leans her head upon the -table—after a short pause raises it</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Poor Lalage!—and is it come to this?<br> -Thy servant maid!—but courage!—'tis but a viper<br> -Whom thou hast cherished to sting thee to the -soul! (<i>taking up the mirror</i>.)<br> -Ha! here at least's a friend—too much a friend<br> -In earlier days—a friend will not deceive thee.<br> -Fair mirror and true! now tell me (for thou canst)<br> -A tale—a pretty tale—and heed thou not<br> -Though it be rife with woe. It answers me.<br> -It speaks of sunken eyes, and wasted cheeks,<br> -And Beauty long deceased—remembers me<br> -Of Joy departed—Hope, the Seraph Hope,<br> -Inurned and entombed!—now, in a tone<br> -Low, sad, and solemn, but most audible,<br> -Whispers of early grave untimely yawning<br> -For ruin'd maid. Fair mirror and true!—thou liest not!<br> -<i>Thou</i> hast no end to gain—no heart to break—<br> -Castiglione lied who said he loved——<br> -Thou true—he false!—false!—false!<br> - -<blockquote>(<i>while she speaks a monk enters her apartment, and approaches - unobserved</i>.)</blockquote> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Refuge thou hast<br> -Sweet daughter! in Heaven. Think of eternal things!<br> -Give up thy soul to penitence, and pray!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i> (<i>arising hurriedly</i>.) I <i>cannot</i> pray!—My soul is at war with God!<br> -The frightful sounds of merriment below<br> -Disturb my senses—go! I cannot pray—<br> -The sweet airs from the garden worry me!<br> -Thy presence grieves me—go!—thy priestly raiment<br> -Fills me with dread—thy ebony crucifix<br> -With horror and awe!</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Think of thy precious soul!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Think of my early days!—think of my father<br> -And mother in Heaven! think of our quiet home,<br> -And the rivulet that ran before the door!<br> -Think of my little sisters!—think of them!<br> -And think of me!—think of my trusting love<br> -And confidence—his vows—my ruin—think! think!<br> -Of my unspeakable misery!——begone!<br> -Yet stay! yet stay!—what was it thou saidst of prayer<br> -And penitence? Didst thou not speak of faith<br> -And vows before the throne?</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. I did.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. 'Tis well.<br> -There <i>is</i> a vow were fitting should be made—<br> -A sacred vow, imperative, and urgent,<br> -A solemn vow!</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Daughter, this zeal is well!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Father, this zeal is any thing but well!<br> -Hast thou a crucifix fit for this thing?<br> -A crucifix whereon to register<br> -A vow—a vow. (<i>he hands her his own</i>.)<br> -Not that—Oh! no!—no!—no! (<i>shuddering</i>.)<br> -Not that! Not that!—I tell thee, holy man,<br> -Thy raiments and thy ebony cross affright me!<br> -Stand back! I have a crucifix myself,—<br> -<i>I</i> have a crucifix! Methinks 'twere fitting -The deed—the vow—the symbol of the deed—<br> -And the deed's register should tally, -father! (<i>draws a cross-handled dagger and raises it on high</i>.)<br> -Behold the cross wherewith a vow like mine<br> -Is written in Heaven!</p> - -<p><i>Monk</i>. Thy words are madness, daughter!<br> -And speak a purpose unholy—thy lips are livid—<br> -Thine eyes are wild—tempt not the wrath divine—<br> -Pause ere too late—oh be not—be not rash!<br> -Swear not the oath—oh swear it not!</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. 'Tis sworn!<p> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="50"> - -<h4>II.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>ROME. An apartment in a palace. Politian and Baldazzar, his friend.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>.——Arouse thee now, Politian!<br> -Thou must not—nay indeed, indeed, thou shalt not<br> -Give way unto these humors. Be thyself!<br> -Shake off the idle fancies that beset thee,<br> -And live, for now thou diest!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Not so, Baldazzar,<br> -I live—I live.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Politian, it doth grieve me<br> -To see thee thus.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Baldazzar, it doth grieve me<br> -To give thee cause for grief, my honored friend.<br> -Command me, sir, what wouldst thou have me do?<br> -At thy behest I will shake off that nature<br> -Which from my forefathers I did inherit,<br> -Which with my mother's milk I did imbibe,<br> -And be no more Politian, but some other.<br> -Command me, sir.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. To the field then—to the field,<br> -To the senate or the field.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Alas! Alas!<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page15"><small><small>[p. 15]</small></small></a></span> -There is an imp would follow me even there!<br> -There is an imp <i>hath</i> followed me even there!<br> -There is——what voice was that?</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. I heard it not.<br> -I heard not any voice except thine own,<br> -And the echo of thine own.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Then I but dreamed.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Give not thy soul to dreams: the camp—the court<br> -Befit thee—Fame awaits thee—Glory calls—<br> -And her the trumpet-tongued thou wilt not hear<br> -In hearkening to imaginary sounds<br> -And phantom voices.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. It <i>is</i> a phantom voice,<br> -Didst thou not hear it <i>then?</i></p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. I heard it not.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Thou heardst it not!——Baldazzar, speak no more<br> -To me, Politian, of thy camps and courts.<br> -Oh! I am sick, sick, sick, even unto death,<br> -Of the hollow and high sounding vanities<br> -Of the populous Earth! Bear with me yet awhile!<br> -We have been boys together—school-fellows—<br> -And now are friends—yet shall not be so long.<br> -For in the eternal city thou shalt do me<br> -A kind and gentle office, and a Power—<br> -A Power august, benignant, and supreme—<br> -Shall then absolve thee of all farther duties<br> -Unto thy friend.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Thou speakest a fearful riddle<br> -I <i>will</i> not understand.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Yet now as Fate<br> -Approaches, and the hours are breathing low,<br> -The sands of Time are changed to golden grains,<br> -And dazzle me, Baldazzar. Alas! Alas!<br> -I <i>cannot</i> die, having within my heart<br> -So keen a relish for the beautiful<br> -As hath been kindled within it. Methinks the air<br> -Is balmier now than it was wont to be—<br> -Rich melodies are floating in the winds—<br> -A rarer loveliness bedecks the earth—<br> -And with a holier lustre the quiet moon<br> -Sitteth in Heaven.—Hist! hist! thou canst not say<br> -Thou hearest not <i>now</i>, Baldazzar!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Indeed I hear not.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Not hear it!—listen now,—listen!—the faintest sound<br> -And yet the sweetest that ear ever heard!<br> -A lady's voice!—and sorrow in the tone!<br> -Baldazzar, it oppresses me like a spell!<br> -Again!—again!—how solemnly it falls<br> -Into my heart of hearts! that voice—that voice<br> -I surely never heard—yet it were well<br> -Had I but heard it with its thrilling tones<br> -In earlier days!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. I myself hear it now.<br> -Be still!—the voice, if I mistake not greatly,<br> -Proceeds from yonder lattice—which you may see<br> -Very plainly through the window—that lattice belongs,<br> -Does it not? unto this palace of the Duke.<br> -The singer is undoubtedly beneath<br> -The roof of his Excellency—and perhaps<br> -Is even that Alessandra of whom he spoke<br> -As the betrothed of Castiglione,<br> -His son and heir.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Be still!—it comes again!</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>very faintly</i>.)<br> - And is thy heart so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus<br> - Who hath loved thee so long<br> - In wealth and wo among?<br> - And is thy heart so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus?<br> - Say nay—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. The song is English, and I oft have heard it<br> -In merry England—never so plaintively—<br> -Hist—hist! it comes again!</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>more loudly</i>.)<br> - Is it so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus,<br> - Who hath loved thee so long<br> - In wealth and wo among?<br> - And is thy heart so strong<br> - As for to leave me thus?<br> - Say nay—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. 'Tis hush'd and all is still!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. All is <i>not</i> still.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Let us go down.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Go down, Baldazzar! go!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. The hour is growing late—the Duke awaits us,—<br> -Thy presence is expected in the hall<br> -Below. What ails thee, Earl Politian?</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>distinctly</i>.)<br> - Who hath loved thee so long,<br> - In wealth and wo among,<br> - And is thy heart so strong?<br> - Say nay!—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Let us descend!—'tis time. Politian, give<br> -These fancies to the wind. Remember, pray,<br> -Your bearing lately savored much of rudeness<br> -Unto the Duke. Arouse thee! and remember!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Remember? I do. Lead on! I <i>do</i> remember. (<i>going</i>.)<br> -Let us descend. Baldazzar! Oh I would give,<br> -Freely would give the broad lands of my earldom<br> -To look upon the face hidden by yon lattice,<br> -To gaze upon that veiled face, and hear<br> -Once more that silent tongue.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Let me beg you, sir,<br> -Descend with me—the Duke may be offended.<br> -Let us go down I pray you.</p> - -<p><i>Voice</i> (<i>loudly</i>.) Say nay!—say nay!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i> (<i>aside</i>.) 'Tis strange!—'tis very strange—methought the voice<br> -Chimed in with my desires and bade me stay! (<i>approaching the window</i>.)<br> -Sweet voice! I heed thee, and will surely stay.<br> -Now be this Fancy, by Heaven, or be it Fate,<br> -Still will I not descend. Baldazzar, make<br> -Apology unto the Duke for me,<br> -I go not down to-night.</p> - -<p><i>Baldazzar</i>. Your lordship's pleasure<br> -Shall be attended to. Good night, Politian.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Good night, my friend, good night.</p> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="50"> - -<h4>III.</h4> - -<blockquote><small>The Gardens of a Palace—Moonlight. Lalage and Politian.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. And dost thou speak of love<br> -To <i>me</i>, Politian?—dost thou speak of love<br> -To Lalage?—ah wo—ah wo is me!<br> -This mockery is most cruel—most cruel indeed!</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page16"><small><small>[p. 16]</small></small></a></span> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Weep not! oh, weep not thus—thy bitter tears<br> -Will madden me. Oh weep not, Lalage—<br> -Be comforted. I know—I know it all,<br> -And <i>still</i> I speak of love. Look at me, brightest,<br> -And beautiful Lalage, and listen to <i>me!</i><br> -Thou askest me if I could speak of love,<br> -Knowing what I know, and seeing what I have seen.<br> -Thou askest me that—and thus I answer thee—<br> -Thus on my bended knee I answer thee. (<i>kneeling</i>.)<br> -Sweet Lalage, I love thee—love thee—love thee;<br> -Thro' good and ill—thro' weal and wo I love thee.<br> -Not mother, with her first born on her knee,<br> -Thrills with intenser love than I for thee.<br> -Not on God's altar, in any time or clime,<br> -Burned there a holier fire than burneth now<br> -Within my spirit for thee. And do I love? (<i>arising</i>.)<br> -Even for thy woes I love thee—even for thy woes—<br> -Thy beauty and thy woes.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Alas, proud Earl,<br> -Thou dost forget thyself, remembering me!<br> -How, in thy father's halls, among the maidens<br> -Pure and reproachless of thy princely line,<br> -Could the dishonored Lalage abide?<br> -Thy wife, and with a tainted memory—<br> -My seared and blighted name, how would it tally<br> -With the ancestral honors of thy house,<br> -And with thy glory?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Speak not—speak not of glory!<br> -I hate—I loathe the name; I do abhor<br> -The unsatisfactory and ideal thing.<br> -Art thou not Lalage and I Politian?<br> -Do I not love—art thou not beautiful—<br> -What need we more? Ha! glory!—now speak not of it!<br> -By all I hold most sacred and most solemn—<br> -By all my wishes now—my fears hereafter—<br> -By all I scorn on earth and hope in heaven—<br> -There is no deed I would more glory in,<br> -Than in thy cause to scoff at this same glory<br> -And trample it under foot. What matters it—<br> -What matters it, my fairest, and my best,<br> -That we go down unhonored and forgotten<br> -Into the dust—so we descend together.<br> -Descend together—and then—and then perchance——</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Why dost thou pause, Politian?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. And then perchance<br> -Arise together, Lalage, and roam<br> -The starry and quiet dwellings of the blest,<br> -And still——</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Why dost thou pause, Politian?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. And still together—together.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Now Earl of Leicester!<br> -Thou <i>lovest</i> me, and in my heart of hearts<br> -I feel thou lovest me truly.</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. Oh, Lalage!? (<i>throwing -himself upon his knee</i>.)<br> -And lovest thou <i>me?</i></p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Hist!—hush! within the gloom<br> -Of yonder trees methought a figure past—<br> -A spectral figure, solemn, and slow, and noiseless—<br> -Like the grim shadow Conscience, solemn and -noiseless.? (<i>walks across and returns</i>.)<br> -I was mistaken—'twas but a giant bough<br> -Stirred by the autumn wind. Politian!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. My Lalage—my love! why art thou moved?<br> -Why dost thou turn so pale? Not Conscience' self,<br> -Far less a shadow which thou likenest to it,<br> -Should shake the firm spirit thus. But the night wind<br> -Is chilly—and these melancholy boughs<br> -Throw over all things a gloom.</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. Politian!<br> -Thou speakest to me of love. Knowest thou the land<br> -With which all tongues are busy—a land new found—<br> -Miraculously found by one of Genoa—<br> -A thousand leagues within the golden west;<br> -A fairy land of flowers, and fruit, and sunshine,<br> -And crystal lakes, and over-arching forests,<br> -And mountains, around whose towering summits the winds<br> -Of Heaven untrammelled flow—which air to breathe<br> -Is Happiness now, and will be Freedom hereafter<br> -In days that are to come?</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. O, wilt thou—wilt thou<br> -Fly to that Paradise—my Lalage, wilt thou<br> -Fly thither with me? There Care shall be forgotten,<br> -And Sorrow shall be no more, and Eros be all.<br> -And life shall then be mine, for I will live<br> -For thee, and in thine eyes—and thou shalt be<br> -No more a mourner—but the radiant Joys<br> -Shall wait upon thee, and the angel Hope<br> -Attend thee ever; and I will kneel to thee,<br> -And worship thee, and call thee my beloved,<br> -My own, my beautiful, my love, my wife,<br> -My all;—oh, wilt thou—wilt thou, Lalage,<br> -Fly thither with me?</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i>. A deed is to be done—<br> -Castiglione lives!</p> - -<p><i>Politian</i>. And he shall die! (<i>exit</i>.)</p> - -<p><i>Lalage</i> (<i>after a pause</i>.) And—he—shall—die!——alas!<br> - Castiglione die? Who spoke the words?<br> - Where am I?—what was it he said?—Politian!<br> - Thou <i>art</i> not gone—thou art not <i>gone</i>, Politian!<br> - I <i>feel</i> thou art not gone—yet dare not look,<br> - Lest I behold thee not; thou <i>couldst</i> not go<br> - With those words upon thy lips—O, speak to me!<br> - And let me hear thy voice—one word—one word,<br> - To say thou art not gone,—one little sentence,<br> - To say how thou dost scorn—how thou dost hate<br> - My womanly weakness. Ha! ha! thou <i>art</i> not gone—<br> - O speak to me! I <i>knew</i> thou wouldst not go!<br> - I knew thou wouldst not, couldst not, durst not go.<br> - Villain, thou <i>art</i> not gone—thou mockest me!<br> - And thus I clutch thee—thus!——He is gone, he is gone—<br> - Gone—gone. Where am I?——'tis well—'tis very well!<br> - So that the blade be keen—the blow be sure,<br> - 'Tis well, 'tis very well—alas! alas! (<i>exit</i>.)</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect10"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LOGIC.</h4> -<br> - -<p>Among ridiculous conceits may be selected <i>par excellence</i>, the -thought of a celebrated Abbé—"that the heart of man being triangular, -and the world spherical in form, it was evident that all worldly -greatness could not fill the heart of man." The same person concluded, -"that since among the Hebrews the same word expresses death and life, -(a point only making the difference,) it was therefore plain that -there was little difference between life and death." The chief -objection to this is, that <i>no</i> one Hebrew word signifies life and death.</p> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page17"><small><small>[p. 17]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect11"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>AN ADDRESS ON EDUCATION,</h4> - -<h5>AS CONNECTED WITH THE PERMANENCE OF OUR REPUBLICAN INSTITUTIONS.</h5> - -<blockquote><small>Delivered before the Institute of Education of Hampden Sidney College, -at its Anniversary Meeting, September the 24th, 1835, on the -invitation of that body,—by Lucian Minor, Esq. of Louisa.</small></blockquote> - -<center><small>[<i>Published by request of the Institute</i>.]</small></center> -<br> -<br> -<p><small>Mr. President, and Gentlemen of the Institute:</small></p> - -<p>I am to offer you, and this large assembly, some thoughts upon -E<small>DUCATION</small>, <i>as a means of preserving the Republican Institutions of -our country</i>.</p> - -<p>The sentiment of the Roman Senate, who, upon their general's return -with the shattered remains of a great army from an almost annihilating -defeat, thanked and applauded him for <i>not despairing of the -Republic</i>, has, in later times, been moulded into an apothegm of -political morality; and few sayings, of equal dignity, are now more -hackneyed, than that "A good citizen will <i>never</i> despair of the -commonwealth."</p> - -<p>I shall hope to escape the anathema, and the charge of disloyalty to -our popular institutions, implied in the terms of this apothegm, if I -doubt, somewhat, its unqualified truth; when you consider how -frequently omens of ruin, overclouding the sky of our country, have -constrained the most unquestionable republican patriot's heart to -quiver with alarm, if not to sink in despair.</p> - -<p>When a factious minority, too strong to be punished as traitors, -treasonably refuse to rally under their country's flag, in defence of -her rights and in obedience to her laws; when a factious majority, by -partial legislation, pervert the government to the ends of -self-aggrandizement or tyranny; when mobs dethrone justice, by -assuming to be her ministers, and rush madly to the destruction of -property or of life; when artful demagogues, playing upon the -credulity or the bad passions of a confiding multitude, sway them to -measures the most adverse to the public good; or when a popular chief -(though he were a Washington) contrives so far to plant his will in -the place of law and of policy, that the people approve or condemn -both measures and men, mainly if not solely, by his judgment or -caprice; and when all history shews these identical causes (the -offspring of ignorance and vice) to have overthrown every proud -republic of former times;—then, surely, a Marcus Brutus or an -Algernon Sidney,—the man whose heart is the most irrevocably sworn to -liberty, and whose life, if required, would be a willing sacrifice -upon her altars—must find the most gloomy forebodings often haunting -his thoughts, and darkening his hopes.</p> - -<p>Indeed, at the best, it is no trivial task, to conduct the affairs of -a great people. Even in the tiny republics of antiquity, some twenty -of which were crowded into a space less than two-thirds of -Virginia,—government was no such <i>simple machine</i>, as some fond -enthusiasts would have us believe it might be. The only very simple -form of government, is despotism. There, every question of policy, -every complicated problem of state economy, every knotty dispute -respecting the rights or interests of individuals or of provinces, is -at once solved by the intelligible and irreversible <i>sic volo</i> of a -Nicholas or a Mohammed. But in republics, there are passions to -soothe; clashing interests to reconcile; jarring opinions to mould -into one result, for the general weal. To effect this, requires -extensive and accurate knowledge, supported by all the powers of -reasoning and persuasion, in discussing not only <i>systems</i> of -measures, but their minutest details, year after year, before -successive councils, in successive generations: and supposing the -<i>machinery</i> of <i>Legislative</i>, <i>Executive</i>, and <i>Judiciary</i> to be so -simple or so happily adjusted, that an idiot might propel it, and a -school-lad with the first four rules of arithmetic—or even "a negro -boy with his knife and tally stick"<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small>—might regulate its movements -and record their results; still, those other objects demand all the -comprehension and energies of no contracted or feeble mind. Nor are -these qualities needful only to the actual administrators of the -government. Its proprietors, the people, must look both vigilantly and -intelligently to its administration: for so liable is power to -continual abuse; so perpetually is it tending to steal from them to -their steward or their agent; that if they either want the requisite -sagacity to judge of his acts, or substitute a blind confidence in him -for that wise distrust, which all experience proves indispensable to -the preservation of power in the people,—it will soon be <i>their</i> -power no longer. A tame surrender of it to him is inevitable, unless -they comprehend the subjects of his action well enough to judge the -character of his acts: unless they know something of that vast and -diversified field of policy, of duty, and of right, in which they have -set him to labor. Yes—in its least perplexed form, on its most -diminutive scale, the task of self-government is a perilously -difficult one; difficult, in proportion to its nobleness: calling for -the highest attributes of the human character. What, then, must it be, -in a system so complex as ours? Two sets of public functionaries, to -appoint and superintend: two sets of machinery to watch, and keep in -order: each of them not only complicated within itself, but constantly -tending to clash with the other. Viewing the State government alone, -how many fearful dissensions have arisen, as to the extent of its -powers, and the propriety of its acts! Turning then to the Federal -government, how much more awful and numerous controversies, respecting -both the constitutionality and expediency of its measures, have, -within half a century, convulsed the whole Union! No less than three -conjunctures within that time, threatening us with disunion and civil -war; not to mention the troubles of the elder Adams' administration, -the conspiracy of Burr, the Missouri dispute, or the cloud (now, I -trust, about to disperse) which has just been lowering in our northern -sky. To the complexity of our two governments, separately considered, -add the delicate problems daily springing from their relations with -one another, and from the mutual relations of the twenty-four -states—disputes concerning territory; claims urged by citizens of -one, against another state; or wrongs done to some states, by citizens -and residents of others—all these, and innumerable other questions, -involving each innumerable ramifications, continually starting up to -try the wisdom and temper, if not to mar the peace, of our -country;—and say, if there are words forcible and emphatic enough to -express the need, that the <small>POPULAR WILL</small>, which supremely controls this -labyrinthine complication of difficulties, should be enlightened by -knowledge, tempered by kindness, and ruled by justice?</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> Mr. Randolph's Speech in the Virginia Convention, -November, 1829.</small></blockquote> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page18"><small><small>[p. 18]</small></small></a></span> -<p>Gentlemen, when such dangers hedge our political edifice; when we -recollect the storms which have already burst upon it, and that, -although it has survived them, we have no guarantee for its -withstanding even less furious ones hereafter—as a ship may ride out -many a tempest safely, and yet be so racked in her joints as to go -down at last under a capful of wind; above all, when we reflect that -the same cankers which have destroyed all former commonwealths, are -now at work within our own;—it would betoken, to my view, more of -irrational credulity than of patriotism, to feel that sanguine, -unconditional confidence in the durableness of our institutions, which -those profess, who are perpetually making it the test of good -citizenship "<i>never</i> to despair of the republic."</p> - -<p>But is it ever to be thus? Were then the visions of liberty for -centuries on centuries, which our fathers so fondly cherished, all -deceitful? Were the toil, and treasure, and blood they lavished as -that liberty's price, all lavished in vain? Is there no deliverance -for man, from the doom of subjection which kings and their minions -pronounce against him? No remedy for the diseases which, in freedom's -apparently most healthful state, menace her with death?</p> - -<p>If it is not ever to be thus; if the anticipations of our -revolutionary patriots were not all delusive dreams, and their blood -fell not in vain to the ground; if man's general doom is not -subjection, and the examples of his freedom are not mere deceitful -glimmerings up of happiness above the fixed darkness which enwraps -him, designed but to amuse his fancy and to cheat his hopes; if there -is a remedy for the diseases that poison the health of liberty;—the -reason—that remedy—can be found only in one short precept—ENLIGHTEN -THE PEOPLE!</p> - -<p>Nothing—I scruple not to avow—it has been my thought for -years—nothing but my reliance on the efficacy of this precept, -prevents my being, at this instant, <i>a monarchist</i>. Did I not, with -burning confidence, believe that the people can be enlightened, and -that they may so escape the dangers which encompass them, I should be -for consigning them at once to the calm of hereditary monarchy. But -this confidence makes me no monarchist: makes me, I trust, a true -<i>whig;</i> not in the party acceptation of the day, but in the sense, -employed by Jefferson, of one who <i>trusts and cherishes the -people</i>.<small><small><sup>2</sup></small></small> Throughout his life, we find that great statesman -insisting upon <i>popular instruction</i> as an inseparable requisite to -his belief in the permanency of any popular government: "Ignorance and -bigotry," said he, "like other insanities, are incapable of -self-government." His authority might be fortified by those of Sidney, -Montesquieu, and of all who have written extensively or luminously -upon free government: but this is no time for elaborate quotations; -and indeed why cite authorities, to prove what is palpable to the -glance?</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>2</sup></small> "The parties of Whig and Tory are those of nature. They -exist in all countries, whether called by these names, or by those of -Aristocrats and Democrats—<i>Côté droite</i> and <i>côté gauche</i>—Ultras and -Radicals—Serviles and Liberals. The sickly, weakly, timid man, fears -the people, and is a tory by nature. The healthy, strong, and bold, -cherishes them, and is a whig by nature." <i>Jefferson</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Immense is the chasm to be filled, immeasurable the space to be -traversed, between the present condition of mental culture in -Virginia, and that which can be safely relied upon, to save her from -the dangers that hem round a democracy, unsupported by popular -knowledge and virtue. Cyrus the Great, when a boy, among his play -fellows, avoided contests with his inferiors in strength and -swiftness; always challenging to the race or the wrestling match, -those fleeter and stronger than himself: by which means, observes -Xenophon, he soon excelled them. Imitating this wise magnanimity of -Cyrus, let us, in looking around to find how we may attain an -excellence, worthy of Virginia's early and long illustrious but now -paling fame, compare ourselves not with States that have been as -neglectful as we, of popular education, but with some which have -outstript us in that march of true glory.<small><small><sup>3</sup></small></small></p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>3</sup></small> Montesquieu, mentioning the adoption, by the Romans, of -an improved <i>buckler</i> from a conquered nation, remarks, that the chief -secret of Roman greatness was, <i>their renouncing any usage of their -own, the moment they found a better one</i>. ("Ils ont toujours renoncé à -leurs usages, sitot qu'ils en ont trouvé de meilleurs.") <i>Grandeur et -Decadence des Romains</i>—<i>Chap.</i> 1.</small></blockquote> - -<p>The <i>Common-school</i> system of New York, which has been in operation -since the year 1816, is in substance this: The counties having been -already laid off into tracts of five or six miles square, called -<i>townships</i>,—each of these, upon raising one half the sum needed -there for teachers' wages, is entitled to have the other half -furnished from the state treasury: and each <i>neighborhood</i> in the -township, before it can receive any part of this joint sum, must -organize itself as a <i>school district</i>, build and furnish a school -house, and cause a school to be taught there for at least three -months, by a teacher who has been examined and found duly qualified, -by a standing committee, appointed for that purpose. To the schools -thus established, all children, rich and poor alike, are admitted -without charge. Mark the fruits of this system. In 1832, there were in -the state 508,878 children; of whom 494,959 were <i>regular pupils at -the common-schools:</i> leaving fewer than 14,000 for private or other -instruction, and reducing the number who are unschooled, to an -inappreciable point. In Massachusetts, the townships are compelled by -law to defray nearly the whole expense of their schools; and the -organization is in other respects less perfect than in New York. In -each, however, about <small>ONE-FOURTH</small> <i>of the whole population</i> is receiving -instruction for a considerable part of the year; and in Massachusetts, -in 1832, there were <i>but</i> <small>TEN</small> <i>persons between the ages of 14 and 21, -who could not read and write</i>.</p> - -<p>Connecticut, with a school fund yielding 180,000 dollars annually, and -with common schools established by law in every township, finds their -efficacy in a great degree marred by a single error in her plan. This -error is, that <i>the whole expense is defrayed by the state</i>. In -consequence of this, the people take little interest in the schools; -and the children are sent so irregularly, as to derive a very -insignificant amount of beneficial instruction: so clearly is it -shewn, that a <i>gratuity</i>, or <i>what seems</i> to be one, is but lightly -valued. The statesmen of Connecticut, convinced that the only method -of rousing the people from their indifference, is to make them -contribute something for the schools in their own immediate -neighborhood, and so become solicitous to <i>get the worth of their -money</i>, are meditating the adoption of a plan like that of New York.</p> - -<p>Even in Europe, we may find admirable, nay wonderful examples, for our imitation.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page19"><small><small>[p. 19]</small></small></a></span> -<p>P<small>RUSSIA</small> has a system, strikingly analogous to that of New York; -and in some respects, superior to it. As in New York, the -superintendence of popular education is entrusted to a distinct branch -of the government; to a gradation of salaried officers, whose whole -time is employed in regulating the courses of study, compiling or -selecting books, examining teachers, and inspecting the schools. At -suitable intervals, are schools expressly <i>for the instruction of -teachers:</i> of which, in 1831, there existed thirty-three—supplying a -stock of instructors, accomplished in all the various knowledge taught -in the Prussian schools. In no country on earth—little as we might -imagine it—is there probably so well taught a population as in -Prussia. Witness the fact, that in 1831, out of 2,043,000 children in -the kingdom, 2,021,000 regularly attended the common schools: leaving -but 22,000 to be taught at their homes or in private academies.<small><small><sup>4</sup></small></small> -France, in 1833, adopted the Prussian plan, with effects already -visible in the habits and employments of her people; and similar -systems have long existed in Germany, and even in Austria. The schools -for training teachers (called, in France and Germany, <i>normal</i> -schools) pervade all these countries.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>4</sup></small> The enumeration in Prussia, is of children between 7 and -14 years of age; in New York, of those between 5 and 16. In Prussia, -the sending of all children to school is ensured by legal penalties -upon parents, guardians, and masters, who fail to send. New York -approximates remarkably to the same result, by simply enlisting the -<i>interest</i> of her people in their schools.</small></blockquote> - -<p>In England, government has yet done little towards educating the -common people: but Scotland has long<small><small><sup>5</sup></small></small> enjoyed <i>parish schools</i> -equalled only by those of Prussia, Germany, and some of our own -states, in creating a virtuous and intelligent yeomanry. Throughout -Great Britain, voluntary associations for the diffusion of useful -knowledge, in which are enrolled some of the most illustrious minds -not only of the British empire but of this age, have been for years in -active and salutary operation; and, by publishing cheap and simple -tracts upon useful and entertaining subjects, and by sending over the -country competent persons to deliver plain and popular lectures, -illustrated by suitable apparatus, they have, as the North American -Review expresses it, "poured floods of intellectual light upon the -lower ranks of society."</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>5</sup></small> Ever since 1646, except 36 years, embracing the -tyrannical and worthless reigns of Charles II and James II.</small></blockquote> - -<p>From a comparison with no one of the eight American and European -states that I have mentioned, can Virginia find, in what she has done -towards enlightening her people, the slightest warrant for that -pre-eminent self-esteem, which, in some other respects, she is so well -entitled to indulge. Except England, she is far behind them all: and -even England (if her Societies for diffusing knowledge have not -already placed her before us) is now preparing, by wise and beneficent -legislation, to lead away with the rest.</p> - -<p>Let me not be deemed unfilial or irreverent, if I expose, somewhat -freely, the deficiencies of our venerable commonwealth in this one -particular. It is done in a dutiful spirit, with a view purely to -their amendment: and may not children, in such a spirit and with such -a view, commune frankly with one another?</p> - -<p>A great and obvious difference between our primary school system, and -the <i>common</i>-school systems of the northern states, is, that <i>they</i> -take in <small>ALL</small> children: while we aim to instruct only the children of -the <i>poor; literary paupers</i>. We thus at once create two causes of -failure: first, <i>the slight value which men set upon what costs them -nothing</i>, as was evinced in the case of Connecticut; second, <i>the -mortification to pride</i> (an honest though mistaken pride,) in being -singled out as an object of charity.<small><small><sup>6</sup></small></small> As if these fatal errors had -not sufficiently ensured the impotence of the scheme, the schools -themselves are the least efficient that could be devised. Instead of -teachers retained expressly for the purpose,—selected, after strict -examination into their capacities, and vigilantly superintended -afterwards, by competent judges—the poor children are <i>entered</i> by -the neighboring commissioner (often himself entirely unqualified -either to teach or to direct teaching,) in the private school which -chance, or the teacher's unfitness for any other employment, combined -always with cheapness of price, may have already established nearest -at hand. There, the little <i>protegé</i> of the commonwealth is thrown -amongst pupils, whose parents pay for them and give some heed to their -progress; and having no friend to see that he is properly -instructed—mortified by the humiliating name of <i>poor -scholar</i>—neglected by the teacher—and not rigorously urged to school -by any one—he learns nothing, slackens his attendance, and soon quits -the temple of science in rooted disgust.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>6</sup></small> "What you say here, is verified" (said a venerable friend -to me, on reading these sheets as they were preparing for the press—a -friend who at the age of 72, has taken upon him to teach 12 or 14 -boys; more than half of them without compensation—) "what you say -here, is verified in my school. Those who do not pay, attend hardly -half their time; and one, who is anxious to learn, and would learn if -he came regularly, is kept by his father to work at home, and has not -<i>been to school</i> now for more than a fortnight. And it was just so," -continued he, "when I managed the W. trust fund for a charity school, -20 odd years ago. The parents could not be induced to send their -children. Sometimes they were wanted at home: sometimes they were too -ragged to go abroad: sometimes they had no victuals to carry to -school. And when we offered to furnish them provisions if they would -attend, the parents said 'no, <i>that</i> was being too dependent.' In -short, the school produced not half the good it might have done. There -was the most striking difference between the charity scholars, and -those who paid." Similar testimony as to such schools may be obtained -of hundreds.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Observe now, I pray you, how precisely the results agree with what -might have been foretold, of such a system. In 1833, nearly 33,000 -<i>poor children</i> (literary paupers) were found in 100 counties of -Virginia; of whom but 17,081 <i>attended school at all: and these 17,081 -attended on an average, but</i> <small>SIXTY-FIVE DAYS OF THE YEAR, EACH</small>! The -average of <i>learning</i> acquired by each, during those 65 days, would be a -curious subject of contemplation: but I know of no arithmetical rule, -by which it could be ascertained. That it bears a much less proportion -to the <i>reasonable</i> attainments of a full scholastic year, than 65 -bears to the number of days in that year, there can be no doubt.</p> - -<p>Ranging, out of the schools, through the general walks of society, we -find among our poorer classes, and not seldom in the middling, an -ignorance equally deplorable and mortifying. Judging by the number met -with in <i>business</i> transactions, who cannot write their names or read, -and considering how many there are whose poverty or sex debars them -from such transactions, and lessens their chances of scholarship; we -should scarcely exceed the truth, in estimating the <i>white adults of -Virginia who cannot read or write, at twenty or thirty thousand</i>. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page20"><small><small>[p. 20]</small></small></a></span> -And of many who can read, how contracted the range of intellect! The -mineral, vegetable, and animal kingdoms, all unexplored, though -presented hourly to the eye; the glorious heavens, their grandeur, -their distances, and the laws of their motion, unthought of; man -himself—his structure, so fearful and so wonderful—those traits in -his bodily and mental frame, attention to which would the most -essentially conduce to bodily and mental health—all unnoted; History, -Geography, <i>tabulæ rasæ</i> to them! And for political knowledge, upon -which we of Virginia mainly pride ourselves—choose, at random, a man -from the throng in any court-house yard, and question him touching the -division of power between our two governments, and its distribution -among the departments of each: the probabilities are ten to one, that -he will not solve one in ten of your questions—even of those which -are to be answered from the mere faces of the two constitutions. Take -him then into that wild, where <i>construction</i> has been wont to -expatiate, and you will find him just able to declare <i>for</i> or -<i>against</i> this or that controverted power or measure: not because his -reason has discerned it to be constitutional or otherwise, but because -it is approved or disapproved by a chief of his own party, or by the -leader of a hostile one. And the aggregate of opinions thus caught by -accident, is the basis of the <i>popular will:</i> and it is the voice -prompted by this will, that is called "<i>The voice of God!</i>"</p> - -<p>Do not misapprehend me. Never would I have the voice of the people -other than "the voice of God"—other than all-powerful—within its -appropriate sphere. I am as loyal to their sovereignty as the most -devout of their flatterers can be: and it is from my desire to see it -perpetuated, that I speak out these unpalatable truths. Some roughness -of handling is often necessary to heal a wound. The people, like other -sovereigns, are sometimes misled by flattery: they should imitate also -the wisdom of those monarchs we occasionally meet with in history, who -can hear unwelcome truths, and let the speaker live; nay, hearken -kindly to his discourse, and let it weigh upon their future conduct. -Do I overrate the portion of the people I now address, in classing -them with such monarchs?</p> - -<p>Sagacious men have not been wanting among us, to see the radical -defects of our primary school system: and in 1829, the late Mr. -Fitzhugh<small><small><sup>7</sup></small></small> of Fairfax, stimulated the Legislature to a feeble effort -towards correcting them, by <i>empowering</i> the school commissioners of -any county to lay it off into districts of not less than three nor -more than seven miles square; and to pay, out of the public fund, -<i>two-fifths</i> of the sum requisite for building a school house, and -half a teacher's salary, for any one of those districts, whenever its -inhabitants, by <i>voluntary subscription</i>, should raise the residue -necessary for these purposes: and the schools thus established were to -be open, gratuitously, alike to rich and poor. But the <i>permissive</i> -phraseology of this statute completely neutralized its effect. It -might have been foreseen, and it <i>was</i> foreseen, that <i>empowering</i> the -commissioners to act, and leaving the rest to <i>voluntary -contributions</i>, would be unavailing, where the workings of the school -system had so long been regarded with apathy. The statute has been -acted upon, so far as I have learned, in but <i>three</i> counties of the -State; remaining, as to the other 107, a dead letter. I have the -strongest warrant—that of <i>actual experiment</i>, in New York and in -Massachusetts—for saying, that had the law <i>commanded</i> the -commissioners to lay off districts in all counties where the census -shewed a sufficiently dense white population; and had it then -organized in the districts some local authorities, whose <i>duty</i> it -should be to levy the needful amount upon their people;—I should have -been saved the ungracious task of reproaching my country with her want -of parental care; and Virginia would now be striding onward, speedily -to recover the ground she has lost in the career of true greatness.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>7</sup></small> William H. Fitzhugh—whose death cannot yet cease to be -deplored as a public calamity; cutting short, as it did, a career, -which his extraordinary means and his devoted will alike bade fair to -make a career of distinguished usefulness.</small></blockquote> - -<p>If a sense of interest, and of duty, do not prompt her people, and her -legislature, immediately, to supply defects so obvious, to correct -evils so glaring; surely, very shame at the contemplation of her -inferiority to those, above whom she once vaunted herself so highly, -will induce measures which cannot be much longer deferred without -disgrace as well as danger.</p> - -<p>In addition to <i>normal schools</i> (for training teachers,) an able -writer in the Edinburgh Review (to which<small><small><sup>8</sup></small></small> I owe the particulars of -the Prussian, German, and French school systems) suggests, in my -opinion very judiciously, the attaching of a Professorship to -Colleges, for lecturing upon the <i>art of instruction;</i> to be called -the professorship of <i>Didactics</i>. Such a chair, ably filled, would be -invaluable for multiplying enlightened teachers, and for enhancing the -dignity of that under-estimated pursuit. Conjointly with the normal -schools, it would soon ensure an abundant supply of instructors for -all the common schools.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>8</sup></small> Nos. 116, 117—July and October, 1833—reviewing several -works of <i>M. Cousin</i>, who went as commissioner from France, to explore -and report upon the Prussian and German systems of public -instruction.</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>The kinds of knowledge</i> which should be studied in the schools, and -diffused by books, tracts, and oral lectures, among the people, form -an important topic of consideration. It is not for me, at least now -and here, to obtrude an inventory of my favorite subjects, or favorite -books: but the claims of a few subjects upon our regard are so -overshadowing, as to make dissent scarcely possible, and their -omission wholly unpardonable, in any extensive view of the connexion -between <i>popular education</i>, and <i>popular government</i>.</p> - -<p>Foremost of these, is the subject of Constitutional Law, and Political -Right: something of which might be taught, even in childhood. If the -children of Rome were obliged, at school, to lay up in memory the laws -of the Twelve Tables, with all their ferocious absurdities; how much -more should the children of our country learn those fundamental laws, -which guarantee to them the noble inheritance of a rational and -virtuous freedom! Even to very young minds, the structure and powers -of our two governments may be rendered intelligible by familiar and -impartial treatises, with clear oral explanations. The merit of -impartiality in these political lessons, is illustrated by the -odiousness of a departure from it, which startled me the other day, in -reading the <small>THIRTY-FIFTH EDITION</small> of a popular and in other respects an -excellent History of the United States,<small><small><sup>9</sup></small></small> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page21"><small><small>[p. 21]</small></small></a></span> -designed for schools; where that section<small><small><sup>10</sup></small></small> -of the Federal Constitution which declares the -powers of Congress, is presented thus: "The Congress of the United -States shall have power to make and enforce <i>all laws which are -necessary to</i> <small>THE GENERAL WELFARE</small>—AS to lay and collect taxes," -&c.—going on to enumerate the specified powers, as <i>mere examples</i> of -Congressional omnipotence! And the myriads of tender minds, which -probably already owe all their knowledge of the Constitution to the -abstract where this precious morsel of political doctrine occurs, can -hardly fail to carry through life the impression, that the powers of -Congress are virtually as unbounded as those of the British -Parliament. Now, to make patriots, and not partisans—upholders of -vital faith, not of sectarian doctrine—treatises for the political -instruction of youth should quote the <i>letter</i> of every such -controverted passage, with a brief and fair statement of the opinions -and reasonings on both sides. The course of political study would be -very incomplete, without the Declaration of Independence, and -Washington's Farewell Address: and occasion might readily be found to -correct or guard against some fallacies, afloat among mankind, and -often mischievously used as axioms. "That the majority should govern," -is an instance of them: a saying, which, by being taken unqualifiedly -as at all times placing <i>the majority</i> above the Constitution and -Laws, has repeatedly caused both to be outraged. Witness the "New -Court Law" of Kentucky, in 1825; and a very similar act passed by -Congress, in 1801. The prevalent opinions, that parties, and party -spirit, are salutary in a republic; that every citizen is in duty -bound to join one or the other party; and that he ought to <i>go with -his party</i>, in all measures, whether they be intrinsically proper or -otherwise; if not fallacies so monstrous as to make their currency -wonderful, are at least propositions so questionable and so important, -as to make them worthy of long and thorough investigation before they -be adopted as truths.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>9</sup></small> By Charles A. Goodrich. The abstract of the Constitution -is taken, he says, from "Webster's Elements of General Knowledge."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>10</sup></small> Article 1 § 8.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Without expending a word upon that trite theme, the <i>utility of -history</i> to all who have any concern in government, I may be allowed -to remark, that works for historical instruction, instead of being -filled with sieges and battles, should unfold, as much as possible, -those occult and less imposing circumstances, which often so -materially influence the destinies of nations: the well-timed -flattery—the lap-dog saved—the favorite's intrigue—the priest's -resentment or ambition—to which field marshals owe their rise, -cabinets their dissolution, massacres their carnage, or empires their -overthrow. Yet the reader need not be denied the glow he will -experience at the story of Thermopylæ, Marathon, Leuctra, or Bunker -Hill. All those incidents, too, whether grand or minute, which may -serve as warnings or as encouragements to posterity, should be placed -in bold relief, and their influence on the current of events, clearly -displayed. Numberless opportunities will occur, for impressing upon -the minds of young republicans, truths which deeply concern the -responsibilities involved in that name: the artifices of -demagogues—the danger, in a democracy, of <i>trusting</i> implicitly to -the honesty and skill of public agents—the worthlessness of -popularity, unless it be "the popularity which <i>follows</i>, not that -which is <i>run after</i>"<small><small><sup>11</sup></small></small>—the importance of learning to resist the -erring impulses of a misguided multitude, not less than the -unrighteous mandates of a frowning tyrant<small><small><sup>12</sup></small></small>—the ease, so often -exemplified, with which a people may be duped by the <i>forms</i> of -freedom, long after the substance is gone—the incredible aptitude of -<i>example</i> to become <i>precedent</i>, and of <i>precedent</i> to ripen into -<i>law</i>, until usurpation is established upon the ruins of liberty—and -the difference between <i>true</i> and <i>false</i> <small>GREATNESS</small>, so little -appreciated by the mass of mankind. This last point could not be -better illustrated, than by a fair comparison of Washington with -Bonaparte: a task which Dr. Channing, of Boston, has executed, in an -essay among the most elegant and powerful in the English or any other -language.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>11</sup></small> Lord Mansfield.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>12</sup></small> The "<i>ardor civium prava jubentium</i>," not less than the -"<i>vultus instantis tyranni</i>."</small></blockquote> - -<p>To render <i>Political Economy</i> intelligible to a moderate capacity, -dissertations sufficiently plain and full might easily be extracted -from the writings of Smith and Say, and from the many luminous -discussions, oral and written, which it has undergone in our own -country. Miss Martineau has shewn how well its truths may be set forth -in the captivating form of tales: and the writings of Mr. Condy Raguet -teem with felicitous illustrations.</p> - -<p><i>Practical Morals</i>—I mean that department, which teaches, and -<i>habituates</i> us, to behave justly and kindly to our fellow -creatures—will ever be poorly taught by dry precepts and formal -essays. No vehicle of moral instruction is comparable to the striking -narrative. How is it possible for any school-boy to rob an orchard, -after having read Miss Edgeworth's "Tarlton?"—or to practise -unfairness in any bargain, when he has glowed at the integrity of -Francisco, in purposely shewing the <i>bruised side</i> of his melon to a -purchaser? or not to loathe party spirit, when he has been early -imbued with the rational sentiments contained in the "Barring Out?" In -short, to be familiar with the mass of that lady's incomparable -writings for youth, and not have the principles and feelings of -economy, industry, courage, honor, filial and fraternal love, -engrained into his very soul? Or how can he fail to find, in "Sandford -and Merton," for the daily occasions of life, the happiest lessons of -duty and humanity, and for those great conjunctures which never occur -in many a life time, the most resistless incentives to a more than -Roman heroism?</p> - -<p>Other branches of knowledge are desirable for the republican citizen, -less from any peculiar appositeness to his character as such, than -from their tendency to enlarge his mind; and especially because, by -affording exhaustless stores of refined and innocent pleasure, they -win him away from the haunts of sensuality. "I should not think the -most exalted faculties a gift worthy of heaven," says Junius, "nor any -assistance in their improvement a subject of gratitude to man, if I -were not satisfied, that <i>to inform the understanding, corrects and -enlarges the heart</i>." Felix Neff, the Alpine pastor, whose ardent, -untiring benevolence, ten years ago, wrought what the indolent would -deem miracles, in diffusing knowledge, and a love of knowledge, -amongst an untutored peasantry, found their indifference towards -<i>foreign missions</i> immovable, until they had learned something of -<i>geography:</i> but so soon as they had read the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page22"><small><small>[p. 22]</small></small></a></span> description of -distant countries, and seen them upon the map, they conceived an -interest in the people who dwelt there; and entered warmly into the -scheme of beneficence, which before had solicited their attention in -vain. "Their new acquirements," observes Neff, "enlarged their spirit, -and made new creatures of them; seeming to triple their very -existence." Geometry, he remarked, also "produced a happy moral -development:" doubtless by the beauty of its unerring march to truth. -Arithmetic it is superfluous to recommend: but its adjunct, Algebra, -deserves cultivation as an exercise to the analyzing faculties; as an -implement, indispensable to the prosecution of several other studies; -and as opening a unique and curious field of knowledge to the view.</p> - -<p>The <i>physical sciences</i>, shewing the composition and defects of soils, -and the modes of remedying those defects—the natures and properties -of minerals and vegetables—the modes in which different bodies affect -each other—the mechanical powers—the structure of man's own frame, -and the causes which benefit or injure it—the utility of these cannot -escape any mind.</p> - -<p>For <i>books</i>, and <i>tracts</i>, and <i>oral lectures for the people</i>, there -will be no want of materials or models, or even of the actual fabrics -themselves. The publications of the British and American Societies for -the Diffusion of Knowledge, are mines, in which selection, -compilation, and imitation, may work with the richest results to this -great cause. Many of these productions, and still more eminently, the -scientific writings of Dr. Franklin, afford most happy specimens of -the style, suited to treatises for popular use: no parade of learning; -no long word, where a short will serve the turn; no Latin or Greek -derivative, where an Anglo-Saxon is at hand; no technical term, where -a popular one can be used. By presenting, in a form thus brief, -simple, and attractive, subjects which in their accustomed guise of -learned and costly quartos or octavos, frighten away the common gaze, -as from a Gorgon upon which none might look, and live, you may -insinuate them into every dwelling, and every mind: the school urchin -may find them neither incomprehensible, nor wearisome; and the -laboring man be detained from the tippling house, and even for an -hour, after the day's toil is over, from his pillow, to snatch a few -morsels from the banquet of instruction.</p> - -<p>Many will cavil at the attempt to disseminate generally, so extended a -round of knowledge: and if, to escape the charge of -<i>impracticability</i>, we say, that our aim is to impart merely a slight -and general acquaintance with the proposed subjects,—then, -<i>sciolism</i>, and <i>smattering</i>, will be imputed to the plan; and Pope's -clever lines, so often misapplied, about the <i>intoxicating effect of -shallow draughts from the Pierian Spring</i>, will be quoted upon us. -Come the objection in prose or in verse, it is entirely fallacious.</p> - -<p>Learning, either superficial or profound, intoxicates with vanity, -only when it is confined to a few. It is by seeing or fancying himself -wiser than those around him, that the pedant is puffed up. But now, -all the community, male and female, are proposed to be made partakers -of knowledge; and cannot be vain, of what all equally possess. -Besides—the sort of knowledge that naturally engenders conceit and -leads to error, is the <i>partial</i> knowledge of <i>details;</i> not a -comprehensive acquaintance with <i>outlines</i>, and <i>general principles</i>. -A quack can use the lancet, and knows it to have been successfully -employed for severe contusions and excessive heat; but does not know -the <i>general</i> fact, that under extreme exhaustion, indicated by a -suspended pulse, stimulants, and not depletives, are proper. Seeing a -man just fallen from a scaffold, or exhausted with heat and fatigue in -the harvest field—his pulse gone—the quack bleeds him, and the -patient dies. Again—a lounger at judicial trials, having picked up a -few legal doctrines and phrases—perhaps being master of a "Hening's -Justice"—conceives himself a profound jurisprudent; and besides -tiring the ears of all his acquaintance with technical pedantry, he -persuades a credulous neighbor, or plunges himself, into a long, -expensive, and ruinous law-suit. The worthy Mr. Saddletree, and Poor -Peter Peebles,<small><small><sup>13</sup></small></small> are masterly pictures of such a personage: -pictures, of which few experienced lawyers have not seen originals. -The storm so lately (and perhaps even yet) impending from the north, -and several other conspicuous ebullitions of fanaticism, are clearly -traceable to the perversion of a text<small><small><sup>14</sup></small></small> in our Declaration of -Independence and Bills of Rights, detached from its natural connexion -with kindred and qualifying truths, by minds uninstructed in the -<i>general principles</i> of civil and political right. The mind which has -been accustomed only to a microscopic observation of one subject, or -one set of subjects, is necessarily contracted, fanatical, and -intolerant: as the wrinkled crone, who, during a long life, has never -passed the hills environing her cabin, or heard of any land besides -her own province, believes her native hamlet the choicest abode of -wisdom and goodness, and its humble church the grandest specimen of -architectural magnificence, in the world; and hears with incredulity -or horror, of distant countries, containing mountains, rivers, -climates, and cities, such as her thoughts never conceived, and people -with complexions, customs, language, and religion, different from all -that she has ever known. But the intellect, that has surveyed the -outlines and observed the relations of many various subjects (even -though not thoroughly familiar with any,) resembles the man who by -travelling, or even on a map, has traced the boundaries and marked the -relative positions of different countries. Knowing that <i>they exist</i>, -and <i>are peopled</i>, he readily forms distinct ideas of their surfaces, -and their moral traits: their mountains, rivers, and cities, their -arts, commerce, manners, institutions, and wars, rise before his -imagination, or are grasped by his knowledge: and whatever he hears, -he is prepared rationally to credit or reject, to approve or censure, -as it comports well or ill with probability and with reason. Now, to -counteract the one, and to promote the other, of these two conditions -of mind, are precisely what is proposed by the advocates of popular -instruction. They propose to teach <i>outlines;</i> and carefully to -impress the fact, that <i>only outlines are taught:</i> so as to shew the -learner, plainly, the precise extent of his knowledge, and (what is -yet more important) of his <i>ignorance</i>. It is thus, that, being not -"proud that he hath learned so much," but rather "humble that he knows -no more," vanity and self-conceit will be most certainly prevented: -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page23"><small><small>[p. 23]</small></small></a></span> -that a wise doubt of his own infallibility will make him tolerant -of dissent from his opinions: that he will be prepared at all times to -extend his acquisitions easily and judiciously, and to connect them -well with previous acquisitions—proving how truly Blackstone has -said, in paraphrase of Cicero,<small><small><sup>15</sup></small></small> "the sciences are <i>social</i>, and -flourish best in the neighborhood of each other:" in short, that he -will approach most nearly to that "healthful, well proportioned" -expansion of intellect and liberality of character, which Locke<small><small><sup>16</sup></small></small> -terms a <i>large, sound, roundabout sense</i>. In this point of view, it -will be found that "a little learning is" <i>not</i> "a dangerous thing."</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>13</sup></small> In "The Heart of Mid Lothian," and -"Redgauntlet."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>14</sup></small> "All men are created equal," &c. This principle is, in -substance, asserted in the Bill of Rights or Constitution of almost -every State in the Union.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>15</sup></small> ——"omnes artes, quae ad humanitatem pertinent, habent -quoddam commune vinculum, et quasi cognatione quadam inter sese -continentur." <i>Orat. pro Arch. Poet.</i></small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>16</sup></small> Conduct of the Understanding.</small></blockquote> - -<p>I am deeply sensible, that I have left untouched many topics, even -more important and more pertinent to the main theme of my remarks, -than some which I have discussed. Indeed, so wide and so varied is -that main theme, that I have found myself greatly embarrassed in -selecting from the numerous particulars which solicited my regard on -every hand. I have not presumed to offer any fully rounded plan, of -that legislative action which is so imperiously demanded by the public -weal, and soon will be, I trust, by the public voice. A few hints, are -all that seemed to become me, or indeed that could well be crowded -into my brief share of this day's time. For a plan, both in outline -and in detail, I point to our sister states and to the European -countries, that have taken the lead of us: and to the virtues and -wisdom, by which our statesmen will be able to supply the defects, -avoid the errors, and even, I trust, surpass the excellences, of those -states and countries. That the Legislature may be wrought up to act, -individual influence, and the more powerful influence of associations -for the purpose—of whom I deem you, gentlemen, the chief, because the -first—must be exerted. You must draw the minds of the constituent -body forcibly to the subject. It must be held up in every light; -supported by every argument; until the people shall be persuaded but -to <i>consider</i> it. Then, half the work will have been done. And in its -further progress towards consummation—when the illuminating process -shall have fairly begun—still it will be for you, gentlemen, and for -those whom your example shall call into this field of usefulness with -and after you, to exert, with no slumbering energy, the endowments -wherewith you and they, are entrusted. You, and they, must become -authors, and the prompters of authors. Books, for use in the schools, -and cheap, simplifying tracts as well as books for circulation among -the people, must be composed, compiled, and selected. Lectures, plain -and cheap, and suitably illustrated, must be delivered through town -and country. After the example of the good Watts, and of our own many -illustrious contemporaries in Britain and America, learned men must -oblige Science to lay aside the starched dignity and grand attire, by -which hitherto she has awed away the vulgar; and to render herself -universally amiable, by being humbly useful: as the wisest<small><small><sup>17</sup></small></small> of -heathens is said to have "brought Philosophy down from the skies, -placed her in human haunts, and made her discourse on the daily -concerns of human life."</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>17</sup></small> Socrates. "Primus ille Philosophiam devocavit e coelo, -et in urbibus collocavit, et in domus introduxit; et coegit de vita et -moribus, rebusque bonis et malis quærere." <i>Cic. Tuscul. 5</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<p>In this whole enterprise, its undertakers should resolve to be -convinced by no sneers, daunted by no difficulties, arrested by no -obstacles. Difficulties and obstacles enough, indeed, will present -themselves to the timid or superficial glance; but they will vanish, -before calm scrutiny and brave determination. Even where the means of -solving or removing them may not occur before hand to the mind, what -was lately said in a worse cause, will prove to be true: "Where there -is a <small>WILL</small>, there is a <small>WAY</small>." In such a cause as ours, and in reference -to the epithets of "visionary," "impracticable," "chimerical," -"Quixotic," and all the other imaginary lions which will be discovered -in our path, well may we say, with the generous confidence of Lord -Chatham, that we "<i>trample upon impossibilities</i>."</p> - -<p>Has not our success, indeed, been already demonstrated? Demonstrated, -in the first place, by unnumbered instances of parallel, and more -stupendous enterprises, accomplished under circumstances less -favorable than those which attend our undertaking? Such enterprises as -the Reformation of Luther—the settlement of America—her deliverance -from a foreign yoke—the teaching of the blind and the -dumb<small><small><sup>18</sup></small></small> to -read and to write? Demonstrated, again, by actual <i>experiment</i>, that -sovereign test of practicability—experiment, seven times repeated, -with extensive, if not complete success—in New York, in Connecticut, -in Massachusetts, in Austria, in Germany, in Prussia, in Scotland? -Yes—it is no untried path we are called to tread: scarcely a step of -the way, but has been explored and smoothed before us. All that we -have to do, is to look around—see what others have done—correct our -own procedure by what we perceive defective in theirs—and forthwith -open the floodgates of light, and bid the torrent pour.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>18</sup></small> Dr. Johnson, after having witnessed the surprising -performances of the pupils in a College for the deaf and dumb at -Edinburgh in 1773, concluded that such a triumph over an infirmity -apparently irremediable, left nothing hopeless to human resolution. -"After having seen the deaf taught arithmetic," says he, "who would be -afraid to cultivate the Hebrides?" <i>Journey to the Western Islands</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Young gentlemen, foster-sons of the venerable institution near us! -Some, if not all of you, are destined by your opportunities, and by -bosoms glowing with honorable ambition, and beating high with the -consciousness of talent, for a conspicuous part in the drama of life. -Your eyes, doubtless, have already often glanced around, to see in -what field you shall reap the harvest of wealth, respect, and fame, -which hope represents as awaiting you. The buzz of notoriety, the palm -of eloquence, the gorgeousness of office—those glittering bribes, -which have lured onward their tens of thousands to mere splendid -misery or to a shameful end after all—have, no doubt, displayed their -attractions to you: but permit me to suggest, that if you will devote -the powers with which nature and education have gifted you, to the -patriot task of purifying and expanding the minds of your -countrymen—besides enjoying in your latter days that sweetest of -earthly thoughts, the thought of a life spent in usefulness—you may -have gathered laurels of glory, compared with which, all the chaplets -ever won in the tilt-yard of vulgar ambition are paltry weeds.</p> - -<p>My wealthy fellow citizens! remember, that where -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page24"><small><small>[p. 24]</small></small></a></span> suffrage is -nearly universal and the majority rules, if the great body of the -people be ignorant or immoral, property is never secure from assaults, -under the disguise of law: either agrarian schemes, or oppressive -protecting systems, or advantages to certain classes, or some form of -unequal taxation; all, the result of ill-informed minds, or of -depraved dispositions. And if lawlessness assume not the garb of -legislation, still it is always banded with ignorance in the firing of -barns, the destruction of labor-saving machinery,<small><small><sup>19</sup></small></small> conspiracies to -raise wages, and all the terrific outrages that spring from the fury -of mobs. Thus, by a wise Providence, are you, who are the most <i>able</i> -to promote the education of the people, also by far the most -<i>interested</i> in doing so. If there can be a case, in which a judicious -liberality is the truest economy, that case is now yours: and never -may the <i>ill husbandry of niggardliness</i> be more awfully exemplified, -than by your grudging a small particle of your wealth, to place the -remainder beyond the reach of this peril.</p> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>19</sup></small> No one can have forgotten the ravages committed, a year -or two since, by the ignorant poor of Kent, and some others of the -southern and middle counties of England, chiefly under the delusive -idea, that their sufferings were caused by labor-saving machinery.</small></blockquote> - -<p>My fellow citizens (if any such are before me) who do not possess -wealth, and who have scarcely tasted of the cup of knowledge! You -surely need no exhortation to quaff freely of that cup, when it shall -come within your grasp: but I do exhort you to employ your influence -as men, and your constitutional power as voters, in persuading your -fellow citizens, and in prompting your public agents, to adopt the -requisite measures for dispelling, now and forever, the clouds and -darkness in which republican freedom can never long live.</p> - -<p>And if, at the remotest point of future time, to which we may look -forward as witnessing the existence of human government any where, our -democratic forms shall still retain, unimpaired, even their present -purity, and present fertility of substantial freedom and happiness; -much more, if they shall have waxed purer, and stronger, and more -fruitful of good, with each revolving century,—defying the power or -conciliating the love of foreign states—maintaining domestic -harmony—oppressing none, protecting all—and so fully realizing the -fondest hopes of the most sanguine statesman, that no "despair of the -republic" can trouble the faintest heart:—all will be owing (under -Providence,) to the hearkening of this generation and the succeeding -ones, to that voice—not loud, but solemn and earnest—which, from the -shrine of Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and -enforces the momentous precept—"ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE!"</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect12"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE WISSAHICCON.</h4> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem7"> - -<tr><td><small>Its bounding crystal frolicked in the ray,<br> - And gushed from cleft to crag with saltless spray.<br> - - - - - <i>Byron</i></small>.</td></tr> - -</table> -<br><br> - -<p>It is probable there are but few individuals residing in the vicinity -of Philadelphia, who have not heard, during some interval of business -engagements, of Wissahiccon creek, a beautiful and romantic stream -that falls into the no less romantic Schuylkill, about five miles -above the city. The stream is visited, statedly, by but a small number -of persons, but as it is neither found on any map, nor marked in any -gazetteer that I have ever examined, there may be some apology -afforded for the indifference to magnificent scenery, manifested by -hundreds and thousands of our citizens, who, though domiciled in its -immediate vicinity, have never deemed it worthy of a visit. So true it -is, that there is a proneness in human nature to undervalue the gifts -of Providence which are placed within our reach, and to admire and -covet those which are located at a distance. Were a fatiguing journey -of several hundred miles necessary, in order to enjoy a ramble along -the banks of the Wissahiccon, we should then, without doubt, view its -placid waters, its sluggish, meandering course, its richly covered -banks, and its imposing precipices, with the admiration and enthusiasm -which scenes of this character never fail to inspire in the minds of -those who passionately love the untouched works of the hand of nature. -But the delightful little stream courses along within a few miles of -our doors, and a ride to its most picturesque views, is but an hour's -excursion; hence, except to a few, whose researches have discovered, -and whose good taste enabled them to appreciate, the beauty, sublimity -and majesty of this stream, it is almost unknown.</p> - -<p>But there are persons who have not been thus negligent of nature's -treasures in this vicinity, and to these a visit to the fascinating -Wissahiccon, calls up remembrances and associations of the most -delightful character. To those who enjoy Nature in her majesty—free, -uncontrolled, undespoiled of her beauty by the effacing efforts of -human skill—there is no spot, within a circle of many miles, so rich -in imagery, so imposing in appearance, so fascinating in attraction, -as the banks of the Wissahiccon. The stream takes its rise from -several springs in the upper part of Montgomery county, and flows, for -a short distance, through a limestone country, remarkable for -fertility and a high state of cultivation. Thence it passes, -south-westernly, "a sweet smiling stream sleeping on the green sward," -into more undulating land, until it reaches the Chesnut ridge, from -which it progresses, at times indolently, and at times with an -impetuous current, through a narrow valley, hedged in on either side -by high hills, steep and craggy cliffs and precipitous mountains, -until it strikes the Schuylkill, about a mile above the falls. Along -its whole course the scenery of the Wissahiccon is beautiful, but it -is the portion lying within six or eight miles of its mouth, that is -generally regarded as the most attractive, as it exhibits, in bolder -relief than any other portion, the peculiar sublimity and grandeur of -the stream, and the imposing and majestic ledge of rock work through -which it passes. It is along this distance that I have been accustomed -to ramble during leisure moments, for years, and it is under the shade -of the forests of brilliant hue that line its banks, that I have often -reclined, and enjoyed, undisturbed, the sweet melody of nature, -issuing from the bursting green foliage around me. I love nature with -enthusiasm, and whether standing on the bank of a running stream and -listening to the sweet gushing sound of its waters, or seated on an -eminence overlooking the waving fields of golden fruit that bless the -labor of the husbandman; whether enchanted by the Siren song of -nature's minstrels in the spring, or watching the many-colored leaves -of the <span class="pagenum"><a name="page25"><small><small>[p. 25]</small></small></a></span> -forest, as they are borne through the air by the whistling -winds of autumn—there is, in the scene before me, absorbing -attraction, calling forth reflections which never fail to mellow down -the selfish and unkind feelings of the heart, and to shed a peaceful, -consoling, and happy influence—all-pervading and lasting in its -impressions—over the heart.</p> - -<p>The wild and majestic are, however, the scenes to which I am most -strongly attached, and which invariably elicit, to a greater extent -than those of a softer character, passionate emotions of wonder and -admiration. I love to stand at the base of a mountain whose summit -reaches the clouds, and to clamber among rocks and under precipices -whose projecting cliffs threaten destruction to the hardy -adventurer—I love to explore the dense forests of our bold and -beautiful hills, and to bury myself in the hidden recesses of nature, -where the foot of man has never trod, where the sound of civilization -has never been heard—I love to stand at the foot of Niagara, and -watch the mighty torrent of a mighty inland sea hurling its -concentrated power into the gulph below, and to gaze deep, deep, into -that awful abyss—unfathomable, destructive, appalling—I love to see -the elements at war, to hear the rush of the tornado and whirlwind, -laying prostrate in their furious course every impediment to their -destructive progress, and to witness the fall of the powerful oak and -the whirlings of its cleft branches in the sea of matter above, -crushing and overwhelming the most formidable obstacles of art. These -are scenes in which the spirit of the enthusiast revels, and they are -scenes which strike the soul with awe, speaking trumpet-tongued of the -presence of an Almighty power, of the omnipotence of his authority, of -the insignificance of human effort, and the frailty of human life.</p> - -<p>The scenery near the mouth of the Wissahiccon is of a wild, romantic, -and imposing character, beautiful in its ever-varying aspect, and -interesting in its mystic associations. High hills, occasionally -assuming the appearance of mountains, rise on either side, covered -with a dense and beautifully-variegated foliage. The dogwood, with its -beautiful flowers, the chesnut, the locust, the melancholy willow, the -sumac, the gum, with its vermillion leaves, and the gloomy hemlock, -flourish here in all their native grandeur; and the lofty oak, the -father of the forest, stretches out his thickly-covered branches to -afford shade and shelter to the weary pedestrian. Wild flowers, in -great number and varieties, rivalling each other in loveliness, are -found in the underwood, giving effect to the drapery of the verdant -trees, by enlivening the dark hues of the thickly-growing and -overshadowed forest. Some of these flowers and plants are of rare -quality and surpassing beauty, and far eclipse in attraction many that -are cultivated with care and pride in our gardens; but here they -spring up, year after year, in silence and solitude, being literally</p> - -<center> -"———Born to blush unseen,<br> -And waste their fragrance on the desert air."</center> - -<p>In the valley of the stream, along the eastern side of which, for a -mile or two, a convenient road has been chisseled and scooped out of -the sides of the stony hill, the vision is completely obstructed by -the imposing banks, and hills rising above hills, on either shore; and -but for the unpoetic noise of a laboring mill, and the span of a rude -bridge which crosses to a small cavern or cleft in the rocky slope, -there would be nothing to betray the presence of man, or to mark the -contiguity of human enterprise. Alas! that not one spot—not even the -glorious Wissahiccon—bearing the undoubted impress of the hand of the -God of nature, can escape the desolating depredations and officious -interference of the onward march of civilization.</p> - -<p>The carriage road commencing at the mouth of the Wissahiccon, crosses -the stream on a covered bridge, about a mile and a half above, winds -up a hill of considerable elevation, and passes over to the ridge. -From the covered bridge access along the creek is obtained by means of -a foot path, on the western side, which is marked through the forest, -over crags and cliffs, rugged rocks and rooted trees, until it reaches -a beautiful green lawn, a little parlor in the wilderness, celebrated -as the resort of occasional pic-nic parties of young ladies and -gentlemen from the city, and where, on the grassy floor, youth and -beauty have often mingled in the graceful dance, and joined in the -merry song of innocence and gay hilarity. It is a sweet spot, and -surrounded, as it is, by scenery of the wildest and most romantic -character, may very appropriately be designated the "oasis of the -Wissahiccon." Near this place, immediately on the water's edge, the -ruins of an antiquated stone building are discovered, scattered over -the ground, and as no trace of the original appearance of the edifice -can be found, the imagination is permitted to enjoy free scope in -dwelling upon the character and pursuits of its ancient founders. On -the opposite side, the banks rise up, in many places almost -perpendicularly, to the height of mountains, and but few have the -temerity to attempt a passage along the course of the stream, as a -single false step might hurl them among the dangerous rocks and -jutting cliffs below. Here, as well as on the western side, several -clefts and caverns in the granite rocks may be found, but it does not -appear that they extend to any great depth under the massive -structure; and here, upon the edge of a hill, may be seen the point at -which it was sometime since proposed to throw a bridge over the -stream, to carry across the rail road from Philadelphia to Norristown. -The projectors of the scheme reached thus far in their onward -progress, but in casting a glance over the precipice into the gulph -below, were struck with dismay at the formidable obstacles which -appeared, and prudently abandoned the hazardous and wildly-conceived -undertaking.</p> - -<p>Near Garsed's flax mill, the foot-path crosses to the eastern shore of -the stream, on a rude log chained to an adjacent stone, and passes up -through a forest overhanging the sluggish waters, and through a thick -underwood, which, in some places, is almost impenetrable. Occasional -openings in the dense foliage, which become more frequent as the -pedestrian progresses up the stream, afford highly picturesque and -enchanting views of the surrounding hills, such as those who -appreciate Nature in her majesty, would journey miles upon miles, and -endure pain and fatigue without murmuring, to behold. In every -direction the scenes unfolded to the eye are rich and enchanting -beyond description, and remind the writer who associates therewith -ideas of intellectual pleasure and enjoyment, of the beautiful lines -of the poet:</p> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page26"><small><small>[p. 26]</small></small></a></span> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem8"> -<tr><td><small>"Dear solitary groves, where peace doth dwell!<br> - Sweet harbors of pure love and innocence!<br> - How willingly could I forever stay<br> - Beneath the shade of your embracing greens,<br> - List'ning unto the harmony of birds,<br> - Tun'd with the gentle murmur of the stream."</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>One of the most interesting spots on the Wissahiccon, is in the -immediate vicinity of the great perpendicular rock of granite, -opposite Rittenhouse's mill. Here the dark shadows of the hill fall, -with beautiful effect, upon the gurgling stream, and the rich and deep -woodland foliage, the tangled and fragrant shrubbery, the towering -cliffs on the one side, and imposing hills and dales on the other, -give to the place a charm and fascination, which the reflecting mind -may enjoy, but of which it is impossible to convey with the pen, any -accurate description. It was near this enchanting place, on the sun -side of a high hill, as is currently believed, that Kelpius and his -friend, scholars of Germany, located themselves about the close of the -seventeenth century, and where for years they dwelt in quiet and -religious meditation, awaiting, with anxious prayer, the coming of the -"Lady of the Wilderness," and where they died, as we now know, -"without the sight." It was here, that, at a period long anterior to -the arrival of Kelpius, the untamed monarch of these wilds came to -enjoy the rich treasures of nature, and to worship, in silence, the -goodness and bounty of the Great Spirit. It was here, perhaps, on the -summit of this very hill, that the original owners of the soil -convened for the war dance and to make preparations for a furious and -bloody contest; or mayhap it was here that the chiefs of different -tribes assembled to bury the hatchet of war, and to smoke the calumet -of amity and peace. Perhaps it was here that the noble young warrior, -flushed with the honors of victory, stole silently at the midnight -hour, to breathe his tale of love and his vows of devotion, into the -ear of his blushing and affianced bride; and surely no spot can be -found, in the whole range of our wide-spread territory, so suitable -for scenes of this character. Here is the abode of romance, here the -spirit of nature holds undisputed sway—and here, among these rugged -rocks, and in this dense foliage—by the side of this poetic stream, -with its associations of woody heights and shady dells, it is fitting -that pure and holy vows of love should be uttered, where Heaven, in -every leaf of the forest, in every blade of grass, may be called upon -to bear witness to their sincerity and truth.</p> - -<p>But the Wissahiccon has fallen into other hands. The untutored savage -no longer strolls over these silent mountains and vales, for his abode -has been removed far away, beyond the western waters. The bones of his -warrior fathers lie bleached and neglected in the depths of the -valley, for the high-bounding spirit of the son is tamed, by the -contaminating influence of his civilized brethren. The active deer no -longer bounds over the hills and dales of the Wissahiccon, for he has -been driven to more sequestered abodes. The stream is, however, much -the same—its placid waters are still beautiful as mirrors—its shores -are still romantic—its groves are still enchanting—and so may they -ever remain, undisturbed, untouched by the dilapidating hand of man! -The place should ever be reserved as a refreshing retreat, where the -soul may be uplifted in devotion, and the heart gladdened in sweet -contemplation—where no sound shall be heard but the notes of melody -and joy, in delightful unison with the tones of the murmuring rill.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem9"> -<tr><td><small> "To sit on rocks, to muse o'er flood and fell,<br> - To slowly trace the forest's shady scene,<br> - Where things that own not man's dominion dwell,<br> - And mortal foot hath ne'er or rarely been;<br> - To climb the trackless mountain, all unseen,<br> - With the wild flock that never needs a fold;<br> - Alone o'er steeps and foaming falls to lean;<br> - This is not solitude—'tis but to hold<br> -Converse with nature's charms, and see her stores unroll'd."</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Two or three miles above the perpendicular rock, on the eastern shore -of the stream, and in a spot equally beautiful and romantic, stands an -edifice of great antiquity, connected with which there are a number of -interesting associations. It is built nearly on the summit of a slope -that stretches into a ravine, walled in on three sides by elevated -hills, thickly covered with foliage. The building is of stone, three -stories high, with numerous windows, four to each chamber, of uniform -size, and appearance; sixty years ago there was a balcony around the -second story, and the old-fashioned eaves, plastered in semi-circular -form, still to be seen, exhibit the architectural taste and style of a -past century. The date of its erection is supposed to be the year -1706, and its founders a society of religious Germans, probably known -as <i>Pietists</i> or <i>Seven day Baptists</i>, who no doubt selected this -secluded situation in order to secure peace and quietness in their -religious devotions. Many of the aged inhabitants of the neighborhood -remember this monastery, as a building of unchanged appearance, even -from the days of their boyhood, and some have connected therewith -curious traditions of romance and legends of mystic tale. -Notwithstanding the edifice has lately undergone a thorough -alteration, and is now the permanent residence of a highly respectable -and very intelligent family, it still bears the reputation of being -visited by spirits.</p> - -<p>The fact of this building having been occupied as a monastery, by a -brotherhood of Germans, is, however, involved in doubt. One tradition -alleges, that it was tenanted for sometime, by a fraternity of -Capuchins, or White Friars, who took upon themselves vows of -abstinence and poverty, and who slept upon wooden or stone pillows, -with places scolloped out for the head. In confirmation of this -tradition, an ancient burial place near the premises, now under -tillage, is pointed out, where repose the remains of many of the -brotherhood. Another and more probable story is, that the building was -actually erected for a religious society, professing a faith similar -to that of the Seven day Baptists at Ephrata, near Lancaster, but -never occupied, as those for whom it was designed deemed it expedient -to leave the neighborhood, and join the settlement at Ephrata. The -Chronica Ephrata expressly states that, previous to the formation of -that community, in May, 1733, they had dwelt in separate places as -hermits, and "the hermits of the ridge" are frequently mentioned. That -there was a feeling of affection between these hermits and the -brotherhood in Ephrata, is beyond all doubt, as the Chronica, in -another place, speaks of some brothers of single devotedness at -Roxborough, "who subsequently fell in with the spirit of the world and -married."</p> - -<p>Kelpius, probably the first of the hermits, on the Wissahiccon, died -in the year 1708. He was succeeded by -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page27"><small><small>[p. 27]</small></small></a></span> -Seelig, who survived him -many years, and who was contemporary with Conrad Matthias, another -recluse, whose cave was near the Schuylkill. Tradition speaks of these -Germans as being men of undoubted piety and great learning. Kelpius -wrote several languages, and his journal, in Latin, is now in the -possession of a distinguished antiquarian of Philadelphia. He waited -the coming of the "Lady of the Wilderness,"—the "woman clothed with -the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of -twelve stars," spoken of in the scriptures, as having "fled into the -wilderness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should -feed her there a thousand two hundred and threescore days." (Rev. -xii.) We may wonder that such a man as Kelpius should labor under a -delusion of this character, but those who will visit the spot he -selected for his "prayerful waiting," will agree with me in opinion -that it was singularly well chosen to harmonize with and foster his -eccentric views, and romantic religious expectations.</p> - -<p>There is another interesting legend, connected with the monastery on -the Wissahiccon, which I feel inclined to allude to, if I may do so -without being held responsible for its veracity. It is a tale of -unhappy love, and relates to a young, beautiful, and accomplished -French lady, who followed her lover to the Indian wars, who fought in -disguise by his side, and who closed his eyes when he fell at her -feet, mortally wounded. Being subsequently admitted, for temporary -shelter, into the monastery, she passed a year or two in unavailing -grief, and died, heart-broken at the loss of all she held near and -dear on earth. The particulars of the melancholy fate of the beautiful -Louisa I may hereafter unfold to the reader, but I beg my young -friends who may discover the mound which covers her remains at the -foot of a weeping willow, washed by the gurgling stream, to shed a -tear to the memory of one whose beauty and virtues deserved a happier fate.</p> - -<p>I have thus attempted to give a sketch of the ever-delightful -Wissahiccon, and to cast a hasty glance at a few of the prominent -incidents with which it was once associated. If I have failed to -excite interest in the mind of the reader, let him not hesitate to -attribute the circumstance to the feeble powers of the writer, rather -than to the poverty of the subject to which his attention has been -called. Beautiful and magnificent beyond comparison are the -picturesque views of this romantic stream, and for ages to come may -its crystal waters continue to course through the valley, affording -peaceful enjoyment to the pedestrian on its banks, and unqualified -delight to those who may ramble through its attractive forests.</p> - -<blockquote><i>Philadelphia, October 1835</i>.</blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect13"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LE BRUN.</h4> -<br> -<p>Le Brun, a Jesuit, wrote what he called a Christian Virgil, and a -Christian Ovid. The Virgil consists, of Eclogues, Georgics, and an -Epic of twelve books, all however on devotional subjects. The Ovid is -in the same taste. The Epistles are pious ones—the Fasti are the six -days of the Creation—the Elegies are the Lamentations of -Jeremiah—the Art of Love is a poem on The Love of God, and the -history of some Conversions supplies the place of the Metamorphoses.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect14"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MEMORY.</h4> -<br> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem10"> -<tr><td>Oh! why should Memory love to dwell<br> - On pleasures which can come no more?<br> -And why should Fancy's magic spell<br> - So brightly gild each scene of yore?<br> -<br> -Ev'n Hope's delusive, glittering beam<br> - May cease to shed its cheering light;<br> -And, dull and cold, Time's onward stream<br> - May flow before the aching sight.<br> -<br> -But Memory, like a fairy dream,<br> - Still haunts the pensive view,<br> -And, like mild Evening's lingering beam,<br> - Clothes fading scenes in loveliest hue.<br> -<br> -The Past, with all its glittering train<br> - Of joys, so sweet, so quickly fled,<br> -At Memory's touch returns again,<br> - To cheer the heart whose hopes are dead.<br> -<br> -Fond Retrospection lingers near<br> - Each scene of bliss which could not last,<br> -And links again that chain so dear,<br> - Which Memory flings around the past.<br> -<br> -Hopes, Friendships, <i>Loves</i>—a seraph band—<br> - Which Time's cold blast had rudely torn,<br> -As Memory waves her magic wand,<br> - With more than former bliss return.<br> -<br> -They come, like Music's distant breath,<br> - So soft, so sweet their whisperings are—<br> -And fadeless is that lovely wreath<br> - With which they bind the brow of care.<br> -<br> -Oh! Memory's joys will <i>always</i> last—<br> - No cloud can dim their brilliant ray;<br> -Still bright and brighter glows the Past,<br> - As Hope's sweet visions fade away.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect15"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE CITY.</h4> -<br> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem11"> -<tr><td> The City—the City—its glare and din—<br> -Oh! my soul is sick of its sights and shows,<br> - My spirit is cramp'd, and my soul pent in—<br> - I can scarcely think, and it seems to me<br> - My very breathing is not so free,<br> -As where the breeze in its freedom blows,<br> - And the vines untrammel'd but seem to be<br> - Disporting to tell of their liberty.<br> -There, <i>there</i> I'd be—Oh! my spirit pines<br> -For the rivers, the trees, and the forest vines.<br> -<br> - From the crowded streets, and the jostling throng,<br> -And garish glitter, and vain parade—<br> - My native woods! how I long, I long<br> - To bury me in thy wilds again;<br> - Then Art, and Fashion, and Form, oh! then<br> -I'll eschew ye all in my wild-wood shade.<br> - Like an uncaged bird, I shall scarcely know<br> - Which way to bend me, or whither to go;<br> -Yet I think my spirit would grateful rise<br> -Unto God, who dwells in the clear blue skies.</td></tr> -</table> -<blockquote><i>Columbia, S. C.</i></blockquote> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page28"><small><small>[p. 28]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect16"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MACEDOINE:</h4> -<center>BY THE AUTHOR OF OTHER THINGS.</center> -<br><br> -<center>I.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem12"> -<tr><td><small>"I tell it as 'twas whispered unto me,<br> - By a strange voice not of this world I ween."</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem13"> -<tr><td> The Baron has gone to a distant land<br> - Beyond the far wave the sun sets on;<br> - Last eve but one he kissed his hand<br> - To his lady, the lovely Marion,<br> -As he urged his proud courser along the plain<br> -That leads to the sea, from his wide domain,<br> -In the van of a gallant vassal train.<br> -<br> -In sooth, her lord is a noble knight<br> -As e'er couched lance in tourney or fight—<br> -But yet the lady loved him not,<br> -And heaven ne'er blest their lonely lot.<br> -"No little voices, no fairy footfalls<br> -Broke the deep hush of their silent halls;"<br> -For Coldness hung over their bridal couch,<br> -And chilled their hearts with his icy touch.<br> -The lady scarce smiled when her lord was nigh—<br> -And when she did, her pensive eye<br> -Had somewhat in its look the while<br> -Which seemed to chide the moment's guile,<br> -And check the mimic play of mirth<br> -To which the lip alone gave birth.<br> -Like light that sports on frozen streams<br> -That warm not in its wintry beams,<br> -Is the smile of the lip that would fain seem glad—<br> -Albeit the heart is gloomy and sad.</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>I watched the lady from afar,<br> - As she sat in the western balcony—<br> - Oh! none more beautiful could be;<br> - The sun had sunk upon the sea,<br> -And twilight came with the evening star.<br> -<br> - The lady leaned o'er the balustrade,—<br> - I ween 'twas not the voice of the breeze<br> - That came from the grove of orange trees;<br> -For the lady started as half afraid,<br> -And her cheek turned pale, then flushed blood-red,<br> -As the voice of lips invisible said:<br> -"Meet me to-night by the bastioned wall,<br> - When the midnight moon looks over the sea—<br> -When the mermaid sleeps in her ocean hall,<br> - And the world seems made but for you and me."</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td>'Twas a lovely night—the moonlit sea<br> - Was smooth and fair as beauty's brow;<br> - And down in the coral caves below,<br> - Where white pearls lie, and seaflowers grow,<br> -The mermaid was dreaming quietly.<br> -And lo! a knight and a lady fair<br> - Stood in the shade of the bastioned wall:<br> -I watched them as they lingered there—<br> - Oh! they were to each other all<br> -In the wide, wide world their hearts held dear;<br> - He clasped her trembling to his breast,<br> -And kissed from her lids the glittering tear.<br> - She sighed, and pointed to the west,<br> - And again her tears flowed unreprest;</td></tr> - - <tr><td> </td></tr> - - <tr><td align="center">* * - * - * - *</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<center>II.</center> -<br> -<center>SONG.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem14"> -<tr><td><small>Give strong drink unto him that is ready to perish, and wine unto -those that be of heavy hearts.<br> -Let him drink—and remember his misery no more.</small></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><small><i>Proverbs—Chap. xxxi. 6 and 7</i>. </small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem15"> -<tr><td>This is a dark and dreary world<br> - To which we're vainly clinging—<br> -We spurn at life, yet dread the fate<br> - Each hour is nearer bringing.<br> -It is not love—it is not hope,<br> - That binds us to our sorrow—<br> -But wild vague fears—a shrinking dread<br> - Of an unearthly morrow:<br> -Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine—<br> - A truce to sober thinking—<br> -And pledge the joy that lingers yet—<br> - The deep, deep joy of drinking.<br> -<br> -Oh! 'tis a dark and fearful curse<br> - Hangs o'er this brief existence—<br> -The knowledge of a fixed doom<br> - That mocks our poor resistance.<br> -In vain the path is strewed with flowers,<br> - The truth will ne'er forsake us—<br> -A grisly demon dogs our steps,<br> - And must at last o'ertake us:<br> -Then wreath the bowl, and pour the wine—<br> - Avaunt all idle thinking—<br> -And pledge the joy that yet remains—<br> - The deep, deep joy of drinking.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<center>III.</center> -<br> -<center>RUINS.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem16"> -<tr><td>Ye grey and mouldering walls!—ye ivied towers!<br> - From whence the midnight-loving bird doth pour<br> - Her dreary note upon the solemn hour!<br> -Ye dim arcades!—ye fancy-haunted bowers!<br> -Ruined—but how majestic in decay!<br> - I love thee well; and gazing thus on thee<br> - In twilight solitude, it seems to me<br> -A spirit voice comes stealing up this way—<br> -The voice of vanished years—and many a tale<br> - It tells my musing mind of gallant lords<br> - And ladies gay—of moonlight-whispered words,<br> -And deeds of high renown—of crimes that pale<br> - The cheek to dream—and the malignant scowl<br> - Of evil eyes beneath the monkish cowl.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<center>IV.</center> -<br> -<center>SONNET.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem17"> -<tr><td>Oh! I could almost weep to think that thou<br> - Whom heaven hath moulded in a form as fair<br> - As fancy pictures those of upper air,<br> -Shouldst thus belie the promise of that brow<br> -Where truth seems to repose, pure as its snow.<br> - Alas! that treachery should lurk beneath<br> - Such smiles!—a hidden serpent in a wreath<br> -Of Eden flowers!—what art thou, wouldst thou know?<br> -In all thy pride of charms?—A living tomb<br> - Of buried hopes—the grave of ruined hearts<br> - Which trusted, loved thee,—dreaming not that arts<br> -Which taught the soul excess of bliss, would doom<br> - The worshipper to—no! not Death, but worse—<br> - And yet thou art too fair a thing to curse.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page29"><small><small>[p. 29]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect17"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>LIONEL GRANBY.</h4> -<center>CHAP. VI.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem18"> -<tr><td><small>"The letters are original, though sometimes in bad taste, and -generally verbose."</small></td></tr> -<tr><td align="right"><small><i>Edinburgh Review</i>.</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> - -<p>I had not been a long time at College before I received a large packet -from home, enclosing a number of letters from my uncle, Frederick, and -Lucy. One of them was folded in an odd fashion—directed in a stiff -and inky hand, and surmounted with a mass of red sealing wax, on which -was rudely impressed the ragged outline of the Granby arms. This was -one of my uncle's pedantic, prolix, advisory, and generous epistles, -and I was soon placed in possession of the following neatly written -sentences.</p> - -<div align="right"><i>Chalgrave</i>, ——. - </div> - -<blockquote><i>My Dear Boy:</i>—When Erasmus visited Sir Thomas More, that obstinate -sophist, and that martyr to a scolding wife, (how nobly he bore her!) -he said that he could always write a pleasing letter when his hand was -the secretary of his heart. <i>En passant</i>, Erasmus made a gallant -speech on this memorable visit. In admiring the kind fashion of -saluting females with a kiss, on your arrival or departure from an -entertainment, he said, and that philosophically, that this habit -preserved health, in calling a constant and blushing glow to the -cheek, and that in his moments of sickness he could wish no happier -situation than to be placed near an English nunnery, where if he could -not be kissed for charity he might yet live in hopes of it. Now my -hand is the obedient secretary, and my heart is anxious to dictate its -duties. How true, yet how simple is this conceit! and how far superior -to the monkish verbosity, and strangled sentiment of those bad novels -which you read merely because they are new. The heart is the -<i>écritoire</i> of the letter writer, and have you never paused with -feelings of admiration and delight over the affectionate and eloquent -letters of a woman? She writes from the heart, and pours out the -swelling torrent of all her thoughts and feelings. Man thinks <i>what</i> -to write, and will fritter away feeling and sacrifice nature in the -struggle for easy periods and mellifluous cadences. It is not learning -that shadows with tints of tenderness the beautiful letters of -Tully—nor is it philosophy which lends that nameless grace, and -elastic interest, to the epistles of Pliny. 'Tis nature whose -affections, like the rainbow, beautify and hallow the roughness of -every spot over which it spans its creative arch. A letter, says -Tully, cannot blush, "<i>epistola enim non erubescit</i>," if it could, it -would never have this characteristic when I addressed it to you. I -cannot write aught that will suffuse either your cheek or mine, though -I might whisper something about your fair cousin, Isa Gordon. You love -her, Lionel? and she may return your affection, but you must owe it to -your distinction. Isa is no sickly and prurient-hearted girl who can -solely love the person, for she demands the intellectual man, and in -the hymeneal chaplet which is to adorn her brow, the laurel must twine -its emblematic vanities. Let this hope excite you to study—let this -holy object imp your eagle wing, for on every page of your books you -must see her name urging and stimulating the slumbering energies of -your ambition. I would not have you free from love, nor untouched, as -Spenser calls it, by its pensive discontent, for no young man can -prosper without its stirring and startling excitements. I myself, -"<i>vixi puellis idoneus</i>," and I know that it softens the asperities of -temper—gentles the turbulence of youth—breaks down the outworks of -vice, and detracts no more from the firmness of mind than the polish -of the diamond does from its solidity. You may read philosophy and -think of woman—dwell on poetry and find your taste expanding into -delicacy and elevation by dreaming of her gentleness, and I suppose -that even in the crabbed study of the law, you may find her image -peeping over black letter, or smiling through yellow parchment. When I -was at college poor Ridon whom Johnstone shot, ('twas a fair duel) -being in love, translated most of that portion of Coke upon Littleton -which relates to females, into poetry of all styles, and measures. -Only think of his drawing poetical conceits from this dull book, and -scattering them on the margin of the leaden volume, like so many -flowers prodigally thrown into a grave-yard! I have this rare copy, -and in a page blotted with notes, references, and <i>quæres</i>, these -crippled lines, have stumbled themselves into the text.</blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem19"> -<tr><td>"<i>Tenant per la curtesie d'Englettere</i>." </td></tr> -<tr><td align="right">Chap. iv. sect. 35.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem20"> -<tr><td>A feme that has lands<br> -Enters Hymen's bands,<br> -And has heirs in the nuptial tye;<br> -Then these lands shall descend,<br> -When her life's at an end,<br> -To her Lord in curtesy.</td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote>This species of poetry was all that he ever wrote, and he was wont to -say, that he thought it was his duty to the sex, to use the language -of rhyme, and thus make the law respectful.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>I do not know how to advise you about the study of law. I once looked -into it, and though it may be a garden teeming with the elegancies of -Poestum, I could not bear that rough dragon of pedantry, Coke, who -guarded its threshold. It is a sort of hustle-cap game, between judges -and lawyers, and a perilous mystery wherein common sense cannot trust -itself, without that peculiar and dogged impudence, which bears all -the vulgarity, without the courage, of effrontery. Now there is -philosophy in every thing, and if you will acquire decent effrontery I -will call it, for your sake, dignity and learning; and I will even -believe that it requires some mind to understand a plain statute, and -some genius to pervert it. Yet I cannot look with a sarcastic eye on -the hallowed relics of the legal institutions of antiquity. Go back, -my dear boy, to the redundant fountains of ancient literature—and you -will find that Plato and Tully, have long ago, looked up for the pure -seat of law only to the bosom of God, and that the Norman gibberish -and dog-latin, which were quoted to burn witches and sustain kings, -though they may make you a lawyer skilled in precedents, can never -make you the scourge of knavery, the fearless champion of innocence, -nor the enlightened advocate of your country's rights. Old Sir Roger -L'Estrange wrote a mournful valedictory, when he left the riots and -Apician nights of the Inns for the labors and stolid gravity of the -bar, and, amid many sarcasms on the profession, he has thus happily -sketched the character of an honest lawyer.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>"He can prosecute a suit in equity without seeking to create a -whirlpool where one order shall beget another, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page30"><small><small>[p. 30]</small></small></a></span> and the poor -client be swung around (like a cat before execution,) from decree to -rehearing—from report to exception, and <i>vice versâ</i>, till his -fortunes are shipwrecked, and himself drowned, for want of white and -yellow earth to wade through on. He does not play the empiric with his -client, and put him on the rack to make him bleed more freely; casting -him into a swoon with frights of a judgment, and then reviving him -again with a cordial writ of error, or the dear elixir of an -injunction, to keep the brangle alive, as long as there are any vital -spirits in the pouch. He can suffer his neighbors to live quiet about -him without perpetual alarms of actions and indictments, or conjuring -up dormant titles to every commodious seat, and making land fall five -years purchase, merely for lying within ten miles of him."</blockquote> - -<blockquote>Devote most of your leisure hours to the study of Virginian -antiquities, for it is a noble field, and one which glows into beauty -beneath cultivation. Williamsburg itself is a hoary and whitened -monument of ancient pomp and power, and there still dwells around it -the trembling twilight of former greatness. There is something -distinctive, learned, and patriotic, in the character of a home -antiquary, which will lift you far above the little pedants, who have -dipped the wing in Kennet, or tasted of the shallow learning of -Athenian Stuart. Do you not remember the indignant, yet pathetic lines -which Warton wrote in a blank leaf of Dugdale's Monasticon, and the -spirited scorn with which he repels the sneers of ignorance and -dulness? The antiquary is neither a visionary, nor an enthusiast, for -his pursuits teach the holiest love of country, and call into action -the softest and gentlest affections of the human heart, while his -guileless life occasionally shines forth with the chastened light of -virtue and learning. Virginia is a land whose thrilling history -beggars all romance—every fragment of which, like a broken vase, will -multiply perfume. Who knows aught of that gallant band, who so -fearfully revenged the massacre of 1622?—the bold patriots who -resisted the illegal restrictions on trade—the intrepid spirits who, -led by Bacon, anticipated by a century our national æra, or that -chivalric corps, who, under Vernon, rotted on the pestilential shores -of Carthagena? Who dwells with the patriot's pride, on that -unconquerable strength of infant freedom which made historic Beverley -the Hampden of the colony? Or who troubles himself to inquire into the -blood-stained life of that Westmoreland Parke, who seized the throne -of Antigua, and who died in the last dyke of a bootless though -fiercely fought field? Who cares to remember the enlightened and -learned botanist Clayton, whose modest book, written in the purest -Latin, gained for himself and country, a once proud though now -forgotten fame? And who will believe that the wise, pious, and -eloquent Bishop Porteus was born, and gambolled away his boyhood on -the sunny shores of the majestic York-river? They are all forgotten! -and we neglect the vivid and truthful romance of our own beautiful -land, to learn the nursery tales of fickle Greece, and factious Rome. -In the shifting of the social scene, naught has been left to remind us -of the busy drama once acted in Virginia, and even garrulous tradition -now doubts its existence, while our feet hourly trample on the -sepulchered silence of all that once adorned, dignified, and elevated -human nature.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>I do not wish to give you a learned essay on books, nor to advise you -what authors to read. Your taste is now matured, and that faculty will -see that justice is done to its delicacy. The great object of study is -to teach us <i>how</i>, and not <i>what</i> to think; and the principal art of -authorship is the power of pilfering with judgment from the ruins of -ancient lore. But trust not to this poor and suspicious honor. Rely -for success on the daring emprise of your own genius, and should it -fail to lift you from the earth, descend not to the dunghill of -pedantry. Be a poet for the women—a historian for the men—and a -scholar for your own happiness. Confirm your taste by satiating memory -with the beauties of the Spectator, and let Horace hourly talk you -into the dignity and elegance of the sensible gentleman. Be accurate, -rather than extensive, in your knowledge of history, and a -recollection of dates will give you victory in every contest. Learn -the technicalities of geometry; for this will satisfy the groping -mathematician, while the world will take your pedantry for wisdom, and -your crabbed words for learning. There has been, and ever will be, an -everlasting conflict between the radiant course of genius, and the -mole-hill track of diagrams and problems. Strength of mind is claimed -as the attribute of mathematical study, while we forget that any other -study, pursued with the same strictness of attention, will equally -fashion the mind into system and method, while it will be free from -the slavish obedience and indurated dulness, which result from the -memory of lines and proportions.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>You know, my dear boy, my notions concerning your dress. Express -nothing in fancy; and without being the Alpha or Omega of fashion, be -neither fop nor sloven, and dress for the effect of general and not -particular dignity, and never wear a striped cravat. Do not ape -eccentricity of manner and opinion, and take the world in a laughing -and good humored mood. I detest a beardless Cato, for I never knew one -of them, who could stand fire. Talk to women about every thing but -prudence and propriety, and they will think you as wise as you are -well bred; for they cannot bear the restraint of advice, or the -judgment of criticism. Tasso makes his heroine taunt Rinaldo with -gravity and sedateness, and when she calls him a "Zenocrates in love" -the volume of her eloquence exhibits the bitterest venom of female -invective.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>Chalgrave is now still, solitary, and deserted; and were it not for -Lucy's cheerful voice, I should look on myself as a living tomb. Your -pup Gildippe tore off the cover of my Elzevir Horace, an offence -deserving a halter, yet she is pardoned for your sake. Tell me not of -Sir Isaac Newton's diamond, for he never destroyed a jewel so rare, -and so highly prized—ask Col. H. if a colt is best broken in a -snaffle-bit—and tell him 'tis downright superstition to worm a -genuine pointer. I send the pistols made by Wodgen and Barton, and -carrying a ball of the most approved weight. Do write to me, and never -forget that you are a Granby.</blockquote> - -<div align="right">I am, my dear boy, - <br> -Yours truly, - <br> -C<small>HARLES</small> G<small>RANBY</small>. - </div> - -<blockquote>P. S. Translate the Ode to Fortune for me! Old Schrevelli said that he -had rather be the author of that poem, than the Emperor of all the -Austrias, and there was more sense than enthusiasm in his noble -preference.</blockquote> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page31"><small><small>[p. 31]</small></small></a></span> -<blockquote>P. S. Never scrape your bullets with a knife—but use a flat -file. Do not play the flute; and never write verses on a "flower -presented to a lady," on "a lady singing," or on "receiving a lock of -hair;" for of all puppyism, this is the smallest accomplishment.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>P. S. Never buy a gaudy handkerchief! Do not say <i>raised</i>, -<i>disremember</i>, <i>expect</i> for <i>suspect;</i> and never end the common -courtesies of conversation with the frigid Sir! "Thank ye <i>Sir!</i>" -Drink tea instead of coffee, for 'tis more patrician; and do not -render yourself suspected by pronouncing criticisms on wines.</blockquote> - -<p>The postscripts were multiplied through a full page, which presented a -striking picture of all the odd conceits—incongruous notions, and -broad feeling which tortured my kind uncle's tranquil brain, and I -arose from the perusal of his letter with mingled emotions of love, -respect, and laughter. Lucy's epistle was like that of all girls, full -of small news, long words, and burning sentences of love and -sentiment, and inquiring in a postscript of the health of Arthur -Ludwell, as her mother was greatly interested in his welfare. -Frederick gave me a learned dissertation on the origin of civil -society, and the philosophy of Bolingbroke, scourging me into frantic -ambition, and ending with a prayer that I would ever keep my honor -untainted. My <i>honor</i> was then the subject of their hopes and fears; -and, as I eyed the pistols, I found the fierceness of my nature -lurking with a tranquil rapture around the open, and undisguised hints -of my family. To my temperament, the neat and elegant workmanship, and -the beautiful polish of the pistols, argued sternness and chivalry: -and under the protection of the code of honor, I was determined, by -braving every conflict, to gratify my long, deep, and vindictive hate -of Pilton. How curiously constituted, how wayward, and yet how -uncontrollable is the swelling pulse of the human heart, when agitated -by some momentary and master passion; at any other period, the -remembrance of Isa Gordon, would have soothed me into a lover's -thoughtful gloom, but now every gentle and luxuriant tendril which was -woven around my heart was a crushed and bleeding ruin, and I examined -my uncle's gift of blood—only to murmur the name of Pilton.</p> - -<p>My visits to Miss Pilton's had been attentive, and constant, and I had -concealed my fraud with such art, that I found her listening with -unhesitating confidence, to the deceitful passion which I daily -uttered. Cautious of proposing matrimony, yet ever alert to hint -it—affecting distress and melancholy—and alternately jealous and -confiding, I awoke her sympathy, only to gain her passionate and -abiding affection, while I secured my victory by every art which -duplicity could invent, or falsehood suggest. I saw her reject the -accomplished and educated youth whose pure and guileless feelings had -retained the early romance of childhood's love, and when I found her -in tears, with her head reclining on my bosom, she told me, with a -blushing cheek, that she had sacrificed him, whose singleness and -purity of heart she could not doubt, for me alone.</p> - -<p>'Twas a calm and soft evening when Miss Pilton left Williamsburg, and, -ere we parted, I extorted from her unsuspicious feelings a promise -that she would write to me. Day had languished itself into night, when -I found myself a solitary loiterer in the noiseless grove which -skirted the city. The wind sobbed through the dreary and desolate -silence of the forest, and when I looked up to the twinkling and -radiant light which blazes in a starry sky of Virginia, the innate -piety of Nature almost chastened me into repentance. How vain is that -feeble wisdom which impotently labors to read those mute and living -oracles of God? yet who, in searching into them, docs not feel that -his heart is kindled into enthusiasm, by their wild and spiritual -eloquence. May not each bright and dazzling star whose lambent fire -dances over the cloudless sky be the abode of spirits enjoying a realm -of mind—of philosophers who rived the adamant of vulgar error—of -patriots who offered their blood at the shrine of their country—of -those who opened a vista for freedom through the gloom of tyranny—and -of the poet who, fettered to the earth, boldly anticipated a foretaste -of his eternal home, in some earthly, yet beautiful and rapturous dream?</p> - -<div align="right"><small>THETA. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect18"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>THE DREAM.</h4> -<br> -<center>I.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem21"> -<tr><td> I dreamed a dream—and still upon my mind<br> - The image of that dream, on Memory's page<br> - Inscribed in letters large and legible,<br> - Rests vivid as the lightning's scathing flash.<br> - Beneath a spreading oak, that towered high<br> - And lone upon a hillock's grassy plot,<br> - A Maiden stood—and by her side a Youth,<br> - Whose summers did, tho' few, outnumber hers;<br> - And <i>she</i> was beautiful as rainbow tints—<br> - Her voice, like sweetest music borne upon<br> - The bosom of some gentle breeze far o'er<br> - The hushed and silent waters of the deep—<br> - Her breath, like fragrant odors from the lap<br> - Of Flora sent, when Morning's blush appears—<br> - Her heart, the home where wild affections dwelt—<br> - Her mind, of intellectual power the seat—<br> - Her eye, the mirror to her speaking soul!<br> - Upon her marble brow was set the seal<br> - Of <i>Dignity</i>—and in her slender form<br> - Were blended grace and perfect symmetry.<br> - The Youth was tall, erect—but unlike her<br> - In all things save affection's swelling tide:<br> - Unknowing of the bright and quenchless fire,<br> - At Beauty's altar lit, that constant burned<br> - Within his bosom's deep recess, the world<br> - Had deemed him changeful as the fitful wind.<br> - Silent they were, and round them silence reigned:<br> - Above, the clear blue ether spread her veil,<br> - And by them swept the gentle, fresh'ning breeze<br> - That cooled the burning temples of the one,<br> - The flowing tresses of the other waved.<br> - Beneath them was a wide spread plain, o'er which<br> - The full Moon poured her streams of silver light,<br> - And in a flood of glory bathed both plain<br> - And rugged cliffs that wildly rose beyond.<br> - Upon that lovely scene the maiden looked<br> - That joy and stillness breathed into her heart;<br> - But he that meeting, had not sought to gaze<br> - On landscapes, living though they were. He saw<br> - But her whose form before him rose, so bright,<br> - So beautiful, that all else faded from<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page32"><small><small>[p. 32]</small></small></a></span> - The view: He heard no sound save that alone<br> - Which from his beating heart was sent: and oft<br> - He did essay to breathe the hallowed thoughts<br> - That in his bosom long had slept—the pent-<br> - Up fountains of his love to ope; but oft<br> - In vain, 'till faltering accents came at last,<br> - And told the feelings of his inmost soul.<br> - But <i>she</i> was calm; no falling of the eye—<br> - No heightened color's tinge—no trembling of<br> - That silver voice, spoke aught of passion there.<br> - Yet kindness breathed in every word that fell<br> - From off her Angel lips—and told that though<br> - Her heart with his beat not in unison,<br> - It still could feel for sorrows not its own.<br> - Though soft, like breath of pois'nous Simoom came<br> - Her voice. Young Hope her dewy pinions shook,<br> - And as she winged her airy flight away,<br> - Came casking Care her place to fill. And yet<br> - A moment's space he lingered there; and as<br> - Upon her saddened face he once again<br> - Did look with mingled feelings, inly swore<br> - To perish ere his love should fade and die.<br> - And she did pensive turn her steps along<br> - Their homeward way, again to be the life,<br> - The light, the chiefest joy of all around.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">II.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> A change swept o'er the aspect of my dream,<br> - And in its mystic flight my spirit bore<br> - Me to the festive hall. I saw them 'midst<br> - The thoughtless throng—their eyes lit up with joy—<br> - Their lips all wreathed in smiles—and on their cheeks<br> - The glowing hues of pleasure mantled high.<br> - He spoke not oft to her, but frequent did<br> - Address him to some other fair—and all<br> - Did deem, and she did hope that love of her<br> - Was buried deep in Lethe's magic pool;<br> - And lighter then of heart to think that care<br> - His mind had left, unwonted gladness beamed<br> - Forth from her speaking eye, and lit with ten-<br> - Fold lustre up those features ever fair.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">III.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> The scene was changed. Apart within the walls<br> - Of his lone study sat the youth. Before<br> - Him lay a letter, breathing much of deep,<br> - Impassioned love. Yes, he again had dared<br> - At that same Angel-shrine his heart to lay,<br> - And, well as <i>words</i> could speak, a love to paint,<br> - Not torpid, cold and calculating, like<br> - The selfish feeling of a worldly man—<br> - But with the every fibre of his heart<br> - Inwove. For he had seen her oft, and well<br> - Had studied both her features, mind and heart,<br> - Since first the pangs of unrequited love<br> - Across his bosom shot: in all things had<br> - He found her of such perfect, faultless mould—<br> - So far beyond compare with all that e'er<br> - His eye had looked upon—yea, e'en than aught<br> - Of fairy form, which frolic fancy in<br> - Her wildest mood had shadowed glowing forth<br> - To young imagination's quickened sight,—<br> - That madly had he drunk at passion's fount,<br> - Ere yet the voice of reason whispered late,<br> - (Too late, alas! for in the vortex was<br> - He twirling then, unskilled the yawning gulf<br> - To shun,) that she was not for one like him.<br> - Perchance the spell that bound him unto her<br> - And deep affection's gushing waters stirred,<br> - Was wrought into its present strength—for that<br> - She minded him of one—a sister dear—<br> - Like her in nature as in name, on whom<br> - His heart did centre once, when joyous, bright<br> - And sunny hours e'er gilded o'er the stream<br> - Of early life about their childhood's home;<br> - When each was to the other all that earth<br> - Of joy could give—a little world—beyond<br> - Whose narrow bounds their youthful vision then<br> - Extended not. And now in her he saw<br> - The image of that sister's mind and heart<br> - Reflected back in colors yet more bright,<br> - And felt that life to him was nothing worth,<br> - Except with her its joys and ills were shared.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">IV.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> The scene was changed. Within her father's home<br> - The maiden sat, and bent her o'er the page<br> - On which were traced the wild outpourings of<br> - Her lover's heart. A cloud was on her brow—<br> - Not gathered there by anger, but by grief.<br> - And long she sorrowed o'er the fate of one<br> - Whom she had learned to value far above<br> - The worthless crowd that throngs round Beauty's form;<br> - Then sudden snatched a pen, and tho' it pained<br> - Her much, did haste once more in kindest terms<br> - To bid him banish Hope—for tho' a <i>friend</i><br> - She'd ever be—to him she could no more.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">V.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> Again my spirit bore me to the youth's<br> - Lone study, where I saw him pacing to<br> - And fro, with heavy step and downcast look.<br> - His eye was fixed and dull—all smiles had fled,<br> - And o'er his pallid, bloodless cheek had woe<br> - His sable mantle flung. But whilst he thus<br> - Was moved, anon there entered one endeared<br> - By Friendship's strongest ties, who knew the fate<br> - His fondest hopes had met, and told a tale<br> - Of which he deemed not aught before—a tale<br> - That scarce at first could credence gain, so dread<br> - Its import was; yet soon he found 'twas but<br> - Too true—"His sacred letter, ere it reached<br> - Its destined port, had by some strange mischance<br> - Been torn, its secrets filched and heralded<br> - Abroad: yet, by the wakeful kindness of<br> - That much-loved one, his hallowed thoughts had reached<br> - The ears of few." Then sudden o'er him came<br> - A fearful mood that shook his every limb.<br> - Like liquid fire his blood along his veins<br> - Did course, and to his throbbing temples mount—<br> - Then rush tumultuous back upon his heart<br> - That sent it once again with quickened speed<br> - Along his swollen, well-nigh bursting veins;<br> - And from his lips at times did fall unmeet<br> - And vengeful words, that told what passion stirred<br> - Within. But that soon passed, and to the eye<br> - His troubled soul, as that of infant hushed<br> - To sleep upon its mother's breast, was calm.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">VI.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> The scene was changed. Before the altar stood<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page33"><small><small>[p. 33]</small></small></a></span> - The maiden, in her bridal vestments clad,<br> - And gave her hand and virgin heart away—<br> - Whilst mantling blushes o'er her features spread<br> - Like Iris' colors on the deepened blue<br> - Of Heaven's high vault—to one whose kindling eye<br> - Was turned with rapture on her matchless face,<br> - And who in part was like unto the youth<br> - That first beside her stood—<i>yet not the same</i>.<br> - And she did love him with a boundless love—<br> - Deep, pure and changeless as Jehovah's word—<br> - The very essence of her being, that life's<br> - Quiescent stream with fairest garlands strewed—<br> - For he her youthful heart's responsive chord<br> - Had known to touch with sweet and winning words,<br> - By graceful mien, and giant strength of mind.<br> - Unblest he was with Mammon's glittering hoard—<br> - In nothing rich, save worth's neglected store;<br> - And yet for that, her heart with wildest joy<br> - Did but the closer cling unchanged to him.<br> - And he, with pride and pleasure took her to<br> - His bosom beating high; for none could know,<br> - And knowing not admire. But his was not<br> - The fervent adoration of the heart,<br> - In prostrate homage bowed before her shrine,<br> - That moved the soul of him who first essayed<br> - Her peerless love to win. And yet before<br> - Them to all seeming lay a flowery path,<br> - Along whose scented walks they might their way<br> - With noiseless step and even tenor wend.</td></tr> -<tr><td> <br> </td></tr> -<tr><td align="center">VII.</td></tr> -<tr><td> </td></tr> -<tr><td> Once more, and only once, a change passed o'er<br> - My fitful dream. In sultry, southern clime,<br> - Again upon my vision fell the tall,<br> - Attenuated image of that youth,<br> - Whom first beneath the spreading oak I saw;<br> - And he was changed not less in feature than<br> - In heart. The glow of health had fled his cheek,<br> - Now haggard, swart and bronzed by burning sun.<br> - His eye, once bright with joyous life, had lost<br> - Its lustre now, and deep upon his brow<br> - Had care her furrows traced. His spirit too,<br> - So light and buoyant once, was now all bound<br> - And broken like the willow's drooping branch.<br> - But o'er his heart a yet more fearful change<br> - Had come. <i>Once</i> warm and sensibly alive<br> - To pity's cry—e'er breathing love for all—<br> - <i>Now</i> cold and seared—the living fountains of<br> - Its sympathy were dried—and dead it was<br> - To all things save the worldly schemes that fierce<br> - Ambition wrought. And none did know the weight<br> - Of anguish on its aching chords that pressed,<br> - Since living man no commune held with him:<br> - For he did spurn them as unhallowed things,<br> - And 'round him wrapt the cloak of selfishness:<br> - For what was now the world to him, since she<br> - Whose presence had made all things beautiful,<br> - Was lost, forever lost? And he did look<br> - Unmoved on fairest form, and brightest eye;<br> - Unmoved he heard full many a voice attuned<br> - In sweet accordance with the soft piano;<br> - For mute were all the echoes of his soul,<br> - Since never could he hope again such pure,<br> - Such bright, such dazzling purity to find,<br> - As dwelt within the heart of her he loved.<br> - And naught the slumbering powers of his mind<br> - Did rouse and prompt to grapple with the herd<br> - That crossed his path, save only the desire<br> - To banish thought and leave a name behind.<br> - For he did feel that none would glory in<br> - His present fame, and that he was a lone<br> - And desert being—all forgetting, and<br> - By all forgot. And though his soul did thirst<br> - At honor's fount to drink and laurels win,<br> - He inly scorned the world—the world's acclaim—<br> - And whilst it flattered, loathed its fulsome praise.<br> - And yet unto all outward seeming was<br> - His spirit calm as ocean's waves, when lie<br> - The winds of Heaven upon her bosom hushed.<br> -<br> - Here ceased my dream—for on my slumbers broke<br> - The glare of day, and called my spirit home.</td></tr> -</table> -<br> -<div align="right"><small>SYLVESTER. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect19"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MS. FOUND IN A BOTTLE.</h4> - -<center><small>[<i>From 'The Gift,' edited by Miss Leslie</i>.]</small><br> -<br> -BY EDGAR A. POE.<br> -<br> -<small>A wet sheet and a flowing sea.<br> - - - <i>Cunningham</i>.</small></center> -<br> - -<p>Of my country and of my family I have little to say. Ill usage and -length of years have driven me from the one, and estranged me from the -other. Hereditary wealth afforded me an education of no common order, -and a contemplative turn of mind enabled me to methodize the stores -which early study very diligently garnered up. Beyond all things the -works of the German moralists gave me great delight; not from any -ill-advised admiration of their eloquent madness, but from the ease -with which my habits of rigid thought enabled me to detect their -falsities. I have often been reproached with the aridity of my -genius—a deficiency of imagination has been imputed to me as a -crime—and the Pyrrhonism of my opinions has at all times rendered me -notorious. Indeed a strong relish for Physical Philosophy has, I fear, -tinctured my mind with a very common error of this age—I mean the -habit of referring occurrences, even the least susceptible of such -reference, to the principles of that science. Upon the whole, no -person could be less liable than myself to be led away from the severe -precincts of truth by the <i>ignes fatui</i> of superstition. I have -thought proper to premise thus much lest the incredible tale I have to -tell should be considered rather the ravings of a crude imagination, -than the positive experience of a mind to which the reveries of fancy -have been a dead letter and a nullity.</p> - -<p>After many years spent in foreign travel, I sailed in the year 18—, -from the port of Batavia, in the rich and populous island of Java, on -a voyage to the Archipelago of the Sunda islands. I went as -passenger—having no other inducement than a kind of nervous -restlessness which haunted me like a fiend.</p> - -<p>Our vessel was a beautiful ship of about four hundred tons, -copper-fastened, and built at Bombay of Malabar teak. She was -freighted with cotton-wool and oil, from the Lachadive islands. We had -also on board coir, jaggeree, ghee, cocoa-nuts, and a few cases of -opium. The stowage was clumsily done, and the vessel consequently -crank.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page34"><small><small>[p. 34]</small></small></a></span> -<p>We got under way with a mere breath of wind, and for many days -stood along the eastern coast of Java without any other incident to -beguile the monotony of our course than the occasional meeting with -some of the small grabs of the Archipelago to which we were bound.</p> - -<p>One evening, leaning over the taffrail, I observed a very singular, -isolated cloud, to the N. W. It was remarkable, as well for its color, -as from its being the first we had seen since our departure from -Batavia. I watched it attentively until sunset, when it spread all at -once to the Eastward and Westward, girting in the horizon with a -narrow strip of vapor, and looking like a long line of low beach. My -notice was soon afterwards attracted by the dusky red appearance of -the moon, and the peculiar character of the sea. The latter was -undergoing a rapid change, and the water seemed more than usually -transparent. Although I could distinctly see the bottom, yet, heaving -the lead, I found the ship in fifteen fathoms. The air now became -intolerably hot, and was loaded with spiral exhalations similar to -those arising from heated iron. As night came on, every breath of wind -died away, and a more entire calm it is impossible to conceive. The -flame of a candle burned upon the poop without the least perceptible -motion, and a long hair, held between the finger and thumb, hung -without the possibility of detecting a vibration. However, as the -captain said he could perceive no indication of danger, and as we were -drifting in bodily to shore, he ordered the sails to be furled, and -the anchor let go. No watch was set, and the crew, consisting -principally of Malays, stretched themselves deliberately upon deck. I -went below—not without a full presentiment of evil. Indeed every -appearance warranted me in apprehending a Simoom. I told the captain -my fears—but he paid no attention to what I said, and left me without -deigning to give a reply. My uneasiness however prevented me from -sleeping, and about midnight I went upon deck. As I placed my foot -upon the upper step of the companion ladder, I was startled with a -loud, humming noise, like that occasioned by the rapid revolution of a -mill-wheel, and before I could ascertain its meaning, I found the ship -quivering to its centre. In the next instant, a wilderness of foam -hurled us upon our beam-ends, and, rushing over us fore and aft, swept -the entire decks from stem to stern.</p> - -<p>The extreme fury of the blast proved in a great measure the salvation -of the ship. Although completely water-logged, yet, as all her masts -had gone by the board, she rose, after a minute, heavily from the sea, -and, staggering awhile beneath the immense pressure of the tempest, -finally righted.</p> - -<p>By what miracle I escaped destruction, it is impossible to say. -Stunned by the shock of the water, I found myself upon recovery, -jammed in between the stern-post and rudder. With great difficulty I -gained my feet, and looking dizzily around, was, at first, struck with -the idea of our being among breakers, so terrific beyond the wildest -imagination was the whirlpool of mountainous and foaming ocean within -which we were engulfed. After a while, I heard the voice of an old -Swede, who had shipped with us at the moment of our leaving port. I -hallooed to him with all my strength, and presently he came reeling -aft. We soon discovered that we were the sole survivors of the -accident. All on deck, with the exception of ourselves, had been swept -overboard, and the captain and mates must have perished as they slept, -for the cabins were deluged with water. Without assistance, we could -expect to do little for the security of the ship, and our exertions -were at first paralyzed by the momentary expectation of going down. -Our cable had, of course, parted like pack-thread, at the first breath -of the hurricane, or we should have been instantaneously overwhelmed. -We scudded with frightful velocity before the sea, and the water made -clear breaches over us. The frame-work of our stern was shattered -excessively, and, in almost every respect, we had received -considerable injury—but to our extreme joy we found the pumps -unchoked, and that we had no great difficulty in keeping free. The -main fury of the Simoom had already blown over, and we apprehended -little danger from the violence of the wind—but we looked forward to -its total cessation with dismay, well believing, that, in our -shattered condition, we should inevitably perish in the tremendous -swell which would ensue. But this very just apprehension seemed by no -means likely to be soon verified. For five entire days and -nights—during which our only subsistence was a small quantity of -jaggeree, procured with great difficulty from the forecastle—the hulk -flew at a rate defying computation, before rapidly succeeding flaws of -wind, which, without equalling the first violence of the Simoom, were -still more terrific than any tempest I had before encountered. Our -course for the first four days was, with trifling variations, S. E. -and by South; and we must have run down the coast of New Holland. On -the fifth day the cold became extreme, although the wind had hauled -round a point more to the Northward. The sun arose with a sickly -yellow lustre, and clambered a very few degrees above the -horizon—emitting no decisive light. There were no clouds whatever -apparent, yet the wind was upon the increase, and blew with a fitful -and unsteady fury. About noon, as nearly as we could guess, our -attention was again arrested by the appearance of the sun. It gave out -no light, properly so called, but a dull and sullen glow unaccompanied -by any ray. Just before sinking within the turgid sea its central -fires suddenly went out, as if hurriedly extinguished by some -unaccountable power. It was a dim, silver-like rim, alone, as it -rushed down the unfathomable ocean.</p> - -<p>We waited in vain for the arrival of the sixth day—that day to me has -not yet arrived—to him, never did arrive. Thenceforward we were -enshrouded in pitchy darkness, so that we could not have seen an -object at twenty paces from the ship. Eternal night continued to -envelop us, all unrelieved by the phosphoric sea-brilliancy to which -we had been accustomed in the tropics. We observed too, that, although -the tempest continued to rage with unabated violence, there was no -longer to be discovered the usual appearance of surf, or foam, which -had hitherto attended us. All around was horror, and thick gloom, and -a black sweltering desert of ebony. Superstitious terror crept by -degrees into the spirit of the old Swede, and my own soul was wrapped -up in silent wonder. We neglected all care of the ship, as worse than -useless, and securing ourselves as well as possible to the stump of -the mizen-mast, looked out bitterly into the world of ocean. We had no -means of calculating time, nor could we form any guess of our -situation. We were however well aware -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page35"><small><small>[p. 35]</small></small></a></span> -of having made farther to -the Southward than any previous navigators, and felt extreme amazement -at not meeting with the usual impediments of ice. In the meantime -every moment threatened to be our last—every mountainous billow -hurried to overwhelm us. The swell surpassed any thing I had imagined -possible, and that we were not instantly buried is a miracle. My -companion spoke of the lightness of our cargo, and reminded me of the -excellent qualities of our ship—but I could not help feeling the -utter hopelessness of hope itself, and prepared myself gloomily for -that death which I thought nothing could defer beyond an hour, as, -with every knot of way the ship made, the swelling of the black -stupendous seas became more dismally appalling. At times we gasped for -breath at an elevation beyond the Albatross—at times became dizzy -with the velocity of our descent into some watery Hell, where the air -grew stagnant, and no sound disturbed the slumbers of the Kraken.</p> - -<p>We were at the bottom of one of these abysses, when a quick scream -from my companion broke fearfully upon the night. 'See! see!'—cried -he, shrieking in my ears,—'Almighty God! see! see!' As he spoke, I -became aware of a dull, sullen glare of light which rolled, as it -were, down the sides of the vast chasm where we lay, and threw a -fitful brilliancy upon our deck. Casting my eyes upwards, I beheld a -spectacle which froze the current of my blood. At a terrific height -directly above us, and upon the very verge of the precipitous descent, -hovered a gigantic ship of nearly four thousand tons. Although -upreared upon the summit of a wave of more than a hundred times her -own altitude, her apparent size still exceeded that of any ship of the -line or East Indiaman in existence. Her huge hull was of a deep dingy -black, unrelieved by any of the customary carvings of a ship. A single -row of brass cannon protruded from her open ports, and dashed off from -their polished surfaces the fires of innumerable battle-lanterns, -which swung to and fro about her rigging. But what mainly inspired us -with horror and astonishment, was that she bore up under a press of -sail in the very teeth of that supernatural sea, and of that -ungovernable hurricane. When we first discovered her, her stupendous -bows were alone to be seen, as she rose up, like a demon of the deep, -slowly from the dim and horrible gulf beyond her. For a moment of -intense terror she paused upon the giddy pinnacle, as if in -contemplation of her own sublimity, then trembled and tottered, -and—came down.</p> - -<p>At this instant, I know not what sudden self-possession came over my -spirit. Staggering as far aft as I could, I awaited fearlessly the -ruin that was to overwhelm. Our own vessel was at length ceasing from -her struggles, and sinking with her head to the sea. The shock of the -descending mass struck her, consequently, in that portion of her frame -which was already under water, and the inevitable result was to hurl -me with irresistible violence upon the rigging of the stranger.</p> - -<p>As I fell, the ship hove in stays, and went about, and to the -confusion ensuing, I attributed my escape from the notice of the crew. -With little difficulty I made my way unperceived to the main hatchway, -which was partially open, and soon found an opportunity of secreting -myself in the hold. Why I did so I can hardly tell. A nameless and -indefinite sense of awe, which at first sight of the navigators of the -ship had taken hold of my mind, was perhaps the principle of my -concealment. I was unwilling to trust myself with a race of people who -had offered, to the cursory glance I had taken, so many points of -vague novelty, doubt, and apprehension. I therefore thought proper to -contrive a hiding-place in the hold. This I did by removing a small -portion of the shifting-boards in such a manner as to afford me a -convenient retreat between the huge timbers of the ship.</p> - -<p>I had scarcely completed my work, when a footstep in the hold forced -me to make use of it. A man passed by my place of concealment with a -feeble and unsteady gait. I could not see his face, but had an -opportunity of observing his general appearance. There was about it an -evidence of great age and infirmity. His knees tottered beneath a load -of years, and his entire frame quivered under the burthen. He muttered -to himself in a low broken tone, some words of a language which I -could not understand, and groped in a corner among a pile of -singular-looking instruments, and decayed charts of navigation. His -manner was a wild mixture of the peevishness of second childhood, and -the solemn dignity of a God. He at length went on deck, and I saw him -no more.</p> - -<center>* * - * - * - *</center> - -<p>A feeling, for which I have no name, has taken possession of my -soul—a sensation which will admit of no analysis, to which the -lessons of by-gone time are inadequate, and for which I fear futurity -itself will offer me no key. To a mind constituted like my own the -latter consideration is an evil. I shall never,—I know that I shall -never—be satisfied with regard to the nature of my conceptions. Yet -it is not wonderful that these conceptions are indefinite, since they -have their origin in sources so utterly novel. A new sense, a new -entity is added to my soul.</p> - -<p>It is long since I first trod the deck of this terrible ship, and the -rays of my destiny are, I think, gathering to a focus. -Incomprehensible men! Wrapped up in meditations of a kind which I -cannot divine, they pass me by unnoticed. Concealment is utter folly -on my part, for the people <i>will not</i> see. It was but just now that I -passed directly before the eyes of the mate,—it was no long while ago -that I ventured into the captain's own private cabin, and took thence -the materials with which I write, and have written. I shall from time -to time continue this journal. It is true that I may not find an -opportunity of transmitting it to the world, but I will not fail to -make the endeavor. At the last moment I will enclose the MS. in a -bottle, and cast it within the sea.</p> - -<p>An incident has occurred which has given me new room for meditation. -Are such things the operations of ungoverned Chance? I had ventured -upon deck and thrown myself down, without attracting any notice, among -a pile of ratlin-stuff and old sails in the bottom of the yawl. While -musing upon the singularity of my fate, I unwittingly daubed with a -tar-brush the edges of a neatly-folded studding-sail which lay near me -on a barrel. The studding-sail is now bent upon the ship, and the -thoughtless touches of the brush are spread out into the word -DISCOVERY.</p> - -<p>I have made many observations lately upon the structure of the vessel. -Although well armed, she is not, I think, a ship of war. Her rigging, -build, and general equipment, all negative a supposition of this kind. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page36"><small><small>[p. 36]</small></small></a></span> -What she <i>is not</i> I can easily perceive, what she <i>is</i> I fear it -is impossible to say. I know not how it is, but in scrutinizing her -strange model and singular cast of spars, her huge size and overgrown -suits of canvass, her severely simple bow and antiquated stern, there -will occasionally flash across my mind a sensation of familiar things, -and there is always mixed up with such shadows, as it were, of -recollection, an unaccountable memory of old foreign chronicles and -ages long ago.</p> - -<p>I have been looking at the timbers of the ship. She is built of a -material to which I am a stranger. There is a peculiar character about -the wood which strikes me as rendering it unfit for the purpose to -which it has been applied. I mean its extreme <i>porousness</i>, considered -independently of the worm-eaten condition which is a consequence of -navigation in these seas, and apart from the rottenness attendant upon -age. It will appear perhaps an observation somewhat over-curious, but -this wood has every characteristic of Spanish oak, <i>if Spanish oak -were distended or swelled by any unnatural means</i>.</p> - -<p>In reading the above sentence a curious apothegm of an old -weather-beaten Dutch navigator comes full upon my recollection. 'It is -as sure,' he was wont to say, when any doubt was entertained of his -veracity, 'as sure as there is a sea where the ship itself will grow -in bulk like the living body of the seaman.'</p> - -<p>About an hour ago I made bold to thrust myself among a group of the -crew. They paid me no manner of attention, and, although I stood in -the very midst of them all, seemed utterly unconscious of my presence. -Like the one I had at first seen in the hold, they all bore about them -the marks of a hoary old age. Their knees trembled with infirmity, -their shoulders were bent double with decrepitude, their shrivelled -skins rattled in the wind, their voices were low, tremulous, and -broken, their eyes glistened with the rheum of years, and their gray -hairs streamed terribly in the tempest. Around them on every part of -the deck lay scattered mathematical instruments of the most quaint and -obsolete construction.</p> - -<p>I mentioned some time ago the bending of a studding-sail. From that -period the ship, being thrown dead off the wind, has held her terrific -course due South, with every rag of canvass packed upon her from her -trucks to her lower-studding-sail booms, and rolling every moment her -top-gallant yard-arms into the most appalling hell of water, which it -can enter into the mind of man to imagine. I have just left the deck, -where I find it impossible to maintain a footing, although the crew -seem to experience little inconvenience. It appears to me a miracle of -miracles that our enormous bulk is not buried up at once and forever. -We are surely doomed to hover continually upon the brink of Eternity, -without taking a final plunge into the abyss. From billows a thousand -times more stupendous than any I have ever seen, we glide away with -the facility of the arrowy sea-gull, and the colossal waters rear -their heads above us like demons of the deep, but like demons confined -to simple threats and forbidden to destroy. I am led to attribute -these frequent escapes to the only natural cause which can account for -such effect. I must suppose the ship to be within the influence of -some strong current, or impetuous under-tow.</p> - -<p>I have seen the captain face to face, and in his own cabin—but, as I -expected, he paid me no attention. Although in his appearance there -is, to a casual observer, nothing which might bespeak him more or less -than man—still a feeling of irrepressible reverence and awe mingled -with the sensation of wonder with which I regarded him. In stature he -is nearly my own height, that is, about five feet eight inches. He is -of a well-knit and compact frame of body, neither robust nor -remarkably otherwise. But it is the singularity of the expression -which reigns upon the face, it is the intense, the wonderful, the -thrilling evidence of old age so utter, so extreme, which strikes upon -my soul with the shock of a Galvanic battery. His forehead, although -little wrinkled, seems to bear upon it the stamp of a myriad of years. -His gray hairs are records of the past, and his grayer eyes are Sybils -of the future. The cabin floor was thickly strewn with strange, -iron-clasped folios, and mouldering instruments of science, and -obsolete, long-forgotten charts. His head was bowed down upon his -hands, and he pored with a fiery unquiet eye over a paper which I took -to be a commission, and which, at all events, bore the signature of a -monarch. He muttered to himself, as did the first seaman whom I saw in -the hold, some low, peevish syllables of a foreign tongue, and -although the speaker was close at my elbow, yet his voice seemed to -reach my ears from the distance of a mile.</p> - -<p>The ship and all in it are imbued with the spirit of Eld. The crew -glide to and fro like the ghosts of buried centuries, their eyes have -an eager and uneasy meaning, and when their figures fall athwart my -path in the wild glare of the battle-lanterns, I feel as I have never -felt before, although I have been all my life a dealer in antiquities, -and have imbibed the shadows of fallen columns at Balbec, and Tadmor, -and Persepolis, until my very soul has become a ruin.</p> - -<p>When I look around me I feel ashamed of my former apprehensions. If I -trembled at the blast which has hitherto attended us, shall I not -stand aghast at a warring of wind and ocean, to convey any idea of -which the words tornado and Simoom are trivial and ineffective! All in -the immediate vicinity of the ship is the blackness of eternal night, -and a chaos of foamless water; but, about a league on either side of -us, may be seen, indistinctly and at intervals, stupendous ramparts of -ice, towering away into the desolate sky, and looking like the walls -of the Universe.</p> - -<p>As I imagined, the ship proves to be in a current, if that appellation -can properly be given to a tide which, howling and shrieking by the -white ice, thunders on to the Southward with a velocity like the -headlong dashing of a cataract.</p> - -<p>To conceive the horror of my sensations is, I presume, utterly -impossible—yet a curiosity to penetrate the mysteries of these awful -regions predominates even over my despair, and will reconcile me to -the most hideous aspect of death. It is evident that we are hurrying -onwards to some exciting knowledge—some never-to-be-imparted secret, -whose attainment is destruction. Perhaps this current leads us to the -Southern Pole itself—it must be confessed that a supposition -apparently so wild has every probability in its favor.</p> - -<p>The crew pace the deck with unquiet and tremulous step, but there is -upon their countenances an expression more of the eagerness of hope -than of the apathy of despair.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page37"><small><small>[p. 37]</small></small></a></span> -<p>In the meantime the wind is still in our poop, and as we carry a -crowd of canvass, the ship is at times lifted bodily from out the -sea—Oh, horror upon horror! the ice opens suddenly to the right, and -to the left, and we are whirling dizzily in immense concentric -circles, round and round the borders of a gigantic amphitheatre, the -summit of whose walls is lost in the darkness and the distance. But -little time will be left me to ponder upon my destiny—the circles -rapidly grow small—we are plunging madly within the grasp of the -whirlpool—and amid a roaring, and bellowing, and shrieking of ocean -and of tempest, the ship is quivering, oh God! and—going down.</p> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect20"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>A SKETCH.</h4> -<center>BY ALEX. LACEY BEARD, M.D.</center> -<br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem22"> -<tr><td> The shades of night are fleeing fast away<br> - Before the blushing of the morning light;<br> - The diamond stars that gleamed in bright array<br> - Through the lone watches of the silent night,<br> - Are fading dimly, as an orb more bright,<br> - The glorious sun, from the deep coral caves,<br> - Comes leaping forth in swift and tireless flight,<br> - And as the sea his burning bosom laves,<br> - More brightly throws his glance across the bounding waves.<br> -<br> - The cheerful songsters of the verdant grove,<br> - Are trilling forth their merry morning lays—<br> - Their matin songs of warm impassioned love,<br> - Which sweetly strike the ear of him who strays<br> - Through the green paths and shady woodland ways,<br> - Drinking deep pleasure from old Nature's wells,<br> - Where the wild cat'ract in the sunlight plays,<br> - Or seated lone, mid dark and mossy dells—<br> - Or on some rocky mount yields to her magic spells.<br> -<br> - The red-breast, mounted on some tow'ring tree,<br> - Is chanting loud his merry, mirthful strain;<br> - And the sweet lark's melodious notes of glee,<br> - Are softly floating o'er the dewy plain.<br> - From the broad fields which wave with golden grain,<br> - Echoes the whistle of the timid quail;<br> - And the loud laughter of the reaper train<br> - Sweeps wildly by, borne on the passing gale<br> - O'er woodland hill afar, and flowery-vested vale.<br> -<br> - I hear the tuneful sound of humming bees,<br> - And gently blows the soothing summer wind<br> - With murmuring sound among the wavy trees,<br> - And where gay flowers, in wild luxuriance twined,<br> - Shed fragrance on its wings. How dull, how blind<br> - To nature and her charms is he who sleeps<br> - Through the glad morn, nor feels the fragrant wind<br> - That o'er the hills and verdant valleys sweeps,<br> - 'Till with wild joy the heart of Nature's lover leaps!<br> -<br> - O'er hill and valley far away I've strayed,<br> - And gathered roses wet with morning dew,<br> - To deck the grave where sleeps a gentle maid<br> - Whose tender heart no change nor coldness knew,<br> - But throbbed with love, which warmer, holier grew<br> - As waxed more dim life's faint and flickering light,<br> - And to the close remained unchanged and true—<br> - A holy flame that burned, amid the blight,<br> - Of fell disease and anguish, more divinely bright.<br> -<br> - The sun climbs higher in the azure sky—<br> - More fiercely on the earth descend his beams—<br> - The tender flowers hang low their heads and die,<br> - And wearied cattle seek the cooling streams.<br> - Faint grow the ploughmen and their toil-worn teams;<br> - The reapers too have ceased their strains of mirth;<br> - No more the air with sounds of pleasure teems;<br> - And now the shadows traced upon the earth,<br> - And the fierce heat, proclaim the sultry noon-day's birth.<br> -<br> - O'er the wide fields the herds have ceased to rove,<br> - The tuneful birds have hushed their morning song,<br> - Silent and lone is the deserted grove<br> - Which late re-echoed to the warbling throng.<br> - Hark! hark! I hear, sounding the vales along,<br> - The mellow horn—the pleasant sound which calls<br> - From the hot fields, the wearied harvest throng<br> - To seek, where the old oak tree's shadow falls,<br> - Their noon-day meal hard by the flowery cottage walls.<br> -<br> - Within a green and trellised bower I lie,<br> - Securely sheltered from the solar rays,<br> - And on the bright and glowing summer sky<br> - In contemplation rapt, I fix my gaze,<br> - And scan each fleecy cloud which slowly strays<br> - Like some pure spirit o'er the azure dome,<br> - Making amid its wild and trackless ways,<br> - Its boundless depths, a bright ethereal home<br> - Where lone and airy forms in silent grandeur roam.<br> -<br> - And here at noon-day hour I often dream<br> - Of the fair hopes which light life's gloomy waste—<br> - A desart plain o'er which a laughing stream,<br> - Has found a way, its banks with wild flowers graced.<br> - But ah! alas! when the fair stream is traced,<br> - Amid lone sands we find its darksome goal.<br> - O dreary life! in death's cold grasp embraced—<br> - A withered thing, a dark and blotted scroll,<br> - O'er which oblivion's deep and sluggish waters roll.<br> -<br> - In early youth upon the sea of life,<br> - We spread our sails, nor dream of pain nor care,<br> - Nor the fierce tempest, nor the raging strife<br> - Which gathers round our bark where'er we steer,<br> - But on we rush, heedless and without fear,<br> - Till, shipwrecked all our hopes, we helpless lie<br> - And feel the bitter pangs of black despair—<br> - Or from the demon strive in vain to fly,<br> - Or rush into the arms of Death and madly die.<br> -<br> - The sun is sinking down the western skies—<br> - A holy calm is reigning o'er the earth—<br> - From the green valleys cheerful sounds arise—<br> - The tinkling sheep-bell, and the merry mirth<br> - Of happy children—laughing at the birth<br> - Of some new pleasure. Now the setting sun,<br> - More brightly gleaming o'er the virent earth,<br> - Casts a rich glow of golden light upon<br> - The fleecy clouds, which line the western horizon.<br> -<br> - Along yon valley where (a silent grove!)<br> - Those dark green pines in loneliness arise;<br> - With a sad heart in solitude I'll rove,<br> - And darkly muse upon the broken ties<br> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page38"><small><small>[p. 38]</small></small></a></span> - Of happier days—the bright and smiling eyes,<br> - Whose gentle light gave life a summer bloom,<br> - And made this earth seem like a Paradise—<br> - Now cold and rayless in the starless gloom,<br> - Which darkly hovers o'er and shrouds the loathsome tomb.<br> -<br> - The twilight shades are gathering o'er the land—<br> - Shrouding the valleys in the gloom of night,<br> - While I beside a murmuring streamlet stand,<br> - And see depart the last faint rays of light<br> - Which linger round yon mountain's topmost height.<br> - 'Tis the lone night—another day has gone,<br> - And Time who speeds with never tiring flight,<br> - Beheld a thousand laughing eyes this morn,<br> - That now are sleeping where no day shall ever dawn.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect21"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>GREEK SONG.</h4> -<br> -<p>The exploit of Harmodius and Aristogiton, in slaying Hipparchus, -tyrant of Athens, on the festal day of Minerva—hiding their poniards -in myrtle wreaths, which they pretended to carry in honor of the -Goddess, was celebrated in an Ode, the unsurpassed strength and beauty -of which, it has utterly baffled the skill of all English versifiers -to transfuse into our language. The learned are not agreed as to the -author of this noble specimen of classic minstrelsy; though by most, -it is ascribed to Callistratus. Some have set it down to Alcæus; -misled, perhaps, by the tyrant-hating spirit it breathes,—so fully in -unison with the deep, trumpet tones of his "golden lyre." Unhappily -for the paternity of this ode, he died <i>eighty years</i> before the event -it celebrates. Of no other relic of antiquity, probably, have so many -translations been attempted. I have seen seven or eight. If the -following be added to so many woful failures, the author will not be -greatly troubled. It never was in print before—I believe.</p> - - -<h5>HYMN,</h5> - -<center><small>IN HONOR OF HARMODIUS AND ARISTOGITON.</small></center> -<br> -<center><img src="images/greek.jpg" alt="greek verse"><br> -<br> - -TRANSLATION.</center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem23"> -<tr><td>Wreath'd in myrtle, my sword I'll conceal,<br> - Like those champions, devoted and brave,<br> - When they plunged in the tyrant their steel,<br> - And to Athens deliverance gave.<br> -<br> - Belov'd heroes! your deathless souls roam,<br> - In the joy-breathing isles of the blest;<br> - Where the mighty of old have their home—<br> - Where Achilles and Diomed rest.<br> -<br> - In fresh myrtle my blade I'll entwine,<br> - Like Harmodius, the gallant and good,<br> - When he made, at the tutelar shrine,<br> - A libation of Tyranny's blood.<br> -<br> - Ye deliverers of Athens from shame—<br> - Ye avengers of Liberty's wrongs!<br> - Endless ages shall cherish your fame,<br> - Embalmed in their echoing songs.</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Amongst other translations of this exquisite ode, is one by <i>Charles -Abraham Elton</i>, a translator of Hesiod, and of several other Grecian -poems; all of which are in a London edition of two elegant 8vo. -volumes. The first stanza of his version is as follows:</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem24"> -<tr><td>"In myrtle veiled will I my falchion wear;<br> - For thus the patriot sword<br> - Harmodius and Aristogeiton bare,<br> - When they the tyrant's bosom gored,<br> - And bade the men of Athens be<br> - Regenerate in equality."</td></tr> -</table> - -<p>It is a proof of the fairness with which Mr. Elton has aimed at a -literal rendering of his author, that he has made even the name of -A<small>RISTOGEITON</small> retain its place; as inharmonious a one, perhaps, as ever -"filled the trump of future fame." In the Edinburgh Review for -January, 1833, we find a translation of considerable merit, in the -stanza of "Bruce's Address:" less literal than Mr. Elton's, yet more -brief and simple, and partaking more of the thrilling energy of the -original. In its arrangement, the edition of Ilgen is followed. It is -due to the author of the foregoing translation to say, that it was -written long before the year in which this one was published; and -before he had seen the seven or eight others above mentioned.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem25"> -<tr><td>"Wreathed with myrtles be my glaive,<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small><br> - Like the falchion of the brave,<br> - Death to Athens' lord that gave,<br> - - Death to Tyranny!<br> -<br> - Yes! let myrtle wreaths be round,<br> - Such as then the falchion bound,<br> - When with deeds the feast was crown'd,<br> - - Done for Liberty!<br> -<br> - Voiced by Fame eternally,<br> - Noble pair! your names shall be,<br> - For the stroke that made us free,<br> - - When the tyrant fell!<br> -<br> - Death, Harmodius! came not near thee,<br> - Isles of bliss and brightness cheer thee,<br> - There heroic breasts revere thee,<br> - - There the mighty dwell!"</td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> Sword.</small></blockquote> - -<div align="right"><small>P. </small></div> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect22"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SONNET.</h4> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem26"> -<tr><td><small>O fairest flow'r; no sooner blown than blasted,<br> - Soft silken primrose faded timelessly.—<i>Milton</i>.</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem27"> -<tr><td>It was an infant dying! and I stood<br> - Watching beside its couch, to mark how Death,<br> - His hour being come, would steal away the breath<br> - Of one so young, so innocent, so good.<br> - Friends also waited near—and now the blood<br> - 'Gan leave the tender cheek, and the dark eye<br> - To lose its wonted lustre. Suddenly<br> - Slight tremblings o'er him came; anon, subdued<br> - To utter passiveness, the sufferer lay,<br> - Far, far more beautiful in his decay<br> - Than e'er methought before! I held his hand<br> - Fast lock'd in mine, and felt more feebly flow<br> - The pulse already faint and fluttering. Lo!<br> - It ceased; I turn'd, and bow'd to God's command.<small><small><sup>1</sup></small></small></td></tr> -</table> -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> Samuel II. Chap. xii.—22, 23.</small></blockquote> - -<div align="right">* * * </div> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page39"><small><small>[p. 39]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect23"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>SPECIMENS OF LOVELETTERS</h4> - -<center><small>IN THE REIGN OF EDWARD IV.</small></center> - -<blockquote><small>From the second volume of a Collection of Original Letters written -during the reigns of Henry VI, Edward IV, and Richard III. By John -Fenn, Esq., M.A. and F. R. S.</small></blockquote> -<br> - -<h5>I.</h5> - -<blockquote>Right reverend and worshipful, and my right well beloved Valentine, I -recommend me unto you, full heartilie desiring to hear of your -welfare, which I beseech Almighty God long for to preserve unto his -pleasure, and your heart's desire.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And if it please you to hear of my welfare, I am not in good heele -(<i>health</i>) of bodie, nor of heart, nor shall be till I hear from you</blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem28"> -<tr><td><small>For there wottes (<i>knows</i>) no creature that pain I endure<br> -And for to be dead (<i>for my life</i>), I dare it not discur (<i>discover</i>)</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote>And my lady my mother hath labored the matter to my father full -diligently, but she can no more get than ye know of, for the which God -knoweth I am full sorry. But if that ye love me, as I trust verily -that ye do, ye will not leave me therefore; for if that ye had not -half the livelihood that ye have, for to do the greatest labour that -any woman alive might, I would not forsake you.</blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem29"> -<tr><td><small>And if ye command me to keep me true wherever I go,<br> - I wis I will do all my might you to love, and never no mo,<br> - And if my friends say, that I do amiss<br> - They shall not me let (<i>hinder</i>) so for to do,<br> - Mine heart me bids ever more to love you—<br> - Truly over all earthlie thing<br> - And if they be never so wrath<br> - I trust it shall be better in time coming</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote>No more to you at this time, but the Holy Trinity have you in keeping; -and I beseech you that this bill be not seen of none earthlie creature -save only yourself.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And this letter was endited at Topcroft, with full heavy heart &c.</blockquote> - -<div align="right">By your own - <br> -<small>MARGERY BREWS</small>. - </div> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<h5>II.</h5> - -<blockquote>Right worshipful and well beloved Valentine, in my most humble wise, I -recommend me unto you &c.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And heartilie I thank you for the letter, which that ye send me by -John Beckerton, whereby I understand and know that ye be purposed to -come to Topcroft in short time, and without any errand or matter, but -only to have a conclusion of the matter betwixt my father and you; I -would be the most glad of any creature alive, so that the matter might -grow to effect. And thereas (<i>whereas</i>) ye say, an (<i>if</i>) ye come and -find the matter no more towards you than ye did aforetime, ye would no -more put my father and my lady my mother to no cost nor business for -that cause a good while after, which causeth my heart to be full -heavie; and if that ye come, and the matter take to none effect, then -should I be much more sorry, and full of heaviness.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>And as for myself I have done, and understand in the matter that I can -or may, as God knoweth; and I let you plainly understand, that my -father will no more money part withal in that behalf, but an 100<i>l</i>. -and 50 marks (33<i>l</i>. 6<i>s</i>. 8<i>d</i>.) which is right far from the -accomplishment of your desire.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>Wherefore, if that ye could be content with that good, and my poor -person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; and if ye think not -yourself so satisfyed, or that ye might have much more good, as I have -understood by you afore; good, true, and loving Valentine, that ye -take no such labor upon you, as to come more for that matter, but let -what is, pass and never more be spoken of, as I may be your true lover -and beadwoman during my life.</blockquote> - -<blockquote>No more unto you at this time, but Almighty Jesu preserve you both -bodie and soul &c.</blockquote> - -<div align="right">By your Valentine - <br> -<small>MARGERY BREWS</small>. - </div> - -<blockquote> Topcroft 1476.7.</blockquote> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect24"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>MARCELIA.</h4> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem30"> -<tr><td><small> -Then she is drown'd?<br> -————Drown'd—Drown'd.<br> -Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia!<br> -And therefore I forbid my tears.—<i>Hamlet</i>.</small></td></tr> -</table> -<br><br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem31"> -<tr><td> - It was a solitary spot!—<br> - The shallow brook that ran throughout the forest,<br> - (Aye chattering as it went,) there took a turn<br> - And widened;—all its music died away,<br> - And in the place, a silent eddy told<br> - That there the stream grew deeper. There dark trees<br> - Funereal (cypress, yew, and shadowy pine,<br> - And spicy cedar,) cluster'd; and at night<br> - Shook from their melancholy branches sounds<br> - And sighs like death!—'Twas strange, for thro' the day<br> - They stood quite motionless, and looked, methought,<br> - Like monumental things, which the sad earth<br> - From its green bosom had cast out in pity,<br> - To mark a young girl's grave. The very leaves<br> - Disown'd their natural green, and took a black<br> - And mournful hue: and the rough brier had stretch'd<br> - His straggling arms across the water, and<br> - Lay like an armed sentinel there, catching<br> - With his tenacious leaf, straws, wither'd boughs,<br> - Moss that the banks had lost, coarse grasses which<br> - Swam with the current—and with these it hid<br> - The poor Marcelia's death-bed!<br> - - - -Never may net<br> - Of vent'rous fisher be cast in with hope,<br> - For not a fish abides there. The slim deer<br> - Snorts, as he ruffles with his shorten'd breath<br> - The brook, and, panting, flies th' unholy place—<br> - And the wild heifer lows and passes on;<br> - The foaming hound laps not, and winter birds<br> - Go higher up the stream. And yet <i>I</i> love<br> - To loiter there; and when the rising moon<br> - Flames down the avenue of pines, and looks<br> - Red and dilated through the evening mists,<br> - And chequer'd as the heavy branches sway<br> - To and fro with the wind, I listen, and<br> - Can fancy to myself that voices there<br> - Plain, and low prayers come moaning thro' the leaves<br> - For some misdeed!<br> - - -The story goes, that a<br> - Neglected girl (an orphan whom the world<br> - Frown'd upon,) once strayed thither, and 'twas thought<br> - Did cast her in the stream. You may have heard<br> - Of one Marcelia, poor Molini's daughter, who<br> - Fell ill, and came to want in youth? No?—Oh!<br> - She loved a man who marked her not. He wed,<br> - And then the girl grew sick, and pin'd away,<br> - And drown'd herself for love!—Some day or other<br> - I'll tell you all the story.</td></tr> -</table> - -<div align="right">* * * </div> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page40"><small><small>[p. 40]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect25"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>TO MIRA.</h4> - -<center>BY L. A. WILMER.</center> -<br> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem32"> -<tr><td> Far from the gaudy scenes my earliest youth<br> - Loved to inhabit, which Hope's rising sun<br> - Lent every grace and charm—save that of Truth,<br> - And made me happy but to be undone,<br> - (My joys expectant blasted ere begun,)<br> - Far from those pleasing scenes 'tis mine to roam.<br> - Friendless, forlorn, my idle course I run,<br> - While Disappointment, a malignant gnome,<br> - Still tortures, and the grave appears my happiest home.<br> -<br> - Ere yet I bid a long, a last farewell<br> - To the sweet Muse, reluctant to forego<br> - The sacred solace and enchanting spell<br> - Which charm'd my solitude, and sooth'd my woe—<br> - Ere I renounce my harp, and cease to know<br> - The poet's rapture, when his eye surveys<br> - The heavenly visions fancy doth bestow,<br> - On which her favored sons alone may gaze,<br> - Once more I lift my voice to sing in Mira's praise.<br> -<br> - While sickly flattery heaps the unhallowed shrine<br> - Of pomp and pride with praise that palls the sense,<br> - Let spotless candor, Heaven-born truth be mine:<br> - Base are the praises sold at truth's expense:<br> - Mira! thy name all falsehood drives from hence!<br> - Accept this tribute due to worth like thine—<br> - Accept this offering of a heart from whence<br> - No guile shall rise to taint this verse of mine,<br> - But friendship's holy signet sanctify each line.<br> -<br> - O might I deem my verse could live beyond<br> - The petty confines of the dreary tomb—<br> - Might I believe my wishes not too fond,<br> - That point to fame beyond the eternal gloom—<br> - When this frail form shall in the grave consume,<br> - That future ages shall my works behold—<br> - Then, Mira, on this page thy name's perfume<br> - Should breathe a fragrance, when the hand is cold<br> - And crumbled into dust which here that name enrolled.<br> -<br> - As long as years revolved, and seasons came,<br> - Tho' other flowers should fade away and die,<br> - An ever-blooming flower should be thy name,<br> - Dipped in the radiance of the evening sky:<br> - When marble monuments in ruins lie,<br> - And sculptured pillars from their bases fall,<br> - Could I but place fair Mira's name on high<br> - In Fame's eternal, adamantine hall,<br> - Then would my lot be blessed, my hopes accomplished all.<br> -<br> - Tho' placed by Fate in this ungenial clime,<br> - Where scarce the sacred Muse hath deigned to tread—<br> - These Western lands, where Song appears a crime,<br> - And Genius rears a sad and sickly head—<br> - And tho' malignant stars their influence shed—<br> - Yet might I boast thy friendship, I would bend<br> - No more when black misfortunes round me spread;<br> - But my last breath in thankfulness would send,<br> - And tell to future times thou wast my only friend.<br> -<br> - I have seen womankind in all their charms—<br> - Yea! all that beauty, wealth, and wit bestow—<br> - With all that strikes the eye, or fancy warms,<br> - In festal halls, where gold and diamonds glow,<br> - And gay costumes that mock the painted bow<br> - Of Iris hanging on Heaven's battlements:<br> - Yet not all these could bid my bosom know<br> - Such admiration, or such joys dispense,<br> - As when the maiden smiled in heavenly innocence.<br> -<br> - Then, Mira, not to pride my harp is strung—<br> - Not to the measures of the giddy dance—<br> - The boasted beauty shall remain unsung,<br> - For I, unmoved, can meet her fatal glance.<br> - Not in the fairy regions of romance<br> - My footsteps stray—but <i>Truth</i> directs my song:<br> - To <i>Truth's</i> eternal portals I advance,<br> - Deserted by the rhyming crew so long,<br> - And Virtue, Worth, and Thou shall still employ my tongue.<br> -<br> - With thee, sweet Modesty and Truth reside—<br> - Sincerity from courts and crowds exiled—<br> - Virtue, that shuns the haughty brow of Pride—<br> - And Charity, Heaven's first-born, favorite child,—<br> - As if the skies upon thy birth had smiled,<br> - And given thee all to make a woman dear.<br> - Yes! thou couldst humanize the savage wild,<br> - Make tigers pause thy soothing voice to hear,<br> - Melt marble hearts, and smooth the brow of cankering care.<br> -<br> - When the last echoes of my harp expire,<br> - In mournful breathings on Patapsco's shore—<br> - When the unpractised hand that struck the wire,<br> - Shall wake those wild and artless notes no more—<br> - When the green meadow and the torrent's roar—<br> - The woody walk, so long my dear delight,<br> - With all that charmed my fancy most before—<br> - When Death shall veil these objects from my sight,<br> - O say, wilt thou my name in thy remembrance write?<br> -<br> - Then let the world its malice all combine—<br> - Its hate I reck not, and its wrongs despise:<br> - A bliss they dream not of shall still be mine—<br> - A bliss untold, yet worthy of the skies,<br> - Which all their curs'd malevolence defies.<br> - Even in the anguish of the mortal hour,<br> - My soul superior to the gloom shall rise,<br> - And smile on Death when all his terrors lower,<br> - And the grim tyrant stalks full panoplied in power.</td></tr> -</table><br> -<br> -<br> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect26"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4>STANZAS.</h4> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem33"> -<tr><td>Oh! never, never, until now,<br> - Seem'd happiness so near me—<br> - Hope never wore a brighter brow<br> - To flatter or to cheer me:<br> - Yet while I listen to her voice,<br> - Sad memory is chiding—<br> - And I must tremble to rejoice,<br> - And weep while I'm confiding.<br> -<br> - I thought my spirit had grown old,<br> - While counting years by sorrow,<br> - And that the future could unfold<br> - For me no happier morrow;<br> - But ah! I find myself a child<br> - Of newly waken'd feeling,<br> - As full of dreams, as bright and wild,<br> - As fancy's first revealing.</td></tr> -</table> - -<div align="right"><small>LEILA</small>. </div> -<br> -<br><span class="pagenum"><a name="page41"><small><small>[p. 41]</small></small></a></span> -<hr align="center" width="100"><a name="sect27"></a> -<br> -<br> -<h4><i>Critical Notices</i>.</h4> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<h5>THE HEROINE.</h5> - -<p><i>The Heroine: or Adventures of Cherubina. By Eaton Stannard Barrett, -Esq. New Edition. Richmond: Published by P. D. Bernard.</i></p> - -<p>Cherubina! Who has not heard of Cherubina? Who has not heard of that -most spiritual, that most ill-treated, that most accomplished of -women—of that most consummate, most sublimated, most fantastic, most -unappreciated, and most inappreciable of heroines? Exquisite and -delicate creation of a mind overflowing with fun, frolic, farce, wit, -humor, song, sentiment, and sense, what mortal is there so dead to -every thing graceful and glorious as not to have devoured thy -adventures? Who is there so unfortunate as not to have taken thee by -the hand?—who so lost as not to have cultivated thy -acquaintance?—who so stupid, as not to have enjoyed thy -companionship?—who so much of a log, as not to have laughed until he -has wept for very laughter in the perusal of thine incomparable, -inimitable, and inestimable eccentricities? But we are becoming -pathetic to no purpose, and supererogatively oratorical. <i>Every body</i> -has read Cherubina. There is no one so superlatively unhappy as not to -have done this thing. But if such there be—if by any possibility such -person should exist, we have only a few words to say to him. Go, silly -man, and purchase forthwith "<i>The Heroine: or Adventures of -Cherubina</i>."</p> - -<p>The Heroine was first published many years ago, (we believe shortly -after the appearance of Childe Harold;) but although it has run -through editions innumerable, and has been universally read and -admired by all possessing talent or taste, it has never, in our -opinion, attracted half that notice on the part of the critical press, -which is undoubtedly its due. There are few books written with more -tact, spirit, <i>näïveté</i>, or grace, few which take hold more -irresistibly upon the attention of the reader, and none more fairly -entitled to rank among the classics of English literature than the -Heroine of Eaton Stannard Barrett. When we say all this of a book -possessing not even the remotest claim to originality, either in -conception or execution, it may reasonably be supposed, that we have -discovered in its matter, or manner, some rare qualities, inducing us -to hazard an assertion of so bold a nature. This is actually the case. -Never was any thing so charmingly written: the mere style is -positively inimitable. Imagination, too, of the most etherial kind, -sparkles and blazes, now sportively like the Will O' the Wisp, now -dazzlingly like the Aurora Borealis, over every page—over every -sentence in the book. It is absolutely radiant with fancy, and that of -a nature the most captivating, although, at the same time, the most -airy, the most capricious, and the most intangible. Yet the Heroine -must be considered a mere burlesque; and, being a copy from Don -Quixotte, is to that immortal work of Cervantes what <i>The School for -Scandal</i> is to <i>The Merry Wives of Windsor</i>. The Plot is briefly as -follows.</p> - -<p>Gregory Wilkinson, an English farmer worth 50,000 pounds, has a pretty -daughter called Cherry, whose head is somewhat disordered from romance -reading. Her governess is but little more rational than herself, and -is one day turned out of the house for allowing certain undue -liberties on the part of the butler. In revenge she commences a -correspondence with Miss Cherry, in which she persuades that young -lady that Wilkinson is not her real father—that she is a child of -mystery, &c.—in short that she is actually and <i>bonâ fide</i> a heroine. -In the meantime, Miss Cherry, in rummaging among her father's papers, -comes across an antique parchment—a lease of lives—on which the -following words are alone legible.</p> - -<blockquote><small>This Indenture<br> - For and in consideration of<br> - Doth grant, bargain, release<br> - Possession, and to his heirs and assigns<br> - Lands of Sylvan Lodge, in the<br> - Trees, stones, quarries, &c.<br> - Reasonable amends and satisfaction<br> - This demise<br> - Molestation of him the said Gregory Wilkinson.<br> - The natural life of<br> - Cherry Wilkinson only daughter of<br> - De Willoughby eldest son of Thomas<br> - Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle.</small></blockquote> - -<p>This "excruciating MS." brings matters to a crisis—for Miss Cherry -has no difficulty in filling up the blanks.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"It is a written covenant," says this interesting young lady in a -letter to her Governess, "between this Gregory Wilkinson, and the -miscreant (whom my being an heiress had prevented from enjoying the -title and estate that would devolve to him at my death) stipulating to -give Wilkinson 'Sylvan Lodge,' together with 'trees, stones, &c.' as -'reasonable amends and satisfaction' for being the instrument of my -'demise,' and declaring that there shall be 'no molestation of him the -said Gregory Wilkinson' for taking away the 'natural life of Cherry -Wilkinson, only daughter of' —— somebody 'De Willoughby eldest son -of Thomas.' Then follows 'Lady Gwyn of Gwyn Castle.' So that it is -evident I am a De Willoughby, and related to Lady Gwyn! What perfectly -confirms me in the latter supposition, is an old portrait which I -found soon after, among Wilkinson's papers, representing a young and -beautiful female superbly dressed; and underneath, in large letters, -the name of 'Nell Gwyn.'"</small></blockquote> - -<p>Fired with this idea, Miss Cherry gets up a scene, rushes with hair -dishevelled into the presence of the good man Wilkinson, and accuses -him to his teeth of plotting against her life, and of sundry other -mal-practices and misdemeanors. The worthy old gentleman is -astonished, as well he may be; but is somewhat consoled upon receiving -a letter from his nephew, Robert Stuart, announcing his intention of -paying the family a visit immediately. Wilkinson is in hopes that a -lover may change the current of his daughter's ideas; but in that he -is mistaken. Stuart has the misfortune of being merely a rich man, a -handsome man, an honest man, and a fashionable man—he is no hero. -This is not to be borne: and Miss Cherry, having assumed the name of -the Lady Cherubina De Willoughby, makes a precipitate retreat from the -house, and commences a journey on foot to London. Her adventures here -properly begin, and are laughable in the extreme. But we must not be -too minute. They are modelled very much after those of Don Quixotte, -and are related in a series of letters from the young lady herself to -her governess. The principal characters who figure in the Memoirs are -Betterton, an old <i>debauché</i> who endeavors to entangle the Lady -Cherubina in his <span class="pagenum"><a name="page42"><small><small>[p. 42]</small></small></a></span> -toils—Jerry Sullivan, an Irish simpleton, who -is ready to lose his life at any moment for her ladyship, whose story -he implicitly believes, without exactly comprehending it—Higginson, a -grown baby, and a mad poet—Lady Gwyn, whom Cherubina believes to be -her mortal enemy, and the usurper of her rights, and who encourages -the delusion for the purpose of entertaining her guests—Mary and -William, two peasants betrothed, but whom Cherry sets by the ears for -the sake of an interesting episode—Abraham Grundy, a tenth rate -performer at Covent Garden, who having been mistaken by Cherry for an -earl, supports the character <i>à merveille</i> with the hope of eventually -marrying her, and thus securing 10,000 pounds, a sum which it appears -the lady possesses in her own right. He calls himself the Lord -Altamont Mortimer Montmorenci. Stuart, her cousin, whom we have -mentioned before, finally rescues her from the toils of Betterton and -Grundy, and restores her to reason, and to her friends. Of course he -is rewarded with her hand.</p> - -<p>We repeat that Cherubina is a book which should be upon the shelves of -every well-appointed library. No one can read it without entertaining -a high opinion of the varied and brilliant talents of its author. No -one can read it without laughter. Its wit, especially, and its humor, -are indisputable—not frittered and refined away into that insipid -compound which we occasionally meet with, half giggle and half -sentiment—but racy, dashing, and palpable. Some of the songs with -which the work is interspersed have attained a most extensive -popularity, while many persons, to whom they are as familiar as -household things, are not aware of the very existence of the Heroine. -All our readers must remember the following.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem34"> -<tr><td><small>Dear Sensibility, O la!<br> - I heard a little lamb cry ba!<br> - Says I, so you have lost mamma!<br> - - - Ah!<br><br> - The little lamb as I said so,<br> - Frisking about the fields did go,<br> - And frisking trod upon my toe.<br> - - - Oh!</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>And this also.</p> - -<center><small>TO DOROTHY PULVERTAFT.</small></center> -<br> -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem35"> -<tr><td><small>If Black-sea, White-sea, Red-sea ran<br> - One tide of ink to Ispahan;<br> - If all the geese in Lincoln fens<br> - Produced spontaneous well-made pens;<br> - If Holland old or Holland new,<br> - One wondrous sheet of paper grew;<br> - Could I, by stenographic power,<br> - Write twenty libraries an hour;<br> - And should I sing but half the grace<br> - Of half a freckle on thy face;<br> - Each syllable I wrote should reach<br> - From Inverness to Bognor's beach;<br> - Each hair-stroke be a river Rhine,<br> - Each verse an equinoctial line.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>We have already exceeded our limits, but cannot refrain from -extracting Chapter XXV. It will convey some idea of the character of -the Heroine. She is now at the mansion of Lady Gwyn, who, for the -purpose of amusing her friends, has dressed up her nephew to represent -the supposed mother of the Lady Cherubina.</p> - -<center><small>CHAPTER XXV.</small></center> - -<blockquote><small>This morning I awoke almost well, and towards evening was able to -appear below. Lady Gwyn had invited several of her friends; so that I -passed a delightful afternoon; the charm, admiration, and astonishment -of all.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>When I retired to rest, I found this note on my toilette.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<center><small><i>To the Lady Cherubina</i>. </small></center> - -<blockquote><small><i>Your mother lives!</i> and is confined in a subterranean vault of the -villa. At midnight two men will tap at your door, and conduct you to -her. Be silent, courageous, and circumspect.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<blockquote><small>What a flood of new feelings gushed upon my soul, as I laid down the -billet, and lifted my filial eyes to Heaven! Mother—endearing name! I -pictured that unfortunate lady stretched on a mattress of straw, her -eyes sunken in their sockets, yet retaining a portion of their -youthful fire; her frame emaciated, her voice feeble, her hand damp -and chill. Fondly did I depict our meeting—our embrace; she gently -pushing me from her, and baring my forehead, to gaze on the lineaments -of my countenance. All, all is convincing; and she calls me the -softened image of my noble father!</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Two tedious hours I waited in extreme anxiety. At length the clock -struck twelve; my heart beat responsive, and immediately the promised -signal was made. I unbolted the door, and beheld two men masked and -cloaked. They blindfolded me, and each taking an arm, led me along. -Not a word passed. We traversed apartments, ascended, descended -stairs; now went this way, now that; obliquely, circularly, angularly; -till I began to imagine we were all the time in one spot.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>At length my conductors stopped.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Unlock the postern gate,' whispered one, 'while I light a torch.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'We are betrayed!' said the other, 'for this is the wrong key.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Then thou beest the traitor,' cried the first.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Thou liest, dost lie, and art lying!' cried the second.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Take that!' exclaimed the first. A groan followed, and the wretch -tumbled to the ground.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'You have killed him!' cried I, sickening with horror.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'I have only hamstrung him, my Lady,' said the fellow. 'He will be -lame while ever he lives; but by St. Cripplegate, that won't be long; -for our captain has given him four ducats to murder himself in a -month.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>He then burst open the gate; a sudden current of wind met us, and we -hurried forward with incredible speed, while moans and smothered -shrieks were heard at either side.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Gracious goodness, where are we?' cried I.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'In the cavern of death!' said my conductor; 'but never fear, Signora -mia illustrissima, for the bravo Abellino is your povero devotissimo.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>On a sudden innumerable footsteps sounded behind us. We ran swifter.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Fire!' cried a ferocious accent, almost at my ear; and there came a -discharge of arms.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I stopped, unable to move, breathe, or speak.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'I am wounded all over, right and left, fore and aft, long ways and -cross ways, Death and the Devil!' cried the bravo.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Am I bleeding?' said I, feeling myself with my hands.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'No, blessed St. Fidget be praised!' answered he; 'and now all is -safe, for the banditti have turned into the wrong passage.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>He then stopped, and unlocked a door.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Enter,' said he, 'and behold your mother!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>He led me forward, tore the bandage from my eyes, and retiring, locked -the door after him.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Agitated by the terrors of my dangerous expedition, I felt additional -horror in finding myself within a dismal cell, lighted with a lantern; -where, at a small table, sat a woman suffering under a corpulency -unparalleled in the memoirs of human monsters. Her dress was a -patchwork of blankets and satins, and her gray tresses were like -horses' tails. Hundreds of frogs leaped about the floor; a piece of -mouldy bread, and a mug of water, lay on the table; some straw, strewn -with dead snakes and sculls, occupied one corner, and the distant end -of the cell was concealed behind a black curtain.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I stood at the door, doubtful, and afraid to advance; while the -prodigious prisoner sat examining me all over.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>At last I summoned courage to say, 'I fear, madam, I am an intruder -here. I have certainly been shown into the wrong room.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'It is, it is my own, my only daughter, my Cherubina!' cried she, with -a tremendous voice. 'Come to my maternal arms, thou living picture of -the departed Theodore!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Why, ma'am,' said I, 'I would with great pleasure, but I am -afraid—Oh, madam, indeed, indeed, I am quite sure you cannot be my -mother!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Why not, thou unnatural girl?' cried she.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Because, madam,' answered I, 'my mother was of a thin habit; as her -portrait proves.'</small></blockquote> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page43"><small><small>[p. 43]</small></small></a></span> -<blockquote><small>'And so I was once,' said she. 'This deplorable plumpness is -owing to want of exercise. But I thank the Gods I am as pale as ever.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Heavens! no,' cried I. 'Your face, pardon me, is a rich scarlet.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'And is this our tender meeting?' cried she. 'To disown me, to throw -my fat in my teeth, to violate the lilies of my skin with a dash of -scarlet? Hey diddle diddle, the cat and the fiddle! Tell me, girl, -will you embrace me, or will you not?'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Indeed, madam,' answered I, 'I will presently.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Presently!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Yes, depend upon it I will. Only let me get over the first shock.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Shock!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Dreading her violence, and feeling myself bound to do the duties of a -daughter, I kneeled at her feet, and said:</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Ever respected, ever venerable author of my being, I beg thy maternal -blessing!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>My mother raised me from the ground, and hugged me to her heart, with -such cruel vigor, that, almost crushed, I cried out stoutly, and -struggled for release.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'And now,' said she, relaxing her grasp, 'let me tell you of my -sufferings. Ten long years I have eaten nothing but bread. Oh, ye -favorite pullets, oh, ye inimitable tit-bits, shall I never, never -taste you more? It was but last night, that maddened by hunger, -methought I beheld the Genius of Dinner in my dreams. His mantle was -laced with silver eels, and his locks were dropping with soups. He had -a crown of golden fishes upon his head, and pheasants' wings at his -shoulders. A flight of little tartlets fluttered about him, and the -sky rained down comfits. As I gazed on him, he vanished in a sigh, -that was impregnated with the fumes of brandy. Hey diddle diddle, the -cat and the fiddle.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I stood shuddering, and hating her more and more every moment.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Pretty companion of my confinement!' cried she, apostrophizing an -enormous toad which she pulled out of her bosom 'dear, spotted -fondling, thou, next to my Cherubina, art worthy of my love. Embrace -each other, my friends.' And she put the hideous pet into my hand. I -screamed and dropped it.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Oh!' cried I, in a passion of despair, 'what madness possessed me to -undertake this execrable enterprise!' and I began beating with my hand -against the door.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Do you want to leave your poor mother?' said she in a whimpering -tone.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Oh! I am so frightened!' cried I.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'You will spend the night here, however,' said she; 'and your whole -life too; for the ruffian who brought you hither was employed by Lady -Gwyn to entrap you.'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>When I heard this terrible sentence, my blood ran cold, and I began -crying bitterly.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Come, my love!' said my mother, 'and let me clasp thee to my heart -once more!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'For goodness sake!' cried I, 'spare me!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'What!' exclaimed she, 'do you spurn my proffered embrace again?'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Dear, no, madam,' answered I. 'But—but indeed now, you squeeze one -so!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>My mother made a huge stride towards me; then stood groaning and -rolling her eyes.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>'Help!' cried I, half frantic, 'help! help!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I was stopped by a suppressed titter of infernal laughter, as if from -many demons; and on looking towards the black curtain, whence the -sound came, I saw it agitated; while about twenty terrific faces -appeared peeping through slits in it, and making grins of a most -diabolical nature. I hid my face with my hands.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>''Tis the banditti!' cried my mother.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>As she spoke, the door opened, a bandage was flung over my eyes, and I -was borne away half senseless, in some one's arms; till at length, I -found myself alone in my own chamber.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Such was the detestable adventure of to-night. Oh, that I should live -to meet this mother of mine! How different from the mothers that other -heroines rummage out in northern turrets and ruined chapels! I am out -of all patience. Liberate her I must, of course, and make a suitable -provision for her too, when I get my property; but positively, never -will I sleep under the same roof with—(ye powers of filial love, -forgive me!) such a living mountain of human horror. Adieu.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect28"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>HAWKS OF HAWK-HOLLOW.</h5> - -<p><i>The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow; a Tradition of Pennsylvania. By the author -of Calavar and the Infidel. Philadelphia: Carey, Lea & Blanchard.</i></p> - -<p>By <i>The Gladiator</i>, by <i>Calavar</i>, and by <i>The Infidel</i>, Dr. Bird has -risen, in a comparatively short space of time, to a very enviable -reputation; and we have heard it asserted that his last novel '<i>The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow</i>,' will not fail to place his name in the very -first rank of American writers of fiction. Without venturing to -subscribe implicitly to this latter supposition, we still think very -highly of him who has written <i>Calavar</i>. Of this last mentioned work, -and of the <i>Infidel</i>, we have already given our opinion, although not -altogether as fully as we could have desired: and we regret that -circumstances beyond our control have prevented us from noticing the -<i>Hawks of Hawk-Hollow</i> until so late a day as the present.</p> - -<p>Had this novel reached us some years ago, with the title of, '<i>The -Hawks of Hawk-Hollow: A Romance by the author of Waverley</i>,' we should -not perhaps have engaged in its perusal with as much genuine -eagerness, or with so dogged a determination to be pleased with it at -all events, as we have actually done upon receiving it with its proper -title, and under really existing circumstances. But having read the -book <i>through</i>, as undoubtedly we should have done, if only for the -sake of Auld Lang Syne, and for the sake of certain pleasantly -mirthful, or pleasantly mournful recollections connected with -<i>Ivanhoe</i>, with the <i>Antiquary</i>, with <i>Kenilworth</i>, and above all with -that most pure, perfect, and radiant gem of fictitious literature the -<i>Bride of Lammermuir</i>—having, we say, on this account, and for the -sake of these recollections read the novel from beginning to end, from -Aleph to Tau, we should have pronounced our opinion of its merits -somewhat in the following manner.</p> - -<p>"It is unnecessary to tell us that this novel is written by Sir Walter -Scott; and we are really glad to find that he has at length ventured -to turn his attention to American incidents, scenery, and manners. We -repeat that it was a mere act of supererogation to place the words 'By -the author of Waverley' in the title page. The book speaks for itself. -The style vulgarly so called—the manner properly so called—the -handling of the subject to speak pictorially, or graphically, or as a -German would say plastically—in a word the general air, the <i>tout -ensemble</i>, the prevailing character of the story, all proclaim, in -words which one who runs may read, that these volumes were indited 'By -the author of Waverley.'" Having said thus much, we should resume our -<i>critique</i> as follows.</p> - -<p>"The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is, however, by no means in the <i>best</i> -manner of its illustrious author. To speak plainly it is a positive -failure, and must take its place by the side of the Redgauntlets, the -Monasteries, the Pirates, and the Saint Ronan's Wells."</p> - -<p>All this we should perhaps have been induced to say had the book been -offered to us for perusal some few years ago, with the supposititious -title, and under the supposititious circumstances aforesaid. But alas! -for our critical independency, the case is very different indeed. -There can be no mistake or misconception in the present instance, such -as we have so fancifully imagined. The title page (here we have it) is -clear, explanatory, and not to be misunderstood. The Hawks of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page44"><small><small>[p. 44]</small></small></a></span> -Hawk-Hollow, A Tradition of Pennsylvania, that is to say a novel, is -written, so we are assured, not by the author of Waverley, but by the -author of that very fine romance Calavar—not by Sir Walter Scott, -Baronet, but by Robert M. Bird, M.D. Now Robert M. Bird is an -American.</p> - -<p>We will endeavour to give an outline of the story. In a little valley -bordering upon the Delaware, and called Hawk-Hollow from a colony of -hawks who time out of mind had maintained possession of a blasted tree -at its <i>embouchure</i>, resided, some fifty years ago, one Gilbert, an -English emigrant. He had seven sons, all of whom displayed in early -life a spirit of desperate and reckless adventure, and a love of the -wild life of the woods and mountains. Oran was the name of the eldest, -and at the same time the most savage and intractable of the seven. The -disposition thus evinced obtained for these young desperadoes the -<i>sobriquet</i> of the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow. Gilbert, the father, falls -heir to a rich estate in England, and after making a vain attempt to -settle in that country and educate his children as gentlemen, returns -at length to the valley of Hawk-Hollow, so much more congenial to the -temper and habits of his sons. A fine but fantastic manor-house is -erected, and the family acquire consideration in the land. In the -meantime Mr. Gilbert's first wife dying, he weds another, who bears -him a daughter, Jessie. At the opening of the tale, however, a Captain -Loring resides upon the estate, and in the mansion of the Gilberts, -holding them as the agent or tenant of a certain Col. Falconer, who is -a second edition of Falkland in Caleb Williams,—and who has managed -to possess himself of the property at Hawk-Hollow, upon its -confiscation on account of the tory principles and conduct of the -Hawks.</p> - -<p>During the happier days of the Gilberts, the life of this Falconer was -preserved by three of them, upon a certain occasion of imminent peril. -He however, being badly wounded, they convey him to their father's -house, and Jessie, their sister, attends him in the character of -nurse. She loves him. He returns her love with gratitude and perhaps -some little actual affection, not however sufficient to banish from -his mind the charms or the wealth of a lady of whom he had been -previously enamored—the daughter of a gentleman who had succored and -patronised him at a time when he needed aid, and who discarded him -upon perceiving the growing intimacy between his child and his -<i>protegé</i>. Grateful however for the kindness and evident affection of -Jessie, and intoxicated with her beauty, he marries her in a moment of -madness and passion—prevailing upon her to keep the marriage a secret -for a short time. At this critical juncture, Falconer, who has already -risen to honors and consideration in the world, as an officer of the -Colonial army, receives overtures of reconciliation both from his old -patron and his daughter. His former flame is rekindled in his bosom. -He puts off from day to day the publication of his marriage with -Jessie, and, finally, goaded by love and ambition, and encouraged by -the accidental death of the regimental chaplain who married him, as -well as by that of the only witness to the ceremony, he flies from -Jessie who is about to become a mother, and leaving herself and -friends under the impression that the rite of marriage had been a mere -mockery for the purpose of seduction, throws himself at once into the -arms of his first love, and at length espouses her, a short time -before the decease of Jessie, who dies in bringing a son into the -world.</p> - -<p>The wrath of the brothers of Jessie, has doomed this child to -destruction—but their mother, at this same period giving birth to a -still-born infant, an exchange is brought about through the -instrumentality of an old nurse Elsie Bell, who plays an anomalous -part in the story, being half witch, and half gentlewoman. The effect -of this exchange is that the still-born child of Mrs. Gilbert is -buried as the offspring of Jessie, while her real offspring, is sent -to the West Indies, to be nurtured and educated by a sister of Mr. -Gilbert. The boy thus sent was called Hyland, after one of the Hawks -who perished in the rescue of Col. Falconer.</p> - -<p>Such are the events which, at the opening of the story, have broken up -the family of the Gilberts, and effected their ruin.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"The sons no longer hunted with the young men of the county, but went, -as in their war expeditions, alone: and when others thrust themselves -into their company they quarrelled with them, so that they began to be -universally feared and detested. To crown all, as soon as the -Revolution burst out they went over to the enemy: and, being -distributed among the wild and murderous bands of savages forming on -the north-western frontiers, they soon obtained a dreadful notoriety -for their deeds of daring and cruelty. Of course this remarkable -defection of the sons, caused the unlucky father to be suspected and -watched. He was accused at last of aiding and abetting them in their -treasonable practices, and soon, either from timidity or a -consciousness of guilt, he fled, seeking refuge within the royal -lines. This was sufficient for his ruin: for, after the usual legal -preliminaries, he was formally outlawed, as his sons had been before, -and his property confiscated. He died soon afterwards, either at New -York, or Jamaica."</small></blockquote> - -<p>Hyland, the son of Falconer by Jessie, but the supposed youngest -brother of the Hawks, returns after many years, to his native country -with the intention of accepting a British commission; but seeing more -closely, and with his own eyes, the true principles which actuated the -colonists, he finally relinquishes that design. In the meantime -visiting the Hawk-Hollow under the assumed name of Herman Hunter, and -in the character of a painter, he becomes enamored of Catherine, the -daughter of Captain Loring. The attachment is mutual, although the -lady is already betrothed to Henry, the son of Col. Falconer, a rather -gentlemanly, although a very dissipated and good-for-nothing -personage. Difficulties thicken of course. Miss Harriet Falconer, a -copy in many respects of Di Vernon, becomes, for some very trivial -reason, a violent enemy of Herman Hunter, and even goes so far as to -suspect him of being connected with the outlawed Hawks of the Hollow. -Captain Loring, on the other hand, is his firm friend—a circumstance -which restores matters to a more proper equilibrium, and much -flirtation is consequently carried on, in and about the old mansion -house and pleasure grounds of the Gilberts. In the meantime an attempt -is made, by some unknown assassin, upon the life of Col. Falconer, at -New York; and the county is thrown into a panic, by the rumor that -Oran, the eldest brother of the Hawks, is not dead, as was supposed, -but in existence near the Hollow with a desperate band of refugees, -and ready to pounce upon -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page45"><small><small>[p. 45]</small></small></a></span> -the neighboring village of Hillborough. -Miss Harriet Falconer busies herself in a very unlady-like manner to -ferret out the assassin of her father. Plot and counterplot follow in -rapid succession. New characters appear upon the scene. A tall -disciple of Roscius called Sterling, is, among others, very -conspicuous, thrusting his nose into every adventure, and assuming by -turns, although in a very slovenly way, the character of a Methodist -preacher, of a pedlar, of a Quaker, and of a French dancing master. -Elsie Bell, the old witch, prophecies, predicates, and prognosticates; -and in short matters begin to assume a very serious and inexplicable -aspect. Hyland Gilbert <i>alias</i> Herman Hunter, the painter, is drawn -into an involuntary connection with his supposed brother Oran, the -refugee, and some circumstances coming to light not very much to his -credit, he is obliged to flee from the mansion of the gallant -Captain—not, however, until he has declared his passion for the -daughter, into the ear of the daughter herself. Through the -instigation of Harriet Falconer, the day is at length fixed for the -marriage of her brother Henry with Catherine Loring. Accident delays -the ceremony until night, when, just as the lady is hesitating whether -she shall say <i>yes</i>, or <i>no</i>, the tall gentleman ycleped Sterling who -has managed, no one knows how, to install himself as major-domo, chief -fiddler, and master of ceremonies at the wedding, takes the liberty of -knocking the bridegroom on the head with his violin, while Oran, the -refugee, jumps in at one window with a gang of his followers, and -Hyland Gilbert, <i>alias</i> Herman Hunter, the painter, popping in at -another, carries off the bride at a back door <i>nemine contradicente</i>. -The bird being flown, the hue and cry is presently raised, and the -whole county starts in pursuit. But the affair ends very lamely. -Precisely at the moment when Hyland Gilbert, <i>alias</i> Herman Hunter, -the painter, has carried his mistress beyond any prospect of danger -from pursuit, he suddenly takes it into his head, to change his mind -in relation to the entire business, and so, turning back as he came, -very deliberately carries the lady home again. He himself, however, -being caught, is sentenced to be hung—all which is exceedingly just. -But to be serious.</p> - -<p>The crime with which the young man is charged, is the murder of Henry -Falconer, who fell by a pistol shot in an affray during the pursuit. -The criminal is lodged in jail at Hillborough—is tried—and, chiefly -through the instrumentality of Col. Falconer, is in danger of being -found guilty. But Elsie Bell now makes her appearance, and matters -assume a new aspect. She reveals to Col. Falconer the exchange of the -two infants—a fact with which he had been hitherto unacquainted—and -consequently astounds him with the information that he is seeking the -death of his own son. A new turn is also given to the evidence in the -case of the murder by the death-bed confession of Sterling, who owns -that he himself shot the deceased Henry Falconer, and also attempted -the assassination of the Colonel. The prisoner is acquitted by -acclamation. Col. Falconer, is shot by mistake while visiting his son -in prison. Harriet dies of grief at the exposure of her father's -villainy, and of her own consequent illegitimacy. Hyland Gilbert and -Catherine are united. Oran, the refugee, who fired the shot by which -Col. Falconer was accidentally killed, being hotly pursued, and -dangerously wounded, escapes, finally, to his fastnesses in the -mountains, where, after a lapse of many years, his bones and his rifle -are identified. Thus ends the Hawks of Hawk-Hollow.</p> - -<p>We have already spoken of the character of Elsie Bell. That of Harriet -Falconer, is forced, unnatural, and overstrained. Catherine Loring, -however, is one of the sweetest creations ever emanating from the -fancy of poet, or of painter. Truly feminine in thought, in manner, -and in action, she is altogether a conception of which Dr. Bird has -great reason to be proud. Phoebe, the waiting maid, (we have not -thought it worth while to mention her in our outline,) is a mere -excrescence, and, like some other personages in the tale, introduced -for no imaginable purpose. Of the male <i>dramatis personæ</i> some are -good—some admirable—some execrable. Among the good, we may mention -Captain Caliver of the Dragoons. Captain Loring is a <i>chéf d'oeuvre</i>. -His oddities, his infirmities, his enthusiasm, his petulancy, his -warm-heartedness, and his mutability of disposition, altogether make -up a character which we may be permitted to consider original, -inasmuch as we have never seen its prototype either in print, or in -actual existence. It is however true to itself, and to propriety, and -although at times verging upon the <i>outré</i>, is highly creditable to -the genius of its author. Oran, the refugee, is well—but not -excellently drawn. The hero Hyland, with whom we were much interested -in the beginning of the book, proves inconsistent with himself in the -end; and although to be inconsistent with one's self, is not always to -be false to Nature—still, in the present instance, Hyland Gilbert in -prison, and in difficulty, and Herman Hunter, in the opening of the -novel, possess none of the same traits, and are not, in point of fact, -identical. Sterling is a mere mountebank, without even the merit of -being an original one: and his death-bed repentance is too ludicrously -ill-managed, and altogether too manifestly out of place, to be -mentioned any farther. Squire Schlachtenschlager, the Magistrate, is -the best personification of a little brief authority in the person of -a Dutchman, which it has ever been our good fortune to encounter.</p> - -<p>In regard to that purely mechanical portion of Dr. Bird's novel, which -it would now be fashionable to denominate its <i>style</i>, we have very -few observations to make. In general it is faultless. Occasionally we -meet with a sentence ill-constructed—an inartificial adaptation of -the end to the beginning of a paragraph—a circumlocutory mode of -saying what might have been better said, if said with brevity—now and -then with a pleonasm, as for example. "And if he wore a mask in his -commerce with men, it was like that <i>iron</i> one of the Bastile, which -when put on, was put on for life, and was at the same time <i>of -iron</i>,"—not unfrequently with a bull proper, videlicet. "As he spoke -there came into the den, eight men attired like the two first <i>who -were included in the number</i>." But we repeat that upon the whole the -style of the novel—if that may be called its style, which style is -not—is at least <i>equal</i> to that of any American writer whatsoever.</p> - -<p>In the style <i>properly</i> so called—that is to say in the prevailing -tone and manner which give character and individuality to the book, we -cannot bring ourselves to think that Dr. Bird has been equally -fortunate. His subject appears always ready to fly away from him. He -dallies with it continually—hovers incessantly round -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page46"><small><small>[p. 46]</small></small></a></span> it, and -about it—and not until driven to exertion by the necessity of -bringing his volumes to a close, does he finally grasp it with any -appearance of energy or good will. The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow is -composed with great inequality of manner—at times forcible and -manly—at times sinking into the merest childishness and imbecility. -Some portions of the book, we surmise, were either not written by Dr. -Bird, or were written by him in moments of the most utter mental -exhaustion. On the other hand, the reader will not be disappointed, if -he looks to find in the novel many—very many well sustained passages -of great eloquence and beauty. We open the book at random, and one -presents itself immediately to our notice. If Dr. Bird has a general -manner at all—a question which we confess ourselves unable to -decide—the passage which we are about to quote is a very fair, -although perhaps rather too favorable specimen of that manner.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"Thus whiling away the fatigue of climbing over rocks, and creeping -through thickets with a gay rattle of discourse, the black-eyed maiden -dragged her companion along until they reached a place where the -stream was contracted by the projection on the one bank of a huge mass -of slaty rock, and on the other, by the protrusion of the roots of a -gigantic plane-tree—the sycamore or button-wood of vulgar speech. -Above them, and beyond the crag, the channel of the rivulet widened -into a pool; and there was a plot of green turf betwixt the water and -the hill, on the farther bank, whereon fairies, if such had ever made -their way to the world of Twilight, might have loved to gambol under -the light of the moon. A hill shut up the glen at its upper extremity; -and it was hemmed in on the left, by the rocky and woody declivity -over which the maidens had already passed. Over this, and just behind -a black rounded shoulder that it thrust into the glen, a broad ray -from the evening sun shot across the stream, and fell in a rich yellow -flood over the vacant plot. There was something almost Arcadian in -this little solitude; and if instead of two well-bred maidens perched -upon the roots of the sycamore, on seats chosen with a due regard to -the claims of their dresses, there had been a batch of country girls -romping in the water, a passing Actæon might have dreamed of the piny -Gargaphy, its running well <i>fons tenui perlucidus unda</i>—and the -bright creatures of the mythic day that once animated the waters of -that solitary grot. But the fairy and the wood-nymph are alike unknown -in America. Poetic illusion has not yet consecrated her glens and -fountains; her forests nod in uninvaded gloom, her rivers roll in -unsanctified silence, and even her ridgy mountains lift up their blue -tops in unphantomed solitude. Association sleeps, or it reverts only -to the vague mysteries of speculation. Perhaps</small></blockquote> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem36"> -<tr><td><small>A restless Indian queen,<br> - Pale Marian with the braided hair,</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<blockquote><small>may wander at night by some highly favored spring; perhaps some tall -and tawny hunter</small></blockquote> - -<center><small>In vestments for the chase arrayed,</small></center> - -<blockquote><small>may yet hunt the hart over certain distinguished ridges, or urge his -barken canoe over some cypress-fringed pool; but all other places are -left to the fancies of the utilitarian. A Greek would have invented a -God to dwell under the watery arch of Niagara; an American is -satisfied with a paper-mill clapped just above it."</small></blockquote> - -<p>Of the songs and other poetic pieces interspersed throughout the book, -and sometimes not aptly or gracefully introduced, we have a very high -opinion. Some of them are of rare merit and beauty. If Dr. Bird can -always write thus, and we see no reason for supposing the contrary, he -should at once, in the language of one with whom he is no doubt well -acquainted,</p> - -<center><small>Turn bard, and drop the play-wright and the novelist.</small></center> - -<p>In evidence that we say nothing more than what is absolutely just; we -insert here the little poem of <i>The Whippoorwill</i>.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem37"> -<tr><td><small>Sleep, sleep! be thine the sleep that throws<br> - Elysium o'er the soul's repose,<br> - Without a dream, save such as wind<br> - Like midnight angels, through the mind;<br> - While I am watching on the hill<br> - I, and the wailing whippoorwill.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!<br> -<br> - Sleep, sleep! and once again I'll tell<br> - The oft pronounced yet vain farewell:<br> - Such should his word, oh maiden, be<br> - Who lifts the fated eye to thee;<br> - Such should it be, before the chain<br> - That wraps his spirit, binds his brain.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!<br> -<br> - Sleep, sleep! the ship hath left the shore,<br> - The steed awaits his lord no more;<br> - His lord still madly lingers by,<br> - The fatal maid he cannot fly—<br> - And thrids the wood, and climbs the hill—<br> - He and the wailing whippoorwill.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!<br> -<br> - Sleep, sleep! the morrow hastens on;<br> - Then shall the wailing slave be gone,<br> - Flitting the hill-top far for fear<br> - The sounds of joy may reach his ear;<br> - The sounds of joy!—the hollow knell<br> - Pealed from the mocking chapel bell.<br> - - Oh whippoorwill, oh whippoorwill!</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>In conclusion: The Hawks of Hawk-Hollow, if it add a single bay to the -already green wreath of Dr. Bird's <i>popular</i> reputation, will not, at -all events, among men whose decisions are entitled to consideration, -advance the high opinion previously entertained of his abilities. It -has no pretensions to <i>originality</i> of manner, or of style—for we -insist upon the distinction—and very few to originality of matter. It -is, in many respects, a bad imitation of Sir Walter Scott. Some of its -characters, and one or two of its incidents, have seldom been -surpassed, for force, fidelity to nature, and power of exciting -interest in the reader. It is altogether more worthy of its author in -its scenes of hurry, of tumult, and confusion, than in those of a more -quiet and philosophical nature. Like <i>Calavar</i> and <i>The Infidel</i>, it -excels in the drama of action and passion, and fails in the drama of -colloquy. It is inferior, as a whole, to the <i>Infidel</i>, and vastly -inferior to <i>Calavar</i>.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect29"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>PEERAGE AND PEASANTRY.</h5> - -<p><i>Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry, Edited by Lady Dacre. New -York: Harper & Brothers.</i> - -<p>We had been looking with much impatience for the republication of -these volumes, and henceforward we shall look with still greater -anxiety for any thing announced as under the <i>editorial</i> supervision -of Lady Dacre. But why, Lady Dacre, this excessive show of modesty, or -rather this most unpardonable piece of affectation? Why deny having -written volumes whose authorship would be an enviable and an honorable -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page47"><small><small>[p. 47]</small></small></a></span> -distinction to the proudest literati of your land? And why, above -all, announce yourself as editor in a title-page, merely to proclaim -yourself author in a preface?</p> - -<p>The <i>Tales of the Peerage and the Peasantry</i> are three in number. The -first and the longest is <i>Winifred, Countess of Nithsdale</i>, (have a -care, Messieurs Harpers, you have spelt it <i>Nithsadle</i> in the very -heading of the very initial chapter) a thrilling, and spirited story, -rich with imagination, pathos, and passion, and in which the -successful termination of a long series of exertions, and trials, -whereby the devoted Winifred finally rescues her husband, the Earl of -Nithsdale, from tyranny, prison, and death, inspires the reader with -scarcely less heartfelt joy and exultation than we can conceive -experienced by the happy pair themselves. But the absolute conclusion -of this tale speaks volumes for the artist-like skill of the fair -authoress. An every day writer would have ended a story of continued -sorrow and suffering, with a bright gleam of unalloyed happiness, and -sunshine—thus destroying, at a single blow, that indispensable unity -which has been rightly called the unity of effect, and throwing down, -as it were, in a paragraph what, perhaps, an entire volume has been -laboring to establish. We repeat that Lady Dacre has given conclusive -evidence of talent and skill, in the final sentences of the <i>Countess -of Nithsdale</i>—evidence, however, which will not be generally -appreciated, or even very extensively understood. We will transcribe -the passages alluded to.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"'And dearer to my ears'—said Lady Nithsdale 'the simple ballad of a -Scottish maiden, than even these sounds as they are wafted to us over -the waters!'</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"They stopped to listen to the song as it died away; and, as they -listened, another and more awful sound struck upon their ears. The -bell of one of the small chapels often constructed on the shores of -Catholic countries, was tolled for the soul of a departed mariner. As -it happened, the tone was not unlike one of which they both retained -only too vivid and painful a recollection. The Countess felt her -husband's frame quiver beneath the stroke. There was no need of words. -With a mutual pressure of the arm they returned upon their steps and -sought their home. Unconsciously their pace quickened. They seemed to -fly before the stroke of that bell! Such suffering as they had both -experienced, leaves traces in the soul which time itself can never -wholly efface."</small></blockquote> - -<p><i>The Hampshire Cottage</i> is next in order—a tale of the Peasantry; and -the volumes conclude with <i>Blanche</i>, a tale of the Peerage. Both are -admirable, and worthy of companionship with <i>Winifred, Countess of -Nithsdale</i>. There can be no doubt that Lady Dacre is a writer of -infinite genius, possessing great felicity of expression, a happy -talent for working up a story, and, above all, a far more profound and -philosophical knowledge of the hidden springs of the human heart, and -a greater skill in availing herself of that knowledge, than <i>any of -her female contemporaries</i>. This we say deliberately. We have not yet -forgotten the <i>Recollections of a Chaperon</i>. No person, of even common -sensibility, has ever perused the magic tale of <i>Ellen Wareham</i> -without feeling the very soul of passion and imagination aroused and -stirred up within him, as at the sound of a trumpet.</p> - -<p>Let Lady Dacre but give up her talents and energies, and especially -<i>her time</i> to the exaltation of her literary fame, and we are sorely -mistaken if, hereafter, she do not accomplish something which will not -readily die.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect30"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>EDINBURGH REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The Edinburgh Review, No. CXXIV, for July 1835. American Edition, -Vol. II, No. 2. New York: Theodore Foster.</i></p> - -<p>Article I in this number is a <i>critique</i> upon "The History of the -Revolution in England in 1688. Comprising a View of the Reign of James -the Second, from his Accession to the Enterprise of the Prince of -Orange. By the late Right Honorable Sir James Mackintosh; and -completed to the Settlement of the Crown, by the Editor. To which is -prefixed, a Notice of the Life, Writings, and Speeches of Sir James -Mackintosh. 4to. London, 1834." The Reviewer commences by instituting -a comparison between the work of Sir James, and Fox's History of James -the Second. Both books are on the same subject—both were posthumously -published, and neither had received the last corrections. The authors, -likewise, belonged to the same political party, and had the same -opinions concerning the merits and defects of the English -Constitution, and concerning most of the prominent characters and -events in English history. The palm is awarded to the work of -Mackintosh. "Indeed"—says the critic—"the superiority of Mr. Fox to -Sir James as an orator, is hardly more clear than the superiority of -Sir James to Mr. Fox as an historian. Mr. Fox with a pen in his hand, -and Sir James on his legs in the House of Commons were, we think, each -out of his proper element. We could never read a page of Mr. Fox's -writings—we could never listen for a quarter of an hour to the -speaking of Sir James—without feeling that there was a constant -effort, a tug up-hill. Mr. Fox wrote debates. Sir James Mackintosh -spoke essays." The style of the fragment is highly complimented, and -justly. Every body must agree with the Reviewer, that a History of -England written throughout, in the manner of the History of the -Revolution, would be the most fascinating book in the language. The -printer and editor of the work are severely censured, but the censure -is, in some respects, misapplied. Such errors as making the pension of -60,000 livres, which Lord Sunderland received from France, equivalent -to 2,500 pounds sterling only, when, at the time Sunderland was in -power, the livre was worth more than eighteen pence, are surely -attributable to no one but the author—although the editor may come in -for a small portion of the blame for not correcting an oversight so -palpable. On the other hand the misprinting the name of Thomas Burnet -repeatedly throughout the book, both in the text and Index, is a -blunder for which the editor is alone responsible. The name is -invariably spelt Bennet. Thomas Burnet, Master of the Charter House, -and author of the <i>Theoria Sacra</i>, is a personage of whom, or of whose -works, the gentleman who undertook to edit the Fragment of Sir James -Mackintosh has evidently never heard. The Memoir prefixed to the -History, and its Continuation to the settlement of the Crown, both by -the Editor of the Fragment, are unsparingly, but indeed most -righteously, condemned. The Memoir is childish and imbecile, and the -Continuation full of gross inaccuracies, and altogether unworthy of -being appended to any thing from the pen of Mackintosh.</p> - -<p>Article II is a very clever Review of the "Acharnenses of -Aristophanes, with Notes Critical and Explanatory, adapted to the Use -of Schools and Universities. -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page48"><small><small>[p. 48]</small></small></a></span> -By T. Mitchell, A.M. 8vo. London, -1835." Mr. Mitchell made his first appearance as a translator and -commentator in 1820, and his second in 1822, upon both which occasions -he was favorably noticed in the Edinburgh. High praise is bestowed in -the present instance upon the <i>Acharnenses</i>. The <i>Wasps</i> will follow, -and thus it appears the chronological order of the Comedies will not -be preserved. The old fault is to be found with this Review, viz: It -is more of a dissertation on the subject matter of the book in -question than an analysis of its merits or defects. By far the greater -part of the Article is occupied in a discussion of the character of -the Athenians.</p> - -<p>Article III is headed "a Voyage of Discovery to Africa and Arabia, -performed in his Majesty's Ships Leven and Barracouta, from 1822 to -1826, under the command of Capt. F. W. W. Owen, R. N. By Capt. Thomas -Boteler, R. N. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835." Captain Owen sailed in -January 1822 in the Leven Frigate, accompanied by the Barracouta, a -ten-gun brig, with instructions to survey the entire Eastern coast of -Africa, the Western coast of Madagascar—the islets and shoals -interjacent—together with the Western coast of the Continent from the -Zaire to Benin, and from the Rio Grande to the Gambia. All this was -accomplished in five years. The narrative of Boteler, who was -lieutenant of the Leven, is nothing more than a revised edition of -that originally prepared by Capt. Owen, and which was a failure in a -literary sense. The Review, as usual, says very little concerning the -manner in which Captain Boteler has performed his task.</p> - -<p>Article IV. "Deontology; or the Science of Morality: in which the -Harmony and Coincidence of Duty and Self-interest, Virtue and -Felicity, Prudence and Benevolence, are explained and exemplified. -From the MSS. of Jeremy Bentham. Arranged and edited by John Bowring, -2 vols. octavo, London, 1834." "This book," says the Reviewer, "simply -contains Mr. Bentham's thrice told tale upon Utility. It furnishes us -with no fresh illustrations, no better system than we had already -found in his 'Principles of Morals and Legislation.'" We heartily -agree with the critic that there was no necessity for the publication -of these posthumous volumes. They add nothing to the work just -mentioned, and are, in many points, inferior. But the Notice concludes -in the following words. "Is it to be wondered at, that the most -learned, accurate, and philosophical nation in Europe—the -Germans—treat with contempt ignorance and insolence like this? They -admit the merits of Mr. Bentham as a jurisconsult, in his analysis and -classification of the <i>material</i> interests of life; but their -metaphysicians and moralists agree, we believe without an exception, -in considering his speculative philosophy as undeserving even the pomp -and ceremony of an argument." We have only to add, that, in our -opinion of the metaphysics of Mr. Bentham, we are, by no means, -Germans to the very letter.</p> - -<p>Article V. is an excellently well toned, and perfectly satisfactory -Review of the "Journal by Frances Anne Butler, 2 vols. 8vo. London, -1835." It defends this lady from the charge of intentionally -depreciating America; cites a long list of instances in which she has -spoken in terms of the greatest cordiality of our people, -individually, and as a nation; shows in what manner she has repeatedly -let slip opportunities of saying, and saying too with perfect justice, -things little likely to flatter our vanity; defends her from the -ridiculous accusation of vulgarity (there is positively not an iota of -vulgarity in the composition of Fanny Kemble) and very justly gives us -a rap over the knuckles for our overweening vanity, self-sufficiency, -and testiness of temper. The whole article is excellent, and the -conclusion is particularly to our mind. "There is no chance of her -return to a profession that she so cordially detested. Under these -circumstances the only compensation Mr. Butler can make to us he must -make. He is bound to see that she goes on with her faithful and -amusing journal, and that she finishes, at her leisure, some of the -sundry stories, plays, and novels, on which, it seems, she had already -set to work amid the interruptions of the stage."</p> - -<p>The sixth article is a review of "The Works of George Dalgarno, of -Aberdeen. 4to. Reprinted at Edinburgh: 1834." This work is merely a -reprint of the old Treatises of Dalgarno, the publication not -extending beyond the sphere of the Maitland Club—a society instituted -at Glasgow in imitation of the Edinburgh Ballantyne Club. The first -treatise of Dalgarno is entitled "Ars Signorum, Vulgo Character -Universalis, et Lingua Philosophica. Londini 1661." The second is -"Didascalocophus, or the Deaf and Dumb Man's Tutor: to which is added -a Discourse of the Nature and Number of Double Consonants: both which -Tracts being the first (for what the author knows) that have been -published upon either of the subjects. Printed at the Theater in -Oxford, 1680." The memory of Dalgarno had nearly perished when Dugald -Stewart called public attention to his writings, on account of his -having anticipated, on grounds purely speculative, and <i>a priori</i>, -what has now been proved <i>a posteriori</i> by Horne Tooke and others, -viz: that all grammatical inflections are reducible to the noun alone.</p> - -<p>Article VII is headed "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a -North-West Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions during -the years 1829, 1830, 1831, 1832, 1833. By Sir John Ross, C. B., -K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., Captain in the Royal Navy. Including the -Reports of Commander, now Captain, James Clark Ross, R. N., F. R. S., -F. L. S., &c. and the Discovery of the Northern Magnetic Pole. 4to. -London: 1835." The Reviewer professes himself unable to regard the -observations made by Commander Ross in relation to the Magnetic Pole -in the light of a discovery. "It was certainly a great satisfaction to -stand upon a rock where the dip was 89° 59', and where the polarity of -nicely suspended needles was insensible; but it may be questioned -whether or not the place of the Magnetic Pole can be best determined -by observations made at a distance or near the spot; and we are not -satisfied that the position assigned by Commander Ross is more -accurate than that given by the curves of Professor Barlow, the -calculations of Hansteen, and the observations of Captain Parry." The -fact is that the Magnetic Pole is <i>moveable</i>, and, place it where we -will, we shall not find it in the same place to-morrow. Notice is -taken also by the critic that neither Captain nor Commander Ross has -made the slightest reference to the fact that the Magnetic -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page49"><small><small>[p. 49]</small></small></a></span> Pole -is not coincident with the <i>Pole of maximum cold</i>. From observations -made by Scoresby in East Greenland, and by Sir Charles Giesecke and -the Danish Governors in West Greenland, and confirmed by all the -meteorological observations made by Captains Parry and Franklin, Sir -David Brewster has deduced the fact that the Pole of the Equator is -not the Pole of maximum cold: and as the matter is well established, -it is singular, to say no more, that it has been alluded to by neither -the Commander nor the Captain.</p> - -<p>Article VIII is 1. A "History of the Cotton Manufacture in Great -Britain, with a Notice of its Early History in the East, and in all -quarters of the Globe; a Description of the Great Mechanical -Inventions which have caused its unexampled extension in Great -Britain: and a View of the Present State of the Manufacture, and the -condition of the Classes engaged in its several departments. By Edward -Baines, Jr. Esq. 8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "The Philosophy of Manufactures: or an Exposition of the -Scientific, Moral, and Commercial Economy of the Factory System of -Great Britain. By Andrew Ure, M.D. 8vo. London: 1835." Mr. Baines' -work is spoken of in high terms, as discovering much laborious -research, and being both interesting and valuable. With the exception -of Smith's <i>Memoirs of Wool</i>, published in 1747, it is said to be the -only work giving a clear and copious account of the rise, progress, -and actual condition of any of the great branches of industry carried -on in the kingdom. Dr. Ure's work is censured for inaccuracy of -detail. Its title is evidently a misnomer.</p> - -<p>Article IX is "A Poet's Portfolio; or Minor Poems. In Three Books. By -James Montgomery, 12mo. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>The first production of Mr. Montgomery, 'The Wanderer of Switzerland,' -was noticed about twenty-eight years ago in the Edinburgh, and much -fault found with it for inflation of style, and affectation. The -present volume has induced the Journal to alter its tone entirely, and -the <i>Minor Poems</i> are (perhaps a little too highly) lauded. "There -is," says the critic, "something in all his poetry which makes fiction -the most impressive teacher of truth and wisdom; and by which, while -the intellect is gratified, and the imagination roused, the heart, if -it retains any sensibility to tender or elevating emotions, cannot -fail to be made better." The Reviewer, as usual, does not stick to his -text, but comments, in detail, upon <i>all</i> the published poems of -Montgomery.</p> - -<p>The tenth and concluding paper is a Review of "The Second Report of -his Majesty's Commissioners on Ecclesiastical Revenue and Patronage: -Ireland. Ordered by the House of Commons to be printed: 1834"—and -"First Report of the Commissioners of Public Instruction: Ireland. -Presented to both Houses of Parliament, by command of his Majesty: 1835."</p> - -<p>This article is written with great ability; but why call that a Review -which is purely a dissertation on the state of the Irish Church? It -concludes with a correspondence between the Editor of the Edinburgh, -and Mr. Alan Stevenson, respecting evidence given, by the latter, -before the Parliamentary Committee on Light Houses. The Journal, in -No. CXXIII, accused Mr. S. of deceiving the Committee by erroneous -testimony; and, upon Mr. S. demanding an explanation, the Review not -only refuses to retract its assertions, but declares that, had it -known certain facts at the time of inditing the offensive article, it -would have expressed itself with double severity.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect31"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>NUTS TO CRACK.</h5> - -<p><i>Nuts to Crack: or Quips, Quirks, Anecdote and Facete of Oxford and -Cambridge scholars. By the author of Facetiæ Cantabrigienses, etc. -etc. etc. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey & A. Hart.</i></p> - -<p>Although this little volume is obviously intended for no other eyes -than those of the 'Oxford and Cambridge scholar,' and although it is -absolutely impossible for any American to enter fully into the spirit -of its most inestimable quizzes, oddities and eccentricities, still we -have no intention of quarrelling with Carey & Hart, for republishing -the work on this side of the Atlantic. Never was there a better thing -for whiling away a few loose or unappropriated half hours—that is to -say in the hands of a reader who is, even in a moderate degree, imbued -with a love of classical whimsicalities. We can assure our -friends—all of them who expect to find in these excellent 'Nuts to -Crack' a mere <i>rifacimento</i> of stale jests—that there are not more -than two or three anecdotes in the book positively entitled to the -appellation of antique. Some things, however, have surprised us. In -the first place what is the meaning of <i>Anecdote</i> and <i>Facete?</i> In the -second what are we to think of such blunders, as "one of honest Vere's -classical <i>jeu d'esprit</i>," (the <i>jeu d'esprit</i> printed too in Long -Primer Capitals) in a volume professing to be <i>Anecdote</i> and <i>Facete</i> -(oh!—too bad) of Oxford and Cambridge <i>scholars?</i> And thirdly is it -possible that he who wrote the <i>Facetiæ Cantabrigienses</i> is not aware -that the "cutting retort attributed to the celebrated Lord -Chesterfield, when a student of Trinity Hall, Cambridge" may be found -among the Facetiæ of Hierocles—not to mention innumerable editions of -Joe Miller?</p> - -<p>We have already said enough of the <i>Nuts to Crack</i>, but cannot, for -our lives, refrain from selecting one of its good things for the -benefit of our own especial readers.</p> - -<blockquote><small>The learned Chancery Barrister, John Bell, K. C., "<i>the Great Bell of -Lincoln</i>," as he has been aptly called, was Senior Wrangler, on -graduating B.A., at Trinity College, Cambridge, in 1786, with many -able competitors for that honor. He is likewise celebrated, as every -one knows, for writing three several hands; one only he himself can -read, another nobody but his clerk can read, and a third neither -himself, clerk, nor any body else can read. It was in the latter hand, -he one day wrote to his legal contemporary and friend, the present Sir -Launcelot Shadwell, inviting him to dinner. Sir Launcelot, finding all -his attempts to decypher the note about as vain, as the wise men found -theirs to unravel the cabalistic characters of yore, took a sheet of -paper, and having smeared it over with ink, folded and sealed it, and -sent it as his answer. The receipt of it staggered even the Great Bell -of Lincoln, and after breaking the seal, and eyeing it, and turning it -round and round, he hurried to Mr. Shadwell's chambers with it, -declaring he could make nothing of it. "Nor I of your note," retorted -Mr. S. "My dear fellow" exclaimed Mr. B. taking his own letter in his -hand, "is not this as plain as can be,—Dear Shadwell, I shall be glad -to see you at dinner to day?" "And is not this equally as plain," said -Mr. S. pointing to his own paper, "My dear Bell, I shall be happy to -come and dine with you?"</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect32"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page50"><small><small>[p. 50]</small></small></a></span> -<br> -<h5>ROBINSON'S PRACTICE.</h5> - -<p><i>The Practice in Courts of Law and Equity in Virginia. By Conway -Robinson. Vol. II, containing Practice in suits in Equity, pp. 648. -Richmond: Printed by Samuel Shepherd. 1835.</i></p> - -<p>The first volume of this work came out about three years ago; and -received so earnest a welcome from the legal profession, that the -author's tardiness in producing the second might be matter of wonder, -were not his devoted attention to an unusually large practice well -known. The present is destined, because it deserves, to be a much -greater favorite with the law-book-reading public, than the former -volume was. The arrangement is after a better classification of -subjects; rendering it easier to find the doctrine desired, on any -given point: and there is a larger proportion of valuable -matter—matter not to be found in the Revised Code, or in Tate's -Digest. Indeed there are few works, more copiously filled with useful, -and <i>not-too-obvious</i> learning. Industry and research are the author's -manifest characteristics. He is a real <i>brownie</i>—if not for -supernatural speed of workmanship, at least in the world of trouble he -will save his brethren. Here, within 442 pages (for the other 206 of -this tome—<i>horresco referens</i>—are <i>index</i>,) he has compressed -matter, and inestimable matter too, for which the practitioner would -otherwise have to hunt through, not only the thirty volumes of -Virginia Reports (counting Chancellor Wythe's) but the numberless ones -of New York, Massachusetts, the Federal Courts, and England.</p> - -<p>In his <i>abstracts of cases</i>, the author is, in the main, particularly -successful. Not only does he give them with a clearness, (the result -of brevity, effected by discarding non-essentials) which we would -gladly see judges and reporters emulate,—but he sometimes gathers -from them doctrines, which the reporter has overlooked, and which a -cursory reader would therefore be little apt to discover. For example, -in pp. 20, 21, he states these two points, as decided in the case of -<i>Blow</i> v. <i>Maynard</i>, 2 Leigh, 21: 1st, That a fraudulent donee of -personalty is accountable for it and its increase, and also for hires, -and profits, accruing since the donor's death, as executor <i>de son -tort;</i> just as a rightful executor would be, who had taken possession -at the donor's death: and 2d, That a <i>privy</i> to the fraud, who shared -with the donee the profits of the property fraudulently conveyed, is -accountable jointly with the donee. Now the reporter in his marginal -summary of the case, does not mention these as among the points -decided; though in the decree of the court (2 Leigh, p. 67,) they -manifestly appear. Again—in the case of <i>Tod</i> v. <i>Baylor</i>, (as now -reported in 4 Leigh, 498,) it is not said, at all, that <i>only two of -the judges concurred</i> in the third point there stated as adjudged. But -our author tells us so, (p. 10,) and we are thus enabled to estimate -the authority at its true value—as <i>persuasive</i> only,—not -<i>obligatory</i>, in other cases.</p> - -<p>The mechanical execution of the book does infinite credit to the -printer. The typography is unsurpassed; and the paper is white, pure, -and firm, so as to receive notes of the pen without blotting—a great -merit in law books.</p> - -<p>If it were only to shew that we are free of our craft as critics, we -must find some fault with this work: premising, that <i>merit</i> is its -<i>staple;</i> and that, if more of the criticism be occupied with its -faults, it is chiefly because they are somewhat hard to detect, amidst -the pile of excellences. The chaff, this time, is hidden by the wheat.</p> - -<p>There is <i>not enough compression</i> in some parts. In this volume, it is -true, not a tithe of the statute law is quoted, that over-burthens the -former one: but when he does cite a statute, the author still gives it -to us in all the exuberance of legislative verbosity. Thus, he fills -the third part of a page with the law of <i>lapsing legacies;</i> (p. 91) -when, considering that only the <i>substance</i> was essential—especially -as every owner of the book may be supposed to have the Code also—it -might more clearly, and as satisfactorily, have been couched in five -lines, as follows: "When a legatee or devisee, descended from the -testator, dies before him, leaving any descendant who survives him; -the legacy or devise shall vest in such surviving descendant, as if -the legatee or devisee had survived the testator, and then died -unmarried and intestate." And he takes <i>three quarters of a page</i> -(copied from the Revised Code) to say that "a surety may in writing -notify the creditor to sue upon the bond, bill, or note, which binds -the surety; and unless the creditor sue in reasonable time, and -proceed with due diligence to recover the sum due, the surety shall be -exonerated." (pp. 132, 133.) In the name of all that is reasonable, -why should not a writer disencumber his pages of the rubbish of -<i>howbeit</i>, <i>provided</i>, <i>nevertheless</i>, <i>notwithstanding</i>, and -<i>aforesaid</i>, when, by doing so, he might save himself and his readers -so much time and toil?</p> - -<p>Some quarrel, too, we have, with the <i>judicial</i> law, which principally -fills the book. It is too <i>mere a digest of cases</i>. A head in the -Table of Contents refers us to a page, where we expect to find a full -elementary exposition of at least the leading doctrines that fall -under that head: but we see perhaps only a single <i>case</i>, or a judge's -<i>dictum</i>, not at all realizing the promise of the reference, by -unfolding all pertinent general principles. Thus, under the caption, -"W<small>HEN A STATEMENT OF A TRANSACTION MUST BE TAKEN ALTOGETHER</small>," instead -of finding a general rule laid down on the point indicated, we find -only a case briefly stated, from which we are left to deduce a rule, -<i>if we can</i>. (pp. 329, 330.) Under the very next head, the well -established principle, that 'an Answer is no evidence for the -defendant, as to any thing it affirms, not responsive to the -allegations of the Bill, but that it <i>is</i> evidence, so far as it -responds to those allegations'—is whittled away to the position, that -it is not evidence as to any affirmative matter, touching which the -Bill <i>seeks no discovery</i>. Now, if the Bill positively alleges one -thing (whether it calls for a <i>discovery</i> or not,) and the answer as -positively alleges the reverse; such denial stands for proof, and must -be rebutted by testimony: and so, we conceive, do the cases clearly -evince, which are cited by our author himself; <i>Beckwith</i> v. <i>Butler</i>, -<i>Paynes</i> v. <i>Coles</i> (see 1 Munf. 379, 389, 397,) and even <i>Taylor</i> v. -<i>Moore</i>, whence he quotes (and quotes truly) in the form of a judge's -<i>dictum</i>, the position in question—not to speak of 1 Call, 224, 390; -the <i>dicta</i> of Roane and Carrington in the case of <i>Rowton</i> v. -<i>Rowton</i>, 1 Hen. and Munf.; and many other authorities. The principle, -in its true extent, is well illustrated by the case cited from -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page51"><small><small>[p. 51]</small></small></a></span> -1 Johnson's Reports, 580, where an Answer alleging usury, of which the -Bill had said nothing, was held <i>no evidence</i>. The case from 2 Leigh, -29, is infelicitously adduced. The <i>point</i> professedly quoted from it -was not there adjudged: it was only maintained by <i>one judge</i>, who (we -say it with a deference heightened by affection, as well as by -respect) seems to us to have therein gainsayed the well settled -doctrine we have referred to, and therefore to have <i>erred</i>. The -Answer, there, (see 2 Leigh, 35, 36) was responsive to the Bill, and -must have prevailed against it, but for the numerous and weighty -countervailing circumstances detailed by that judge himself. (pp. 49 -to 53.) The <i>deed</i> in controversy was stamped with more badges of -fraud than are enumerated in the celebrated <i>Twyne's Case</i>. These, -doubtless, and not any doubt as to the legal effect of the Answer, -satisfied the minds of the other judges, who merely agreed in -pronouncing the deed fraudulent, without assigning reasons.</p> - -<p>Some omissions in so comprehensive a work, were to be expected—indeed -were unavoidable. Not in the spirit of censure, therefore, but merely -to awaken the author's attention in his next edition, or in his next -production, we remark, that he has overlooked an important decision; -(in 2 Leigh, 370,) 'that a tenant, whose goods are wrongfully -distrained, cannot obtain relief in equity, unless he shew good reason -for not having brought his action of replevin.'</p> - -<p>Divers other topics we were minded to discuss with our intelligent -author: but on glancing over our two last paragraphs, we are struck -with fear lest our unprofessional readers may have been already -offended at the strong <i>smell of the shop</i>, discernible in what we -have produced; and stop their ears against the technical dissonance of</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem38"> -<tr><td><small>——"sounds uncouth, and accents dry,<br> - That grate the soul of harmony."</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>But we cannot let the <i>Index</i> pass unreproved. Its length—the length -of its <i>indicating</i> sentences—and the utter absence of any -<i>sub-alphabetical</i> arrangement—in a great degree frustrate its use as -an index. We can find what we want nearly as well by the 'Contents.'</p> - -<p>After all our censures, however—or cavils, if the author -pleases—there remains to him so large a residue of solid desert, that -he cannot miss the small deduction we have made. His book is one which -we would advise every lawyer, in Virginia at least, to buy; and even -those in other states—the Western, especially, whose Chancery systems -most resemble ours—can hardly find one that will aid them so much in -disentangling the intricacies of Chancery Practice. Never have we paid -the price of a commodity more ungrudgingly.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect33"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>MEMOIR OF DR. RICE.</h5> - -<p><i>A Memoir of the Reverend John H. Rice, D.D. First Professor of -Christian Theology in Union Theological Seminary, Virginia. By William -Maxwell. Philadelphia: Published by J. Whetham.</i></p> - -<p>This Memoir will be received and read with pleasure generally: and -among those who have been so fortunate as to have seen and heard Dr. -Rice, it will be perused with the deepest interest and gratification. -We believe there are very many, in Virginia especially, who will be -able to identify the letters of this divine, contained in the present -volume, with the voice, the manner, and personal appearance of the man -himself—and upon all such Mr. Maxwell has conferred an obligation of -no common kind. The greater portion of the work consists of these -letters, and they are valuable in every respect. Many of them are, as -Mr. M. himself expresses it, entirely <i>narrative</i>, and give the most -authentic and minute accounts of the various movements of the writer -at different periods of his life, particularly after his removal to -Richmond, and during his labors in establishing the Union Theological -Seminary. Others again are <i>pastoral</i>, and addressed to different -members of his Church. Some are merely ordinary letters of friendship. -All, however, are full of thought, and give evidence of an elevated, a -healthy, cheerful, powerful, and well regulated mind.</p> - -<p>In availing himself of the assistance afforded by these letters, Mr. -Maxwell has never anticipated their contents—thus avoiding much -useless repetition, and suffering the subject of the Memoir to tell, -in a great measure, his own story in his own words. The work is -well—indeed even beautifully <i>gotten up</i>—is embellished with an -admirably finished head of Mr. Rice, engraved by J. Sartain, from a -painting by W. J. Hubard—and is, in every respect, an acceptable and -valuable publication. Among the letters in the volume is one from John -Randolph of Roanoke, and several from Wm. Wirt. We select one of these -latter, being well assured that it will be read with that deep -interest which is attached to every thing emanating from the same pen.</p> - -<center><small>TO THE REV. JOHN H. RICE.</small></center> - -<div align="right"><small><i>Washington, February 1, -1822</i>. - </small></div> - -<blockquote><small>M<small>Y</small> D<small>EAR</small> S<small>IR</small>,—Your -letter of the 31st ult. is just received at 5 P.M. -for I have just returned from the President's. I feel the blush of -genuine shame at the apparent presumption of adding my name in favor -of the magazine to that of the eminent gentlemen at Princeton. This is -real and unaffected—but you desire it—and I dare follow your beck in -any direction. Would that I could in one still more important.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Holingshead's History of Duncan of Scotland, is under copy by my -Elizabeth (my daughter, once your pet) for the purpose of showing the -full basis of Shakspeare's Macbeth. I think you will be pleased with -it—and the readers of Shakspeare must differ much from me, if they do -not find it very interesting.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>If you suppose from what I said of nine o'clock that that is my hour -of going to bed on <i>week-day nights</i>, you are mistaken by several -hours. For some time past, I have been obliged to be in my office -before breakfast, and till nine or ten o'clock at night, when I have -to come home, take my tea, talk over family affairs, and get to bed -between eleven and twelve; but it is killing me also. And as death -would be most extremely inconvenient to me in more respects than one, -at this time, I shall quit that course of operations, and look a -little to my health, if I can survive the approaching Supreme -Court—<i>sed quære de hoc</i>.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>My troubles not being already enough, in the estimation of the -honorable body now assembled in the Capitol, they are beginning to -institute inquiries, for my better amusement, into the circumstances -of three fees paid me by the government, in the course of the four -years that I have been here, for professional services foreign to my -official duties—a thing which has been continually done at all times, -under this government, but which they affect to think a new affair -entirely, and only an additional proof among ten thousand others of -the waste of public money, by the rapacity, if not peculation, of -those in office. I am sick of public life; my skin is too thin for the -business; a politician should have the hide of a rhinoceros, to bear -the thrusts of the folly, ignorance, and meanness of those who are -disposed to mount into momentary consequence by questioning <i>their -betters</i>, if I may be excused the expression after professing my -modesty. "There's nought but care on every hand;" all, all is vanity -and vexation of spirit, save religion, friendship, and literature.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I agree that your story of the <i>Oysterman</i> is the best, but I -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page52"><small>[p. 51]</small></a></span> -suspect that the Orange story is the true original. I knew old -Bletcher: <i>he</i> was a <i>Baptist</i> preacher; and although I did not hear -the words, they are so much in his character that I verily believe -them to have been uttered by him; and it would have been quite in his -character too to have gone on with the amplification you suggest.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>I do sincerely wish it were in my power to mount the aforesaid gay -streamer, and long Tom, on your gallant little barque. I will try in -the spring and summer to contribute a stripe or two, and a blank -cartridge or so; but I shall not tell you when I do, that it is I, for -it is proper you should have it in your power to say truly, "I do not -know who it is." I have already got credit for much that I never -wrote, and much that I never said. The guessers have an uncommon -propensity to attribute all galling personalities to me, all sketches -of character that touch the quick, and make some readers wince. I -have, in truth, in times gone by, been a little wanton and imprudent -in this particular, and I deserve to smart a little in my turn. But I -never wrote a line wickedly or maliciously. There is nothing in the -Spy that deserves this imputation, and nothing in the Old Bachelor, -which, give me leave to tell you, "<i>venia deter verbo</i>," you and your -magazine, and your writer, ** have underrated. There is a juster -criticism of it in the Analectic Magazine—but this writer, too, has -not true taste nor sensibility. He accuses me of extravagance only -because he never felt himself, the rapture of inspiration. And you -accuse me of redundant figure, because you are not much troubled -yourself with the throes of imagination—just as G— H— abuses -eloquence because there is no chord in his heart that responds to its -notes. So take that. And if you abuse me any more, I will belabor your -magazine as one of the heaviest, dullest, most drab-colored -periodicals extant in these degenerate days. What! shall a Conestoga -wagon-horse find fault with a courser of the sun, because he sometimes -runs away with the chariot of day, and sets the world on fire? So take -that again, and put it in your pocket. But enough of this <i>badinage</i>, -for if I pursue it much farther you will think me serious—besides it -is verging to eleven, and the fire has gone down. I began this scrawl -a little after five—walked for health till dark—came in and found -company who remained till near ten—and could not go to bed without a -little more talk with you. But I shall tire you and catch cold—so -with our united love to Mrs. Rice, my dear Harriet, and yourself, good -night.</small></blockquote> - -<div align="right"><small>Your friend, in truth, - <br> -W<small>M</small>. W<small>IRT</small>. - </small></div> -<br> -<a name="sect34"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>LIFE OF DR. CALDWELL.</h5> - -<p><i>Oration on the Life and Character of the Rev. Joseph Caldwell, D.D. -late President of the University of North Carolina, by Walker -Anderson, A.M.</i></p> - -<p>It was only within the last few days that we met with the above -oration, in a pamphlet form—and we cannot refrain from expressing the -very great pleasure its perusal has afforded us. Dr. Caldwell was -unquestionably a great and good man—and certain are we that the task -of paying tribute to his manifold qualifications and virtues, now that -he is gone, could not have been committed to abler hands, than those -of Professor Anderson. The tone of feeling pervading the oration is -quite characteristic of its author—ardent—affectionate—consistent.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"We come," says he, near the beginning, "we come as a band of -brothers, to do homage to that parental love, of which all of us, the -old as well as the young, have been the objects; and by communing with -the spirit of our departed father, to enkindle those hallowed emotions -which are the fittest offering to his memory. But why needs the living -speaker recall to your remembrance the venerated and beloved being -whose loss is fresh in the memories of all who hear me? We stand not, -it is true, over his grave, as the Spartan over the sepulchre of his -king, but his memorials present themselves to the eye on every side -and are felt in every throbbing bosom. The shady retreats of this -consecrated grove—the oft frequented halls of this seat of -learning—the sacred edifice in which we are assembled—and the very -spot on which I stand, are memorials to awaken the busy and thronging -recollections of many a full heart! <i>Quocumque ingredimur in aliquam -historiam vestigium ponimus.</i> I look around this assembly and see -monuments of his love and of his labors, such as can never grace the -memory of the warrior, and which throw contempt on all the sculptured -memorials of kings. I look at the eyes beaming with intelligence; I -contemplate the refined intellects; I see their rich fruits in public -and honorable employment; I recall the memory of others who are far -distant, but whose thoughts are mingling with ours upon this occasion; -who have carried with them the seeds of virtue and wisdom which they -gathered here, and in other lands, have brought forth the noblest -results of usefulness and honorable consideration. I revert, too, to -those whose bright career is ended, and who preceded their guide and -instructor to the abodes of the blessed. I think of all this, and feel -that you need not the voice of the speaker to arouse your grateful -recollections." p. 4.</small></blockquote> - -<p>Mr. Anderson shortly after this, goes into a very interesting sketch -of the family history of the deceased, portraying with great -tenderness and delicacy, the maternal solicitude to which young -Caldwell was so deeply indebted for his well doing in after life—and -evincing as we humbly conceive, in this part of his oration, fine -powers as a biographical writer. There is much force in his -development of the Doctor's character throughout, but especial beauty, -we think, in the way in which he treats of his religious principles. -One extract more from the pamphlet, in proof of what we have just -said, must close this hasty and imperfect notice of it.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"The religious character of Dr. Caldwell, was not the formation of a -day, nor the hasty and imperfect work of a dying bed. His trust was -anchored on the rock of ages, and he was therefore well furnished for -the terrible conflict that awaited him. We have seen that he had made -Religion the guide of his youth; it beautified and sanctified the -labors of his well spent life; nor did it fail him in the trying hour, -which an allwise but inscrutable Providence permitted to be to him -peculiarly dark and fearful. The rich consolations of his faith became -brighter and stronger, amidst the wreck of the decaying tabernacle of -flesh; and if the dying testimony of a pure and humble spirit may be -received, death had for him no sting—the grave achieved no triumph. -In any frequent and detailed account of his religious feelings he was -not inclined to indulge—the spirit that walks most closely with its -God, needs not the sustaining influence of such excitements—yet a few -weeks previous to his death, a friend from a distant part of the State -calling to see him, made inquiries as to the state of his mind, and -had the privilege of hearing from him the calm assurance of his -perfect resignation and submission to the will of God. His hope of a -happy immortality beyond the grave, was such as belongs only to the -Christian, and by him was modestly but humbly entertained. It was to -him a principle of strength that sustained him amidst the conflicts of -the dark valley; and to us who witnessed the agonies of his parting -hour, a bright radiance illuming the gloom which memory throws around -the trying scene." pp. 38, 39.</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect35"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>WASHINGTONII VITA.</h5> - -<p><i>A Life of George Washington, in Latin Prose: By Francis Glass, A.M. -of Ohio. Edited by J. N. Reynolds. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>We may truly say that not for years have we taken up a volume with -which we have been so highly gratified, as with the one now before us. -A Life of Washington, succinct in form, yet in matter sufficiently -comprehensive, has been long a desideratum: but a Life of Washington -precisely such as a compendious Life of that great man should -be—written by a native of Ohio—and written too, in Latin, which is -not one jot inferior to the Latin of Erasmus, is, to say the least of -it,—a novelty.</p> - -<p>We confess that we regarded the first announcement -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page53"><small><small>[p. 53]</small></small></a></span> of this <i>rara -avis</i> with an evil and suspicious eye. The thing was improbable, we -thought. Mr. Reynolds was quizzing us—the brothers Harper were -hoaxed—and Messieurs Anthon and Co. were mistaken. At all events we -had made up our minds to be especially severe upon Mr. Glass, and to -put no faith in that species of classical Latin which should emanate -from the back woods of Ohio. We now solemnly make a recantation of our -preconceived opinions, and so proceed immediately to do penance for -our unbelief.</p> - -<p>Mr. Reynolds is entitled to the thanks of his countrymen for his -instrumentality in bringing this book before the public. It has -already done wonders in the cause of the classics; and we are false -prophets if it do not ultimately prove the means of stirring up to a -new life and a regenerated energy that love of the learned tongues -which is the surest protection of our own vernacular language from -impurity, but which, we are grieved to see, is in a languishing and -dying condition in the land.</p> - -<p>We have read Mr. R's preface with great attention; and meeting with -it, as we have done, among a multiplicity of worldly concerns, and -every-day matters and occurrences, it will long remain impressed upon -our minds as an episode of the purest romance. We have no difficulty -in entering fully with Mr. Reynolds into his kindly feelings towards -Mr. Glass. We perceive at once that we could have loved and reverenced -the man. His image is engraven upon our fancy. Indeed we behold him -<i>now</i>—at this very moment—with all his oddities and appurtenances -about him. We behold the low log-cabin of a school-house—the -clap-board roof but indifferently tight—the holes, ycleped windows, -covered with oiled paper to keep out the air—the benches of hewn -timber stuck fast in the ground—the stove, the desk, the urchins, and -the Professor. We can hear the worthy pedagogue's classical -'<i>Salves</i>,' and our ears are still tingling with his hyperclassical -exhortations. In truth he was a man after our own heart, and, were we -not Alexander, we should have luxuriated in being Glass.</p> - -<p>A word or two respecting the Latinity of the book. We sincerely think -that it has been underrated. While we agree with Mr. Reynolds, for -whose opinions, generally, we have a high respect, that the work can -boast of none of those elegancies of diction, no rich display of those -beauties and graces which adorn the pages of some modern Latinists, we -think he has forgotten, in his search after the mere flowers of -Latinity, the peculiar nature of that labor in which Mr. Glass has -been employed. Simplicity <i>here</i> was the most reasonable, and indeed -the only admissible elegance. And if this be taken into consideration, -we really can call to mind, at this moment, no modern Latin -composition whatever much superior to the <i>Washingtonii Vita</i> of Mr. -Glass.</p> - -<p>The clothing of modern ideas in a language dead for centuries, is a -task whose difficulty can never be fully appreciated by those who have -never undertaken it. The various changes and modifications, which, -since the Augustan age, have come to pass in the sciences of war and -legislation especially, must render any attempt similar to that which -we are now criticising, one of the most hazardous and awkward -imaginable. But we cannot help thinking that our author has succeeded -<i>à merveille</i>. His ingenuity is not less remarkable than his -grammatical skill. Indeed he is never at a loss. It is nonsense to -laugh at his calling Quakers <i>Tremebundi</i>. <i>Tremebundi</i> is as good -Latin as <i>Trementes</i>, and more euphonical Latin than <i>Quackeri</i>—for -both which latter expressions we have the authority of Schroeckh: and -<i>glandes plumbeæ</i>, for bullets, is something better, we imagine, than -Wyttenbach's <i>bombarda</i>, for a cannon; Milton's <i>globulus</i>, for a -button; or Grotius' <i>capilamentum</i>, for a wig. As a specimen of Mr. -G's Latinity, we subjoin an extract from the work. It is Judge -Marshall's announcement in Congress of the death of Washington.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"Nuncius tristis, quem heri accepimus, hodierno die nimium certus -advenit. Fuit Washingtonius; heros, dux, et philosophus; ille, -denique, quem, imminente periculo, omnes intuebantur, factorum -clarorum memoriâ duntaxat vixit. Quamvis enim, eos honore afficere -solenne non esset, quorum vita in generis humani commodis promovendis -insumpta fuit, Washingtonii, tamen, res gestoe tantoe extiterunt, ut -populus universus Americanus, doloris indicium, qui tam latè patet, -deposcere suo jure debet."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Rempublicam hancce nostram, tam longè latèque divisam, unus ferè -Washingtonius ordinandi et condendi laudem meret. Rebus omnibus, -tandem confectis, quarum causâ exercitibus Americanis proepositus -fuerat, gladium in vomerem convertit, bellumque pace lætissimè -commutavit. Cum civitatum foederatarum Americanarum infirmitas omnibus -manifesta videretur, et vincula, quibus Columbi terra latissima -continebatur, solverentur, Washingtonium omnium, qui hancce nostram -proeclaram rempublicam stabiliverant, principem vidimus. Cum patria -charissima eum ad sedandos tumultus, bellumque sibi imminens ad -propulsandum et avertendum, vocaret; Washingtonium, otium domesticum, -quod ei semper charum fuit, relinquentem, et undis civilibus, civium -commoda et libertatem servandi causâ, mersum, haud semel conspeximus; -et consilia, quibus libertatem Americanam stabilem effecerat, -perpetua, ut spero, semper, erunt."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Cum populi liberi magistratus summus bis constitutus esset, cumque -tertiò præses fieri facillimè potuisset, ad villam, tamen, suam, -secessit, seque ab omni munere civili in posterum procul amoveri, ex -animo cupiebat. Utcunque vulgi opinio, quoad alios homines, mutetur, -Washingtonii, certè, fama sempiterna et eadem permanebit. Honoremus, -igitur, patres conscripti, hunc tantum virum mortuum: civitatum -foederatarum Americanarum consilium publicum civium omnium sententias, -hác una in re, declaret."</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Quamobrem, chartas quasdam hîc manu teneo, de quibus Congressûs -sententiam rogare velim: ut, nempe, civitatum foederatarum -Americanarum consilium publicum proesidem visat, simul cum eo, gravi -de hoc casu, condoliturum: ut Congressûs principis sella vestibus -pullis ornetur; utque Congressus pars reliqua vestibus pullis -induatur: utque, denique, idonea à Congressu parentur, quibus planè -manifestum fiat, Congressum, virum bello, pace, civiumque animis -primum, honore summo afficere velle."<small><sup>1</sup></small></small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small><small><sup>1</sup></small> The sad tidings which yesterday brought us, this day has -but too surely confirmed. Washington is no more. The hero, the -general, the philosopher—he, upon whom, in the hour of danger, all -eyes were turned, now lives in the remembrance, only, of his -illustrious actions. And although, even, it were not customary to -render honor unto those who have spent their lives in promoting the -welfare of their fellow men, still, so great are the deeds of -Washington, that the whole American nation is bound to give a public -manifestation of that grief which is so extensively prevalent.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>Washington, we had nearly said Washington <i>alone</i>, deserves the credit -of regulating and building up, as it were, the widely extended -territory of this our Republic. Having finally achieved all for which -he had accepted the command of the American forces, he converted his -sword into a ploughshare, and joyfully exchanged war for peace. When -the weakness of the United States of America appeared manifest to all, -and the bands by which the very extensive land of Columbus was held -together, were in danger of being loosened, we have seen Washington -the first among those who re-invigorated this our glorious Republic. -When his beloved country called him to quiet tumults, and to avert the -war with which she was menaced, we have once more seen Washington -abandon that domestic tranquillity so dear to him, and plunge into the -waters of civil life to preserve the liberties and happiness of his -countrymen: and the counsels with which he re-established American -liberty will be, as I hope, perpetual.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>When he had been twice appointed the Chief Magistrate of a free -people, and when, for the third time, he might easily have been -President, he nevertheless retired to his farm, and really desired to -be freed from all civil offices forever. However vulgar opinion may -vary in respect to other men, the fame of Washington will, surely, be -the same to all eternity. Therefore, let us show our reverence for -this so great man who is departed, and let this public counsel of the -United States of America declare upon this one subject the opinion of -all our citizens.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>For this end I hold these resolutions in my hand, concerning which I -would wish the opinion of Congress, viz: that this public counsel of -the United States of America should visit the President to condole -with him upon this heavy calamity—that the speaker's chair be arrayed -in black—that the members of Congress wear mourning—and lastly, that -arrangements be entered into by this assembly, in which it may be made -manifest that Congress wish to do every honor to the man first in war, -first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.</small></blockquote> - -<p>The 'barbarisms' of Mr. Glass are always so well in accordance with -the genius of Latin declension, as -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page54"><small><small>[p. 54]</small></small></a></span> -never to appear at variance -with the spirit of the language, or out of place in their respective -situations. His 'equivalents,' too, are, in all cases, ingeniously -managed: and we are mistaken if the same can be said of the -'equivalents' of Erasmus—certainly not of those used by Grotius, or -Addison, or Schroeckh, or Buchanan, neither of whom are scrupulous in -introducing words, from which a modern one is deduced, in the exact -sense of the English analogous term—although that term may have been -greatly perverted from its original meaning.</p> - -<p>Having said thus much in favor of the <i>Washingtonii Vita</i>, we may now -be permitted to differ in opinion with Professor Wylie and others who -believe that this book will be a valuable acquisition to our classical -schools, as initiatory to Cæsar or Nepos. We are quite as fully -impressed with the excellences of Mr. Glass' work as the warmest of -his admirers; and perhaps, even more than any of them, are we anxious -to do it justice. Still the book is—as it professes to be—a Life of -Washington; and it treats, consequently, of events and incidents -occurring <i>in a manner</i> utterly unknown to the Romans, and <i>at a -period</i> many centuries after their ceasing to exist as a nation. If, -therefore, by Latin we mean the Language spoken by the Latins, a large -proportion of the work—disguise the fact as we may—is necessarily -<i>not Latin at all</i>. Did we indeed design to instruct our youth in a -language of possibilities—did we wish to make them proficient in the -tongue which <i>might have been spoken</i> in ancient Rome, had ancient -Rome existed in the nineteenth century, we could scarcely have a -better book for the purpose than the Washington of Mr. Glass. But we -do not perceive that, in teaching Latin, we have any similar view. And -we have given over all hope of making this language the medium of -universal communication—that day-dream, with a thousand others, is -over. Our object then, at present, is simply to imbue the mind of the -student with the idiom, the manner, the thought, and above all, with -<i>the words</i> of antiquity. If this is not our object, what is it? But -this object cannot be effected by any such work as the <i>Washingtonii -Vita</i>.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect36"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>NORMAN LESLIE.</h5> - -<p><i>Norman Leslie. A Tale of the Present Times. New York: Published by -Harper and Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>Well!—here we have it! This is <i>the</i> book—<i>the</i> book <i>par -excellence</i>—the book bepuffed, beplastered, and be-<i>Mirrored:</i> the -book "attributed to" Mr. Blank, and "said to be from the pen" of Mr. -Asterisk: the book which has been "about to appear"—"in press"—"in -progress"—"in preparation"—and "forthcoming:" the book "graphic" in -anticipation—"talented" <i>a priori</i>—and God knows what <i>in -prospectu</i>. For the sake of every thing puffed, puffing, and puffable, -let us take a peep at its contents!</p> - -<p>Norman Leslie, gentle reader, a Tale of the Present Times, is, after -all, written by nobody in the world but Theodore S. Fay, and Theodore -S. Fay is nobody in the world but "one of the Editors of the New York -Mirror." The book commences with a Dedication to Colonel Herman Thorn, -in which that worthy personage, whoever he may be, is held up, in -about a dozen lines, to the admiration of the public, as "hospitable," -"generous," "attentive," "benevolent," "kind-hearted," "liberal," -"highly-esteemed," and withal "a patron of the arts." But the less we -say of this matter the better.</p> - -<p>In the Preface Mr. Fay informs us that the most important features of -his story are founded on fact—that he has availed himself of certain -poetical licenses—that he has transformed character, and particularly -the character of a young lady, (oh fi! Mr. Fay—oh, Mr. Fay, fi!) that -he has sketched certain peculiarities with a mischievous hand—and -that the art of novel writing is as dignified as the art of Canova, -Mozart or Raphael,—from which we are left to infer, that Mr. Fay -himself is as dignified as Raphael, Mozart, and Canova—all three. -Having satisfied us on this head, he goes on to say something about an -humble student, with a feeble hand, throwing groupings upon a canvass, -and standing behind a curtain: and then, after perpetrating all these -impertinences, thinks it best "frankly to bespeak the indulgence of -the solemn and sapient critics." Body of Bacchus! <i>we</i>, at least, are -neither solemn nor sapient, and, therefore, do not feel ourselves -bound to show him a shadow of mercy. But will any body tell us what is -the object of Prefaces in general, and what is the meaning of Mr. -Fay's Preface in particular?</p> - -<p>As far as we can understand the plot of Norman Leslie, it is this. A -certain family reside in Italy—"independent," "enlightened," -"affectionate," "happy,"—and all that. Their villa, of course, stands -upon the seashore, and their whole establishment is, we are assured, -"a scene of Heaven," &c. Mr. Fay says he will not even attempt to -describe it—why, therefore, should we? A daughter of this family is -nineteen when she is wooed by a young Neapolitan, Rinaldo, of "mean -extraction, but of great beauty and talent." The lover, being a man of -suspicious character, is rejected by the parents, and a secret -marriage ensues. The lady's brother pursues the bridegroom—they -fight—and the former is killed. The father and mother die (it is -impossible to see for what purpose they ever lived) and Rinaldo flies -to Venice. Upon rejoining her husband in that city, the lady (for Mr. -Fay has not thought her worth enduing with a specific appellation) -discovers <span class="pagenum"><a name="page55"><small><small>[p. 55]</small></small></a></span> -him, for the first time, to be a rascal. One fine day -he announces his intention of leaving herself and son for an -indefinite time. The lady beseeches and finally threatens. "It was the -first unfolding," says she, in a letter towards the <i>dénouement</i> of -the story, "of that character which neither he nor I knew belonged to -my nature. It was the first uncoiling of the basilisk within me, (good -Heavens, a snake in a lady's stomach!). He gazed on me incredulously, -and cooly smiled. You remember that smile—I fainted!!!" Alas! Mr. -Davy Crockett,—Mr. Davy Crockett, alas!—thou art beaten hollow—thou -art defunct, and undone! thou hast indeed succeeded in grinning a -squirrel from a tree, but it surpassed even thine extraordinary -abilities to smile a lady into a fainting fit!</p> - -<p>"When I recovered"—continues the lady—"he was gone. It was two years -before I could trace him. At length I found he had sailed for America. -I followed him in the depth of winter—I and my child. I knew not the -name he had assumed, and I was struck mute with astonishment, in your -beautiful city, on beholding, surrounded by fair ladies, the form of -my husband, still beautiful, and still adored. You know the rest." But -as our readers may not be as well informed as the correspondent of the -fair forsaken, we will enlighten them with some farther particulars.</p> - -<p>Rinaldo, upon leaving his <i>cara sposa</i>, had taken shipping for New -York, where, assuming the name of "Count Clairmont of the French -army," he succeeds in cutting a dash, or, in more proper parlance, in -creating a sensation, among the beaux and belles of the city of -Gotham. One fair lady, and rich heiress, Miss Flora Temple, is -particularly honored by his attentions, and the lady's mother, Mrs. -T., fired with the idea of her daughter becoming a real countess, -makes no scruple of encouraging his addresses. Matters are in this -position when the wife of the adventurer arrives in New York, and is -quite bewildered with astonishment upon beholding, one snowy day, her -beloved Rinaldo sleighing it to and fro about the streets of New York. -In the midst of her amazement she is in danger of being run over by -some horses, when a certain personage, by name Norman Leslie, but who -might, with equal propriety, be called Sir Charles Grandison, flies to -her assistance, whisks herself and child up in the very nick of time, -and suddenly rescues them, as Mr. Fay has it, "from the very jaws of -Death"—by which we are to understand from the very hoofs of the -horses. The lady of course swoons—then recovers—and then—is -excessively grateful. Her gratitude, however, being of no service just -at that moment, is bottled up for use hereafter, and will no doubt, -according to established usage in such cases, come into play towards -the close of the second volume. But we shall see.</p> - -<p>Having ascertained the address of Rinaldo, <i>alias</i> the Count -Clairmont, the lady, next morning, is successful in obtaining an -interview. Then follows a second edition of entreaties and threats, -but, fortunately for the nerves Of Mrs. Rinaldo, the Count, upon this -occasion, is so forbearing as not to indulge in a smile. She accuses -him of a design to marry Miss Temple, and he informs her that it is no -concern of hers—that she is not his wife, their marriage having been -a feigned one. "She would have cried him through the city for a -villain," (Dust ho!—she should have advertised him) but he swears -that, in that case, he will never sleep until he has taken the life of -both the lady and her child, which assurance puts an end to the -debate. "He then frankly confesses"—says Mrs. Rinaldo, in the letter -which we have before quoted,—"that his passion for Miss Temple was -only a mask—he loved her not. <i>Me</i> he said he loved. It was his -intention to fly when he could raise a large sum of money, and he -declared that I should be his companion." His designs, however, upon -Miss Temple fail—that lady very properly discarding the rascal. -Nothing daunted at this mishap our Count proceeds to make love to a -certain Miss Rosalie Romain, and with somewhat better success. He -prevails upon her to fly, and to carry with her upon her person a -number of diamonds which the lover hopes to find sufficient for his -necessities. He manages also to engage Mrs. Rinaldo (so we must call -her for want of a better name) in his schemes.</p> - -<p>It has so happened that for some time prior to these occurrences, -Clairmont and Norman Leslie, the hero of the novel, have been sworn -foes. On the day fixed for Miss Romain's elopement, that young lady -induces Mr. Leslie to drive her, in a gig, a short distance out of -town. They are met by no less a personage than Mrs. Rinaldo herself, -in another gig, and driving (<i>proh pudor!</i>) through the woods <i>sola</i>. -Hereupon Miss Rosalie Romain very deliberately, and to the great -astonishment, no doubt, of Mr. Leslie, gets out of that gentleman's -gig, and into the gig of Mrs. Rinaldo. Here's plot! as Vapid says in -the play. Our friend Norman, finding that nothing better can be done, -turns his face towards New York again, where he arrives, in due time, -without farther accident or adventure. Late the same evening Clairmont -sends the ladies aboard a vessel bound for Naples, and which is to -sail in the morning—returning himself, for the present, to his hotel -in Broadway. While here he receives a horse-whipping from Mr. Leslie -on account of certain insinuations in disparagement of that -gentleman's character. Not relishing this treatment he determines upon -revenge, and can think of no better method of accomplishing it than -the directing of public suspicion against Mr. Leslie as the murderer -of Miss Romain—whose disappearance has already created much -excitement. He sends a message to Mrs. Rinaldo that the vessel must -sail without him, and that he would, by a French ship, meet them on -their landing at Naples. He then flings a hat and feathers belonging -to Miss Romain upon a stream, and her handkerchief in a -wood—afterwards remaining some time in America to avert suspicion -from himself. Leslie is arrested for the murder, and the proofs are -damning against him. He is, however, to the great indignation of the -populace, acquitted, Miss Temple appearing to testify that she -actually saw Miss Romain subsequently to her ride with Leslie. Our -hero, however, although acquitted, is universally considered guilty, -and, through the active malice of Clairmont, is heaped with every -species of opprobrium. Miss Temple, who, it appears, is in love with -him, falls ill with grief: but is cured, after all other means have -failed, by a letter from her lover announcing a reciprocal -passion—for the young lady has hitherto supposed him callous to her -charms. Leslie himself, however, takes it into his head, at this -critical juncture, to travel; and, having packed up his baggage, does -actually forget himself so far as to go -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page56"><small><small>[p. 56]</small></small></a></span> -a-Willising in foreign -countries. But we have no reason to suppose that, goose as the young -gentleman is, he is silly enough to turn travelling correspondent to -any weekly paper. In Rome, having assumed the <i>alias</i> of Montfort, he -meets with a variety of interesting adventures. All the ladies die for -him: and one in particular, Miss Antonia Torrini, the only child of a -Duke with several millions of piastres, and a palace which Mr. Fay -thinks very much like the City Hall in New York, absolutely throws -herself <i>sans ceremonie</i> into his arms, and meets—tell it not in -Gath!—with a flat and positive refusal.</p> - -<p>Among other persons whom he encounters is a monk Ambrose, a painter -Angelo, another painter Ducci, a Marquis Alezzi, and a Countess D., -which latter personage he is convinced of having seen at some prior -period of his life. For a page or two we are entertained with a -prospect of a conspiracy, and have great hopes that the principal -characters in the plot will so far oblige us as to cut one another's -throats: but (alas for human expectations!) Mr. Fay having clapped his -hands, and cried "Presto!—vanish!" the whole matter ends in smoke, -or, as our author beautifully expresses it, is "veiled in impenetrable mystery."</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie now pays a visit to the painter Ducci, and is astonished at -there beholding the portrait of the very youth whose life he saved, -together with that of his mother, from the horses in New York. Then -follows a series of interesting ejaculations, among which we are able -to remember only "horrible suspicion!" "wonderful development!" "alack -and alas!" with some two or three others. Mr. Leslie is, however, -convinced that the portrait of the boy is, as Mr. F. gracefully has -it, "inexplicably connected with his own mysterious destiny." He pays -a visit to the Countess D., and demands of her if she was, at any -time, acquainted with a gentleman called Clairmont. The lady very -properly denies all knowledge of that character, and Mr. Leslie's -"mysterious destiny" is in as bad a predicament as ever. He is however -fully convinced that Clairmont is the origin of all evil—we do not -mean to say that he is precisely the devil—but the origin of all Mr. -Leslie's evil. Therefore, and on this account, he goes to a -masquerade, and, sure enough, Mr. Clairmont, (who has not been heard -of for seven or eight years,) Mr. Clairmont (we suppose through Mr. -L's "mysterious destiny") happens to go, at precisely the same time, -to precisely the same masquerade. But there are surely no bounds to -Mr. Fay's excellent invention. Miss Temple, of course, happens to be -at the same place, and Mr. Leslie is in the act of making love to her -once more, when the "inexplicable" Countess D. whispers into his ear -some ambiguous sentences in which Mr. L. is given to understand that -he must beware of all the Harlequins in the room, one of whom is -Clairmont. Upon leaving the masquerade, somebody hands him a note -requesting him to meet the unknown writer at St. Peter's. While he is -busy reading the paper he is uncivilly interrupted by Clairmont, who -attempts to assassinate him, but is finally put to flight. He hies, -then, to the rendezvous at St. Peter's, where "the unknown" tells him -St. Peter's won't answer, and that he must proceed to the Coliseum. He -goes—why should he not?—and there not only finds the Countess D. who -turns out to be Mrs. Rinaldo, and who now uncorks her bottle of -gratitude, but also Flora Temple, Flora Temple's father, Clairmont, -Kreutzner, a German friend from New York, and, last but not least, -Rosalie Romain herself; all having gone there, no doubt, at three -o'clock in the morning, under the influence of that interesting young -gentleman Norman Leslie's "most inexplicable and mysterious destiny." -Matters now come to a crisis. The hero's innocence is established, and -Miss Temple falls into his arms in consequence. Clairmont, however, -thinks he can do nothing better than shoot Mr. Leslie, and is about to -do so, when he is very justly and very dexterously knocked in the head -by Mr. Kreutzner. Thus ends the Tale of the Present Times, and thus -ends the most inestimable piece of balderdash with which the common -sense of the good people of America was ever so openly or so -villainously insulted.</p> - -<p>We do not mean to say that there is positively <i>nothing</i> in Mr. Fay's -novel to commend—but there is indeed very little. One incident is -tolerably managed, in which, at the burning house of Mr. Temple, -Clairmont anticipates Leslie in his design of rescuing Flora. A -cotillon scene, too, where Morton, a simple fop, is frequently -interrupted in his attempts at making love to Miss Temple, by the -necessity of forward-twoing and <i>sachezing</i>, (as Mr. Fay thinks proper -to call it) is by no means very bad, although savoring too much of the -farcical. A duel story told by Kreutzner is really good, but -unfortunately not original, there being a Tale in the <i>Diary of a -Physician</i>, from which both its matter and manner are evidently -borrowed. And here we are obliged to pause; for we can positively -think of nothing farther worth even a qualified commendation. The -plot, as will appear from the running outline we have given of it, is -a monstrous piece of absurdity and incongruity. The characters <i>have -no character;</i> and, with the exception of Morton, who is, (perhaps) -amusing, are, one and all, vapidity itself. No attempt seems to have -been made at individualization. All the good ladies and gentlemen are -demi-gods and demi-goddesses, and all the bad are—the d—l. The hero, -Norman Leslie, "that young and refined man with a leaning to poetry," -is a great coxcomb and a great fool. What else must we think of a -<i>bel-esprit</i> who, in picking up a rose just fallen from the curls of -his lady fair, can hit upon no more appropriate phrase with which to -make her a presentation of the same, than "Miss Temple, you have -dropped your rose—allow me!"—who courts his mistress with a "Dear, -dear Flora, how I love you!"—who calls a <i>buffet</i> a <i>bufet</i>, an -<i>improvisatore</i> an <i>improvisitore</i>—who, before bestowing charity, is -always ready with the canting question if the object be -<i>deserving</i>—who is everlastingly talking of his foe "sleeping in the -same red grave with himself," as if American sextons made a common -practice of burying two people together—and, who having not a sous in -his pocket at page 86, pulls out a handful at page 87, although he has -had no opportunity of obtaining a copper in the interim?</p> - -<p>As regards Mr. Fay's <i>style</i>, it is unworthy of a school-boy. The -"Editor of the New York Mirror" has either never seen an edition of -Murray's Grammar, or he has been a-Willising so long as to have -forgotten his vernacular language. Let us examine one or two of his -sentences at random. Page 28, vol. i. "He -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page57"><small><small>[p. 57]</small></small></a></span> -was doomed to wander -through the <i>fartherest</i> climes alone and branded." Why not say at -once <i>fartherertherest</i>? Page 150, vol. i. "Yon kindling orb should be -hers; and that faint spark close to its side should teach her how dim -and yet how near my soul was to her own." What is the meaning of all -this? Is Mr. Leslie's soul dim to her own, as well as near to her -own?—for the sentence implies as much. Suppose we say "should teach -her how dim was my soul, and yet how near to her own." Page 101, vol. -i. "You are both right and both wrong—you, Miss Romain, to judge so -harshly of all men who are not versed in the easy elegance of the -drawing room, and your father in too great lenity towards men of -sense, &c." This is really something new, but we are sorry to say, -something incomprehensible. Suppose we translate it. "You are both -right and both wrong—you, Miss Romain, <i>are both right and wrong</i> to -judge so harshly of all not versed in the elegance of the -drawing-room, &c.; and your father <i>is both right and wrong</i> in too -great lenity towards men of sense."—Mr. Fay, have you ever visited -Ireland in your peregrinations? But the book is full to the brim of -such absurdities, and it is useless to pursue the matter any farther. -There is not a single page of Norman Leslie in which even a school-boy -would fail to detect at least two or three gross errors in Grammar, -and some two or three most egregious sins against common-sense.</p> - -<p>We will dismiss the "Editor of the Mirror" with a few questions. When -did you ever know, Mr. Fay, of any prosecuting attorney behaving so -much like a bear as <i>your</i> prosecuting attorney in the novel of Norman -Leslie? When did you ever hear of an American Court of Justice -objecting to the testimony of a witness on the ground that the said -witness <i>had an interest</i> in the cause at issue? What do you mean by -informing us at page 84, vol. i, "that you <i>think</i> much faster than -you write?" What do you mean by "<i>the wind roaring in the air?</i>" see -page 26, vol. i. What do you mean by "an <i>unshadowed</i> Italian girl?" -see page 67, vol. ii. Why are you always talking about "stamping of -feet," "kindling and flashing of eyes," "plunging and parrying," -"cutting and thrusting," "passes through the body," "gashes open in -the cheek," "sculls cleft down," "hands cut off," and blood gushing -and bubbling, and doing God knows what else—all of which pretty -expressions may be found on page 88, vol. i.? What "mysterious and -inexplicable destiny" compels you to the so frequent use, in all its -inflections, of that euphonical dyssyllable <i>blister?</i> We will call to -your recollection some few instances in which you have employed it. -Page 185, vol. i. "But an arrival from the city brought the fearful -intelligence in all its <i>blistering</i> and naked details." Page 193, -vol. i. "What but the glaring and <i>blistering</i> truth of the charge -would select him, &c." Page 39, vol. ii. "Wherever the winds of heaven -wafted the English language, the <i>blistering</i> story must have been -echoed." Page 150, vol. ii. "Nearly seven years had passed away, and -here he found himself, as at first, still marked with the <i>blistering</i> -and burning brand." Here we have a <i>blistering</i> detail, a <i>blistering</i> -truth, a <i>blistering</i> story, and a <i>blistering</i> brand, to say nothing -of innumerable other blisters interspersed throughout the book. But we -have done with Norman Leslie,—if ever we saw as silly a thing, may we -be —— blistered.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect37"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>THE LINWOODS.</h5> - -<p><i>The Linwoods; or, "Sixty Years Since" in America. By the Author of -"Hope Leslie," "Redwood," &c. New York: Published by Harper and -Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>Miss Sedgwick is one among the few American writers who have risen by -merely their own intrinsic talents, and without the <i>a priori</i> aid of -foreign opinion and puffery, to any exalted rank in the estimation of -our countrymen. She is at the same time fully deserving of all the -popularity she has attained. By those who are most fastidious in -matters of literary criticism, the author of <i>Hope Leslie</i> is the most -ardently admired, and we are acquainted with few persons of sound and -accurate discrimination who would hesitate in placing her upon a level -with the best of our native novelists. Of American <i>female</i> writers we -must consider her the first. The character of her pen is essentially -feminine. No man could have written <i>Hope Leslie;</i> and no man, we are -assured, can arise from the perusal of <i>The Linwoods</i> without a full -conviction that his own abilities would have proved unequal to the -delicate yet picturesque handling; the grace, warmth, and radiance; -the exquisite and judicious filling in, of the volumes which have so -enchanted him. Woman is, after all, the only true painter of that -gentle and beautiful mystery, the heart of woman. She is the only -proper Scheherazade for the fairy tales of love.</p> - -<p>We think <i>The Linwoods</i> superior to <i>Hope Leslie</i>, and superior to -<i>Redwood</i>. It is full of deep natural interest, rivetting attention -without undue or artificial means for attaining that end. It contains -nothing forced, or in any degree exaggerated. Its prevailing features -are equability, ease, perfect accuracy and purity of style, a manner -never at <i>outrance</i> with the subject matter, pathos, and -verisimilitude. It cannot, however, be considered as ranking with the -master novels of the day. It is neither an Eugene Aram, nor a -Contarini Fleming.</p> - -<p><i>The Linwoods</i> has few—indeed no pretensions to a connected plot of -any kind. The scene, as the title indicates, is in America, and about -sixty years ago. The adventures of the family of a Mr. Linwood, a -resident of New York, form the principal subject of the book. The -character of this gentleman is happily drawn, but we are aware of a -slight discrepancy between his initial and his final character as -depicted. He has two children, Herbert and Isabella. Being himself a -tory, the boyish impulses of his son in favor of the revolutionists -are watched with anxiety and vexation; and, upon the breaking out of -the war, Herbert, positively refusing to drink the king's health, is, -in consequence, ejected from his father's house—an incident upon -which hinges much of the interest of the narrative. Isabella is the -heroine proper; a being full of lofty and generous impulses, -beautiful, intellectual, and <i>spirituelle</i>—indeed a most fascinating -creature. But the family of a widow Lee forms, perhaps, the true -secret of that charm which pervades the novel before us. A matronly, -pious, and devoted mother, yielding up her son, without a murmur, to -the sacred cause of her country—the son, Eliot, gallant, thoughtful, -chivalrous, and prudent—and above all, a daughter, Bessie, -frail-minded, susceptible of light impressions, gentle, loving, and -melancholy. Indeed, in the creation of Bessie Lee, -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page58"><small><small>[p. 58]</small></small></a></span> Miss Sedgwick -has given evidence not to be disputed, of a genius far more than -common. We do not hesitate to call it a truly beautiful and original -conception, evincing imagination of the highest order. It is the old -story of a meek and trusting spirit bowed down to the dust by the -falsehood of a deceiver. But in the narration of Miss Sedgwick it -becomes a magical tale, and bursts upon us with all the freshness of -novel emotion. Deserted by her lover, (Jasper Meredith, an -accomplished and aristocratical coxcomb,) the spirits of the gentle -girl sink gradually from trusting affection to simple hope—from hope -to anxiety—from anxiety to doubt—from doubt to melancholy—and from -melancholy to madness. She escapes from her home and her friends in -New England, and endeavors to make her way alone to New York, with the -object of restoring, to him who has abandoned her, some tokens he had -given her of his love—an act which her disordered fancy assures her -will effect, in her own person, a disenthralment from passion. Her -piety, her madness, and her beauty stand her in the stead of the lion -of Una, and she reaches the great city in safety. In that portion of -the novel which embodies the narrative of this singular journey, are -some passages of the purest and most exalted poetry—passages which no -mind but one thoroughly imbued with the spirit of the beautiful could -have conceived, and which, perhaps, no other writer in this country -than Miss Sedgwick could have executed. Our readers will find that -what we say upon this head is very far from exaggeration.</p> - -<p>Jasper Meredith, considered as an actual entity, is, as we have -already said, a heartless, calculating coxcomb—with merely a spice of -what we may call susceptibility to impressions of the beautiful, to -redeem him from utter contempt. As a character in a novel, he is -admirable—because he is accurately true to nature, and to himself. -His perfidy to Bessie (we shall never forget Bessie) meets with -poetical justice in a couple of unsuccessful courtships, (in each of -which the villain's heart is in some degree concerned,) and in a final -marriage with a flirt, Helen Ruthven, who fills him up, with a -vengeance, the full measure of his deserts. Mrs. Meredith is a -striking picture of the heartless and selfish woman of fashion and -aristocracy. Kisel, the servant of Eliot Lee, is original, and, next -to Bessie, the best conception in the book. He is a simple, childish, -yet acute and affectionate fool, who follows his master as would a -dog, and finally dies at his feet under circumstances of the truest -pathos. While Miss Sedgwick can originate such characters as these, -she need apprehend few rivals near the throne.</p> - -<p>We cannot pass over in silence a little episode in which a blind child -is torn away at night from a distracted mother, by one of the -notorious bands of <i>Skinners</i> infesting the country. The mother's -house is set on fire by the robbers, in their search after plunder; -but her most valuable property having been previously removed to New -York, the exasperated ruffians seize and bear off the fainting child, -with the view of extorting money for its ransom. Eliot Lee, aided by -General Putnam, rescues the child, and restores it to the mother. This -whole incident is worthy of Miss Sedgwick.</p> - -<p>We have mentioned the name of Putnam,—he as well as Washington, -Lafayette, Clinton, and some other well-known personages are -familiarly introduced in the narrative, but are simply accessories to -the main interest, and very little attempt is made at portraying their -historical characters. Whatever <i>is</i> done, however, is well done.</p> - -<p>So much real pleasure have we derived from the perusal of <i>The -Linwoods</i>, that we can hardly find it in our hearts to pick a quarrel -with the fair author, for the very few trifling inadvertences into -which she has been betrayed. There were, we believe, some points at -which we intended to cavil, but hot having pencilled them down in the -course of perusal, they have now escaped our recollection. Somewhat -more energy in occasional passages—somewhat less diffuseness in -others—would operate, we think, to the improvement of Miss Sedgwick's -generally excellent <i>style</i>. Now and then, we meet with a discrepancy -between the words and the character of a speaker. For example: page -38, vol. i. "'No more of my contempt for the Yankees, Hal, an' thou -lovest me,' replied Jasper; 'you remember Æsop's advice to Croesus, at -the Persian court?' 'No, I am sure I do not. You have the most -provoking way of resting the lever by which you bring out your own -knowledge, on your friend's ignorance.'" Now all this is very pretty, -but it is not the language of school-boys. Again: page 226 vol. i. -'Now out on you, you lazy, slavish, loons,' cried Rose, 'cannot you -see these men are raised up, to fight for freedom, for more than -themselves? If the chain is broken at one end, the links will fall -apart sooner or later. When you see the sun on the mountain top, you -may be sure it will shine into the deepest valleys before long.' Who -would suppose this graceful eloquence, and these impressive images to -proceed from the mouth of a negro-woman? Yet such is Rose. And at page -24, vol. i. we have the following. "True, I never saw her; but I tell -you, young lad, there is such a thing as seeing the shadow of things -far distant and past, and never seeing the realities though they it be -that cast the shadows." The speaker here, is an old woman who a few -sentences before talks about her proficiency in telling <i>fortins</i>.</p> - -<p>There are one or two other trifles with which we have to find fault. -Putnam's deficiency in spelling is, perhaps, a little burlesqued; and -the imaginary note written to Eliot Lee, is not in accordance with -that laconic epistle subsequently introduced, and which was a <i>bonâ -fide</i> existence. We dislike the death of Kisel—that is we dislike its -occurring so soon—indeed we see no necessity for killing him at all. -His end is beautifully managed, but leaves a kind of uneasy and -painful impression, which a judicious writer will be chary of -exciting. We must quarrel also, with some slight liberties taken with -the King's English. Miss Sedgwick has no good authority for the use of -such verbs, as "to ray." Page 117, vol. i. "They had all heard of -Squire Saunders, whose fame rayed through a large circle"—Also, in -page 118, vol. i. "The next morning he called, his kind heart raying -out through his jolly face, to present me to General Washington." Nor -is she justifiable in making use of the verb "incense," with the -meaning attached to it in the following sentence. Page 211, vol. i. -"Miss Ruthven seemed like an humble worshipper, incensing two -divinities." We dislike also, the vulgarity of such a phrase as "I put -in my oar"—meaning "I joined in the conversation"—especially in the -mouth of so well-bred a lady, as Miss Isabella Linwood—see -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page59"><small><small>[p. 59]</small></small></a></span> page -61, vol. i. We do not wish either to see a marquee, called a "markee," -or a <i>dénouement</i>, a <i>denoeument</i>. Miss Sedgwick should look over her -proof-sheets, or, be responsible for the blunders of her printer. The -plural "<i>genii</i>" at page 84, vol. ii. is used in place of the singular -<i>genius</i>. "Isabella is rather <i>penseroso</i>" is likewise an error—see -page 164, vol. ii.; it should be <i>penserosa</i>. But we are heartily -ashamed of finding fault with such trifles, and should certainly not -have done so, had there been a possibility of finding fault with any -thing of more consequence. We recommend <i>The Linwoods</i> to all persons -of taste. But let none others touch it.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect38"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>WESTMINSTER REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The Westminster Review, No. XLV, for July, 1835. American Edition, -Vol. IV, No. 1. New York: Theodore Foster.</i></p> - -<p>Article I is "Philanthropic Economy; or the Philosophy of Happiness, -practically applied to the Social, Political, and Commercial Relations -of Great Britain. By Mrs. Loudon, Author of 'First Love,' 'Fortune -Hunting,' and 'Dilemmas of Pride.' London: Churton, 1835. 8vo. pp. 312."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Loudon's Economy has excited great attention in England, and her -work is highly lauded in the present instance. As an able and -chivalrous champion of the cause of the people, she deserves all the -encomiums which she has received, and we are not in any degree -disposed to pick a quarrel with her Ethics, which, to say the truth, -are as little to the purpose as her political, or if she pleases, her -philanthropic Economy, is most effectually to the point. We have not -seen her entire publication, but merely judge of it from the copious -extracts in the article before us. Her answer to the objections to the -ballot is forcible, and coming as it does from a lady, its value is -quadrupled in our eyes. The Notice of her book concludes as follows. -"It is plain that Mrs. Loudon is a splendid woman, and has, at one -effort, taken her place in line, among the political economists upon -the people's side. She is fortunate too in having fallen upon times -when 'the spread of education is, in fact, rendering the <i>peaceable</i> -continuance of abuses impossible.'"</p> - -<p>Article II is "Venetian History. Family Library, No. XX—London, -Murray, 1833." A compendious History of Venice, and apparently forced -into the service of the Review "will I, nill I," without any object -farther than the emptying of some writer's portfolio, or common-place -book. It is nevertheless an invaluable paper.</p> - -<p>Article III is "Memoirs of John Napier of Merchiston, his Lineage, -Life, and Times, with a History of the Invention of Logarithms. By -Mark Napier, Esq. Blackwood, Edinburgh; Cadell, London, 1834. 4to. pp. 534."</p> - -<p>This is a Review of exceeding interest, and evidently from a mind -thoroughly imbued with a love of science. It enters largely into the -subject matter of the book reviewed, and defends Napier from the often -repeated accusation of having derived his principle from the works of -Archimedes, Ditmarsus, and Byrgius. A short account of the -philosopher's treatises on Arithmetic and Algebra, as they appear at -the end of the Memoirs, is given in the conclusion of the Notice. We -perceive that Mr. Napier has here taken occasion to observe that -Horsley, Hutton, Leslie, and Playfair, are mistaken in supposing -Albert Girard the first who made use of the expressions <i>majores -nihilo</i> and <i>minores nihilo</i> in relation to positive and negative -quantities.</p> - -<p>Article IV is "An Essay on Musical Intervals, Harmonics, and the -Temperament of the Musical Scale, &c. By W. S. B. Woolhouse, Head -Assistant of the Nautical Almanac Establishment."</p> - -<p>This is a short article in which the book under review is condemned -for inaccuracy and misrepresentation. The Essay itself is another -instance of the interest now taken in the mathematics of music.</p> - -<p>Article V is "A Biographical Dictionary of Eminent Artists: comprising -Painters, Sculptors, Engravers and Architects, from the earliest ages -to the present time. By John Gould—Second Edition, 2 vols. 12mo. -Wilson, Royal Exchange, 1835."</p> - -<p>The work in question is spoken of as having been composed—"conceived, -planned, and probably in part executed among lowing herds and -obstinate swine." It is preceded by an historical, biographical, and -professional introduction, apparently of no very great merit. The -Dictionary is called a most laborious, and on the whole a very -successful compilation. "The chief matter of some hundreds of volumes -is condensed into two small duodecimos. As this is all it aims to do, -by this only can it be fairly judged, and not by any standard of -original criticism."</p> - -<p>Article VI. "History of Scotland. By Patrick Fraser Tytler, Esq. F. R. -S. E. and F. A. S. Edinburgh. Vols. i–v. 1828–1834."</p> - -<p>This critique speaks of Tytler's Scotland as displaying much research, -and considerable skill, as well as impartiality, but the greater part -of the article is taken up in reviewing some of the leading features -in Scottish History.</p> - -<p>Article VII.—1. "The Forms of Deeds and Documents in England and -France, compared and exemplified, in a Letter to the Lord Chancellor. -Paris: Galignani. London: Saunders and Benning, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "The Mechanics of Law-making. Intended for the use of Legislators, -and all other persons concerned in the making and understanding of -English Laws. By Arthur Symonds, Esq. London: Churton, 1835."</p> - -<p>The authors of the works here reviewed have attempted to unfold, and -to show the worthlessness of, those technical mysteries which have so -long enveloped the science of Law. The "Forms of Deeds, &c." is from -the pen of Mr. Okey. He gives several examples of English and French -Deeds—printing them on opposite pages. The difference in conciseness -is said to be four to one in favor of the French, while in clearness -they admit of no comparison. The greater brevity of the French -documents is attributed to the existence of a Code. "The Mechanics of -Law making" insists upon the necessity of reform in the arrangement, -language, classification, and contents of the British Acts of -Parliament, and in the agency by which the laws are 'prepared, made, -promulgated, superintended, enforced, and amended.' The Review is -brief—but concurs heartily in the necessity alluded to.</p> - -<p>Article VIII. 1. "Sur les Créances réclamées de la France par la -Russie au nom du Royaume de Pologne. Paris, 1835."</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page60"><small><small>[p. 60]</small></small></a></span> -<p>2. "On the Russo-Polish Claims on France. (From the periodical -<i>Le Polonais</i>, published monthly in Paris, by a member of the Polish -Diet. Number for February 1835.")</p> - -<p>3. "A few more words on the Polish question, (<i>From Le -Polonais</i>—number for March 1835.")</p> - -<p>The author of the work <i>Sur les Créances</i>, enters into an examination -of the titles of which the Russian government avails itself "either to -effect a final settlement, or to claim payment of sums which might -ultimately be proved to be due to the kingdom of Poland." The editor -of <i>Le Polonais</i> is of a family to which Poland is indebted for -"several brilliant exploits, not only in the field of battle, but in -the tribute of the National Assembly." His journal is devoted to the -history and literature of Poland—but more especially to its political -interests. The Review enters into some discussion on the Russo-Polish -Claims, and makes it apparent that the policy of Great Britain is -materially involved, in the Russo-French liquidation. "She has -joined"—says the critic—"in refusing to uphold Russia in the -violation of the constitution and nationality of Poland; Lord -Palmerston gave lengthened and clear explanations on this point to -Parliament on the 9th of April, 1833. Tranquilly to stand by, and -witness the Russo-French liquidation, an act which would be equivalent -to a passive acknowledgment on the part of France, of the usurpations -of Russia, would be contrary to the dignity and interest of the -British nation."</p> - -<p>Article IX—1. "Thoughts upon the Aristocracy of England. By Isaac -Tompkins, Gent. Fifth Edition. London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 23."</p> - -<p>2. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, Gent., author of the Thoughts upon the -Aristocracy. From Mr. Peter Jenkins. Fifth Edition, with a Postscript. -London: Henry Hooper, 1835, pp. 11."</p> - -<p>3. "A letter to Isaac Tompkins, and Peter Jenkins on Primogeniture. By -Timothy Winterbottom. Fourth Edition. London: William Pickering, 1835."</p> - -<p>From the specimens of these Pamphlets, given in the Review before us, -we are inclined to think them excessively amusing. Mr. Isaac Tompkins -busies himself with the House of Lords, and Mr. Peter Jenkins gives -the lash to the House of Commons. Mr. T's account of patrician taste -in literature and wit—of courts, courtiers, court-jesters, -buffoonery, &c. are not a little edifying. His book has created a -great sensation. In a note appended to the fourth edition, occur the -following significant remarks. "The Quarterly Review, the organ of the -Aristocratic Church, and of the Lay Aristocracy, has taken the -opportunity of printing the greater part of the work, under pretence -of giving a Review of it. Pretence it plainly is; for there is hardly -one remark added, and not one syllable of censure or objection! Can -any thing more plainly demonstrate that the cause of the Aristocracy -is hateful, even to the very writers who affect to support it? Can any -thing better prove its decline among all educated and sensible men? -Mr. Canning's abhorrence of it is well known, and so is the hatred -with which he was repaid. But in our time, the advocate of -establishments can think of nothing better than giving a very wide -circulation to Mr. J. Tompkins' observations. These Quarterly -Reviewers would not for the world, that these observations were not -generally known." Peter Jenkins concludes his pamphlet with some -remarks on the new liberal government. Winterbottom's letter treats -chiefly of the evils resulting from the accumulation of wealth in a -few hands. "The whole family of Tompkins &c. is good"—says the -Reviewer—"and the public, will be glad to see more of their kin and -kind."</p> - -<p>Article X. "The History of Ireland. By Thomas Moore, Esq. In three -volumes. Vol. i. London: Longman & Co. 1835."</p> - -<p>This is an excellent and very laudatory notice, of a work which cannot -be too highly commended. The difficulties Mr. Moore has overcome, in -reducing to order a chaotic discordance of materials, with a view to -this History, will, perhaps, never be fully appreciated. It cannot -indeed be asserted that every portion of his subject has been hitherto -uninvestigated, or, that all the questions he has discussed have been -satisfactorily settled; but that, under existing circumstances, such a -book should have been written <i>at all</i>, is a matter for -admiration—and that it has been so rationally, so lucidly, and so -critically written, is a fact which cannot fail to elevate its author -immeasurably in the estimation of his friends. The future volumes of -<i>The History of Ireland</i>, will be looked for with intense interest. In -them we may expect to find the records of a dark and troubled period. -Moore will speak fearlessly, or we are much mistaken.</p> - -<p>Article XI. "A Bill for granting Relief in relation to the Celebration -of Marriages, to certain persons dissenting from the Church of England -and Ireland, 1835."</p> - -<p>The Reviewer, here, seems to think that Sir Robert Peel's Bill, with -some little amendment, would meet the case of the Dissenters in the -manner most satisfactory, and, under all circumstances most -convenient. The Dissenters themselves have little to propose, and that -little impracticable.</p> - -<p>Article XII. "Plantagenet.—3 vols. London: John Macrone, 1835."</p> - -<p>Plantagenet is a novel: and the writer's object is stated by the -critic to be pretty nearly identical with that of Mr. Timothy -Winterbottom, of whom we have spoken before—viz: to lay bare the -social evils of primogeniture. The English system of education is -detailed, and its effect upon character analyzed. The writer's design -is said not to be very well carried into execution—nevertheless the -Reviewer places him in the first line of modern political novelists, -and says there is nobody, except the author of 'The Radical,' who, -stands out as a model for him to overtake or pursue.</p> - -<p>Article XIII.—1. "Colonization of South Australia. By R. Torrens, -Esq. F. R. S. Chairman of the Colonization Commission, for South -Australia. London: Longman, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Colonization; particularly in Southern Australia; with some -remarks on Small Farms and Over-population. By Colonel Charles James -Napier, C. B.—London: T. & W. Boone, 1835."</p> - -<p>Colonel Torrens' book is bitterly and sarcastically reviewed. It is an -octavo of more than 300 pages, with an Appendix of about 20. The first -part of the body of the work is in the form of a letter, divided into -twelve parts, and addressed "To the author of the History of the -Indian Archipelago." This portion discusses the new scheme for -colonizing South Australia. Its style is called pamphleteering and -polemical. The <span class="pagenum"><a name="page61"><small><small>[p. 61]</small></small></a></span> -second part is said to be "in the usual cold, -cramped, and unpopular manner of the author's politico-economical -writings." The Appendix consists of the Act of Parliament for the -formation of the Colony, of two letters signed Kangaroo, and of -another from A. B., approving of Kangaroo's opinions. Kangaroo is -thought by the Reviewer a better writer of English than his master. -Colonel Napier's book is favorably noticed. His views are in direct -opposition to those of Torrens.</p> - -<p>Article XIV. "The Mythology of Ancient Greece and Italy. By Thomas -Keightley, Esq. 8vo. London, 1831." This is an interesting and able -paper, but has no pretensions to the name of Review. The position of -the Bacchanalians in Greek and Roman History, and their progress, -together with the dangers and impediments encountered in their course, -forms the subject of the Essay—for <i>it is</i> an Essay, although an -admirable one.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect39"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>LONDON QUARTERLY REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The London Quarterly Review, No. CVII. for July, 1835. American -Edition, Vol. III, No. 1.</i></p> - -<p>Article I.—1. "Narrative of a Second Voyage in search of a North-West -Passage, and of a Residence in the Arctic Regions, during the Years -1829–30–31–32–33. By Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c. -Captain in the Royal Navy, London: 1835, 4to. pp. 740."</p> - -<p>2. "The Late Voyage of Captain Sir John Ross, R. N. to the Arctic -Regions, for the Discovery of a North-West Passage; performed in the -Years 1829–30–31–32–33. From authentic information, and original -documents, transmitted by William Light, Purser's Steward to the -Expedition. By Robert Huish, author of the 'Memoirs of the Princess -Charlotte,' 'Treatise on Bees,' &c. &c. London: 1835, 8vo. pp. 760."</p> - -<p>3. "Report from a Select Committee of the House of Commons, on the -Expedition to the Arctic Seas, commanded by Captain John Ross, R. N. 1834."</p> - -<p>This is, in many respects, a clever and judicious Review, although -abounding with much vulgar abuse of Captain Ross, whom it accuses, not -only of gross ignorance and misrepresentation, but of several minor -indecorums, such for example, as "the opening of a subscription shop -in Regent Street—the sending of a set of fellows, usually called -trampers, but who call themselves agents, to knock at every -gentleman's door, in town and country, not humbly to solicit, but with -pertinacious importunity, almost to force subscriptions—the getting -up of Vauxhall and panoramic exhibitions, and some other circumstances -not worth detailing." It hints something also, of the Captain's having -procured the literary aid of "a practised embroiderer of periods, one -Dr. M'Culloch." Huish's book is treated with derision, but the -Quarterly cannot resist the temptation of giving additional currency -to a malignant accusation of cruelty, brought by this very man Huish, -against the Captain. The charge is republished in the Review—with a -hint, that it is quite as likely to be true as not. The Article -concludes with a hope, that if the Government should determine upon -another expedition, its direction may be given to Captain James Clarke -Ross, and Back, appointed his second in command—and roundly asserts -that Sir John Ross, C. B., K. S. A., K. C. S., &c. &c., is utterly -incompetent to conduct any enterprise of the kind, to a successful termination.</p> - -<p>Article II. "Journal of Frances Anne Butler (Fanny Kemble,) 2 vols. -Post 8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>The tone of this Notice is very similar to that of the Article on the -same subject in the Edinburgh for July—perhaps, upon the whole, not -quite so complimentary. The Reviewer is of opinion, that 'Master -Fanny's' Journal was from an early period, if not from the first line, -intended for publication, and that the entire thing is arranged for -stage-effect. Both these suppositions are highly probable. Indeed for -our own part, we never had a doubt about the matter. The personifier -of Julia, of Nell, and of Lady Macbeth, wished to make it apparent -that she could mingle up in the same page, simplicity, frivolity and -dignity. She has succeeded to a miracle, and we think nothing the -worse of her performance for its premeditation. The critic finds -fault, also, with Fanny's <i>transparent</i> affectation—a charge from -which we have neither the wish, nor the ability to defend her. -Affectation is the Promethean fire of a pretty and intelligent -woman—and provided always the things, the qualities, or manners -affected are not <i>in se</i> disagreeable or odious, it is very seldom -worth any one's while to quarrel with it. As for the <i>transparent</i> -part of the accusation, it betrays a want of philosophical acumen. -Affectation, when we cannot see through it, is no longer affectation. -The political fal lal of the fair lady is, of course, made a matter of -high merit by the Quarterly Review. "Her observations," quoth the -critic, "evince a depth of penetration, and a soundness of judgment, -rare in any one, but wonderful in a person of her age and sex." A -chuckle also is elicited, by Fanny's astounding conviction, that -"America will be a monarchy before she (Mrs. Butler) is a skeleton."</p> - -<p>Article III. "The Last Essays of Elia." London: 12mo. 1833.</p> - -<p>This is an Essay on the Essays of Lamb by one who thoroughly -understands the man. And there are not many men who <i>do</i> thoroughly -comprehend him. Altho' not the greatest among his contemporaries he -was the most original—and his writings are, we feel assured, a true -copy of his individual mind. He was one of those men of infinite -genius, so rarely to be met with, who unite the most exquisite -daintiness and finish of style with a vigorous and dashing <i>abandon</i> -of manner. This manner has been called affected—but it was not so. -That his thoughts "were villainously pranked in an array of antique -words and phrases" was a necessary thing. The language of the times of -James and Charles I. was as natural to him as his native air—it was a -portion of his intellect. As a critic, Lamb had no equal, and we are -moreover half inclined to agree with the Quarterly, that there are, -amongst his poetical pieces, some as near perfection in their kind as -any thing in our literature—"specimens of exceeding artifice and -felicity in rhythm, metre, and diction."</p> - -<p>Article IV. "History of the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries, -illustrated by original documents. By Frederick Von Raumer. Translated -from the German by Lord Francis Egerton, in 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>Frederick Von Raumer, the author of the work here reviewed, is the -same who wrote the 'History of the House of Hohenstauffen,' noticed in -a former number of the Quarterly. The present History is spoken of -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page62"><small><small>[p. 62]</small></small></a></span> -in high terms. It is the result of the author's residence in -Paris in 1830, and consists of a series of extracts from MSS. in the -<i>Bibliothèque Royale</i>—chiefly the despatches of Ambassadors. Lord -Egerton's translation is favorably mentioned.</p> - -<p>Article V. "The Life of Edmund Kean. In 2 vols. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>This is a most severe and galling Philippic upon a very worthless -book. Indeed Barry Cornwall was the last person in the world who -should have attempted the Life of Kean. From the poet's peculiar cast -of mind, (Procter is merely a dealer in delicate prettinesses,) he is -particularly ill-qualified for discussing the merits of an actor whose -province lay altogether amid the tempestuous regions of passion and -energy. "A worse man"—says the critic—"might have made Kean's story -entertaining—a wiser, if he had told it at all, would have at least -tried to make it instructive." The Essays upon the chief characters of -Shakspeare, which fill nearly half the second volume, are truly said -to be devoid of originality, vigor, or grace. To the entire book is -laughably applied a couplet from an old criticism upon Suckling's Aglaura.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem39"> -<tr><td><small>This great <i>voluminous pamphlet</i> may be said,<br> - To be like one that hath more hair than head.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>Article VI. 1. "Physiologie du Goût: ou Meditations de Gastronomie -Transcendante; Ouvrage Théorique, Historique, et à l'ordre du Jour. -Dédié aux Gastronomes Parisiens. Par un Professeur (M. Brillat -Savarin) Membre de Plusiéurs Sociétés Savantes. 2 tomes, 5me edition, -Paris: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "The French Cook. A System of Fashionable and Economical Cookery; -adapted to the use of English Families, &c. by Louis Eustace Ude, -ci-devant Cook to Louis XVI, and the Earl of Sefton, &c. &c. &c., 12th -edition, with Appendix &c., London: 1833."</p> - -<p>This article is written in the most exquisite spirit of banter, and is -irresistibly amusing. It commences with a sketch of the history, -present state and <i>literature</i> of cookery! and concludes with a -particular Notice of the books at the head of the article. -"Mirabeau"—says the critic—"used to present Condorcet with <i>voilà ma -théorie</i>, and the Abbé Maury with <i>voilà ma pratique</i>. We beg leave to -present M. Brillat Savarin as <i>our</i> theory, M. Ude as <i>our</i> practice." -A biographical account of Savarin is introduced—full of wit. Savarin -was Judge of the Court of Cassation, Member of the Legion of Honor, -and of most of the scientific and literary societies of France. His -work consists of "a collection of aphorisms, a dialogue between the -author and a friend as to the expediency of publication, a -biographical notice of the friend, thirty meditations, and a -concluding Miscellany of adventures, inventions, and anecdotes."</p> - -<p>Article VII. 1. "Souvenirs, Impressions, Pensées, et Paysages pendant -un Voyage en Orient, 1832, 1833. Par M. Alphonse de Lamartine, 4 vols. -Paris: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land, &c. By Alphonse de Lamartine, 3 -vols. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>An English translation of Lamartine's Pilgrimage, and even a pirated -Bruselles edition of the original, were read in London before the -publication of the original itself. This is high evidence of the -writer's popularity, at least, however prejudicial it may have proved -to his literary and pecuniary interests. The Remarks in the Review -under consideration are deduced from the English translation, which is -from the pen of Miss Landon. With the exception of the French verses -scattered throughout the work, and which are not very happily rendered -(we should think it impossible to translate them) L. E. L. has -executed her task with much ability—at least so says the Quarterly, -and we believe it. Some singular misconceptions of the meaning of the -original are, however, occasionally met with, and we are at a loss -whether to attribute them to carelessness or an imperfect acquaintance -with the French. The Review cites the following as an instance, and we -have noted several others equally glaring.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem40"> -<tr><td><small>N'attends donc plus de moi ces vers où la pensée<br> - Comme d'un arc sonore avec grace élancée<br> - Et sur deux mots pareils vibrant à l'unisson<br> - Dansent complaisamment aux caprices du son!<br> - Ce froid écho des vers répugne à mon oreille.<br> -<br> - From me expect no more the verse where thought<br> - Glances in grace as from the sounding bow,<br> - When two words vibrating in unison<br> - Complacent dance to the caprice of sound.<br> - Now verse in its cold echo shocks my ear.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>The Review lavishes many compliments upon Lamartine, and enters into a -compendious sketch of his Pilgrimage.</p> - -<p>Article VIII. "Yarrow Revisited and other Poems. By Wm. Wordsworth. -12mo. pp. 349. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>Here is one of those exceedingly rare cases in which a British critic -confines himself strictly to his text—but this is nearly all that can -be said in favor of the Article. A more partial, a more indiscriminate -or fulsome panegyric we never wish to see, and surely "Yarrow -Revisited" is worthy of a better fate. "There is," quoth the Reviewer, -"a spirit of <i>elegance</i> in these poems more prominently and uniformly -prevailing than in any equal portion of Mr. Wordsworth's former works. -We mean an elegance such as Quinctillian ascribes to several of the -Greek and Roman writers—a nobleness of thought and feeling made vocal -in perfectly pure and appropriate language. It struck us, at first, as -an odd remark of Coleridge's, that Goethe and Wordsworth were -something alike, but &c. &c." Heaven save us from our friends!</p> - -<p>Article IX.—1. "Rough Leaves from a Journal kept in Spain and -Portugal. By Lieut. Col. Badcock, 8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Recollections of a few days spent with the Queen's Army in Spain, -in September 1833, 12mo. (privately printed,) London: 1835."</p> - -<p>3. "Recollections of a visit to the Monasteries of Alcobaça, and -Batalha. By the author of Vathek, 8vo. London: 1835, pp. 228."</p> - -<p>Colonel Badcock's book is favorably noticed. This Officer was sent to -the Peninsula, by Earl Grey's Ministry, for the purpose of -transmitting exact intelligence to the government at home. In the -discharge of this mission, he traversed the greater part of Spain, was -present at the siege of Oporto, and attended Don Pedro to the camp -before Santarem. His "Rough Leaves" are the result. From the work -whose title appears in the second place large extracts are made, all -of a highly amusing nature. The <i>critique</i> concludes with a brief -complimentary notice of Mr. Beckford's 'Recollections,' which are -excessively overpraised.</p> - -<p>Article X.—1. "First Report of the Commissioners -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page63"><small><small>[p. 63]</small></small></a></span> appointed to -inquire into the Municipal Corporations of England and Wales, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Protest of Sir Francis Palgrave, against the First Report, &c. -1835."</p> - -<p>3. "Observations on the Principles to be adopted in the Establishment -of new Municipalities, the Reform of Ancient Corporations, and the -Cheap Administration of Justice. By Sir Francis Palgrave, K. H. -London: 1833." This is a violent party-paper, and abounds in -misrepresentation. One of its passages is forcible enough. "The first -step in this extraordinary affair, (the plan of Municipal Reform) was -in itself most extraordinary. A commission was issued under the Great -Seal of England, with powers and for purposes now confessed to have -been illegal!... The town-clerk of a petty borough, discomfited the -Lord High Chancellor of England, on a point of law, of his Lordship's -own raising, within his own special jurisdiction; and for the very -first time, we believe, since the days of James and Jeffries, a -commission under the Great Seal of England was <i>convicted of -illegality</i>."</p> - -<p>Article XI. "Memoirs of the Life of the Right Honorable Sir James -Mackintosh. Edited by his son, Robert James Mackintosh, Esq. 2 vols. -8vo. London: 1835."</p> - -<p>This Article we think upon the whole, better toned than the one upon -the same subject, in the Edinburgh. It characterizes the work as a -most interesting collection of <i>Mackintoshiana</i>, although not a good -Life. Sir James is very justly styled an "idealogical writer, who, -treating of human affairs, prefers to deal with <i>thoughts</i>, rather -than <i>things</i>."</p> -<br> -<a name="sect40"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>NORTH AMERICAN REVIEW.</h5> - -<p><i>The North American Review. No. LXXXIX—Vol. XLI. For October 1835. -Boston: Charles Bowen.</i></p> - -<p>It is now very generally known that Mr. Palfrey has become the editor -of this Review, and the present number is the first issued since the -announcement of the new arrangement. It is difficult to speak of a -work like this as a whole. Particular articles strike us as being very -good—some are worthless. We will briefly notice them one by one.</p> - -<p>Article I. "Life of Jehudi Ashmun, late Colonial Agent in Liberia. -With an Appendix, containing Extracts from his Journal and other -Writings; and a brief Sketch of the Life of the Rev. Lott Carey. By -Ralph Randolph Gurley. Washington."</p> - -<p>"The capacities of Ashmun's character were such," says the Reviewer, -"that had he lived in any age or country, (pray, did he <i>not</i> live in -any age or country?) their energy must have hurried them into -development as inevitably as the waters flow to the sea." All this we -are willing to believe, and also that the man in question was a noble -martyr in the cause of African colonization. We doubt, however, if -there are not a crowd of books daily issuing unnoticed from the press, -of far more general interest, and consequently more worthy the -attention of our leading Review than even <i>The Life of Ashmun</i>. We -shall soon, perhaps, have a Life of some Cuffy the Great, by Solomon -Sapient; and then the North American will feel itself bound to devote -one half of its pages to that important publication. In expressing -ourselves thus, we mean not the slightest disrespect to either Ashmun -or his Biographer. But the <i>critique</i> is badly written, and its -enthusiasm <i>outré</i> and disproportionate.</p> - -<p>Article II.—1. "Ward's Law of Nations. 8vo. 2 vols. 1795."</p> - -<p>2. "Vattel's Law of Nations, by Chitty, 8vo. 1829."</p> - -<p>This is an excellent essay—a practical exposition of the source and -character of the Law International, and for which the works -above-mentioned afford the <i>materiel</i>. A few articles similar to this -would at once redeem the reputation of American critical literature. -Our position in regard to France, gives to this review, at this -moment, additional interest.</p> - -<p>Article III. "Matthias and his Impostures, or the Progress of -Fanaticism. Illustrated in the Extraordinary Case of Robert Matthews, -and some of his Forerunners and Disciples. By W. L. Stone. 12mo. New -York, 1835."</p> - -<p>The critic here adopts the very just opinion that Matthias had formed -himself and his creed designedly upon the model of John of Leyden. We -think it probable that the impostor, who was grossly ignorant, may -have seen an account of the proceedings at Munster in some popular -historical work, and formed his own conduct accordingly. The leader of -the fanatics at Munster was <i>Matthias</i>, a baker. Matthews called -himself <i>Matthias</i>. The former had his Rothman and Knipperdoling, men -of respectable family and some consideration—the latter had his -Pierson and Folger, men similarly circumstanced. Rothman and -Knipperdoling were invested with an authority which was merely -nominal. It was the same with Pierson and Folger. John had his Mount -Zion at Munster, and Matthews his Mount Zion at Sing-Sing. The Review -gives a digest of Stone's book, and is very entertaining.</p> - -<p>Article IV. "Scriptores Rerum Mythicarum Latini tres, Romæ nuper -Reperti. Ad fidem codicum M.S.S. Guelferbytanorum, Gottingensis, -Gothani, et Parisiensis, Integriores edidit ac Scholiis illustravit -Dr. Georgius Henricus Bode, Ordinis Philos. Gotting. Assessor, -Societatis literar. quæ Cantabrigiæ Americanorum floret Socius. -Celles, 1834."</p> - -<p>Angelo Maio discovered and published, about three years ago, the works -of three Roman writers, supposed by him to be Leontius, Placidus, and -Hyginus, who flourished about the close of the fourth century, or as -the Review incorrectly states, after the commencement of the fifth. -The work criticised in the present article is a new edition of Maio's -publication, improved by the collation of MSS. at Wolfenbuttel, -Gottingen, Gotha, and Paris. Dr. Bode, a scholar of high reputation, -and who resided for some time in a New England literary institution, -is the editor. The reviewer speaks of the Latinity as simple and easy, -and, for the most part, classical in construction.</p> - -<p>Article V.—1. "A Lecture on the Working Men's Party, first delivered -October 6th, before the Charlestown Lyceum, and published at their -request. By Edward Everett. Boston, 1830."</p> - -<p>2. "An Oration delivered before the Trades' Union of Boston and -Vicinity, on Fort Hill, on the Fifty-eighth Anniversary of American -Independence. By Frederick Robinson. Boston, 1834."</p> - -<p>3. "The Rights of Industry, addressed to the Working Men of the United -Kingdom. By the Author of 'The Results of Machinery.' Philadelphia, 1832."</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page64"><small><small>[p. 64]</small></small></a></span> -<p>The Reviewer here commences with what we consider a <i>naïve</i> -acknowledgment, viz: that he has not selected the works whose titles -are placed at the head of this article because they are recent, or -unknown, but merely with the view of directing public attention to the -subject of which they treat. The Essay, however, is an excellent one, -and shows in a forcible manner, by a rapid comparative view of the -condition of the laboring classes in our own and other countries, how -few just causes of complaint exist among our 'working people.'</p> - -<p>Article VI. "The Ministry for the Poor. A Discourse delivered before -the Benevolent Fraternity of Churches in Boston, on their first -anniversary, April 9th, 1835. By William E. Channing. Boston, 1835."</p> - -<p>The North American, in its last number, considered Southey a fine -writer, but Washington Irving a much finer, and indeed 'the best -living writer of English prose:' having, however, to review Mr. -Channing in the present number, its opinions are conveniently modified -to suit the occasion, and <i>now</i> the English of William E. Channing is -declared <i>coram populo</i> to be 'equally <i>elegant</i>, and a little more -pure, correct, and pointed than that of Mr. Irving.' There is surely -something very absurd in all this. Mr. Irving is a fine writer, and -so, beyond doubt, is Mr. Channing—but the Review seems perseveringly -bent upon making the public think otherwise. What does the critic mean -too by the assertion that Coleridge's reputation is greater in America -than in England, and that he possesses <i>very slender</i> claims to the -distinction of the first philosopher of his age? We should like to see -some direct evidence of what the Reviewer has so roundly asserted, -viz: that "Coleridge shews an almost total want of precision and -clearness of thought." The works of the man are before the public, and -we greatly prefer proof to assertion. We think this whole paper -exceedingly silly.</p> - -<p>Article VII. "A Preliminary Discourse on the Study of Natural History. -By William Swainson. London, 1834."</p> - -<p>We have not seen Swainson's work, and of course can say nothing about -it—the present article however, which professes to be, but is not, a -Review of it, we pronounce excellent indeed. It must be read to be -thoroughly appreciated.</p> - -<p>Article VIII.—1. "Poems. By Mrs. L. H. Sigourney. Philadelphia, -1834."</p> - -<p>2. "Poems. By Miss H. F. Gould. Boston, 1835."</p> - -<p>The only fault we have with this <i>critique</i> is, that it hardly does -justice to the noble talents of Mrs. Sigourney. Something more, we -think, might have been said, and said with perfect truth. Miss Gould -is more fairly dealt with, but nevertheless the criticism does not -appear to come from the heart of a poet. Some incidental remarks upon -Miss Sedgwick are highly complimentary and exceedingly just. Mrs. -Sigourney's first publication was reviewed in the North American about -twenty years ago. She was then Miss Huntley.</p> - -<p>Article IX. "Sartor Resartus: in three Books. Reprinted for friends, -from Fraser's Magazine. London, 1834."</p> - -<p>The North American might have been better employed than in reviewing -this book—even although it be "no secret in England or here that it -is the work of a person to whom the public is indebted for a number of -articles in the late British Reviews." The book purports to be a -commentary (the author incog.) on a late work on the Philosophy of -Dress, by Dr. Diogenes Teufelsdroeckh, Professor of the Science of -Things in General, at the University of Weissnichtwo in Germany; and -the Reviewer thinks it necessary to enter into some pages of -discussion, in order to convince his readers that Professor -Teufelsdroeckh and his book are both <i>a hum</i>. We think the whole -<i>critique</i> a hum of the worst order, viz: a hum unintentional. We will -venture to bet that the meaning (if there be any) of the Sartor -Resartus has only the two faults of the steed in Joe Miller. In the -first place, it is hard to catch. In the second place it is worth -nothing when caught.</p> - -<p>Article X. "A Comprehensive Pronouncing and Explanatory Dictionary of -the English Language; with Pronouncing Vocabularies of Classical, -Scripture, and Modern Geographical Names. By J. E. Worcester. -Carefully revised and enlarged. Boston, 1835."</p> - -<p>This is a valuable work, and the writer of the <i>critique</i> upon it -seems fully aware of its many excellences. Mr. Worcester has based his -Dictionary upon those of Johnson and Walker, but has given six -thousand more words than are found in the Critical Pronouncing -Dictionary of the latter. A large number of terms purely technical are -given with their meanings—many foreign words, also, in familiar use.</p> - -<p>Article XI.—1. "A Narrative of the Visit to the American Churches, by -the Deputation from the Congregational Union of England and Wales. By -Andrew Reed, D.D. and James Matheson, D.D. 2 vols. 8vo. London, 1835."</p> - -<p>2. "Four Years in Great Britain. By Calvin Colton. 2 vols. 12mo. New -York, 1835."</p> - -<p>Dr. Reed's book is reviewed calmly and with strict impartiality—the -reviewer allowing that the Dr. writes with energy when his attention -is fully aroused. This, perhaps, is his chief merit. Of Colton's work -little is said. "His adventures," observes the critic, "are very well -described, and though in some of them he gives too much prominence to -his own doubts and fears, still, if the whole had been written in the -same manner, it would have insured the work a greater popularity than -it is likely to gain." His account of O'Connell is highly praised.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect41"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>CRAYON MISCELLANY.</h5> - -<p><i>The Crayon Miscellany. By the Author of the Sketch Book. No. -3—Containing Legends of the Conquest of Spain. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard.</i></p> - -<p>We feel it almost an act of supererogation to speak of this book, -which is long since in the hands of every American who has leisure for -reading at all. The matter itself is deeply interesting, but, as -usual, its chief beauty is beauty of style. The Conquest of Spain by -the Saracens, an event momentous in the extreme, is yet enveloped, as -regards the motives and actions of the principal <i>dramatis personæ</i> in -triple doubt and confusion. To snatch from this uncertainty a few -striking and picturesque legends, possessing, at the same time, some -absolute portion of verity, and to adorn them in his own magical -language is all that Mr. Irving has done in the present instance. But -that he has done this little well it is needless to say. He does not -claim for the Legends the authenticity of history properly so -called,—yet all are partially <i>facts</i>, and however extravagant -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page65"><small><small>[p. 65]</small></small></a></span> -some may appear, they will all, to use the words of the author -himself, "be found in the works of sage and reverend chroniclers of -yore, growing side by side with long acknowledged truths, and might be -supported by learned and imposing references in the margin." Were we -to instance any one of the narratives as more beautiful than the rest, -it would be <i>The Story of the Marvellous and Portentous Tower</i>.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect42"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>GODWIN'S NECROMANCY.</h5> - -<p><i>Lives of the Necromancers: or an Account of the Most Eminent Persons -in Successive Ages, who have claimed for themselves, or to whom has -been imputed by others, the Exercise of Magical Power. By William -Godwin, Author of "Caleb Williams," &c. New York: Published by Harper -& Brothers.</i></p> - -<p>The name of the author of Caleb Williams, and of St. Leon, is, with -us, a word of weight, and one which we consider a guarantee for the -excellence of any composition to which it may be affixed. There is -about all the writings of Godwin, one peculiarity which we are not -sure that we have ever seen pointed out for observation, but which, -nevertheless, is his chief idiosyncrasy—setting him peculiarly apart -from all other <i>literati</i> of the day. We allude to an air of mature -thought—of deliberate premeditation pervading, in a remarkable -degree, even his most common-place observations. He never uses a -hurried expression, or hazards either an ambiguous phrase, or a -premature opinion. His style therefore is highly artificial; but the -extreme finish and proportion always observable about it, render this -artificiality, which in less able hands would be wearisome, in him a -grace inestimable. We are never tired of his terse, nervous, and -sonorous periods—for their terseness, their energy, and even their -melody, are made, in all cases, subservient to the sense with which -they are invariably fraught. No English writer, with whom we have any -acquaintance, with the single exception of Coleridge, has a fuller -appreciation of the value of <i>words;</i> and none is more nicely -discriminative between closely-approximating meanings.</p> - -<p>The avowed purpose of the volume now before us is to exhibit a wide -view of human credulity. "To know"—says Mr. Godwin—"the things that -are not, and cannot be, but have been imagined and believed, is the -most curious chapter in the annals of man." <i>In extenso</i> we differ -with him.</p> - -<table align="center" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" summary="poem41"> -<tr><td><small>There are more things in Heaven and Earth, Horatio,<br> - Than are dreamt of in thy philosophy.</small></td></tr> -</table> - -<p>There are many things, too, in the great circle of human experience, -more curious than even the records of human credulity—but that they -form one of the most curious chapters, we were at all times ready to -believe, and had we been in any degree skeptical, the <i>Lives of the -Necromancers</i> would have convinced us.</p> - -<p>Unlike the work of Brewster, the Necromancy of Mr. Godwin is not a -Treatise on Natural Magic. It does not pretend to show the <i>manner</i> in -which delusion acts upon mankind—at all events, this is not the -<i>object</i> of the book. The design, if we understand it, is to display -in their widest extent, the great range and wild extravagancy of the -imagination of man. It is almost superfluous to say that in this he -has fully succeeded. His compilation is an invaluable work, evincing -much labor and research, and full of absorbing interest. The only -drawback to the great pleasure which its perusal has afforded us, is -found in the author's unwelcome announcement in the Preface, that for -the present he winds up his literary labors with the production of -this book. The pen which wrote Caleb Williams, should never for a -moment be idle.</p> - -<p>Were we to specify any article, in the Necromancy, as more -particularly interesting than another, it would be the one entitled -'Faustus.' The prevalent idea that Fust the printer, and Faustus the -magician, were identical, is here very properly contradicted.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect43"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>REV. D. L. CARROLL'S ADDRESS.</h5> - -<p><i>Inaugural Address of the Rev. D. L. Carroll, D.D. President of -Hampden Sidney College, delivered on his induction into that office. -Published by request of the Board of Trustees. Richmond: T. W. White, -1835.</i></p> - -<p>The friends of literature in Virginia have lately been favored with -several Inaugural Addresses, each of which has had its peculiar -merits. It is only of that whose title has just been given, that we -intend to speak. In the correspondence which is prefixed to this -Address, we learn that it was "prepared with great haste, amidst -anxieties and efforts to regain health, and amidst all the inquietudes -of journeying and absence from home." Apologies are seldom worth the -time spent in making or reading them. Generally, an author who prints -his production may be supposed to consider it of some value. To make -an apology, then, similar to that of Mr. Carroll, is but a modest way -of hinting that, with a fair trial, the writer could have done much -better. On the whole we <i>wish</i> that there had been no apology; for the -Address needs none. It is not our purpose to give an outline of this -discourse, or enter into a critical examination of its merits—for -merits it has. We wish merely to call the attention of the reader to a -few extracts, hoping that a perusal of these will induce him to -procure and read the whole Address for himself. The first of these -extracts is on a subject too long overlooked, and too much neglected -in all our schools. We refer to social qualities. On this subject the -author's ideas are just and timely. He says:</p> - -<blockquote><small>"Every literary institution ought to aim at such a well regulated -intercourse amongst its students as would inspire them with a -dignified self-respect—as would cause them, even in retirement, to -conduct themselves with that delicacy and deference to each other's -feelings that become a high-minded and honorable company of gentlemen -associated in the pursuit of learning. They ought also, under proper -restrictions, to mingle occasionally in the best circles of society -around them. Neither their morals, their manners, nor their studies -would suffer from that evolution and play of the social powers to -which such an intercourse would give rise. I know indeed that a -certain degree of awkward reserve, and bluntness of manners, and -recklessness of dress have, in some minds, become almost inseparably -associated with genius. But a moment's reflection may convince any one -that it requires no very extraordinary endowments from the Creator, to -enable a man, after a little practice, to become a <i>clown</i> in his -manners and a <i>sloven</i> in his apparel. Let it not be supposed, -however, that in thus contending for the development of the social -powers and cultivable graces of our nature, we countenance the -contemptible littleness of dandyism. The mere dandy we despise as a -thing whose definition the great American lexicographer has given in -the following appropriate terms—'a male of the human species who -dresses himself like a doll, and carries his character on his back.' -Between the peculiarities of such a creature and the dignified -refinement and suavity of the educated gentleman, it were odious to -institute a comparison. It -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page66"><small>[p. 66]</small></a></span> -is the latter to which regard is to be -had in a course of education. All that we contend for is, that the -youthful mind should be inspired with a deep consciousness of the -existence and the worth of those social powers and kindly sympathies -within itself, which bind it indissolubly to its species, and should -be led to regard their development and culture as a <i>necessary</i> part -of its preparation for future life."</small></blockquote> - -<p>We are no less pleased with the following sentiments on the subject of -the moral influences that should pervade a College.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"The great question is yet to be decided—<i>What influence our educated -men will have on the moral destinies of this nation!</i> A question -involving all those dear and mighty interests which bind us in hope to -this and to a future world. With such a question pending, I tremble -for the safety of my country, and blush for its reputation for sound -philosophy, when I reflect that here an attempt has been made to break -up the alliance between learning and religion, and to sever our -literary institutions from the practical influence of a pure -Christianity. I am happy to know that this <i>is not</i> to be the order of -things in Hampden Sydney. I am not called to take the helm without a -chart or compass. And I never shall embark on a voyage of such perils -unless I can nail the Bible to the mast. We shall avoid all mere -proselytism and the inculcation of minor sectarian peculiarities. But -we shall <i>strenuously endeavor</i> so to develope, and discipline, and -adapt to action the moral powers of youth, that, appreciating highly -their own immortal interests, they shall go out hence on the highways -of society a chosen band, clothed in the panoply of heaven to act as -<i>the lifeguards</i> of the virtue, order, and common Christianity of -their country."</small></blockquote> - -<p>The conclusion of Mr. Carroll's Address is full of fervid eloquence, -rendered doubly interesting by a vein of that truest of all -philosophy, the philosophy of the Christian. In the two last -paragraphs sentiments are expressed, which at their delivery must have -produced a strong sensation. Such indeed we learn from those present -on the occasion, was their effect.</p> - -<blockquote><small>"It well becomes <i>me</i> to tread with modest and tremulous steps in a -path consecrated by the luminous career of such men as the brothers -Smith, an Alexander, a Hoge, and a Cushing. 'There were giants in the -earth in those days—mighty men, even men of renown.' But they have -gone, as we trust, to adorn higher spheres of usefulness and glory, -and to shine in the firmament of God: whilst the radiance of their -characters, still not lost to earth, lingers, like the setting -sun-beams, on the high places of Hampden Sydney. They have <i>all</i> gone -save one, at whose feet, as the Gamaliel of the Church, it has been my -distinguished privilege to sit, and to whose masterly management of -the young mind I am much indebted for whatever of mental furniture I -possess. I enter upon my duties, however diffident, with the -unblenching purpose of doing what I <i>can</i> to promote the best -interests of the Institution over which I am called to preside. True, -with a body and a mind partially wrecked by the arduous labors of past -years and by successive attacks of prolonged illness, I cannot promise -much. But I come to the performance of my new duties cheerfully, and -with the frankness and integrity of a man in <i>sober earnest</i> to do -what I can.</small></blockquote> - -<blockquote><small>"Knowing and admiring, as I always have done, the noble generosity of -the Virginian character, I throw myself unreservedly upon the -clemency, and I expect the prompt, cordial, <i>efficient</i> co-operation of -this honorable Board of Trustees. I do more. With a heart still -bleeding under a recent and final separation from that beloved people, -whose sympathies and prayers have been the solace of my past life for -years, I throw myself upon the kindness of this privileged Christian -community. Most gladly would I find a <i>home</i> in their affections. Most -devoutly do I hope for and desire the sustaining influence of <i>their</i> -sympathies and of <i>their</i> supplications to heaven in my behalf and in -behalf of this Institution. Let all the pious and prayerful join with -me to-day, in a renewed consecration of this College to God, under the -deep conviction that 'except the Lord keep the city the watchman -waketh but in vain.' With such for my allies, and God as my help, I -shall enter on my labors with the assurance that the inspiriting -motto—'<i>nil desperandum est</i>'—is far more applicable to Hampden -Sydney than it was to the republic of Rome in the zenith of her -glory."</small></blockquote> -<br> -<a name="sect44"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>EULOGIES ON MARSHALL.</h5> - -<p>1. <i>Judge Story's Discourse</i>. 2. <i>Binney's Eulogium</i>.</p> - -<p>We have received Mr. Binney's E<small>ULOGY</small> pronounced at Philadelphia, and -Judge Story's D<small>ISCOURSE</small> in Boston, upon our great and lamented -countryman, fellow-townsman, neighbor, and <i>friend</i>—for by all these -names did a fortuitous conjuncture of circumstances, including his own -kind and prideless heart, entitle us to call him. We have read them -both, with an interest <i>created</i> by long admiration and love for the -subject, but rendered more intense by the beauties of the <i>manner</i>, in -which the subject is displayed. We do not say, '<i>materiem superat -opus</i>.' To <i>such</i> a material, no human skill could be incommensurately -great: and Mr. Binney speaks with no less truth than modesty, in -making it the consolation alike of the humblest, and of the most -gifted eulogist, "that the case of this illustrious man is one, in -which <i>to give with simplicity the record of his life</i>," is most -nearly to copy "the great original;" and to attempt more, "is</p> - -<center> - - ... 'with taper light<br> -To seek the beauteous eye <i>of Heaven to garnish</i>.'"</center> - -<p>But except Everett among the living, and Wirt and Ames among the -departed of our countrymen, we doubt if any American, with the -effusions of whose mind we are familiar, could have more closely -rivalled by language the character and the actions attempted to be -portrayed.</p> - -<p>It is not our purpose now to review these two eulogies. A more -extended notice of them, and of their great subject, we defer for our -next number; in which we shall, perhaps, give also a few light -personal reminiscences of Judge Marshall.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect45"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>MINOR'S ADDRESS.</h5> - -<p><i>An Address on Education, as connected with the Permanence of our -Republican Institutions. Delivered before the Institute of Education -of Hampden Sidney College, at its Anniversary Meeting, September the -24th, 1835, on the invitation of that Body. By Lucian Minor, Esq. of -Louisa. Published by request of the Institute.</i></p> - -<p>We earnestly call the attention of the public at large, but more -especially the attention of all good citizens of Virginia, to the -Address with whose title this article is headed. It will be found -entire in the columns of the Messenger—but its appearance, likewise, -in pamphlet form, simultaneously with the issuing of the present -number, affords us an opportunity of noticing it editorially without -deviating from established rules.</p> - -<p>Virginia is indebted to Mr. Minor—indebted for the seasonable -application of his remarks, and doubly indebted for the brilliant -eloquence, and impressive energy with which he has enforced them. We -sincerely wish—nay, we even confidently hope, that words so full of -warning, and at the same time so pregnant with truth, may succeed in -stirring up something akin to action in the legislative halls of the -land. Indeed there is no time to squander in speculation. The most -lukewarm friend of the State must perceive—if he perceives any -thing—that the glory of the Ancient Dominion is in a fainting—is in -a dying condition. Her once great name is becoming, in the North, a -bye-word for imbecility—all over the South, a type for "the things -that <i>have</i> <span class="pagenum"><a name="page67"><small><small>[p. 67]</small></small></a></span> -<i>been</i>." And tamely to ponder upon times gone by is -not to meet the exigencies of times present or to come. Memory will -not help us. The recollection of our former high estate will not -benefit us. Let us act. While we have a resource let us make it of -avail. Let us proceed, at once, to the establishment throughout the -country, of <i>district schools</i>, upon a plan of organization similar to -that of our New England friends. If then, in time, Virginia shall be -regenerated—if she shall, hereafter, assume, as is just, that proud -station from which her own supine and over-weening self-esteem has -been the means of precipitating her, "it will all be owing," (we take -pleasure in repeating the noble and prophetic words of Mr. Minor,) "it -will all be owing, under Providence, to the hearkening to that -voice—not loud, but solemn and earnest—which from the shrine of -Reason and the tombs of buried commonwealths, reiterates and enforces -the momentous precept—'<small>ENLIGHTEN THE PEOPLE</small>.'"</p> -<br> -<a name="sect46"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>LEGENDS OF A LOG CABIN.</h5> - -<p><i>Legends of a Log Cabin. By a Western Man. New York: George Dearborn, -Publisher.</i></p> - -<p>We have been much interested in this book in spite of some very -glaring faults and absurdities with which it is besprinkled. The work -is dedicated to Charles F. Hoffman, Esq. the author of <i>A Winter in -the West</i>, (why will our writers persist in this piece of starched and -antique affectation?) and consists of seven Tales, viz. <i>The Hunter's -Vow</i>, <i>The Heiress of Brandsby</i>, <i>The Frenchman's Story</i>, <i>The Englishman's -Story</i>, <i>The Yankee's Story</i>, <i>The Wyandot's Story</i>, and the <i>Minute Men</i>. -The plot will be readily conceived. A heterogeneous company are -assembled by accident, on a snowy night, in the Log Cabin of a Western -hunter, and, <i>pour passer le temps</i>, amuse themselves in telling Stories.</p> - -<p><i>The Hunter's Vow</i> is, we think, the best of the series. A dreamy -student who can never be induced to forsake his books for the more -appropriate toils of a backwoods' existence, is suddenly aroused from -his apathy by the murder of his old father by an Indian—a murder -which takes place under the scholar's own eyes, and which might have -been prevented but for his ignorance in the art of handling and -loading a rifle. The entire change wrought in the boy's character is -well managed. The <i>Heiress of Brandsby</i> is a tale neither so -verisimilar, nor so well told. It details the love of a Virginian -heiress for a Methodist of no very enticing character; and concludes -by the utter subversion, through the means of all powerful love, of -the lady's long cherished notions of aristocracy. The <i>Frenchman's -Story</i> has appeared before in the American Monthly Magazine. It is a -well imagined and well executed tale of the French Revolution. The -fate of M. Girond "<i>who left town suddenly</i>," is related with that air -of naked and unvarnished truth so apt to render even a silly narrative -interesting. The <i>Englishman's Story</i> is a failure—full of such -palpable folly that we have a difficulty in ascribing it to the same -pen which wrote the other portions of the volume. The whole tale -betrays a gross ignorance of law in general—and of English law in -especial. The <i>Yankee's Story</i> is much better—but not very good. We -have our doubts as to the genuine Yankeeism of the narrator. His -language, at all events, savors but little of <i>Down East</i>. The -<i>Wyandot's Story</i> is also good (this too has appeared in the American -Monthly Magazine)—but we have fault to find, likewise, with the -phraseology in this instance. No Indian, let Chateaubriand and others -say what they please, ever indulged, for a half hour at a time, in the -disjointed and hyperbolical humbug here attributed to the Wyandot. The -<i>Minute Men</i> is the last of the series, and from its being told by the -author himself, is, we suppose, considered by him the best. It is a -tale of the year seventy-five—but, although interesting, we do not -think it equal to either <i>The Frenchman's Story</i> or <i>The Hunter's -Vow</i>. We recommend the volume to the attention of our readers. It is -excellently gotten up.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect47"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>TRAITS OF AMERICAN LIFE.</h5> - -<p><i>Traits of American Life. By Mrs. Sarah J. Hale, Editor of "The -American Ladies' Magazine," and Author of "Northwood," "Flora's -Interpreter," &c. &c. Philadelphia: E. L. Carey, and A. Hart.</i></p> - -<p>This volume is beautifully printed—and we are happy in being able to -say, conscientiously, that its neat external appearance is its very -least recommendation. We are, however, at a loss to understand the -Preface—can it be that its ambiguity is intentional? "The Sketches -and Stories here offered to the public"—says Mrs. Hale—"have not -entirely the attraction of novelty to plead in their favor—but the -author trusts that the sentiments inculcated, and principles -illustrated, are such as will bear a reiteration." Does Mrs. H. mean -to say that these stories have been published in any form before? (if -so, she should have said it more explicitly)—or does she allude -merely to novelty of manner or of matter? We think that some of these -sketches are old acquaintances of ours.</p> - -<p>The volume consists of fourteen different articles. The Lloyds—The -Catholic Convert—The Silver Mine—Political Parties—A New Year's -Story—Captain Glover's Daughter—The Fate of a Favorite—The Romance -of Travelling—The Thanksgiving of the Heart—The Lottery Ticket—An -Old Maid—Ladies' Fairs—The Mode—and The Mysterious Box. The Silver -Mine is, perhaps, the best of the whole—but they are all written with -grace and spirit, and form a volume of exceeding interest. Mrs. Hale -has already attained a high rank among the female writers of America, -and bids fair to attain a far higher.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect48"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>WESTERN SKETCHES.</h5> - -<p><i>Sketches of History, Life, and Manners in the West. By James Hall. -Philadelphia: Harrison Hall.</i></p> - -<p>Mr. Hall has made himself extensively known by his Tales and Legends, -as well as by his labors in the editorship of the <i>Western Monthly -Magazine</i>. From his long residence in the West, and from his undoubted -abilities as a writer, we should suppose he would be excellently -qualified to write precisely such a book as he has written. His object -in the present publication seems to be not so much the furnishing of -topographical or statistical details, as the sketching of character -and life in the West, <i>prior to the close of the late war</i>. To those -who are at all acquainted with Mr. Hall, or with Mr. Hall's writings, -it is superfluous to say that the book is well written. Wild romance -and exciting adventure form its staple.</p> - -<span class="pagenum"><a name="page68"><small><small>[p. 68]</small></small></a></span> -<p>The policy of our government in regard to the Aborigines is -detailed in the commencement of the first volume—the latter portion -is occupied with the manners and customs of the French in the great -valley of the Mississippi, and with the adventures of the white -settlers on the Ohio. The second volume is more varied, and, we think, -by far more interesting. It treats, among other things, of Burr's -conspiracy—of the difficulties experienced in Mississippi navigation, -and of the various military operations carried on in the wilderness of -the North West. An Appendix, at the end of the book, embraces some -papers relative to the first settlement of Kentucky—none of which -have hitherto been published. We confidently recommend to our readers -the Western Sketches of Mr. Hall, in the full anticipation of their -finding in the book a fund both of information and amusement.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect49"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>AMERICAN ALMANAC.</h5> - -<p><i>The American Almanac, and Repository of Useful Knowledge, for the -year 1836. Boston: Published by Charles Bowen.</i></p> - -<p>This is the seventh number of this invaluable work. Its editor, from -the first year of its publication, is understood to have been J. E. -Worcester, Esq. the indefatigable author and compiler of a number of -works requiring great industry, perseverance, and talent. Nearly -twenty years ago he became known to the public by his Universal -Gazetteer, a second edition of which, at the present time, we agree -with the North American Review in thinking would be highly acceptable -to the public. Mr. Worcester has also published a Gazetteer of the -United States—The Elements of Geography—the Elements of History—The -Historical Atlas—an Edition of Johnson's Dictionary, as improved by -Todd and abridged by Chalmers—an Abridgment of the American -Dictionary of Dr. Webster—and, lastly, A Comprehensive Pronouncing -and Explanatory Dictionary of the English Language, with Pronouncing -Vocabularies of Classical, Scripture, and Modern Geographical -Names—all of them works of intrinsic merit.</p> - -<p>The American Almanac has long had a well-established reputation, and -Mr. Worcester is understood to have prepared, invariably, all of its -valuable contents with the exception of the astronomical department. -When we consider the great variety of topics treated of, and the -extreme difficulty of procuring accurate information in relation to -many of them, we must all admire the energy of the editor in having -brought the work to its present high state of perfection and utility. -We know of no publication of the kind more fully entitled to be called -"A Repository of Useful Knowledge."</p> - -<p>The Almanac for 1836 contains the usual Register of the General and -State Governments, together with a vast amount of statistical and -miscellaneous matter; but "it is more particularly characterized by an -account of the principal Benevolent Institutions in the United States, -and a view of the Ecclesiastical Statistics of the Religious -Denominations."</p> - -<p>We believe that no work of an equal extent in America contains as much -important statistical information as the seven volumes of the American -Almanac. We are happy to learn that complete sets of the publication -can still be obtained.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect50"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>CLINTON BRADSHAW.</h5> - -<p><i>Clinton Bradshaw; or The Adventures of a Lawyer. Philadelphia: Carey, -Lea & Blanchard.</i></p> - -<p>We have no doubt this book will be a favorite with many readers—but -for our own parts we do not like it. While the author aims at -originality, and evidently fancies himself the pioneer of a new region -in fictitious literature, he has, we think, unwittingly stumbled upon -that very worst species of imitation, <i>the paraphrasical</i>. <i>Clinton -Bradshaw, or the Adventures of a Lawyer</i>, is intended, we humbly -conceive, as a <i>pendant</i>, in America, to <i>Henry Pelham, or the -Adventures of a Gentleman</i>, in England. There are, however, some -little awkward discrepancies. When Pelham luxuriates in the -drawing-room, and Bradshaw is obstreperous in the tavern, no ingenuity -can sustain a parallel. The polished manners of the one are not -equalled by even the self-polished pumps of the other. When the -British hero is witty and <i>recherché</i>, the American fails to rival him -by merely trying to be both. The exquisite's conversation is sentiment -itself, and we have no stomach afterwards for the lawyer's sentiment -and water.</p> - -<p>"The plan of this novel," says a correspondent of a contemporary -Magazine, for whose <i>editorial</i> opinions we have the highest respect, -"is exceedingly simple, and the moral it unfolds, if not of the most -elevated kind, is still useful and highly applicable to our existing -state of society. It is the story of a young lawyer of limited means, -and popular talents, whose ambition urges him to elevate himself by -all the honorable methods in his power. His professional pursuits lead -him among the coarsest criminals, while his political career brings -him in contact with the venal and corrupt of all parties. But true -alike to himself and the community of which he is a member, the stern -principles of a republican, and the uncompromising spirit of a -gentleman, are operative under all circumstances." These words we -quote as affording, in a brief space, some idea of the plot of Clinton -Bradshaw. We repeat, however, that we dislike the novel, considered -<i>as a novel</i>. Some detached passages are very good. The chief -excellence of the book consists in a certain Flemish caricaturing of -vulgar habitudes and action. The whole puts us irresistibly in mind of -<i>High Life below Stairs</i>. Its author is, we understand, a gentleman of -Cincinnati.</p> -<br> -<a name="sect51"></a> -<hr align="center" width="25"> -<br> -<h5>ENGLISH ANNUALS.</h5> - -<p><i>Friendship's Offering and Winter's Wreath for 1836</i>—a beautiful -<i>souvenir</i>. The literary portion unusually good. The tale of <i>The -Countess</i>, by Mrs. Norton, is the best article in the book. The -embellishments are mostly of a high order. Plate No. 7—The Countess, -engraved by H. T. Ryall, from an original painting by E. T. Parris, is -exquisite indeed—unsurpassed by any plate within our knowledge.</p> - -<p><i>The Forget Me Not for 1836, edited by Shoberl</i>, is, perhaps, superior -to the Winter's Wreath in pictorial, although slightly inferior in -literary merit. <i>All</i> the engravings here are admirable.</p> - -<p><i>Fisher's Drawing-Room Scrap-Book for 1836, edited by L. E. L.</i> is, in -typographical beauty, unrivalled.—The literary portion of the work is -but <i>so so</i>, although written nearly altogether by L. E. L. These -Annuals may all be obtained, in Richmond, at the bookstore of Mr. C. Hall.</p> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE SOUTHERN LITERARY MESSENGER, VOL. II., NO. 1, DECEMBER, 1835 ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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