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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Crayon Papers + +Author: Washington Irving + +Posting Date: October 8, 2012 [EBook #7994] +Release Date: April, 2005 +First Posted: June 10, 2003 +Last Updated: June 1, 2018 + + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CRAYON PAPERS *** + + + + +Etext produced by Charles Aldarondo, Tiffany Vergon, William +Craig, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + THE CRAYON PAPERS + </h1> + <h2> + By Geoffrey Crayon + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> MOUNTJOY, OR SOME PASSAGES OUT OF THE LIFE OF A + CASTLE-BUILDER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI BUBBLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> DON JUAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> BROEK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> SKETCHES IN PARIS IN 1825 </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> ENGLISH AND FRENCH CHARACTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> THE TUILERIES AND WINDSOR CASTLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE FIELD OF WATERLOO </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> PARIS AT THE RESTORATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> AMERICAN RESEARCHES IN ITALY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> THE TAKING OF THE VEIL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> THE CHARMING LETORIÈRES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> THE EARLY EXPERIENCES OF RALPH RINGWOOD </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> THE SEMINOLES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> ORIGIN OF THE WHITE, THE RED, AND THE BLACK MEN + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> THE CONSPIRACY OF NEAMATHLA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> LETTER FROM GRANADA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> ABDERAHMAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> THE WIDOW’S ORDEAL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0020"> THE CREOLE VILLAGE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0021"> A CONTENTED MAN </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MOUNTJOY, OR SOME PASSAGES OUT OF THE LIFE OF A CASTLE-BUILDER + </h2> + <p> + I was born among romantic scenery, in one of the wildest parts of the + Hudson, which at that time was not so thickly settled as at present. My + father was descended from one of the old Huguenot families that came over + to this country on the revocation of the edict of Nantz. He lived in a + style of easy, rural independence, on a patrimonial estate that had been + for two or three generations in the family. He was an indolent, + good-natured man, who took the world as it went, and had a kind of + laughing philosophy, that parried all rubs and mishaps, and served him in + the place of wisdom. This was the part of his character least to my taste; + for I was of an enthusiastic, excitable temperament, prone to kindle up + with new schemes and projects, and he was apt to dash my sallying + enthusiasm by some unlucky joke; so that whenever I was in a glow with any + sudden excitement, I stood in mortal dread of his good-humor. + </p> + <p> + Yet he indulged me in every vagary; for I was an only son, and of course a + personage of importance in the household. I had two sisters older than + myself, and one younger. The former were educated at New York, under the + eye of a maiden aunt; the latter remained at home, and was my cherished + playmate, the companion of my thoughts. We were two imaginative little + beings, of quick susceptibility, and prone to see wonders and mysteries in + everything around us. Scarce had we learned to read, when our mother made + us holiday presents of all the nursery literature of the day; which at + that time consisted of little books covered with gilt paper, adorned with + “cuts,” and filled with tales of fairies, giants, and enchanters. What + draughts of delightful fiction did we then inhale! My sister Sophy was of + a soft and tender nature. She would weep over the woes of the Children in + the Wood, or quake at the dark romance of Blue-Beard, and the terrible + mysteries of the blue chamber. But I was all for enterprise and adventure. + I burned to emulate the deeds of that heroic prince who delivered the + white cat from her enchantment; or he of no less royal blood, and doughty + enterprise, who broke the charmed slumber of the Beauty in the Wood! + </p> + <p> + The house in which we lived was just the kind of place to foster such + propensities. It was a venerable mansion, half villa, half farmhouse. The + oldest part was of stone, with loop-holes for musketry, having served as a + family fortress in the time of the Indians. To this there had been made + various additions, some of brick, some of wood, according to the + exigencies of the moment; so that it was full of nooks and crooks, and + chambers of all sorts and sizes. It was buried among willows, elms, and + cherry trees, and surrounded with roses and hollyhocks, with honeysuckle + and sweetbrier clambering about every window. A brood of hereditary + pigeons sunned themselves upon the roof; hereditary swallows and martins + built about the eaves and chimneys; and hereditary bees hummed about the + flower-beds. + </p> + <p> + Under the influence of our story-books every object around us now assumed + a new character, and a charmed interest. The wild flowers were no longer + the mere ornaments of the fields, or the resorts of the toilful bee; they + were the lurking-places of fairies. We would watch the humming-bird, as it + hovered around the trumpet creeper at our porch, and the butterfly as it + flitted up into the blue air, above the sunny tree-tops, and fancy them + some of the tiny beings from fairyland. I would call to mind all that I + had read of Robin Goodfellow and his power of transformation. Oh, how I + envied him that power! How I longed to be able to compress my form into + utter littleness; to ride the bold dragonfly; swing on the tall bearded + grass; follow the ant into his subterraneous habitation, or dive into the + cavernous depths of the honeysuckle! + </p> + <p> + While I was yet a mere child I was sent to a daily school, about two miles + distant. The schoolhouse was on the edge of a wood, close by a brook + overhung with birches, alders, and dwarf willows. We of the school who + lived at some distance came with our dinners put up in little baskets. In + the intervals of school hours we would gather round a spring, under a tuft + of hazel-bushes, and have a kind of picnic; interchanging the rustic + dainties with which our provident mothers had fitted us out. Then, when + our joyous repast was over, and my companions were disposed for play, I + would draw forth one of my cherished story-books, stretch myself on the + green sward, and soon lose myself in its bewitching contents. + </p> + <p> + I became an oracle among my schoolmates on account of my superior + erudition, and soon imparted to them the contagion of my infected fancy. + Often in the evening, after school hours, we would sit on the trunk of + some fallen tree in the woods, and vie with each other in telling + extravagant stories, until the whip-poor-will began his nightly moaning, + and the fireflies sparkled in the gloom. Then came the perilous journey + homeward. What delight we would take in getting up wanton panics in some + dusky part of the wood; scampering like frightened deer; pausing to take + breath; renewing the panic, and scampering off again, wild with fictitious + terror! + </p> + <p> + Our greatest trial was to pass a dark, lonely pool, covered with + pond-lilies, peopled with bullfrogs and water snakes, and haunted by two + white cranes. Oh! the terrors of that pond! How our little hearts would + beat as we approached it; what fearful glances we would throw around! And + if by chance a plash of a wild duck, or the guttural twang of a bullfrog, + struck our ears, as we stole quietly by—away we sped, nor paused + until completely out of the woods. Then, when I reached home, what a world + of adventures and imaginary terrors would I have to relate to my sister + Sophy! + </p> + <p> + As I advanced in years, this turn of mind increased upon me, and became + more confirmed. I abandoned myself to the impulses of a romantic + imagination, which controlled my studies, and gave a bias to all my + habits. My father observed me continually with a book in my hand, and + satisfied himself that I was a profound student; but what were my studies? + Works of fiction; tales of chivalry; voyages of discovery; travels in the + East; everything, in short, that partook of adventure and romance. I well + remember with what zest I entered upon that part of my studies which + treated of the heathen mythology, and particularly of the sylvan deities. + Then indeed my school books became dear to me. The neighborhood was well + calculated to foster the reveries of a mind like mine. It abounded with + solitary retreats, wild streams, solemn forests, and silent valleys. I + would ramble about for a whole day with a volume of Ovid’s Metamorphoses + in my pocket, and work myself into a kind of self-delusion, so as to + identify the surrounding scenes with those of which I had just been + reading. I would loiter about a brook that glided through the shadowy + depths of the forest, picturing it to myself the haunt of Naiads. I would + steal round some bushy copse that opened upon a glade, as if I expected to + come suddenly upon Diana and her nymphs, or to behold Pan and his satyrs + bounding, with whoop and halloo, through the woodland. I would throw + myself, during the panting heats of a summer noon, under the shade of some + wide-spreading tree, and muse and dream away the hours, in a state of + mental intoxication. I drank in the very light of day, as nectar, and my + soul seemed to bathe with ecstasy in the deep blue of a summer sky. + </p> + <p> + In these wanderings nothing occurred to jar my feelings, or bring me back + to the realities of life. There is a repose in our mighty forests that + gives full scope to the imagination. Now and then I would hear the distant + sound of the woodcutter’s ax, or the crash of some tree which he had laid + low; but these noises, echoing along the quiet landscape, could easily be + wrought by fancy into harmony with its illusions. In general, however, the + woody recesses of the neighborhood were peculiarly wild and unfrequented. + I could ramble for a whole day, without coming upon any traces of + cultivation. The partridge of the wood scarcely seemed to shun my path, + and the squirrel, from his nut-tree, would gaze at me for an instant, with + sparkling eye, as if wondering at the unwonted intrusion. + </p> + <p> + I cannot help dwelling on this delicious period of my life; when as yet I + had known no sorrow, nor experienced any worldly care. I have since + studied much, both of books and men, and of course have grown too wise to + be so easily pleased; yet with all my wisdom, I must confess I look back + with a secret feeling of regret to the days of happy ignorance before I + had begun to be a philosopher. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + It must be evident that I was in a hopeful training for one who was to + descend into the arena of life, and wrestle with the world. The tutor, + also, who superintended my studies in the more advanced stage of my + education, was just fitted to complete the <i>fata morgana</i> which was + forming in my mind. His name was Glencoe. He was a pale, + melancholy-looking man, about forty years of age; a native of Scotland, + liberally educated, and who had devoted himself to the instruction of + youth from taste rather than necessity; for, as he said, he loved the + human heart, and delighted to study it in its earlier impulses. My two + elder sisters, having returned home from a city boarding-school, were + likewise placed under his care, to direct their reading in history and + belles-lettres. + </p> + <p> + We all soon became attached to Glencoe. It is true, we were at first + somewhat prepossessed against him. His meager, pallid countenance, his + broad pronunciation, his inattention to the little forms of society, and + an awkward and embarrassed manner, on first acquaintance, were much + against him; but we soon discovered that under this unpromising exterior + existed the kindest urbanity of temper; the warmest sympathies; the most + enthusiastic benevolence. His mind was ingenious and acute. His reading + had been various, but more abstruse than profound; his memory was stored, + on all subjects, with facts, theories, and quotations, and crowded with + crude materials for thinking. These, in a moment of excitement, would be, + as it were, melted down, and poured forth in the lava of a heated + imagination. At such moments, the change in the whole man was wonderful. + His meager form would acquire a dignity and grace; his long, pale visage + would flash with a hectic glow; his eyes would beam with intense + speculation; and there would be pathetic tones and deep modulations in his + voice, that delighted the ear, and spoke movingly to the heart. + </p> + <p> + But what most endeared him to us was the kindness and sympathy with which + he entered into all our interests and wishes. Instead of curbing and + checking our young imaginations with the reins of sober reason, he was a + little too apt to catch the impulse and be hurried away with us. He could + not withstand the excitement of any sally of feeling or fancy, and was + prone to lend heightening tints to the illusive coloring of youthful + anticipation. + </p> + <p> + Under his guidance my sisters and myself soon entered upon a more extended + range of studies; but while they wandered, with delighted minds, through + the wide field of history and belles-lettres, a nobler walk was opened to + my superior intellect. + </p> + <p> + The mind of Glencoe presented a singular mixture of philosophy and poetry. + He was fond of metaphysics and prone to indulge in abstract speculations, + though his metaphysics were somewhat fine spun and fanciful, and his + speculations were apt to partake of what my father most irreverently + termed “humbug.” For my part, I delighted in them, and the more especially + because they set my father to sleep and completely confounded my sisters. + I entered with my accustomed eagerness into this new branch of study. + Metaphysics were now my passion. My sisters attempted to accompany me, but + they soon faltered, and gave out before they had got half way through + Smith’s Theory of the Moral Sentiments. I, however, went on, exulting in + my strength. Glencoe supplied me with books, and I devoured them with + appetite, if not digestion. We walked and talked together under the trees + before the house, or sat apart, like Milton’s angels, and held high + converse upon themes beyond the grasp of ordinary intellects. Glencoe + possessed a kind of philosophic chivalry, in imitation of the old + peripatetic sages, and was continually dreaming of romantic enterprises in + morals, and splendid systems for the improvement of society. He had a + fanciful mode of illustrating abstract subjects, peculiarly to my taste; + clothing them with the language of poetry, and throwing round them almost + the magic hues of fiction. “How charming,” thought I, “is divine + philosophy;” not harsh and crabbed, as dull fools suppose, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “But a perpetual feast of nectar’d sweets, + Where no crude surfeit reigns.” + </pre> + <p> + I felt a wonderful self-complacency at being on such excellent terms with + a man whom I considered on a parallel with the sages of antiquity, and + looked down with a sentiment of pity on the feebler intellects of my + sisters, who could comprehend nothing of metaphysics. It is true, when I + attempted to study them by myself, I was apt to get in a fog; but when + Glencoe came to my aid, everything was soon as clear to me as day. My ear + drank in the beauty of his words; my imagination was dazzled with the + splendor of his illustrations. It caught up the sparkling sands of poetry + that glittered through his speculations, and mistook them for the golden + ore of wisdom. Struck with the facility with which I seemed to imbibe and + relish the most abstract doctrines, I conceived a still higher opinion of + my mental powers, and was convinced that I also was a philosopher. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I was now verging toward man’s estate, and though my education had been + extremely irregular—following the caprices of my humor, which I + mistook for the impulses of my genius—yet I was regarded with wonder + and delight by my mother and sisters, who considered me almost as wise and + infallible as I considered myself. This high opinion of me was + strengthened by a declamatory habit, which made me an oracle and orator at + the domestic board. The time was now at hand, however, that was to put my + philosophy to the test. + </p> + <p> + We had passed through a long winter, and the spring at length opened upon + us with unusual sweetness. The soft serenity of the weather; the beauty of + the surrounding country; the joyous notes of the birds; the balmy breath + of flower and blossom, all combined to fill my bosom with indistinct + sensations, and nameless wishes. Amid the soft seductions of the season, I + lapsed into a state of utter indolence, both of body and mind. + </p> + <p> + Philosophy had lost its charms for me. Metaphysics—faugh! I tried to + study; took down volume after volume, ran my eye vacantly over a few + pages, and threw them by with distaste. I loitered about the house, with + my hands in my pockets, and an air of complete vacancy. Something was + necessary to make me happy; but what was that something? I sauntered to + the apartments of my sisters, hoping their conversation might amuse me. + They had walked out, and the room was vacant. On the table lay a volume + which they had been reading. It was a novel. I had never read a novel, + having conceived a contempt for works of the kind, from hearing them + universally condemned. It is true, I had remarked that they were as + universally read; but I considered them beneath the attention of a + philosopher, and never would venture to read them, lest I should lessen my + mental superiority in the eyes of my sisters. Nay, I had taken up a work + of the kind now and then, when I knew my sisters were observing me, looked + into it for a moment, and then laid it down, with a slight supercilious + smile. On the present occasion, out of mere listlessness, I took up the + volume and turned over a few of the first pages. I thought I heard some + one coming, and laid it down. I was mistaken; no one was near, and what I + had read tempted my curiosity to read a little further. I leaned against a + window-frame, and in a few minutes was completely lost in the story. How + long I stood there reading I know not, but I believe for nearly two hours. + Suddenly I heard my sisters on the stairs, when I thrust the book into my + bosom, and the two other volumes which lay near into my pockets, and + hurried out of the house to my beloved woods. Here I remained all day + beneath the trees, bewildered, bewitched, devouring the contents of these + delicious volumes, and only returned to the house when it was too dark to + peruse their pages. + </p> + <p> + This novel finished, I replaced it in my sisters’ apartment, and looked + for others. Their stock was ample, for they had brought home all that were + current in the city; but my appetite demanded an immense supply. All this + course of reading was carried on clandestinely, for I was a little ashamed + of it, and fearful that my wisdom might be called in question; but this + very privacy gave it additional zest. It was “bread eaten in secret”; it + had the charm of a private amour. + </p> + <p> + But think what must have been the effect of such a course of reading on a + youth of my temperament and turn of mind; indulged, too, amid romantic + scenery and in the romantic season of the year. It seemed as if I had + entered upon a new scene of existence. A train of combustible feelings + were lighted up in me, and my soul was all tenderness and passion. Never + was youth more completely love-sick, though as yet it was a mere general + sentiment, and wanted a definite object. Unfortunately, our neighborhood + was particularly deficient in female society, and I languished in vain for + some divinity to whom I might offer up this most uneasy burden of + affections. I was at one time seriously enamored of a lady whom I saw + occasionally in my rides, reading at the window of a country-seat; and + actually serenaded her with my flute; when, to my confusion, I discovered + that she was old enough to be my mother. It was a sad damper to my + romance; especially as my father heard of it, and made it the subject of + one of those household jokes which he was apt to serve up at every + meal-time. + </p> + <p> + I soon recovered from this check, however, but it was only to relapse into + a state of amorous excitement. I passed whole days in the fields, and + along the brooks; for there is something in the tender passion that makes + us alive to the beauties of nature. A soft sunshiny morning infused a sort + of rapture into my breast. I flung open my arms, like the Grecian youth in + Ovid, as if I would take in and embrace the balmy atmosphere. [Footnote: + Ovid’s Metamorphoses, Book vii] The song of the birds melted me to + tenderness. I would lie by the side of some rivulet for hours, and form + garlands of the flowers on its banks, and muse on ideal beauties, and sigh + from the crowd of undefined emotions that swelled my bosom. + </p> + <p> + In this state of amorous delirium, I was strolling one morning along a + beautiful wild brook, which I had discovered in a glen. There was one + place where a small waterfall, leaping from among rocks into a natural + basin, made a scene such as a poet might have chosen as the haunt of some + shy Naiad. It was here I usually retired to banquet on my novels. In + visiting the place this morning I traced distinctly, on the margin of the + basin, which was of fine clear sand, the prints of a female foot of the + most slender and delicate proportions. This was sufficient for an + imagination like mine. Robinson Crusoe himself, when he discovered the + print of a savage foot on the beach of his lonely island, could not have + been more suddenly assailed with thick-coming fancies. + </p> + <p> + I endeavored to track the steps, but they only passed for a few paces + along the fine sand, and then were lost among the herbage. I remained + gazing in reverie upon this passing trace of loveliness. It evidently was + not made by any of my sisters, for they knew nothing of this haunt; + besides, the foot was smaller than theirs; it was remarkable for its + beautiful delicacy. + </p> + <p> + My eye accidentally caught two or three half-withered wild flowers lying + on the ground. The unknown nymph had doubtless dropped them from her + bosom! Here was a new document of taste and sentiment. I treasured them up + as invaluable relics. The place, too, where I found them, was remarkably + picturesque, and the most beautiful part of the brook. It was overhung + with a fine elm, entwined with grapevines. She who could select such a + spot, who could delight in wild brooks, and wild flowers, and silent + solitudes, must have fancy, and feeling, and tenderness; and with all + these qualities, she must be beautiful! + </p> + <p> + But who could be this Unknown, that had thus passed by, as in a morning + dream, leaving merely flowers and fairy footsteps to tell of her + loveliness? There was a mystery in it that bewildered me. It was so vague + and disembodied, like those “airy tongues that syllable men’s names” in + solitude. Every attempt to solve the mystery was vain. I could hear of no + being in the neighborhood to whom this trace could be ascribed. I haunted + the spot, and became daily more and more enamored. Never, surely, was + passion more pure and spiritual, and never lover in more dubious + situation. My case could be compared only to that of the amorous prince in + the fairy tale of Cinderella; but he had a glass slipper on which to + lavish his tenderness. I, alas! was in love with a footstep! + </p> + <p> + The imagination is alternately a cheat and a dupe; nay, more, it is the + most subtle of cheats, for it cheats itself and becomes the dupe of its + own delusions. It conjures up “airy nothings,” gives to them a “local + habitation and a name,” and then bows to their control as implicitly as + though they were realities. Such was now my case. The good Numa could not + more thoroughly have persuaded himself that the nymph Egeria hovered about + her sacred fountain and communed with him in spirit than I had deceived + myself into a kind of visionary intercourse with the airy phantom + fabricated in my brain. I constructed a rustic seat at the foot of the + tree where I had discovered the footsteps. I made a kind of bower there, + where I used to pass my mornings reading poetry and romances. I carved + hearts and darts on the tree, and hung it with garlands. My heart was full + to overflowing, and wanted some faithful bosom into which it might relieve + itself. What is a lover without a confidante? I thought at once of my + sister Sophy, my early playmate, the sister of my affections. She was so + reasonable, too, and of such correct feelings, always listening to my + words as oracular sayings, and admiring my scraps of poetry as the very + inspirations of the muse. From such a devoted, such a rational being, what + secrets could I have? + </p> + <p> + I accordingly took her one morning to my favorite retreat. She looked + around, with delighted surprise, upon the rustic seat, the bower, the tree + carved with emblems of the tender passion. She turned her eyes upon me to + inquire the meaning. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Sophy,” exclaimed I, clasping both her hands in mine, and looking + earnestly in her face, “I am in love.” + </p> + <p> + She started with surprise. + </p> + <p> + “Sit down,” said I, “and I will tell you all.” + </p> + <p> + She seated herself upon the rustic bench, and I went into a full history + of the footstep, with all the associations of idea that had been conjured + up by my imagination. + </p> + <p> + Sophy was enchanted; it was like a fairy tale; she had read of such + mysterious visitations in books, and the loves thus conceived were always + for beings of superior order, and were always happy. She caught the + illusion in all its force; her cheek glowed; her eye brightened. + </p> + <p> + “I daresay she’s pretty,” said Sophy. + </p> + <p> + “Pretty!” echoed I, “she is beautiful.” I went through all the reasoning + by which I had logically proved the fact to my own satisfaction. I dwelt + upon the evidences of her taste, her sensibility to the beauties of + nature; her soft meditative habit that delighted in solitude. “Oh,” said + I, clasping my hands, “to have such a companion to wander through these + scenes; to sit with her by this murmuring stream; to wreathe garlands + round her brows; to hear the music of her voice mingling with the + whisperings of these groves; to—” + </p> + <p> + “Delightful! delightful!” cried Sophy; “what a sweet creature she must be! + She is just the friend I want. How I shall dote upon her! Oh, my dear + brother! you must not keep her all to yourself. You must let <i>me</i> + have some share of her!” + </p> + <p> + I caught her to my bosom: “You shall—you shall!” cried I, “my dear + Sophy; we will all live for each other!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The conversation with Sophy heightened the illusions of my mind; and the + manner in which she had treated my daydream identified it with facts and + persons and gave it still more the stamp of reality. I walked about as one + in a trance, heedless of the world around and lapped in an elysium of the + fancy. + </p> + <p> + In this mood I met one morning with Glencoe. He accosted me with his usual + smile, and was proceeding with some general observations, but paused and + fixed on me an inquiring eye. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter with you?” said he, “you seem agitated; has anything + in particular happened?” + </p> + <p> + “Nothing,” said I, hesitating; “at least nothing worth communicating to + you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, my dear young friend,” said he, “whatever is of sufficient + importance to agitate you is worthy of being communicated to me.” + </p> + <p> + “Well; but my thoughts are running on what you would think a frivolous + subject.” + </p> + <p> + “No subject is frivolous that has the power to awaken strong feelings.” + </p> + <p> + “What think you,” said I, hesitating, “what think you of love?” + </p> + <p> + Glencoe almost started at the question. “Do you call that a frivolous + subject?” replied he. “Believe me, there is none fraught with such deep, + such vital interest. If you talk, indeed, of the capricious inclination + awakened by the mere charm of perishable beauty, I grant it to be idle in + the extreme; but that love which springs from the concordant sympathies of + virtuous hearts; that love which is awakened by the perception of moral + excellence, and fed by meditation on intellectual as well as personal + beauty; that is a passion which refines and ennobles the human heart. Oh, + where is there a sight more nearly approaching to the intercourse of + angels, than that of two young beings, free from the sins and follies of + the world, mingling pure thoughts, and looks, and feelings, and becoming, + as it were, soul of one soul and heart of one heart! How exquisite the + silent converse that they hold; the soft devotion of the eye, that needs + no words to make it eloquent! Yes, my friend, if there be anything in this + weary world worthy of heaven, it is the pure bliss of such a mutual + affection!” + </p> + <p> + The words of my worthy tutor overcame all further reserve. “Mr. Glencoe,” + cried I, blushing still deeper, “I am in love.” + </p> + <p> + “And is that what you were ashamed to tell me? Oh, never seek to conceal + from your friend so important a secret. If your passion be unworthy, it is + for the steady hand of friendship to pluck it forth; if honorable, none + but an enemy would seek to stifle it. On nothing does the character and + happiness so much depend as on the first affection of the heart. Were you + caught by some fleeting and superficial charm—a bright eye, a + blooming cheek, a soft voice, or a voluptuous form—I would warn you + to beware; I would tell you that beauty is but a passing gleam of the + morning, a perishable flower; that accident may becloud and blight it, and + that at best it must soon pass away. But were you in love with such a one + as I could describe; young in years, but still younger in feelings; lovely + in person, but as a type of the mind’s beauty; soft in voice, in token of + gentleness of spirit; blooming in countenance, like the rosy tints of + morning kindling with the promise of a genial day; an eye beaming with the + benignity of a happy heart; a cheerful temper, alive to all kind impulses, + and frankly diffusing its own felicity; a self-poised mind, that needs not + lean on others for support; an elegant taste, that can embellish solitude, + and furnish out its own enjoyments—” + </p> + <p> + “My dear sir,” cried I, for I could contain myself no longer, “you have + described the very person!” + </p> + <p> + “Why, then, my dear young friend,” said he, affectionately pressing my + hand, “in God’s name, love on!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + For the remainder of the day I was in some such state of dreamy beatitude + as a Turk is said to enjoy when under the influence of opium. It must be + already manifest how prone I was to bewilder myself with picturings of the + fancy, so as to confound them with existing realities. In the present + instance, Sophy and Glencoe had contributed to promote the transient + delusion. Sophy, dear girl, had as usual joined with me in my + castle-building, and indulged in the same train of imaginings, while + Glencoe, duped by my enthusiasm, firmly believed that I spoke of a being I + had seen and known. By their sympathy with my feelings they in a manner + became associated with the Unknown in my mind, and thus linked her with + the circle of my intimacy. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, our family party was assembled in the hall, to enjoy the + refreshing breeze. Sophy was playing some favorite Scotch airs on the + piano, while Glencoe, seated apart, with his forehead resting on his hand, + was buried in one of those pensive reveries that made him so interesting + to me. + </p> + <p> + “What a fortunate being I am!” thought I, “blessed with such a sister and + such a friend! I have only to find out this amiable Unknown, to wed her, + and be happy! What a paradise will be my home, graced with a partner of + such exquisite refinement! It will be a perfect fairy bower, buried among + sweets and roses. Sophy shall live with us, and be the companion of all + our enjoyments. Glencoe, too, shall no more be the solitary being that he + now appears. He shall have a home with us. He shall have his study, where, + when he pleases, he may shut himself up from the world, and bury himself + in his own reflections. His retreat shall be sacred; no one shall intrude + there; no one but myself, who will visit him now and then, in his + seclusion, where we will devise grand schemes together for the improvement + of mankind. How delightfully our days will pass, in a round of rational + pleasures and elegant employments! Sometimes we will have music; sometimes + we will read; sometimes we will wander through the flower garden, when I + will smile with complacency on every flower my wife has planted; while in + the long winter evenings the ladies will sit at their work, and listen + with hushed attention to Glencoe and myself, as we discuss the abstruse + doctrines of metaphysics.” + </p> + <p> + From this delectable reverie, I was startled by my father’s slapping me on + the shoulder. “What possesses the lad?” cried he; “here have I been + speaking to you half a dozen times, without receiving an answer.” + </p> + <p> + “Pardon me, sir,” replied I; “I was so completely lost in thought, that I + did not hear you.” + </p> + <p> + “Lost in thought! And pray what were you thinking of? Some of your + philosophy, I suppose.” + </p> + <p> + “Upon my word,” said my sister Charlotte, with an arch laugh, “I suspect + Harry’s in love again.” + </p> + <p> + “And if were in love, Charlotte,” said I, somewhat nettled, and + recollecting Glencoe’s enthusiastic eulogy of the passion, “if I were in + love, is that a matter of jest and laughter? Is the tenderest and most + fervid affection that can animate the human breast to be made a matter of + cold-hearted ridicule?” + </p> + <p> + My sister colored. “Certainly not, brother!—nor did I mean to make + it so, or to say anything that should wound your feelings. Had I really + suspected you had formed some genuine attachment, it would have been + sacred in my eyes; but—but,” said she, smiling, as if at some + whimsical recollection, “I thought that you—you might be indulging + in another little freak of the imagination.” + </p> + <p> + “Ill wager any money,” cried my father, “he has fallen in love again with + some old lady at a window!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no!” cried my dear sister Sophy, with the most gracious warmth; “she + is young and beautiful.” + </p> + <p> + “From what I understand,” said Glencoe, rousing himself, “she must be + lovely in mind as in person.” + </p> + <p> + I found my friends were getting me into a fine scrape. I began to perspire + at every pore, and felt my ears tingle. + </p> + <p> + “Well, but,” cried my father, “who is she?—what is she? Let us hear + something about her.” + </p> + <p> + This was no time to explain so delicate a matter. I caught up my hat, and + vanished out of the house. + </p> + <p> + The moment I was in the open air, and alone, my heart upbraided me. Was + this respectful treatment to my father—to <i>such</i> a father, too—who + had always regarded me as the pride of his age—the staff of his + hopes? It is true, he was apt sometimes to laugh at my enthusiastic + flights, and did not treat my philosophy with due respect; but when had he + ever thwarted a wish of my heart? Was I then to act with reserve toward + him, in a matter which might affect the whole current of my future life? + “I have done wrong,” thought I; “but it is not too late to remedy it. I + will hasten back and open my whole heart to my father!” + </p> + <p> + I returned accordingly, and was just on the point of entering the house, + with my heart full of filial piety and a contrite speech upon my lips, + when I heard a burst of obstreperous laughter from my father, and a loud + titter from my two elder sisters. + </p> + <p> + “A footstep!” shouted he, as soon as he could recover himself; “in love + with a footstep! Why, this beats the old lady at the window!” And then + there was another appalling burst of laughter. Had it been a clap of + thunder, it could hardly have astounded me more completely. Sophy, in the + simplicity of her heart, had told all, and had set my father’s risible + propensities in full action. + </p> + <p> + Never was poor mortal so thoroughly crestfallen as myself. The whole + delusion was at an end. I drew off silently from the house, shrinking + smaller and smaller at every fresh peal of laughter; and, wandering about + until the family had retired, stole quietly to my bed. Scarce any sleep, + however, visited my eyes that night! I lay overwhelmed with mortification, + and meditating how I might meet the family in the morning. The idea of + ridicule was always intolerable to me; but to endure it on a subject by + which my feelings had been so much excited seemed worse than death. I + almost determined, at one time, to get up, saddle my horse, and ride off, + I knew not whither. + </p> + <p> + At length I came to a resolution. Before going down to breakfast, I sent + for Sophy, and employed her as embassador to treat formally in the matter. + I insisted that the subject should be buried in oblivion; otherwise I + would not show my face at table. It was readily agreed to; for not one of + the family would have given me pain for the world. They faithfully kept + their promise. Not a word was said of the matter; but there were wry + faces, and suppressed titters, that went to my soul; and whenever my + father looked me in the face, it was with such a tragi-comical leer—such + an attempt to pull down a serious brow upon a whimsical mouth—that I + had a thousand times rather he had laughed outright. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + For a day or two after the mortifying occurrence just related, I kept as + much as possible out of the way of the family, and wandered about the + fields and woods by myself. I was sadly out of tune; my feelings were all + jarred and unstrung. The birds sang from every grove, but I took no + pleasure in their melody; and the flowers of the field bloomed unheeded + around me. To be crossed in love is bad enough; but then one can fly to + poetry for relief, and turn one’s woes to account in soul-subduing + stanzas. But to have one’s whole passion, object and all, annihilated, + dispelled, proved to be such stuff as dreams are made of—or, worse + than all, to be turned into a proverb and a jest—what consolation is + there in such a case? + </p> + <p> + I avoided the fatal brook where I had seen the footstep. My favorite + resort was now the banks of the Hudson, where I sat upon the rocks and + mused upon the current that dimpled by, or the waves that laved the shore; + or watched the bright mutations of the clouds, and the shifting lights and + shadows of the distant mountain. By degrees a returning serenity stole + over my feelings; and a sigh now and then, gentle and easy, and unattended + by pain, showed that my heart was recovering its susceptibility. + </p> + <p> + As I was sitting in this musing mood my eye became gradually fixed upon an + object that was borne along by the tide. It proved to be a little pinnace, + beautifully modeled, and gayly painted and decorated. It was an unusual + sight in this neighborhood, which was rather lonely; indeed, it was rare + to see any pleasure-barks in this part of the river. As it drew nearer, I + perceived that there was no one on board; it had apparently drifted from + its anchorage. There was not a breath of air; the little bark came + floating along on the glassy stream, wheeling about with the eddies. At + length it ran aground, almost at the foot of the rock on which I was + seated. I descended to the margin of the river, and drawing the bark to + shore, admired its light and elegant proportions and the taste with which + it was fitted up. The benches were covered with cushions, and its long + streamer was of silk. On one of the cushion’s lay a lady’s glove, of + delicate size and shape, with beautifully tapered fingers. I instantly + seized it and thrust it in my bosom; it seemed a match for the fairy + footstep that had so fascinated me. + </p> + <p> + In a moment all the romance of my bosom was again in a glow. Here was one + of the very incidents of fairy tale; a bark sent by some invisible power, + some good genius, or benevolent fairy, to waft me to some delectable + adventure. I recollected something of an enchanted bark, drawn by white + swans, that conveyed a knight down the current of the Rhine, on some + enterprise connected with love and beauty. The glove, too, showed that + there was a lady fair concerned in the present adventure. It might be a + gauntlet of defiance, to dare me to the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + In the spirit of romance and the whim of the moment, I sprang on board, + hoisted the light sail, and pushed from shore. As if breathed by some + presiding power, a light breeze at that moment sprang up, swelled out the + sail, and dallied with the silken streamer. For a time I glided along + under steep umbrageous banks, or across deep sequestered bays; and then + stood out over a wide expansion of the river toward a high rocky + promontory. It was a lovely evening; the sun was setting in a congregation + of clouds that threw the whole heavens in a glow, and were reflected in + the river. I delighted myself with all kinds of fantastic fancies, as to + what enchanted island, or mystic bower, or necromantic palace, I was to be + conveyed by the fairy bark. + </p> + <p> + In the revel of my fancy I had not noticed that the gorgeous congregation + of clouds which had so much delighted me was in fact a gathering thunder + gust. I perceived the truth too late. The clouds came hurrying on, + darkening as they advanced. The whole face of nature was suddenly changed, + and assumed that baleful and livid tint, predictive of a storm. I tried to + gain the shore, but before I could reach it a blast of wind struck the + water and lashed it at once into foam. The next moment it overtook the + boat. Alas! I was nothing of a sailor; and my protecting fairy forsook me + in the moment of peril. I endeavored to lower the sail; but in so doing I + had to quit the helm; the bark was overturned in an instant, and I was + thrown into the water. I endeavored to cling to the wreck, but missed my + hold; being a poor swimmer I soon found myself sinking, but grasped a + light oar that was floating by me. It was not sufficient for my support; I + again sank beneath the surface; there was a rushing and bubbling sound in + my ears, and all sense forsook me. + </p> + <p> + How long I remained insensible, I know not. I had a confused notion of + being moved and tossed about, and of hearing strange beings and strange + voices around me; but all this was like a hideous dream. When I at length + recovered full consciousness and perception, I found myself in bed in a + spacious chamber, furnished with more taste than I had been accustomed to. + The bright rays of a morning sun were intercepted by curtains of a + delicate rose color, that gave a soft, voluptuous tinge to every object. + Not far from my bed, on a classic tripod, was a basket of beautiful exotic + flowers, breathing the sweetest fragrance. + </p> + <p> + “Where am I? How came I here?” + </p> + <p> + I tasked my mind to catch at some previous event, from which I might trace + up the thread of existence to the present moment. By degrees I called to + mind the fairy pinnace, my daring embarkation, my adventurous voyage, and + my disastrous shipwreck. Beyond that, all was chaos. How came I here? What + unknown region had I landed upon? The people that inhabited it must be + gentle and amiable, and of elegant tastes, for they loved downy beds, + fragrant flowers, and rose-colored curtains. + </p> + <p> + While I lay thus musing, the tones of a harp reached my ear. Presently + they were accompanied by a female voice. It came from the room below; but + in the profound stillness of my chamber not a modulation was lost. My + sisters were all considered good musicians, and sang very tolerably; but I + had never heard a voice like this. There was no attempt at difficult + execution, or striking effect; but there were exquisite inflections, and + tender turns, which art could not reach. Nothing but feeling and sentiment + could produce them. It was soul breathed forth in sound. I was always + alive to the influence of music; indeed, I was susceptible of voluptuous + influences of every kind—sounds, colors, shapes, and fragrant odors. + I was the very slave of sensation. + </p> + <p> + I lay mute and breathless, and drank in every note of this siren strain. + It thrilled through my whole frame, and filled my soul with melody and + love. I pictured to myself, with curious logic, the form of the unseen + musician. Such melodious sounds and exquisite inflections could only be + produced by organs of the most delicate flexibility. Such organs do not + belong to coarse, vulgar forms; they are the harmonious results of fair + proportions, and admirable symmetry. A being so organized must be lovely. + </p> + <p> + Again my busy imagination was at work. I called to mind the Arabian story + of a prince, borne away during sleep by a good genius, to the distant + abode of a princess of ravishing beauty. I do not pretend to say that I + believed in having experienced a similar transportation; but it was my + inveterate habit to cheat myself with fancies of the kind, and to give the + tinge of illusion to surrounding realities. + </p> + <p> + The witching sound had ceased, but its vibrations still played round my + heart, and filled it with a tumult of soft emotions. At this moment, a + self-upbraiding pang shot through my bosom. “Ah, recreant!” a voice seemed + to exclaim, “is this the stability of thine affections? What! hast thou so + soon forgotten the nymph of the fountain? Has one song, idly piped in + thine ear, been sufficient to charm away the cherished tenderness of a + whole summer?” + </p> + <p> + The wise may smile—but I am in a confiding mood, and must confess my + weakness. I felt a degree of compunction at this sudden infidelity, yet I + could not resist the power of present fascination. My peace of mind was + destroyed by conflicting claims. The nymph of the fountain came over my + memory, with all the associations of fairy footsteps, shady groves, soft + echoes, and wild streamlets; but this new passion was produced by a strain + of soul-subduing melody, still lingering in my ear, aided by a downy bed, + fragrant flowers, and rose-colored curtains. “Unhappy youth!” sighed I to + myself, “distracted by such rival passions, and the empire of thy heart + thus violently contested by the sound of a voice, and the print of a + footstep!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I had not remained long in this mood, when I heard the door of the room + gently opened. I turned my head to see what inhabitant of this enchanted + palace should appear; whether page in green, a hideous dwarf, or haggard + fairy. It was my own man Scipio. He advanced with cautious step, and was + delighted, as he said, to find me so much myself again. My first questions + were as to where I was and how I came there? Scipio told me a long story + of his having been fishing in a canoe at the time of my hare-brained + cruise; of his noticing the gathering squall, and my impending danger; of + his hastening to join me, but arriving just in time to snatch me from a + watery grave; of the great difficulty in restoring me to animation; and of + my being subsequently conveyed, in a state of insensibility, to this + mansion. + </p> + <p> + “But where am I?” was the reiterated demand. + </p> + <p> + “In the house of Mr. Somerville.” + </p> + <p> + “Somerville—Somerville!” I recollected to have heard that a + gentleman of that name had recently taken up his residence at some + distance from my father’s abode, on the opposite side of the Hudson. He + was commonly known by the name of “French Somerville,” from having passed + part of his early life in France, and from his exhibiting traces of French + taste in his mode of living, and the arrangements of his house. In fact, + it was in his pleasure-boat, which had got adrift, that I had made my + fanciful and disastrous cruise. All this was simple, straightforward + matter of fact, and threatened to demolish all the cobweb romance I had + been spinning, when fortunately I again heard the tinkling of a harp. I + raised myself in bed and listened. + </p> + <p> + “Scipio,” said I, with some little hesitation, “I heard some one singing + just now. Who was it?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, that was Miss Julia.” + </p> + <p> + “Julia! Julia! Delightful! what a name! And, Scipio—is she—is + she pretty?” + </p> + <p> + Scipio grinned from ear to ear. “Except Miss Sophy, she was the most + beautiful young lady he had ever seen.” + </p> + <p> + I should observe, that my sister Sophia was considered by all the servants + a paragon of perfection. + </p> + <p> + Scipio now offered to remove the basket of flowers; he was afraid their + odor might be too powerful; but Miss Julia had given them that morning to + be placed in my room. + </p> + <p> + These flowers, then, had been gathered by the fairy fingers of my unseen + beauty; that sweet breath which had filled my ear with melody had passed + over them. I made Scipio hand them to me, culled several of the most + delicate, and laid them on my bosom. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville paid me a visit not long afterward. He was an interesting + study for me, for he was the father of my unseen beauty, and probably + resembled her. I scanned him closely. He was a tall and elegant man, with + an open, affable manner, and an erect and graceful carriage. His eyes were + bluish-gray, and, though not dark, yet at times were sparkling and + expressive. His hair was dressed and powdered, and being lightly combed up + from his forehead, added to the loftiness of his aspect. He was fluent in + discourse, but his conversation had the quiet tone of polished society, + without any of those bold flights of thought, and picturings of fancy, + which I so much admired. + </p> + <p> + My imagination was a little puzzled, at first, to make out of this + assemblage of personal and mental qualities a picture that should + harmonize with my previous idea of the fair unseen. By dint, however, of + selecting what it liked, and giving a touch here and a touch there, it + soon furnished out a satisfactory portrait. + </p> + <p> + “Julia must be tall,” thought I, “and of exquisite grace and dignity. She + is not quite so courtly as her father, for she has been brought up in the + retirement of the country. Neither is she of such vivacious deportment; + for the tones of her voice are soft and plaintive, and she loves pathetic + music. She is rather pensive—yet not too pensive; just what is + called interesting. Her eyes are like her father’s, except that they are + of a purer blue, and more tender and languishing. She has light hair—not + exactly flaxen, for I do not like flaxen hair, but between that and + auburn. In a word, she is a tall, elegant, imposing, languishing + blue-eyed, romantic-looking beauty.” And having thus finished her picture, + I felt ten times more in love with her than ever. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I felt so much recovered that I would at once have left my room, but Mr. + Somerville objected to it. He had sent early word to my family of my + safety; and my father arrived in the course of the morning. He was shocked + at learning the risk I had run, but rejoiced to find me so much restored, + and was warm in his thanks to Mr. Somerville for his kindness. The other + only required, in return, that I might remain two or three days as his + guest, to give time for my recovery, and for our forming a closer + acquaintance; a request which my father readily granted. Scipio + accordingly accompanied my father home, and returned with a supply of + clothes, and with affectionate letters from my mother and sisters. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, aided by Scipio, I made my toilet with rather more care + than usual, and descended the stairs with some trepidation, eager to see + the original of the portrait which had been so completely pictured in my + imagination. + </p> + <p> + On entering the parlor, I found it deserted. Like the rest of the house, + it was furnished in a foreign style. The curtains were of French silk; + there were Grecian couches, marble tables, pier-glasses, and chandeliers. + What chiefly attracted my eye, were documents of female taste that I saw + around me; a piano, with an ample stock of Italian music: a book of poetry + lying on the sofa; a vase of fresh flowers on a table, and a portfolio + open with a skillful and half-finished sketch of them. In the window was a + canary bird, in a gilt cage, and near by, the harp that had been in + Julia’s arms. Happy harp! But where was the being that reigned in this + little empire of delicacies?—that breathed poetry and song, and + dwelt among birds and flowers, and rose-colored curtains? + </p> + <p> + Suddenly I heard the hall door fly open, the quick pattering of light + steps, a wild, capricious strain of music, and the shrill barking of a + dog. A light, frolic nymph of fifteen came tripping into the room, playing + on a flageolet, with a little spaniel romping after her. Her gypsy hat had + fallen back upon her shoulders; a profusion of glossy brown hair was blown + in rich ringlets about her face, which beamed through them with the + brightness of smiles and dimples. + </p> + <p> + At sight of me she stopped short, in the most beautiful confusion, + stammered out a word or two about looking for her father, glided out of + the door, and I heard her bounding up the staircase, like a frightened + fawn, with the little dog barking after her. + </p> + <p> + When Miss Somerville returned to the parlor, she was quite a different + being. She entered, stealing along by her mother’s side with noiseless + step, and sweet timidity; her hair was prettily adjusted, and a soft blush + mantled on her damask cheek. Mr. Somerville accompanied the ladies, and + introduced me regularly to them. There were many kind inquiries and much + sympathy expressed, on the subject of my nautical accident, and some + remarks upon the wild scenery of the neighborhood, with which the ladies + seemed perfectly acquainted. + </p> + <p> + “You must know,” said Mr. Somerville, “that we are great navigators, and + delight in exploring every nook and corner of the river. My daughter, too, + is a great hunter of the picturesque, and transfers every rock and glen to + her portfolio. By the way, my dear, show Mr. Mountjoy that pretty scene + you have lately sketched.” Julia complied, blushing, and drew from her + portfolio a colored sketch. I almost started at the sight. It was my + favorite brook. A sudden thought darted across my mind. I glanced down my + eye, and beheld the divinest little foot in the world. Oh, blissful + conviction! The struggle of my affections was at an end. The voice and the + footstep were no longer at variance. Julia Somerville was the nymph of the + fountain! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + What conversation passed during breakfast I do not recollect, and hardly + was conscious of at the time, for my thoughts were in complete confusion. + I wished to gaze on Miss Somerville, but did not dare. Once, indeed, I + ventured a glance. She was at that moment darting a similar one from under + a covert of ringlets. Our eyes seemed shocked by the rencontre, and fell; + hers through the natural modesty of her sex, mine through a bashfulness + produced by the previous workings of my imagination. That glance, however, + went like a sunbeam to my heart. + </p> + <p> + A convenient mirror favored my diffidence, and gave me the reflection of + Miss Somerville’s form. It is true it only presented the back of her head, + but she had the merit of an ancient statue; contemplate her from any point + of view, she was beautiful. And yet she was totally different from + everything I had before conceived of beauty. She was not the serene, + meditative maid that I had pictured the nymph of the fountain; nor the + tall, soft, languishing, blue-eyed, dignified being that I had fancied the + minstrel of the harp. There was nothing of dignity about her: she was + girlish in her appearance, and scarcely of the middle size; but then there + was the tenderness of budding youth; the sweetness of the half-blown rose, + when not a tint of perfume has been withered or exhaled; there were smiles + and dimples, and all the soft witcheries of ever-varying expression. I + wondered that I could ever have admired any other style of beauty. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast, Mr. Somerville departed to attend to the concerns of his + estate, and gave me in charge of the ladies. Mrs. Somerville also was + called away by her household cares, and I was left alone with Julia! Here, + then, was the situation which of all others I had most coveted. I was in + the presence of the lovely being that had so long been the desire of my + heart. We were alone; propitious opportunity for a lover! Did I seize upon + it? Did I break out in one of my accustomed rhapsodies? No such thing! + Never was being more awkwardly embarrassed. + </p> + <p> + “What can be the cause of this?” thought I. “Surely, I cannot stand in awe + of this young girl. I am of course her superior in intellect, and am never + embarrassed in company with my tutor, notwithstanding all his wisdom.” + </p> + <p> + It was passing strange. I felt that if she were an old woman, I should be + quite at my ease; if she were even an ugly woman, I should make out very + well: it was her beauty that overpowered me. How little do lovely women + know what awful beings they are, in the eyes of inexperienced youth! Young + men brought up in the fashionable circles of our cities will smile at all + this. Accustomed to mingle incessantly in female society, and to have the + romance of the heart deadened by a thousand frivolous flirtations, women + are nothing but women in their eyes; but to a susceptible youth like + myself, brought up in the country, they are perfect divinities. + </p> + <p> + Miss Somerville was at first a little embarrassed herself; but, somehow or + other, women have a natural adroitness in recovering their + self-possession; they are more alert in their minds, and graceful in their + manners. Besides, I was but an ordinary personage in Miss Somerville’s + eyes; she was not under Hie influence of such a singular course of + imaginings as had surrounded her, in my eyes, with the illusions of + romance. Perhaps, too, she saw the confusion in the opposite camp and + gained courage from the discovery. At any rate she was the first to take + the field. + </p> + <p> + Her conversation, however, was only on commonplace topics, and in an easy, + well-bred style. I endeavored to respond in the same manner; but I was + strangely incompetent to the task. My ideas were frozen up; even words + seemed to fail me. I was excessively vexed at myself, for I wished to be + uncommonly elegant. I tried two or three times to turn a pretty thought, + or to utter a fine sentiment; but it would come forth so trite, so forced, + so mawkish, that I was ashamed of it. My very voice sounded discordantly, + though I sought to modulate it into the softest tones. “The truth is,” + thought I to myself, “I cannot bring my mind down to the small talk + necessary for young girls; it is too masculine and robust for the mincing + measure of parlor gossip. I am a philosopher—and that accounts for + it.” + </p> + <p> + The entrance of Mrs. Somerville at length gave me relief. I at once + breathed freely, and felt a vast deal of confidence come over me. “This is + strange,” thought I, “that the appearance of another woman should revive + my courage; that I should be a better match for two women than one. + However, since it is so, I will take advantage of the circumstance, and + let this young lady see that I am not so great a simpleton as she probably + thinks me.” + </p> + <p> + I accordingly took up the book of poetry which lay upon the sofa. It was + Milton’s Paradise Lost. Nothing could have been more fortunate; it + afforded a fine scope for my favorite vein of grandiloquence. I went + largely into a discussion of its merits, or rather an enthusiastic eulogy + of them. My observations were addressed to Mrs. Somerville, for I found I + could talk to her with more ease than to her daughter. She appeared alive + to the beauties of the poet and disposed to meet me in the discussion; but + it was not my object to hear her talk; it was to talk myself. I + anticipated all she had to say, overpowered her with the copiousness of my + ideas, and supported and illustrated them by long citations from the + author. + </p> + <p> + While thus holding forth, I cast a side glance to see how Miss Somerville + was affected. She had some embroidery stretched on a frame before her, but + had paused in her labor, and was looking down as if lost in mute + attention. I felt a glow of self-satisfaction, but I recollected, at the + same time, with a kind of pique, the advantage she had enjoyed over me in + our tete-a-tete. I determined to push my triumph, and accordingly kept on + with redoubled ardor, until I had fairly exhausted my subject, or rather + my thoughts. + </p> + <p> + I had scarce come to a full stop, when Miss Somerville raised her eyes + from the work on which they had been fixed, and turning to her mother, + observed: “I have been considering, mamma, whether to work these flowers + plain, or in colors.” + </p> + <p> + Had an ice-bolt shot to my heart, it could not have chilled me more + effectually. “What a fool,” thought I, “have I been making myself—squandering + away fine thoughts, and fine language, upon a light mind and an ignorant + ear! This girl knows nothing of poetry. She has no soul, I fear, for its + beauties. Can any one have real sensibility of heart, and not be alive to + poetry? However, she is young; this part of her education has been + neglected; there is time enough to remedy it. I will be her preceptor. I + will kindle in her mind the sacred flame, and lead her through the fairy + land of song. But after all, it is rather unfortunate that I should have + fallen in love with a woman who knows nothing of poetry.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I passed a day not altogether satisfactory. I was a little disappointed + that Miss Somerville did not show more poetical feeling. “I am afraid, + after all,” said I to myself, “she is light and girlish, and more fitted + to pluck wild flowers, play on the flageolet, and romp with little dogs + than to converse with a man of my turn.” + </p> + <p> + I believe, however, to tell the truth, I was more out of humor with + myself. I thought I had made the worst first appearance that ever hero + made, either in novel or fairy tale. I was out of all patience, when I + called to mind my awkward attempts at ease and elegance, in the + tete-a-tete. And then my intolerable long lecture about poetry to catch + the applause of a heedless auditor! But there I was not to blame. I had + certainly been eloquent: it was her fault that the eloquence was wasted. + To meditate upon the embroidery of a flower, when I was expatiating on the + beauties of Milton! She might at least have admired the poetry, if she did + not relish the manner in which it was delivered: though that was not + despicable, for I had recited passages in my best style, which my mother + and sisters had always considered equal to a play. “Oh, it is evident,” + thought I, “Miss Somerville has very little soul!” + </p> + <p> + Such were my fancies and cogitations during the day, the greater part of + which was spent in my chamber, for I was still languid. My evening was + passed in the drawing-room, where I overlooked Miss Somerville’s portfolio + of sketches. They were executed with great taste, and showed a nice + observation of the peculiarities of nature. They were all her own, and + free from those cunning tints and touches of the drawing-master, by which + young ladies’ drawings, like their heads, are dressed up for company. + There was no garish and vulgar trick of colors, either; all was executed + with singular truth and simplicity. + </p> + <p> + “And yet,” thought I, “this little being, who has so pure an eye to take + in, as in a limpid brook, all the graceful forms and magic tints of + nature, has no soul for poetry!” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville, toward the latter part of the evening, observing my eye to + wander occasionally to the harp, interpreted and met my wishes with his + accustomed civility. + </p> + <p> + “Julia, my dear,” said he, “Mr. Mountjoy would like to hear a little music + from your harp; let us hear, too, the sound of your voice.” + </p> + <p> + Julia immediately complied, without any of that hesitation and difficulty, + by which young ladies are apt to make company pay dear for bad music. She + sang a sprightly strain, in a brilliant style, that came trilling + playfully over the ear; and the bright eye and dimpling smile showed that + her little heart danced with the song. Her pet canary bird, who hung close + by, was awakened by the music, and burst forth into an emulating strain. + Julia smiled with a pretty air of defiance, and played louder. + </p> + <p> + After some time the music changed, and ran into a plaintive strain, in a + minor key. Then it was that all the former witchery of her voice came over + me; then it was that she seemed to sing from the heart and to the heart. + Her fingers moved about the chords as if they scarcely touched them. Her + whole manner and appearance changed; her eyes beamed with the softest + expression; her countenance, her frame, all seemed subdued into + tenderness. She rose from the harp, leaving it still vibrating with sweet + sounds, and moved toward her father, to bid him good-night. + </p> + <p> + His eyes had been fixed on her intently during her performance. As she + came before him he parted her shining ringlets with both his hands, and + looked down with the fondness of a father on her innocent face. The music + seemed still lingering in its lineaments, and the action of her father + brought a moist gleam in her eye. He kissed her fair forehead, after the + French mode of parental caressing: “Goodnight, and God bless you,” said + he, “my good little girl!” + </p> + <p> + Julia tripped away, with a tear in her eye, a dimple in her cheek, and a + light heart in her bosom. I thought it the prettiest picture of paternal + and filial affection I had ever seen. + </p> + <p> + When I retired to bed, a new train of thoughts crowded into my brain. + “After all,” said I to myself, “it is clear this girl has a soul, though + she was not moved by my eloquence. She has all the outward signs and + evidences of poetic feeling. She paints well, and has an eye for nature. + She is a fine musician, and enters into the very soul of song. What a pity + that she knows nothing of poetry! But we will see what is to be done? I am + irretrievably in love with her; what then am I to do? Come down to the + level of her mind, or endeavor to raise her to some kind of intellectual + equality with myself? That is the most generous course. She will look up + to me as a benefactor. I shall become associated in her mind with the + lofty thoughts and harmonious graces of poetry. She is apparently docile: + besides the difference of our ages will give me an ascendency over her. + She cannot be above sixteen years of age, and I am full turned to twenty.” + So, having built this most delectable of air castles, I fell asleep. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The next morning I was quite a different being. I no longer felt fearful + of stealing a glance at Julia; on the contrary, I contemplated her + steadily, with the benignant eye of a benefactor. Shortly after breakfast + I found myself alone with her, as I had on the preceding morning; but I + felt nothing of the awkwardness of our previous tete-a-tete. I was + elevated by the consciousness of my intellectual superiority and should + almost have felt a sentiment of pity for the ignorance of the lovely + little being, if I had not felt also the assurance that I should be able + to dispel it. “But it is time,” thought I, “to open school.” + </p> + <p> + Julia was occupied in arranging some music on her piano. I looked over two + or three songs; they were Moore’s Irish melodies. + </p> + <p> + “These are pretty things!” said I, flirting the leaves over lightly, and + giving a slight shrug, by way of qualifying the opinion. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I love them of all things,” said Julia, “they’re so touching!” + </p> + <p> + “Then you like them for the poetry,” said I, with an encouraging smile. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes; she thought them charmingly written.” + </p> + <p> + Now was my time. “Poetry,” said I, assuming a didactic attitude and air, + “poetry is one of the most pleasing studies that can occupy a youthful + mind. It renders us susceptible of the gentle impulses of humanity, and + cherishes a delicate perception of all that is virtuous and elevated in + morals, and graceful and beautiful in physics. It—” + </p> + <p> + I was going on in a style that would have graced a professor of rhetoric, + when I saw a light smile playing about Miss Somerville’s mouth, and that + she began to turn over the leaves of a music-book. I recollected her + inattention to my discourse of the preceding morning. “There is no fixing + her light mind,” thought I, “by abstract theory; we will proceed + practically.” As it happened, the identical volume of Milton’s Paradise + Lost was lying at hand. + </p> + <p> + “Let me recommend to you, my young friend,” said I, in one of those tones + of persuasive admonition, which I had so often loved in Glencoe, “let me + recommend to you this admirable poem; you will find in it sources of + intellectual enjoyment far superior to those songs which have delighted + you.” Julia looked at the book, and then at me, with a whimsically dubious + air. “Milton’s Paradise Lost?” said she; “oh, I know the greater part of + that by heart.” + </p> + <p> + I had not expected to find my pupil so far advanced; however, the Paradise + Lost is a kind of school book, and its finest passages are given to young + ladies as tasks. + </p> + <p> + “I find,” said I to myself, “I must not treat her as so complete a novice; + her inattention yesterday could not have proceeded from absolute + ignorance, but merely from a want of poetic feeling. I’ll try her again.” + </p> + <p> + I now determined to dazzle her with my own erudition, and launched into a + harangue that would have done honor to an institute. Pope, Spenser, + Chaucer, and the old dramatic writers were all dipped into, with the + excursive flight of a swallow. I did not confine myself to English poets, + but gave a glance at the French and Italian schools; I passed over Ariosto + in full wing, but paused on Tasso’s Jerusalem Delivered. I dwelt on the + character of Clorinda: “There’s a character,” said I, “that you will find + well worthy a woman’s study. It shows to what exalted heights of heroism + the sex can rise, how gloriously they may share even in the stern concerns + of men.” + </p> + <p> + “For my part,” said Julia, gently taking advantage of a pause, “for my + part, I prefer the character of Sophronia.” + </p> + <p> + I was thunderstruck. She then had read Tasso! This girl that I had been + treating as an ignoramus in poetry! She proceeded with a slight glow of + the cheek, summoned up perhaps by a casual glow of feeling: + </p> + <p> + “I do not admire those masculine heroines,” said she, “who aim at the bold + qualities of the opposite sex. Now Sophronia only exhibits the real + qualities of a woman, wrought up to their highest excitement. She is + modest, gentle, and retiring, as it becomes a woman to be; but she has all + the strength of affection proper to a woman. She cannot fight for her + people as Clorinda does, but she can offer herself up, and die to serve + them. You may admire Clorinda, but you surely would be more apt to love + Sophronia; at least,” added she, suddenly appearing to recollect herself, + and blushing at having launched into such a discussion, “at least that is + what papa observed when we read the poem together.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed,” said I, dryly, for I felt disconcerted and nettled at being + unexpectedly lectured by my pupil; “indeed, I do not exactly recollect the + passage.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Julia, “I can repeat it to you;” and she immediately gave it in + Italian. + </p> + <p> + Heavens and earth!—here was a situation! I knew no more of Italian + than I did of the language of Psalmanazar. What a dilemma for a + would-be-wise man to be placed in! I saw Julia waited for my opinion. + </p> + <p> + “In fact,” said I, hesitating, “I—I do not exactly understand + Italian.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said Julia, with the utmost naivete, “I have no doubt it is very + beautiful in the translation.” + </p> + <p> + I was glad to break up school, and get back to my chamber, full of the + mortification which a wise man in love experiences on finding his mistress + wiser than himself. “Translation! translation!” muttered I to myself, as I + jerked the door shut behind me: “I am surprised my father has never had me + instructed in the modern languages. They are all important. What is the + use of Latin and Greek? No one speaks them; but here, the moment I make my + appearance in the world, a little girl slaps Italian in my face. However, + thank heaven, a language is easily learned. The moment I return home, I’ll + set about studying Italian; and to prevent future surprise, I will study + Spanish and German at the same time; and if any young lady attempts to + quote Italian upon me again, I’ll bury her under a heap of High Dutch + poetry!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + I felt now like some mighty chieftain, who has carried the war into a weak + country, with full confidence of success, and been repulsed and obliged to + draw off his forces from before some inconsiderable fortress. + </p> + <p> + “However,” thought I, “I have as yet brought only my light artillery into + action; we shall see what is to be done with my heavy ordnance. Julia is + evidently well versed in poetry; but it is natural she should be so; it is + allied to painting and music, and is congenial to the light graces of the + female character. We will try her on graver themes.” + </p> + <p> + I felt all my pride awakened; it even for a time swelled higher than my + love. I was determined completely to establish my mental superiority, and + subdue the intellect of this little being; it would then be time to sway + the scepter of gentle empire, and win the affections of her heart. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, at dinner I again took the field, <i>en potence.</i> I now + addressed myself to Mr. Somerville, for I was about to enter upon topics + in which a young girl like her could not be well versed. I led, or rather + forced, the conversation into a vein of historical erudition, discussing + several of the most prominent facts of ancient history, and accompanying + them with sound, indisputable apothegms. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville listened to me with the air of a man receiving information. + I was encouraged, and went on gloriously from theme to theme of school + declamation. I sat with Marius on the ruins of Carthage; I defended the + bridge with Horatius Cocles; thrust my hand into the flame with Martius + Scaevola, and plunged with Curtius into the yawning gulf; I fought side by + side with Leonidas, at the straits of Thermopylae; and was going full + drive into the battle of Plataea, when my memory, which is the worst in + the world, failed me, just as I wanted the name of the Lacedemonian + commander. + </p> + <p> + “Julia, my dear,” said Mr. Somerville, “perhaps you may recollect the name + of which Mr. Mountjoy is in quest?” + </p> + <p> + Julia colored slightly. “I believe,” said she, in a low voice, “I believe + it was Pausanius.” + </p> + <p> + This unexpected sally, instead of re-enforcing me, threw my whole scheme + of battle into confusion, and the Athenians remained unmolested in the + field. + </p> + <p> + I am half inclined, since, to think Mr. Somerville meant this as a sly hit + at my schoolboy pedantry; but he was too well bred not to seek to relieve + me from my mortification. “Oh!” said he, “Julia is our family book of + reference for names, dates, and distances, and has an excellent memory for + history and geography.” + </p> + <p> + I now became desperate; as a last resource I turned to metaphysics. “If + she is a philosopher in petticoats,” thought I, “it is all over with me.” + Here, however, I had the field to myself. I gave chapter and verse of my + tutor’s lectures, heightened by all his poetical illustrations; I even + went further than he had ever ventured, and plunged into such depths of + metaphysics that I was in danger of sticking in the mire at the bottom. + Fortunately, I had auditors who apparently could not detect my + flounderings. Neither Mr. Somerville nor his daughter offered the least + interruption. + </p> + <p> + When the ladies had retired, Mr. Somerville sat some time with me; and as + I was no longer anxious to astonish, I permitted myself to listen, and + found that he was really agreeable. He was quite communicative, and from + his conversation I was enabled to form a juster idea of his daughter’s + character, and the mode in which she had been brought up. Mr. Somerville + had mingled much with the world, and with what is termed fashionable + society. He had experienced its cold elegances and gay insincerities; its + dissipation of the spirits and squanderings of the heart. Like many men of + the world, though he had wandered too far from nature ever to return to + it, yet he had the good taste and good feeling to look back fondly to its + simple delights, and to determine that his child, if possible, should + never leave them. He had superintended her education with scrupulous care, + storing her mind with the graces of polite literature, and with such + knowledge as would enable it to furnish its own amusement and occupation, + and giving her all the accomplishments that sweeten and enliven the circle + of domestic life. He had been particularly sedulous to exclude all + fashionable affectations; all false sentiment, false sensibility, and + false romance. “Whatever advantages she may possess,” said he, “she is + quite unconscious of them. She is a capricious little being, in everything + but her affections; she is, however, free from art; simple, ingenuous, + amiable, and, I thank God! happy.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the eulogy of a fond father, delivered with a tenderness that + touched me. I could not help making a casual inquiry, whether, among the + graces of polite literature, he had included a slight tincture of + metaphysics. He smiled, and told me he had not. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, when, as usual, that night, I summed up the day’s + observations on my pillow, I was not altogether dissatisfied. “Miss + Somerville,” said I, “loves poetry, and I like her the better for it. She + has the advantage of me in Italian; agreed; what is it to know a variety + of languages, but merely to have a variety of sounds to express the same + idea? Original thought is the ore of the mind; language is but the + accidental stamp and coinage by which it is put into circulation. If I can + furnish an original idea, what care I how many languages she can translate + it into? She may be able also to quote names and dates and latitudes + better than I; but that is a mere effort of the memory. I admit she is + more accurate in history and geography than I; but then she knows nothing + of metaphysics.” + </p> + <p> + I had now sufficiently recovered to return home; yet I could not think of + leaving Mr. Somerville’s without having a little further conversation with + him on the subject of his daughter’s education. + </p> + <p> + “This Mr. Somerville,” thought I, “is a very accomplished, elegant man; he + has seen a good deal of the world, and, upon the whole, has profited by + what he has seen. He is not without information, and, as far as he thinks, + appears to think correctly; but, after all, he is rather superficial, and + does not think profoundly. He seems to take no delight in those + metaphysical abstractions that are the proper aliment of masculine minds. + I called to mind various occasions in which I had indulged largely in + metaphysical discussions, but could recollect no instance where I had been + able to draw him out. He had listened, it is true, with attention, and + smiled as if in acquiescence, but had always appeared to avoid reply. + Besides, I had made several sad blunders in the glow of eloquent + declamation; but he had never interrupted me, to notice and correct them, + as he would have done had he been versed in the theme. + </p> + <p> + “Now, it is really a great pity,” resumed I, “that he should have the + entire management of Miss Somerville’s education. What a vast advantage it + would be if she could be put for a little time under the superintendence + of Glencoe. He would throw some deeper shades of thought into her mind, + which at present is all sunshine; not but that Mr. Somerville has done + very well, as far as he has gone; but then he has merely prepared the soil + for the strong plants of useful knowledge. She is well versed in the + leading facts of history, and the general course of belles-lettres,” said + I; “a little more philosophy would do wonders.” + </p> + <p> + I accordingly took occasion to ask Mr. Somerville for a few moments’ + conversation in his study, the morning I was to depart. When we were alone + I opened the matter fully to him. I commenced with the warmest eulogium of + Glencoe’s powers of mind and vast acquirements, and ascribed to him all my + proficiency in the higher branches of knowledge. I begged, therefore, to + recommend him as a friend calculated to direct the studies of Miss + Somerville; to lead her mind, by degrees, to the contemplation of abstract + principles, and to produce habits of philosophical analysis; “which,” + added I, gently smiling, “are not often cultivated by young ladies.” I + ventured to hint, in addition, that he would find Mr. Glencoe a most + valuable and interesting acquaintance for himself; one who would stimulate + and evolve the powers of his mind; and who might open to him tracts of + inquiry and speculation to which perhaps he had hitherto been a stranger. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville listened with grave attention. When I had finished, he + thanked me in the politest manner for the interest I took in the welfare + of his daughter and himself. He observed that, as it regarded himself, he + was afraid he was too old to benefit by the instruction of Mr. Glencoe, + and that as to his daughter, he was afraid her mind was but little fitted + for the study of metaphysics. “I do not wish,” continued he, “to strain + her intellects with subjects they cannot grasp, but to make her familiarly + acquainted with those that are within the limits of her capacity. I do not + pretend to prescribe the boundaries of female genius, and am far from + indulging the vulgar opinion that women are unfitted by nature for the + highest intellectual pursuits. I speak only with reference to my + daughter’s tastes and talents. She will never make a learned woman; nor, + in truth, do I desire it; for such is the jealousy of our sex, as to + mental as well as physical ascendency, that a learned woman is not always + the happiest. I do not wish my daughter to excite envy, or to battle with + the prejudices of the world; but to glide peaceably through life, on the + good will and kind opinions of her friends. She has ample employment for + her little head, in the course I have marked out for her; and is busy at + present with some branches of natural history, calculated to awaken her + perceptions to the beauties and wonders of nature, and to the + inexhaustible volume of wisdom constantly spread open before her eyes. I + consider that woman most likely to make an agreeable companion, who can + draw topics of pleasing remark from every natural object; and most likely + to be cheerful and contented, who is continually sensible of the order, + the harmony, and the invariable beneficence that reign throughout the + beautiful world we inhabit.” + </p> + <p> + “But,” added he, smiling, “I am betraying myself into a lecture, instead + of merely giving a reply to your kind offer. Permit me to take the + liberty, in return, of inquiring a little about your own pursuits. You + speak of having finished your education; but of course you have a line of + private study and mental occupation marked out; for you must know the + importance, both in point of interest and happiness, of keeping the mind + employed. May I ask what system you observe in your intellectual + exercises?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, as to system,” I observed, “I could never bring myself into anything + of the kind. I thought it best to let my genius take it own course, as it + always acted the most vigorously when stimulated by inclination.” + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville shook his head. “This same genius,” said he, “is a wild + quality that runs away with our most promising young men. It has become so + much the fashion, too, to give it the reins that it is now thought an + animal of too noble and generous a nature to be brought to harness. But it + is all a mistake. Nature never designed these high endowments to run riot + through society, and throw the whole system into confusion. No, my dear + sir, genius, unless it acts upon system, is very apt to be a useless + quality to society; sometimes an injurious, and certainly a very + uncomfortable one, to its possessor. I have had many opportunities of + seeing the progress through life of young men who were accounted geniuses, + and have found it too often end in early exhaustion and bitter + disappointment; and have as often noticed that these effects might be + traced to a total want of system. There were no habits of business, of + steady purpose, and regular application, superinduced upon the mind; + everything was left to chance and impulse, and native luxuriance, and + everything of course ran to waste and wild entanglement. Excuse me if I am + tedious on this point, for I feel solicitous to impress it upon you, being + an error extremely prevalent in our country and one into which too many of + our youth have fallen. I am happy, however, to observe the zeal which + still appears to actuate you for the acquisition of knowledge, and augur + every good from the elevated bent of your ambition. May I ask what has + been your course of study for the last six months?” + </p> + <p> + Never was question more unluckily timed. For the last six months I had + been absolutely buried in novels and romances. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville perceived that the question was embarrassing, and, with his + invariable good breeding, immediately resumed the conversation, without + waiting for a reply. He took care, however, to turn it in such a way as to + draw from me an account of the whole manner in which I had been educated, + and the various currents of reading into which my mind had run. He then + went on to discuss, briefly but impressively, the different branches of + knowledge most important to a young man in my situation; and to my + surprise I found him a complete master of those studies on which I had + supposed him ignorant, and on which I had been descanting so confidently. + </p> + <p> + He complimented me, however, very graciously, upon the progress I had + made, but advised me for the present to turn my attention to the physical + rather than the moral sciences. “These studies,” said he, “store a man’s + mind with valuable facts, and at the same time repress self-confidence, by + letting him know how boundless are the realms of knowledge, and how little + we can possibly know. Whereas metaphysical studies, though of an ingenious + order of intellectual employment, are apt to bewilder some minds with + vague speculations. They never know how far they have advanced, or what + may be the correctness of their favorite theory. They render many of our + young men verbose and declamatory, and prone to mistake the aberrations of + their fancy for the inspirations of divine philosophy.” + </p> + <p> + I could not but interrupt him, to assent to the truth of these remarks, + and to say that it had been my lot, in the course of my limited + experience, to encounter young men of the kind, who had overwhelmed me by + their verbosity. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Somerville smiled. “I trust,” said he, kindly, “that you will guard + against these errors. Avoid the eagerness with which a young man is apt to + hurry into conversation, and to utter the crude and ill-digested notions + which he has picked up in his recent studies. Be assured that extensive + and accurate knowledge is the slow acquisition of a studious lifetime; + that a young man, however pregnant his wit, and prompt his talent, can + have mastered but the rudiments of learning, and, in a manner, attained + the implements of study. Whatever may have been your past assiduity, you + must be sensible that as yet you have but reached the threshold of true + knowledge; but at the same time you have the advantage that you are still + very young, and have ample time to learn.” + </p> + <p> + Here our conference ended. I walked out of the study a very different + being from what I was on entering it. I had gone in with the air of a + professor about to deliver a lecture; I came out like a student who had + failed in his examination, and been degraded in his class. + </p> + <p> + “Very young,” and “on the threshold of knowledge!” This was extremely + flattering to one who had considererd himself an accomplished scholar and + a profound philosopher. + </p> + <p> + “It is singular,” thought I; “there seems to have been a spell upon my + faculties, ever since I have been in this house. I certainly have not been + able to do myself justice. Whenever I have undertaken to advise, I have + had the tables turned upon me. It must be that I am strange and diffident + among people I am not accustomed to. I wish they could hear me talk at + home!” + </p> + <p> + “After all,” added I, on further reflection, “after all there is a great + deal of force in what Mr. Somerville has said. Somehow or other, these men + of the world do now and then hit upon remarks that would do credit to a + philosopher. Some of his general observations came so home that I almost + thought they were meant for myself. His advice about adopting a system of + study is very judicious. I will immediately put it hi practice. My mind + shall operate henceforward with the regularity of clock-work.” + </p> + <p> + How far I succeeded in adopting this plan, how I fared in the further + pursuit of knowledge, and how I succeeded in my suit to Julia Somerville, + may afford matter for a further communication to the public, if this + simple record of my early life is fortunate enough to excite any + curiosity. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE GREAT MISSISSIPPI BUBBLE + </h2> + <h3> + “A TIME OF UNEXAMPLED PROSPERITY” + </h3> + <p> + In the course of a voyage from England, I once fell in with a convoy of + merchant ships bound for the West Indies. The weather was uncommonly + bland; and the ships vied with each other in spreading sail to catch a + light, favoring breeze, until their hulls were almost hidden beneath a + cloud of canvas. The breeze went down with the sun, and his last yellow + rays shone upon a thousand sails, idly flapping against the masts. + </p> + <p> + I exulted in the beauty of the scene, and augured a prosperous voyage; but + the veteran master of the ship shook his head, and pronounced this halcyon + calm a “weather-breeder.” And so it proved. A storm burst forth in the + night; the sea roared and raged; and when the day broke, I beheld the late + gallant convoy scattered in every direction; some dismasted, others + scudding under bare poles, and many firing signals of distress. + </p> + <p> + I have since been occasionally reminded of this scene, by those calm, + sunny seasons in the commercial world, which are known by the name of + “times of unexampled prosperity.” They are the sure weather-breeders of + traffic. Every now and then the world is visited by one of these delusive + seasons, when “the credit system,” as it is called, expands to full + luxuriance, everybody trusts everybody; a bad debt is a thing unheard of; + the broad way to certain and sudden wealth lies plain and open; and men + are tempted to dash forward boldly, from the facility of borrowing. + </p> + <p> + Promissory notes, interchanged between scheming individuals, are liberally + discounted at the banks, which become so many mints to coin words into + cash; and as the supply of words is inexhaustible, it may readily be + supposed what a vast amount of promissory capital is soon in circulation. + Every one now talks in thousands; nothing is heard but gigantic operations + in trade; great purchases and sales of real property, and immense sums + made at every transfer. All, to be sure, as yet exists in promise; but the + believer in promises calculates the aggregate as solid capital, and falls + back in amazement at the amount of public wealth, the “unexampled state of + public prosperity.” + </p> + <p> + Now is the time for speculative and dreaming or designing men. They relate + their dreams and projects to the ignorant and credulous, dazzle them with + golden visions, and set them madding after shadows. The example of one + stimulates another; speculation rises on speculation; bubble rises on + bubble; every one helps with his breath to swell the windy superstructure, + and admires and wonders at the magnitude of the inflation he has + contributed to produce. + </p> + <p> + Speculation is the romance of trade, and casts contempt upon all its sober + realities. It renders the stock-jobber a magician, and the exchange a + region of enchantment. It elevates the merchant into a kind of + knight-errant, or rather a commercial Quixote. The slow but sure gains of + snug percentage become despicable in his eyes; no “operation” is thought + worthy of attention that does not double or treble the investment. No + business is worth following that does not promise an immediate fortune. As + he sits musing over his ledger, with pen behind his ear, he is like La + Mancha’s hero in his study, dreaming over his books of chivalry. His dusty + counting-house fades before his eyes, or changes into a Spanish mine; he + gropes after diamonds, or dives after pearls. The subterranean garden of + Aladdin is nothing to the realms of wealth that break upon his + imagination. + </p> + <p> + Could this delusion always last, the life of a merchant would indeed be a + golden dream; but it is as short as it is brilliant. Let but a doubt + enter, and the “season of unexampled prosperity” is at end. The coinage of + words is suddenly curtailed; the promissory capital begins to vanish into + smoke; a panic succeeds, and the whole superstructure, built upon credit + and reared by speculation, crumbles to the ground, leaving scarce a wreck + behind: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “It is such stuff as dreams are made of.” + </pre> + <p> + When a man of business, therefore, hears on every side rumors of fortunes + suddenly acquired; when he finds banks liberal, and brokers busy; when he + sees adventurers flush of paper capital, and full of scheme and + enterprise; when he perceives a greater disposition to buy than to sell; + when trade overflows its accustomed channels and deluges the country; when + he hears of new regions of commercial adventure; of distant marts and + distant mines, swallowing merchandise and disgorging gold; when he finds + joint-stock companies of all kinds forming; railroads, canals, and + locomotive engines, springing up on every side; when idlers suddenly + become men of business, and dash into the game of commerce as they would + into the hazards of the faro table; when he beholds the streets glittering + with new equipages, palaces conjured up by the magic of speculation; + tradesmen flushed with sudden success, and vying with each other in + ostentatious expense; in a word, when he hears the whole community joining + in the theme of “unexampled prosperity,” let him look upon the whole as a + “weather-breeder,” and prepare for the impending storm. + </p> + <p> + The foregoing remarks are intended merely as a prelude to a narrative I am + about to lay before the public, of one of the most memorable instances of + the infatuation of gain to be found in the whole history of commerce. I + allude to the famous Mississippi Bubble. It is a matter that has passed + into a proverb, and become a phrase in every one’s mouth, yet of which not + one merchant in ten has probably a distinct idea. I have therefore thought + that an authentic account of it would be interesting and salutary, at the + present moment, when we are suffering under the effects of a severe access + of the credit system, and just recovering from one of its ruinous + delusions. + </p> + <p> + Before entering into the story of this famous chimera, it is proper to + give a few particulars concerning the individual who engendered it. John + Law was born in Edinburgh in 1671. His father, William Law, was a rich + goldsmith, and left his son an estate of considerable value, called + Lauriston, situated about four miles from Edinburgh. Goldsmiths, in those + days, acted occasionally as bankers, and his father’s operations, under + this character, may have originally turned the thoughts of the youth to + the science of calculation, in which he became an adept; so that at an + early age he excelled in playing at all games of combination. + </p> + <p> + In 1694 he appeared in London, where a handsome person, and an easy and + insinuating address, gained him currency in the first circles and the + nickname of “Beau Law.” The same personal advantages gave him success in + the world of gallantry, until he became involved in a quarrel with Beau + Wilson, his rival in fashion, whom he killed in a duel, and then fled to + France, to avoid prosecution. + </p> + <p> + He returned to Edinburgh in 1700, and remained there several years; during + which time he first broached his great credit system, offering to supply + the deficiency of coin by the establishment of a bank, which, according to + his views, might emit a paper currency equivalent to the whole landed + estate of the kingdom. + </p> + <p> + His scheme excited great astonishment in Edinburgh; but, though the + government was not sufficiently advanced in financial knowledge to detect + the fallacies upon which it was founded, Scottish caution and suspicion + served in the place of wisdom, and the project was rejected. Law met with + no better success with the English Parliament; and the fatal affair of the + death of Wilson still hanging over him, for which he had never been able + to procure a pardon, he again went to France. + </p> + <p> + The financial affairs of France were at this time in a deplorable + condition. The wars, the pomp and profusion, of Louis XIV., and his + religious persecutions of whole classes of the most industrious of his + subjects, had exhausted his treasury, and overwhelmed the nation with + debt. The old monarch clung to his selfish magnificence, and could not be + induced to diminish his enormous expenditure; and his minister of finance + was driven to his wits’ end to devise all kinds of disastrous expedients + to keep up the royal state, and to extricate the nation from its + embarrassments. + </p> + <p> + In this state of things, Law ventured to bring forward his financial + project. It was founded on the plan of the Bank of England, which had + already been in successful operation several years. He met with immediate + patronage, and a congenial spirit, in the Duke of Orleans, who had married + a natural daughter of the king. The duke had been astonished at the + facility with which England had supported the burden of a public debt, + created by the wars of Anne and William, and which exceeded in amount that + under which France was groaning. The whole matter was soon explained by + Law to his satisfaction. The latter maintained that England had stopped at + the mere threshold of an art capable of creating unlimited sources of + national wealth. The duke was dazzled with his splendid views and specious + reasonings, and thought he clearly comprehended his system. Demarets, the + Comptroller-General of Finance, was not so easily deceived. He pronounced + the plan of Law more pernicious than any of the disastrous expedients that + the government had yet been driven to. The old king also, Louis XIV., + detested all innovations, especially those which came from a rival nation; + the project of a bank, therefore, was utterly rejected. + </p> + <p> + Law remained for a while in Paris, leading a gay and affluent existence, + owing to his handsome person, easy manners, flexible temper, and a + faro-bank which he had set up. His agreeable career was interrupted by a + message from D’Argenson, Lieutenant-General of Police, ordering him to + quit Paris, alleging that he was “<i>rather too skillful at the game which + he had introduced</i>.” + </p> + <p> + For several succeeding years he shifted his residence from state to state + of Italy and Germany; offering his scheme of finance to every court that + he visited, but without success. The Duke of Savoy, Victor Amadeus, + afterward king of Sardinia, was much struck with his project; but after + considering it for a time, replied, <i>“I am not sufficiently powerful to + ruin myself.”</i> + </p> + <p> + The shifting, adventurous life of Law, and the equivocal means by which he + appeared to live, playing high, and always with great success, threw a + cloud of suspicion over him wherever he went, and caused him to be + expelled by the magistracy from the semi-commercial, semi-aristocratical + cities of Venice and Genoa. + </p> + <p> + The events of 1715 brought Law back again to Paris. Louis XIV. was dead. + Louis XV. was a mere child, and during his minority the Duke of Orleans + held the reins of government as Regent. Law had at length found his man. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Orleans has been differently represented by different + contemporaries. He appears to have had excellent natural qualities, + perverted by a bad education. He was of the middle size, easy and + graceful, with an agreeable countenance, and open, affable demeanor. His + mind was quick and sagacious, rather than profound; and his quickness of + intellect, and excellence of memory, supplied the lack of studious + application. His wit was prompt and pungent; he expressed himself with + vivacity and precision; his imagination was vivid, his temperament + sanguine and joyous; his courage daring. His mother, the Duchess of + Orleans, expressed his character in a jeu d’esprit. “The fairies,” said + she, “were invited to be present at his birth, and each one conferring a + talent on my son, he possesses them all. Unfortunately, we had forgotten + to invite an old fairy, who, arriving after all the others, exclaimed, ‘He + shall have all the talents, excepting that to make a good use of them.’” + </p> + <p> + Under proper tuition, the duke might have risen to real greatness; but in + his early years he was put under the tutelage of the Abbe Dubois, one of + the subtlest and basest spirits that ever intrigued its way into eminent + place and power. The abbe was of low origin and despicable exterior, + totally destitute of morals, and perfidious in the extreme; but with a + supple, insinuating address, and an accommodating spirit, tolerant of all + kinds of profligacy in others. Conscious of his own inherent baseness, he + sought to secure an influence over his pupil, by corrupting his principles + and fostering his vices; he debased him, to keep himself from being + despised. Unfortunately he succeeded. To the early precepts of this + infamous pander have been attributed those excesses that disgraced the + manhood of the regent, and gave a licentious character to his whole course + of government. His love of pleasure, quickened and indulged by those who + should have restrained it, led him into all kinds of sensual indulgence. + He had been taught to think lightly of the most serious duties and sacred + ties; to turn virtue into a jest, and consider religion mere hypocrisy. He + was a gay misanthrope, that had a sovereign but sportive contempt for + mankind; believed that his most devoted servant would be his enemy, if + interest prompted; and maintained that an honest man was he who had the + art to conceal that he was the contrary. + </p> + <p> + He surrounded himself with a set of dissolute men like himself; who, let + loose from the restraint under which they had been held, during the latter + hypocritical days of Louis XIV., now gave way to every kind of debauchery. + With these men the regent used to shut himself up, after the hours of + business, and excluding all graver persons and graver concerns, celebrate + the most drunken and disgusting orgies; where obscenity and blasphemy + formed the seasoning of conversation. For the profligate companions of + these revels, he invented the appellation of his <i>roués</i>, the literal + meaning of which is men broken on the wheel; intended, no doubt, to + express their broken-down characters and dislocated fortunes; although a + contemporary asserts that it designated the punishment that most of them + merited. Madame de Labran, who was present at one of the regent’s suppers, + was disgusted by the conduct and conversation of the host and his guests, + and observed, at table, that God, after he had created man, took the + refuse clay that was left, and made of it the souls of lackeys and + princes. + </p> + <p> + Such was the man that now ruled the destinies of France. Law found him + full of perplexities, from the disastrous state of the finances. He had + already tampered with the coinage, calling in the coin of the nation, + restamping it, and issuing it at a nominal increase of one-fifth; thus + defrauding the nation out of twenty per cent of its capital. He was not + likely, therefore, to be scrupulous about any means likely to relieve him + from financial difficulties; he had even been led to listen to the cruel + alternative of a national bankruptcy. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances, Law confidently brought forward his scheme of a + bank, that was to pay off the national debt, increase the revenue, and at + the same time diminish the taxes. The following is stated as the theory by + which he recommended his system to the regent. The credit enjoyed by a + banker or a merchant, he observed, increases his capital tenfold; that is + to say, he who has a capital of one thousand livres, may, if he possess + sufficient credit, extend his operations to a million, and reap profits to + that amount. In like manner, a state that can collect into a bank all the + current coin of the kingdom, would be as powerful as if its capital were + increased tenfold. The specie must be drawn into the bank, not by way of + loan, or by taxations, but in the way of deposit. This might be effected + in different modes, either by inspiring confidence or by exerting + authority. One mode, he observed, had already been in use. Each time that + a state makes a recoinage, it becomes momentarily the depositary of all + the money called in, belonging to the subjects of that state. His bank was + to effect the same purpose; that is to say, to receive in deposit all the + coin of the kingdom, but to give in exchange its bills, which, being of an + invariable value, bearing an interest, and being payable on demand, would + not only supply the place of coin, but prove a better and more profitable + currency. + </p> + <p> + The regent caught with avidity at the scheme. It suited his bold, reckless + spirit, and his grasping extravagance. Not that he was altogether the dupe + of Law’s specious projects; still he was apt, like many other men, + unskilled in the arcana of finance, to mistake the multiplication of money + for the multiplication of wealth; not understanding that it was a mere + agent or instrument in the interchange of traffic, to represent the value + of the various productions of industry; and that an increased circulation + of coin or bank bills, in the shape of currency, only adds a + proportionably increased and fictitious value to such productions. Law + enlisted the vanity of the regent in his cause. He persuaded him that he + saw more clearly than others into sublime theories of finance, which were + quite above the ordinary apprehension. He used to declare that, excepting + the regent and the Duke of Savoy, no one had thoroughly comprehended his + system. + </p> + <p> + It is certain that it met with strong opposition from the regent’s + ministers, the Duke de Noailles and the Chancellor d’Anguesseau; and it + was no less strenuously opposed by the Parliament of Paris. Law, however, + had a potent though secret coadjutor in the Abbe Dubois, now rising, + during the regency, into great political power, and who retained a baneful + influence over the mind of the regent. This wily priest, as avaricious as + he was ambitious, drew large sums from Law as subsidies, and aided him + greatly in many of his most pernicious operations. He aided him, in the + present instance, to fortify the mind of the regent against all the + remonstrances of his ministers and the parliament. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, on the 2d of May, 1716, letters patent were granted to Law, + to establish a bank of deposit, discount, and circulation, under the firm + of “Law & Company,” to continue for twenty years. The capital was + fixed at six millions of livres, divided into shares of five hundred + livres each, which were to be sold for twenty-five per cent of the + regent’s debased coin, and seventy-five per cent of the public securities; + which were then at a great reduction from their nominal value, and which + then amounted to nineteen hundred millions. The ostensible object of the + bank, as set forth in the patent, was to encourage the commerce and + manufactures of France. The louis d’ors and crowns of the bank were always + to retain the same standard of value, and its bills to be payable in them + on demand. + </p> + <p> + At the outset, while the bank was limited in its operations, and while its + paper really represented the specie in its vaults, it seemed to realize + all that had been promised from it. It rapidly acquired public confidence, + and an extended circulation, and produced an activity in commerce unknown + under the baneful government of Louis XIV. As the bills of the bank bore + an interest, and as it was stipulated they would be of invariable value, + and as hints had been artfully circulated that the coin would experience + successive diminution, everybody hastened to the bank to exchange gold and + silver for paper. So great became the throng of depositors, and so intense + their eagerness, that there was quite a press and struggle at the bank + door, and a ludicrous panic was awakened, as if there was danger of their + not being admitted. An anecdote of the time relates that one of the + clerks, with an ominous smile, called out to the struggling multitude, + “Have a little patience, my friends; we mean to take all your money;” an + assertion disastrously verified in the sequel. + </p> + <p> + Thus, by the simple establishment of a bank, Law and the regent obtained + pledges of confidence for the consummation of further and more complicated + schemes, as yet hidden from the public. In a little while, the bank shares + rose enormously, and the amount of its notes in circulation exceeded one + hundred and ten millions of livres. A subtle stroke of policy had rendered + it popular with the aristocracy. Louis XIV. had several years previously + imposed an income tax of a tenth, giving his royal word that it should + cease in 1717. This tax had been exceedingly irksome to the privileged + orders; and in the present disastrous times they had dreaded an + augmentation of it. In consequence of the successful operation of Law’s + scheme, however, the tax was abolished, and now nothing was to be heard + among the nobility and clergy but praises of the regent and the bank. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto all had gone well, and all might have continued to go well, had + not the paper system been further expanded. But Law had yet the grandest + part of his scheme to develop. He had to open his ideal world of + speculation, his El Dorado of unbounded wealth. The English had brought + the vast imaginary commerce of the South Seas in aid of their banking + operations. Law sought to bring, as an immense auxiliary of his bank, the + whole trade of the Mississippi. Under this name was included not merely + the river so called, but the vast region known as Louisiana, extending + from north latitude 29° up to Canada in north latitude 40°. This country + had been granted by Louis XIV. to the Sieur Crozat, but he had been + induced to resign his patent. In conformity to the plea of Mr. Law, + letters patent were granted in August, 1717, for the creation of a + commercial company, which was to have the colonizing of this country, and + the monopoly of its trade and resources, and of the beaver or fur trade + with Canada. It was called the Western, but became better known as the + Mississippi Company. The capital was fixed at one hundred millions of + livres, divided into shares, bearing an Interest of four per cent, which + were subscribed for in the public securities. As the bank was to + co-operate with the company, the regent ordered that its bills should be + received the same as coin, in all payments of the public revenue. Law was + appointed chief director of this company, which was an exact copy of the + Earl of Oxford’s South Sea Company, set on foot in 1711, and which + distracted all England with the frenzy of speculation. In like manner with + the delusive picturings given in that memorable scheme of the sources of + rich trade to be opened in the South Sea countries, Law held forth + magnificent prospects of the fortunes to be made in colonizing Louisiana, + which was represented as a veritable land of promise, capable of yielding + every variety of the most precious produce. Reports, too, were artfully + circulated, with great mystery, as if to the “chosen few,” of mines of + gold and silver recently discovered in Louisiana, and which would insure + instant wealth to the early purchasers. These confidential whispers of + course soon became public; and were confirmed by travelers fresh from the + Mississippi, and doubtless bribed, who had seen the mines in question, and + declared them superior in richness to those of Mexico and Peru. Nay, more, + ocular proof was furnished to public credulity, in ingots of gold conveyed + to the mint, as if just brought from the mines of Louisiana. + </p> + <p> + Extraordinary measures were adopted to force a colonization. An edict was + issued to collect and transport settlers to the Mississippi. The police + lent its aid. The streets and prisons of Paris, and of the provincial + cities, were swept of mendicants and vagabonds of all kinds, who were + conveyed to Havre de Grace. About six thousand were crowded into ships, + where no precautions had been taken for their health or accommodation. + Instruments of all kinds proper for the working of mines were + ostentatiously paraded in public, and put on board the vessels; and the + whole set sail for this fabled El Dorado, which was to prove the grave of + the greater part of its wretched colonists. + </p> + <p> + D’Anguesseau, the chancellor, a man of probity and integrity, still lifted + his voice against the paper system of Law, and his project of + colonization, and was eloquent and prophetic in picturing the evils they + were calculated to produce; the private distress and public degradation; + the corruption of morals and manners; the triumph of knaves and schemers; + the ruin of fortunes, and downfall of families. He was incited more and + more to this opposition by the Duke de Noailles, the Minister of Finance, + who was jealous of the growing ascendency of Law over the mind of the + regent, but was less honest than the chancellor in his opposition. The + regent was excessively annoyed by the difficulties they conjured up in the + way of his darling schemes of finance, and the countenance they gave to + the opposition of parliament; which body, disgusted more and more with the + abuses of the regency, and the system of Law, had gone so far as to carry + its remonstrances to the very foot of the throne. + </p> + <p> + He determined to relieve himself from these two ministers, who, either + through honesty or policy, interfered with all his plans. Accordingly, on + the 28th of January, 1718, he dismissed the chancellor from office, and + exiled him to his estate in the country; and shortly afterward removed the + Duke de Noailles from the administration of the finances. + </p> + <p> + The opposition of parliament to the regent and his measures was carried on + with increasing violence. That body aspired to an equal authority with the + regent in the administration of affairs, and pretended, by its decree, to + suspend an edict of the regency, ordering a new coinage and altering the + value of the currency. But its chief hostility was leveled against Law, a + foreigner and a heretic, and one who was considered by a majority of the + members in the light of a malefactor. In fact, so far was this hostility + carried, that secret measures were taken to investigate his malversations, + and to collect evidence against him; and it was resolved in parliament + that, should the testimony collected justify their suspicions, they would + have him seized and brought before them; would give him a brief trial, + and, if convicted, would hang him in the courtyard of the palace, and + throw open the gates after the execution, that the public might behold his + corpse! + </p> + <p> + Law received intimation of the danger hanging over him, and was in + terrible trepidation. He took refuge in the Palais Royal, the residence of + the regent, and implored his protection. The regent himself was + embarrassed by the sturdy opposition of parliament, which contemplated + nothing less than a decree reversing most of his public measures, + especially those of finance. His indecision kept Law for a time in an + agony of terror and suspense. Finally, by assembling a board of justice, + and bringing to his aid the absolute authority of the king, he triumphed + over parliament and relieved Law from his dread of being hanged. + </p> + <p> + The system now went on with flowing sail. The Western or Mississippi + Company, being identified with the bank, rapidly increased in power and + privileges. One monopoly after another was granted to it; the trade of the + Indian seas; the slave trade with Senegal and Guinea; the farming of + tobacco; the national coinage, etc. Each new privilege was made a pretext + for issuing more bills, and caused an immense advance in the price of + stock. At length, on the 4th of December, 1718, the regent gave the + establishment the imposing title of “The Royal Bank,” and proclaimed that + he had effected the purchase of all the shares, the proceeds of which he + had added to its capital This measure seemed to shock the public feeling + more than any other connected with the system, and roused the indignation + of parliament. The French nation had been so accustomed to attach an idea + of everything noble, lofty, and magnificent to the royal name and person, + especially during the stately and sumptuous reign of Louis XIV., that they + could not at first tolerate the idea of royalty being in any degree + mingled with matters of traffic and finance, and the king being in a + manner a banker. It was one of the downward steps, however, by which + royalty lost its illusive splendor in France, and became gradually + cheapened in the public mind. + </p> + <p> + Arbitrary measures now began to be taken to force the bills of the bank + into artificial currency. On the 27th of December appeared an order in + council, forbidding, under severe penalties, the payment of any sum above + six hundred livres in gold or silver. This decree rendered bank bills + necessary in all transactions of purchase and sale, and called for a new + emission. The prohibition was occasionally evaded or opposed; + confiscations were the consequence; informers were rewarded, and spies and + traitors began to spring up in all the domestic walks of life. + </p> + <p> + The worst effect of this illusive system was the mania for gain, or rather + for gambling in stocks, that now seized upon the whole nation. Under the + exciting effects of lying reports, and the forcing effects of government + decrees, the shares of the company went on rising in value until they + reached thirteen hundred per cent. Nothing was now spoken of but the price + of shares, and the immense fortunes suddenly made by lucky speculators. + Those whom Law had deluded used every means to delude others. The most + extravagant dreams were indulged, concerning the wealth to flow in upon + the company from its colonies, its trade, and its various monopolies. It + is true nothing as yet had been realized, nor could in some time be + realized, from these distant sources, even if productive; but the + imaginations of speculators are ever in the advance, and their conjectures + are immediately converted into facts. Lying reports now flew from mouth to + month, of sure avenues to fortune suddenly thrown open. The more + extravagant the fable, the more readily was it believed. To doubt was to + awaken anger, or incur ridicule. In a time of public infatuation, it + requires no small exercise of courage to doubt a popular fallacy. + </p> + <p> + Paris now became the center of attraction for the adventurous and the + avaricious, who flocked to it, not merely from the provinces, but from + neighboring countries. A stock exchange was established in a house in the + Rue Quincampoix, and became immediately the gathering place of + stock-jobbers. The exchange opened at seven o’clock, with the beat of drum + and sound of bell, and closed at night with the same signals. Guards were + stationed at each end of the street, to maintain order and exclude + carriages and horses. The whole street swarmed throughout the day like a + bee-hive. Bargains of all kinds were seized upon with avidity. Shares of + stock passed from hand to hand, mounting in value, one knew not why. + Fortunes were made in a moment, as if by magic; and every lucky bargain + prompted those around to a more desperate throw of the die. The fever went + on, increasing in intensity as the day declined; and when the drum beat, + and the bell rang, at night, to close the exchange, there were + exclamations of impatience and despair, as if the wheel of fortune had + suddenly been stopped when about to make its luckiest evolution. + </p> + <p> + To engulf all classes in this ruinous vortex, Law now split the shares of + fifty millions of stock each into one hundred shares; thus, as in the + splitting of lottery tickets, accommodating the venture to the humblest + purse. Society was thus stirred up to its very dregs, and adventurers of + the lowest order hurried to the stock market. All honest, industrious + pursuits, and modest gains, were now despised. Wealth was to be obtained + instantly, without labor and without stint. The upper classes were as base + in their venality as the lower. The highest and most powerful nobles, + abandoning all generous pursuits and lofty aims, engaged in the vile + scuffle for gam. They were even baser than the lower classes; for some of + them, who were members of the council of the regency, abused their station + and their influence, and promoted measures by which shares rose while in + their hands, and they made immense profits. + </p> + <p> + The Duke de Bourbon, the prince of Conti, the Dukes de la Force and + D’Antin were among the foremost of these illustrious stock-jobbers. They + were nicknamed the Mississippi Lords, and they smiled at the sneering + title. In fact, the usual distinctions of society had lost their + consequence, under the reign of this new passion. Bank, talent, military + fame, no longer inspired deference. All respect for others, all + self-respect, were forgotten in the mercenary struggle of the + stock-market. Even prelates and ecclesiastical corporations, forgetting + their true objects of devotion, mingled among the votaries of Mammon. They + were not behind those who wielded the civil power in fabricating + ordinances suited to their avaricious purposes. Theological decisions + forthwith appeared, in which the anathema launched by the Church against + usury was conveniently construed as not extending to the traffic in bank + shares! + </p> + <p> + The Abbe Dubois entered into the mysteries of stockjobbing with all the + zeal of an apostle, and enriched himself by the spoils of the credulous; + and he continually drew large sums from Law, as considerations for his + political influence. Faithless to his country, in the course of his + gambling speculations he transferred to England a great amount of specie, + which had been paid into the royal treasury; thus contributing to the + subsequent dearth of the precious metals. + </p> + <p> + The female sex participated in this sordid frenzy. Princesses of the + blood, and ladies of the highest nobility, were among the most rapacious + of stock-jobbers. The regent seemed to have the riches of Croesus at his + command, and lavished money by hundreds of thousands upon his female + relatives and favorites, as well as upon his <i>roués</i>, the dissolute + companions of his debauches. “My son,” writes the regent’s mother, in her + correspondence, “gave me shares to the amount of two millions, which I + distributed among my household. The king also took several millions for + his own household. All the royal family have had them; all the children + and grandchildren of France, and the princes of the blood.” + </p> + <p> + Luxury and extravagance kept pace with this sudden inflation of fancied + wealth. The hereditary palaces of nobles were pulled down, and rebuilt on + a scale of augmented splendor. Entertainments were given of incredible + cost and magnificence. Never before had been such display in houses, + furniture, equipages, and amusements. This was particularly the case among + persons of the lower ranks, who had suddenly become possessed of millions. + Ludicrous anecdotes are related of some of these upstarts. One, who had + just launched a splendid carriage, when about to use it for the first + time, instead of getting in at the door, mounted, through habitude, to his + accustomed place behind. Some ladies of quality, seeing a well-dressed + woman covered with diamonds, but whom nobody knew, alight from a very + handsome carriage, inquired who she was of the footman. He replied, with a + sneer: “It is a lady who has recently tumbled from a garret into this + carriage.” Mr. Law’s domestics were said to become in like manner suddenly + enriched by the crumbs that fell from his table. His coachman, having made + his fortune, retired from his service. Mr. Law requested him to procure a + coachman in his place. He appeared the next day with two, whom he + pronounced equally good, and told Mr. Law: “Take which of them you choose, + and I will take the other!” + </p> + <p> + Nor were these <i>novi homini</i> treated with the distance and disdain + they would formerly have experienced from the haughty aristocracy of + France. The pride of the old noblesse had been stifled by the stronger + instinct of avarice. They rather sought the intimacy and confidence of + these lucky upstarts; and it has been observed that a nobleman would + gladly take his seat at the table of the fortunate lackey of yesterday, in + hopes of learning from him the secret of growing rich! + </p> + <p> + Law now went about with a countenance radiant with success and apparently + dispensing wealth on every side. “He is admirably skilled in all that + relates to finance,” writes the Duchess of Orleans, the regent’s mother, + “and has put the affairs of the state in such good order that all the + king’s debts have been paid. He is so much run after that he has no repose + night or day. A duchess even kissed his hand publicly. If a duchess can do + this, what will other ladies do?” + </p> + <p> + Wherever he went, his path, we are told, was beset by a sordid throng, who + waited to see him pass, and sought to obtain the favor of a word, a nod, + or smile, as if a mere glance from him would bestow fortune. When at home, + his house was absolutely besieged by furious candidates for fortune. “They + forced the doors,” says the Duke de St. Simon; “they scaled his windows + from the garden; they made their way into his cabinet down the chimney!” + </p> + <p> + The same venal court was paid by all classes to his family. The highest + ladies of the court vied with each other in meannesses to purchase the + lucrative friendship of Mrs. Law and her daughter. They waited upon them + with as much assiduity and adulation as if they had been princesses of the + blood. The regent one day expressed a desire that some duchess should + accompany his daughter to Genoa. “My lord,” said some one present, “if you + would have a choice from among the duchesses, you need but send to Mrs. + Law’s, you will find them all assembled there.” + </p> + <p> + The wealth of Law rapidly increased with the expansion of the bubble. In + the course of a few months he purchased fourteen titled estates, paying + for them in paper; and the public hailed these sudden and vast + acquisitions of landed property as so many proofs of the soundness of his + system. In one instance he met with a shrewd bargainer, who had not the + general faith in his paper money. The President de Novion insisted on + being paid for an estate in hard coin. Law accordingly brought the amount, + four hundred thousand livres, in specie, saying, with a sarcastic smile, + that he preferred paying in money as its weight rendered it a mere + encumbrance. As it happened, the president could give no clear title to + the land, and the money had to be refunded. He paid it back <i>in paper</i>, + which Law dared not refuse, lest he should depreciate it in the market. + </p> + <p> + The course of illusory credit went on triumphantly for eighteen months. + Law had nearly fulfilled one of his promises, for the greater part of the + public debt had been paid off; but how paid? In bank shares, which had + been trumped up several hundred per cent above their value, and which were + to vanish like smoke in the hands of the holders. + </p> + <p> + One of the most striking attributes of Law was the imperturbable assurance + and self-possession with which he replied to every objection, and found a + solution for every problem. He had the dexterity of a juggler in evading + difficulties; and what was peculiar, made figures themselves, which are + the very elements of exact demonstration, the means to dazzle and + bewilder. + </p> + <p> + Toward the latter end of 1719 the Mississippi scheme had reached its + highest point of glory. Half a million of strangers had crowded into Paris + in quest of fortune. The hotels and lodging-houses were overflowing; + lodgings were procured with excessive difficulty; granaries were turned + into bedrooms; provisions had risen enormously in price; splendid houses + were multiplying on every side; the streets were crowded with carriages; + above a thousand new equipages had been launched. + </p> + <p> + On the eleventh of December, Law obtained another prohibitory decree, for + the purpose of sweeping all the remaining specie in circulation into the + bank. By this it was forbidden to make any payment in silver above ten + livres, or in gold above three hundred. + </p> + <p> + The repeated decrees of this nature, the object of which was to depreciate + the value of gold, and increase the illusive credit of paper, began to + awaken doubts of a system which required such bolstering. Capitalists + gradually awoke from their bewilderment. Sound and able financiers + consulted together, and agreed to make common cause against this continual + expansion of a paper system. The shares of the bank and of the company + began to decline in value. Wary men took the alarm, and began to <i>realize</i>, + a word now first brought into use, to express the conversion of <i>ideal</i> + property into something <i>real</i>. + </p> + <p> + The prince of Conti, one of the most prominent and grasping of the + Mississippi lords, was the first to give a blow to the credit of the bank. + There was a mixture of ingratitude in his conduct that characterized the + venal baseness of the times. He had received from time to time enormous + sums from Law, as the price of his influence and patronage. His avarice + had increased with every acquisition, until Law was compelled to refuse + one of his exactions. In revenge the prince immediately sent such an + amount of paper to the bank to be cashed that it required four wagons to + bring away the silver, and he had the meanness to loll out of the window + of his hotel and jest and exult as it was trundled into his portecochère. + </p> + <p> + This was the signal for other drains of like nature. The English and Dutch + merchants, who had purchased a great amount of bank paper at low prices, + cashed them at the bank, and carried the money out of the country. Other + strangers did the like, thus draining the kingdom of its specie, and + leaving paper in its place. + </p> + <p> + The regent, perceiving these symptoms of decay in the system, sought to + restore it to public confidence by conferring marks of confidence upon its + author. + </p> + <p> + He accordingly resolved to make Law Comptroller General of the Finances of + France. There was a material obstacle in his way. Law was a Protestant, + and the regent, unscrupulous as he was himself, did not dare publicly to + outrage the severe edicts which Louis XIV., in his bigot days, had + fulminated against all heretics. Law soon let him know that there would be + no difficulty on that head. He was ready at any moment to abjure his + religion in the way of business. For decency’s sake, however, it was + judged proper he should previously be convinced and converted. A ghostly + instructor was soon found, ready to accomplish his conversion in the + shortest possible time. This was the Abbe Tencin, a profligate creature of + the profligate Dubois, and like him working his way to ecclesiastical + promotion and temporal wealth, by the basest means. + </p> + <p> + Under the instructions of the Abbe Tencin, Law soon mastered the mysteries + and dogmas of the Catholic doctrine; and, after a brief course of ghostly + training, declared himself thoroughly convinced and converted. To avoid + the sneers and jests of the Parisian public the ceremony of abjuration + took place at Melun. Law made a pious present of one hundred thousand + livres to the Church of St. Roque, and the Abbe Tencin was rewarded for + his edifying labors by sundry shares and bank bills; which he shrewdly + took care to convert into cash, having as little faith in the system as in + the piety of his new convert. A more grave and moral community might have + been outraged by this scandalous farce; but the Parisians laughed at it + with their usual levity, and contented themselves with making it the + subject of a number of songs and epigrams. + </p> + <p> + Law now being orthodox in his faith, took out letters of naturalization, + and having thus surmounted the intervening obstacles, was elevated by the + regent to the post of comptroller-general. So accustomed had the community + become to all juggles and transmutations in this hero of finance, that no + one seemed shocked or astonished at his sudden elevation. On the contrary, + being now considered perfectly established in place and power, he became + more than ever the object of venal adoration. Men of rank and dignity + thronged his antechamber, waiting patiently their turn for an audience; + and titled dames demeaned themselves to take the front seats of the + carriages of his wife and daughter, as if they had been riding with + princesses of the blood royal. Law’s head grew giddy with his elevation, + and he began to aspire after aristocratical distinction. There was to be a + court ball, at which several of the young noblemen were to dance in a + ballet with the youthful king. Law requested that his son might be + admitted into the ballet, and the regent consented. The young scions of + nobility, however, were indignant and scouted the “intruding upstart.” + Their more worldly parents, fearful of displeasing the modern Midas, + reprimanded them in vain. The striplings had not yet imbibed the passion + for gain, and still held to their high blood. The son of the banker + received slights and annoyances on all sides, and the public applauded + them for their spirit. A fit of illness came opportunely to relieve the + youth from an honor which would have cost him a world of vexations and + affronts. + </p> + <p> + In February, 1720, shortly after Law’s installment in office, a decree + came out uniting the bank to the India Company, by which last name the + whole establishment was now known. The decree stated that as the bank was + royal, the king was bound to make good the value of its bills; that he + committed to the company the government of the bank for fifty years, and + sold to it fifty millions of stock belonging to him, for nine hundred + millions; a simple advance of eighteen hundred per cent. The decree + further declared, in the king’s name, that he would never draw on the bank + until the value of his drafts had first been lodged in it by his + receivers-general. + </p> + <p> + The bank, it was said, had by this time issued notes to the amount of one + thousand millions; being more paper than all the banks of Europe were able + to circulate. To aid its credit, the receivers of the revenue were + directed to take bank notes of the sub-receivers. All payments, also, of + one hundred livres and upward were ordered to be made in banknotes. These + compulsory measures for a short time gave a false credit to the bank, + which proceeded to discount merchants’ notes, to lend money on jewels, + plate, and other valuables, as well as on mortgages. + </p> + <p> + Still further to force on the system an edict next appeared, forbidding + any individual, or any corporate body, civil or religious, to hold in + possession more than five hundred livres in current coin; that is to say, + about seven louis d’ors: the value of the louis-d’or in paper being, at + the time, seventy-two livres. All the gold and silver they might have + above this pittance was to be brought to the royal bank and exchanged + either for shares or bills. + </p> + <p> + As confiscation was the penalty of disobedience to this decree, and + informers were assured a share of the forfeitures, a bounty was in a + manner held out to domestic spies and traitors; and the most odious + scrutiny was awakened into the pecuniary affairs of families and + individuals. The very confidence between friends and relatives was + unpaired, and all the domestic ties and virtues of society were + threatened, until a general sentiment of indignation broke forth, that + compelled the regent to rescind the odious decree. Lord Stairs, the + British embassador, speaking of the system of espionage encouraged by this + edict, observed that it was impossible to doubt that Law was a thorough + Catholic, since he had thus established the <i>inquisition</i>, after + having already proved <i>transubstantiation</i>, by changing specie into + paper. + </p> + <p> + Equal abuses had taken place under the colonizing project. In his thousand + expedients to amass capital, Law had sold parcels of land in Mississippi, + at the rate of three thousand livres for a league square. Many capitalists + had purchased estates large enough to constitute almost a principality; + the only evil was, Law had sold a property which he could not deliver. The + agents of police, who aided in recruiting the ranks of the colonists, had + been guilty of scandalous impositions. Under pretense of taking up + mendicants and vagabonds, they had scoured the streets at night, seizing + upon honest mechanics, or their sons, and hurrying them to their + crimping-houses, for the sole purpose of extorting money from them as a + ransom. The populace was roused to indignation by these abuses. The + officers of police were mobbed in the exercise of their odious functions, + and several of them were killed; which put an end to this flagrant abuse + of power. + </p> + <p> + In March, a most extraordinary decree of the council fixed the price of + shares of the India Company at nine thousand livres each. All + ecclesiastical communities and hospitals were now prohibited from + investing money at interest, in anything but India stock. With all these + props and stays, the system continued to totter. How could it be + otherwise, under a despotic government that could alter the value of + property at every moment? The very compulsory measures that were adopted + to establish the credit of the bank hastened its fall; plainly showing + there was a want of solid security. + </p> + <p> + Law caused pamphlets to be published, setting forth, in eloquent language, + the vast profits that must accrue to holders of the stock, and the + impossibility of the king’s ever doing it any harm. On the very back of + these assertions came forth an edict of the king, dated the 22d of May, + wherein, under pretense of having reduced the value of his coin, it was + declared necessary to reduce the value of his bank-notes one-half, and of + the India shares from nine thousand to five thousand livres. + </p> + <p> + This decree came like a clap of thunder upon shareholders. They found + one-half of the pretended value of the paper in their hands annihilated in + an instant; and what certainty had they with respect to the other half? + The rich considered themselves ruined; those in humbler circumstances + looked forward to abject beggary. + </p> + <p> + The parliament seized the occasion to stand forth as the protector of the + public, and refused to register the decree. It gained the credit of + compelling the regent to retrace his step, though it is more probable he + yielded to the universal burst of public astonishment and reprobation. On + the 27th of May the edict was revoked, and bank bills were restored to + their previous value. But the fatal blow had been struck; the delusion was + at an end. Government itself had lost all public confidence, equally with + the bank it had engendered, and which its own arbitrary acts had brought + into discredit. “All Paris,” says the regent’s mother, in her letters, + “has been mourning at the cursed decree which Law has persuaded my son to + make. I have received anonymous letters stating that I have nothing to + fear on my own account, but that my son shall be pursued with fire and + sword.” + </p> + <p> + The regent now endeavored to avert the odium of his ruinous schemes from + himself. He affected to have suddenly lost confidence in Law, and, on the + 29th of May, discharged bin from his employ as comptroller-general, and + stationed a Swiss guard of sixteen men in his house. He even refused to + see him, when, on the following day, he applied at the portal of the + Palais Royal for admission; but having played off this farce before the + public, he admitted him secretly the same night, by a private door, and + continued as before to co-operate with him in his financial schemes. + </p> + <p> + On the first of June the regent issued a decree, permitting persons to + have as much money as they pleased in their possession. Few, however, were + in a state to benefit by this permission. There was a run upon the bank, + but a royal ordinance immediately suspended payment, until further orders. + To relieve the public mind, a city stock was created, of twenty-five + millions, bearing an interest of two and a half per cent, for which bank + notes were taken in exchange. The bank notes thus withdrawn from + circulation were publicly burned before the Hotel de Ville. The public, + however, had lost confidence in everything and everybody, and suspected + fraud and collusion in those who pretended to burn the bills. + </p> + <p> + A general confusion now took place hi the financial world. Families who + had lived in opulence found themselves suddenly reduced to indigence. + Schemers who had been reveling in the delusion of princely fortune found + their estates vanishing into thin air. Those who had any property + remaining sought to secure it against reverses. Cautious persons found + there was no safety for property in a country where the coin was + continually shifting in value, and where a despotism was exercised over + public securities, and even over the private purses of individuals. They + began to send their effects into other countries; when lo! on the 20th of + June a royal edict commanded them to bring back their effects, under + penalty of forfeiting twice their value; and forbade them, under like + penalty, from investing their money in foreign stocks. This was soon + followed by another decree, forbidding any one to retain precious stones + in his possession, or to sell them to foreigners; all must be deposited in + the bank, in exchange for depreciating paper! + </p> + <p> + Execrations were now poured out on all sides against Law, and menaces of + vengeance. What a contrast, in a short time, to the venal incense that was + offered up to him! “This person,” writes the regent’s mother, “who was + formerly worshiped as a god, is now not sure of his life. It is + astonishing how greatly terrified he is. He is as a dead man; he is pale + as a sheet, and it is said he can never get over it. My son is not + dismayed, though he is threatened on all sides; and is very much amused + with Law’s terrors.” + </p> + <p> + About the middle of July the last grand attempt was made by Law and the + regent to keep up the system and provide for the immense emission of + paper. A decree was fabricated, giving the India Company the entire + monopoly of commerce, on condition that it would, in the course of a year, + reimburse six hundred millions of livres of its bills, at the rate of + fifty millions per month. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th this decree was sent to parliament to be registered. It at + once raised a storm of opposition in that assembly, and a vehement + discussion took place. While that was going on a disastrous scene was + passing out of doors. + </p> + <p> + The calamitous effects of the system had reached the humblest concerns of + human life. Provisions had risen to an enormous price; paper money was + refused at all the shops; the people had not wherewithal to buy bread. It + had been found absolutely indispensable to relax a little from the + suspension of specie payments, and to allow small sums to be scantily + exchanged for paper. The doors of the bank and the neighboring streets + were immediately thronged with a famishing multitude, seeking cash for + bank notes of ten livres. So great was the press and struggle that several + persons were stifled and crushed to death. The mob carried three of the + bodies to the courtyard of the Palais Royal. Some cried for the regent to + come forth and behold the effect of his system; others demanded the death + of Law, the impostor, who had brought this misery and rum upon the nation. + </p> + <p> + The moment was critical, the popular fury was rising to a tempest, when Le + Blanc, the Secretary of State, stepped forth. He had previously sent for + the military, and now only sought to gain tune. Singling out six or seven + stout fellows, who seemed to be the ringleaders of the mob: “My good + fellows,” said he, calmly, “carry away these bodies and place them in some + church, and then come back quickly to me for your pay.” They immediately + obeyed; a kind of funeral procession was formed; the arrival of troops + dispersed those who lingered behind; and Paris was probably saved from an + insurrection. + </p> + <p> + About ten o’clock in the morning, all being quiet, Law ventured to go in + his carriage to the Palais Royal. He was saluted with cries and curses, as + he passed along the streets; and he reached the Palais Royal in a terrible + fright. The regent amused himself with his fears, but retained him with + him, and sent off his carriage, which was assailed by the mob, pelted with + stones, and the glasses shivered. The news of this outrage was + communicated to parliament in the midst of a furious discussion of the + decree for the commercial monopoly. The first president, who had been + absent for a short time, re-entered, and communicated the tidings in a + whimsical couplet: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Messieurs, Messieurs! bonne nouvelle! + Le carrosse de Law est reduite en carrelle!” + + “Gentlemen, Gentlemen! good news! + The carriage of Law is shivered to atoms!” + </pre> + <p> + The members sprang up with joy; “And Law!” exclaimed they, “has he been + torn to pieces?” The president was ignorant of the result of the tumult; + whereupon the debate was cut short, the decree rejected, and the house + adjourned; the members hurrying to learn the particulars. Such was the + levity with which public affairs were treated at that dissolute and + disastrous period. + </p> + <p> + On the following day there was an ordinance from the king, prohibiting all + popular assemblages; and troops were stationed at various points, and in + all public places. The regiment of guards was ordered to hold itself in + readiness; and the musketeers to be at their hotels, with their horses + ready saddled. A number of small offices were opened, where people might + cash small notes, though with great delay and difficulty. An edict was + also issued declaring that whoever should refuse to take bank notes in the + course of trade should forfeit double the amount! + </p> + <p> + The continued and vehement opposition of parliament to the whole delusive + system of finance had been a constant source of annoyance to the regent; + but this obstinate rejection of his last grand expedient of a commercial + monopoly was not to be tolerated. He determined to punish that intractable + body. The Abbe Dubois and Law suggested a simple mode; it was to suppress + the parliament altogether, being, as they observed, so far from useful + that it was a constant impediment to the march of public affairs. The + regent was half inclined to listen to their advice; but upon calmer + consideration, and the advice of friends, he adopted a more moderate + course. On the 20th of July, early in the morning, all the doors of the + parliament-house were taken possession of by troops. Others were sent to + surround the house of the first president, and others to the houses of the + various members; who were all at first in great alarm, until an order from + the king was put into their hands, to render themselves at Pontoise, in + the course of two days, to which place the parliament was thus suddenly + and arbitrarily transferred. + </p> + <p> + This despotic act, says Voltaire, would at any other time have caused an + insurrection; but one half of the Parisians were occupied by their ruin, + and the other half by their fancied riches, which were soon to vanish. The + president and members of parliament acquiesced in the mandate without a + murmur; they even went as if on a party of pleasure, and made every + preparation to lead a joyous life in their exile. The musketeers, who held + possession of the vacated parliament-house, a gay corps of fashionable + young fellows, amused themselves with making songs and pasquinades, at the + expense of the exiled legislators; and at length, to pass away time, + formed themselves into a mock parliament; elected their presidents, kings, + ministers, and advocates; took their seats in due form, arraigned a cat at + their bar, in place of the Sieur Law, and, after giving it a “fair trial,” + condemned it to be hanged. In this manner public affairs and public + institutions were lightly turned to jest. + </p> + <p> + As to the exiled parliament, it lived gayly and luxuriously at Pontoise, + at the public expense; for the regent had furnished funds, as usual, with + a lavish hand. The first president had the mansion of the Duke de Bouillon + put at his disposal, already furnished, with a vast and delightful garden + on the borders of a river. There he kept open house to all the members of + parliament. Several tables were spread every day, all furnished + luxuriously and splendidly; the most exquisite wines and liqueurs, the + choicest fruits and refreshments, of all kinds, abounded. A number of + small chariots for one and two horses were always at hand, for such ladies + and old gentlemen as wished to take an airing after dinner, and card and + billiard tables for such as chose to amuse themselves in that way until + supper. The sister and the daughter of the first president did the honors + of the house, and he himself presided there with an air of great ease, + hospitality, and magnificence. It became a party of pleasure to drive from + Paris to Pontoise, which was six leagues distant, and partake of the + amusements and festivities of the place. Business was openly slighted; + nothing was thought of but amusement. The regent and his government were + laughed at, and made the subjects of continual pleasantries; while the + enormous expenses incurred by this idle and lavish course of life more + than doubled the liberal sums provided. This was the way in which the + parliament resented their exile. + </p> + <p> + During all this time the system was getting more and more involved. The + stock exchange had some time previously been removed to the Place Vendome; + but the tumult and noise becoming intolerable to the residents of that + polite quarter, and especially to the chancellor, whose hotel was there, + the Prince and Princess Carignan, both deep gamblers in Mississippi stock, + offered the extensive garden of the Hotel de Soissons as a rallying-place + for the worshipers of Mammon. The offer was accepted. A number of barracks + were immediately erected in the garden, as offices for the stock-brokers, + and an order was obtained from the regent, under pretext of police + regulations, that no bargain should be valid unless concluded in these + barracks. The rent of them immediately mounted to a hundred livres a month + for each, and the whole yielded these noble proprietors an ignoble revenue + of half a million of livres. + </p> + <p> + The mania for gain, however, was now at an end. A universal panic + succeeded. “<i>Sauve qui peut!</i>” was the watchword. Every one was + anxious to exchange falling paper for something of intrinsic and permanent + value. Since money was not to be had, jewels, precious stones, plate, + porcelain, trinkets of gold and silver, all commanded any price in paper. + Land was bought at fifty years’ purchase, and he esteemed himself happy + who could get it even at this price. Monopolies now became the rage among + the noble holders of paper. The Duke de la Force bought up nearly all the + tallow, grease, and soap; others the coffee and spices; others hay and + oats. Foreign exchanges were almost impracticable. The debts of Dutch and + English merchants were paid in this fictitious money, all the coin of the + realm having disappeared. All the relations of debtor and creditor were + confounded. With one thousand crowns one might pay a debt of eighteen + thousand livres! + </p> + <p> + The regent’s mother, who once exulted in the affluence of bank paper, now + wrote in a very different tone: “I have often wished,” said she in her + letters, “that these bank-notes were in the depths of the infernal + regions. They have given my son more trouble than relief. Nobody in France + has a penny.... My son was once popular, but since the arrival of this + cursed Law, he is hated more and more. Not a week passes, without my + receiving letters filled with frightful threats, and speaking of him as a + tyrant. I have just received one threatening him with poison. When I + showed it to him, he did nothing but laugh.” + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Law was dismayed by the increasing troubles, and + terrified at the tempest he had raised. He was not a man of real courage; + and fearing for his personal safety, from popular tumult, or the despair + of ruined individuals, he again took refuge in the palace of the regent. + The latter, as usual, amused himself with his terrors, and turned every + new disaster into a jest; but he too began to think of his own security. + </p> + <p> + In pursuing the schemes of Law, he had no doubt calculated to carry + through his term of government with ease and splendor; and to enrich + himself, his connections, and his favorites; and had hoped that the + catastrophe of the system would not take place until after the expiration + of the regency. + </p> + <p> + He now saw his mistake; that it was impossible much longer to prevent an + explosion; and he determined at once to get Law out of the way, and then + to charge him with the whole tissue of delusions of this paper alchemy. He + accordingly took occasion of the recall of parliament in December, 1720, + to suggest to Law the policy of his avoiding an encounter with that + hostile and exasperated body. Law needed no urging to the measure. His + only desire was to escape from Paris and its tempestuous populace. Two + days before the return of parliament he took his sudden and secret + departure. He traveled in a chaise bearing the arms of the regent, and was + escorted by a kind of safeguard of servants in the duke’s livery. His + first place of refuge was an estate of the regent’s, about six leagues + from Paris, from whence he pushed forward to Bruxelles. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Law was fairly out of the way, the Duke of Orleans summoned a + council of the regency, and informed them that they were assembled to + deliberate on the state of the finances, and the affairs of the India + Company. Accordingly La Houssaye, comptroller-general, rendered a + perfectly clear statement, by which it appeared that there were bank bills + in circulation to the amount of two milliards, seven hundred millions of + livres, without any evidence that this enormous sum had been emitted in + virtue of any ordinance from the general assembly of the India Company, + which alone had the right to authorize such emissions. + </p> + <p> + The council was astonished at this disclosure, and looked to the regent + for explanation. Pushed to the extreme, the regent avowed that Law had + emitted bills to the amount of twelve hundred millions beyond what had + been fixed by ordinances, and in contradiction to express prohibitions; + that the thing being done, he, the regent, had legalized or rather covered + the transaction, by decrees ordering such emissions, which decrees he had + <i>antedated</i>. + </p> + <p> + A stormy scene ensued between the regent and the Duke de Bourbon, little + to the credit of either, both having been deeply implicated in the + cabalistic operations of the system. In fact, the several members of the + council had been among the most venal “beneficiaries” of the scheme, and + had interests at stake which they were anxious to secure. From all the + circumstances of the case, I am inclined to think that others were more to + blame than Law, for the disastrous effects of his financial projects. His + bank, had it been confined to its original limits, and left to the control + of its own internal regulations, might have gone on prosperously, and been + of great benefit to the nation. It was an institution fitted for a free + country; but unfortunately it was subjected to the control of a despotic + government, that could, at its pleasure, alter the value of the specie + within its vaults, and compel the most extravagant expansions of its paper + circulation. The vital principle of a bank is security in the regularity + of its operations, and the immediate convertibility of its paper into + coin; and what confidence could be reposed in an institution or its paper + promises, when the sovereign could at any moment centuple those promises + in the market, and seize upon all the money in the bank? The compulsory + measures used, likewise, to force bank-notes into currency, against the + judgment of the public, was fatal to the system; for credit must be free + and uncontrolled as the common air. The regent was the evil spirit of the + system, that forced Law on to an expansion of his paper currency far + beyond what he had ever dreamed of. He it was that in a manner compelled + the unlucky projector to devise all kinds of collateral companies and + monopolies, by which to raise funds to meet the constantly and enormously + increasing emissions of shares and notes. Law was but like a poor conjurer + in the hands of a potent spirit that he has evoked, and that obliges him + to go on, desperately and ruinously, with his conjurations. He only + thought at the outset to raise the wind, but the regent compelled him to + raise the whirlwind. + </p> + <p> + The investigation of the affairs of the company by the council resulted in + nothing beneficial to the public. The princes and nobles who had enriched + themselves by all kinds of juggles and extortions, escaped unpunished, and + retained the greater part of their spoils. Many of the “suddenly rich,” + who had risen from obscurity to a giddy height of imaginary prosperity, + and had indulged in all kinds of vulgar and ridiculous excesses, awoke as + out of a dream, in their original poverty, now made more galling and + humiliating by their transient elevation. + </p> + <p> + The weight of the evil, however, fell on more valuable classes of society; + honest tradesmen and artisans, who had been seduced away from the safe + pursuits of industry, to the specious chances of speculation. Thousands of + meritorious families also, once opulent, had been reduced to indigence, by + a too great confidence in government. There was a general derangement in + the finances, that long exerted a baneful influence over the national + prosperity; but the most disastrous effects of the system were upon the + morals and manners of the nation. The faith of engagements, the sanctity + of promises in affairs of business, were at an end. Every expedient to + grasp present profit, or to evade present difficulty, was tolerated. While + such deplorable laxity of principle was generated in the busy classes, the + chivalry of France had soiled their pennons; and honor and glory, so long + the idols of the Gallic nobility, had been tumbled to the earth, and + trampled in the dirt of the stock-market. + </p> + <p> + As to Law, the originator of the system, he appears eventually to have + profited but little by his schemes. “He was a quack,” says Voltaire, “to + whom the state was given to be cured, but who poisoned it with his drugs, + and who poisoned himself.” The effects which he left behind in France were + sold at a low price and the proceeds dissipated. His landed estates were + confiscated. He carried away with him barely enough to maintain himself, + his wife, and daughter, with decency. The chief relic of his immense + fortune was a great diamond, which he was often obliged to pawn. He was in + England in 1721, and was presented to George the First. He returned + shortly afterward to the continent; shifting about from place to place, + and died in Venice, in 1729. His wife and daughter, accustomed to live + with the prodigality of princesses, could not conform to their altered + fortunes, but dissipated the scanty means left to them, and sank into + abject poverty. “I saw his wife,” says Voltaire, “at Bruxelles, as much + humiliated as she had been haughty and triumphant in Paris.” An elder + brother of Law remained in France, and was protected by the Duchess of + Bourbon. His descendants have acquitted themselves honorably, in various + public employments; and one of them is the Marquis Lauriston, some time + lieutenant-general and peer of France. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DON JUAN + </h2> + <h3> + A SPECTRAL RESEARCH + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “I have heard of spirits walking with aerial bodies, and have been + wondered at by others; but I must only wonder at myself, for if they + be not mad, I’me come to my own buriall.”—SHIRLEY’s <i>Witty Fairie + One</i> +</pre> + <p> + Everybody has heard of the fate of Don Juan, the famous libertine of + Seville, who for his sins against the fair sex and other minor + peccadilloes was hurried away to the infernal regions. His story has been + illustrated in play, in pantomime, and farce, on every stage in + Christendom; until at length it has been rendered the theme of the operas, + and embalmed to endless duration in the glorious music of Mozart. I well + recollect the effect of this story upon my feelings in my boyish days, + though represented in grotesque pantomime; the awe with which I + contemplated the monumental statue on horseback of the murdered commander, + gleaming by pale moonlight in the convent cemetery; how my heart quaked as + he bowed his marble head, and accepted the impious invitation of Don Juan: + how each footfall of the statue smote upon my heart, as I heard it + approach, step by step, through the echoing corridor, and beheld it enter, + and advance, a moving figure of stone, to the supper table! But then the + convivial scene in the charnel-house, where Don Juan returned the visit of + the statue; was offered a banquet of skulls and bones, and on refusing to + partake, was hurled into a yawning gulf, under a tremendous shower of + fire! These were accumulated horrors enough to shake the nerves of the + most pantomime-loving schoolboy. Many have supposed the story of Don Juan + a mere fable. I myself thought so once; but “seeing is believing.” I have + since beheld the very scene where it took place, and now to indulge any + doubt on the subject would be preposterous. + </p> + <p> + I was one night perambulating the streets of Seville, in company with a + Spanish friend, a curious investigator of the popular traditions and other + good-for-nothing lore of the city, and who was kind enough to imagine he + had met, in me, with a congenial spirit. In the course of our rambles we + were passing by a heavy, dark gateway, opening into the courtyard of a + convent, when he laid his hand upon my arm: “Stop!” said he, “this is the + convent of San Francisco; there is a story connected with it which I am + sure must be known to you. You cannot but have heard of Don Juan and the + marble statue.” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly,” replied I, “it has been familiar to me from childhood.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, it was in the cemetery of this very convent that the events + took place.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, you do not mean to say that the story is founded on fact?” + </p> + <p> + “Undoubtedly it is. The circumstances of the case are said to have + occurred during the reign of Alfonso XI. Don Juan was of the noble family + of Tenorio, one of the most illustrious houses of Andalusia. His father, + Don Diego Tenorio, was a favorite of the king, and his family ranked among + the <i>deintecuatros</i>, or magistrates, of the city. Presuming on his + high descent and powerful connections, Don Juan set no bounds to his + excesses: no female, high or low, was sacred from his pursuit: and he soon + became the scandal of Seville. One of his most daring outrages was, to + penetrate by night into the palace of Don Gonzalo de Ulloa, commander of + the order of Calatrava, and attempt to carry off his daughter. The + household was alarmed; a scuffle in the dark took place; Don Juan escaped, + but the unfortunate commander was found weltering in his blood, and + expired without being able to name his murderer. Suspicions attached to + Don Juan; he did not stop to meet the investigations of justice, and the + vengeance of the powerful family of Ulloa, but fled from Seville, and took + refuge with his uncle, Don Pedro Tenorio, at that time embassador at the + court of Naples. Here he remained until the agitation occasioned by the + murder of Don Gonzalo had time to subside; and the scandal which the + affair might cause to both the families of Ulloa and Tenorio had induced + them to hush it up. Don Juan, however, continued his libertine career at + Naples, until at length his excesses forfeited the protection of his + uncle, the embassador, and obliged him again to flee. He had made his way + back to Seville, trusting that his past misdeeds were forgotten, or rather + trusting to his dare-devil spirit and the power of his family to carry him + through all difficulties. + </p> + <p> + “It was shortly after his return, and while in the height of his + arrogance, that on visiting this very convent of Francisco, he beheld on a + monument the equestrian statue of the murdered commander, who had been + buried within the walls of this sacred edifice, where the family of Ulloa + had a chapel. It was on this occasion that Don Juan, in a moment of + impious levity, invited the statue to the banquet, the awful catastrophe + of which has given such celebrity to his story.” + </p> + <p> + “And pray how much of this story,” said I, “is believed in Seville?” + </p> + <p> + “The whole of it by the populace; with whom it has been a favorite + tradition since time immemorial, and who crowd to the theaters to see it + represented in dramas written long since by Tyrso de Molina, and another + of our popular writers. Many in our higher ranks also, accustomed from + childhood to this story, would feel somewhat indignant at hearing it + treated with contempt. An attempt has been made to explain the whole, by + asserting that, to put an end to the extravagances of Don Juan, and to + pacify the family of Ulloa, without exposing the delinquent to the + degrading penalties of justice, he was decoyed into this convent under a + false pretext, and either plunged into a perpetual dungeon, or privately + hurried out of existence; while the story of the statue was circulated by + the monks, to account for his sudden disappearance. The populace, however, + are not to be cajoled out of a ghost story by any of these plausible + explanations; and the marble statue still strides the stage, and Don Juan + is still plunged into the infernal regions, as an awful warning to all + rake-helly youngsters, in like case offending.” + </p> + <p> + While my companion was relating these anecdotes, we had entered the + gateway, traversed the exterior courtyard of the convent, and made our way + into a great interior court; partly surrounded by cloisters and + dormitories, partly by chapels, and having a large fountain in the center. + The pile had evidently once been extensive and magnificent; but it was for + the greater part in ruins. By the light of the stars, and of twinkling + lamps placed here and there in the chapels and corridors, I could see that + many of the columns and arches were broken; the walls were rent and riven; + white burned beams and rafters showed the destructive effects of fire. The + whole place had a desolate air; the night breeze rustled through grass and + weeds flaunting out of the crevices of the walls, or from the shattered + columns; the bat flitted about the vaulted passages, and the owl hooted + from the ruined belfry. Never was any scene more completely fitted for a + ghost story. + </p> + <p> + While I was indulging in picturings of the fancy, proper to such a place, + the deep chant of the monks from the convent church came swelling upon the + ear. “It is the vesper service,” said my companion; “follow me.” + </p> + <p> + Leading the way across the court of the cloisters, and through one or two + ruined passages, he reached the distant portal of the church, and pushing + open a wicket, cut in the folding doors, we found ourselves in the deep + arched vestibule of the sacred edifice. To our left was the choir, forming + one end of the church, and having a low vaulted ceiling, which gave it the + look of a cavern. About this were ranged the monks, seated on stools, and + chanting from immense books placed on music-stands, and having the notes + scored in such gigantic characters as to be legible from every part of the + choir. A few lights on these music-stands dimly illumined the choir, + gleamed on the shaven heads of the monks and threw their shadows on the + walls. They were gross, blue-bearded, bullet-headed men, with bass voices, + of deep metallic tone, that reverberated out of the cavernous choir. + </p> + <p> + To our right extended the great body of the church. It was spacious and + lofty; some of the side chapels had gilded grates, and were decorated with + images and paintings, representing the sufferings of our Saviour. Aloft + was a great painting by Murillo, but too much in the dark to be + distinguished. The gloom of the whole church was but faintly relieved by + the reflected light from the choir, and the glimmering here and there of a + votive lamp before the shrine of a saint. + </p> + <p> + As my eye roamed about the shadowy pile, it was struck with the dimly seen + figure of a man on horseback, near a distant altar. I touched my + companion, and pointed to it: “The specter statue!” said I. + </p> + <p> + “No,” replied he; “it is the statue of the blessed St. Iago; the statue of + the commander was in the cemetery of the convent, and was destroyed at the + tune of the conflagration. But,” added he, “as I see you take a proper + interest in these kind of stories, come with me to the other end of the + church, where our whisperings will not disturb these holy fathers at their + devotions, and I will tell you another story that has been current for + some generations in our city, by which you will find that Don Juan is not + the only libertine that has been the object of supernatural castigation in + Seville.” + </p> + <p> + I accordingly followed him with noiseless tread to the further part of the + church, where we took our seats on the steps of an altar, opposite to the + suspicious-looking figure on horseback, and there, in a low, mysterious + voice, he related to me the following narration: + </p> + <p> + “There was once in Seville a gay young fellow, Don Manuel de Manara by + name, who, having come to a great estate by the death of his father, gave + the reins to his passions, and plunged into all kinds of dissipation. Like + Don Juan, whom he seemed to have taken for a model, he became famous for + his enterprises among the fair sex, and was the cause of doors being + barred and windows grated with more than usual strictness. All in vain. No + balcony was too high for him to scale; no bolt nor bar was proof against + his efforts; and his very name was a word of terror to all the jealous + husbands and cautious fathers of Seville. His exploits extended to country + as well as city; and in the village dependent on his castle, scarce a + rural beauty was safe from his arts and enterprises. + </p> + <p> + “As he was one day ranging the streets of Seville, with several of his + dissolute companions, he beheld a procession about to enter the gate of a + convent. In the center was a young female arrayed in the dress of a bride; + it was a novice, who, having accomplished her year of probation, was about + to take the black veil, and consecrate herself to heaven. The companions + of Don Manuel drew back, out of respect to the sacred pageant; but he + pressed forward, with his usual impetuosity, to gain a near view of the + novice. He almost jostled her, in passing through the portal of the + church, when, on her turning round, he beheld the countenance of a + beautiful village girl, who had been the object of his ardent pursuit, but + who had been spirited secretly out of his reach by her relatives. She + recognized him at the same moment, and fainted; but was borne within the + grate of the chapel. It was supposed the agitation of the ceremony and the + heat of the throng had overcome her. After some time, the curtain which + hung within the grate was drawn up: there stood the novice, pale and + trembling, surrounded by the abbess and the nuns. The ceremony proceeded; + the crown of flowers was taken from her head; she was shorn of her silken + tresses, received the black veil, and went passively through the remainder + of the ceremony. + </p> + <p> + “Don Manuel de Manara, on the contrary, was roused to fury at the sight of + this sacrifice. His passion, which had almost faded away in the absence of + the object, now glowed with tenfold ardor, being inflamed by the + difficulties placed in his way, and piqued by the measures which had been + taken to defeat him. Never had the object of his pursuit appeared so + lovely and desirable as when within the grate of the convent; and he swore + to have her, in defiance of heaven and earth. By dint of bribing a female + servant of the convent he contrived to convey letters to her, pleading his + passion in the most eloquent and seductive terms. How successful they were + is only matter of conjecture; certain it is, he undertook one night to + scale the garden wall of the convent, either to carry off the nun or gain + admission to her cell. Just as he was mounting the wall he was suddenly + plucked back, and a stranger, muffled in a cloak, stood before him. + </p> + <p> + “‘Rash man, forbear!’ cried he: ‘is it not enough to have violated all + human ties? Wouldst thou steal a bride from heaven!’ + </p> + <p> + “The sword of Don Manuel had been drawn on the instant, and, furious at + this interruption, he passed it through the body of the stranger, who fell + dead at his feet. Hearing approaching footsteps, he fled the fatal spot, + and mounting his horse, which was at hand, retreated to his estate in the + country, at no great distance from Seville. Here he remained throughout + the next day, full of horror and remorse; dreading lest he should be known + as the murderer of the deceased, and fearing each moment the arrival of + the officers of justice. + </p> + <p> + “The day passed, however, without molestation; and, as the evening + approached, unable any longer to endure this state of uncertainty and + apprehension, he ventured back to Seville. Irresistibly his footsteps took + the direction of the convent; but he paused and hovered at a distance from + the scene of blood. Several persons were gathered round the place, one of + whom was busy nailing something against the convent wall. After a while + they dispersed, and one passed near to Don Manuel. The latter addressed + him, with a hesitating voice. + </p> + <p> + “‘Señor,’ said he, ‘may I ask the reason of yonder throng?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘A cavalier,’ replied the other, ‘has been murdered.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Murdered!’ echoed Don Manuel; ‘and can you tell me his name?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Don Manuel de Manara,’ replied the stranger, and passed on. + </p> + <p> + “Don Manuel was startled at this mention of his own name; especially when + applied to the murdered man. He ventured, when it was entirely deserted, + to approach the fatal spot. A small cross had been nailed against the + wall, as is customary in Spain, to mark the place where a murder has been + committed; and just below it, he read, by the twinkling light of a lamp: + ‘Here was murdered Don Manuel de Manara. Pray to God for his soul!’ + </p> + <p> + “Still more confounded and perplexed by this inscription, he wandered + about the streets until the night was far advanced, and all was still and + lonely. As he entered the principal square, the light of torches suddenly + broke on him, and he beheld a grand funeral procession moving across it. + There was a great train of priests, and many persons of dignified + appearance, in ancient Spanish dresses, attending as mourners, none of + whom he knew. Accosting a servant who followed in the train, he demanded + the name of the defunct. + </p> + <p> + “‘Don Manuel de Manara,’ was the reply; and it went cold to his heart. He + looked, and indeed beheld the armorial bearings of his family emblazoned + on the funeral escutcheons. Yet not one of his family was to be seen among + the mourners. The mystery was more and more incomprehensible. + </p> + <p> + “He followed the procession as it moved on to the cathedral. The bier was + deposited before the high altar; the funeral service was commenced, and + the grand organ began to peal through the vaulted aisles. + </p> + <p> + “Again the youth ventured to question this awful pageant. ‘Father,’ said + he, with trembling voice, to one of the priests, ‘who is this you are + about to inter?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Don Manuel de Manara!’ replied the priest. + </p> + <p> + “‘Father,’ cried Don Manuel, impatiently, ‘you are deceived. This is some + imposture. Know that Don Manuel de Manara la alive and well, and now + stands before you. <i>I</i> am Don Manuel de Manara!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Avaunt, rash youth!’ cried the priest; ‘know that Don Manuel de Manara + is dead!—is dead!—is dead!—and we are all souls from + purgatory, his deceased relatives and ancestors, and others that have been + aided by masses of his family, who are permitted to come here and pray for + the repose of his soul!’ + </p> + <p> + “Don Manuel cast round a fearful glance upon the assemblage, in antiquated + Spanish garbs, and recognized in their pale and ghastly countenances the + portraits of many an ancestor that hung in the family picture-gallery. He + now lost all self-command, rushed up to the bier, and beheld the + counterpart of himself, but in the fixed and livid lineaments of death. + Just at that moment the whole choir burst forth with a ‘Requiescat in + pace,’ that shook the vaults of the cathedral. Don Manuel sank senseless + on the pavement. He was found there early the next morning by the + sacristan, and conveyed to his home. When sufficiently recovered, he sent + for a friar and made a full confession of all that had happened. + </p> + <p> + “‘My son,’ said the friar, ‘all this is a miracle and a mystery, intended + for thy conversion and salvation. The corpse thou hast seen was a token + that thou hadst died to sin and the world; take warning by it, and + henceforth live to righteousness and heaven!’ + </p> + <p> + “Don Manuel did take warning by it. Guided by the counsels of the worthy + friar, he disposed of all his temporal affairs; dedicated the greater part + of his wealth to pious uses, especially to the performance of masses for + souls in purgatory; and finally, entering a convent, became one of the + most zealous and exemplary monks in Seville.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + While my companion was relating this story, my eyes wandered, from time to + time, about the dusky church. Methought the burly countenances of the + monks in their distant choir assumed a pallid, ghastly hue, and their deep + metallic voices had a sepulchral sound. By the time the story was ended, + they had ended their chant; and, extinguishing their lights, glided one by + one, like shadows, through a small door in the side of the choir. A deeper + gloom prevailed over the church; the figure opposite me on horseback grew + more and more spectral; and I almost expected to see it bow its head. + </p> + <p> + “It is time to be off,” said my companion, “unless we intend to sup with + the statue.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no relish for such fare or such company,” replied I; and, + following my companion, we groped our way through the mouldering + cloisters. As we passed by the ruined cemetery, keeping up a casual + conversation, by way of dispelling the loneliness of the scene, I called + to mind the words of the poet: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “—The tombs + And monumental caves of death look cold, + And shoot a chillness to my trembling heart! + Give me thy hand, and let me hear thy voice; + Nay, speak—and let me hear thy voice; + My own affrights me with its echoes.” + </pre> + <p> + There wanted nothing but the marble statue of the commander striding along + the echoing cloisters to complete the haunted scene. + </p> + <p> + Since that time I never fail to attend the theater whenever the story of + Don Juan is represented, whether in pantomime or opera. In the sepulchral + scene, I feel myself quite at home; and when the statue makes his + appearance, I greet him as an old acquaintance. When the audience applaud, + I look round upon them with a degree of compassion. “Poor souls!” I say to + myself, “they think they are pleased; they think they enjoy this piece, + and yet they consider the whole as a fiction! How much more would they + enjoy it, if like me they knew it to be true—<i>and had seen the + very place</i>!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BROEK + </h2> + <h3> + OF THE DUTCH PARADISE + </h3> + <p> + It has long been a matter of discussion and controversy among the pious + and the learned, as to the situation of the terrestrial paradise from + whence our first parents were exiled. This question has been put to rest + by certain of the faithful in Holland, who have decided in favor of the + village of Broek, about six miles from Amsterdam. It may not, they + observe, correspond in all respects to the description of the Garden of + Eden, handed down from days of yore, but it comes nearer to their ideas of + a perfect paradise than any other place on earth. + </p> + <p> + This eulogium induced me to make some inquiries as to this favored spot in + the course of a sojourn at the city of Amsterdam, and the information I + procured fully justified the enthusiastic praises I had heard. The village + of Broek is situated in Waterland, in the midst of the greenest and + richest pastures of Holland, I may say, of Europe. These pastures are the + source of its wealth, for it is famous for its dairies, and for those oval + cheeses which regale and perfume the whole civilized world. The population + consists of about six hundred persons, comprising several families which + have inhabited the place since time immemorial, and have waxed rich on the + products of their meadows. They keep all their wealth among themselves, + intermarrying, and keeping all strangers at a wary distance. They are a + “hard money” people, and remarkable for turning the penny the right way. + It is said to have been an old rule, established by one of the primitive + financiers and legislators of Broek, that no one should leave the village + with more than six guilders in his pocket, or return with less than ten; a + shrewd regulation, well worthy the attention of modern political + economists, who are so anxious to fix the balance of trade. + </p> + <p> + What, however, renders Broek so perfect an elysium in the eyes of all true + Hollanders is the matchless height to which the spirit of cleanliness is + carried there. It amounts almost to a religion among the inhabitants, who + pass the greater part of their time rubbing and scrubbing, and painting + and varnishing; each housewife vies with her neighbor in her devotion to + the scrubbing-brush, as zealous Catholics do in their devotion to the + cross; and it is said a notable housewife of the place in days of yore is + held in pious remembrance, and almost canonized as a saint, for having + died of pure exhaustion and chagrin in an ineffectual attempt to scour a + black man white. + </p> + <p> + These particulars awakened my ardent curiosity to see a place which I + pictured to myself the very fountain-head of certain hereditary habits and + customs prevalent among the descendants of the original Dutch settlers of + my native State. I accordingly lost no time in performing a pilgrimage to + Broek. + </p> + <p> + Before I reached the place I beheld symptoms of the tranquil character of + its inhabitants. A little clump-built boat was in full sail along the lazy + bosom of a canal, but its sail consisted of the blades of two paddles + stood on end, while the navigator sat steering with a third paddle in the + stern, crouched down like a toad, with a slouched hat drawn over his eyes. + I presumed him to be some nautical lover on the way to his mistress. After + proceeding a little further I came in sight of the harbor or port of + destination of this drowsy navigator. This was the Broeken-Meer, an + artificial basin, or sheet of olive-green water, tranquil as a mill-pond. + On this the village of Broek is situated, and the borders are laboriously + decorated with flower-beds, box-trees clipped into all kinds of ingenious + shapes and fancies, and little “lust” houses, or pavilions. + </p> + <p> + I alighted outside of the village, for no horse nor vehicle is permitted + to enter its precincts, lest it should cause defilement of the + well-scoured pavements. Shaking the dust off my feet, therefore, I + prepared to enter, with due reverence and circumspection, this <i>sanctum + sanctorum</i> of Dutch cleanliness. I entered by a narrow street, paved + with yellow bricks, laid edgewise, and so clean that one might eat from + them. Indeed, they were actually worn deep, not by the tread of feet, but + by the friction of the scrubbing-brush. + </p> + <p> + The houses were built of wood, and all appeared to have been freshly + painted, of green, yellow, and other bright colors. They were separated + from each other by gardens and orchards, and stood at some little distance + from the street, with wide areas or courtyards, paved in mosaic, with + variegated stones, polished by frequent rubbing. The areas were divided + from the street by curiously-wrought railings, or balustrades, of iron, + surmounted with brass and copper balls, scoured into dazzling effulgence. + The very trunks of the trees in front of the houses were by the same + process made to look as if they had been varnished. The porches, doors, + and window-frames of the houses were of exotic woods, curiously carved, + and polished like costly furniture. The front doors are never opened, + excepting on christenings, marriages, or funerals; on all ordinary + occasions, visitors enter by the back door. In former times, persons when + admitted had to put on slippers, but this Oriental ceremony is no longer + insisted upon. + </p> + <p> + A poor devil Frenchman, who attended upon me as cicerone, boasted with + some degree of exultation of a triumph of his countrymen over the stern + regulations of the place. During the time that Holland was overrun by the + armies of the French republic, a French general, surrounded by his whole + état major, who had come from Amsterdam to view the wonders of Broek, + applied for admission at one of these taboo’d portals. The reply was that + the owner never received any one who did not come introduced by some + friend. “Very well,” said the general, “take my compliments to your + master, and tell him I will return here to-morrow with a company of + soldiers, ‘<i>pour parler raison avec mon ami Hollandais</i>.’” Terrified + at the idea of having a company of soldiers billeted upon him, the owner + threw open his house, entertained the general and his retinue with + unwonted hospitality; though it is said it cost the family a month’s + scrubbing and scouring to restore all things to exact order, after this + military invasion. My vagabond informant seemed to consider this one of + the greatest victories of the republic. + </p> + <p> + I walked about the place in mute wonder and admiration. A dead stillness + prevailed around, like that in the deserted streets of Pompeii. No sign of + life was to be seen, excepting now and then a hand, and a long pipe, and + an occasional puff of smoke, out of the window of some “lusthaus” + overhanging a miniature canal; and on approaching a little nearer, the + periphery in profile of some robustious burgher. + </p> + <p> + Among the grand houses pointed out to me were those of Claes Bakker, and + Cornelius Bakker, richly carved and gilded, with flower gardens and + clipped shrubberies; and that of the Great Ditmus, who, my poor devil + cicerone informed me, in a whisper, was worth two millions; all these were + mansions shut up from the world, and only kept to be cleaned. After having + been conducted from one wonder to another of the village, I was ushered by + my guide into the grounds and gardens of Mynheer Broekker, another mighty + cheese-manufacturer, worth eighty thousand guilders a year. I had + repeatedly been struck with the similarity of all that I had seen in this + amphibious little village to the buildings and landscapes on Chinese + platters and tea-pots; but here I found the similarity complete; for I was + told that these gardens were modeled upon Van Bramm’s description of those + of Yuen min Yuen, in China. Here were serpentine walks, with trellised + borders; winding canals, with fanciful Chinese bridges; flower-beds + resembling huge baskets, with the flower of “love lies bleeding” falling + over to the ground. But mostly had the fancy of Mynheer Broekker been + displayed about a stagnant little lake, on which a corpulent little + pinnace lay at anchor. On the border was a cottage within which were a + wooden man and woman seated at table, and a wooden dog beneath, all the + size of life; on pressing a spring, the woman commenced spinning, and the + dog barked furiously. On the lake were wooden swans, painted to the life; + some floating, others on the nest among the rushes; while a wooden + sportsman, crouched among the bushes, was preparing his gun to take deadly + aim. In another part of the garden was a dominie in his clerical robes, + with wig, pipe, and cocked hat; and mandarins with nodding heads, amid red + lions, green tigers, and blue hares. Last of all, the heathen deities, in + wood and plaster, male and female, naked and bare-faced as usual, and + seeming to stare with wonder at finding themselves in such strange + company. + </p> + <p> + My shabby French guide, while he pointed out all these mechanical marvels + of the garden, was anxious to let me see that he had too polite a taste to + be pleased with them. At every new knick-knack he would screw down his + mouth, shrug up his shoulders, take a pinch of snuff, and exclaim: “<i>Ma + foi, Monsieur, ces Hollandais sont forts pour ces bétises là </i>!” + </p> + <p> + To attempt to gain admission to any of these stately abodes was out of the + question, having no company of soldiers to enforce a solicitation. I was + fortunate enough, however, through the aid of my guide, to make my way + into the kitchen of the illustrious Ditmus, and I question whether the + parlor would have proved more worthy of observation. The cook, a little + wiry, hook-nosed woman, worn thin by incessant action and friction, was + bustling about among her kettles and saucepans, with the scullion at her + heels, both clattering in wooden shoes, which were as clean and white as + the milk-pails; rows of vessels, of brass and copper, regiments of pewter + dishes, and portly porringers, gave resplendent evidence of the intensity + of their cleanliness; the very trammels and hangers in the fireplace were + highly scoured, and the burnished face of the good Saint Nicholas shone + forth from the iron plate of the chimney back. + </p> + <p> + Among the decorations of the kitchen was a printed sheet of woodcuts, + representing the various holiday customs of Holland, with explanatory + rhymes. Here I was delighted to recognize the jollities of New Year’s Day; + the festivities of Paäs and Pinkster, and all the other merry-makings + handed down in my native place from the earliest times of New Amsterdam, + and which had been such bright spots in the year in my childhood. I + eagerly made myself master of this precious document for a trifling + consideration, and bore it off as a memento of the place; though I + question if, in so doing, I did not carry off with me the whole current + literature of Broek. + </p> + <p> + I must not omit to mention that this village is the paradise of cows as + well as men; indeed you would almost suppose the cow to be as much an + object of worship here as the bull was among the ancient Egyptians; and + well does she merit it, for she is in fact the patroness of the place. The + same scrupulous cleanliness, however, which pervades everything else, is + manifested in the treatment of this venerated animal. She is not permitted + to perambulate the place, but in winter, when she forsakes the rich + pasture, a well-built house is provided for her, well painted, and + maintained in the most perfect order. Her stall is of ample dimensions; + the floor is scrubbed and polished; her hide is daily curried and brushed + and sponged to her heart’s content, and her tail is daintily tucked up to + the ceiling, and decorated with a ribbon! + </p> + <p> + On my way back through the village, I passed the house of the prediger, or + preacher; a very comfortable mansion, which led me to augur well of the + state of religion in the village. On inquiry, I was told that for a long + time the inhabitants lived in a great state of indifference as to + religious matters; it was in vain that their preachers endeavored to + arouse their thoughts as to a future state; the joys of heaven, as + commonly depicted, were but little to their taste. At length a dominie + appeared among them who struck out in a different vein. He depicted the + New Jerusalem as a place all smooth and level; with beautiful dykes, and + ditches, and canals; and houses all shining with paint and varnish, and + glazed tiles; and where there should never come horse, or ass, or cat, or + dog, or anything that could make noise or dirt; but there should be + nothing but rubbing and scrubbing, and washing and painting, and gilding + and varnishing, for ever and ever, amen! Since that time, the good + housewives of Broek have all turned their faces Zionward. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SKETCHES IN PARIS IN 1825 + </h2> + <h3> + FROM THE TRAVELING NOTE-BOOK OF GEOFFREY CRAYON, GENT. + </h3> + <p> + A Parisian hotel is a street set on end, the grand staircase forming the + highway, and every floor a separate habitation. Let me describe the one in + which I am lodged, which may serve as a specimen of its class. It is a + huge quadrangular pile of stone, built round a spacious paved court. The + ground floor is occupied by shops, magazines, and domestic offices. Then + comes the <i>entre-sol</i>, with low ceilings, short windows, and dwarf + chambers; then succeed a succession of floors, or stories, rising one + above the other, to the number of Mahomet’s heavens. Each floor is like a + distinct mansion, complete in itself, with ante-chamber, saloons, dining + and sleeping rooms, kitchen and other conveniences for the accommodation + of a family. Some floors are divided into two or more suites of + apartments. Each apartment has its main door of entrance, opening upon the + staircase, or landing-places, and locked like a street door. Thus several + families and numerous single persons live under the same roof, totally + independent of each other, and may live so for years without holding more + intercourse than is kept up in other cities by residents in the same + street. + </p> + <p> + Like the great world, this little microcosm has its gradations of rank and + style and importance. The <i>Premier</i>, or first floor, with its grand + saloons, lofty ceilings, and splendid furniture, is decidedly the + aristocratical part of the establishment. The second floor is scarcely + less aristocratical and magnificent; the other floors go on lessening in + splendor as they gain in altitude, and end with the attics, the region of + petty tailors, clerks, and sewing-girls. To make the filling up of the + mansion complete, every odd nook and corner is fitted up as a <i>joli + petit appartement à garçon</i> (a pretty little bachelor’s apartment), + that is to say, some little dark inconvenient nestling-place for a poor + devil of a bachelor. + </p> + <p> + The whole domain is shut up from the street by a great <i>porte-cochère</i>, + or portal, calculated for the admission of carriages. This consists of two + massy folding-doors, that swing heavily open upon a spacious entrance, + passing under the front of the edifice into the courtyard. On one side is + a spacious staircase leading to the upper apartments. Immediately without + the portal is the porter’s lodge, a small room with one or two bedrooms + adjacent, for the accommodation of the <i>concierge</i>, or porter and his + family. This is one of the most important functionaries of the hotel. He + is, in fact, the Cerberus of the establishment, and no one can pass in or + out without his knowledge and consent. The <i>porte-cochère</i> in general + is fastened by a sliding bolt, from which a cord or wire passes into the + porter’s lodge. Whoever wishes to go out must speak to the porter, who + draws the bolt. A visitor from without gives a single rap with the massive + knocker; the bolt is immediately drawn, as if by an invisible hand; the + door stands ajar, the visitor pushes it open, and enters. A face presents + itself at the glass door of the porter’s little chamber; the stranger + pronounces the name of the person he comes to seek. If the person or + family is of importance, occupying the first or second floor, the porter + sounds a bell once or twice, to give notice that a visitor is at hand. The + stranger in the meantime ascends the great staircase, the highway common + to all, and arrives at the outer door, equivalent to a street door, of the + suite of rooms inhabited by his friends. + </p> + <p> + Beside this hangs a bell-cord, with which he rings for admittance. + </p> + <p> + When the family or person inquired for is of less importance, or lives in + some remote part of the mansion less easy to be apprised, no signal is + given. The applicant pronounces the name at the porter’s door, and is + told, <i>“Montez au troisième, au quatrième; sonnez à la porte à droite ou + à gauche.”</i> (“Ascend to the third or fourth story; ring the bell on the + right or left hand door”); as the case may be. + </p> + <p> + The porter and his wife act as domestics to such of the inmates of the + mansion as do not keep servants; making their beds, arranging their rooms, + lighting their fires, and doing other menial offices, for which they + receive a monthly stipend. They are also in confidential intercourse with + the servants of the other inmates, and, having an eye on all the incomers + and outgoers, are thus enabled, by hook and by crook, to learn the secrets + and domestic history of every member of the little territory within the <i>porte-cochère</i>. + </p> + <p> + The porter’s lodge is accordingly a great scene of gossip, where all the + private affairs of this interior neighborhood are discussed. The + courtyard, also, is an assembling place in the evenings for the servants + of the different families, and a sisterhood of sewing girls from the + entre-sols and the attics, to play at various games, and dance to the + music of their own songs, and the echoes of their feet, at which + assemblages the porter’s daughter takes the lead; a fresh, pretty, buxom + girl, generally called “<i>La Petite</i>,” though almost as tall as a + grenadier. These little evening gatherings, so characteristic of this gay + country, are countenanced by the various families of the mansion, who + often look down from their windows and balconies, on moonlight evenings, + and enjoy the simple revels of their domestics. I must observe, however, + that the hotel I am describing is rather a quiet, retired one, where most + of the inmates are permanent residents from year to year, so that there is + more of the spirit of neighborhood than in the bustling, fashionable + hotels in the gay parts of Paris, which are continually changing their + inhabitants. + </p> + <h3> + MY FRENCH NEIGHBOR + </h3> + <p> + I often amuse myself by watching from my window (which, by the bye, is + tolerably elevated) the movements of the teeming little world below me; + and as I am on sociable terms with the porter and his wife, I gather from + them, as they light my fire, or serve my breakfast, anecdotes of all my + fellow lodgers. I have been somewhat curious in studying a little antique + Frenchman, who occupies one of the <i>jolie chambres à garçon</i> already + mentioned. He is one of those superannuated veterans who flourished before + the revolution, and have weathered all the storms of Paris, in + consequence, very probably, of being fortunately too insignificant to + attract attention. He has a small income, which he manages with the skill + of a French economist; appropriating so much for his lodgings, so much for + his meals; so much for his visits to St. Cloud and Versailles, and so much + for his seat at the theater. He has resided in the hotel for years, and + always in the same chamber, which he furnishes at his own expense. The + decorations of the room mark his various ages. There are some gallant + pictures which he hung up in his younger days; with a portrait of a lady + of rank, whom he speaks tenderly of, dressed in the old French taste; and + a pretty opera dancer, pirouetting in a hoop petticoat, who lately died at + a good old age. In a corner of this picture is stuck a prescription for + rheumatism, and below it stands an easy-chair. He has a small parrot at + the window, to amuse him when within doors, and a pug dog to accompany him + in his daily peregrinations. While I am writing he is crossing the court + to go out. He is attired in his best coat, of sky-blue, and is doubtless + bound for the Tuileries. His hair is dressed in the old style, with + powdered ear-locks and a pig-tail. His little dog trips after him, + sometimes on four legs, sometimes on three, and looking as if his leather + small-clothes were too tight for him. Now the old gentleman stops to have + a word with an old crony who lives in the entre-sol, and is just returning + from his promenade. Now they take a pinch of snuff together; now they pull + out huge red cotton handkerchiefs (those “flags of abomination,” as they + have well been called) and blow their noses most sonorously. Now they turn + to make remarks upon their two little dogs, who are exchanging the + morning’s salutation; now they part, and my old gentleman stops to have a + passing word with the porter’s wife; and now he sallies forth, and is + fairly launched upon the town for the day. + </p> + <p> + No man is so methodical as a complete idler, and none so scrupulous in + measuring and portioning out his time as he whose time is worth nothing. + The old gentleman in question has his exact hour for rising, and for + shaving himself by a small mirror hung against his casement. He sallies + forth at a certain hour every morning to take his cup of coffee and his + roll at a certain cafe, where he reads the papers. He has been a regular + admirer of the lady who presides at the bar, and always stops to have a + little <i>badinage</i> with her <i>en passant</i>. He has his regular + walks on the Boulevards and in the Palais Royal, where he sets his watch + by the petard fired off by the sun at midday. He has his daily resort in + the Garden of the Tuileries, to meet with a knot of veteran idlers like + himself, who talk on pretty much the same subjects whenever they meet. He + has been present at all the sights and shows and rejoicings of Paris for + the last fifty years; has witnessed the great events of the revolution; + the guillotining of the king and queen; the coronation of Bonaparte; the + capture of Paris, and the restoration of the Bourbons. All these he speaks + of with the coolness of a theatrical critic; and I question whether he has + not been gratified by each in its turn; not from any inherent love of + tumult, but from that insatiable appetite for spectacle which prevails + among the inhabitants of this metropolis. I have been amused with a farce, + in which one of these systematic old triflers is represented. He sings a + song detailing his whole day’s round of insignificant occupations, and + goes to bed delighted with the idea that his next day will be an exact + repetition of the same routine: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Je me couche le soir, + Enchanté de pouvoir + Recommencer mon train + Le lendemain + Matin.” + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE ENGLISHMAN AT PARIS + </h3> + <p> + In another part of the hotel a handsome suite of rooms is occupied by an + old English gentleman, of great probity, some understanding, and very + considerable crustiness, who has come to France to live economically. He + has a very fair property, but his wife, being of that blessed kind + compared in Scripture to the fruitful vine, has overwhelmed him with a + family of buxom daughters, who hang clustering about him, ready to be + gathered by any hand. He is seldom to be seen in public without one + hanging on each arm, and smiling on all the world, while his own mouth is + drawn down at each corner like a mastiff’s with internal growling at + everything about him. He adheres rigidly to English fashion in dress, and + trudges about in long gaiters and broad-brimmed hat; while his daughters + almost overshadow him with feathers, flowers, and French bonnets. + </p> + <p> + He contrives to keep up an atmosphere of English habits, opinions, and + prejudices, and to carry a semblance of London into the very heart of + Paris. His mornings are spent at Galignani’s news-room, where he forms one + of a knot of inveterate quidnuncs, who read the same articles over a dozen + times in a dozen different papers. He generally dines in company with some + of his own countrymen, and they have what is called a “comfortable + sitting” after dinner, in the English fashion, drinking wine, discussing + the news of the London papers, and canvassing the French character, the + French metropolis, and the French revolution, ending with a unanimous + admission of English courage, English morality, English cookery, English + wealth, the magnitude of London, and the ingratitude of the French. + </p> + <p> + His evenings are chiefly spent at a club of his countrymen, where the + London papers are taken. Sometimes his daughters entice him to the + theaters, but not often. He abuses French tragedy, as all fustian and + bombast, Talma as a ranter, and Duchesnois as a mere termagant. It is true + his ear is not sufficiently familiar with the language to understand + French verse, and he generally goes to sleep during the performance. The + wit of the French comedy is flat and pointless to him. He would not give + one of Munden’s wry faces or Liston’s inexpressible looks for the whole of + it. + </p> + <p> + He will not admit that Paris has any advantage over London. The Seine is a + muddy rivulet in comparison with the Thames; the West End of London + surpasses the finest parts of the French capital; and on some one’s + observing that there was a very thick fog out of doors: “Pish!” said he, + crustily, “it’s nothing to the fogs we have in London.” + </p> + <p> + He has infinite trouble in bringing his table into anything like + conformity to English rule. With his liquors, it is true, he is tolerably + successful. He procures London porter, and a stock of port and sherry, at + considerable expense; for he observes that he cannot stand those cursed + thin French wines, they dilute his blood so much as to give him the + rheumatism. As to their white wines, he stigmatizes them as mere + substitutes for cider; and as to claret, why, “it would be port if it + could.” He has continual quarrels with his French cook, whom he renders + wretched by insisting on his conforming to Mrs. Glass; for it is easier to + convert a Frenchman from his religion than his cookery. The poor fellow, + by dint of repeated efforts, once brought himself to serve up <i>ros bif</i> + sufficiently raw to suit what he considered the cannibal taste of his + master; but then he could not refrain, at the last moment, adding some + exquisite sauce, that put the old gentleman in a fury. + </p> + <p> + He detests wood-fires, and has procured a quantity of coal; but not having + a grate, he is obliged to burn it on the hearth. Here he sits poking and + stirring the fire with one end of a tongs, while the room is as murky as a + smithy; railing at French chimneys, French masons, and French architects; + giving a poke at the end of every sentence, as though he were stirring up + the very bowels of the delinquents he is anathematizing. He lives in a + state militant with inanimate objects around him; gets into high dudgeon + with doors and casements, because they will not come under English law, + and has implacable feuds with sundry refractory pieces of furniture. Among + these is one in particular with which he is sure to have a high quarrel + every tune he goes to dress. It is a <i>commode</i>, one of those smooth, + polished, plausible pieces of French furniture that have the perversity of + five hundred devils. Each drawer has a will of its own, will open or not, + just as the whim takes it, and sets lock and key at defiance. Sometimes a + drawer will refuse to yield to either persuasion or force, and will part + with both handles rather than yield; another will come out in the most coy + and coquettish manner imaginable; elbowing along, zig-zag; one corner + retreating as the other advances; making a thousand difficulties and + objections at every move; until the old gentleman, out of all patience, + gives a sudden jerk, and brings drawer and contents into the middle of the + floor. His hostility to this unlucky piece of furniture increases every + day, as if incensed that it does not grow better. He is like the fretful + invalid who cursed his bed, that the longer he lay the harder it grew. The + only benefit he has derived from the quarrel is that it has furnished him + with a crusty joke, which he utters on all occasions. He swears that a + French <i>commode</i> is the most <i>incommodious</i> thing in existence, + and that although the nation cannot make a joint-stool that will stand + steady, yet they are always talking of everything’s being <i>perfectionée</i>. + </p> + <p> + His servants understand his humor, and avail themselves of it. He was one + day disturbed by a pertinacious rattling and shaking at one of the doors, + and bawled out in an angry tone to know the cause of the disturbance. + “Sir,” said the footman, testily, “it’s this confounded French lock!” + “Ah!” said the old gentleman, pacified by this hit at the nation, “I + thought there was something French at the bottom of it!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ENGLISH AND FRENCH CHARACTER + </h2> + <p> + As I am a mere looker on in Europe, and hold myself as much as possible + aloof from its quarrels and prejudices, I feel something like one + overlooking a game, who, without any great skill of his own, can + occasionally perceive the blunders of much abler players. This neutrality + of feeling enables me to enjoy the contrasts of character presented in + this time of general peace, when the various peoples of Europe, who have + so long been sundered by wars, are brought together and placed side by + side in this great gathering-place of nations. No greater contrast, + however, is exhibited than that of the French and English. The peace has + deluged this gay capital with English visitors of all ranks and + conditions. They throng every place of curiosity and amusement; fill the + public gardens, the galleries, the cafes, saloons, theaters; always + herding together, never associating with the French. The two nations are + like two threads of different colors, tangled together but never blended. + </p> + <p> + In fact they present a continual antithesis, and seem to value themselves + upon being unlike each other; yet each have their peculiar merits, which + should entitle them to each other’s esteem. The French intellect is quick + and active. It flashes its way into a subject with the rapidity of + lightning; seizes upon remote conclusions with a sudden bound, and its + deductions are almost intuitive. The English intellect is less rapid, but + more persevering; less sudden, but more sure in its deductions. The + quickness and mobility of the French enable them to find enjoyment in the + multiplicity of sensations. They speak and act more from immediate + impressions than from reflection and meditation. They are therefore more + social and communicative; more fond of society, and of places of public + resort and amusement. An Englishman is more reflective in his habits. He + lives in the world of his own thoughts, and seems more self-existent and + self-dependent. He loves the quiet of his own apartment; even when abroad, + he in a manner makes a little solitude around him by his silence and + reserve; he moves about shy and solitary, and, as it were, buttoned up, + body and soul. + </p> + <p> + The French are great optimists; they seize upon every good as it flies, + and revel in the passing pleasure. The Englishman is too apt to neglect + the present good, in preparing against the possible evil. However + adversities may lower, let the sun shine but for a moment, and forth + sallies the mercurial Frenchman, in holiday dress and holiday spirits, gay + as a butterfly, as though his sunshine were perpetual; but let the sun + beam never so brightly, so there be but a cloud in the horizon, the wary + Englishman ventures forth distrustfully, with his umbrella in his hand. + </p> + <p> + The Frenchman has a wonderful facility at turning small things to + advantage. No one can be gay and luxurious on smaller means; no one + requires less expense to be happy. He practices a kind of gilding in his + style of living, and hammers out every guinea into gold leaf. The + Englishman, on the contrary, is expensive in his habits, and expensive in + his enjoyments. He values everything, whether useful or ornamental, by + what it costs. He has no satisfaction in show, unless it be solid and + complete. Everything goes with him by the square foot. Whatever display he + makes, the depth is sure to equal the surface. + </p> + <p> + The Frenchman’s habitation, like himself, is open, cheerful, bustling, and + noisy. He lives in a part of a great hotel, with wide portal, paved court, + a spacious dirty stone staircase, and a family on every floor. All is + clatter and chatter. He is good-humored and talkative with his servants, + sociable with his neighbors, and complaisant to all the world. Anybody has + access to himself and his apartments; his very bedroom is open to + visitors, whatever may be its state of confusion; and all this not from + any peculiarly hospitable feeling, but from that communicative habit which + predominates over his character. + </p> + <p> + The Englishman, on the contrary, ensconces himself in a snug brick + mansion, which he has all to himself; locks the front door; puts broken + bottles along his walls, and spring guns and man-traps in his gardens; + shrouds himself with trees and window-curtains; exults in his quiet and + privacy, and seems disposed to keep out noise, daylight, and company. His + house, like himself, has a reserved, inhospitable exterior; yet whoever + gains admittance is apt to find a warm heart and warm fireside within. + </p> + <p> + The French excel in wit, the English in humor; the French have gayer + fancy, the English richer imagination. The former are full of sensibility; + easily moved, and prone to sudden and great excitement; but their + excitement is not durable; the English are more phlegmatic; not so readily + affected, but capable of being aroused to great enthusiasm. The faults of + these opposite temperaments are that the vivacity of the French is apt to + sparkle up and be frothy, the gravity of the English to settle down and + grow muddy. When the two characters can be fixed in a medium, the French + kept from effervescence and the English from stagnation, both will be + found excellent. + </p> + <p> + This contrast of character may also be noticed in the great concerns of + the two nations. The ardent Frenchman is all for military renown; he + fights for glory, that is to say, for success in arms. For, provided the + national flag is victorious, he cares little about the expense, the + injustice, or the inutility of the war. It is wonderful how the poorest + Frenchman will revel on a triumphant bulletin; a great victory is meat and + drink to him; and at the sight of a military sovereign, bringing home + captured cannon and captured standards, he throws up his greasy cap in the + air, and is ready to jump out of his wooden shoes for joy. + </p> + <p> + John Bull, on the contrary, is a reasoning, considerate person. If he does + wrong, it is in the most rational way imaginable. He fights because the + good of the world requires it. He is a moral person, and makes war upon + his neighbor for the maintenance of peace and good order, and sound + principles. He is a money-making personage, and fights for the prosperity + of commerce and manufactures. Thus the two nations have been fighting, + time out of mind, for glory and good. The French, in pursuit of glory, + have had their capital twice taken; and John, in pursuit of good, has run + himself over head and ears in debt. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TUILERIES AND WINDSOR CASTLE + </h2> + <p> + I have sometimes fancied I could discover national characteristics in + national edifices. In the Chateau of the Tuileries, for instance, I + perceive the same jumble of contrarieties that marks the French character; + the same whimsical mixture of the great and the little; the splendid and + the paltry, the sublime and the grotesque. On visiting this famous pile, + the first thing that strikes both eye and ear is military display. The + courts glitter with steel-clad soldiery, and resound with the tramp of + horse, the roll of drum, and the bray of trumpet. Dismounted guardsmen + patrol its arcades, with loaded carbines, jingling spears, and clanking + sabers. Gigantic grenadiers are posted about its staircases; young + officers of the guards loll from the balconies, or lounge in groups upon + the terraces; and the gleam of bayonet from window to window, shows that + sentinels are pacing up and down the corridors and ante-chambers. The + first floor is brilliant with the splendors of a court. French taste has + tasked itself in adorning the sumptuous suites of apartments; nor are the + gilded chapel and the splendid theater forgotten, where piety and pleasure + are next-door neighbors, and harmonize together with perfect French <i>bienseance</i>. + </p> + <p> + Mingled up with all this regal and military magnificence is a world of + whimsical and make-shift detail. A great part of the huge edifice is cut + up into little chambers and nestling-places for retainers of the court, + dependents on retainers, and hangers-on of dependents. Some are squeezed + into narrow entre-sols, those low, dark, intermediate slices of apartments + between floors, the inhabitants of which seem shoved in edgewise, like + books between narrow shelves; others are perched like swallows, under the + eaves; the high roofs, too, which are as tall and steep as a French cocked + hat, have rows of little dormant windows, tier above tier, just large + enough to admit light and air for some dormitory, and to enable its + occupant to peep out at the sky. Even to the very ridge of the roof may be + seen here and there one of these air-holes, with a stove pipe beside it, + to carry off the smoke from the handful of fuel with which its + weazen-faced tenant simmers his <i>demi-tasse</i> of coffee. + </p> + <p> + On approaching the palace from the Pont Royal, you take in at a glance all + the various strata of inhabitants; the garreteer in the roof; the retainer + in the entre-sol; the courtiers at the casements of the royal apartments; + while on the ground-floor a steam of savory odors and a score or two of + cooks, in white caps, bobbing their heads about the windows, betray that + scientific and all-important laboratory, the Royal Kitchen. + </p> + <p> + Go into the grand ante-chamber of the royal apartments on Sunday and see + the mixture of Old and New France; the old emigrés, returned with the + Bourbons; little withered, spindle-shanked old noblemen, clad in court + dresses, that figured in these saloons before the revolution, and have + been carefully treasured up during their exile; with the solitaires and <i>ailes + de pigeon</i> of former days; and the court swords strutting out behind, + like pins stuck through dry beetles. See them haunting the scenes of their + former splendor, in hopes of a restitution of estates, like ghosts + haunting the vicinity of buried treasure; while around them you see the + Young France, that have grown up in the fighting school of Napoleon; all + equipped <i>en militaire</i>; tall, hardy, frank, vigorous, sunburned, + fierce-whiskered; with tramping boots, towering crests, and glittering + breast-plates. + </p> + <p> + It is incredible the number of ancient and hereditary feeders on royalty + said to be housed in this establishment. Indeed all the royal palaces + abound with noble families returned from exile, and who have + nestling-places allotted them while they await the restoration of their + estates, or the much-talked-of law indemnity. Some of them have fine + quarters, but poor living. Some families have but five or six hundred + francs a year, and all their retinue consists of a servant-woman. With all + this, they maintain their old aristocratical hauteur, look down with vast + contempt upon the opulent families which have risen since the revolution; + stigmatize them all as <i>parvenues</i> or upstarts, and refuse to visit + them. + </p> + <p> + In regarding the exterior of the Tuileries, with all its outward signs of + internal populousness, I have often thought what a rare sight it would be + to see it suddenly unroofed, and all its nooks and corners laid open to + the day. It would be like turning up the stump of an old tree, and + dislodging the world of grubs, and ants, and beetles lodged beneath. + Indeed there is a scandalous anecdote current that in the time of one of + the petty plots, when petards were exploded under the windows of the + Tuileries, the police made a sudden investigation of the palace at four + o’clock in the morning; when a scene of the most whimsical confusion + ensued. Hosts of supernumerary inhabitants were found foisted into the + huge edifice; every rat-hole had its occupant; and places which had been + considered as tenanted only by spiders were found crowded with a + surreptitious population. It is added that many ludicrous accidents + occurred; great scampering and slamming of doors, and whisking away in + nightgowns and slippers; and several persons, who were found by accident + in their neighbors’ chambers, evinced indubitable astonishment at the + circumstance. + </p> + <p> + As I have fancied I could read the French character in the national palace + of the Tuileries, so I have pictured to myself some of the traits of John + Bull in his royal abode of Windsor Castle. The Tuileries, outwardly a + peaceful palace, is in effect a swaggering military hold; while the old + castle, on the contrary, in spite of its bullying look, is completely + under petticoat government. Every corner and nook is built up into some + snug, cozy nestling place, some “procreant cradle,” not tenanted by meager + expectants or whiskered warriors, but by sleek placemen; knowing realizers + of present pay and present pudding; who seem placed there not to kill and + destroy, but to breed and multiply. Nursery maids and children shine with + rosy faces at the windows, and swarm about the courts and terraces. The + very soldiers have a pacific look, and when off duty may be seen loitering + about the place with the nursery-maids; not making love to them in the gay + gallant style of the French soldiery, but with infinite bonhomie aiding + them to take care of the broods of children. + </p> + <p> + Though the old castle is in decay, everything about it thrives; the very + crevices of the walls are tenanted by swallows, rooks, and pigeons, all + sure of quiet lodgment; the ivy strikes its roots deep in the fissures, + and flourishes about the mouldering tower. [Footnote: The above sketch was + written before the thorough repairs and magnificent additions that have + been made of late years to Windsor Castle.] Thus it is with honest John; + according to his own account, he is ever going to ruin, yet everything + that lives on him thrives and waxes fat. He would fain be a soldier, and + swagger like his neighbors; but his domestic, quiet-loving, uxorious + nature continually gets the upper hand; and though he may mount his helmet + and gird on his sword, yet he is apt to sink into the plodding, + painstaking father of a family; with a troop of children at his heels, and + his womenkind hanging on each arm. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE FIELD OF WATERLOO + </h2> + <p> + I have spoken heretofore with some levity of the contrast that exists + between the English and French character; but it deserves more serious + consideration. They are the two great nations of modern times most + diametrically opposed, and most worthy of each other’s rivalry; + essentially distinct in their characters, excelling in opposite qualities, + and reflecting luster on each other by their very opposition. In nothing + is this contrast more strikingly evinced than in their military conduct. + For ages have they been contending, and for ages have they crowded each + other’s history with acts of splendid heroism. Take the Battle of + Waterloo, for instance, the last and most memorable trial of their rival + prowess. Nothing could surpass the brilliant daring on the one side, and + the steadfast enduring on the other. The French cavalry broke like waves + on the compact squares of English infantry. They were seen galloping round + those serried walls of men, seeking in vain for an entrance; tossing their + arms in the air, in the heat of their enthusiasm, and braving the whole + front of battle. The British troops, on the other hand, forbidden to move + or fire, stood firm and enduring. Their columns were ripped up by + cannonry; whole rows were swept down at a shot; the survivors closed their + ranks, and stood firm. In this way many columns stood through the pelting + of the iron tempest without firing a shot; without any action to stir + their blood or excite their spirits. Death thinned their ranks, but could + not shake their souls. + </p> + <p> + A beautiful instance of the quick and generous impulses to which the + French are prone, is given in the case of a French cavalier, in the + hottest of the action, charging furiously upon a British officer, but + perceiving in the moment of assault that his adversary had lost his + sword-arm, dropping the point of his saber, and courteously riding on. + Peace be with that generous warrior, whatever were his fate! If he went + down in the storm of battle, with the foundering fortunes of his + chieftain, may the turf of Waterloo grow green above his grave! and + happier far would be the fate of such a spirit, to sink amid the tempest, + unconscious of defeat, than to survive and mourn over the blighted laurels + of his country. + </p> + <p> + In this way the two armies fought through a long and bloody day. The + French with enthusiastic valor, the English with cool, inflexible courage, + until Fate, as if to leave the question of superiority still undecided + between two such adversaries, brought up the Prussians to decide the + fortunes of the field. + </p> + <p> + It was several years afterward that I visited the field of Waterloo. The + plowshare had been busy with its oblivious labors, and the frequent + harvest had nearly obliterated the vestiges of war. Still the blackened + ruins of Hoguemont stood, a monumental pile, to mark the violence of this + vehement struggle. Its broken walls, pierced by bullets, and shattered by + explosions, showed the deadly strife that had taken place within; when + Gaul and Briton, hemmed in between narrow walls, hand to hand and foot to + foot, fought from garden to courtyard, from courtyard to chamber, with + intense and concentrated rivalship. Columns of smoke turned from this + vortex of battle as from a volcano: “it was,” said my guide, “like a + little hell upon earth.” Not far off, two or three broad spots of rank, + unwholesome green still marked the places where these rival warriors, + after their fierce and fitful struggle, slept quietly together in the lap + of their common mother earth. Over all the rest of the field peace had + resumed its sway. The thoughtless whistle of the peasant floated on the + air, instead of the trumpet’s clangor; the team slowly labored up the + hillside, once shaken by the hoofs of rushing squadrons; and wide fields + of corn waved peacefully over the soldiers’ graves, as summer seas dimple + over the place where many a tall ship lies buried. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + To the foregoing desultory notes on the French military character, let me + append a few traits which I picked up verbally in one of the French + provinces. They may have already appeared in print, but I have never met + with them. + </p> + <p> + At the breaking out of the revolution, when so many of the old families + emigrated, a descendant of the great Turenne, by the name of De Latour + D’Auvergne, refused to accompany his relations, and entered into the + Republican army. He served in all the campaigns of the revolution, + distinguished himself by his valor, his accomplishments, and his generous + spirit, and might have risen to fortune, and to the highest honors. He + refused, however, all rank in the army, above that of captain, and would + receive no recompense for his achievements but a sword of honor. Napoleon, + in testimony of his merits, gave him the title of Premier Grenadier de + France (First Grenadier of France), which was the only title he would ever + bear. He was killed in Germany, in 1809 or ‘10. To honor his memory, his + place was always retained in his regiment, as if he still occupied it; and + whenever the regiment was mustered, and the name of De Latour D’Auvergne + was called out, the reply was, “Dead on the field of honor!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PARIS AT THE RESTORATION + </h2> + <p> + Paris presented a singular aspect just after the downfall of Napoleon, and + the restoration of the Bourbons. It was filled with a restless, roaming + population; a dark, sallow race, with fierce mustaches, black cravats, and + feverish, menacing looks; men suddenly thrown out of employ by the return + of peace; officers cut short in their career, and cast loose with scanty + means, many of them in utter indigence, upon the world; the broken + elements of armies. They haunted the places of public resort, like + restless, unhappy spirits, taking no pleasure; hanging about, like + lowering clouds that linger after a storm, and giving a singular air of + gloom to this otherwise gay metropolis. + </p> + <p> + The vaunted courtesy of the old school, the smooth urbanity that prevailed + in former days of settled government and long-established aristocracy, had + disappeared amid the savage republicanism of the revolution and the + military furor of the empire; recent reverses had stung the national + vanity to the quick; and English travelers, who crowded to Paris on the + return of peace, expecting to meet with a gay, good-humored, complaisant + populace, such as existed in the time of the “Sentimental Journey,” were + surprised at finding them irritable and fractious, quick at fancying + affronts, and not unapt to offer insults. They accordingly inveighed with + heat and bitterness at the rudeness they experienced in the French + metropolis; yet what better had they to expect? Had Charles II. been + reinstated in his kingdom by the valor of French troops; had he been + wheeled triumphantly to London over the trampled bodies and trampled + standards of England’s bravest sons; had a French general dictated to the + English capital, and a French army been quartered in Hyde Park; had Paris + poured forth its motley population, and the wealthy bourgeoise of every + French trading town swarmed to London; crowding its squares; filling its + streets with their equipages; thronging its fashionable hotels, and places + of amusements; elbowing its impoverished nobility out of their palaces and + opera-boxes, and looking down on the humiliated inhabitants as a conquered + people; in such a reverse of the case, what degree of courtesy would the + populace of London have been apt to exercise toward their visitors? + [Footnote: The above remarks were suggested by a conversation with the + late Mr. Canning, whom the author met in Paris, and who expressed himself + in the most liberal way concerning the magnanimity of the French on the + occupation of their capital by strangers.] + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, I have always admired the degree of magnanimity exhibited + by the French on the occupation of their capital by the English. When we + consider the military ambition of this nation, its love of glory; the + splendid height to which its renown in arms had recently been carried, and + with these, the tremendous reverses it had just undergone; its armies + shattered, annihilated; its capital captured, garrisoned, and overrun, and + that too by its ancient rival, the English, toward whom it had cherished + for centuries a jealous and almost religious hostility; could we have + wondered if the tiger spirit of this fiery people had broken out in bloody + feuds and deadly quarrels; and that they had sought to rid themselves in + any way of their invaders? But it is cowardly nations only, those who dare + not wield the sword, that revenge themselves with the lurking dagger. + There were no assassinations in Paris. The French had fought valiantly, + desperately, in the field; but, when valor was no longer of avail, they + submitted like gallant men to a fate they could not withstand. Some + instances of insult from the populace were experienced by their English + visitors; some personal rencontres, which led to duels, did take place; + but these smacked of open and honorable hostility. No instances of lurking + and perfidious revenge occurred, and the British soldier patroled the + streets of Paris safe from treacherous assault. + </p> + <p> + If the English met with harshness and repulse in social intercourse, it + was in some degree a proof that the people are more sincere than has been + represented. The emigrants who had just returned were not yet reinstated. + Society was constituted of those who had flourished under the late regime; + the newly ennobled, the recently enriched, who felt their prosperity and + their consequence endangered by this change of things. The broken-down + officer, who saw his glory tarnished, his fortune ruined, his occupation + gone, could not be expected to look with complacency upon the authors of + his downfall. The English visitor, flushed with health, and wealth, and + victory, could little enter into the feelings of the blighted warrior, + scarred with a hundred battles, an exile from the camp, broken in + constitution by the wars, impoverished by the peace, and cast back, a + needy stranger in the splendid but captured metropolis of his country. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Oh! who can tell what heroes feel, + When all but life and honor’s lost!” + </pre> + <p> + And here let me notice the conduct of the French soldiery on the + dismemberment of the army of the Loire, when two hundred thousand men were + suddenly thrown out of employ; men who had been brought up to the camp, + and scarce knew any other home. Few in civil, peaceful life, are aware of + the severe trial to the feelings that takes place on the dissolution of a + regiment. There is a fraternity in arms. The community of dangers, + hardships, enjoyments; the participation in battles and victories; the + companionship in adventures, at a time of life when men’s feelings are + most fresh, susceptible, and ardent, all these bind the members of a + regiment strongly together. To them the regiment is friends, family, home. + They identify themselves with its fortunes, its glories, its disgraces. + Imagine this romantic tie suddenly dissolved; the regiment broken up; the + occupation of its members gone; their military pride mortified; the career + of glory closed behind them; that of obscurity, dependence, want, neglect, + perhaps beggary, before them. Such was the case with the soldiers of the + army of the Loire. They were sent off in squads, with officers, to the + principal towns where they were to be disarmed and discharged. In this way + they passed through the country with arms in their hands, often exposed to + slights and scoffs, to hunger and various hardships and privations; but + they conducted themselves magnanimously, without any of those outbreaks of + violence and wrong that so often attend the dismemberment of armies. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + The few years that have elapsed since the time above alluded to, have + already had their effect. The proud and angry spirits which then roamed + about Paris unemployed begins to recover its old channels, though worn + deeper by recent torrents. The natural urbanity of the French begins to + find its way, like oil, to the surface, though there still remains a + degree of roughness and bluntness of manner, partly real, and partly + affected, by such as imagine it to indicate force and frankness. The + events of the last thirty years have rendered the French a more reflecting + people. They have acquired greater independence of mind and strength of + judgment, together with a portion of that prudence which results from + experiencing the dangerous consequences of excesses. However that period + may have been stained by crimes, and filled with extravagances, the French + have certainly come out of it a greater nation than before. One of their + own philosophers observes that in one or two generations the nation will + probably combine the ease and elegance of the old character with force and + solidity. They were light, he says, before the revolution; then wild and + savage; they have become more thoughtful and reflective. It is only old + Frenchmen, nowadays, that are gay and trivial; the young are very serious + personages. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + P.S.—In the course of a morning’s walk, about the time the above + remarks were written, I observed the Duke of Wellington, who was on a + brief visit to Paris. He was alone, simply attired in a blue frock; with + an umbrella under his arm, and his hat drawn over his eyes, and sauntering + across the Place Vendome, close by the Column of Napoleon. He gave a + glance up at the column as he passed, and continued his loitering way up + the Rue de la Paix; stopping occasionally to gaze in at the shop-windows; + elbowed now and then by other gazers, who little suspected that the quiet, + lounging individual they were jostling so unceremoniously was the + conqueror who had twice entered their capital victoriously; had controlled + the destinies of the nation, and eclipsed the glory of the military idol, + at the base of whose column he was thus negligently sauntering. + </p> + <p> + Some years afterward I was at an evening’s entertainment given by the duke + at Apsley House, to William IV. The duke had manifested his admiration of + his great adversary, by having portraits of him in different parts of the + house. At the bottom of the grand staircase stood the colossal statue of + the emperor, by Canova. It was of marble, in the antique style, with one + arm partly extended, holding a figure of victory. Over this arm the + ladies, in tripping upstairs to the ball, had thrown their shawls. It was + a singular office for the statue of Napoleon to perform in the mansion of + the Duke of Wellington! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Imperial Caesar dead, and turned to clay,” etc., etc. + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AMERICAN RESEARCHES IN ITALY + </h2> + <h3> + LIFE OF TASSO: RECOVERY OF A LOST PORTRAIT OF DANTE + </h3> + <p> + <i>To the Editor of the Knickerbocker:</i> + </p> + <p> + Sir—Permit me through the pages of your magazine to call the + attention of the public to the learned and elegant researches in Europe of + one of our countrymen, Mr. R. H. Wilde, of Georgia, formerly a member of + the House of Representatives. After leaving Congress, Mr. Wilde a few + years since spent about eighteen months in traveling through different + parts of Europe, until he became stationary for a time in Tuscany. Here he + occupied himself with researches concerning the private life of Tasso, + whose mysterious and romantic love for the Princess Leonora, his madness + and imprisonment, had recently become the theme of a literary controversy, + not yet ended; curious in itself, and rendered still more curious by some + alleged manuscripts of the poet’s, brought forward by Count Alberti. Mr. + Wilde entered into the investigation with the enthusiasm of a poet, and + the patience and accuracy of a case-hunter; and has produced a work now in + the press, in which the “vexed questions” concerning Tasso are most ably + discussed, and lights thrown upon them by his letters, and by various of + his sonnets, which last are rendered into English with rare felicity. + While Mr. Wilde was occupied upon this work, he became acquainted with + Signer Carlo Liverati, an artist of considerable merit, and especially + well versed in the antiquities of Florence. This gentleman mentioned + incidentally one day, in the course of conversation, that there once and + probably still existed in the “Bargello,” anciently both the prison, and + the palace of the republic, an authentic portrait of Dante. It was + believed to be in fresco, on a wall which afterward, by some strange + neglect or inadvertency, had been covered with whitewash. Signor Liverati + mentioned the circumstance merely to deplore the loss of so precious a + portrait, and to regret the almost utter hopelessness of its recovery. + </p> + <p> + As Mr. Wilde had not as yet imbibed that enthusiastic admiration for Dante + which possesses all Italians, by whom the poet is almost worshiped, this + conversation made but a slight impression on him at the time. + Subsequently, however, his researches concerning Tasso being ended, he + began to amuse his leisure hours with attempts to translate some specimens + of Italian lyric poetry, and to compose very short biographical sketches + of the authors. In these specimens, which as yet exist only in manuscript, + he has shown the same critical knowledge of the Italian language, and + admirable command of the English, that characterize his translations of + Tasso. He had not advanced far in these exercises, when the obscure and + contradictory accounts of many incidents in the life of Dante caused him + much embarrassment, and sorely piqued his curiosity. About the same time + he received, through the courtesy of Don Neri dei Principi Corsini, what + he had long most fervently desired, a permission from the grandduke to + pursue his investigations in the secret archives of Florence, with power + to obtain copies therefrom. This was a rich and almost unwrought mine of + literary research; for to Italians themselves, as well as to foreigners, + their archives, for the most part, have been long inaccessible. For two + years Mr. Wilde devoted himself with indefatigable ardor to explore the + records of the republic during the time of Dante. These being written in + barbarous Latin and semi-Gothic characters, on parchment more or less + discolored and mutilated, with ink sometimes faded, were rendered still + more illegible by the arbitrary abbreviations of the notaries. They + require, in fact, an especial study; few even of the officers employed in + the “Archivio delle Riformagione” can read them currently and correctly. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wilde however persevered in his laborious task with a patience + severely tried, but invincible. Being without an index, each file, each + book, required to be examined page by page, to ascertain whether any + particular of the immortal poet’s political life had escaped the untiring + industry of his countrymen. This toil was not wholly fruitless, and + several interesting facts obscurely known, and others utterly unknown by + the Italians themselves, are drawn forth by Mr. Wilde from the oblivion of + these archives. + </p> + <p> + While thus engaged, the circumstance of the lost portrait of Dante was + again brought to Mr. Wilde’s mind, but now excited intense interest. In + perusing the notes of the late learned Canonico Moreri on Filelfo’s life + of Dante, he found it stated that a portrait of the poet by Giotto was + formerly to be seen in the Bargello. He learned also that Signer Scotti, + who has charge of the original drawings of the old masters in the imperial + and royal gallery, had made several years previously an ineffectual + attempt to set on foot a project for the recovery of the lost treasure. + Here was a new vein of inquiry, which Mr. Wilde followed up with his usual + energy and sagacity. He soon satisfied himself, by reference to Vasari, + and to the still more ancient and decisive authority of Filippo Villari, + who lived shortly after the poet, that Giotto, the friend and contemporary + of Dante, did undoubtedly paint his likeness in the place indicated. + Giotto died in 1336, but as Dante was banished, and was even sentenced to + be burned, in 1302, it was obvious the work must have been executed before + that time; since the portrait of one outlawed and capitally convicted as + an enemy to the commonwealth would never have been ordered or tolerated in + the chapel of the royal palace. It was clear, then, that the portrait must + have been painted between 1290 and 1302. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Wilde now revolved in his own mind the possibility that this precious + relic might remain undestroyed under its coat of whitewash, and might yet + be restored to the world. For a moment he felt an impulse to undertake the + enterprise; but feared that, in a foreigner from a new world, any part of + which is unrepresented at the Tuscan court, it might appear like an + intrusion. He soon however found a zealous coadjutor. This was one + Giovanni Aubrey Bezzi, a Piedmontese exile, who had long been a resident + in England, and was familiar with its language and literature. He was now + on a visit to Florence, which liberal and hospitable city is always open + to men of merit who for political reasons have been excluded from other + parts of Italy. Signer Bezzi partook deeply of the enthusiasm of his + countrymen for the memory of Dante, and sympathized with Mr. Wilde in his + eagerness to retrieve if possible the lost portrait. They had several + consultations as to the means to be adopted to effect their purpose, + without incurring the charge of undue officiousness. To lessen any + objections that might occur they resolved to ask for nothing but + permission to search for the fresco painting at their own expense; and + should any remains of it be found, then to propose to the nobility and + gentry of Florence an association for the purpose of completing the + undertaking and effectually recovering the lost portrait. + </p> + <p> + For the same reason the formal memorial addressed to the grandduke was + drawn up in the name of Florentines; among whom were the celebrated + Bartolini, now President of the School of Sculpture in the Imperial and + Royal Academy, Signor Paolo Ferroni, of the noble family of that name, who + has exhibited considerable talent for painting, and Signor Gasparini, also + an artist. This petition was urged and supported with indefatigable zeal + by Signor Bezzi; and being warmly countenanced by Count Nerli and other + functionaries, met with more prompt success than had been anticipated. + Signor Marini, a skillful artist, who had succeeded in similar operations, + was now employed to remove the whitewash by a process of his own, by which + any fresco painting that might exist beneath would be protected from + injury. He set to work patiently and cautiously. In a short time he met + with evidence of the existence of the fresco. From under the coat of + whitewash the head of an angel gradually made its appearance, and was + pronounced to be by the pencil of Giotto. + </p> + <p> + The enterprise was now prosecuted with increased ardor. Several months + were expended on the task, and three sides of the chapel wall were + uncovered; they were all painted in fresco by Giotto, with the history of + the Magdalen, exhibiting her conversion, her penance, and her + beatification. The figures, however, were all those of saints and angels; + no historical portraits had yet been discovered, and doubts began to be + entertained whether there were any. Still the recovery of an indisputable + work of Giotto’s was considered an ample reward for any toil; and the + Ministers of the grandduke, acting under his directions, assumed on his + behalf the past charges and future management of the enterprise. + </p> + <p> + At length, on the uncovering of the fourth wall, the undertaking was + crowned with complete success. A number of historical figures were brought + to light, and among them the undoubted likeness of Dante. He was + represented in full length, in the garb of the time, with a book under his + arm, designed most probably to represent the “Vita Nuova,” for the + “Comedia” was not yet composed, and to all appearance from thirty to + thirty-five years of age. The face was in profile and in excellent + preservation, excepting that at some former period a nail had + unfortunately been driven into the eye. The outline of the eyelid was + perfect, so that the injury could easily be remedied. The countenance was + extremely handsome, yet bore a strong resemblance to the portraits of the + poet taken later in life. + </p> + <p> + It is not easy to appreciate the delight of Mr. Wilde and his coadjutors + at this triumphant result of their researches; nor the sensation produced, + not merely in Florence but throughout Italy, by this discovery of a + veritable portrait of Dante, in the prime of his days. It was some such + sensation as would be produced in England by the sudden discovery of a + perfectly well authenticated likeness of Shakespeare; with a difference in + intensity proportioned to the superior sensitiveness of the Italians. + </p> + <p> + The recovery of this portrait of the “divine poet” has occasioned fresh + inquiry into the origin of the masks said to have been made from a cast of + his face taken after death. One of these masks, in the possession of the + Marquess of Torrigiani, has been pronounced as certainly the <i>original</i>. + Several artists of high talent have concurred in this opinion; among these + may be named Jesi, the first engraver in Florence; Seymour Kirkup, Esq., a + painter and antiquary; and our own countryman Powers, whose genius, by the + way, is very highly appreciated by the Italians. + </p> + <p> + We may expect from the accomplished pen of Carlo Torrigiani, son of the + marquess, and who is advantageously known in this country, from having + traveled here, an account of this curious and valuable relic, which has + been upward of a century in the possession of his family. + </p> + <p> + Should Mr. Wilde finish his biographical work concerning Dante, which + promises to be a proud achievement in American literature, he intends, I + understand, to apply for permission to have both likenesses copied, and + should circumstances warrant the expense, to have them engraved by eminent + artists. We shall then have the features of Dante while in the prime of + life as well as at the moment of his death. + </p> + <h3> + G. C. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE TAKING OF THE VEIL + </h2> + <p> + One of the most remarkable personages in Parisian society during the last + century was Renée Charlotte Victoire de Froulay De Tesse, Marchioness De + Crequi. She sprang from the highest and proudest of the old French + nobility, and ever maintained the most exalted notions of the purity and + antiquity of blood, looking upon all families that could not date back + further than three or four hundred years as mere upstarts. When a + beautiful girl, fourteen years of age, she was presented to Louis XIV., at + Versailles, and the ancient monarch kissed her hand with great gallantry; + after an interval of about eighty-five years, when nearly a hundred years + old, the same testimonial of respect was paid her at the Tuileries by + Bonaparte, then First Consul, who promised her the restitution of the + confiscated forests formerly belonging to her family. She was one of the + most celebrated women of her time for intellectual grace and superiority, + and had the courage to remain at Paris and brave all the horrors of the + revolution, which laid waste the aristocratical world around her. + </p> + <p> + The memoirs she has left behind abound with curious anecdotes and vivid + pictures of Parisian life during the latter days of Louis XIV., the + regency of the Duke of Orleans, and the residue of the last century; and + are highly illustrative of the pride, splendor, and licentiousness of the + French nobility on the very eve of their tremendous downfall. + </p> + <p> + I shall draw forth a few scenes from her memoirs, taken almost at random, + and which, though given as actual and well-known circumstances, have quite + the air of romance. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + All the great world of Paris were invited to be present at a grand + ceremonial, to take place in the church of the Abbey Royal of Panthemont. + Henrietta de Lenoncour, a young girl, of a noble family, of great beauty, + and heiress to immense estates, was to take the black veil. Invitations + had been issued in grand form, by her aunt and guardian, the Countess + Brigitte de Rupelmonde, canoness of Mauberge. The circumstance caused + great talk and wonder in the fashionable circles of Paris; everybody was + at a loss to imagine why a young girl, beautiful and rich, in the very + springtime of her charms, should renounce a world which she was so + eminently qualified to embellish and enjoy. + </p> + <p> + A lady of high rank, who visited the beautiful novice at the grate of her + convent-parlor, got a clew to the mystery. She found her in great + agitation; for a time she evidently repressed her feelings, but they at + length broke forth in passionate exclamations. “Heaven grant me grace,” + said she, “some day or other to pardon my cousin Gondrecourt the sorrows + he has caused me!” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?—what sorrows, my child?” inquired her visitor. + “What has your cousin done to affect you?” + </p> + <p> + “He is married!” cried she in accents of despair, but endeavoring to + repress her sobs. + </p> + <p> + “Married! I have heard nothing of the kind, my dear. Are you perfectly + sure of it?” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! nothing is more certain; my aunt de Rupelmonde informed me of it.” + </p> + <p> + The lady retired, full of surprise and commiseration. She related the + scene in a circle of the highest nobility, in the saloon of the Marshal + Prince of Beauvau, where the unaccountable self-sacrifice of the beautiful + novice was under discussion. + </p> + <p> + “Alas!” said she, “the poor girl is crossed in love; she is about to + renounce the world in despair, at the marriage of her cousin De + Gondrecourt.” + </p> + <p> + “What!” cried a gentleman present, “the Viscount de Gondrecourt married! + Never was there a greater falsehood. And ‘her aunt told her so’! Oh! I + understand the plot. The countess is passionately fond of Gondrecourt, and + jealous of her beautiful niece; but her schemes are vain; the viscount + holds her in perfect detestation.” + </p> + <p> + There was a mingled expression of ridicule, disgust, and indignation at + the thought of such a rivalry. The Countess Rupelmonde was old enough to + be the grandmother of the viscount. She was a woman of violent passions, + and imperious temper; robust in person, with a masculine voice, a dusky + complexion, green eyes, and powerful eyebrows. + </p> + <p> + “It is impossible,” cried one of the company, “that a woman of the + countess’s age and appearance can be guilty of such folly. No, no; you + mistake the aim of this detestable woman. She is managing to get + possession of the estate of her lovely niece.” + </p> + <p> + This was admitted to be the most probable; and all concurred in believing + the countess to be at the bottom of the intended sacrifice; for although a + canoness, a dignitary of a religious order, she was pronounced little + better than a devil incarnate. + </p> + <p> + The Princess de Beauvau, a woman of generous spirit and intrepid zeal, + suddenly rose from the chair in which she had been reclining. “My prince,” + said she, addressing her husband, “if you approve of it, I will go + immediately and have a conversation on this subject with the archbishop. + There is not a moment to spare. It is now past midnight; the ceremony is + to take place in the morning. A few hours and the irrevocable vows will be + pronounced.” + </p> + <p> + The prince inclined his head in respectful assent. The princess set about + her generous enterprise with a woman’s promptness. Within a short time her + carriage was at the iron gate of the archiepiscopal palace, and her + servants rang for admission. Two Switzers, who had charge of the gate, + were fast asleep in the porter’s lodge, for it was half-past two in the + morning. It was some time before they could be awakened, and longer before + they could be made to come forth. + </p> + <p> + “The Princess de Beauvau is at the gate!” + </p> + <p> + Such a personage was not to be received in deshabille. Her dignity and the + dignity of the archbishop demanded that the gate should be served in full + costume. For half an hour, therefore, had the princess to wait, in + feverish impatience, until the two dignitaries of the porter’s lodge + arrayed themselves; and three o’clock sounded from the tower of Notre Dame + before they came forth. They were in grand livery, of a buff color, with + amaranth galloons, plaited with silver, and fringed sword-belts reaching + to their knees, in which were suspended long rapiers. They had small + three-cornered hats, surmounted with plumes; and each bore in his hand a + halbert. Thus equipped at all points, they planted themselves before the + door of the carriage; struck the ends of their halberts on the ground with + emphasis; and stood waiting with official importance, but profound + respect, to know the pleasure of the princess. + </p> + <p> + She demanded to speak with the archbishop. A most reverential bow and + shrug accompanied the reply, that “His Grandeur was not at home.” + </p> + <p> + Not at home! Where was he to be found? Another bow and shrug: “His + Grandeur either was, or ought to be, in retirement in the seminary of St. + Magloire; unless he had gone to pass the Fete of St. Bruno with the + reverend Carthusian fathers of the Rue d’Enfer; or perhaps he might have + gone to repose himself in his castle of Conflans-sur-Seine. Though, on + further thought, it was not unlikely he might have gone to sleep at St. + Cyr, where the Bishop of Chartres never failed to invite him for the + anniversary soiree of Madame de Maintenon.” + </p> + <p> + The princess was in despair at this multiplicity of crossroads pointed out + for the chase; the brief interval of time was rapidly elapsing; day + already began to dawn; she saw there was no hope of finding the archbishop + before the moment of his entrance into the church for the morning’s + ceremony; so she returned home quite distressed. + </p> + <p> + At seven o’clock in the morning the princess was in the parlor of the + monastery of De Panthemont, and sent in an urgent request for a moment’s + conversation with the Lady Abbess. The reply brought was, that the abbess + could not come to the parlor, being obliged to attend in the choir at the + canonical hours. The princess entreated permission to enter the convent, + to reveal to the Lady Abbess in two words something of the greatest + importance. The abbess sent word in reply, that the thing was impossible, + until she had obtained permission from the Archbishop of Paris. The + princess retired once more to her carriage, and now, as a forlorn hope, + took her station at the door of the church to watch for the arrival of the + prelate. + </p> + <p> + After a while the splendid company invited to this great ceremony began to + arrive. The beauty, rank, and wealth of the novice had excited great + attention; and, as everybody was expected to be present on the occasion, + everybody pressed to secure a place. The street reverberated with the + continual roll of gilded carriages and chariots; coaches of princes and + dukes, designated by imperials of crimson velvet, and magnificent + equipages of six horses, decked out with nodding plumes and sumptuous + harnessing. At length the equipages ceased to arrive; empty vehicles + filled the street; and, with a noisy and party-colored crowd of lackeys in + rich liveries, obstructed all the entrances to De Panthemont. + </p> + <p> + Eleven o’clock had struck; the last auditor had entered the church; the + deep tones of the organ began to swell through the sacred pile, yet still + the archbishop came not! The heart of the princess beat quicker and + quicker with vague apprehension; when a valet, dressed in cloth of silver, + trimmed with crimson velvet, approached her carriage precipitately. + “Madame,” said he, “the archbishop is in the church; he entered by the + portal of the cloister; he is already in the sanctuary; the ceremony is + about to commence!” + </p> + <p> + What was to be done? To speak with the archbishop was now impossible, and + yet on the revelation she was to make to him depended the fate of the + lovely novice. The princess drew forth her tablets of enameled gold, wrote + a few lines therein with a pencil, and ordered her lackey to make way for + her through the crowd, and conduct her with all speed to the sacristy. + </p> + <p> + The description given of the church and the assemblage on this occasion + presents an idea of the aristocratical state of the times, and of the high + interest awakened by the affecting sacrifice about to take place. The + church was hung with superb tapestry, above which extended a band of white + damask, fringed with gold, and covered with armorial escutcheons. A large + pennon, emblazoned with the arms and alliances of the high-born damsel, + was suspended, according to custom, in place of the lamp of the sanctuary. + The lusters, girandoles, and candelabras of the king had been furnished in + profusion, to decorate the sacred edifice, and the pavements were all + covered with rich carpets. + </p> + <p> + The sanctuary presented a reverend and august assemblage of bishops, + canons, and monks of various orders, Benedictines, Bernardines, + Raccollets, Capuchins, and others, all in their appropriate robes and + dresses. In the midst presided the Archbishop of Paris, Christopher de + Beaumont; surrounded by his four arch priests and his vicars-general. He + was seated with his back against the altar. When his eyes were cast down, + his countenance, pale and severe, is represented as having been somewhat + sepulchral and death-like; but the moment he raised his large, dark, + sparkling eyes, the whole became animated; beaming with ardor, and + expressive of energy, penetration, and firmness. + </p> + <p> + The audience that crowded the church was no less illustrious. Excepting + the royal family, all that was elevated in rank and title was there; never + had a ceremonial of the kind attracted an equal concourse of the high + aristocracy of Paris. + </p> + <p> + At length the grated gates of the choir creaked on their hinges, and + Madame de Richelieu, the high and noble Abbess of De Panthemont, advanced + to resign the novice into the hands of her aunt, the Countess Canoness De + Rupelmonde. Every eye was turned with intense curiosity to gain a sight of + the beautiful victim. She was sumptuously dressed, but her paleness and + languor accorded but little with her brilliant attire. The Canoness De + Rupelmonde conducted her niece to her praying-desk, where, as soon as the + poor girl knelt down, she sank as if exhausted. Just then a sort of murmur + was heard at the lower end of the church, where the servants in livery + were gathered. A young man was borne forth, struggling in convulsions. He + was in the uniform of an officer of the guards of King Stanislaus, Duke of + Lorraine. A whisper circulated that it was the young Viscount de + Gondrecourt, and that he was a lover of the novice. Almost all the young + nobles present hurried forth to proffer him sympathy and assistance. + </p> + <p> + The Archbishop of Paris remained all this time seated before the altar; + his eyes cast down, his pallid countenance giving no signs of interest or + participation in the scene around him. It was noticed that in one of his + hands, which was covered with a violet glove, he grasped firmly a pair of + tablets, of enameled gold. + </p> + <p> + The Canoness de Rupelmonde conducted her niece to the prelate, to make her + profession of self-devotion, and to utter the irrevocable vow. As the + lovely novice knelt at his feet, the archbishop fixed on her his dark, + beaming eyes, with a kind but earnest expression. “Sister!” said he, in + the softest and most benevolent tone of voice, “What is your age?” + </p> + <p> + “Nineteen years, monseigneur,” eagerly interposed the Countess de + Rupelmonde. + </p> + <p> + “<i>You</i> will reply to me by-and-by, madame,” said the archbishop, + dryly. He then repeated his question to the novice, who replied in a + faltering voice, “Seventeen years.” + </p> + <p> + “In what diocese did you take the white veil?” + </p> + <p> + “In the diocese of Toul.” + </p> + <p> + “How!” exclaimed the archbishop, vehemently. “In the diocese of Toul? The + chair of Toul is vacant! The bishop of Toul died fifteen months since; and + those who officiate in the chapter are not authorized to receive novices. + Your novitiate, mademoiselle, is null and void, and we cannot receive your + profession.” + </p> + <p> + The archbishop rose from his chair, resumed his miter, and took the + crozier from the hands of an attendant. + </p> + <p> + “My dear brethren,” said he, addressing the assembly, “there is no + necessity for our examining and interrogating Mademoiselle de Lenoncour on + the sincerity of her religious vocation. There is a canonical impediment + to her professing for the present; and, as to the future, we reserve to + ourselves the consideration of the matter; interdicting to all other + ecclesiastical persons the power of accepting her vows, under penalty of + interdiction, of suspension, and of nullification; all which is in virtue + of our metropolitan rights, contained in the terms of the bull <i>cum + proximis</i>:” “<i>Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini!</i>” pursued he, + chanting in a grave and solemn voice, and turning toward the altar to give + the benediction of the holy sacrament. + </p> + <p> + The noble auditory had that habitude of reserve, that empire, or rather + tyranny, over all outward manifestations of internal emotions, which + belongs to high aristocratical breeding. The declaration of the + archbishop, therefore, was received as one of the most natural and + ordinary things in the world, and all knelt down and received the + pontifical benediction with perfect decorum. As soon, however, as they + were released from the self-restraint imposed by etiquette, they amply + indemnified themselves; and nothing was talked of for a month, in the + fashionable saloons of Paris, but the loves of the handsome Viscount and + the charming Henrietta; the wickedness of the canoness; the active + benevolence and admirable address of the Princess de Beauvau; and the + great wisdom of the archbishop, who was particularly extolled for his + delicacy in defeating this maneuver without any scandal to the + aristocracy, or public stigma on the name of De Rupelmonde, and without + any departure from pastoral gentleness, by adroitly seizing upon an + informality, and turning it to beneficial account, with as much authority + as charitable circumspection. + </p> + <p> + As to the Canoness de Rupelmonde, she was defeated at all points in her + wicked plans against her beautiful niece. In consequence of the caveat of + the archbishop, her superior ecclesiastic, the Abbess de Panthemont, + formally forbade Mademoiselle de Lenoncour to resume the white veil and + the dress of a novitiate, and instead of a novice’s cell established her + in a beautiful apartment as a boarder. The next morning the Canoness de + Rupelmonde called at the convent to take away her niece; but, to her + confusion, the abbess produced a lettre-de-cachet, which she had just + received, and which forbade mademoiselle to leave the convent with any + other person save the Prince de Beauvau. + </p> + <p> + Under the auspices and the vigilant attention of the prince, the whole + affair was wound up in the most technical and circumstantial manner. The + Countess de Rupelmonde, by a decree of the Grand Council, was divested of + the guardianship of her niece. All the arrears of revenues accumulated + during Mademoiselle de Lenoncour’s minority were rigorously collected, the + accounts scrutinized and adjusted, and her noble fortune placed safely and + entirely in her hands. + </p> + <p> + In a little while the noble personages who had been invited to the + ceremony of taking the veil received another invitation, on the part of + the Countess dowager de Gondrecourt, and the Marshal Prince de Beauvau, to + attend the marriage of Adrien de Gondrecourt, Viscount of + Jean-sur-Moselle, and Henrietta de Lenoncour, Countess de Hevouwal, etc., + which duly took place in the chapel of the archiepiscopal palace at Paris. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + So much for the beautiful Henrietta de Lenoncour. We will now draw forth a + companion picture of a handsome young cavalier, who figured in the gay + world of Paris about the same time, and concerning whom the ancient + marchioness writes with the lingering feeling of youthful romance. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CHARMING LETORIÈRES + </h2> + <p> + “A good face is a letter of recommendation,” says an old proverb; and it + was never more verified than in the case of the Chevalier Letorieres. He + was a young gentleman of good family, but who, according to the Spanish + phrase, had nothing but his cloak and sword (capa y espada), that is to + say, his gentle blood and gallant bearing, to help him forward in the + world. Through the interest of an uncle, who was an abbe, he received a + gratuitous education at a fashionable college, but finding the terms of + study too long, and the vacations too short, for his gay and indolent + temper, he left college without saying a word, and launched himself upon + Paris, with a light heart and still lighter pocket. Here he led a life to + his humor. It is true he had to make scanty meals, and to lodge in a + garret; but what of that? He was his own master; free from all task or + restraint. When cold or hungry, he sallied forth, like others of the + chameleon order, and banqueted on pure air and warm sunshine in the public + walks and gardens; drove off the thoughts of a dinner by amusing himself + with the gay and grotesque throngs of the metropolis; and if one of the + poorest, was one of the merriest gentlemen upon town. Wherever he went his + good looks and frank, graceful demeanor, had an instant and magical effect + in securing favor. There was but one word to express his fascinating + powers—he was “charming.” + </p> + <p> + Instances are given of the effect of his winning qualities upon minds of + coarse, ordinary mold. He had once taken shelter from a heavy shower under + a gateway. A hackney coachman, who was passing by, pulled up, and asked + him if he wished a cast in his carriage. Letorieres declined, with a + melancholy and dubious shake of the head. The coachman regarded him + wistfully, repeared his solicitations, and wished to know what place he + was going to “To the Palace of Justice, to walk in the galleries; but I + will wait here until the rain is over.” + </p> + <p> + “And why so?” inquired the coachman, pertinaciously. + </p> + <p> + “Because I’ve no money; do let me be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + The coachman jumped down, and, opening the door of his carriage, “It shall + never be said,” cried he, “that I left so charming a young gentleman to + weary himself, and catch cold, merely for the sake of twenty-four sous.” + </p> + <p> + Arrived at the Palace of Justice, he stopped before the saloon of a famous + restaurateur, opened the door of the carriage, and taking off his hat very + respectfully, begged the youth to accept of a Louis-d’or. “You will meet + with some young gentlemen within,” said he, “with whom you may wish to + take a hand at cards. The number of my coach is 144. You can find me out, + and repay me whenever you please.” + </p> + <p> + The worthy Jehu was some years afterward made coachman to the Princess + Sophia, of France, through the recommendation of the handsome youth he had + so generously obliged. + </p> + <p> + Another instance in point is given with respect to his tailor, to whom he + owed four hundred livres. The tailor had repeatedly dunned him, but was + always put off with the best grace in the world. The wife of the tailor + urged her husband to assume a harsher tone. He replied that he could not + find it in his heart to speak roughly to so charming a young gentleman. + </p> + <p> + “I’ve no patience with such want of spirit!” cried the wife; “you have not + the courage to show your teeth: but I’m going out to get change for this + note of a hundred crowns; before I come home, I’ll seek this ‘charming’ + youth myself, and see whether he has the power to charm me. I’ll warrant + he won’t be able to put <i>me</i> off with fine looks and fine speeches.” + </p> + <p> + With these and many more vaunts, the good dame sallied forth. When she + returned home, however, she wore quite a different aspect. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” said her husband, “how much have you received from the ‘charming’ + young man?” + </p> + <p> + “Let me alone,” replied the wife; “I found him playing on the guitar, and + he looked so handsome, and was so amiable and genteel, that I had not the + heart to trouble him.” + </p> + <p> + “And the change for the hundred-crown note?” said the tailor. + </p> + <p> + The wife hesitated a moment: “Faith,” cried she, “you’ll have to add the + amount to your next bill against him. The poor young gentleman had such a + melancholy air that—I know not how it was, but—I left the + hundred crowns on his mantel-piece in spite of him!” + </p> + <p> + The captivating looks and manners of Letorieres made his way with equal + facility in the great world. His high connections entitled him to + presentation at court, but some questions arose about the sufficiency of + his proofs of nobility; whereupon the king, who had seen him walking in + the gardens of Versailles, and had been charmed with his appearance, put + an end to all demurs of etiquette by making him a viscount. + </p> + <p> + The same kind of fascination is said to have attended him throughout his + career. He succeeded in various difficult family suits on questions of + honors and privileges; he had merely to appear in court to dispose the + judges in his favor. He at length became so popular that on one occasion, + when he appeared at the theater on recovering from a wound received in a + duel, the audience applauded him on his entrance. Nothing, it is said, + could have been in more perfect good taste and high breeding than his + conduct on this occasion. When he heard the applause, he rose in his box, + stepped forward, and surveyed both sides of the house, as if he could not + believe that it was himself they were treating like a favorite actor, or a + prince of the blood. + </p> + <p> + His success with the fair sex may easily be presumed; but he had too much + honor and sensibility to render his intercourse with them a series of cold + gallantries and heartless triumphs. In the course of his attendance upon + court, where he held a post of honor about the king, he fell deeply in + love with the beautiful Princess Julia, of Savoy Carignan. She was young, + tender, and simple-hearted, and returned his love with equal fervor. Her + family took the alarm at this attachment, and procured an order that she + should inhabit the Abbey of Montmartre, where she was treated with all + befitting delicacy and distinction, but not permitted to go beyond the + convent walls. The lovers found means to correspond. One of their letters + was intercepted, and it is even hinted that a plan of elopement was + discovered. A duel was the consequence, with one of the fiery relations of + the princess. Letorieres received two sword-thrusts in his right side. His + wounds were serious, yet after two or three days’ confinement he could not + resist his impatience to see the princess. He succeeded in scaling the + walls of the abbey, and obtaining an interview in an arcade leading to the + cloister of the cemetery. The interview of the lovers was long and tender. + They exchanged vows of eternal fidelity, and flattered themselves with + hopes of future happiness, which they were never to realize. After + repeated farewells, the princess re-entered the convent, never again to + behold the charming Letorieres. On the following morning his corpse was + found stiff and cold on the pavement of the cloister! + </p> + <p> + It would seem that the wounds of the unfortunate youth had been reopened + by his efforts to get over the wall; that he had refrained from calling + assistance, lest he should expose the princess, and that he had bled to + death, without any one to aid him, or to close his dying eyes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE EARLY EXPERIENCES OF RALPH RINGWOOD + </h2> + <p> + [Footnote: Ralph Ringwood, though a fictitious name, is a real personage: + the worthy original is now living and flourishing in honorable station. I + have given some anecdotes of his early and eccentric career in, as nearly + as I can recollect, the very words in which he related them. They + certainly afforded strong temptations to the embellishments of fiction; + but I thought them so strikingly characteristic of the individual, and of + the scenes and society into which his peculiar humors carried him, that I + preferred giving them in their original simplicity.—G. C.] + </p> + <h3> + NOTED DOWN FROM HIS CONVERSATIONS + </h3> + <p> + “I am a Kentuckian by residence and choice, but a Virginian by birth. The + cause of my first leaving the ‘Ancient Dominion,’ and emigrating to + Kentucky was a jackass! You stare, but have a little patience, and I’ll + soon show you how it came to pass. My father, who was of one of the old + Virginian families, resided in Richmond. He was a widower, and his + domestic affairs were managed by a housekeeper of the old school, such as + used to administer the concerns of opulent Virginian households. She was a + dignitary that almost rivaled my father in importance, and seemed to think + everything belonged to her; in fact, she was so considerate in her + economy, and so careful of expense, as sometimes to vex my father, who + would swear she was disgracing him by her meanness. She always appeared + with that ancient insignia of housekeeping trust and authority, a great + bunch of keys jingling at her girdle. She superintended the arrangement of + the table at every meal, and saw that the dishes were all placed according + to her primitive notions of symmetry. In the evening she took her stand + and served out tea with a mingled respectfulness and pride of station, + truly exemplary. Her great ambition was to have everything in order, and + that the establishment under her sway should be cited as a model of good + housekeeping. If anything went wrong, poor old Barbara would take it to + heart, and sit in her room and cry; until a few chapters in the Bible + would quiet her spirits, and make all calm again. The Bible, in fact, was + her constant resort in time of trouble. She opened it indiscriminately, + and whether she chanced among the Lamentations of Jeremiah, the Canticles + of Solomon, or the rough enumeration of the tribes in Deuteronomy, a + chapter was a chapter, and operated like balm to her soul. Such was our + good old housekeeper Barbara, who was destined, unwittingly, to have a + most important effect upon my destiny. + </p> + <p> + “It came to pass, during the days of my juvenility, while I was yet what + is termed ‘an unlucky boy,’ that a gentleman of our neighborhood, a great + advocate for experiments and improvements of all kinds, took it into his + head that it would be an immense public advantage to introduce a breed of + mules, and accordingly imported three jacks to stock the neighborhood. + This in a part of the country where the people cared for nothing but blood + horses! Why, sir! they would have considered their mares disgraced and + their whole stud dishonored by such a misalliance. The whole matter was a + town talk and a town scandal. The worthy amalgamator of quadrupeds found + himself in a dismal scrape: so he backed out in time, abjured the whole + doctrine of amalgamation, and turned his jacks loose to shift for + themselves upon the town common. There they used to run about and lead an + idle, good-for-nothing, holiday life, the happiest animals in the country. + </p> + <p> + “It so happened that my way to school lay across this common. The first + time that I saw one of these animals it set up a braying and frightened me + confoundedly. However, I soon got over my fright, and seeing that it had + something of a horse look, my Virginian love for anything of the + equestrian species predominated, and I determined to back it. I + accordingly applied at a grocer’s shop, procured a cord that had been + round a loaf of sugar, and made a kind of halter; then summoning some of + my schoolfellows, we drove master Jack about the common until we hemmed + him in an angle of a ‘worm fence.’ After some difficulty, we fixed the + halter round his muzzle, and I mounted. Up flew his heels, away I went + over his head, and off he scampered. However, I was on my legs in a + twinkling, gave chase, caught him and remounted. By dint of repeated + tumbles I soon learned to stick to his back, so that he could no more cast + me than he could his own skin. From that time, master Jack and his + companions had a scampering life of it, for we all rode them between + school hours, and on holiday afternoons; and you may be sure schoolboys’ + nags are never permitted to suffer the grass to grow under their feet. + They soon became so knowing that they took to their heels at the very + sight of a schoolboy; and we were generally much longer in chasing than we + were in riding them. + </p> + <p> + “Sunday approached, on which I projected an equestrian excursion on one of + these long-eared steeds. As I knew the jacks would be in great demand on + Sunday morning, I secured one overnight, and conducted him home, to be + ready for an early outset. But where was I to quarter him for the night? I + could not put him in the stable; our old black groom George was as + absolute in that domain as Barbara was within doors, and would have + thought his stable, his horses, and himself disgraced, by the introduction + of a jackass. I recollected the smoke-house; an out-building appended to + all Virginian establishments for the smoking of hams, and other kinds of + meat. So I got the key, put master Jack in, locked the door, returned the + key to its place, and went to bed, intending to release my prisoner at an + early hour, before any of the family were awake. I was so tired, however, + by the exertions I had made in catching the donkey, that I fell into a + sound sleep, and the morning broke without my awaking. + </p> + <p> + “Not so with dame Barbara, the housekeeper. As usual, to use her own + phrase, ‘she was up before the crow put his shoes on,’ and bustled about + to get things in order for breakfast. Her first resort was to the + smoke-house. Scarce had she opened the door, when master Jack, tired of + his confinement, and glad to be released from darkness, gave a loud bray, + and rushed forth. Down dropped old Barbara; the animal trampled over her, + and made off for the common. Poor Barbara! She had never before seen a + donkey, and having read in the Bible that the devil went about like a + roaring lion, seeking whom he might devour, she took it for granted that + this was Beelzebub himself. The kitchen was soon in a hubbub; the servants + hurried to the spot. There lay old Barbara in fits; as fast as she got out + of one, the thoughts of the devil came over her, and she fell into + another, for the good soul was devoutly superstitious. + </p> + <p> + “As ill luck would have it, among those attracted by the noise was a + little, cursed, fidgety, crabbed uncle of mine; one of those uneasy + spirits that cannot rest quietly in their beds in the morning, but must be + up early, to bother the household. He was only a kind of half-uncle, after + all, for he had married my father’s sister; yet be assumed great authority + on the strength of this left-handed relationship, and was a universal + intermeddler and family pest. This prying little busybody soon ferreted + out the truth of the story, and discovered, by hook and by crook, that I + was at the bottom of the affair, and had locked up the donkey in the + smoke-house. He stopped to inquire no further, for he was one of those + testy curmudgeons with whom unlucky boys are always in the wrong. Leaving + old Barbara to wrestle in imagination with the devil, he made for my + bedchamber, where I still lay wrapped in rosy slumbers, little dreaming of + the mischief I had done, and the storm about to break over me. + </p> + <p> + “In an instant I was awakened by a shower of thwacks, and started up in + wild amazement, I demanded the meaning of this attack, but received no + other reply than that I had murdered the housekeeper; while my uncle + continued whacking away during my confusion. I seized a poker, and put + myself on the defensive. I was a stout boy for my years, while my uncle + was a little wiffet of a man; one that in Kentucky we would not call even + an ‘individual’; nothing more than a ‘remote circumstance.’ I soon, + therefore, brought him to a parley, and learned the whole extent of the + charge brought against me. I confessed to the donkey and the smoke-house, + but pleaded not guilty of the murder of the housekeeper. I soon found out + that old Barbara was still alive. She continued under the doctor’s hands, + however, for several days; and whenever she had an ill turn my uncle would + seek to give me another flogging. I appealed to my father, but got no + redress. I was considered an ‘unlucky boy,’ prone to all kinds of + mischief; so that prepossessions were against me in all cases of appeal. + </p> + <p> + “I felt stung to the soul at all this. I had been beaten, degraded, and + treated with slighting when I complained. I lost my usual good spirits and + good humor; and, being out of temper with everybody, fancied everybody out + of temper with me. A certain wild, roving spirit of freedom, which I + believe is as inherent in me as it is in the partridge, was brought into + sudden activity by the checks and restraints I suffered. ‘I’ll go from + home,’ thought I, ‘and shift for myself.’ Perhaps this notion was + quickened by the rage for emigrating to Kentucky, which was at that time + prevalent in Virginia. I had heard such stories of the romantic beauties + of the country; of the abundance of game of all kinds, and of the glorious + independent life of the hunters who ranged its noble forests, and lived by + the rifle; that I was as much agog to get there as boys who live in + seaports are to launch themselves among the wonders and adventures of the + ocean. + </p> + <p> + “After a time old Barbara got better in mind and body, and matters were + explained to her; and she became gradually convinced that it was not the + devil she had encountered. When she heard how harshly I had been treated + on her account, the good old soul was extremely grieved, and spoke warmly + to my father in my behalf. He had himself remarked the change in my + behavior, and thought punishment might have been carried too far. He + sought, therefore, to have some conversation with me, and to soothe my + feelings; but it was too late. I frankly told him the course of + mortification that I had experienced, and the fixed determination I had + made to go from home. + </p> + <p> + “‘And where do you mean to go?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘To Kentucky.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘To Kentucky! Why, you know nobody there.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No matter: I can soon make acquaintances.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And what will you do when you get there?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Hunt!’ + </p> + <p> + “My father gave a long, low whistle, and looked in my face with a + serio-comic expression. I was not far in my teens, and to talk of setting + off alone for Kentucky, to turn hunter, seemed doubtless the idle prattle + of a boy. He was little aware of the dogged resolution of my character; + and his smile of incredulity but fixed me more obstinately in my purpose. + I assured him I was serious in what I said, and would certainly set off + for Kentucky in the spring. + </p> + <p> + “Month after month passed away. My father now and then adverted slightly + to what had passed between us; doubtless for the purpose of sounding me. I + always expressed the same grave and fixed determination. By degrees he + spoke to me more directly on the subject, endeavoring earnestly but kindly + to dissuade me. My only reply was, ‘I had made up my mind.’ + </p> + <p> + “Accordingly, as soon as the spring had fairly opened, I sought him one + day in his study, and informed him I was about to set out for Kentucky, + and had come to take my leave. He made no objection, for he had exhausted + persuasion and remonstrance, and doubtless thought it best to give way to + my humor, trusting that a little rough experience would soon bring me home + again. I asked money for my journey. He went to a chest, took out a long + green silk purse, well filled, and laid it on the table. I now asked for a + horse and servant. + </p> + <p> + “‘A horse!’ said my father, sneeringly: ‘why, you would not go a mile + without racing him, and breaking your neck; and, as to a servant, you + cannot take care of yourself much less of him.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘How am I to travel, then?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why, I suppose you are man enough to travel on foot.’ + </p> + <p> + “He spoke jestingly, little thinking I would take him at his word; but I + was thoroughly piqued in respect to my enterprise; so I pocketed the + purse, went to my room, tied up three or four shirts in a + pocket-handkerchief, put a dirk in my bosom, girt a couple of pistols + round my waist, and felt like a knight errant armed cap a-pie, and ready + to rove the world in quest of adventures. + </p> + <p> + “My sister (I had but one) hung round me and wept, and entreated me to + stay. I felt my heart swell in my throat; but I gulped it back to its + place, and straightened myself up; I would not suffer myself to cry. I at + length disengaged myself from her, and got to the door. + </p> + <p> + “‘When will you come back?’ cried she. + </p> + <p> + “‘Never, by heavens!’ cried I, ‘until I come back a member of Congress + from Kentucky. I am determined to show that I am not the tail-end of the + family.’ + </p> + <p> + “Such was my first outset from home. You may suppose what a greenhorn I + was, and how little I knew of the world I was launching into. + </p> + <p> + “I do not recollect any incident of importance until I reached the borders + of Pennsylvania. I had stopped at an inn to get some refreshment; and as I + was eating in the back room, I overheard two men in the barroom conjecture + who and what I could be. One determined, at length, that I was a runaway + apprentice, and ought to be stopped, to which the other assented. When I + had finished my meal, and paid for it, I went out at the back door, lest I + should be stopped by my supervisors. Scorning, however, to steal off like + a culprit, I walked round to the front of the house. One of the men + advanced to the front door. He wore his hat on one side, and had a + consequential air that nettled me. + </p> + <p> + “‘Where are you going, youngster?’ demanded he. + </p> + <p> + “‘That’s none of your business!’ replied I, rather pertly. + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes, but it is, though! You have run away from home, and must give an + account of yourself.’ + </p> + <p> + “He advanced to seize me, when I drew forth a pistol. ‘If you advance + another step, I’ll shoot you!’ + </p> + <p> + “He sprang back as if he had trodden upon a rattlesnake, and his hat fell + off in the movement. + </p> + <p> + “‘Let him alone!’ cried his companion; ‘he’s a foolish, mad-headed boy, + and don’t know what he’s about. He’ll shoot you, you may rely on it.’ + </p> + <p> + “He did not need any caution in the matter; he was afraid even to pick up + his hat: so I pushed forward on my way, without molestation. This + incident, however, had its effect upon me. I became fearful of sleeping in + any house at night, lest I should be stopped. I took my meals in the + houses, in the course of the day, but would turn aside at night into some + wood or ravine, make a fire, and sleep before it. This I considered was + true hunter’s style, and I wished to inure myself to it. + </p> + <p> + “At length I arrived at Brownsville, leg-weary and wayworn, and in a + shabby plight, as you may suppose, having been ‘camping out’ for some + nights past. I applied at some of the inferior inns, but could gain no + admission. I was regarded for a moment with a dubious eye, and then + informed they did not receive foot-passengers. At last I went boldly to + the principal inn. The landlord appeared as unwilling as the rest to + receive a vagrant boy beneath his roof; but his wife interfered in the + midst of his excuses, and half elbowing him aside: + </p> + <p> + “‘Where are you going, my lad?’ said she. + </p> + <p> + “‘To Kentucky.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What are you going there for?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘To hunt.’ + </p> + <p> + “She looked earnestly at me for a moment or two. ‘Have you a mother + living?’ said she at length. + </p> + <p> + “‘No, madam: she has been dead for some time.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I thought so!’ cried she warmly. ‘I knew if you had a mother living you + would not be here.’ From that moment the good woman treated me with a + mother’s kindness. + </p> + <p> + “I remained several days beneath her roof recovering from the fatigue of + my journey. While here I purchased a rifle and practiced daily at a mark + to prepare myself for a hunter’s life. When sufficiently recruited in + strength I took leave of my kind host and hostess and resumed my journey. + </p> + <p> + “At Wheeling I embarked in a flat bottomed family boat, technically called + a broad-horn, a prime river conveyance in those days. In this ark for two + weeks I floated down the Ohio. The river was as yet in all its wild + beauty. Its loftiest trees had not been thinned out. The forest overhung + the water’s edge and was occasionally skirted by immense cane-brakes. Wild + animals of all kinds abounded. We heard them rushing through the thickets + and plashing in the water. Deer and bears would frequently swim across the + river; others would come down to the bank and gaze at the boat as it + passed. I was incessantly on the alert with my rifle; but somehow or other + the game was never within shot. Sometimes I got a chance to land and try + my skill on shore. I shot squirrels and small birds and even wild turkeys; + but though I caught glimpses of deer bounding away through the woods, I + never could get a fair shot at them. + </p> + <p> + “In this way we glided in our broad-horn past Cincinnati, the ‘Queen of + the West’ as she is now called, then a mere group of log cabins; and the + site of the bustling city of Louisville, then designated by a solitary + house. As I said before, the Ohio was as yet a wild river; all was forest, + forest, forest! Near the confluence of Green River with the Ohio, I + landed, bade adieu to the broad-horn, and struck for the interior of + Kentucky. I had no precise plan; my only idea was to make for one of the + wildest parts of the country. I had relatives in Lexington and other + settled places, to whom I thought it probable my father would write + concerning me: so as I was full of manhood and independence, and + resolutely bent on making my way in the world without assistance or + control, I resolved to keep clear of them all. + </p> + <p> + “In the course of my first day’s trudge, I shot a wild turkey, and slung + it on my back for provisions. The forest was open and clear from + underwood. I saw deer in abundance, but always running, running. It seemed + to me as if these animals never stood still. + </p> + <p> + “At length I came to where a gang of half-starved wolves were feasting on + the carcass of a deer which they had run down; and snarling and snapping + and fighting like so many dogs. They were all so ravenous and intent upon + their prey that they did not notice me, and I had time to make my + observations. One, larger and fiercer than the rest, seemed to claim the + larger share, and to keep the others in awe. If any one came too near him + while eating, he would fly off, seize and shake him, and then return to + his repast. ‘This,’ thought I, ‘must be the captain; if I can kill him, I + shall defeat the whole army.’ I accordingly took aim, fired, and down + dropped the old fellow. He might be only shamming dead; so I loaded and + put a second ball through him. He never budged; all the rest ran off, and + my victory was complete. + </p> + <p> + “It would not be easy to describe my triumphant feelings on this great + achievement. I marched on with renovated spirit, regarding myself as + absolute lord of the forest. As night drew near, I prepared for camping. + My first care was to collect dry wood and make a roaring fire to cook and + sleep by, and to frighten off wolves, and bears, and panthers. I then + began to pluck my turkey for supper. I had camped out several times in the + early part of my expedition; but that was in comparatively more settled + and civilized regions, where there were no wild animals of consequence in + the forest. This was my first camping out in the real wilderness; and I + was soon made sensible of the loneliness and wildness of my situation. + </p> + <p> + “In a little while a concert of wolves commenced: there might have been a + dozen or two, but it seemed to me as if there were thousands. I never + heard such howling and whining. Having prepared my turkey, I divided it + into two parts, thrust two sticks into one of the halves, and planted them + on end before the fire, the hunter’s mode of roasting. The smell of roast + meat quickened the appetites of the wolves, and their concert became truly + infernal. They seemed to be all around me, but I could only now and then + get a glimpse of one of them, as he came within the glare of the light. + </p> + <p> + “I did not much care for the wolves, who I knew to be a cowardly race, but + I had heard terrible stories of panthers, and began to fear their stealthy + prowlings in the surrounding darkness. I was thirsty, and heard a brook + bubbling and tinkling along at no great distance, but absolutely dared not + go there, lest some panther might lie in wait, and spring upon me. + By-and-by a deer whistled. I had never heard one before, and thought it + must be a panther. I now felt uneasy lest he might climb the trees, crawl + along the branches overhead, and plump down upon me; so I kept my eyes + fixed on the branches, until my head ached. I more than once thought I saw + fiery eyes glaring down from—among the leaves. At length I thought + of my supper and turned to see if my half-turkey was cooked. In crowding + so near the fire I had pressed the meat into the flames, and it was + consumed. I had nothing to do but toast the other half, and take better + care of it. On that half I made my supper, without salt or bread. I was + still so possessed with the dread of panthers that I could not close my + eyes all night, but lay watching the trees until daybreak, when all my + fears were dispelled with the darkness; and as I saw the morning sun + sparkling down through the branches of the trees, I smiled to think how I + had suffered myself to be dismayed by sounds and shadows; but I was a + young woodsman, and a stranger in Kentucky. + </p> + <p> + “Having breakfasted on the remainder of my turkey, and slaked my thirst at + the bubbling stream, without further dread of panthers, I resumed my + wayfaring with buoyant feelings. I again saw deer, but as usual running, + running! I tried in vain to get a shot at them, and began to fear I never + should. I was gazing with vexation after a herd in full scamper, when I + was startled by a human voice. Turning round, I saw a man at a short + distance from me in a hunting dress. + </p> + <p> + “‘What are you after, my lad?’ cried he. + </p> + <p> + “‘Those deer,’ replied I, pettishly: ‘but it seems as if they never stand + still.’ + </p> + <p> + “Upon that he burst out laughing. ‘Where are you from?’ said he. + </p> + <p> + “‘From Richmond.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What! In old Virginny?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘The same.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And how on earth did you get here?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘I landed at Green River from a broad-horn. + </p> + <p> + “‘And where are your companions?’ + </p> + <p> + “’ I have none.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘What?—all alone!” + </p> + <p> + “‘Yes.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Where are you going?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Anywhere.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And what have you come here for?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘To hunt.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Well,’ said he, laughingly, ‘you’ll make a real hunter; there’s no + mistaking that! Have you killed anything?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Nothing but a turkey; I can’t get within shot of a deer: they are always + running.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Oh, I’ll tell you the secret of that. You’re always pushing forward, and + starting the deer at a distance, and gazing at those that are scampering; + but you must step as slow, and silent, and cautious as a cat, and keep + your eyes close around you, and lurk from tree to tree, if you wish to get + a chance at deer. But come, go home with me. My name is Bill Smithers; I + live not far off: stay with me a little while, and I’ll teach you how to + hunt.’ + </p> + <p> + “I gladly accepted the invitation of honest Bill Smithers. We soon reached + his habitation; a mere log hut, with a square hole for a window and a + chimney made of sticks and clay. Here he lived with a wife and child. He + had ‘girdled’ the trees for an acre or two around, preparatory to clearing + a space for corn and potatoes. In the meantime he maintained his family + entirely by his rifle, and I soon found him to be a first-rate huntsman. + Under his tutelage I received my first effective lessons in ‘woodcraft.’ + </p> + <p> + “The more I knew of a hunter’s life, the more I relished it. The country, + too, which had been the promised land of my boyhood, did not, like most + promised lands, disappoint me. No wilderness could be more beautiful than + this part of Kentucky in those times. The forests were open and spacious, + with noble trees, some of which looked as if they had stood for centuries. + There were beautiful prairies, too, diversified with groves and clumps of + trees, which looked like vast parks, and in which you could see the deer + running, at a great distance. In the proper season these prairies would be + covered in many places with wild strawberries, where your horses’ hoofs + would be dyed to the fetlock. I thought there could not be another place + in the world equal to Kentucky—and I think so still. + </p> + <p> + “After I had passed ten or twelve days with Bill Smithers, I thought it + time to shift my quarters, for his house was scarce large enough for his + own family, and I had no idea of being an encumbrance to any one. I + accordingly made up my bundle, shouldered my rifle, took a friendly leave + of Smithers and his wife, and set out in quest of a Nimrod of the + wilderness, one John Miller, who lived alone, nearly forty miles off, and + who I hoped would be well pleased to have a hunting companion. + </p> + <p> + “I soon found out that one of the most important items in woodcraft in a + new country was the skill to find one’s way in the wilderness. There were + no regular roads in the forests, but they were cut up and perplexed by + paths leading in all directions. Some of these were made by the cattle of + the settlers, and were called ‘stock-tracks,’ but others had been made by + the immense droves of buffaloes which roamed about the country, from the + flood until recent times. These were called buffalo-tracks, and traversed + Kentucky from end to end, like highways. Traces of them may still be seen + in uncultivated parts, or deeply worn in the rocks where they crossed the + mountains. I was a young woodman, and sorely puzzled to distinguish one + kind of track from the other, or to make out my course through this + tangled labyrinth. While thus perplexed, I heard a distant roaring and + rushing sound; a gloom stole over the forest: on looking up, when I could + catch a stray glimpse of the sky, I beheld the clouds rolled up like + balls, the lower parts as black as ink. There was now and then an + explosion, like a burst of cannonry afar off, and the crash of a falling + tree. I had heard of hurricanes in the woods, and surmised that one was at + hand. It soon came crashing its way; the forest writhing, and twisting, + and groaning before it. The hurricane did not extend far on either side, + but in a manner plowed a furrow through the woodland; snapping off or + uprooting trees that had stood for centuries, and filling the air with + whirling branches. I was directly in its course, and took my stand behind + an immense poplar, six feet in diameter. It bore for a time the full fury + of the blast, but at length began to yield. Seeing it falling, I scrambled + nimbly round the trunk like a squirrel. Down it went, bearing down another + tree with it. I crept under the trunk as a shelter, and was protected from + other trees which fell around me, but was sore all over from the twigs and + branches driven against me by the blast. + </p> + <p> + “This was the only incident of consequence that occurred on my way to John + Miller’s, where I arrived on the following day, and was received by the + veteran with the rough kindness of a backwoodsman. He was a gray-haired + man, hardy and weather-beaten, with a blue wart, like a great beard, over + one eye, whence he was nicknamed by the hunters ‘Bluebeard Miller.’ He had + been in these parts from the earliest settlements, and had signalized + himself in the hard conflicts with the Indians, which gained Kentucky the + appellation of ‘the Bloody Ground.’ In one of these fights he had had an + arm broken; in another he had narrowly escaped, when hotly pursued, by + jumping from a precipice thirty feet high into a river. + </p> + <p> + “Miller willingly received me into his house as an inmate, and seemed + pleased with the idea of making a hunter of me. His dwelling was a small + log-house, with a loft or garret of boards, so that there was ample room + for both of us. Under his instruction I soon made a tolerable proficiency + in hunting. My first exploit, of any consequence, was killing a bear. I + was hunting in company with two brothers, when we came upon the track of + bruin, in a wood where there was an undergrowth of canes and grapevines. + He was scrambling up a tree, when I shot him through the breast: he fell + to the ground and lay motionless. The brothers sent in their dog, who + seized the bear by the throat. Bruin raised one arm and gave the dog a hug + that crushed his ribs. One yell, and all was over. I don’t know which was + first dead, the dog or the bear. The two brothers sat down and cried like + children over their unfortunate dog. Yet they were mere rough huntsmen, + almost as wild and untamable as Indians; but they were fine fellows. + </p> + <p> + “By degrees I became known, and somewhat of a favorite among the hunters + of the neighborhood; that is to say, men who lived within a circle of + thirty or forty miles, and came occasionally to see John Miller, who was a + patriarch among them. They lived widely apart, in log huts and wigwams, + almost with the simplicity of Indians, and wellnigh as destitute of the + comforts and inventions of civilized life. They seldom saw each other; + weeks, and even months, would elapse, without their visiting. When they + did meet, it was very much after the manner of Indians; loitering about + all day, without having much to say, but becoming communicative as evening + advanced, and sitting up half the night before the fire, telling hunting + stories, and terrible tales of the fights of the Bloody Ground. + </p> + <p> + “Sometimes several would join in a distant hunting expedition, or rather + campaign. Expeditions of this kind lasted from November until April; + during which we laid up our stock of summer provisions. We shifted our + hunting camps from place to place, according as we found the game. They + were generally pitched near a run of water, and close by a cane-brake, to + screen us from the wind. One side of our lodge was open toward the fire. + Our horses were hoppled and turned loose in the cane-brakes, with bells + round their necks. One of the party stayed at home to watch the camp, + prepare the meals and keep off the wolves; the others hunted. When a + hunter killed a deer at a distance from the camp, he would open it and + take out the entrails; then climbing a sapling he would bend it down, tie + the deer to the top, and let it spring up again, so as to suspend the + carcass out of reach of the wolves. At night he would return to the camp + and give an account of his luck. The next morning early he would get a + horse out of the canebrake and bring home his game. That day he would stay + at home to cut up the carcass, while the others hunted. + </p> + <p> + “Our days were thus spent in silent and lonely occupations. It was only at + night that we would gather together before the fire and be sociable. I was + a novice, and used to listen with open eyes and ears to the strange and + wild stories told by the old hunters, and believed everything I heard. + Some of their stories bordered upon the supernatural. They believed that + their rifles might be spellbound, so as not to be able to kill a buffalo, + even at arms-length. This superstition they had derived from the Indians, + who often think the white hunters have laid a spell upon their rifles. + Miller partook of this superstition, and used to tell of his rifle’s + having a spell upon it; but it often seemed to me to be a shuffling way of + accounting for a bad shot. If a hunter grossly missed his aim he would + ask, ‘Who shot last with this rifle?’—and hint that he must have + charmed it. The sure mode to disenchant the gun was to shoot a silver + bullet out of it. + </p> + <p> + “By the opening of spring we would generally have quantities of + bears’-meat and venison salted, dried, and smoked, and numerous packs of + skins. We would then make the best of our way home from our distant + hunting-grounds; transporting our spoils, sometimes in canoes along the + rivers, sometimes on horseback over land, and our return would often be + celebrated by feasting and dancing, in true backwoods style. I have given + you some idea of our hunting; let me now give you a sketch of our + frolicking. + </p> + <p> + “It was on our return from a winter’s hunting in the neighborhood of Green + River, when we received notice that there was to be a grand frolic at Bob + Mosely’s, to greet the hunters. This Bob Mosely was a prime fellow + throughout the country. He was an indifferent hunter, it is true, and + rather lazy to boot; but then he could play the fiddle, and that was + enough to make him of consequence. There was no other man within a hundred + miles that could play the fiddle, so there was no having a regular frolic + without Bob Mosely. The hunters, therefore, were always ready to give him + a share of their game in exchange for his music, and Bob was always ready + to get up a carousal, whenever there was a party returning from a hunting + expedition. The present frolic was to take place at Bob Mosely’s own + house, which was on the Pigeon Roost Fork of the Muddy, which is a branch + of Rough Creek, which is a branch of Green River. + </p> + <p> + “Everybody was agog for the revel at Bob Mosely’s; and as all the fashion + of the neighborhood was to be there, I thought I must brush up for the + occasion. My leathern hunting-dress, which was the only one I had, was + somewhat the worse for wear, it is true, and considerably japanned with + blood and grease; but I was up to hunting expedients. Getting into a + periogue, I paddled off to a part of the Green River where there was sand + and clay, that might serve for soap; then taking off my dress, I scrubbed + and scoured it, until I thought it looked very well. I then put it on the + end of a stick, and hung it out of the periogue to dry, while I stretched + myself very comfortably on the green bank of the river. Unluckily a flaw + struck the periogue, and tipped over the stick: down went my dress to the + bottom of the river, and I never saw it more. Here was I, left almost in a + state of nature. I managed to make a kind of Robinson Crusoe garb of + undressed skins, with the hair on, which enabled me to get home with + decency; but my dream of gayety and fashion was at an end; for how could I + think of figuring in high life at the Pigeon Roost, equipped like a mere + Orson? + </p> + <p> + “Old Miller, who really began to take some pride in me, was confounded + when he understood that I did not intend to go to Bob Mosely’s; but when I + told him my misfortune, and that I had no dress: ‘By the powers,’ cried + he, ‘but you <i>shall</i> go, and you shall be the best dressed and the + best mounted lad there!’ + </p> + <p> + “He immediately set to work to cut out and make up a hunting-shirt of + dressed deer-skin, gayly fringed at the shoulders, with leggings of the + same, fringed from hip to heel. He then made me a rakish raccoon-cap, with + a flaunting tail to it; mounted me on his best horse; and I may say, + without vanity, that I was one of the smartest fellows that figured on + that occasion at the Pigeon Roost Fork of the Muddy. + </p> + <p> + “It was no small occasion, either, let me tell you. Bob Mosely’s house was + a tolerably large bark shanty, with a clap-board roof; and there were + assembled all the young hunters and pretty girls of the country, for many + a mile round. The young men were in their best hunting-dresses, but not + one could compare with mine; and my raccoon-cap, with its flowing tail, + was the admiration of everybody. The girls were mostly in doe-skin + dresses; for there was no spinning and weaving as yet in the woods; nor + any need of it. I never saw girls that seemed to me better dressed; and I + was somewhat of a judge, having seen fashions at Richmond. We had a hearty + dinner, and a merry one; for there was Jemmy Kiel, famous for + raccoon-hunting, and Bob Tarleton, and Wesley Pigman, and Joe Taylor, and + several other prime fellows for a frolic, that made all ring again, and + laughed that you might have heard them a mile. + </p> + <p> + “After dinner we began dancing, and were hard at it, when, about three + o’clock in the afternoon, there was a new arrival—the two daughters + of old Simon Schultz; two young ladies that affected fashion and late + hours. Their arrival had nearly put an end to all our merriment. I must go + a little roundabout in my story to explain to you how that happened. + </p> + <p> + “As old Schultz, the father, was one day looking in the cane-brakes for + his cattle, he came upon the track of horses. He knew they were none of + his, and that none of his neighbors had horses about that place. They must + be stray horses; or must belong to some traveler who had lost his way, as + the track led nowhere. He accordingly followed it up, until he came to an + unlucky peddler, with two or three pack-horses, who had been bewildered + among the cattle-tracks, and had wandered for two or three days among + woods and cane-brakes, until he was almost famished. + </p> + <p> + “Old Schultz brought him to his house; fed him on venison, bear’s-meat, + and hominy, and at the end of a week put him in prime condition. The + peddler could not sufficiently express his thankfulness; and when about to + depart inquired what he had to pay? Old Schultz stepped back with + surprise. ‘Stranger,’ said he, ‘you have been welcome under my roof. I’ve + given you nothing but wild meat and hominy, because I had no better, but + have been glad of your company. You are welcome to stay as long as you + please; but, by Zounds! if any one offers to pay Simon Schultz for food he + affronts him!’ So saying, he walked out in a huff. + </p> + <p> + “The peddler admired the hospitality of his host, but could not reconcile + it to his conscience to go away without making some recompense. There were + honest Simon’s two daughters, two strapping, red-haired girls. He opened + his packs and displayed riches before them of which they had no + conception; for in those days there were no country stores in those parts, + with their artificial finery and trinketry; and this was the first peddler + that had wandered into that part of the wilderness. The girls were for a + time completely dazzled, and knew not what to choose: but what caught + their eyes most were two looking-glasses, about the size of a dollar, set + in gilt tin. They had never seen the like before, having used no other + mirror than a pail of water. The peddler presented them these jewels, + without the least hesitation; nay, he gallantly hung them round their + necks by red ribbons, almost as fine as the glasses themselves. This done, + he took his departure, leaving them as much astonished as two princesses + in a fairy tale that have received a magic gift from an enchanter. + </p> + <p> + “It was with these looking-glasses, hung round their necks as lockets, by + red ribbons, that old Schultz’s daughters made their appearance at three + o’clock in the afternoon, at the frolic at Bob Mosely’s, on the Pigeon + Roost Fork of the Muddy. + </p> + <p> + “By the powers, but it was an event! Such a thing had never before been + seen in Kentucky. Bob Tarleton, a strapping fellow, with a head like a + chestnut-burr and a look like a boar in an apple orchard, stepped up, + caught hold of the looking-glass of one of the girls, and gazing at it for + a moment, cried out: ‘Joe Taylor, come here! come here! I’ll be darn’d if + Patty Schultz ain’t got a locket that you can see your face in, as clear + as in a spring of water!’ + </p> + <p> + “In a twinkling all the young hunters gathered round old Schultz’s + daughters. I, who knew what looking-glasses were, did not budge. Some of + the girls who sat near me were excessively mortified at finding themselves + thus deserted. I heard Peggy Pugh say to Sally Pigman, ‘Goodness knows, + it’s well Schultz’s daughters is got them things round their necks, for + it’s the first time the young men crowded round them!’ + </p> + <p> + “I saw immediately the danger of the case. We were a small community, and + could not afford to be split up by feuds. So I stepped up to the girls, + and whispered to them: ‘Polly,’ said I, ‘those lockets are powerful fine, + and become you amazingly; but you don’t consider that the country is not + advanced enough in these parts for such things. You and I understand these + matters, but these people don’t. Fine things like these may do very well + in the old settlements, but they won’t answer at the Pigeon Roost Fork of + the Muddy. You had better lay them aside for the present, or we shall have + no peace.’ + </p> + <p> + “Polly and her sister luckily saw their error; they took off the lockets, + laid them aside, and harmony was restored: otherwise, I verily believe + there would have been an end of our community. Indeed, notwithstanding the + great sacrifice they made on this occasion, I do not think old Schultz’s + daughters were ever much liked afterward among the young women. + </p> + <p> + “This was the first time that looking-glasses were ever seen in the Green + River part of Kentucky. + </p> + <p> + “I had now lived some time with old Miller, and had become a tolerably + expert hunter. Game, however, began to grow scarce. The buffalo had + gathered together, as if by universal understanding, and had crossed the + Mississippi, never to return. Strangers kept pouring into the country, + clearing away the forests and building in all directions. The hunters + began to grow restive. Jemmy Kiel, the same of whom I have already spoken + for his skill in raccoon catching, came to me one day: ‘I can’t stand this + any longer,’ said he; ‘we’re getting too thick here. Simon Schultz crowds + me so that I have no comfort of my life.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Why, how you talk!’ said I; ‘Simon Schultz lives twelve miles off.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘No matter; his cattle run with mine, and I’ve no idea of living where + another man’s cattle can run with mine. That’s too close neighborhood; I + want elbow-room. This country, too, is growing too poor to live in; + there’s no game; so two or three of us have made up our minds to follow + the buffalo to the Missouri, and we should like to have you of the party.’ + Other hunters of my acquaintance talked in the same manner. This set me + thinking; but the more I thought the more I was perplexed. I had no one to + advise with; old Miller and his associates knew but of one mode of life, + and I had had no experience in any other; but I had a wide scope of + thought. When out hunting alone I used to forget the sport, and sit for + hours together on the trunk of a tree, with rifle in hand, buried in + thought, and debating with myself: ‘Shall I go with Jemmy Kiel and his + company, or shall I remain here? If I remain here there will soon be + nothing left to hunt; but am I to be a hunter all my life? Have not I + something more in me than to be carrying a rifle on my shoulder, day after + day, and dodging about after bears, and deer, and other brute beasts?’ My + vanity told me I had; and I called to mind my boyish boast to my sister, + that I would never return home until I returned a member of Congress from + Kentucky; but was this the way to fit myself for such a station? + </p> + <p> + “Various plans passed through my mind, but they were abandoned almost as + soon as formed. At length I determined on becoming a lawyer. True it is, I + knew almost nothing. I had left school before I had learned beyond the + ‘rule of three.’ ‘Never mind,’ said I to myself, resolutely; ‘I am a + terrible fellow for hanging on to anything when I’ve once made up my mind; + and if a man has but ordinary capacity, and will set to work with heart + and soul, and stick to it, he can do almost anything.’ With this maxim, + which has been pretty much my mainstay throughout life, I fortified myself + in my determination to attempt the law. But how was I to set about it? I + must quit this forest life, and go to one or other of the towns, where I + might be able to study, and to attend the courts. This too required funds. + I examined into the state of my finances. The purse given me by my father + had remained untouched, in the bottom of an old chest up in the loft, for + money was scarcely needed in these parts. I had bargained away the skins + acquired in hunting for a horse and various other matters, on which in + case of need I could raise funds. I therefore thought I could make shift + to maintain myself until I was fitted for the bar. + </p> + <p> + “I informed my worthy host and patron, old Miller, of my plan. He shook + his head at my turning my back upon the woods, when I was in a fair way of + making a first-rate hunter; but he made no effort to dissuade me. I + accordingly set off in September, on horseback, intending to visit + Lexington, Frankfort, and other of the principal towns, in search of a + favorable place to prosecute my studies. My choice was made sooner than I + expected. I had put up one night at Bardstown, and found, on inquiry, that + I could get comfortable board and accommodation in a private family for a + dollar and a half a week. I liked the place, and resolved to look no + further. So the next morning I prepared to turn my face homeward, and take + my final leave of forest life. + </p> + <p> + “I had taken my breakfast, and was waiting for my horse, when, in pacing + up and down the piazza, I saw a young girl seated near a window, evidently + a visitor. She was very pretty; with auburn hair and blue eyes, and was + dressed in white. I had seen nothing of the kind since I had left + Richmond; and at that time I was too much of a boy to be much struck by + female charms. She was so delicate and dainty-looking, so different from + the hale, buxom, brown girls of the woods; and then her white dress!—it + was perfectly dazzling! Never was poor youth more taken by surprise, and + suddenly bewitched. My heart yearned to know her; but how was I to accost + her? I had grown wild in the woods, and had none of the habitudes of + polite life. Had she been like Peggy Pugh or Sally Pigman, or any other of + my leathern-dressed belles of the Pigeon Roost, I should have approached + her without dread; nay, had she been as fair as Schultz’s daughters, with + their looking-glass lockets, I should not have hesitated; but that white + dress, and those auburn ringlets, and blue eyes, and delicate looks, quite + daunted, while they fascinated me. I don’t know what put it into my head, + but I thought, all at once, that I would kiss her! It would take a long + acquaintance to arrive at such a boon, but I might seize upon it by sheer + robbery. Nobody knew me here. I would just step in, snatch a kiss, mount + my horse, and ride off. She would not be the worse for it; and that kiss—oh! + I should die if I did not get it! + </p> + <p> + “I gave no time for the thought to cool, but entered the house, and + stepped lightly into the room. She was seated with her back to the door, + looking out at the window, and did not hear my approach. I tapped her + chair, and as she turned and looked up, I snatched as sweet a kiss as ever + was stolen, and vanished in a twinkling. The next moment I was on + horseback, galloping homeward; my very ears tingling at what I had done. + </p> + <p> + “On my return home I sold my horse, and turned everything to cash; and + found, with the remains of the paternal purse, that I had nearly four + hundred dollars; a little capital which I resolved to manage with the + strictest economy. + </p> + <p> + “It was hard parting with old Miller, who had been like a father to me; it + cost me, too, something of a struggle to give up the free, independent + wild-wood life I had hitherto led; but I had marked out my course, and had + never been one to flinch or turn back. + </p> + <p> + “I footed it sturdily to Bardstown; took possession of the quarters for + which I had bargained, shut myself up, and set to work with might and main + to study. But what a task I had before me! I had everything to learn; not + merely law, but all the elementary branches of knowledge. I read and read, + for sixteen hours out of the four-and-twenty; but the more I read the more + I became aware of my own ignorance, and shed bitter tears over my + deficiency. It seemed as if the wilderness of knowledge expanded and grew + more perplexed as I advanced. Every height gained only revealed a wider + region to be traversed, and nearly filled me with despair. I grew moody, + silent, and unsocial, but studied on doggedly and incessantly. The only + person with whom I held any conversation was the worthy man in whose house + I was quartered. He was honest and well meaning, but perfectly ignorant, + and I believe would have liked me much better if I had not been so much + addicted to reading. He considered all books filled with lies and + impositions, and seldom could look into one without finding something to + rouse his spleen. Nothing put him into a greater passion than the + assertion that the world turned on its own axis every four-and-twenty + hours. He swore it was an outrage upon common sense. ‘Why, if it did,’ + said he, ‘there would not be a drop of water in the well by morning, and + all the milk and cream in the dairy would be turned topsy-turvy! And then + to talk of the earth going round the sun! How do they know it? I’ve seen + the sun rise every morning and set every evening for more than thirty + years. They must not talk to <i>me</i> about the earth’s going round the + sun!’ + </p> + <p> + “At another time he was in a perfect fret at being told the distance + between the sun and moon. ‘How can any one tell the distance?’ cried he. + ‘Who surveyed it? who carried the chain? By Jupiter! they only talk this + way before me to annoy me. But then there’s some people of sense who give + in to this cursed humbug! There’s Judge Broadnax, now, one of the best + lawyers we have; isn’t it surprising he should believe in such stuff? Why, + sir, the other day I heard him talk of the distance from a star he called + Mars to the sun! He must have got it out of one or other of those + confounded books he’s so fond of reading; a book some impudent fellow has + written, who knew nobody could swear the distance was more or less.’ + </p> + <p> + “For my own part, feeling my own deficiency in scientific lore, I never + ventured to unsettle his conviction that the sun made his daily circuit + round the earth; and for aught I said to the contrary, he lived and died + in that belief. + </p> + <p> + “I had been about a year at Bardstown, living thus studiously and + reclusely, when, as I was one day walking the street, I met two young + girls, in one of whom I immediately recalled the little beauty whom I had + kissed so impudently. She blushed up to the eyes, and so did I; but we + both passed on with further sign of recognition. This second glimpse of + her, however, caused an odd fluttering about my heart. I could not get her + out of my thoughts for days. She quite interfered with my studies. I tried + to think of her as a mere child, but it would not do; she had improved in + beauty, and was tending toward womanhood; and then I myself was but little + better than a stripling. However, I did not attempt to seek after her, or + even to find out who she was, but returned doggedly to my books. By + degrees she faded from my thoughts, or if she did cross them occasionally, + it was only to increase my despondency; for I feared that with all my + exertions, I should never be able to fit myself for the bar, or enable + myself to support a wife. + </p> + <p> + “One cold stormy evening I was seated, in dumpish mood, in the bar-room of + the inn, looking into the fire, and turning over uncomfortable thoughts, + when I was accosted by some one who had entered the room without my + perceiving it. I looked up, and saw before me a tall and, as I thought, + pompous-looking man, arrayed in small clothes and knee-buckles, with + powdered head, and shoes nicely blacked and polished; a style of dress + unparalleled in those days, in that rough country. I took a pique against + him from the very portliness of his appearance, and stateliness of his + manner, and bristled up as he accosted me. He demanded if my name was not + Ringwood. + </p> + <p> + “I was startled, for I supposed myself perfectly incog.; but I answered in + the affirmative. + </p> + <p> + “‘Your family, I believe, lives in Richmond?’ + </p> + <p> + “My gorge began to rise. ‘Yes, sir,’ replied I sulkily, ‘my family does + live in Richmond.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And what, may I ask, has brought you into this part of the country?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Zounds, sir!’ cried I, starting on my feet, ‘what business is it of + yours? How dare you to question me in this manner?’ + </p> + <p> + “The entrance of some persons prevented a reply; but I walked up and down + the bar-room, fuming with conscious independence and insulted dignity, + while the pompous-looking personage, who had thus trespassed upon my + spleen, retired without proffering another word. + </p> + <p> + “The next day, while seated in my room, some one tapped at the door, and, + on being bid to enter, the stranger in the powdered head, small-clothes, + and shining shoes and buckles, walked in with ceremonious courtesy. + </p> + <p> + “My boyish pride was again in arms; but he subdued me. He was formal, but + kind and friendly. He knew my family and understood my situation, and the + dogged struggle I was making. A little conversation, when my jealous pride + was once put to rest, drew everything from me. He was a lawyer of + experience and of extensive practice, and offered at once to take me with + him, and direct my studies. The offer was too advantageous and gratifying + not to be immediately accepted. From that time I began to look up. I was + put into a proper track, and was enabled to study to a proper purpose. I + made acquaintance, too, with some of the young men of the place, who were + in the same pursuit, and was encouraged at finding that I could ‘hold my + own’ in argument with them. We instituted a debating club, in which I soon + became prominent and popular. Men of talents, engaged in other pursuits, + joined it, and this diversified our subjects and put me on various tracks + of inquiry. Ladies, too, attended some of our discussions, and this gave + them a polite tone, and had an influence on the manners of the debaters. + My legal patron also may have had a favorable effect in correcting any + roughness contracted in my hunter’s life. He was calculated to bend me in + an opposite direction, for he was of the old school; quoted Chesterfield + on all occasions, and talked of Sir Charles Grandison, who was his beau + ideal. It was Sir Charles Grandison, however, Kentuckyized. + </p> + <p> + “I had always been fond of female society. My experience, however, had + hitherto been among the rough daughters of the backwoodsmen; and I felt an + awe of young ladies in ‘store clothes,’ and delicately brought up. Two or + three of the married ladies of Bardstown, who had heard me at the debating + club, determined that I was a genius and undertook to bring me out. I + believe I really improved under their hands; became quiet where I had been + shy or sulky, and easy where I had been impudent. + </p> + <p> + “I called to take tea one evening with one of these ladies, when to my + surprise, and somewhat to my confusion, I found with her the identical + blue-eyed little beauty whom I had so audaciously kissed. I was formally + introduced to her, but neither of us betrayed any sign of previous + acquaintance, except by blushing to the eyes. While tea was getting ready + the lady of the house went out of the room to give some directions, and + left us alone. + </p> + <p> + “Heavens and earth, what a situation! I would have given all the pittance + I was worth to have been in the deepest dell of the forest. I felt the + necessity of saying something in excuse of my former rudeness, but I could + not conjure up an idea, nor utter a word. Every moment matters were + growing worse. I felt at one time tempted to do as I had done when I + robbed her of the kiss; bolt from the room, and take to flight; but I was + chained to the spot, for I really longed to gain her good-will. + </p> + <p> + “At length I plucked up courage, on seeing that she was equally confused + with myself, and walking desperately up to her, I exclaimed: + </p> + <p> + “‘I have been trying to muster up something to say to you, but I cannot. I + feel that I am in a horrible scrape. Do have pity on me, and help me out + of it.’ + </p> + <p> + “A smile dimpled about her mouth, and played among the blushes of her + cheek. She looked up with a shy, but arch glance of the eye, that + expressed a volume of comic recollection; we both broke into a laugh, and + from that moment all went on well. + </p> + <p> + “A few evenings afterward I met her at a dance, and prosecuted the + acquaintance. I soon became deeply attached to her; paid my court + regularly; and before I was nineteen years of age had engaged myself to + marry her. I spoke to her mother, a widow lady, to ask her consent. She + seemed to demur; upon which, with my customary haste, I told her there + would be no use in opposing the match, for if her daughter chose to have + me, I would take her, in defiance of her family, and the whole world. + </p> + <p> + “She laughed, and told me I need not give myself any uneasiness; there + would be no unreasonable opposition. She knew my family and all about me. + The only obstacle was that I had no means of supporting a wife, and she + had nothing to give with her daughter. + </p> + <p> + “No matter; at that moment everything was bright before me. I was in one + of my sanguine moods. I feared nothing, doubted nothing. So it was agreed + that I should prosecute my studies, obtain a license, and as soon as I + should be fairly launched in business we would be married. + </p> + <p> + “I now prosecuted my studies with redoubled ardor, and was up to my ears + in law, when I received a letter from my father, who had heard of me and + my whereabout. He applauded the course I had taken, but advised me to lay + a foundation of general knowledge, and offered to defray my expenses, if I + would go to college. I felt the want of a general education, and was + staggered with this offer. It militated somewhat against the + self-dependent course I had so proudly or rather conceitedly marked out + for myself, but it would enable me to enter more advantageously upon my + legal career. I talked over the matter with the lovely girl to whom I was + engaged. She sided in opinion with my father, and talked so + disinterestedly, yet tenderly, that, if possible, I loved her more than + ever. I reluctantly, therefore, agreed to go to college for a couple of + years, though it must necessarily postpone our union. + </p> + <p> + “Scarcely had I formed this resolution, when her mother was taken ill and + died, leaving her without a protector. This again altered all my plans. I + felt as if I could protect her. I gave up all idea of collegiate studies; + persuaded myself that by dint of industry and application I might overcome + the deficiencies of education, and resolved to take out a license as soon + as possible. + </p> + <p> + “That very autumn I was admitted to the bar, and within a month afterward + was married. We were a young couple, she not much above sixteen, I not + quite twenty; and both almost without a dollar in the world. The + establishment which we set up was suited to our circumstances: a + log-house, with two small rooms; a bed, a table, a half dozen chairs, a + half dozen knives and forks, a half dozen spoons; everything by half + dozens; a little delf ware; everything in a small way; we were so poor, + but then so happy! + </p> + <p> + “We had not been married many days, when court was held at a county town, + about twenty-five miles distant. It was necessary for me to go there, and + put myself in the way of business; but how was I to go? I had expended all + my means on our establishment; and then it was hard parting with my wife + so soon after marriage. However, go I must. Money must be made, or we + should soon have the wolf at the door. I accordingly borrowed a horse, and + borrowed a little cash, and rode off from my door, leaving my wife + standing at it, and waving her hand after me. Her last look, so sweet and + beaming, went to my heart. I felt as if I could go through fire and water + for her. + </p> + <p> + “I arrived at the county town on a cool October evening. The inn was + crowded, for the court was to commence on the following day. I knew no + one, and wondered how I, a stranger, and a mere youngster, was to make my + way in such a crowd, and to get business. The public room was thronged + with the idlers of the country, who gather together on such occasions. + There was some drinking going forward, with much noise, and a little + altercation. Just as I entered the room I saw a rough bully of a fellow, + who was partly intoxicated, strike an old man. He came swaggering by me, + and elbowed me as he passed. I immediately knocked him down, and kicked + him into the street. I needed no better introduction. In a moment I had a + dozen rough shakes of the hand, and invitations to drink, and found myself + quite a personage in this rough assembly. + </p> + <p> + “The next morning the court opened. I took my seat among the lawyers, but + felt as a mere spectator, not having a suit in progress or prospect, nor + having any idea where business was to come from. In the course of the + morning a man was put at the bar, charged with passing counterfeit money, + and was asked if he was ready for trial. He answered in the negative. He + had been confined in a place where there were no lawyers, and had not had + an opportunity of consulting any. He was told to choose counsel from the + lawyers present, and to be ready for trial on the following day. He looked + round the court and selected me. I was thunderstruck. I could not tell why + he should make such a choice. I, a beardless youngster; unpracticed at the + bar; perfectly unknown. I felt diffident yet delighted, and could have + hugged the rascal. + </p> + <p> + “Before leaving the court he gave me one hundred dollars in a bag as a + retaining fee. I could scarcely believe my senses; it seemed like a dream. + The heaviness of the fee spoke but lightly in favor of his innocence, but + that was no affair of mine. I was to be advocate, not judge nor jury. I + followed him to jail, and learned from him all the particulars of his + case; from thence I went to the clerk’s office and took minutes of the + indictment. I then examined the law on the subject, and prepared my brief + in my room. All this occupied me until midnight, when I went to bed and + tried to sleep. It was all in vain. Never in my life was I more + wide-awake. A host of thoughts and fancies kept rushing through my mind; + the shower of gold that had so unexpectedly fallen into my lap; the idea + of my poor little wife at home, that I was to astonish with my good + fortune! But then the awful responsibility I had undertaken!—to + speak for the first time in a strange court; the expectations the culprit + had evidently formed of my talents; all these, and a crowd of similar + notions, kept whirling through my mind. I tossed about all night, fearing + the morning would find me exhausted and incompetent; in a word, the day + dawned on me, a miserable fellow! + </p> + <p> + “I got up feverish and nervous. I walked out before breakfast, striving to + collect my thoughts and tranquilize my feelings. It was a bright morning; + the air was pure and frosty. I bathed my forehead and my hands in a + beautiful running stream; but I could not allay the fever heat that raged + within. I returned to breakfast, but could not eat. A single cup of coffee + formed my repast. It was time to go to court, and I went there with a + throbbing heart. I believe if it had not been for the thoughts of my + little wife, in her lonely log house, I should have given back to the man + his hundred dollars, and relinquished the cause. I took my seat, looking, + I am convinced, more like a culprit than the rogue I was to defend. + </p> + <p> + “When the time came for me to speak, my heart died within me. I rose + embarrassed and dismayed, and stammered in opening my cause. I went on + from bad to worse, and felt as if I was going down hill. Just then the + public prosecutor, a man of talents, but somewhat rough in his practice, + made a sarcastic remark on something I had said. It was like an electric + spark, and ran tingling through every vein in my body. In an instant my + diffidence was gone. My whole spirit was in arms. I answered with + promptness and bitterness, for I felt the cruelty of such an attack upon a + novice in my situation. The public prosecutor made a kind of apology: + this, from a man of his redoubted powers, was a vast concession. I renewed + my argument with a fearless glow; carried the case through triumphantly, + and the man was acquitted. + </p> + <p> + “This was the making of me. Everybody was curious to know who this new + lawyer was, that had thus suddenly risen among them, and bearded the + attorney-general at the very outset. The story of my debut at the inn on + the preceding evening, when I had knocked down a bully, and kicked him out + of doors for striking an old man, was circulated with favorable + exaggerations. Even my very beardless chin and juvenile countenance were + in my favor, for people gave me far more credit than I really deserved. + The chance business which occurs in our country courts came thronging upon + me. I was repeatedly employed in other causes; and by Saturday night, when + the court closed, and I had paid my bill at the inn, I found myself with a + hundred and fifty dollars in silver, three hundred dollars in notes, and a + horse that I afterward sold for two hundred dollars more. + </p> + <p> + “Never did miser gloat on his money with more delight. I locked the door + of my room; piled the money in a heap upon the table; walked round it; sat + with my elbows on the table, and my chin upon my hands, and gazed upon it. + Was I thinking of the money? No! I was thinking of my little wife at home. + Another sleepless night ensued; but what a night of golden fancies, and + splendid air-castle! As soon as morning dawned, I was up, mounted the + borrowed horse with which I had come to court, and led the other which I + had received as a fee. All the way I was delighting myself with the + thoughts of the surprise I had in store for my little wife; for both of us + had expected nothing but that I should spend all the money I had borrowed, + and should return in debt. + </p> + <p> + “Our meeting was joyous, as you may suppose: but I played the part of the + Indian, hunter, who, when he returns from the chase, never for a time + speaks of his success. She had prepared a snug little rustic meal for me, + and while it was getting ready I seated myself at an old-fashioned desk in + one corner, and began to count over my money, and put it away. She came to + me before I had finished, and asked who I had collected the money for. + </p> + <p> + “‘For myself, to be sure,’ replied I, with affected coolness; ‘I made it + at court.’ + </p> + <p> + “She looked me for a moment in the face, incredulously. I tried to keep my + countenance, and to play Indian, but it would not do. My muscles began to + twitch; my feelings all at once gave way. I caught her in my arms; + laughed, cried, and danced about the room, like a crazy man. From that + time forward, we never wanted for money. + </p> + <p> + “I had not been long in successful practice, when I was surprised one day + by a visit from my woodland patron, old Miller. The tidings of my + prosperity had reached him in the wilderness, and he had walked one + hundred and fifty miles on foot to see me. By that tame I had improved my + domestic establishment, and had all things comfortable about me. He looked + around him with a wondering eye, at what he considered luxuries and + superfluities; but supposed they were all right in my altered + circumstances. He said he did not know, upon the whole, but that I had + acted for the best It is true, if game had continued plenty, it would have + been a folly for me to quit a hunter’s life; but hunting was pretty nigh + done up in Kentucky. The buffalo had gone to Missouri; the elk were nearly + gone also; deer, too, were growing scarce; they might last out his time, + as he was growing old, but they were not worth setting up life upon. He + had once lived on the borders of Virginia. Game grew scarce there; he + followed it up across Kentucky, and now it was again giving him the slip; + but he was too old to follow it further. + </p> + <p> + “He remained with us three days. My wife did everything in her power to + make him comfortable; but at the end of that time he said he must be off + again to the woods. He was tired of the village, and of having so many + people about him. He accordingly returned to the wilderness and to hunting + life. But I fear he did not make a good end of it; for I understand that a + few years before his death he married Sukey Thomas, who lived at the White + Oak Run.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE SEMINOLES + </h2> + <p> + From the time of the chimerical cruising of Old Ponce de Leon in search of + the Fountain of Youth, the avaricious expedition of Pamphilo de Narvaez in + quest of gold, and the chivalrous enterprise of Hernando de Soto, to + discover and conquer a second Mexico, the natives of Florida have been + continually subjected to the invasions and encroachments of white men. + They have resisted them perseveringly but fruitlessly, and are now + battling amid swamps and morasses for the last foothold of their native + soil, with all the ferocity of despair. Can we wonder at the bitterness of + a hostility that has been handed down from father to son, for upward of + three centuries, and exasperated by the wrongs and miseries of each + succeeding generation! The very name of the savages with which we are + fighting betokens their fallen and homeless condition. Formed of the + wrecks of once powerful tribes, and driven from their ancient seats of + prosperity and dominion, they are known by the name of the Seminoles, or + “Wanderers.” + </p> + <p> + Bartram, who traveled through Florida in the latter part of the last + century, speaks of passing through a great extent of ancient Indian + fields, now silent and deserted, overgrown with forests, orange groves, + and rank vegetation, the site of the ancient Alachua, the capital of a + famous and powerful tribe, who in days of old could assemble thousands at + bull-play and other athletic exercises “over these then happy fields and + green plains.” “Almost every step we take,” adds he, “over these fertile + heights, discovers the remains and traces of ancient human habitations and + cultivation.” + </p> + <p> + About the year 1763, when Florida was ceded by the Spaniards to the + English, we are told that the Indians generally retired from the towns and + the neighborhood of the whites, and burying themselves in the deep + forests, intricate swamps and hommocks, and vast savannas of the interior, + devoted themselves to a pastoral life, and the rearing of horses and + cattle. These are the people that received the name of the Seminoles, or + Wanderers, which they still retain. + </p> + <p> + Bartram gives a pleasing picture of them at the time he visited them in + their wilderness; where their distance from the abodes of the white man + gave them a transient quiet and security. “This handful of people,” says + he, “possesses a vast territory, all East and the greatest part of West + Florida, which being naturally cut and divided into thousands of islets, + knolls, and eminences, by the innumerable rivers, lakes, swamps, vast + savannas, and ponds, form so many secure retreats and temporary + dwelling-places that effectually guard them from any sudden invasions or + attacks from their enemies; and being such a swampy, hommocky country, + furnishes such a plenty and variety of supplies for the nourishment of + varieties of animals that I can venture to assert that no part of the + globe so abounds with wild game, or creatures fit for the food of man. + </p> + <p> + “Thus they enjoy a superabundance of the necessaries and conveniences of + life, with the security of person and property, the two great concerns of + mankind. The hides of deer, bears, tigers, and wolves, together with + honey, wax, and other productions of the country, purchase their clothing + equipage and domestic utensils from the whites. They seem to be free from + want or desires. No cruel enemy to dread; nothing to give them disquietude + but the gradual encroachments of the white people. Thus contented and + undisturbed, they appear as blithe and free as the birds of the air, and + like them as volatile and active, tuneful and vociferous. The visage, + action, and deportment of the Seminoles form the most striking picture of + happiness in this life; joy, contentment, love, and friendship, without + guile or affectation, seem inherent in them, or predominant in their vital + principle, for it leaves them with but the last breath of life.... They + are fond of games and gambling, and amuse themselves like children, in + relating extravagant stories, to cause surprise and mirth.” [Footnote: + Bartram’s Travels in North America.] + </p> + <p> + The same writer gives an engaging picture of his treatment by these + savages: + </p> + <p> + “Soon after entering the forests, we were met in the path by a small + company of Indians, smiling and beckoning to us long before we joined + them. This was a family of Talahasochte, who had been out on a hunt and + were returning home loaded with barbecued meat, hides, and honey. Their + company consisted of the man, his wife and children, well mounted on fine + horses, with a number of pack-horses. The man offered us a fawn skin of + honey, which I accepted, and at parting presented him with some + fish-hooks, sewing-needles, etc. + </p> + <p> + “On our return to camp in the evening, we were saluted by a party of young + Indian warriors, who had pitched their tents on a green eminence near the + lake, at a small distance from our camp, under a little grove of oaks and + palms. This company consisted of seven young Seminoles, under the conduct + of a young prince or chief of Talahasochte, a town southward in the + isthmus. They were all dressed and painted with singular elegance, and + richly ornamented with silver plates, chains, etc., after the Seminole + mode, with waving plumes of feathers on their crests. On our coming up to + them, they arose and shook hands; we alighted and sat a while with them by + their cheerful fire. + </p> + <p> + “The young prince informed our chief that he was in pursuit of a young + fellow who had fled from the town carrying off with him one of his + favorite young wives. He said, merrily, he would have the ears of both of + them before he returned. He was rather above the middle stature, and the + most perfect human figure I ever saw; of an amiable, engaging countenance, + air, and deportment; free and familiar in conversation, yet retaining a + becoming gracefulness and dignity. We arose, took leave of them, and + crossed a little vale, covered with a charming green turf, already + illuminated by the soft light of the full moon. + </p> + <p> + “Soon after joining our companions at camp, our neighbors, the prince and + his associates, paid us a visit. We treated them with the best fare we + had, having till this time preserved our spirituous liquors. They left us + with perfect cordiality and cheerfulness, wishing us a good repose, and + retired to their own camp. Having a band of music with them, consisting of + a drum, flutes, and a rattle-gourd, they entertained us during the night + with their music, vocal and instrumental. + </p> + <p> + “There is a languishing softness and melancholy air in the Indian + convivial songs, especially of the amorous class, irresistibly moving + attention, and exquisitely pleasing, especially in their solitary + recesses, when all nature is silent.” + </p> + <p> + Travelers who have been among them, in more recent times, before they had + embarked in their present desperate struggle, represent them in much the + same light; as leading a pleasant, indolent life, in a climate that + required little shelter or clothing, and where the spontaneous fruits of + the earth furnished subsistence without toil. A cleanly race, delighting + in bathing, passing much of their time under the shade of their trees, + with heaps of oranges and other fine fruits for their refreshment; + talking, laughing, dancing and sleeping. Every chief had a fan hanging to + his side, made of feathers of the wild turkey, the beautiful pink-colored + crane, or the scarlet flamingo. With this he would sit and fan himself + with great stateliness, while the young people danced before him. The + women joined in the dances with the men, excepting the war-dances. They + wore strings of tortoise-shells and pebbles round their legs, which + rattled in cadence to the music. They were treated with more attention + among the Seminoles than among most Indian tribes. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ORIGIN OF THE WHITE, THE RED, AND THE BLACK MEN + </h2> + <h3> + A SEMINOLE TRADITION + </h3> + <p> + When the Floridas were erected into a territory of the United States, one + of the earliest cares of the Governor, William P. Duval, was directed to + the instruction and civilization of the natives. For this purpose he + called a meeting of the chiefs, in which he informed them of the wish of + their Great Father at Washington that they should have schools and + teachers among them, and that their children should be instructed like the + children of white men. The chiefs listened with their customary silence + and decorum to a long speech, setting forth the advantages that would + accrue to them from this measure, and when he had concluded, begged the + interval of a day to deliberate on it. + </p> + <p> + On the following day a solemn convocation was held, at which one of the + chiefs addressed the governor in the name of all the rest. “My brother,” + said he, “we have been thinking over the proposition of our Great Father + at Washington, to send teachers and set up schools among us. We are very + thankful for the interest be takes in our welfare; but after much + deliberation have concluded to decline his offer. What will do very well + for white men will not do for red men. I know you white men say we all + come from the same father and mother, but you are mistaken. We have a + tradition handed down from our forefathers, and we believe it, that the + Great Spirit, when he undertook to make men, made the black man; it was + his first attempt, and pretty well for a beginning; but he soon saw he had + bungled; so he determined to try his hand again. He did so, and made the + red man. He liked him much better than the black man, but still he was not + exactly what he wanted. So he tried once more, and made the white man; and + then he was satisfied. You see, therefore, that you were made last, and + that is the reason I call you my youngest brother. + </p> + <p> + “When the Great Spirit had made the three men, he called them together and + showed them three boxes. The first was filled with books, and maps, and + papers; the second with bows and arrows, knives and tomahawks; the third + with spades, axes, hoes, and hammers. ‘These, my sons,’ said he, ‘are the + means by which you are to live: choose among them according to your + fancy.’ + </p> + <p> + “The white man, being the favorite, had the first choice. He passed by the + box of working-tools without notice; but when he came to the weapons for + war and hunting, he stopped and looked hard at them. The red man trembled, + for he had set his heart upon that box. The white man, however, after + looking upon it for a moment, passed on, and chose the box of books and + papers. The red man’s turn came next; and you may be sure he seized with + joy upon the bows and arrows and tomahawks. As to the black man, he had no + choice left but to put up with the box of tools. + </p> + <p> + “From this it is clear that the Great Spirit intended the white man should + learn to read and write; to understand all about the moon and stars; and + to make everything, even rum and whisky. That the red man should be a + first-rate hunter, and a mighty warrior, but he was not to learn anything + from books, as the Great Spirit had not given him any: nor was he to make + rum and whisky, lest he should kill himself with drinking. As to the black + man, as he had nothing but working-tools, it was clear he was to work for + the white and red man, which he has continued to do. + </p> + <p> + “We must go according to the wishes of the Great Spirit, or we shall get + into trouble. To know how to read and write is very good for white men, + but very bad for red men. It makes white men better, but red men worse. + Some of the Creeks and Cherokees learned to read and write, and they are + the greatest rascals among all the Indians. They went on to Washington, + and said they were going to see their Great Father, to talk about the good + of the nation. And when they got there, they all wrote upon a little piece + of paper, without the nation at home knowing anything about it. And the + first thing the nation at home knew of the matter, they were called + together by the Indian agent, who showed them a little piece of paper, + which he told them was a treaty, which their brethren had made in their + name, with their Great Father at Washington. And as they knew not what a + treaty was, he held up the little piece of paper, and they looked under + it, and lo! it covered a great extent of country, and they found that + their brethren, by knowing how to read and write, had sold their houses + and their lands and the graves of their fathers; and that the white man, + by knowing how to read and write, had gained them. Tell our Great Father + at Washington, therefore, that we are very sorry we cannot receive + teachers among us; for reading and writing, though very good for white + men, is very bad for the Indians.” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CONSPIRACY OF NEAMATHLA + </h2> + <h3> + AN AUTHENTIC SKETCH + </h3> + <p> + In the autumn of 1823, Governor Duval, and other commissioners on the part + of the United States, concluded a treaty with the chiefs and warriors of + the Florida Indians, by which the latter, for certain considerations, + ceded all claims to the whole territory, excepting a district in the + eastern part, to which they were to remove, and within which they were to + reside for twenty years. Several of the chiefs signed the treaty with + great reluctance; but none opposed it more strongly than Neamathla, + principal chief of the Mickasookies, a fierce and warlike people, many of + them Creeks by origin, who lived about the Mickasookie lake. Neamathla had + always been active in those depredations on the frontiers of Georgia which + had brought vengeance and ruin on the Seminoles. He was a remarkable man; + upward of sixty years of age, about six feet high, with a fine eye, and a + strongly marked countenance, over which he possessed great command. His + hatred of the white men appeared to be mixed with contempt: on the common + people he looked down with infinite scorn. He seemed unwilling to + acknowledge any superiority of rank or dignity in Governor Duval, claiming + to associate with him on terms of equality, as two great chieftains. + Though he had been prevailed upon to sign the treaty, his heart revolted + at it. In one of his frank conversations with Governor Duval, he observed: + “This country belongs to the red man; and if I had the number of warriors + at my command that this nation once had I would not leave a white man on + my lands. I would exterminate the whole. I can say this to you, for you + can understand me: you are a man; but I would not say it to your people. + They’d cry out I was a savage, and would take my life. They cannot + appreciate the feelings of a man that loves his country.” + </p> + <p> + As Florida had but recently been erected into a territory, everything as + yet was in rude and simple style. The governor, to make himself acquainted + with the Indians, and to be near at hand to keep an eye upon them, fixed + his residence at Tallahassee, near the Fowel towns, inhabited by the + Mickasookies. His government palace for a time was a mere log house, and + he lived on hunters’ fare. The village of Neamathla was but about three + miles off, and thither the governor occasionally rode, to visit the old + chieftain. In one of these visits he found Neamathla seated in his wigwam, + in the center of the village, surrounded by his warriors. The governor had + brought him some liquor as a present, but it mounted quickly into his + brain and rendered him quite boastful and belligerent. The theme ever + uppermost in his mind was the treaty with the whites. “It was true,” he + said, “the red men had made such a treaty, but the white men had not acted + up to it. The red men had received none of the money and the cattle that + had been promised them: the treaty, therefore, was at an end, and they did + not mean to be bound by it.” + </p> + <p> + Governor Duval calmly represented to him that the time appointed in the + treaty for the payment and delivery of the money and the cattle had not + yet arrived. This the old chieftain knew full well, but he chose, for the + moment, to pretend ignorance. He kept on drinking and talking, his voice + growing louder and louder, until it resounded all over the village. He + held in his hand a long knife, with which he had been rasping tobacco; + this he kept flourishing backward and forward, as he talked, by way of + giving effect to his words, brandishing it at times within an inch of the + governor’s throat. He concluded his tirade by repeating that the country + belonged to the red men, and that sooner than give it up his bones and the + bones of his people should bleach upon its soil. + </p> + <p> + Duval saw that the object of all this bluster was to see whether he could + be intimidated. He kept his eye, therefore, fixed steadily on the chief, + and the moment he concluded with his menace, seized him by the bosom of + his hunting shirt, and clinching his other fist: + </p> + <p> + “I’ve heard what you have said,” replied he. “You have made a treaty, yet + you say your bones shall bleach before you comply with it. As sure as + there is a sun in heaven, your bones <i>shall</i> bleach, if you do not + fulfill every article of that treaty I I’ll let you know that I am <i>first</i> + here, and will see that you do your duty!” + </p> + <p> + Upon this, the old chieftain threw himself back, burst into a fit of + laughing, and declared that all he had said was in joke. The governor + suspected, however, that there was a grave meaning at the bottom of this + jocularity. + </p> + <p> + For two months, everything went on smoothly: the Indians repaired daily to + the log-cabin palace of the governor, at Tallahassee, and appeared + perfectly contented. All at once they ceased their visits, and for three + or four days not one was to be seen. Governor Duval began to apprehend + that some mischief was brewing. On the evening of the fourth day a chief + named Yellow-Hair, a resolute, intelligent fellow, who had always evinced + an attachment for the governor, entered his cabin about twelve o’clock at + night, and informed him that between four and five hundred warriors, + painted and decorated, were assembled to hold a secret war-talk at + Neamathla’s town. He had slipped off to give intelligence, at the risk of + his life, and hastened back lest his absence should be discovered. + </p> + <p> + Governor Duval passed an anxious night after this intelligence. He knew + the talent and the daring character of Neamathla; he recollected the + threats he had thrown out; he reflected that about eighty white families + were scattered widely apart, over a great extent of country, and might be + swept away at once, should the Indians, as he feared, determine to clear + the country. That he did not exaggerate the dangers of the case has been + proved by the horrid scenes of Indian warfare that have since desolated + that devoted region. After a night of sleepless cogitation, Duval + determined on a measure suited to his prompt and resolute character. + Knowing the admiration of the savages for personal courage, he determined, + by a sudden surprise, to endeavor to overawe and check them. It was + hazarding much; but where so many lives were in jeopardy, he felt bound to + incur the hazard. + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, on the next morning, he set off on horseback, attended merely + by a white man who had been reared among the Seminoles, and understood + their language and manners, and who acted as interpreter. They struck into + an Indian “trail,” leading to Neamathla’s village. After proceeding about + half a mile, Governor Duval informed the interpreter of the object of his + expedition. The latter, though a bold man, paused and remonstrated. The + Indians among whom they were going were among the most desperate and + discontented of the nation. Many of them were veteran warriors, + impoverished and exasperated by defeat, and ready to set their lives at + any hazard. He said that if they were holding a war council, it must be + with desperate intent, and it would be certain death to intrude among + them. + </p> + <p> + Duval made light of his apprehensions: he said he was perfectly well + acquainted with the Indian character, and should certainly proceed. So + saying, he rode on. When within half a mile of the village, the + interpreter addressed him again, in such a tremulous tone that Duval + turned and looked him in the face. He was deadly pale, and once more urged + the governor to return, as they would certainly be massacred if they + proceeded. + </p> + <p> + Duval repeated his determination to go on, but advised the other to + return, lest his pale face should betray fear to the Indians, and they + might take advantage of it. The interpreter replied that he would rather + die a thousand deaths than have it said he had deserted his leader when in + peril. + </p> + <p> + Duval then told him he must translate faithfully all he should say to the + Indians, without softening a word. The interpreter promised faithfully to + do so, adding that he well knew, when they were once in the town, nothing + but boldness could save them. + </p> + <p> + They now rode into the village, and advanced to the council house. This + was rather a group of four houses, forming a square, in the center of + which was a great council-fire. The houses were open in front, toward the + fire, and closed in the rear. At each corner of the square there was an + interval between the houses, for ingress and egress. In these houses sat + the old men and the chiefs; the young men were gathered round the fire. + Neamathla presided at the council, elevated on a higher seat than the + rest. + </p> + <p> + Governor Duval entered by one of the corner intervals, and rode boldly + into the center of the square. The young men made way for him; an old man + who was speaking paused in the midst of his harangue. In an instant thirty + or forty rifles were cocked and leveled. Never had Duval heard so loud a + click of triggers; it seemed to strike on his heart. He gave one glance at + the Indians, and turned off with an air of contempt. He did not dare, he + says, to look again, lest it might affect his nerves; and on the firmness + of his nerves everything depended. + </p> + <p> + The chief threw up his arm. The rifles were lowered. Duval breathed more + freely: he felt disposed to leap from his horse, but restrained himself, + and dismounted leisurely. He then walked deliberately up to Neamathla, and + demanded, in an authoritative tone, what were his motives for holding that + council. The moment he made this demand the orator sat down. The chief + made no reply, but hung his head in apparent confusion. After a moment’s + pause, Duval proceeded: + </p> + <p> + “I am well aware of the meaning of this war-council; and deem it my duty + to warn you against prosecuting the schemes you have been devising. If a + single hair of a white man in this country falls to the ground, I will + hang you and your chiefs on the trees around your council house! You + cannot pretend to withstand the power of the white men. You are in the + palm of the hand of your Great Father at Washington, who can crush you + like an egg-shell. You may kill me: I am but one man; but recollect, white + men are numerous as the leaves on the trees. Remember the fate of your + warriors whose bones are whitening in battlefields. Remember your wives + and children who perished in swamps. Do you want to provoke more + hostilities? Another war with the white men, and there will not be a + Seminole left to tell the story of his race.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing the effect of his words, he concluded by appointing a day for the + Indians to meet him at St. Marks, and give an account of their conduct. He + then rode off, without giving them time to recover from their surprise. + That night he rode forty miles to Apalachicola River, to the tribe of the + same name, who were in feud with the Seminoles. They promptly put two + hundred and fifty warriors at his disposal, whom he ordered to be at St. + Marks at the appointed day. He sent out runners, also, and mustered one + hundred of the militia to repair to the same place, together with a number + of regulars from the army. All his arrangements were successful. + </p> + <p> + Having taken these measures, he returned to Tallahassee, to the + neighborhood of the conspirators, to show them that he was not afraid. + Here he ascertained, through Yellow-Hair, that nine towns were + disaffected, and had been concerned in the conspiracy. He was careful to + inform himself, from the same source, of the names of the warriors in each + of those towns who were most popular, though poor, and destitute of rank + and command. + </p> + <p> + When the appointed day was at hand for the meeting at St. Marks, Governor + Duval set off with Neamathla, who was at the head of eight or nine hundred + warriors, but who feared to venture into the fort without him. As they + entered the fort, and saw troops and militia drawn up there, and a force + of Apalachicola soldiers stationed on the opposite bank of the river, they + thought they were betrayed, and were about to fly; but Duval assured them + they were safe, and that when the talk was over they might go home + unmolested. + </p> + <p> + A grand talk was now held, in which the late conspiracy was discussed. As + he had foreseen, Neamathla and the other old chiefs threw all the blame + upon the young men, “Well,” replied Duval, “with us white men, when we + find a man incompetent to govern those under him, we put him down, and + appoint another in his place. Now as you all acknowledge you cannot manage + your young men, we must put chiefs over them who can.” + </p> + <p> + So saying, he deposed Neamathla first; appointing another in his place; + and so on with all the rest; taking care to substitute the warriors who + had been pointed out to him as poor and popular; putting medals round + their necks, and investing them with great ceremony. The Indians were + surprised and delighted at finding the appointments fall upon the very men + they would themselves have chosen, and hailed them with acclamations. The + warriors thus unexpectedly elevated to command, and clothed with dignity, + were secured to the interests of the governor, and sure to keep an eye on + the disaffected. As to the great chief Neamathla, he left the country in + disgust, and returned to the Creek nation, who elected him a chief of one + of their towns. Thus by the resolute spirit and prompt sagacity of one + man, a dangerous conspiracy was completely defeated. Governor Duval was + afterward enabled to remove the whole nation, through his own personal + influence, without the aid of the general government. + </p> + <p> + To the Editor of the Knickerbocker: + </p> + <p> + SIR—The following letter was scribbled to a friend during my sojourn + in the Alhambra, in 1828. As it presents scenes and impressions noted down + at the time, I venture to offer it for the consideration of your readers. + Should it prove acceptable, I may from tune to time give other letters, + written in the course of my various ramblings, and which have been kindly + restored to me by my friends. + </p> + <p> + Yours, G. C. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + LETTER FROM GRANADA + </h2> + <h3> + GRANADA, 1828. + </h3> + <p> + My Dear—: Religious festivals furnish, in all Catholic countries, + occasions of popular pageant and recreation; but in none more so than in + Spain, where the great end of religion seems to be to create holidays and + ceremonials. For two days past, Granada has been in a gay turmoil with the + great annual fete of Corpus Christi. This most eventful and romantic city, + as you well know, has ever been the rallying point of a mountainous + region, studded with small towns and villages. Hither, during the time + that Granada was the splendid capital of a Moorish kingdom, the Moslem + youth repaired from all points, to participate in chivalrous festivities; + and hither the Spanish populace at the present day throng from all parts + of the surrounding country to attend the festivals of the church. + </p> + <p> + As the populace like to enjoy things from the very commencement, the stir + of Corpus Christ! began in Granada on the preceding evening. Before dark + the gates of the city were thronged with the picturesque peasantry from + the mountain villages, and the brown laborers from the Vega, or vast + fertile plain. As the evening advanced, the Vivarambla thickened and + swarmed with a motley multitude. This is the great square in the center of + the city, famous for tilts and tourneys during the times of Moorish + domination, and incessantly mentioned in all the old Moorish ballads of + love and chivalry. For several days the hammer had resounded throughout + this square. A gallery of wood had been erected all round it, forming a + covered way for the grand procession of Corpus Christi. On this eve of the + ceremonial this gallery was a fashionable promenade. It was brilliantly + illuminated, bands of music were stationed in balconies on the four sides + of the square, and all the fashion and beauty of Granada, and all its + population that could boast a little finery of apparel, together with the + majos and majas, the beaux and belles of the villages, in their gay + Andalusian costumes, thronged this covered walk, anxious to see and to be + seen. As to the sturdy peasantry of the Vega, and such of the mountaineers + as did not pretend to display, but were content with hearty enjoyment, + they swarmed in the center of the square; some in groups listening to the + guitar and the traditional ballad; some dancing their favorite bolero; + some seated on the ground making a merry though frugal supper; and some + stretched out for their night’s repose. + </p> + <p> + The gay crowd of the gallery dispersed gradually toward midnight; but the + center of the square resembled the bivouac of an army; for hundreds of the + peasantry, men, women, and children, passed the night there, sleeping + soundly on the bare earth, under the open canopy of heaven. A summer’s + night requires no shelter in this genial climate; and with a great part of + the hardy peasantry of Spain a bed is a superfluity which many of them + never enjoy, and which they affect to despise. The common Spaniard spreads + out his manta, or mule-cloth, or wraps himself in his cloak, and lies on + the ground, with his saddle for a pillow. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I revisited the square at sunrise. It was still strewed + with groups of sleepers; some were reposing from the dance and revel of + the evening; others had left their villages after work, on the preceding + day, and having trudged on foot the greater part of the night, were taking + a sound sleep to freshen them for the festivities of the day. Numbers from + the mountains, and the remote villages of the plain, who had set out in + the night, continued to arrive, with their wives and children. All were in + high spirits; greeting each other, and exchanging jokes and pleasantries. + The gay tumult thickened as the day advanced. Now came pouring in at the + city gates, and parading through the streets, the deputations from the + various villages, destined to swell the grand procession. These village + deputations were headed by their priests, bearing their respective crosses + and banners, and images of the Blessed Virgin and of patron saints; all + which were matters of great rivalship and jealousy among the peasantry. It + was like the chivalrous gatherings of ancient days, when each town and + village sent its chiefs, and warriors, and standards, to defend the + capital or grace its festivities. + </p> + <p> + At length, all these various detachments congregated into one grand + pageant, which slowly paraded round the Vivarambla, and through the + principal streets, where every window and balcony was hung with tapestry. + In this procession were all the religious orders, the civil and military + authorities, and the chief people of the parishes and villages; every + church and convent had contributed its banners, its images, its relics, + and poured forth its wealth for the occasion. In the center of the + procession walked the archbishop, under a damask canopy, and surrounded by + inferior dignitaries and their dependents. The whole moved to the swell + and cadence of numerous bands of music, and, passing through the midst of + a countless yet silent multitude, proceeded onward to the cathedral. + </p> + <p> + I could not but be struck with the changes of times and customs, as I saw + this monkish pageant passing through the Vivarambla, the ancient seat of + Moslem pomp and chivalry. The contrast was indeed forced upon the mind by + the decorations of the square. The whole front of the wooden gallery + erected for the procession, extending several hundred feet, was faced with + canvas, on which some humble though patriotic artist had painted, by + contract, a series of the principal scenes and exploits of the conquest, + as recorded in chronicle and romance. It is thus the romantic legends of + Granada mingle themselves with everything, and are kept fresh in the + public mind. Another great festival at Granada, answering in its popular + character to our Fourth of July, is <i>El Dia de la Toma</i>; “The day of + the Capture”; that is to say, the anniversary of the capture of the city + by Ferdinand and Isabella. On this day all Granada is abandoned to + revelry. The alarm-bell on the Terre de la Campana, or watch-tower of the + Alhambra, keeps up a clangor from morn till night; and happy is the damsel + that can ring that bell; it is a charm to secure a husband in the course + of the year. + </p> + <p> + The sound, which can be heard over the whole Vega, and to the top of the + mountains, summons the peasantry to the festivities. Throughout the day + the Alhambra is thrown open to the public. The halls and courts of the + Moorish monarchs resound with the guitar and castanet, and gay groups, in + the fanciful dresses of Andalusia, perform those popular dances which they + have inherited from the Moors. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime a grand procession moves through the city. The banner of + Ferdinand and Isabella, that precious relic of the conquest, is brought + forth from its depository, and borne by the Alferez Mayor, or grand + standard-bearer, through the principal streets. The portable camp-altar, + which was carried about with them in all their campaigns, is transported + into the chapel royal, and placed before their sepulcher, where their + effigies lie in monumental marble. The procession fills the chapel. High + mass is performed in memory of the conquest; and at a certain part of the + ceremony the Alferez Mayor puts on his hat, and waves the standard above + the tomb of the conquerors. + </p> + <p> + A more whimsical memorial of the conquest is exhibited on the same evening + at the theater, where a popular drama is performed, entitled “Ave Maria.” + This turns on the oft-sung achievement of Hernando del Pulgar, surnamed El + de las Hazanas, “He of the Exploits,” the favorite hero of the populace of + Granada. + </p> + <p> + During the time that Ferdinand and Isabella besieged the city, the young + Moorish and Spanish knights vied with each other in extravagant bravadoes. + On one occasion Hernando del Pulgar, at the head of a handful of youthful + followers, made a dash into Granada at the dead of night, nailed the + inscription of Ave Maria, with his dagger, to the gate of the principal + mosque, as a token of having consecrated it to the Virgin, and effected + his retreat in safety. + </p> + <p> + While the Moorish cavaliers admired this daring exploit, they felt bound + to revenge it. On the following day, therefore, Tarfe, one of the stoutest + of the infidel warriors, paraded in front of the Christian army, dragging + the sacred inscription of Ave Maria at his horse’s tail. The cause of the + Virgin was eagerly vindicated by Garcilaso de la Vega, who slew the Moor + in single combat, and elevated the inscription of Ave Maria, in devotion + and triumph, at the end of his lance. + </p> + <p> + The drama founded on this exploit is prodigiously popular with the common + people. Although it has been acted time out of mind, and the people have + seen it repeatedly, it never fails to draw crowds, and so completely to + engross the feelings of the audience, as to have almost the effect on them + of reality. When their favorite Pulgar strides about with many a mouthy + speech, in the very midst of the Moorish capital, he is cheered with + enthusiastic bravoes; and when he nails the tablet of Ave Maria to the + door of the mosque, the theater absolutely shakes with shouts and thunders + of applause. On the other hand, the actors who play the part of the Moors + have to bear the brunt of the temporary indignation of their auditors; and + when the infidel Tarfe plucks down the tablet to tie it to his horse’s + tail, many of the people absolutely rise in fury, and are ready to jump + upon the stage to revenge this insult to the Virgin. + </p> + <p> + Besides this annual festival at the capital, almost every village of the + Vega and the mountains has its own anniversary, wherein its own + deliverance from the Moorish yoke is celebrated with uncouth ceremony and + rustic pomp. + </p> + <p> + On these occasions a kind of resurrection takes place of ancient Spanish + dresses and armor; great two-handed swords, ponderous arquebuses, with + matchlocks, and other weapons and accouterments, once the equipments of + the village chivalry, and treasured up from generation to generation, + since the time of the conquest. In these hereditary and historical garbs + some of the most sturdy of the villagers array themselves as champions of + the faith, while its ancient opponents are represented by another band of + villagers, dressed up as Moorish warriors. A tent is pitched in the public + square of the village, within which is an altar and an image of the + Virgin. The Spanish warriors approach to perform their devotions at this + shrine, but are opposed by the infidel Moslems, who surround the tent. A + mock fight succeeds, in the course of which the combatants sometimes + forget that they are merely playing a part, and exchange dry blows of + grievous weight; the fictious Moors especially are apt to bear away pretty + evident marks of the pious zeal of their antagonists. The contest, + however, invariably terminates in favor of the good cause. The Moors are + defeated and taken prisoners. The image of the Virgin, rescued from + thralldom, is elevated in triumph; and a grand procession succeeds, in + which the Spanish conquerors figure with great vainglory and applause, and + their captives are led in chains, to the infinite delight and edification + of the populace. These annual festivals are the delight of the villagers, + who expend considerable sums in their celebration. In some villages they + are occasionally obliged to suspend them for want of funds; but when times + grow better, or they have been enabled to save money for the purpose, they + are revived with all their grotesque pomp and extravagance. + </p> + <p> + To recur to the exploit of Hernando del Pulgar. However extravagant and + fabulous it may seem, it is authenticated by certain traditional usages, + and shows the vainglorious daring that prevailed between the youthful + warriors of both nations, in that romantic war. The mosque thus + consecrated to the Virgin was made the cathedral of the city after the + conquest; and there is a painting of the Virgin beside the royal chapel, + which was put there by Hernando del Pulgar. The lineal representative of + the hare-brained cavalier has the right to this day to enter the church, + on certain occasions, on horseback, to sit within the choir, and to put on + his hat at the elevation of the host, though these privileges have often + been obstinately contested by the clergy. + </p> + <p> + The present lineal representative of Hernando del Pulgar is the Marquis de + Salar, whom I have met occasionally in society. He is a young man of + agreeable appearance and manners, and his bright black eyes would give + indication of his inheriting the fire of his ancestor. When the paintings + were put up in the Vivarambla, illustrating the scenes of the conquest, an + old gray-headed family servant of the Pulgars was so delighted with those + which related to the family hero, that he absolutely shed tears, and + hurrying home to the marquis, urged him to hasten and behold the family + trophies. The sudden zeal of the old man provoked the mirth of his young + master; upon which, turning to the brother of the marquis, with that + freedom allowed to family servants in Spain, “Come, señor,” cried he, “you + are more grave and considerate than your brother; come and see your + ancestor in all his glory!” + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + Within two or three years after the above letter was written, the Marquis + de Salar was married to the beautiful daughter of the Count ——-, + mentioned by the author in his anecdotes of the Alhambra. The match was + very agreeable to all parties, and the nuptials were celebrated with great + festivity. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ABDERAHMAN + </h2> + <h3> + FOUNDER OF THE DYNASTY OF THE OMMIADES OF SPAIN + </h3> + <p> + <i>To the Editor of the Knickerbocker:</i> + </p> + <p> + SIR—In the following memoir I have conformed to the facts furnished + by the Arabian chroniclers, as cited by the learned Conde. The story of + Abderahman has almost the charm of romance; but it derives a higher + interest from the heroic yet gentle virtues which it illustrates, and from + recording the fortunes of the founder of that splendid dynasty, which shed + such a luster upon Spain during the domination of the Arabs. Abderahman + may, in some respects, be compared to our own Washington. He achieved the + independence of Moslem Spain, freeing it from subjection to the caliphs; + he united its jarring parts under one government; he ruled over it with + justice, clemency, and moderation; his whole course of conduct was + distinguished by wonderful forbearance and magnanimity; and when he died + he left a legacy of good example and good counsel to his successors. + </p> + <h3> + G.C. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + “Blessed be God!” exclaims an Arabian historian; “in His hands alone is + the destiny of princes. He overthrows the mighty, and humbles the haughty + to the dust; and he raises up the persecuted and afflicted from the very + depths of despair!” + </p> + <p> + The illustrious house of Omeya had swayed the scepter at Damascus for + nearly a century, when a rebellion broke out, headed by Aboul Abbas Safah, + who aspired to the throne of the caliphs, as being descended from Abbas, + the uncle of the prophet. The rebellion was successful. Marvau, the last + caliph of the house of Omeya, was defeated and slain. A general + proscription of the Ommiades took place. Many of them fell in battle; many + were treacherously slain, in places where they had taken refuge; above + seventy most noble and distinguished were murdered at a banquet to which + they had been invited, and their dead bodies covered with cloths, and made + to serve as tables for the horrible festivity. Others were driven forth, + forlorn and desolate wanderers in various parts of the earth, and pursued + with relentless hatred; for it was the determination of the usurper that + not one of the persecuted family should escape. Aboul Abbas took + possession of three stately palaces and delicious gardens, and founded the + powerful dynasty of the Abbassides, which, for several centuries, + maintained dominion in the east. + </p> + <p> + “Blessed be God!” again exclaims the Arabian historian; “it was written in + His eternal decrees that, notwithstanding the fury of the Abbassides, the + noble stock of Omeya should not be destroyed. One fruitful branch remained + to nourish with glory and greatness in another land.” + </p> + <p> + When the sanguinary proscription of the Ommiades took place, two young + princes of that line, brothers, by the names of Solyman and Abderahman + were spared for a time. Their personal graces, noble demeanor, and winning + affability, had made them many friends, while their extreme youth rendered + them objects of but little dread to the usurper. Their safety, however, + was but transient. In a little while the suspicions of Aboul Abbas were + aroused. The unfortunate Solyman fell beneath the scimiter of the + executioner. His brother Abderahman was warned of his danger in time. + Several of his friends hastened to him, bringing him jewels, a disguise, + and a fleet horse. “The emissaries of the caliph,” said they, “are in + search of thee; thy brother lies weltering in his blood; fly to the + desert! There is no safety for thee in the habitations of man!” + </p> + <p> + Abderahman took the jewels, clad himself in the disguise, and mounting his + steed, fled for his life. As he passed, a lonely fugitive, by the palaces + of his ancestors, in which his family had long held sway, their very walls + seemed disposed to betray him, as they echoed the swift clattering of his + steed. + </p> + <p> + Abandoning his native country, Syria, where he was liable at each moment + to be recognized and taken, he took refuge among the Bedouin Arabs, a + half-savage race of shepherds. His youth, his inborn majesty and grace, + and the sweetness and affability that shone forth in his azure eyes, won + the hearts of these wandering men. He was but twenty years of age, and had + been reared in the soft luxury of a palace; but he was tall and vigorous, + and in a little while hardened himself so completely to the rustic life of + the fields that it seemed as though he had passed all his days in the rude + simplicity of a shepherd’s cabin. + </p> + <p> + His enemies, however, were upon his traces, and gave him but little rest. + By day he scoured the plain with the Bedouins, hearing in every blast the + sound of pursuit, and fancying in every distant cloud of dust a troop of + the caliph’s horsemen. That night was passed in broken sleep and frequent + watchings, and at the earliest dawn he was the first to put the bridle to + his steed. + </p> + <p> + Wearied by these perpetual alarms, he bade farewell to his friendly + Bedouins, and leaving Egypt behind, sought a safer refuge in Western + Africa. The province of Barea was at that time governed by Aben Habib, who + had risen to rank and fortune under the fostering favor of the Ommiades. + “Surely,” thought the unhappy prince, “I shall receive kindness and + protection from this man; he will rejoice to show his gratitude for the + benefits showered upon him by my kindred.” + </p> + <p> + Abderahman was young, and as yet knew little of mankind. None are so + hostile to the victim of power as those whom he has befriended. They fear + being suspected of gratitude by his persecutors, and involved in his + misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate Abderahman had halted for a few days to repose himself + among a horde of Bedouins, who had received him with their characteristic + hospitality. They would gather round him in the evenings, to listen to his + conversation, regarding with wonder this gently-spoken stranger from the + more refined country of Egypt. The old men marveled to find so much + knowledge and wisdom in such early youth, and the young men, won by his + frank and manly carriage, entreated him to remain among them. + </p> + <p> + One night, when all were buried in sleep, they were roused by the tramp of + horsemen. The Wali Aben Habib, who, like all the governors of distant + ports, had received orders from the caliph to be on the watch for the + fugitive prince, had heard that a young man, answering the description, + had entered the province alone, from the frontiers of Egypt, on a steed + worn down by travel. He had immediately sent forth horsemen in his + pursuit, with orders to bring him to him dead or alive. The emissaries of + the Wali had traced him to his resting-place, and demanded of the Arabs + whether a young man, a stranger from Syria, did not sojourn among their + tribe. The Bedouins knew by the description that the stranger must be + their guest, and feared some evil was intended him. “Such a youth,” said + they, “has indeed sojourned among us; but he has gone, with some of our + young men, to a distant valley, to hunt the lion.” The emissaries inquired + the way to the place, and hastened on to surprise their expected prey. + </p> + <p> + The Bedouins repaired to Abderahman, who was still sleeping. “If thou hast + aught to fear from man in power,” said they, “arise and fly; for the + horsemen of the Wali are in quest of thee! We have sent them off for a + time on a wrong errand, but they will soon return.” + </p> + <p> + “Alas! whither shall I fly!” cried the unhappy prince; “my enemies hunt me + like the ostrich of the desert. They follow me like the wind, and allow me + neither safety nor repose!” + </p> + <p> + Six of the bravest youth of the tribe stepped forward. “We have steeds,” + said they, “that can outstrip the wind, and hands that can hurl the + javelin. We will accompany thee in thy flight, and will fight by thy side + while life lasts, and we have weapons to wield.” + </p> + <p> + Abderahman embraced them with tears of gratitude. They mounted their + steeds, and made for the most lonely parts of the desert. By the faint + light of the stars, they passed through dreary wastes and over hills of + sand. The lion roared, and the hyena howled unheeded, for they fled from + man, more cruel and relentless, when in pursuit of blood, than the savage + beasts of the desert. + </p> + <p> + At sunrise they paused to refresh themselves beside a scanty well, + surrounded by a few palm-trees. One of the young Arabs climbed a tree, and + looked in every direction, but not a horseman was to be seen. + </p> + <p> + “We have outstripped pursuit,” said the Bedouins; “whither shall we + conduct thee? Where is thy home and the land of thy people?” + </p> + <p> + “Home have I none!” replied Abderahman, mournfully, “nor family, nor + kindred! My native land is to me a land of destruction, and my people seek + my life!” + </p> + <p> + The hearts of the youthful Bedouins were touched with compassion at these + words, and they marveled that one so young and gentle should have suffered + such great sorrow and persecution. + </p> + <p> + Abderahman sat by the well and mused for a time. At length, breaking + silence, “In the midst of Mauritania,” said he, “dwells the tribe of + Zeneta. My mother was of that tribe; and perhaps when her son presents + himself, a persecuted wanderer, at their door, they will not turn him from + the threshold.” + </p> + <p> + “The Zenetes,” replied the Bedouins, “are among the bravest and most + hospitable of the people of Africa. Never did the unfortunate seek refuge + among them in vain, nor was the stranger repulsed from their door.” So + they mounted their steeds with renewed spirits, and journeyed with all + speed to Tahart, the capital of the Zenetes. + </p> + <p> + When Abderahman entered the place, followed by his six rustic Arabs, all + wayworn and travel-stained, his noble and majestic demeanor shone through + the simple garb of a Bedouin. A crowd gathered around him, as he alighted + from his weary steed. Confiding in the well known character of the tribe, + he no longer attempted concealment. + </p> + <p> + “You behold before you,” said he, “one of the proscribed house of Omeya. I + am that Abderahman upon whose head a price has been set, and who has been + driven from land to land. I come to you as my kindred. My mother was of + your tribe, and she told me with her dying breath that in all time of need + I would find a home and friends among the Zenetes.” + </p> + <p> + The words of Abderahman went straight to the hearts of his hearers. They + pitied his youth and his great misfortunes, while they were charmed by his + frankness, and by the manly graces of his person. The tribe was of a bold + and generous spirit, and not to be awed by the frown of power. “Evil be + upon us and upon our children,” said they, “if we deceive the trust thou + hast placed in us!” + </p> + <p> + Then one of the noblest Xeques took Abderahman to his house, and treated + him as his own child; and the principal people of the tribe strove who + most should cherish him, and do him honor; endeavoring to obliterate by + their kindness the recollection of his past misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Abderahman had resided some time among the hospitable Zenetes, when one + day two strangers, of venerable appearance, attended by a small retinue, + arrived at Tahart. They gave themselves out as merchants, and from the + simple style in which they traveled, excited no attention. In a little + while they sought out Abderahman, and, taking him apart: “Hearken,” said + they, “Abderahman, of the royal line of Omeya; we are embassadors sent on + the part of the principal Moslems of Spain, to offer thee, not merely an + asylum, for that thou hast already among these brave Zenetes, but an + empire! Spain is a prey to distracting factions, and can no longer exist + as a dependency upon a throne too remote to watch over its welfare. It + needs to be independent of Asia and Africa, and to be under the government + of a good prince, who shall reside within it, and devote himself entirely + to its prosperity; a prince with sufficient title to silence all rival + claims, and bring the warring parties into unity and peace; and at the + same time with sufficient ability and virtue to insure the welfare of his + dominions. For this purpose the eyes of all the honorable leaders in Spain + have been turned to thee, as a descendant of the royal line of Omeya, and + an offset from the same stock as our holy prophet. They have heard of thy + virtues, and of thy admirable constancy under misfortunes; and invite thee + to accept the sovereignty of one of the noblest countries in the world. + Thou wilt have some difficulties to encounter from hostile men; but thou + wilt have on thy side the bravest captains that have signalized themselves + in the conquest of the unbelievers.” + </p> + <p> + The embassadors ceased, and Abderahman remained for a time lost in wonder + and admiration. “God is great!” exclaimed he, at length; “there is but one + God, who is God, and Mahomet is his prophet! Illustrious embassadors, you + have put new life into my soul, for you have shown me something to live + for. In the few years that I have lived, troubles and sorrows have been + heaped upon my head, and I have become inured to hardships and alarms. + Since it is the wish of the valiant Moslems of Spain, I am willing to + become their leader and defender, and devote myself to their cause, be it + happy or disastrous.” + </p> + <p> + The embassadors now cautioned him to be silent as to their errand, and to + depart secretly for Spain. “The seaboard of Africa,” said they, “swarms + with your enemies, and a powerful faction in Spain would intercept you on + landing, did they know your name and rank, and the object of your coming.” + </p> + <p> + But Abderahman replied: “I have been cherished in adversity by these brave + Zenetes; I have been protected and honored by them, when a price was set + upon my head, and to harbor me was great peril. How can I keep my good + fortune from my benefactors, and desert their hospitable roofs in silence? + He is unworthy of friendship, who withholds confidence from his friend.” + </p> + <p> + Charmed with the generosity of his feelings, the embassadors made no + opposition to his wishes. The Zenetes proved themselves worthy of his + confidence. They hailed with joy the great change in his fortunes. The + warriors and the young men pressed forward to follow, and aid them with + horse and weapon; “for the honor of a noble house and family,” said they, + “can be maintained only by lances and horsemen.” In a few days he set + forth, with the embassadors, at the head of nearly a thousand horsemen + skilled in war, and exercised in the desert, and a large body of infantry, + armed with lances. The venerable Xeque, with whom he had resided, blessed + him and shed tears over him at parting, as though he had been his own + child; and when the youth passed over the threshold, the house was filled + with lamentations. + </p> + <p> + Abderahman reached Spain in safely, and landed at Almanecar, with his + little band of warlike Zenetes. Spain was at that time in a state of great + confusion. Upward of forty years had elapsed since the conquest. The civil + wars in Syria and Egypt had prevented the main government at Damascus from + exercising control over this distant and recently acquired territory. + Every Moslem commander considered the town or province committed to his + charge an absolute property; and accordingly exercised the most arbitrary + extortions. These excesses at length became insupportable, and, at a + convocation of many of the principal leaders, it was determined, as a + means to end these dissensions, to unite all the Moslem provinces of Spain + under one emir, or general governor. Yusuf el Fehri, an ancient man, of + honorable lineage, was chosen for this station. He began his reign with + policy, and endeavored to conciliate all parties; but the distribution of + offices soon created powerful enemies among the disappointed leaders. A + civil war was the consequence, and Spain was deluged with blood. The + troops of both parties burned and ravaged and laid every thing waste, to + distress their antagonists; the villages were abandoned by their + inhabitants, who fled to the cities for refuge; and flourishing towns + disappeared from the face of the earth, or remained mere heaps of rubbish + and ashes. At the time of the landing of Abderahman in Spain, the old Emir + Yusuf had obtained a signal victory. He had captured Saragossa, in which + was Ameer ben Amru, his principal enemy, together with his son and + secretary. Loading his prisoners with chains, and putting them on camels, + he set out in triumph for Cordova, considering himself secure in the + absolute domination of Spain. + </p> + <p> + He had halted one day in a valley called Wadarambla, and was reposing with + his family in his pavilion, while his people and the prisoners made a + repast in the open air. In the midst of his repose, his confidential + adherent and general, the Wali Samael, galloped into the camp covered with + dust and exhausted with fatigue. He brought tidings of the arrival of + Abderahman and that the whole seaboard was flocking to his standard. + Messenger after messenger came hurrying into the camp, confirming the + fearful tidings, and adding that this descendant of the Omeyas had + secretly been invited to Spain by Amru and his followers. Yusuf waited not + to ascertain the truth of this accusation. Giving way to a transport of + fury, he ordered that Amru, his son and secretary, should be cut to + pieces. His commands were instantly executed. “And this cruelty,” says the + Arabian chronicler, “lost him the favor of Allah; for from that time + success deserted his standard.” + </p> + <p> + Abderahman had indeed been hailed with joy on his landing in Spain. The + old people hoped to find tranquillity under the sway of one supreme + chieftain, descended from their ancient caliphs; the young men were + rejoiced to have a youthful warrior to lead them on to victories; and the + populace, charmed with his freshness and manly beauty, his majestic yet + gracious and affable demeanor, shouted: “Long live Abderahman ben Moavia + Meramamolin of Spain!” + </p> + <p> + In a few days the youthful sovereign saw himself at the head of more than + twenty thousand men, from the neighborhood of Elvira, Almeria, Malaga, + Xeres, and Sidonia. Fair Seville threw open its gates at his approach, and + celebrated his arrival with public rejoicings. He continued his march into + the country, vanquished one of the eons of Yusuf before the gates of + Cordova, and obliged him to take refuge within its walls, where he held + him in close siege. Hearing, however, of the approach of Yusuf, the + father, with a powerful army, he divided his forces, and leaving ten + thousand men to press the siege, he hastened with the other ten to meet + the coming foe. + </p> + <p> + Yusuf had indeed mustered a formidable force, from the east and south of + Spain, and accompanied by his veteran general, Samael, came with confident + boasting to drive this intruder from the land. His confidence increased on + beholding the small army of Abderahman. Turning to Samael, he repeated, + with a scornful sneer, a verse from an Arabian poetess, which says: + </p> + <p> + “How hard is our lot! We come, a thirsty multitude, and lo! but this cup + of water to share among us!” + </p> + <p> + There was indeed a fearful odds. On the one side were two veteran + generals, grown gray in victory, with a mighty host of warriors, seasoned + in the wars of Spain. On the other side was a mere youth, scarce attained + to manhood, with a hasty levy of half-disciplined troops; but the youth + was a prince, flushed with hope, and aspiring after fame and empire; and + surrounded by a devoted band of warriors from Africa, whose example + infused desperate zeal into the little army. + </p> + <p> + The encounter took place at daybreak. The impetuous valor of the Zenetes + carried everything before it. The cavalry of Yusuf was broken, and driven + back upon the infantry, and before noon the whole host was put to headlong + flight. Yusuf and Samael were borne along in the torrent of the fugitives, + raging and storming, and making ineffectual efforts to rally them. They + were separated widely in the confusion of the flight, one taking refuge in + the Algarves, the other in the kingdom of Murcia. They afterward rallied, + reunited their forces, and made another desperate stand near Almunecar. + The battle was obstinate and bloody, but they were again defeated, and + driven, with a handful of followers, to take refuge in the rugged + mountains adjacent to Elvira. + </p> + <p> + The spirit of the veteran Samael gave way before these fearful reverses. + “In vain, oh Yusuf!” said he, “do we contend with the prosperous star of + this youthful conqueror: the will of Allah be done! Let us submit to our + fate, and sue for favorable terms, while we have yet the means of + capitulation.” + </p> + <p> + It was a hard trial for the proud spirit of Yusuf, that had once aspired + to uncontrolled sway; but he was compelled to capitulate. Abderahman was + as generous as brave. He granted the two gray-headed generals the most + honorable conditions, and even took the veteran Samael into favor, + employing him, as a mark of confidence, to visit the eastern provinces of + Spain, and restore them to tranquillity. Yusuf, having delivered up Elvira + and Granada, and complied with other articles of his capitulation, was + permitted to retire to Murcia, and rejoin his son Muhamad. A general + amnesty to all chiefs and soldiers who should yield up their strongholds, + and lay down their arms, completed the triumph of Abderahman, and brought + all hearts into obedience. + </p> + <p> + Thus terminated this severe struggle for the domination of Spain; and thus + the illustrious family of Omeya, after having been cast down and almost + exterminated in the East, took new root, and sprang forth prosperously in + the West. + </p> + <p> + Wherever Abderahman appeared, he was received with rapturous acclamations. + As he rode through the cities, the populace rent the air with shouts of + joy; the stately palaces were crowded with spectators, eager to gain a + sight of his graceful form and beaming countenance; and when they beheld + the mingled majesty and benignity of their new monarch, and the sweetness + and gentleness of his whole conduct, they extolled him as something more + than mortal; as a beneficent genius, sent for the happiness of Spain. + </p> + <p> + In the interval of peace which now succeeded, Abderahman occupied himself + in promoting the useful and elegant arts, and in introducing into Spain + the refinements of the East. Considering the building and ornamenting of + cities as among the noblest employments of the tranquil hours of princes, + he bestowed great pains upon beautifying the city of Cordova and its + environs. He reconstructed banks and dikes, to keep the Guadalquivir from + overflowing its borders, and on the vast terraces thus formed he planted + delightful gardens. In the midst of these, he erected a lofty tower, + commanding a view of the vast and fruitful valley, enlivened by the + windings of the river. In this tower he would pass hours of meditation, + gazing on the soft and varied landscape, and inhaling the bland and balmy + airs of that delightful region. At such times, his thoughts would recur to + the past, and the misfortunes of his youth; the massacre of his family + would rise to view, mingled with tender recollections of his native + country, from which he was exiled. In these melancholy musings he would + sit with his eyes fixed upon a palm-tree which he had planted in the midst + of his garden. It is said to have been the first ever planted in Spain, + and to have been the parent stock of all the palm-trees which grace the + southern provinces of the peninsula. The heart of Abderahman yearned + toward this tree; it was the offspring of his native country, and, like + him, an exile. In one of his moods of tenderness, he composed verses upon + it, which have since become famous throughout the world. The following is + a rude but literal translation: + </p> + <p> + “Beauteous Palm! thou also wert hither brought a stranger; but thy roots + have found a kindly soil, thy head is lifted to the skies, and the sweet + airs of Algarve fondle and kiss thy branches. + </p> + <p> + “Thou hast known, like me, the storms of adverse fortune. Bitter tears + wouldst thou shed, couldst thou feel my woes. Repeated griefs have + overwhelmed me. With early tears I bedewed the palms on the banks of the + Euphrates; but neither tree nor river heeded my sorrows, when driven by + cruel fate, and the ferocious Aboul Abbas, from the scenes of my childhood + and the sweet objects of my affection. + </p> + <p> + “To thee no remembrance remains of my beloved country; I, unhappy! can + never recall it without tears.” + </p> + <p> + The generosity of Abderahman to his vanquished foes was destined to be + abused. The veteran Yusuf, in visiting certain of the cities which he had + surrendered, found himself surrounded by zealous partisans, ready to peril + life in his service. The love of command revived in his bosom, and he + repented the facility with which he had suffered himself to be persuaded + to submission. Flushed with new hopes of success, he caused arms to be + secretly collected, and deposited in various villages, most zealous in + their professions of devotion, and raising a considerable body of troops, + seized upon the castle of Almodovar. The rash rebellion was short-lived. + At the first appearance of an army sent by Abderahman, and commanded by + Abdelmelee, governor of Seville, the villages which had so recently + professed loyalty to Yusuf hastened to declare their attachment to the + monarch, and to give up the concealed arms. Almodovar was soon retaken, + and Yusuf, driven to the environs of Lorea, was surrounded by the cavalry + of Abdelmelee. The veteran endeavored to cut a passage through the enemy, + but after fighting with desperate fury, and with a force of arm incredible + in one of his age, he fell beneath blows from weapons of all kinds, so + that after the battle his body could scarcely be recognized, so numerous + were the wounds. His head was cut off and sent to Cordova, where it was + placed in an iron cage, over the gate of the city. + </p> + <p> + The old lion was dead, but his whelps survived. Yusuf had left three sons, + who inherited his warlike spirit, and were eager to revenge his death. + Collecting a number of the scattered adherents of their house, they + surprised and seized upon Toledo, during the absence of Temam, its Wali or + commander. In this old warrior city, built upon a rock, and almost + surrounded by the Tagus, they set up a kind of robber hold, scouring the + surrounding country, levying tribute, seizing upon horses, and compelling + the peasantry to join their standard. Every day cavalcades of horses and + mules, laden with spoil, with flocks of sheep and droves of cattle, came + pouring over the bridges on either side of the city, and thronging in at + the gates, the plunder of the surrounding country. Those of the + inhabitants who were still loyal to Abderahman dared not lift up their + voices, for men of the sword bore sway. At length one day, when the sons + of Yusuf, with their choicest troops, were out on a maraud, the watchmen + on the towers gave the alarm. A troop of scattered horsemen were spurring + wildly toward the gates. The banners of the sons of Yusuf were descried. + Two of them spurred into the city, followed by a handful of warriors, + covered with confusion, and dismay. They had been encountered and defeated + by the Wali Temam, and one of the brothers had been slain. + </p> + <p> + The gates were secured in all haste, and the walls were scarcely manned, + when Temam appeared before them with his troops, and summoned the city to + surrender. A great internal commotion ensued between the loyalists and the + insurgents; the latter, however, had weapons in their hands, and + prevailed; and for several days, trusting to the strength of their + rock-built fortress, they set the Wali at defiance. At length some of the + loyal inhabitants of Toledo, who knew all its secret and subterraneous + passages, some of which, if chroniclers may be believed, have existed + since the days of Hercules, if not of Tubal Cain, introduced Temam and a + chosen band of his warriors into the very center of the city, where they + suddenly appeared as if by magic. A panic seized upon the insurgents. Some + sought safety in submission, some in concealment, some in flight. Casim, + one of the sons of Yusuf, escaped in disguise; the youngest, unarmed, was + taken, and was sent captive to the king, accompanied by the head of his + brother, who had been slain in battle. + </p> + <p> + When Abderahman beheld the youth laden with chains, he remembered his own + sufferings in his early days, and had compassion on him; but, to prevent + him from doing further mischief, he imprisoned him in a tower of the wall + of Cordova. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime Casim, who had escaped, managed to raise another band of + warriors. Spain, in all ages a guerrilla country, prone to partisan + warfare and petty maraud, was at that time infested by bands of licentious + troops, who had sprung up in the civil contests; their only object + pillage, their only dependence the sword, and ready to flock to any new + and desperate standard, that promised the greatest license. With a ruffian + force thus levied, Casim scoured the country, took Sidonia by storm, and + surprised Seville while in a state of unsuspecting security. + </p> + <p> + Abderahman put himself at the head of his faithful Zenetes, and took the + field in person. By the rapidity of his movements, the rebels were + defeated, Sidonia and Seville speedily retaken, and Casim was made + prisoner. The generosity of Abderahman was again exhibited toward this + unfortunate son of Yusuf. He spared his life, and sent him to be confined + in a tower at Toledo. + </p> + <p> + The veteran Samael had taken no part in these insurrections, but had + attended faithfully to the affairs intrusted to him by Abderahman. The + death of his old friend and colleague, Yusuf, however, and the subsequent + disasters of his family, filled him with despondency. Fearing the + inconstancy of fortune, and the dangers incident to public employ, he + entreated the king to be permitted to retire to his house in Seguenza, and + indulge a privacy and repose suited to his advanced age. His prayer was + granted. The veteran laid by his arms, battered in a thousand conflicts; + hung his sword and lance against the wall, and, surrounded by a few + friends, gave himself up apparently to the sweets of quiet and unambitious + leisure. + </p> + <p> + Who can count, however, upon the tranquil content of a heart nurtured amid + the storms of war and ambition! Under the ashes of this outward humility + were glowing the coals of faction. In his seemingly philosophical + retirement, Samael was concerting with his friends new treason against + Abderahman. His plot was discovered; his house was suddenly surrounded by + troops; and he was conveyed to a tower at Toledo, where, in the course of + a few months, he died in captivity. + </p> + <p> + The magnanimity of Abderahman was again put to the proof, by a new + insurrection at Toledo. Hixem ben Adra, a relation of Yusuf, seized upon + the Alcazar, or citadel, slew several of the royal adherents of the king, + liberated Casim from his tower, and, summoning all the banditti of the + country, soon mustered a force of ten thousand men. Abderahman was quickly + before the walls of Toledo, with the troops of Cordova and his devoted + Zenetes. The rebels were brought to terms, and surrendered the city on + promise of general pardon, which was extended even to Hixem and Casim. + When the chieftains saw Hixem and his principal confederates in the power + of Abderahman, they advised him to put them all to death. “A promise given + to traitors and rebels,” said they, “is not binding, when it is to the + interest of the state that it should be broken.” + </p> + <p> + “No!” replied Abderahman, “if the safety of my throne were at stake, I + would not break my word.” So saying, he confirmed the amnesty, and granted + Hixem ben Adra a worthless life, to be employed in further treason. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Abderahman returned from this expedition, when a powerful + army, sent by the caliph, landed from Africa on the coast of the Algarves. + The commander, Aly ben Mogueth, Emir of Cairvan, elevated a rich banner + which he had received from the hands of the caliph. Wherever he went, he + ordered the caliph of the East to be proclaimed by sound of trumpet, + denouncing Abderahman as a usurper, the vagrant member of a family + proscribed and execrated in all the mosques of the East. + </p> + <p> + One of the first to join his standard was Hixem ben Adra, so recently + pardoned by Abderahman. He seized upon the citadel of Toledo, and + repairing to the camp of Aly, offered to deliver the city into his hands. + </p> + <p> + Abderahman, as bold in war as he was gentle in peace, took the field with + his wonted promptness; overthrew his enemies, with great slaughter, drove + some to the seacoast to regain their ships, and others to the mountains. + The body of Aly was found on the field of battle. Abderahman caused the + head to be struck off, and conveyed to Cairvan, where it was affixed at + night to a column in the public square, with this inscription: “Thus + Abderahman, the descendant of the Omeyas, punishes the rash and arrogant.” + </p> + <p> + Hixem ben Adra escaped from the field of battle, and excited further + troubles, but was eventually captured by Abdelmelee, who ordered his head + to be struck off on the spot, lest he should again be spared, through the + wonted clemency of Abderahman. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding these signal triumphs, the reign of Abderahman was + disturbed by further insurrections, and by another descent from Africa, + but he was victorious over them all; striking the roots of his power + deeper and deeper into the land. Under his sway, the government of Spain + became more regular and consolidated, and acquired an independence of the + empire of the East. The caliph continued to be considered as first pontiff + and chief of the religion, but he ceased to have any temporal power over + Spain. + </p> + <p> + Having again an interval of peace, Abderahman devoted himself to the + education of his children. Suleiman, the eldest, he appointed Wali or + governor of Toledo; Abdallah, the second, was intrusted with the command + of Merida; but the third son, Hixem, was the delight of his heart, the son + of Howara, his favorite sultana, whom he loved throughout life with the + utmost tenderness. With this youth, who was full of promise, he relaxed + from the fatigues of government; joining in his youthful sports amid the + delightful gardens of Cordova, and teaching him the gentle art of + falconry, of which the king was so fond that he received the name of the + Falcon of Coraixi. + </p> + <p> + While Abderahman was thus indulging in the gentle propensities of his + nature, mischief was secretly at work. Muhamad, the youngest son of Yusuf, + had been for many years a prisoner in the tower of Cordova. Being passive + and resigned, his keepers relaxed their vigilance, and brought him forth + from his dungeon. He went groping about, however, in broad daylight, as if + still in the darkness of his tower. His guards watched him narrowly, lest + this should be a deception, but were at length convinced that the long + absence of light had rendered him blind. They now permitted him to descend + frequently to the lower chambers of the tower, and to sleep there + occasionally, during the heats of summer. They even allowed him to grope + his way to the cistern, in quest of water for his ablutions. + </p> + <p> + A year passed in this way without anything to excite suspicion. During all + this time, however, the blindness of Muhamad was entirely a deception; and + he was concerting a plan of escape, through the aid of some friends of his + father, who found means to visit him occasionally. One sultry evening in + midsummer, the guards had gone to bathe in the Guadalquivir, leaving + Muhamad alone, in the lower chambers of the tower. No sooner were they out + of sight and hearing than he hastened to a window of the staircase, + leading down to the cistern, lowered himself as far as his arms would + reach, and dropped without injury to the ground. Plunging into the + Guadalquivir, he swam across to a thick grove on the opposite side, where + his friends were waiting to receive him. Here, mounting a horse which they + had provided for an event of the kind, he fled across the country, by + solitary roads, and made good his escape to the mountains of Jaen. + </p> + <p> + The guardians of the tower dreaded for some time to make known his flight + to Abderahman. When at length it was told to him, he exclaimed: “All is + the work of eternal wisdom; it is intended to teach us that we cannot + benefit the wicked without injuring the good. The flight of that blind man + will cause much trouble and bloodshed.” + </p> + <p> + His predictions were verified. Muhamad reared the standard of rebellion on + the mountains; the seditious and discontented of all kinds hastened to + join it, together with soldiers of fortune, or rather wandering banditti, + and he had soon six thousand men, well armed, hardy in habits and + desperate in character. His brother Casim also reappeared about the same + time in the mountains of Ronda, at the head of a daring band that laid all + the neighboring valleys under contribution. + </p> + <p> + Abderahman summoned his alcaydes from their various military posts, to + assist in driving the rebels from their mountain fastnesses into the + plains. It was a dangerous and protracted toil, for the mountains were + frightfully wild and rugged. He entered them with a powerful host, driving + the rebels from height to height and valley to valley, and harassing them + by a galling fire from thousands of crossbows. At length a decisive battle + took place near the river Guadalemar. The rebels were signally defeated; + four thousand fell in action, many were drowned in the river, and Muhamad, + with a few horsemen, escaped to the mountains of the Algarves. Here he was + hunted by the alcaydes from one desolate retreat to another; his few + followers grew tired of sharing the disastrous fortunes of a fated man; + one by one deserted him, and he himself deserted the remainder, fearing + they might give him up, to purchase their own pardon. + </p> + <p> + Lonely and disguised, he plunged into the depths of the forests, or lurked + in dens and caverns, like a famished wolf, often casting back his thoughts + with regret to the time of his captivity in the gloomy tower of Cordova. + Hunger at length drove him to Alarcon, at the risk of being discovered. + Famine and misery, however, had so wasted and changed him that he was not + recognized. He remained nearly a year in Alarcon, unnoticed and unknown, + yet constantly tormenting himself with the dread of discovery, and with + groundless fears of the vengeance of Abderahman. Death at length put an + end to his wretchedness. + </p> + <p> + A milder fate attended his brother Casim. Being defeated in the mountains + of Murcia, he was conducted in chains to Cordova. On coming into the + presence of Abderahman, his once fierce and haughty spirit, broken by + distress, gave way; he threw himself on the earth, kissed the dust beneath + the feet of the king, and implored his clemency. The benignant heart of + Abderahman was filled with melancholy, rather than exultation, at + beholding this wreck of the once haughty family of Yusuf a suppliant at + his feet, and suing for mere existence. He thought upon the mutability of + fortune, and felt how insecure are all her favors. He raised the unhappy + Casim from the earth, ordered his irons to be taken off, and, not content + with mere forgiveness, treated him with honor, and gave him possessions in + Seville, where he might live in state conformable to the ancient dignity + of his family. Won by this great and persevering magnanimity, Casim ever + after remained one of the most devoted of his subjects. + </p> + <p> + All the enemies of Abderahman were at length subdued; he reigned + undisputed sovereign of the Moslems of Spain; and so benign was his + government that every one blessed the revival of the illustrious line of + Omeya. He was at all times accessible to the humblest of his subjects: the + poor man ever found in him a friend, and the oppressed a protector. He + improved the administration of justice; established schools for public + instruction; encouraged poets and men of letters, and cultivated the + sciences. He built mosques in every city that he visited; inculcated + religion by example as well as by precept; and celebrated all the + festivals prescribed by the Koran with the utmost magnificence. + </p> + <p> + As a monument of gratitude to God for the prosperity with which he had + been favored, he undertook to erect a mosque in his favorite city of + Cordova that should rival in splendor the great mosque of Damascus, and + excel the one recently erected in Bagdad by the Abbassides, the + supplanters of his family. + </p> + <p> + It is said that he himself furnished the plan for this famous edifice, and + even worked on it, with his own hands, one hour in each day, to testify + his zeal and humility in the service of God, and to animate his workmen. + He did not live to see it completed, but it was finished according to his + plans by his son Hixem. When finished, it surpassed the most splendid + mosques of the east. It was six hundred feet in length, and two hundred + and fifty in breadth. Within were twenty-eight aisles, crossed by + nineteen, supported by a thousand and ninety-three columns of marble. + There were nineteen portals, covered with plates of bronze of rare + workmanship. The principal portal was covered with plates of gold. On the + summit of the grand cupola were three gilt balls surmounted by a golden + pomegranate. At night, the mosque was illuminated with four thousand seven + hundred lamps, and great sums were expended in amber and aloes, which were + burned as perfumes. The mosque remains to this day, shorn of its ancient + splendor, yet still one of the grandest Moslem monuments in Spain. + </p> + <p> + Finding himself advancing in years, Abderahman assembled in his capital of + Cordova the principal governors and commanders of his kingdom, and in + presence of them all, with great solemnity, nominated his son Hixem as the + successor to the throne. All present made an oath of fealty to Abderahman + during his life, and to Hixem after his death. The prince was younger than + his brothers, Suleiman and Abdallah; but he was the son of Howara, the + tenderly beloved sultana of Abderahman, and her influence, it is said, + gained him this preference. + </p> + <p> + Within a few months afterward, Abderahman fell grievously sick at Merida. + Finding his end approaching, he summoned Hixem to his bedside: “My son,” + said he, “the angel of death is hovering over me; treasure up, therefore, + in thy heart this dying counsel, which I give through the great love I + bear thee. Remember that all empire is from God, who gives and takes it + away, according to his pleasure. Since God, through his divine goodness, + has given us regal power and authority, let us do his holy will, which is + nothing else than to do good to all men, and especially to those committed + to our protection. Render equal justice, my son, to the rich and the poor, + and never suffer injustice to be done within thy dominion, for it is the + road to perdition. Be merciful and benignant to those dependent upon thee. + Confide the government of thy cities and provinces to men of worth and + experience; punish without compassion those ministers who oppress thy + people with exorbitant exactions. Pay thy troops punctually; teach them to + feel a certainty in thy promises; command them with gentleness but + firmness, and make them in truth the defenders of the state, not its + destroyers. Cultivate unceasingly the affections of thy people, for in + their good-will consists the security of the state, in their distrust its + peril, in their hatred its certain ruin. Protect the husbandmen who + cultivate the earth, and yield us necessary sustenance; never permit their + fields, and groves, and gardens to be disturbed. In a word, act in such + wise that thy people may bless thee, and may enjoy, under the shadow of + thy wing, a secure and tranquil life. In this consists good government; if + thou dost practice it, thou wilt be happy among thy people, and renowned + throughout the world.” + </p> + <p> + Having given this excellent counsel, the good king Abderahman blessed his + son Hixem, and shortly after died; being but in the sixtieth year of his + age. He was interred with great pomp; but the highest honors that + distinguished his funeral were the tears of real sorrow shed upon his + grave. He left behind him a name for valor, justice, and magnanimity, and + forever famous as being the founder of the glorious line of the Ommiades + in Spain. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE WIDOW’S ORDEAL + </h2> + <h3> + OR A JUDICIAL TRIAL BY COMBAT + </h3> + <p> + The world is daily growing older and wiser. Its institutions vary with its + years, and mark its growing wisdom; and none more so than its modes of + investigating truth, and ascertaining guilt or innocence. In its nonage, + when man was yet a fallible being, and doubted the accuracy of his own + intellect, appeals were made to heaven in dark and doubtful cases of + atrocious accusation. + </p> + <p> + The accused was required to plunge his hand in boiling oil, or to walk + across red-hot plowshares, or to maintain his innocence in armed fight and + listed field, in person or by champion. If he passed these ordeals + unscathed, he stood acquitted, and the result was regarded as a verdict + from on high. + </p> + <p> + It is somewhat remarkable that, in the gallant age of chivalry, the + gentler sex should have been most frequently the subjects of these rude + trials and perilous ordeals; and that, too, when assailed in their most + delicate and vulnerable part—their honor. + </p> + <p> + In the present very old and enlightened age of the world, when the human + intellect is perfectly competent to the management of its own concerns, + and needs no special interposition of heaven in its affairs, the trial by + jury has superseded these superhuman ordeals; and the unanimity of twelve + discordant minds is necessary to constitute a verdict. Such a unanimity + would, at first sight, appear also to require a miracle from heaven; but + it is produced by a simple device of human ingenuity. The twelve jurors + are locked up in their box, there to fast until abstinence shall have so + clarified their intellects that the whole jarring panel can discern the + truth, and concur in a unanimous decision. One point is certain, that + truth is one and is immutable—until the jurors all agree, they + cannot all be right. + </p> + <p> + It is not our intention, however, to discuss this great judicial point, or + to question the avowed superiority of the mode of investigating truth + adopted in this antiquated and very sagacious era. It is our object merely + to exhibit to the curious reader one of the most memorable cases of + judicial combat we find in the annals of Spain. It occurred at the bright + commencement of the reign, and in the youthful, and, as yet, glorious + days, of Roderick the Goth; who subsequently tarnished his fame at home by + his misdeeds, and, finally, lost his kingdom and his life on the banks of + the Guadalete, in that disastrous battle which gave up Spain a conquest to + the Moors. The following is the story: + </p> + <p> + There was once upon a time a certain duke of Lorraine, who was + acknowledged throughout his domains to be one of the wisest princes that + ever lived. In fact, there was no one measure adopted by him that did not + astonish his privy counselors and gentlemen in attendance; and he said + such witty things, and made such sensible speeches, that the jaws of his + high chamberlain were wellnigh dislocated from laughing with delight at + one, and gaping with wonder at the other. + </p> + <p> + This very witty and exceedingly wise potentate lived for half a century in + single blessedness; at length his courtiers began to think it a great pity + so wise and wealthy a prince should not have a child after his own + likeness, to inherit his talents and domains; so they urged him most + respectfully to marry, for the good of his estate, and the welfare of his + subjects. + </p> + <p> + He turned their advice over in his mind some four or five years, and then + sent forth emissaries to summon to his court all the beautiful maidens in + the land who were ambitious of sharing a ducal crown. The court was soon + crowded with beauties of all styles and complexions, from among whom he + chose one in the earliest budding of her charms, and acknowledged by all + the gentlemen to be unparalleled for grace and loveliness. The courtiers + extolled the duke to the skies for making such a choice, and considered it + another proof of his great wisdom. “The duke,” said they, “is waxing a + little too old, the damsel, on the other hand, is a little too young; if + one is lacking in years, the other has a superabundance; thus a want on + one side is balanced by the excess on the other, and the result is a + well-assorted marriage.” + </p> + <p> + The duke, as is often the case with wise men who marry rather late, and + take damsels rather youthful to their bosoms, became dotingly fond of his + wife, and very properly indulged her in all things. He was, consequently, + cried up by his subjects in general, and by the ladies in particular, as a + pattern for husbands; and, in the end, from the wonderful docility with + which he submitted to be reined and checked, acquired the amiable and + enviable appellation of Duke Philibert the wife-ridden. + </p> + <p> + There was only one thing that disturbed the conjugal felicity of this + paragon of husbands—though a considerable tine elapsed after his + marriage, there was still no prospect of an heir. The good duke left no + means untried to propitiate heaven. He made vows and pilgrimages, he + fasted and he prayed, but all to no purpose. The courtiers were all + astonished at the circumstance. They could not account for it. While the + meanest peasant in the country had sturdy brats by dozens, without putting + up a prayer, the duke wore himself to skin and bone with penances and + fastings, yet seemed further off from his object than ever. + </p> + <p> + At length, the worthy prince fell dangerously ill, and felt his end + approaching. He looked sorrowfully and dubiously upon his young and tender + spouse, who hung over him with tears and sobbings. “Alas!” said he, “tears + are soon dried from youthful eyes, and sorrow lies lightly on a youthful + heart. In a little while thou wilt forget in the arms of another husband + him who has loved thee so tenderly.” + </p> + <p> + “Never! never!” cried the duchess. “Never will I cleave to another! Alas, + that my lord should think me capable of such inconstancy!” + </p> + <p> + The worthy and wife-ridden duke was soothed by her assurances; for he + could not brook the thought of giving her up even after he should be dead. + Still he wished to have some pledge of her enduring constancy: + </p> + <p> + “Far be it from me, my dearest wife,” said he, “to control thee through a + long life. A year and a day of strict fidelity will appease my troubled + spirit. Promise to remain faithful to my memory for a year and a day, and + I will die in peace.” + </p> + <p> + The duchess made a solemn vow to that effect, but the uxorious feelings of + the duke were not yet satisfied. “Safe bind, safe find,” thought he; so he + made a will, bequeathing to her all his domains, on condition of her + remaining true to him for a year and a day after his decease; but, should + it appear that, within that time, she had in anywise lapsed from her + fidelity, the inheritance should go to his nephew, the lord of a + neighboring territory. + </p> + <p> + Having made his will, the good duke died and was buried. Scarcely was he + in his tomb, when his nephew came to take possession, thinking, as his + uncle had died without issue, the domains would be devised to him of + course. He was in a furious passion, when the will was produced, and the + young widow declared inheritor of the dukedom. As he was a violent, + high-handed man, and one of the sturdiest knights in the land, fears were + entertained that he might attempt to seize on the territories by force. He + had, however, two bachelor uncles for bosom counselors, swaggering, + rakehelly old cavaliers, who, having led loose and riotous lives, prided + themselves upon knowing the world, and being deeply experienced in human + nature. “Prithee, man, be of good cheer,” said they, “the duchess is a + young and buxom widow. She has just buried our brother, who, God rest his + soul! was somewhat too much given to praying and fasting, and kept his + pretty wife always tied to his girdle. She is now like a bird from a cage. + Think you she will keep her vow? Pooh, pooh—impossible! Take our + words for it—we know mankind, and, above all, womankind. She cannot + hold out for such a length of time; it is not in womanhood—it is not + in widowhood—we know it, and that’s enough. Keep a sharp lookout + upon the widow, therefore, and within the twelvemonth you will catch her + tripping—and then the dukedom is your own.” + </p> + <p> + The nephew was pleased with this counsel, and immediately placed spies + round the duchess, and bribed several of her servants to keep watch upon + her, so that she could not take a single step, even from one apartment of + her palace to another, without being observed. Never was young and + beautiful widow exposed to so terrible an ordeal. + </p> + <p> + The duchess was aware of the watch thus kept upon her. Though confident of + her own rectitude, she knew that it is not enough for a woman to be + virtuous—she must be above the reach of slander. For the whole term + of her probation, therefore, she proclaimed a strict non-intercourse with + the other sex. She had females for cabinet ministers and chamberlains, + through whom she transacted all her public and private concerns; and it is + said that never were the affairs of the dukedom so adroitly administered. + </p> + <p> + All males were rigorously excluded from the palace; she never went out of + its precincts, and whenever she moved about its courts and gardens she + surrounded herself with a bodyguard of young maids of honor, commanded by + dames renowned for discretion. She slept in a bed without curtains, placed + in the center of a room illuminated by innumerable wax tapers. Four + ancient spinsters, virtuous as Virginia, perfect dragons of watchfulness, + who only slept during the daytime, kept vigils throughout the night, + seated in the four corners of the room on stools without backs or arms, + and with seats cut in checkers of the hardest wood, to keep them from + dozing. + </p> + <p> + Thus wisely and warily did the young duchess conduct herself for twelve + long months, and slander almost bit her tongue off in despair, at finding + no room even for a surmise. Never was ordeal more burdensome, or more + enduringly sustained. + </p> + <p> + The year passed away. The last, odd day, arrived, and a long, long day it + was. It was the twenty-first of June, the longest day in the year. It + seemed as if it would never come to an end. A thousand times did the + duchess and her ladies watch the sun from the windows of the palace, as he + slowly climbed the vault of heaven, and seemed still more slowly to roll + down. They could not help expressing their wonder, now and then, why the + duke should have tagged this supernumerary day to the end of the year, as + if three hundred and sixty-five days were not sufficient to try and task + the fidelity of any woman. It is the last grain that turns the scale—the + last drop that overflows the goblet—and the last moment of delay + that exhausts the patience. By the time the sun sank below the horizon, + the duchess was in a fidget that passed all bounds, and, though several + hours were yet to pass before the day regularly expired, she could not + have remained those hours in durance to gain a royal crown, much less a + ducal coronet. So she gave orders, and her palfrey, magnificently + caparisoned, was brought into the courtyard of the castle, with palfreys + for all her ladies in attendance. In this way she sallied forth, just as + the sun had gone down. It was a mission of piety—a pilgrim cavalcade + to a convent at the foot of a neighboring mountain—to return thanks + to the blessed Virgin, for having sustained her through this fearful + ordeal. + </p> + <p> + The orisons performed, the duchess and her ladies returned, ambling gently + along the border of a forest. It was about that mellow hour of twilight + when night and day are mingled and all objects are indistinct. Suddenly, + some monstrous animal sprang from out a thicket, with fearful howlings. + The female bodyguard was thrown into confusion, and fled different ways. + It was some time before they recovered from their panic, and gathered once + more together; but the duchess was not to be found. The greatest anxiety + was felt for her safety. The hazy mist of twilight had prevented their + distinguishing perfectly the animal which had affrighted them. Some + thought it a wolf, others a bear, others a wild man of the woods. For + upward of an hour did they beleaguer the forest, without daring to venture + in, and were on the point of giving up the duchess as torn to pieces and + devoured, when, to their great joy, they beheld her advancing in the + gloom, supported by a stately cavalier. + </p> + <p> + He was a stranger knight, whom nobody knew. It was impossible to + distinguish his countenance in the dark; but all the ladies agreed that he + was of noble presence and captivating address. He had rescued the duchess + from the very fangs of the monster, which, he assured the ladies, was + neither a wolf, nor a bear, nor yet a wild man of the woods, but a + veritable fiery dragon, a species of monster peculiarly hostile to + beautiful females in the days of chivalry, and which all the efforts of + knight-errantry had not been able to extirpate. + </p> + <p> + The ladies crossed themselves when they heard of the danger from which + they had escaped, and could not enough admire the gallantry of the + cavalier. The duchess would fain have prevailed on her deliverer to + accompany her to her court; but he had no time to spare, being a + knight-errant, who had many adventures on hand, and many distressed + damsels and afflicted widows to rescue and relieve in various parts of the + country. Taking a respectful leave, therefore, he pursued his wayfaring, + and the duchess and her train returned to the palace. Throughout the whole + way, the ladies were unwearied in chanting the praises of the stranger + knight, nay, many of them would willingly have incurred the danger of the + dragon to have enjoyed the happy deliverance of the duchess. As to the + latter, she rode pensively along, but said nothing. + </p> + <p> + No sooner was the adventure of the wood made public than a whirlwind was + raised about the ears of the beautiful duchess. The blustering nephew of + the deceased duke went about, armed to the teeth, with a swaggering uncle + at each shoulder, ready to back him, and swore the duchess had forfeited + her domain. It was in vain that she called all the saints, and angels, and + her ladies in attendance into the bargain, to witness that she had passed + a year and a day of immaculate fidelity. One fatal hour remained to be + accounted for; and into the space of one little hour sins enough may be + conjured up by evil tongues to blast the fame of a whole life of virtue. + </p> + <p> + The two graceless uncles, who had seen the world, were ever ready to + bolster the matter through, and as they were brawny, broad-shouldered + warriors, and veterans in brawl as well as debauch, they had great sway + with the multitude. If any one pretended to assert the innocence of the + duchess, they interrupted him with a loud ha! ha! of derision. “A pretty + story, truly,” would they cry, “about a wolf and a dragon, and a young + widow rescued in the dark by a sturdy varlet who dares not show his face + in the daylight. You may tell that to those who do not know human nature, + for our parts, we know the sex, and that’s enough.” + </p> + <p> + If, however, the other repeated his assertion, they would suddenly knit + their brows, swell, look big, and put their hands upon their swords. As + few people like to fight in a cause that does not touch their own + interests, the nephew and the uncles were suffered to have their way, and + swagger uncontradicted. + </p> + <p> + The matter was at length referred to a tribunal, composed of all the + dignitaries of the dukedom, and many and repeated consultations were held. + The character of the duchess throughout the year was as bright and + spotless as the moon in a cloudless night; one fatal hour of darkness + alone intervened to eclipse its brightness. Finding human sagacity + incapable of dispelling the mystery, it was determined to leave the + question to heaven; or, in other words, to decide it by the ordeal of the + sword—a sage tribunal in the age of chivalry. The nephew and two + bully uncles were to maintain their accusation in listed combat, and six + months were allowed to the duchess to provide herself with three champions + to meet them in the field. Should she fail in this, or should her + champions be vanquished, her honor would be considered as attainted, her + fidelity as forfeit, and her dukedom would go to the nephew, as a matter + of right. + </p> + <p> + With this determination the duchess was fain to comply. Proclamations were + accordingly made, and heralds sent to various parts; but day after day, + week after week, and month after month elapsed without any champion + appearing to assert her loyalty throughout that darksome hour. The fair + widow was reduced to despair, when tidings reached her of grand + tournaments to be held at Toledo, in celebration of the nuptials of Don + Roderick, the last of the Gothic kings, with the Morisco princess Exilona. + As a last resort, the duchess repaired to the Spanish court, to implore + the gallantry of its assembled chivalry. + </p> + <p> + The ancient city of Toledo was a scene of gorgeous revelry on the event of + the royal nuptials. The youthful king, brave, ardent, and magnificent, and + his lovely bride, beaming with all the radiant beauty of the East, were + hailed with shouts and acclamations whenever they appeared. Their nobles + vied with each other in the luxury of their attire, their prancing steeds, + and splendid retinues; and the haughty dames of the court appeared in a + blaze of jewels. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of all this pageantry, the beautiful, but afflicted Duchess + of Lorraine made her approach to the throne. She was dressed in black, and + closely veiled; for duennas of the most staid and severe aspect, and six + beautiful demoiselles, formed her female attendants. She was guarded by + several very ancient, withered, and grayheaded cavaliers; and her train + was borne by one of the most deformed and diminutive dwarfs in existence. + </p> + <p> + Advancing to the foot of the throne, she knelt down, and, throwing up her + veil, revealed a countenance so beautiful that half the courtiers present + were ready to renounce wives and mistresses, and devote themselves to her + service; but when she made known that she came in quest of champions to + defend her fame, every cavalier pressed forward to offer his arm and + sword, without inquiring into the merits of the case; for it seemed clear + that so beauteous a lady could have done nothing but what was right; and + that, at any rate, she ought to be championed in following the bent of her + humors, whether right or wrong. + </p> + <p> + Encouraged by such gallant zeal, the duchess suffered herself to be raised + from the ground, and related the whole story of her distress. When she + concluded, the king remained for some time silent, charmed by the music of + her voice. At length: “As I hope for salvation, most beautiful duchess,” + said he, “were I not a sovereign king, and bound in duty to my kingdom, I + myself would put lance in rest to vindicate your cause; as it is, I here + give full permission to my knights, and promise lists and a fair field, + and that the contest shall take place before the walls of Toledo, in + presence of my assembled court.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as the pleasure of the king was known, there was a strife among + the cavaliers present for the honor of the contest. It was decided by lot, + and the successful candidates were objects of great envy, for every one + was ambitious of finding favor in the eyes of the beautiful widow. + </p> + <p> + Missives were sent, summoning the nephew and his two uncles to Toledo, to + maintain their accusation, and a day was appointed for the combat. When + the day arrived, all Toledo was in commotion at an early hour. The lists + had been prepared in the usual place, just without the walls, at the foot + of the rugged rocks on which the city is built, and on that beautiful + meadow along the Tagus, known by the name of the king’s garden. The + populace had already assembled, each one eager to secure a favorable + place; the balconies were filled with the ladies of the court, clad in + their richest attire, and bands of youthful knights, splendidly armed and + decorated with their ladies’ devices, were managing their superbly + caparisoned steeds about the field. The king at length came forth in + state, accompanied by the queen Exilona. They took their seats in a raised + balcony, under a canopy of rich damask; and, at sight of them, the people + rent the air with acclamations. + </p> + <p> + The nephew and his uncles now rode into the field, armed cap-a-pie, and + followed by a train of cavaliers of their own roistering cast, great + swearers and carousers, arrant swashbucklers, with clanking armor and + jingling spurs. When the people of Toledo beheld the vaunting and + discourteous appearance of these knights, they were more anxious than ever + for the success of the gentle duchess; but, at the same time, the sturdy + and stalwart frames of these warriors showed that whoever won the victory + from them must do it at the cost of many a bitter blow. + </p> + <p> + As the nephew and his riotous crew rode in at one side of the field, the + fair widow appeared at the other, with her suite of grave grayheaded + courtiers, her ancient duennas and dainty demoiselles, and the little + dwarf toiling along under the weight of her train. Every one made way for + her as she passed, and blessed her beautiful face, and prayed for success + to her cause. She took her seat in a lower balcony, not far from the + sovereigns; and her pale face, set off by her mourning weeds, was as the + moon shining forth from among the clouds of night. + </p> + <p> + The trumpets sounded for the combat. The warriors were just entering the + lists, when a stranger knight, armed in panoply, and followed by two pages + and an esquire, came galloping into the field, and, riding up to the royal + balcony, claimed the combat as a matter of right. + </p> + <p> + “In me,” cried he, “behold the cavalier who had the happiness to rescue + the beautiful duchess from the peril of the forest, and the misfortune to + bring on her this grievous calumny. It was but recently, in the course of + my errantry, that tidings of her wrongs have reached my ears, and I have + urged hither at all speed, to stand forth in her vindication.” + </p> + <p> + No sooner did the duchess hear the accents of the knight than she + recognized his voice, and joined her prayers with his that he might enter + the lists. The difficulty was, to determine which of the three champions + already appointed should yield his place, each insisting on the honor of + the combat. The stranger knight would have settled the point, by taking + the whole contest upon himself; but this the other knights would not + permit. It was at length determined, as before, by lot, and the cavalier + who lost the chance retired murmuring and disconsolate. + </p> + <p> + The trumpets again sounded—the lists were opened. The arrogant + nephew and his two drawcansir uncles appeared so completely cased in steel + that they and their steeds were like moving masses of iron. When they + understood the stranger knight to be the same that had rescued the duchess + from her peril, they greeted him with the most boisterous derision: + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ho! sir Knight of the Dragon,” said they, “you who pretend to + champion fair widows in the dark, come on, and vindicate your deeds of + darkness in the open day.” + </p> + <p> + The only reply of the cavalier was to put lance in rest, and brace himself + for the encounter. Needless is it to relate the particulars of a battle, + which was like so many hundred combats that have been said and sung in + prose and verse. Who is there but must have foreseen the event of a + contest, where Heaven had to decide on the guilt or innocence of the most + beautiful and immaculate of widows? + </p> + <p> + The sagacious reader, deeply read in this kind of judicial combats, can + imagine the encounter of the graceless nephew and the stranger knight. He + sees their concussion, man to man, and horse to horse, in mid career, and + Sir Graceless hurled to the ground and slain. He will not wonder that the + assailants of the brawny uncles were less successful in their rude + encounter; but he will picture to himself the stout stranger spurring to + their rescue, in the very critical moment; he will see him transfixing one + with his lance, and cleaving the other to the chine with a back stroke of + his sword, thus leaving the trio of accusers dead upon the field, and + establishing the immaculate fidelity of the duchess, and her title to the + dukedom, beyond the shadow of a doubt. + </p> + <p> + The air rang with acclamations; nothing was heard but praises of the + beauty and virtue of the duchess, and of the prowess of the stranger + knight; but the public joy was still more increased when the champion + raised his visor, and revealed the countenance of one of the bravest + cavaliers of Spain, renowned for his gallantry in the service of the sex, + and who had been round the world in quest of similar adventures. + </p> + <p> + That worthy knight, however, was severely wounded, and remained for a long + time ill of his wounds. The lovely duchess, grateful for having twice owed + her protection to his arm, attended him daily during his illness; and + finally rewarded his gallantry with her hand. + </p> + <p> + The king would fain have had the knight establish his title to such high + advancement by further deeds of arms; but his courtiers declared that he + already merited the lady, by thus vindicating her fame and fortune in a + deadly combat <i>à outrance</i>; and the lady herself hinted that she was + perfectly satisfied of his prowess in arms, from the proofs she had + received in his achievement in the forest. + </p> + <p> + Their nuptials were celebrated with great magnificence. The present + husband of the duchess did not pray and fast like his predecessor, + Philibert the wife-ridden; yet he found greater favor in the eyes of + heaven, for their union was blessed with a numerous progeny—the + daughters chaste and beauteous as their mother; the sons stout and valiant + as their sire, and renowned, like him, for relieving disconsolate damsels + and desolated widows. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0020" id="link2H_4_0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CREOLE VILLAGE + </h2> + <h3> + A SKETCH FROM A STEAMBOAT + </h3> + <p> + First published in 1887 + </p> + <p> + In traveling about our motley country, I am often reminded of Ariosto’s + account of the moon, in which the good paladin Astolpho found everything + garnered up that had been lost on earth. So I am apt to imagine, that many + things lost in the old world are treasured up in the new; having been + handed down from generation to generation, since the early days of the + colonies. A European antiquary, therefore, curious in his researches after + the ancient and almost obliterated customs and usages of his country, + would do well to put himself upon the track of some early band of + emigrants, follow them across the Atlantic, and rummage among their + descendants on our shores. + </p> + <p> + In the phraseology of New England might be found many an old English + provincial phrase, long since obsolete in the parent country; with some + quaint relics of the roundheads; while Virginia cherishes peculiarities + characteristic of the days of Elizabeth and Sir Walter Raleigh. + </p> + <p> + In the same way the sturdy yeomanry of New Jersey and Pennsylvania keep up + many usages fading away in ancient Germany; while many an honest, + broad-bottomed custom, nearly extinct in venerable Holland, may be found + flourishing in pristine vigor and luxuriance in Dutch villages, on the + banks of the Mohawk and the Hudson. + </p> + <p> + In no part of our country, however, are the customs and peculiarities, + imported from the old world by the earlier settlers, kept up with more + fidelity than in the little, poverty-stricken villages of Spanish and + French origin, which border the rivers of ancient Louisiana. Their + population is generally made up of the descendants of those nations, + married and interwoven together, and occasionally crossed with a slight + dash of the Indian. The French character, however, floats on top, as, from + its buoyant qualities, it is sure to do, whenever it forms a particle, + however small, of an intermixture. + </p> + <p> + In these serene and dilapidated villages, art and nature stand still, and + the world forgets to turn round. The revolutions that distract other parts + of this mutable planet reach not here, or pass over without leaving any + trace. The fortunate inhabitants have none of that public spirit which + extends its cares beyond its horizon, and imports trouble and perplexity + from all quarters in newspapers. In fact, newspapers are almost unknown in + these villages, and as French is the current language, the inhabitants + have little community of opinion with their republican neighbors. They + retain, therefore, their old habits of passive obedience to the decrees of + government, as though they still lived under the absolute sway of colonial + commandants, instead of being part and parcel of the sovereign people, and + having a voice in public legislation. + </p> + <p> + A few aged men, who have grown gray on their hereditary acres, and are of + the good old colonial stock, exert a patriarchal sway in all matters of + public and private import; their opinions are considered oracular, and + their word is law. + </p> + <p> + The inhabitants, moreover, have none of that eagerness for gain and rage + for improvement which keep our people continually on the move, and our + country towns incessantly in a state of transition. There the magic + phrases, “town lots,” “water privileges,” “railroads,” and other + comprehensive and soul-stirring words from the speculator’s vocabulary, + are never heard. The residents dwell in the houses built by their + forefathers, without thinking of enlarging or modernizing them, or pulling + them down and turning them into granite stores. The trees, under which + they have been born and have played in infancy, flourish undisturbed; + though, by cutting them down, they might open new streets, and put money + in their pockets. In a word, the almighty dollar, that great object of + universal devotion throughout our land, seems to have no genuine devotees + in these peculiar villages; and unless some of its missionaries penetrate + there, and erect banking houses and other pious shrines, there is no + knowing how long the inhabitants may remain in their present state of + contented poverty. + </p> + <p> + In descending one of our great Western rivers in a steam-boat, I met with + two worthies from one of these villages, who had been on a distant + excursion, the longest they had ever made, as they seldom ventured far + from home. One was the great man, or grand seigneur, of the village; not + that he enjoyed any legal privileges or power there, everything of the + kind having been done away when the province was ceded by France to the + United States. His sway over his neighbors was merely one of custom and + convention, out of deference to his family. Beside, he was worth full + fifty thousand dollars, an amount almost equal, in the imaginations of the + villagers, to the treasures of King Solomon. + </p> + <p> + This very substantial old gentleman, though of the fourth or fifth + generation in this country, retained the true Gallic feature and + deportment, and reminded me of one of those provincial potentates that are + to be met with in the remote parts of France. He was of a large frame, a + ginger-bread complexion, strong features, eyes that stood out like glass + knobs, and a prominent nose, which he frequently regaled from a gold + snuff-box, and occasionally blew, with a colored handkerchief, until it + sounded like a trumpet. + </p> + <p> + He was attended by an old negro, as black as ebony, with a huge mouth in a + continual grin; evidently a privileged and favorite servant, who had grown + up and grown old with him. He was dressed in creole style—with white + jacket and trousers, a stiff shirt collar that threatened to cut off his + ears, a bright Madras handkerchief tied round his head, and large gold + earrings. He was the politest negro I met with in a Western tour; and that + is saying a great deal, for, excepting the Indians, the negroes are the + most gentlemanlike personages to be met with in those parts. It is true, + they differ from the Indians in being a little extra polite and + complimentary. He was also one of the merriest; and here, too, the + negroes, however we may deplore their unhappy condition, have the + advantage of their masters. The whites are, in general, too free and + prosperous to be merry. The cares of maintaining their rights and + liberties, adding to their wealth, and making presidents, engross all + their thoughts, and dry up all the moisture of their souls. If you hear a + broad, hearty, devil-may-care laugh, be assured it is a negro’s. + </p> + <p> + Besides this African domestic, the seigneur of the village had another no + less cherished and privileged attendant. This was a huge dog, of the + mastiff breed, with a deep, hanging mouth, and a look of surly gravity. He + walked about the cabin with the air of a dog perfectly at home, and who + had paid for his passage. At dinner time he took his seat beside his + master, giving him a glance now and then out of a corner of his eye, which + bespoke perfect confidence that he would not be forgotten. Nor was he—every + now and then a huge morsel would be thrown to him, peradventure the + half-picked leg of a fowl, which he would receive with a snap like the + springing of a steel-trap—one gulp, and all was down; and a glance + of the eye told his master that he was ready for another consignment. + </p> + <p> + The other village worthy, traveling in company with the seigneur, was of a + totally different stamp. Small, thin, and weazen faced, as Frenchmen are + apt to be represented in caricature, with a bright, squirrel-like eye, and + a gold ring in his ear. His dress was flimsy, and sat loosely on his + frame, and he had altogether the look of one with but little coin in his + pocket. Yet, though one of the poorest, I was assured he was one of the + merriest and most popular personages in his native village. + </p> + <p> + Compere Martin, as he was commonly called, was the factotum of the + place-sportsman, schoolmaster, and land surveyor. He could sing, dance, + and, above all, play on the fiddle, an invaluable accomplishment in an old + French Creole village, for the inhabitants have a hereditary love for + balls and fetes; if they work but little, they dance a great deal, and a + fiddle is the joy of their heart. + </p> + <p> + What had sent Compere Martin traveling with the grand seigneur I could not + learn; he evidently looked up to him with great deference, and was + assiduous in rendering him petty attentions; from which I concluded that + he lived at home upon the crumbs which fell from his table. He was gayest + when out of his sight; and had his song and his joke when forward, among + the deck passengers; but altogether Compere Martin was out of his element + on board of a steamboat. He was quite another being, I am told, when at + home in his own village. + </p> + <p> + Like his opulent fellow-traveler, he too had his canine follower and + retainer—and one suited to his different fortunes—one of the + civilest, most unoffending little dogs in the world. Unlike the lordly + mastiff, he seemed to think he had no right on board of the steamboat; if + you did but look hard at him, he would throw himself upon his back, and + lift up his legs, as if imploring mercy. + </p> + <p> + At table he took his seat a little distance from his master; not with the + bluff, confident air of the mastiff, but quietly and diffidently, his head + on one side, with one ear dubiously slouched, the other hopefully cocked + up; his under teeth projecting beyond his black nose, and his eye + wistfully following each morsel that went into his master’s mouth. + </p> + <p> + If Compere Martin now and then should venture to abstract a morsel from + his plate to give to his humble companion, it was edifying to see with + what diffidence the exemplary little animal would take hold of it, with + the very tip of his teeth, as if he would almost rather not, or was + fearful of taking too great a liberty. And then with what decorum would he + eat it! How many efforts would he make in swallowing it, as if it stuck in + his throat; with what daintiness would he lick his lips; and then with + what an air of thankfulness would he resume his seat, with his teeth once + more projecting beyond his nose, and an eye of humble expectation fixed + upon his master. + </p> + <p> + It was late in the afternoon when the steamboat stopped at the village + which was the residence of these worthies. It stood on the high bank of + the river, and bore traces of having been a frontier trading post. There + were the remains of stockades that once protected it from the Indians, and + the houses were in the ancient Spanish and French colonial taste, the + place having been successively under the domination of both those nations + prior to the cession of Louisiana to the United States. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of the seigneur of fifty thousand dollars, and his humble + companion, Compere Martin, had evidently been looked forward to as an + event in the village. Numbers of men, women, and children, white, yellow, + and black, were collected on the river bank; most of them clad in + old-fashioned French garments, and their heads decorated with colored + handkerchiefs, or white nightcaps. The moment the steamboat came within + sight and hearing, there was a waving of handkerchiefs, and a screaming + and bawling of salutations, and felicitations, that baffle all + description. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman of fifty thousand dollars was received by a train of + relatives, and friends, and children, and grandchildren, whom he kissed on + each cheek, and who formed a procession in his rear, with a legion of + domestics, of all ages, following him to a large, old-fashioned French + house, that domineered over the village. + </p> + <p> + His black valet de chambre, in white jacket and trousers, and gold + earrings, was met on the shore by a boon, though rustic companion, a tall + negro fellow, with a long good-humored face, and the profile of a horse, + which stood out from beneath a narrow-rimmed straw hat, stuck on the back + of his head. The explosions of laughter of these two varlets on meeting + and exchanging compliments were enough to electrify the country round. + </p> + <p> + The most hearty reception, however, was that given to Compere Martin. + Everybody, young and old, hailed him before he got to land. Everybody had + a joke for Compere Martin, and Compere Martin had a joke for everybody. + Even his little dog appeared to partake of his popularity, and to be + caressed by every hand. Indeed, he was quite a different animal the moment + he touched the land. Here he was at home; here he was of consequence. He + barked, he leaped, he frisked about his old friends, and then would skim + round the place in a wide circle, as if mad. + </p> + <p> + I traced Compere Martin and his little dog to their home. It was an old + ruinous Spanish house, of large dimensions, with verandas overshadowed by + ancient elms. The house had probably been the residence, in old times, of + the Spanish commandant. In one wing of this crazy, but aristocratical + abode, was nestled the family of my fellow-traveler; for poor devils are + apt to be magnificently clad and lodged, in the cast-off clothes and + abandoned palaces of the great and wealthy. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of Compere Martin was welcomed by a legion of women, children, + and mongrel curs; and, as poverty and gayety generally go hand in hand + among the French and their descendants, the crazy mansion soon resounded + with loud gossip and light-hearted laughter. + </p> + <p> + As the steamboat paused a short time at the village, I took occasion to + stroll about the place. Most of the houses were in the French taste, with + casements and rickety verandas, but most of them in flimsy and ruinous + condition. All the wagons, plows, and other utensils about the place were + of ancient and inconvenient Gallic construction, such as had been brought + from France in the primitive days of the colony. The very looks of the + people reminded me of the villages of France. + </p> + <p> + From one of the houses came the hum of a spinning wheel, accompanied by a + scrap of an old French chanson, which I have heard many a time among the + peasantry of Languedoc, doubtless a traditional song, brought over by the + first French emigrants, and handed down from generation to generation. + </p> + <p> + Half a dozen young lasses emerged from the adjacent dwellings, reminding + me, by their light step and gay costume, of scenes in ancient France, + where taste in dress comes natural to every class of females. The trim + bodice and covered petticoat, and little apron, with its pockets to + receive the hands when in an attitude for conversation; the colored + kerchief wound tastefully round the head, with a coquettish knot perking + above one ear; and the neat slipper and tight drawn stocking with its + braid of narrow ribbon embracing the ankle where it peeps from its + mysterious curtain. It is from this ambush that Cupid sends his most + inciting arrows. + </p> + <p> + While I was musing upon the recollections thus accidentally summoned up, I + heard the sound of a fiddle from the mansion of Compere Martin, the + signal, no doubt, for a joyous gathering. I was disposed to turn my steps + thither, and witness the festivities of one of the very few villages I had + met with in my wide tour that was yet poor enough to be merry; but the + bell of the steamboat summoned me to re-embark. + </p> + <p> + As we swept away from the shore, I cast back a wistful eye upon the + moss-grown roofs and ancient elms of the village, and prayed that the + inhabitants might long retain their happy ignorance, their absence of all + enterprise and improvement, their respect for the fiddle, and their + contempt for the almighty dollar. [Footnote: This phrase, used for the + first time in this sketch, has since passed into current circulation, and + by some has been questioned as savoring I fear, however, my prayer is of + irreverence. The author, therefore, owes it to his orthodoxy to declare + that no irreverence was intended even to the dollar itself; which he is + aware is daily becoming more and more an object of worship.] I fear, + however, my prayer is doomed to be of no avail. In a little while the + steamboat whirled me to an American town, just springing into bustling and + prosperous existence. + </p> + <p> + The surrounding forest had been laid out in town lots; frames of wooden + buildings were rising from among stumps and burned trees. The place + already boasted a court-house, a jail, and two banks, all built of pine + boards, on the model of Grecian temples. There were rival hotels, rival + churches, and rival newspapers; together with the usual number of judges, + and generals, and governors; not to speak of doctors by the dozen, and + lawyers by the score. + </p> + <p> + The place, I was told, was in an astonishing career of improvement, with a + canal and two railroads in embryo. Lots doubled in price every week; + everybody was speculating in land; everybody was rich; and everybody was + growing richer. The community, however, was torn to pieces by new + doctrines in religion and in political economy; there were camp meetings, + and agrarian meetings; and an election was at hand, which, it was + expected, would throw the whole country into a paroxysm. + </p> + <p> + Alas! with such an enterprising neighbor, what is to become of the poor + little Creole village! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0021" id="link2H_4_0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + A CONTENTED MAN + </h2> + <p> + In the garden of the Tuileries there is a sunny corner under the wall of a + terrace which fronts the south. Along the wall is a range of benches + commanding a view of the walks and avenues of the garden. This genial nook + is a place of great resort in the latter part of autumn and in fine days + in winter, as it seems to retain the flavor of departed summer. On a calm, + bright morning it is quite alive with nursery-maids and their playful + little charges. Hither also resort a number of ancient ladies and + gentlemen, who, with the laudable thrift in small pleasures and small + expenses for which the French are to be noted, come here to enjoy sunshine + and save firewood. Here may often be seen some cavalier of the old school, + when the sunbeams have warmed his blood into something like a glow, + fluttering about like a frost-bitten moth thawed before the fire, putting + forth a feeble show of gallantry among the antiquated dames, and now and + then eying the buxom nursery-maids with what might almost be mistaken for + an air of libertinism. + </p> + <p> + Among the habitual frequenters of this place I had often remarked an old + gentleman whose dress was decidedly ante-revolutional. He wore the + three-cornered cocked hat of the <i>ancien regime</i>; his hair was + frizzed over each ear into <i>ailes de pigeon</i>, a style strongly + savoring of Bourbonism; and a queue stuck out behind, the loyalty of which + was not to be disputed. His dress, though ancient, had an air of decayed + gentility, and I observed that he took his snuff out of an elegant though + old-fashioned gold box. He appeared to be the most popular man on the + walk. He had a compliment for every old lady, he kissed every child, and + he patted every little dog on the head; for children and little dogs are + very important members of society in France. I must observe, however, that + he seldom kissed a child without, at the same time, pinching the + nursery-maid’s cheek; a Frenchman of the old school never forgets his + devoirs to the sex. + </p> + <p> + I had taken a liking to this old gentleman. There was an habitual + expression of benevolence in his face which I have very frequently + remarked in these relics of the politer days of France. The constant + interchange of those thousand little courtesies which imperceptibly + sweeten life have a happy effect upon the features, and spread a mellow + evening charm over the wrinkles of old age. + </p> + <p> + Where there is a favorable predisposition one soon forms a kind of tacit + intimacy by often meeting on the same walks. Once or twice I accommodated + him with a bench, after which we touched hats on passing each other; at + length we got so far as to take a pinch of snuff together out of his box, + which is equivalent to eating salt together in the East; from that time + our acquaintance was established. + </p> + <p> + I now became his frequent companion in his morning promenades, and derived + much amusement from his good-humored remarks on men and manners. One + morning, as we were strolling through an alley of the Tuileries, with the + autumnal breeze whirling the yellow leaves about our path, my companion + fell into a peculiarly communicative vein, and gave me several particulars + of his history. He had once been wealthy, and possessed of a fine estate + in the country and a noble hotel in Paris; but the revolution, which + effected so many disastrous changes, stripped him of everything. He was + secretly denounced by his own steward during a sanguinary period of the + revolution, and a number of the bloodhounds of the Convention were sent to + arrest him. He received private intelligence of their approach in time to + effect his escape. He landed in England without money or friends, but + considered himself singularly fortunate in having his head upon his + shoulders; several of his neighbors having been guillotined as a + punishment for being rich. + </p> + <p> + When he reached London he had but a louis in his pocket, and no prospect + of getting another. He ate a solitary dinner of beefsteak, and was almost + poisoned by port wine, which from its color he had mistaken for claret. + The dingy look of the chop-house, and of the little mahogany-colored box + in which he ate his dinner, contrasted sadly with the gay saloons of + Paris. Everything looked gloomy and disheartening. Poverty stared him in + the face; he turned over the few shillings he had of change; did not know + what was to become of him; and—went to the theater! + </p> + <p> + He took his seat in the pit, listened attentively to a tragedy of which he + did not understand a word, and which seemed made up of fighting, and + stabbing, and scene shifting, and began to feel his spirits sinking within + him; when, casting his eyes into the orchestra, what was his surprise to + recognize an old friend and neighbor in the very act of extorting music + from a huge violoncello. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the evening’s performance was over he tapped his friend on the + shoulder; they kissed each other on each cheek, and the musician took him + home, and shared his lodgings with him. He had learned music as an + accomplishment; by his friend’s advice he now turned to it as a means of + support. He procured a violin, offered himself for the orchestra, was + received, and again considered himself one of the most fortunate men upon + earth. + </p> + <p> + Here therefore he lived for many years during the ascendency of the + terrible Napoleon. He found several emigrants living, like himself, by the + exercise of their talents. They associated together, talked of France and + of old times, and endeavored to keep up a semblance of Parisian life in + the center of London. + </p> + <p> + They dined at a miserable cheap French restaurant in the neighborhood of + Leicester Square, where they were served with a caricature of French + cookery. They took their promenade in St. James’s Park, and endeavored to + fancy it the Tuileries; in short, they made shift to accommodate + themselves to everything but an English Sunday. Indeed the old gentleman + seemed to have nothing to say against the English, whom he affirmed to be + <i>braves gens</i>; and he mingled so much among them that at the end of + twenty years he could speak their language almost well enough to be + understood. + </p> + <p> + The downfall of Napoleon was another epoch in his life. He had considered + himself a fortunate man to make his escape penniless out of France, and he + considered himself fortunate to be able to return penniless into it. It is + true that he found his Parisian hotel had passed through several hands + during the vicissitudes of the times, so as to be beyond the reach of + recovery; but then he had been noticed benignantly by government, and had + a pension of several hundred francs, upon which, with careful management, + he lived independently, and, as far as I could judge, happily. As his once + splendid hotel was now occupied as a <i>hotel garni</i>, he hired a small + chamber in the attic; it was but, as he said, changing his bedroom up two + pair of stairs—he was still in his own house. His room was decorated + with pictures of several beauties of former times, with whom he professed + to have been on favorable terms: among them was a favorite opera-dancer, + who had been the admiration of Paris at the breaking out of the + revolution. She had been a protegee of my friend, and one of the few of + his youthful favorites who had survived the lapse of time and its various + vicissitudes. They had renewed their acquaintance, and she now and then + visited him; but the beautiful Psyche, once the fashion of the day and the + idol of the <i>parterre</i>, was now a shriveled, little old woman, warped + in the back and with a hooked nose. + </p> + <p> + The old gentleman was a devout attendant upon levees; he was most zealous + in his loyalty, and could not speak of the royal family without a burst of + enthusiasm, for he still felt toward them as his companions in exile. As + to his poverty he made light of it, and indeed had a good-humored way of + consoling himself for every cross and privation. If he had lost his + chateau in the country, he had half a dozen royal palaces, as it were, at + his command. He had Versailles and St. Cloud for his country resorts, and + the shady alleys of the Tuileries and the Luxembourg for his town + recreation. Thus all his promenades and relaxations were magnificent, yet + cost nothing. + </p> + <p> + When I walk through these fine gardens, said he, I have only to fancy + myself the owner of them, and they are mine. All these gay crowds are my + visitors, and I defy the grand seignior himself to display a greater + variety of beauty. Nay, what is better, I have not the trouble of + entertaining them. My estate is a perfect Sans Souci, where every one does + as he pleases, and no one troubles the owner. All Paris is my theater, and + presents me with a continual spectacle. I have a table spread for me in + every street, and thousands of waiters ready to fly at my bidding. When my + servants have waited upon me I pay them, discharge them, and there’s an + end; I have no fears of their wronging or pilfering me when my back is + turned. Upon the whole, said the old gentleman with a smile of infinite + good humor, when I think upon the various risks I have run, and the manner + in which I have escaped them; when I recollect all that I have suffered, + and consider all that I at present enjoy, I cannot but look upon myself as + a man of singular good fortune. + </p> + <p> + Such was the brief history of this practical philosopher, and it is a + picture of many a Frenchman ruined by the revolution. The French appear to + have a greater facility than most men in accommodating themselves to the + reverses of life, and of extracting honey out of the bitter things of this + world. The first shock of calamity is apt to overwhelm them, but when it + is once past, their natural buoyancy of feeling soon brings them to the + surface. This may be called the result of levity of character, but it + answers the end of reconciling us to misfortune, and if it be not true + philosophy, it is something almost as efficacious. Ever since I have heard + the story of my little Frenchman, I have treasured it up in my heart; and + I thank my stars I have at length found what I had long considered as not + to be found on earth—a contented man. + </p> + <p> + P. S.—There is no calculating on human happiness. Since writing the + foregoing, the law of indemnity has been passed, and my friend restored to + a great part of his fortune. I was absent from Paris at the time, but on + my return hastened to congratulate him. I found him magnificently lodged + on the first floor of his hotel. I was ushered, by a servant in livery, + through splendid saloons, to a cabinet richly furnished, where I found my + little Frenchman reclining on a couch. He received me with his usual + cordiality; but I saw the gayety and benevolence of his countenance had + fled; he had an eye full of care and anxiety. + </p> + <p> + I congratulated him on his good fortune. “Good fortune?” echoed he; “bah! + I have been plundered of a princely fortune, and they give me a pittance + as an indemnity.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! I found my late poor and contented friend one of the richest and + most miserable men in Paris. Instead of rejoicing hi the ample competency + restored to him, he is daily repining at the superfluity withheld. He no + longer wanders in happy idleness about Paris, but is a repining attendant + in the ante-chambers of ministers. His loyalty has evaporated with his + gayety; he screws his mouth when the Bourbons are mentioned, and even + shrugs his shoulders when he hears the praises of the king. In a word, he + is one of the many philosophers undone by the law of indemnity, and his + case is desperate, for I doubt whether even another reverse of fortune, + which should restore him to poverty, could make him again a happy man. + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Crayon Papers, by Washington Irving + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE CRAYON PAPERS *** + +***** This file should be named 7994-h.htm or 7994-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/7/9/9/7994/ + +Produced by Charles Aldarondo, Tiffany Vergon, William +Craig, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed +Proofreading Team + +HTML file produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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