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Vol. 10, Issue 266, July 28, 1827, by Various</title> + <style type="text/css"> +<!-- + body + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + p + {text-align: justify;} + blockquote + {text-align: justify;} + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 + {text-align: center;} + hr + {text-align: center; width: 50%;} + html>body hr + {margin-right: 25%; margin-left: 25%; width: 50%;} + hr.full + {width: 100%;} + html>body hr.full + {margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 0%; width: 100%;} + pre + {font-size: 0.7em; background-color: #F0F0F0;} + .poetry + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 0%; + text-align: left;} + .footnote + {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; + font-size: 0.9em;} + .figure + {margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 5%; + text-align: center; font-size: 0.8em;} + .figure img + {border: none;} + span.pagenum + {position: absolute; left: 1%; right: 91%; + font-size: 0.7em;} + a:link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + link {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:visited {color:blue; + text-decoration:none} + a:hover {color:red} + +--> + </style> +</head> +<body> +<h1>The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 266, July 28, 1827, by Various</h1> + +<pre> +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, Vol. 10, Issue 266, July 28, 1827 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: February, 2006 [EBook #9919] +[This file was first posted on October 31, 2003] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: iso-8859-1 + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, ISSUE 266, JULY 28, 1827 *** + + + +</pre> + <h3> + Note: The zipped version of this HTML file includes the original illustrations. + See <a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext06/8m26610h.zip">http://www.ibiblio.org/gutenberg/etext06/8m26610h.zip</a> + </h3> + <br /> + Transcriber's note: In "A Churchyard Scene" the word "iugrate" occurs in + the original text. This was probably a typographical + error, and the correct word was likely "ingrate." + <br /> + <br /> + <h3>E-text prepared by Jonathan Ingram<br /> + and Project Gutenberg Distributed Proofreaders</h3> + <br /> + <br /> +<hr class="full" /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page65" name="page65"></a>[pg 65]</span> + <!-- Mirror of Literature header --> + <h1>THE MIRROR<br /> + OF<br /> + LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION.</h1> + <hr class="full" /> + <table width="100%"> + <tr> + <td align="left"><b>Vol. 10, No. 266.]</b></td> + <td align="center"><b>SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1827.</b></td> + <td align="right"><b>[PRICE 2d.</b></td> + </tr> + </table> + <hr class="full" /> + <!-- end of header --> + <h2>CROYDON PALACE.</h2> + <p class="figure"><a href="images/266-1.png"><img width="100%" src="images/266-1.png" + alt="" /></a><br /> + </p> + <p>The palace of Croydon is a building of great antiquity, and was for several + centuries the magnificent abode of the haughty dignitaries of Canterbury. At the + period of the Conquest, Lanfranc resided here, and most of the decrees and audits of + his successors were issued from, and held at, this palace. It was here that + Archbishop Parker entertained his queen, Elizabeth and her august court, with great + splendour and festivity; as also did the celebrated Whitgift, who refused to accept + of the high office of lord chancellor. Courtney received his pall here with great + solemnity and pomp in the presence of the chief nobility of the realm; and Chichley, + Stafford, Laud, Juxon, Wake, and Herring, made it their frequent residence, and were + liberal contributors to its architectural beauties. The remains of this interesting + fabric are, with the exception of the hall, composed entirely of brick, occupying a + considerable space on the south-west side of Croydon church, and are in some points + peculiarly striking in local appearance; but on account of their unconnected state, + with the intervening screens of garden walls, &c. the view is confined and + partial.</p> + <p>The grand hall is a lofty imposing structure, and at a casual computation appears + to contain an area of eight hundred square yards; between which and the cornice, at + the height of about fifteen feet, a moulding or frieze is carried over the surface of + each wall, from whence, resting their bases on angels bearing, shields variously + blazoned, issue in the alternate spaces of twelve feet, five ligneous pillars, + supporting immense beams traversing the intervening distances of the confronting + sides. The roof is formed of large solid pieces of timber, running diagonally to a + point; the upper compartment of which (springing from perpendicular posts), is ribbed + so as to make it have the appearance of a polygonal ellipsis.</p> + <p>On the right of the southern entrance an escutcheon, surmounted by a canopy, is + fixed at a considerable height from the pavement, and must have had formerly a + splendid appearance, as faint traces even now of its original pomp are discernible + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page66" name="page66"></a>[pg 66]</span>in the faint + glittering of the gilding, and the exquisite symmetry of its execution. The bearings + appeared to me as—party per pall,—dexter division.—Sapphire a cross + gules ensigned with fleur de lis between six martlets + topaz.—Sinister—quarterly sapphire and ruby, first and third, three fleur + de lis; topaz, second and fourth, three lions passant gardant of the same, supported + by two angels, and surmounted by a coronet; the whole resting on an angel bearing a + scroll with a motto in old English text, but illegible.<a id="footnotetag1" + name="footnotetag1"></a><a href="#footnote1"><sup>1</sup></a></p> + <p>This hall is now occupied by a carpenter, and is almost filled with old furniture + and timber; other parts of the building are appropriated for charity-schools, and the + trade of bleaching is practised in its precincts.</p> + <p>SAGITTARIUS.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>FINE ARTS</h2> + <hr /> + <h3>ENGLISH ACADEMIES FOR PAINTING ANTERIOR TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE ROYAL ACADEMY + IN LONDON.</h3> + <p>The first attempt to form an academy for the encouragement of the fine arts in + this country was made in Great Queen-street, in the year 1697. The laudable design + was undertaken by Sir Godfrey Kneller, and by the most respectable artists of the + day, who endeavoured to imitate the French Academy founded by Lewis XIV. Their + undertaking, however, was wholly without success; jealousies arose among the members, + and they were ultimately compelled to relinquish the project as fruitless. Sir James + Thornhill, a few years afterwards, commenced an academy in a room he had built for + the purpose at the back of his own residence, near Covent-garden theatre; but his + attempt, likewise, proved abortive. Notwithstanding these failures, Mr. Vanderbank, a + Dutchman, headed a body of artists, and converted an old Presbyterian meeting-house + into an academy. Besides plaster figures, Mr. Vanderbank and his associates procured + a living female figure for study, which circumstance tended to gain a few + subscribers; but, in a very short space of time, for want of money sufficient to + defray the necessary expenses, all the effects belonging to the establishment were + seized for rent, and the members, in disgust, accordingly separated.</p> + <p>On the demise of Sir James Thornhill, in 1734, the celebrated William Hogarth + became possessed of part of his property.<a id="footnotetag2" + name="footnotetag2"></a><a href="#footnote2"><sup>2</sup></a> Although much averse to + the principles on which academies were generally founded, Mr. Hogarth considered that + one conducted wisely would probably be of great advantage to the public, as well as + to the artists in general. He, therefore, proposed, that a body of artists should + enter into a subscription for the purchase of a house sufficiently large and + capacious to admit thirty or forty persons to draw from a naked figure. This + proposition being unanimously agreed to, a place was forthwith taken in St. + Martin's-lane; and Hogarth, to forward the undertaking as far as he could, lent them + the furniture, &c. formerly belonging to Sir James Thornhill's academy.</p> + <p>The failure of all preceding attempts to form an academy was attributed by Mr. + Hogarth to the principal members assuming too much authority over their brother + artists; he, therefore, proposed, that every member should contribute an equal sum of + money to the establishment, and should have an equal right to vote on every question + relative to the society. He considered electing presidents, directors, and + professors, to be a ridiculous imitation of the forms of the French Academy, and + liable to create jealousies.<a id="footnotetag3" name="footnotetag3"></a><a + href="#footnote3"><sup>3</sup></a> Under Hogarth's guidance, the Academy continued + for thirty years, with little alteration, to the high satisfaction of its several + members, and the public in general.</p> + <p>On ascending the British throne, George III. evinced so much interest for the + arts, that most of the members of the academy (though contrary to the wishes of their + leader, who possessed a most independent spirit,) solicited the royal patronage to a + plan they had in view of establishing an academy for <i>painting, sculpture</i>, and + <i>architecture</i>. The success of this appeal is too well known to English readers + to need much comment. His majesty was pleased to appropriate those very splendid + apartments in Somerset-house for the use of artists, who shortly formed a <i>new</i> + society, over which, by his majesty's special command, the great Sir Joshua Reynolds + presided.</p> + <p>G.W.N.</p> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page67" name="page67"></a>[pg 67]</span> + <hr /> + <h3>VOLCANOES.</h3> + <h4>(<i>For the Mirror</i>.)</h4> + <p>To describe the awful grandeur and terrific phenomena of volcanic eruptions in an + adequate manner, is perhaps beyond the power of language. The number of volcanoes now + known is about four hundred; nearly all of them are situated a small distance from + the sea, and many appear to have been burning from time immemorial.</p> + <p>A certain mixture of sulphur, steel-filings and water, buried a short depth from + the ground, will exhibit a kind of miniature volcano; and hence some philosophers + have concluded, that in the bowels of burning mountains there are various sorts of + bodies which probably ferment by moisture, and being thus expanded, at last produce + eruptions and explosions. The mouth or chimney of a burning mountain is, in many + instances, upwards of a mile across! from which, in an eruption, are emitted torrents + of smoke and flame, rivers of lava, (consisting chiefly of bitumen and melted metal,) + and clouds of cinders, stones, &c. to an immense distance. The wonderful quantity + of these materials thrown out from the orifice almost exceeds belief; the lava rushes + like a fiery torrent at a very rapid pace,—ravages the labours of agriculture, + overthrows houses, and in a few seconds utterly destroys the hopes of hundreds of + families—the toils of hundreds of years. Nothing impedes its awful course; when + interrupted by stone walls, or even rocks, it collects in a few moments to the height + of eight or ten feet; its immense heat and violent pressure quickly batter down the + obstacle, which is literally made rotten by the fire, and the whole mass seems to + melt together into the lava, which again continues its progress until exhausted by + the distance of its destructive march.</p> + <p>An English traveller, who was at Naples during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, on + the 10th of September, 1810, thus describes the scene:—</p> + <p>"Curious to witness the volcano as near as possible, I set out for Portici, where + I arrived at eight in the evening; from thence to the summit of the mountain the road + is long and difficult; having procured a guide about the middle of the distance, we + had to climb a mountain of cinders, every step nearly knee-deep; this made it near + midnight when we reached the crater, which we approached as near as the heat would + permit. The fire of the mountain served us for a beacon, and we set light to our + sticks in the lava, which slowly ran through the hollows of the crater. The surface + of the inflamed matter nearly resembles metal in a state of fusion, but as it flows + it carries a kind of scum, which gradually hardens into scoria and rolls like + fire-balls to the bottom of the mountain. We thought ourselves pretty secure in this + spot, and had no wish to retire; but shortly a most terrific explosion which launched + to an inconceivable height in the air, immense fragments of burning rocks, &c. + reminded us of our dangerous situation. We lost not a moment in retreating, and + driven on by fear almost with miraculous speed, cleared in about five minutes, a + space we had taken two hours to climb; we had hardly gained this spot when a second + explosion more terrible, if possible, than the former was heard. The volcano in all + its fury vomited forth some thousands of cart-loads of stones and burning lava. As + the projection was nearly vertical, the greater part fell back again into the mouth + of the mountain and this was again vomited forth as before. On the 11th and 12th, the + fury somewhat abated, but on the 13th a fresh eruption commenced, and burning matter + flowed down all the sides of the volcano;—all Vesuvius itself seemed on + fire,—not a vestige of property for miles could be discovered, and thousands of + families were ruined."</p> + <p>JACOBUS.</p> + <hr /> + <h3>A CHURCHYARD SCENE.</h3> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + How sweet and solemn, all alone,<br /> + With reverend steps, from stone to stone,<br /> + In a small village churchyard lying,<br /> + O'er intervening flowers to move!<br /> + And as we read the names unknown<br /> + Of young and old to judgment gone,<br /> + And hear in the calm air above<br /> + Time onwards softly flying,<br /> + To meditate, in Christian love,<br /> + Upon the dead and dying!<br /> + Across the silence seem to go<br /> + With dream-like motion, wavery, slow,<br /> + And shrouded in their folds of snow,<br /> + The friends we loved long, long ago!<br /> + Gliding across the sad retreat,<br /> + How beautiful their phantom feet!<br /> + What tenderness is in their eyes,<br /> + Turned where the poor survivor lies<br /> + 'Mid monitory sanctities!<br /> + What years of vanished joy are fanned<br /> + From one uplifting of that hand<br /> + In its white stillness! when the shade<br /> + Doth glimmeringly in sunshine fade<br /> + From our embrace, how dim appears<br /> + This world's life through a mist of tears!<br /> + Vain hopes! blind sorrows! needless fears!<br /> + <br /> + Such is the scene around me now:<br /> + A little churchyard on the brow<br /> + Of a green pastoral hill;<br /> + Its sylvan village sleeps below,<br /> + And faintly here is heard the flow<br /> + Of Woodburn's summer rill;<br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page68" name="page68"></a>[pg 68]</span>A place where + all things mournful meet,<br /> + And yet the sweetest of the sweet,<br /> + The stillest of the still!<br /> + With what a pensive beauty fall<br /> + Across the mossy, mouldering wall<br /> + That rose-tree's clustered arches! See<br /> + The robin-redbreast warily,<br /> + Bright through the blossoms, leaves his nest:<br /> + Sweet iugrate! through the winter blest<br /> + At the firesides of men—but shy<br /> + Through all the sunny summer-hours,<br /> + He hides himself among the flowers<br /> + In his own wild festivity.<br /> + What lulling sound, and shadow cool<br /> + Hangs half the darkened churchyard o'er,<br /> + From thy green depths so beautiful<br /> + Thou gorgeous sycamore!<br /> + Oft hath the holy wine and bread<br /> + Been blest beneath thy murmuring tent,<br /> + Where many a bright and hoary head<br /> + Bowed at that awful sacrament.<br /> + Now all beneath the turf are laid<br /> + On which they sat, and sang, and prayed.<br /> + Above that consecrated tree<br /> + Ascends the tapering spire, that seems<br /> + To lift the soul up silently<br /> + To heaven with all its dreams,<br /> + While in the belfry, deep and low,<br /> + From his heaved bosom's purple gleams<br /> + The dove's continuous murmurs flow,<br /> + A dirge-like song, half bliss, half woe,<br /> + The voice so lonely seems!<br /> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>ANECDOTES AND RECOLLECTIONS</h2> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + Notings, selections,<br /> + Anecdote and joke:<br /> + Our recollections;<br /> + With gravities for graver folk.<br /> + </blockquote> + <hr /> + <h3>SHERIDAN.</h3> + <p>It was at the strongly contested election for Westminster, when Sheridan was + opposed by Sir Francis Burdett and Lord Cochrane, that the latter, in allusion to the + orator's desire of ameliorating his situation on the poll by endeavouring to blend + his cause with that of the baronet, characteristically observed, "that the right + honourable gentleman sought to have his <i>little skiff</i> taken <i>in tow</i> by + the <i>line of battle ship</i> of Sir Francis." Sheridan, in whom the metaphor had + awakened the remembrance of the remarkable and successful influence of his speech in + the House of Commons on the occasion of the mutiny at the Nore, in calming the + irritation of the rebels and reducing them to obedience, in reply to his lordship, + bade him "to recollect that it was that <i>little skiff</i> which once brought the + whole navy of England safely into port."</p> + <p>The election drew towards its termination, but all the efforts of his friends had + proved unavailing to secure Sheridan's return, although his minority was any thing + but formidable. The interest that attended the contest had, at its close, become + intense; and every spot, whence the candidates might be seen or heard, was crowded in + the extreme. A sailor, anxious to acquire a view of the scene of action, after all + his exertion to push his way through the crowd had proved fruitless, resorted to the + nautical expedient of climbing one of the poles which supported a booth directly in + front of the hustings, from the very top of which Jack was enabled to contemplate all + that occurred below. As the orator commenced his speech, his eye fell on the elevated + mariner, whom he had no sooner observed than he rendered his situation applicable to + his own, by stating that "had he but other five hundred voters as <i>upright</i> as + the <i>perpendicular</i> gentleman before him, they would yet place him where + <i>he</i> was—<i>at the head of the pole</i>."</p> + <p>Often were his addresses to his constituents interrupted by the tumult that arose + from the anxiety of the public to get within hearing of him. A person, mounted on + horseback, had penetrated to the very centre of the crowd, with more regard for + himself than consideration towards others, as the animal he rode, affrighted by the + noise, became equally annoying and dangerous to those by whom he was surrounded. The + outcry was excessive, and, while some strove to appease the clamour, others urged + Sheridan to proceed. "Gentlemen," replied he to the latter, "when the <i>chorus of + the horse and his rider</i> is finished, I shall commence."</p> + <p>His good humour was at no time disturbed during the election, although the + observations of his noble Caledonian opponent manifested no amicable disposition + towards the orator. As it terminated, a mutual friend of the rival candidates + expressed a hope that, with the contest, all animosity should cease; and that the + gallant officer should drown the memory of differences in a friendly bottle. "With + all my heart," said Sheridan, "and will thank his lordship to make it <i>a Scotch + pint</i>."</p> + <br /> + + <p>His treatment of Coleridge, the poet, who had submitted a tragedy to his + managerial decision, was wholly unmerited by the author, the success of whose piece + subsequently so well justified the better claims it had on Sheridan's attention. In + the cavern scene, where the silence of the place is presumed to be only broken by the + slow dropping of the water from its vault, Sheridan, in reading it to his friends, + repeated the words of one of the <span class="pagenum"><a id="page69" + name="page69"></a>[pg 69]</span>characters, in a solemn tone, "Drip! drip! drip!" + adding, "Why, here's nothing but <i>dripping</i>:" but the story is told by Coleridge + himself, in the preface to his tragedy, with that good humour and frankness becoming + one sensible of his powers, and conscious that the witty use of an unfortunate + expression (were it such) could but little affect the real and numerous beauties of + the production.</p> + <p>An author, whose comedies, when returned upon his hands, were generally reduced, + by the critical amputation of managers, from the fair proportion of five acts to two, + or even one, with the ordinary suggestion of "<i>necessary alteration</i>," &c. + complained in wrath and bitterness to Sheridan, who, it is said, attempted to console + him, by saying, "Why, my good fellow, what I would advise you is, to present a comedy + of a <i>score</i> of acts, and the devil will be in it if <i>five</i> be not + saved."</p> + <br /> + + <p>I have heard it said, that, at the first performance of <i>The Critic</i>, + Sheridan had adopted, as the representative of Lord Burleigh, an actor whose "looks + profound" accorded with his "ignorance;" but who, until then, had only aspired to the + livery of the theatre—the placing of chairs, or the presentation of a letter; + yet who, in this humble display of histrionic art, generally contrived to commit some + egregious blunder. He was remonstrated with, on his choice, by one of the performers, + who demonstrated the excessive dulness of apprehension of <i>the would-be Minister of + State</i>; and, like other and recent instances in that capacity, his singular + aptitude to error, however simple the part he had to enact, or clear and concise the + instructions with which it might be accompanied. As Sheridan had planned the + character, the face was every thing, and the lengthened, dull, and inexpressive + visage of the subject was too <i>strictly ministerial</i> to be lost; and the author + would, as he said, "defy him to go wrong," Still his friend was sceptical; nor were + his doubts removed by Sheridan's assuring him that the representative of Lord + Burleigh "would have only to look wise, shake his head, and hold his tongue;" and he + so far persisted as to lay a bet with the author that some capital blunder would + nevertheless occur. The wager was accepted, and, in the fulness of his confidence, + Sheridan insisted that the actor should not even rehearse the part, and yet that he + should get through with it satisfactorily to the public and himself on the night of + the first performance. It came. The arbiter of hopes and fears appeared in all the + "bearded majesty" of the age of Elizabeth; and, flattered by the preference of the + great author, had carefully conned over the following instructions:—"Mr. + ——, as Lord Burleigh, will advance from the prompter's + side;—proceed to the front of the stage;—fall back to where Mr. + G—— stands as Sir Christopher Hatton,—shake his head and exit." The + important moment came. With "stately step and slow," Lord Burleigh advanced in face + of the audience. "Capital!" exclaimed the gratified author;—with equal + correctness he retreated to the side of Sir Christopher, without <i>literally falling + back</i>, which Sheridan had for a moment doubted might be the case. "Good! a lucky + escape though." half faltered the anxious poet. "Now! now!" he continued, with eager + delight at having got so far so well; but, what was his horror, when his unlucky + pupil, instead of shaking his <i>own</i> blundering head, in strict but unfortunate + interpretation of his orders, took <i>that</i> of Sir Christopher within his hands, + shook it long and manfully, and then walked off with a look of exultation at having + so exactly complied with his lesson.—<i>New Monthly Magazine</i>.</p> + <br /> + + <h3>WONDERFUL PECULIARITY IN THE ENGLISH CHARACTER!</h3> + <p>The French, however wretched may be their condition, are attached to life, while + the English frequently detest life in the midst of affluence and splendour. English + criminals are not dragged, but run to the place of execution, where they laugh, sing, + cut jokes, insult the spectators; <i>and if no hangman happens to be present, + frequently hang themselves</i>.—<i>Memoirs of Lewis Holberg</i>.</p> + <hr /> + <h3>STANZAS.</h3> + <h4>BY THE AUTHOR OF "FIELD FLOWERS," &C.</h4> + <h4>(<i>For the Mirror</i>.)</h4> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + I smiled, for not a cloud was seen o'er the blue heaven's expanse,<br /> + As summer's myriad insect tribe led on the winged dance;<br /> + The gaudy butterfly was there ranging from flower to flower,<br /> + And by its side the wild bee humm'd amid the woodbine bower.<br /> + <br /> + I sighed, for when I looked again the sky was overcast,<br /> + The summer insect's winged dance was o'er, yet on I past,<br /> + The gaudy butterfly was gone, the bee away had fled,<br /> + While on each fairest, brightest flower the wasteful locust fed.<br /> + <br /> + Yet e'en this simple scene to youth a moral shall convey,<br /> + Since thus full oft misfortune's clouds obscure life's summer ray;<br /> + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page70" name="page70"></a>[pg 70]</span>To-day we + smile, for beauty smiles in all her spring-tide bloom—<br /> + To-morrow sigh, for beauty's bower has now become her tomb!<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>H. B.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>SELECT BIOGRAPHY.</h2> + <h4>No. LVI.</h4> + <hr /> + <h3>GILBERT BURNS.</h3> + <p>Gilbert Burns was born about the year 1760. He was eighteen months younger than + his brother Robert, Scotland's most gifted bard. With him he was early inured to + toil, and rendered familiar with the hardships of the peasant's lot; like him, too, + he was much subject to occasional depression of spirits, and from whatever cause, he + had contracted a similar bend or stoop in the shoulders; his frame, like that of + Robert, was cast in a manly and symmetrical mould. The profile of his countenance + resembled that of his brother, and their phrenological developments are said to have + been not dissimilar; the principal disparity lay in the form and expression of the + eye, which in Gilbert was fixed, sagacious, and steady—in Robert, almost "in a + fine frenzy rolling."</p> + <p>Gibert Burns was the archetype of his father, a very remarkable man; his piety was + equally warm and sincere; and, in all the private relations of life, as an elder of + the church, a husband, a father, a master, and a friend, he was preeminent. His + writings want that variety, originality, and ease, which shine so conspicuously even + in the prose works of the poet; but they have many redeeming points about them. His + taste was as pure as his judgment was masculine. He has been heard to say, that the + two most pleasurable moments of his life were—first, when he read Mackenzie's + story of La Roche, and secondly, when Robert took him apart, at the breakfast or + dinner hour, during harvest, and read to him, while seated on a barley sheaf, his MS. + copy of the far-famed Cotter's "Saturday Night."</p> + <p>When Robert Burns was invited by Dr. Blacklock to visit Edinburgh, Gilbert was + struggling in the unthrifty farm of Mosgiel, and toiling late and early to keep a + house over the heads of his aged mother and unprotected sisters. The poet's success + was the first thing that stemmed the ebbing tide of his fortunes. On settling with + Mr. Creech, in February, 1788, he received, as the profits of his second publication, + about 500l.; and, with that generosity which formed a part of his nature, he + immediately presented Gilbert with nearly half of his whole wealth. Thus succoured, + Gilbert married a Miss Breconridge, and removed to a better farm at Dinning, in + Dumfriesshire. While there, he was recommended to Lady Blantyre, whose estates in + East Lothian he subsequently managed for nearly a quarter of a century. He died at + Grant's Braes, in the neighbourhood of Haddington, on one of the Blantyre farms, on + the 8th of April. He had no fixed complaint; but, for several months preceding his + dissolution, a gradual decay of nature had been apparent. It is probable that his + death was accelerated by severe domestic afflictions; as, on the 4th of January, he + lost a daughter, who had long been the pride of his family hearth; and, on the 26th + of February following, his youngest son, a youth of great promise, died at Edinburgh, + of typhus fever, on the eve of his being licensed for the ministry. Mrs. Burns, who + brought him a family of six sons and five daughters, of whom five sons and one + daughter are living, survivors.</p> + <p>It ought to be mentioned that the two hundred pounds which Robert Burns lent to + his brother, in the year 1788, was not repaid till 1820. Gilbert was far from + affluent; in early life he had to struggle even for existence; and, therefore, to + know that his aged mother and one or two sisters, were properly supported, was, in + the poet's eyes, a full acquittance of all claims. The children of Robert viewed the + subject in the same light. In 1819, Gilbert Burns was invited by Messrs. Cadell and + Davies, to revise a new edition of his brother's works; to supply whatever he found + wanting, and correct whatever he thought amiss. He accepted the invitation; and, by + appending much valuable matter to the late Dr. Currie's biography, he at once + vindicated his brother's memory from many aspersions which had been cast upon it, and + established his own credit as an author. On receiving payment for his labour, the + first thing he did was, to balance accounts, to the uttermost farthing, with the + widow and family of his deceased brother. The letter which accompanied the remittance + of the money was, in the highest degree, creditable to his feelings.</p> + <p><i>Monthly Magazine</i>.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF ALL NATIONS.</h2> + <h4>No. XI.</h4> + <hr /> + <h3>SPORTS OF THE BURMESE.</h3> + <p>Shortly after our arrival at Prome we had an opportunity of witnessing some boxing + and wrestling matches, exercises <span class="pagenum"><a id="page71" + name="page71"></a>[pg 71]</span>which the Burmahs are very fond of, and which they + pride themselves much on excelling in. The challenge is given by stepping to the + front, and with the right hand slapping the left shoulder, at the same time taunting + the opponent in order to excite him; the struggle does not last long, and when ended, + no animosity remains between the parties.</p> + <p>Another amusement of the Burman youth deserves mentioning on account of its + singularity. This is a game at ball, played by six or eight young men, formed in a + circle; the ball is hollow, and made of wicker work; and the art of the game consists + in striking this upwards with the foot, or the leg below the knee. As may be + conceived, no little skill is required to keep the ball constantly in motion; and I + have often been much entertained in watching the efforts made by the players to send + the ball high in the air, so that it should fall within the limits of the ring, when + it is again tossed by the foot of another. The natives of Hindostan are not + acquainted with this game, but it is said to be common amongst the Chinese, Japanese, + and other nations east of the Ganges. But by far the most favourite amusements of the + Burmahs are acting and dancing, accompanied by music, which to my ear appeared very + discordant, although occasionally a few rather pleasing notes might be distinguished. + The principal instrument used in the Burman bands of music is the kiezoop, which is + formed of a number of small gongs, graduated in size and tone on the principle of the + harmonica, and suspended in a circular frame about four feet high and five feet wide; + within which the performer stands, and extracts a succession of soft tones, by + striking on the gongs with two small sticks. Another circular instrument (the + boundah) serves as a bass; it contains an equal number of different-sized drums, on + which the musician strikes with violence, with a view perhaps to weaken the shrill, + discordant notes of a very rude species of flageolet, and of an equally imperfect + kind of trumpet, which are usually played with a total disregard of time, tune, or + harmony. Two or three other instruments, similar in principle to the violin, complete + the orchestra. To Europeans, there was not much to admire in the sounds produced by + these instruments; neither did our music appear to have many charms for the Burmahs, + whom I have seen present at the performance of some of Rossini's most beautiful airs, + and of different martial pieces, by one of our best regimental bands, without + expressing, either by their words or gestures, the least satisfaction at what they + heard.</p> + <p>In condemning, however, the Bunnaa instrumental music generally, I would observe, + that some of the vocal airs have a very pleasing effect when accompanied by the + Patola. This is an instrument made in the fantastic shape of an alligator; the body + of it is hollow, with openings at the back, and three strings only are used, which + are supported by a bridge, as in a violin.</p> + <p>I chanced one day to meet with a young Burman who had been stone blind from his + birth, but who, gifted with great talent for music, used to console himself for his + misfortune by playing on this species of guitar, and accompanying his voice. When I + expressed a wish to hear him perform, he immediately struck out a most brilliant + prelude, and then commenced a song, in a bold tone, the subject of which was a + prophecy that had been current at Rangoon before we arrived. It predicted the + appearance of numerous strangers at that place, and that two-masted ships would sail + up the Irrawaddy, when all trouble and sorrow would cease! Animated by his subject, + his voice gradually became bolder and more spirited, as well as his performance, and + without any hesitation he sung with much facility two or three stanzas composed + extempore.</p> + <p>Changing suddenly from the enthusiastic tone, he commenced a soft plaintive + love-song, and then, after striking the chords for some time in a wild but masterly + manner, retired. I confess I felt much interested in this poor fellow's performance, + he seemed so deeply to feel every note he uttered, particularly at one time, when he + touched upon his own misfortune, that it appeared Providence, in ordaining he should + never see, had endowed him with this "soul-speaking" talent in some measure to + indemnify him.</p> + <p>The Burmahs, generally speaking, are fond of singing, and, in some instances, I + have heard many very good songs. The war-boat song, for example, is remarkably + striking. The recitative of the leading songster, and then the swell of voices when + the boatmen join in chorus, keeping time with their oars, seemed very beautiful when + wafted down the Irrawaddy by the breeze; and the approach of a war-boat might always + be known by the sound of the well-known air.</p> + <p>I have sometimes heard a trio sung in parts by three young girls, with a + correctness of ear and voice which would do credit to others than the self-taught + Burmahs. Many little songs, amongst others that commencing "Tekien, Tekien," were + composed and sung by the Burman fair in compliment to their new and welcome visiters, + the white strangers; but <span class="pagenum"><a id="page72" name="page72"></a>[pg + 72]</span>these, of course, are long since consigned to oblivion, unless they + recollect with pleasure</p> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + —"The grateful breath of song,<br /> + That once was heard in happier hours;"<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>for it is very certain that the Bunnahs considered themselves quite happy, when + enjoying the transient glimpse of liberty, and the advantages of a just government + which were offered them during the short stay of the British army at Prome.</p> + <p>The Burman plays do not appear to be remarkable for the number of their + <i>dramatis personæ</i>. In most there is a prince, a confidant, a buffoon or + two, and a due proportion of female characters, represented by boys dressed in female + attire. The dresses are handsome; and in one which I attended, the dialogue appeared + to be lively and well supported, as far as I can judge from the roars of laughter + which resounded from the Burman part of the audience. One sentimental scene, in which + the loving prince takes leave of his mistress, and another where, after much weeping + and flirtation, she throws herself into his arms, were sufficiently intelligible to + us; but some, in which the jokes of the clown formed the leading feature, were quite + lost upon those who did not understand the language. The place chosen for the + representation was a spot of ground outside of our houses, the heat being very great; + and here a circle was formed of carpets and chairs, lighted by torches dipped in + petroleum, which threw a brilliant flare around, though accompanied by a most + unpleasant odour.</p> + <p>Dancing succeeded, and one or two young women were the performers; like the + Hindostanee Nautch, it merely consisted in throwing the body and arms into numerous + graceful and rather voluptuous postures; at the same time advancing slowly, with a + short steady step, and occasionally changing it for a more lively figure.</p> + <p>All this time the drums, cymbals, and clarionets were unceasing in their + discordant sounds, and, before long, fairly drove me from the field.</p> + <p><i>Two Years in Ava.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>THE NOVELIST.</h2> + <h4>No. CVI.</h4> + <hr /> + <h3>ROSALIE BERTON.</h3> + <p>While passing some time in the south of France, I spent a few days at + S——, a town on the banks of the Loire, situated in that province, which, + from its fertility and beauty, is usually designated the garden of France.</p> + <p>S——, I had been informed, was a place famed alike for its vineyards + and its pretty girls, a coincidence certainly natural, since it fairly may be + supposed, that the sun which ripens the richest fruit in nature, should alike mature + its sweetest flowers, and perfect the beauties and the charms of that sex, which is + literally "like the fair flower in its lustre." As the friend, by whom I was + accompanied, was well known in the place, we were soon introduced to a circle of + respectable families; and among others, to that of Berton, consisting of the father, + mother, and daughter.</p> + <p>Rosalie Berton was the <i>belle</i> of S——, or to borrow the far + prettier French phrase, she was "<i>la perle de ville</i>." And a sweet and lovely + girl she was, as ever the eye of affection hailed with delight. Her charms had + something of a peculiar style and character; for, with the bright black eyes, and + fine dark hair of the south, were united the fair complexion and delicately tinted + cheek of a northern beauty. Her face was of a somewhat more pensive turn than usual, + and her meek, mild features, and soft dark eyes, bore traces of tender feeling and of + gentle thought; while so expressive was her countenance, that it responded, at will, + to her feelings, and the eye and the cheek which were one moment impressed with + melancholy, beamed forth the next with all the warmth of intelligence, affection, or + delight. Her accomplishments were really of a superior kind; she walked with more + than the usual elegance of her country-women, and danced with equal animation and + grace. But her most attractive charm consisted in her voice, which, though not + particularly powerful, had a sweetness and a melody which were perfectly delightful; + so that never methinks have I heard a softer strain, than when that fair girl was + wont to sing to her guitar the simple ballads and sweet romances of her native land. + And her musical talents were enhanced by her gentle, complying disposition, and by + the readiness with which she obeyed every call on her exertions. From her + music-master, who was a native of Italy, she also learnt Italian, which she spoke + with more fluency and correctness than is usual among the French; she drew, moreover, + with considerable taste. So affectionate and so amiable was she, that she deserved + all the encomiums of her friends and even their hyperbolical compliments were + scarcely extravagant when applied to her. She was literally "<i>douce comme un ange, + jolie comme les amours;</i>" and, as the <i>ne plus ultra</i> of merit in France, she + was "<i>tout a fait gentille</i>." She possessed also, considerable <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page73" name="page73"></a>[pg 73]</span>dramatic skill and + tact, and would, I think, have proved a delightful acquisition to the stage, from the + skill she displayed in those little playful scenes, with which the French delight to + embellish life.</p> + <p>We were favoured with a specimen of her talents in this way, on the evening of our + arrival. It was the fête day of madame, the mother of Louise, and we were + invited to be present. After some time passed in taking refreshments, varied by + dancing, conversation, &c., the little ceremony of the evening commenced; the + door opened, and a small but gay procession entered the room. It consisted of several + young persons, all friends of the family, headed by Louise, who was charmingly + dressed, and looked altogether most lovely. She bore her guitar across her bosom, and + the instrument was encircled with a wreath of flowers. Each individual carried some + little offering, such as bottles of wine and liqueurs, conserves and sweetmeats, + flowers and fruit, &c. &c.; and these were placed on the table, the whole + group forming a circle round Rosalie, who advanced to her mother, and sang to the + guitar the well-known verses consecrated to such occasions.</p> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + Madame c'est aujourdhui votre fete,<br /> + C'est aussi celle de nos coeurs;<br /> + A vous chanter chacun s'apprete!<br /> + Et veut vous courouner de fleurs!<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>The lovely girl then loosed the garland from her lyre, placed it with light hand + on the brow of her mother, and sank in a graceful bending attitude to receive her + parent's blessing. She was instantly raised, fondly embraced by both her admiring + parents, and with a repetition of the song, the whole party left the room. The scene + is long past, but I have often recalled it since; and in many an hour of fancy and of + thought, have again beheld that fair girl kneeling to her mother, again beheld her + clasped to that mother's heart. Nor was the above the only instance of her skill, + every day presented some fresh instance of her feeling and of taste.</p> + <p>A <i>plaisanterie</i>, which proved very successful, was arranged as + follows:—We were sitting one evening up stairs, when we were attracted by the + performance of three musicians, who were singing in the <i>cour</i>. The party + consisted of two young men, and a female, who wore a veil; they accompanied their + songs by playing on the guitar; their performance was evidently of a superior + character; the music and the words were Italian, and the voice of the female + performer was eminently sweet and touching. After listening some time with great + delight—</p> + <p>"Go," said I to one of the party, "find Rosalie, and tell her to come and listen + to a better singer than herself, who will give her a <i>lecon de chant</i>."</p> + <p>This was said in the hearing of the foreign songstress, for whom it was intended + as a compliment, while, at the same time, some silver was thrown upon the ground. But + what was our surprise, when the lovely girl threw aside her veil, + exclaiming—</p> + <blockquote> + "He! bien messieurs et dames! vous ne connaissez donc plus votre pauvre Rosalie!" + </blockquote> + <p>Such was one of many pleasantries by which we were diverted and amused. Idle + fancies these indeed, and such as sterner judgments may deem trifling or absurd, yet + not uninteresting, since many of them evidently afford vestiges of classic times and + manners, transmitted through the course of ages; nor unuseful, since they tend to + smooth and adorn the rugged way of life, and to strew its flinty path with + flowers.</p> + <p>With the charms and accomplishments which I have described, (and the sketch can + convey but a faint idea of those which she actually possessed,) it cannot be supposed + that Rosalie was destitute of admirers. She had, indeed, had several, but their suits + were all unsuccessful. She had been addressed in turn by the <i>medecin</i> of the + place—by the son of the President of the Tribunal du Commerce—and by a + nephew to a Monsieur de V——, the seigneur who resided at a neighbouring + château. But they were all, more or less, improper characters; the + <i>medecin</i> was a gamester; the president's son a drunkard, a character utterly + despised in these parts; while the nephew to the seigneur, was actually a <i>mauvais + sujet</i>! What the French precisely understand by a <i>mauvais sujet</i>, I never + could exactly make out; for, when impelled by curiosity to inquire, my queries were + always met by such a volley of vituperation, as left one altogether in the dark with + regard to the real nature of the charge. On the whole, I presume, we are to consider + a <i>mauvais sujet</i> as a culprit, compared with whose transgressions, the several + enormities of gaming, drinking, and the like, sink into mere peccadilloes.</p> + <p>The parents of Rosalie (the parents settle all these matters in France), on + learning the character of their intended sons-in-law, dismissed them one after the + other; and Rosalie acquiesced in their determination with a readiness and a decision, + which did equal honour to her affection and her judgment.</p> + <p>So interesting a girl, however, was not likely to remain long without a suitable + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page74" name="page74"></a>[pg 74]</span>admirer, and she + speedily had another <i>affaire du coeur</i>. A young and handsome <i>militaire</i>, + a sous-lieutenant in the royal guard, aspired to gain her hand, and to replace the + vacancy in her affections.</p> + <p>Henri Vaucouleurs was a fine, tall, dark, martial-looking young man (the French + make fine-looking soldiers), and, with his luxuriant mustachios and the eager glance + of his keen black eye, seemed the very <i>beau ideal</i> of a modern hero. Born at + Mezieres, in the department of Ardennes, he was cradled in the very lap of war, and + was yet a mere boy; when, in the summer of 1813, he joined the corps called the + <i>garde d'honneur</i>. He made the campaign of Germany, and was present in the + battles of Leipzig and of Hanau, in the last of which he received a ball in the right + arm. He shortly, however, resumed his post with the army assembled for the defence of + France, and at the battle of Laon received a severe <i>coup de sabre</i> on his + forehead, the scar of which added much to the martial aspect of his countenance. At + the peace he joined the royal guard, in which corps he still continued. He was really + a very estimable and engaging young man; and possessed more candour, intelligence, + and good sense, than I think I ever witnessed in a military man among the French. His + account of his campaigns was exceedingly modest, unaffected, and intelligent, and his + whole conversation and manner were of a superior character. I remember, he spoke with + great forbearance of the three principal nations among the allies, the Russians, + Prussians, and Austrians; but inveighed, bitterly, against several of the + auxiliaries, who, he said, having received only benefits of the French emperor, + embraced the first opportunity offered by a reverse of fortune, to desert and betray + him. Of Napoleon, he spoke with enthusiasm as a soldier; but with detestation, as an + intoxicated and deluded tyrant, a rash and desperate gamester, who sent forth his + attached and devoted soldiers, to be devoured by the destroying elements, without + provision, or scarcely a thought for their natural and indispensable wants.</p> + <p>Such were the character and pretensions of him who was destined to gain the + affections of Rosalie. At first, he seemed to have but little chance of success. Old + people commonly entertain a prejudice against the character and profession of + military men, and are seldom ambitious of such an alliance for a daughter. The + parents of Rosalie were prepossessed against Henri on account of his calling; and, + though Rosalie herself early entertained an interest in his favour, yet she was too + good and too <i>sage</i> to cherish in herself, or to encourage in her lover, an + attachment which her parents might disapprove. Henri was, however, admitted as a + visiter at the house, and by degrees his amiable manners and correct deportment won, + first on the old lady, and then on the father, till their scruples vanished, and, + indeed, they wondered they could ever have entertained any against so estimable a + young man and an officer. He was thus speedily received as the lover of Rosalie, and + about the time of my visit was installed in all the privileges of a <i>bon ami</i>. + He was equally accomplished with herself; spoke German fluently, Italian passably + well, and was an excellent performer on the flute and the guitar; so that he was a + fit companion for his charming intended, and was able to assist in those refined and + elegant recreations, in which she also excelled.</p> + <p><i>(To be concluded in our next.)</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNALS</h2> + <hr /> + <h3>DOZING.</h3> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + "Dozing very much delights." + </blockquote> + <p>Our corporeal machinery requires an occasional relaxation, as much as the steam + engine does the application of oil to its divers springs; and, after a <i>bonâ + fide</i> slumber, we rise with a freshness equal to that of flowers in the best + regulated flower-pots. But dozing must not be confounded with legitimate sleep, + though frequently tending to the same purpose; it may be termed an embryo slumber, + that entertaineth the body with the most quiescent gentleness, acting on our senses + as a sort of mental warm bath; till, finally, the "material man" himself luxuriates + in tepidity.</p> + <p>Nothing can be more ungodly than to enter the church with an express purpose of + dozing there. Arm-chairs, sofas, and beds are the legitimate places for dozers. But + there is no accounting for that conquering spirit of all-besetting drowsiness that + attacks us at sundry times and places. It is in vain that we lengthen our limbs into + an awakening stretch—that we yawn with the expressive suavity of yawning no + more—that we dislocate our knuckle bones, and ruffle the symmetry of our + visage, with a manual application; like the cleft blaze of a candle, drowsiness + returns again. Well, then, what manner of reader is he that hath never sinned by + drowsing in church time? Let him read <span class="pagenum"><a id="page75" + name="page75"></a>[pg 75]</span>on; and I'll realize by description what he has + realized by endurance.</p> + <p>It is after the embodying of a good dinner with ourselves, that doziness is most + tempting. You have dined at four o'clock to-day. Well, that's a decent Sabbatical + hour. After due potations of wine, coffee, &c. your gratitude is awakened; and, + like a good Christian, you arrange your beaver, and walk off steadily to church. Now, + remember, I give you full credit for your wish to exhibit your external + holiness—that you are indeed conscious of the reverence that should accompany + all your engagements in the fane of the Deity; and yet I prognosticate that if the + Rev. Nabob Narcotic happen to preach this evening, you will, of a surety, + doze—infallibly doze—in the midst of his sermon!</p> + <p>'Tis a summer month, and the very church windows seem labouring with a fit + perspiration. Horribly boring—isn't it? How your hat clings to your moistened + forehead, and the warm gloves droop from your fingers, like roasting chicken! Get as + much room as possible; tenderly pass little miss there, and her unbreeched brother, + over to their smiling mamma. Now you have the balmy corner to yourself! "Psalms," + first lesson—second ditto—prayers—thanksgivings—all + reverently attended to; there is a little dreaminess settling on your lids—your + lips begin to close with languor; but you have not dozed. Let's hear the sermon. You + are seated with tolerable erectness; and, judging from the steady determination of + your eyebrows, one would imagine that your eyes would be open for the whole of the + discourse. But, alas! 'tis Mr. Narcotic, whose spectacled nose is just verging above + the crimson horizon of his pulpit.—"Awake, thou that sleepest!" Why, the text + is quite opposed to DOZINESS! But what of this, if the preacher be addicted to + drawling, the weather unobligingly sultry, and you yourself have gradually been + dwindling from an uncongenial state of wakefulness into a sleepy calm? 'Tis too much + for beldame Nature, believe me!</p> + <p>I perceive that you have rubbed the bridge of your nose several times—that + you have tried to swell forth your eyes with a full round stare at the parson; but + your stoicism "profiteth nothing." The sermon is irreligiously long; and you are + nodding—in a doze! Whether there be much pleasure in a church doze, I am not + presuming enough to determine. For myself, I have found nothing more tantalizing than + the endeavour to restrain from an occasioned doze during church time. After a certain + period, I have perceived the parson diminishing, like a phantasmagoric + image—all the ladies' black bonnets sinking away, like a cluster of + clouds—and (shame on the confession!) I have performed head worship to the + front of my seat, instead of keeping an immovable post-like position, before his + reverence. However, a church doze is seldom admired by the wakeful. Should an embryo + snore escape from one's nose (and this is possible,) some old grandam, or an upright + piece of masculine sanctity, is sure to rouse you; the former will either <i>hem</i> + you into awakening shame, or drop her prayer-book on the floor; the latter will most + likely thump the same with the imperative tip of his boot. How horridly stupid one + seems after being aroused! The woman eyes you with the most piquant, self-justifying + sneer possible; while all her little IMMACULATES, if she have any, look at you like + so many hissing young turkey cocks; and as for the man—bless his + holiness!—he'd frown you down to Hades at once.</p> + <p>"My heart leaps up" when I behold a stage coach—that snug, panel painted, + comfortable wheel-whirling "thing of life." O ye days of juvenilian + sensibilities—ye eye-feeding, heart-rising scenes of remembered + felicity!—how glorious was the coach at the school door! The whip—Ajax + <i>Mastigoferos</i> never had such a powerful one as the modern Jehu! The spokes of + the wheels—they were handled with admiring fingers! That Jupiter-like throne, + the coach-box—who would not have risked his neck to have been seated on it? + When all was "right," how eloquent the lip-music of coachee! how fine the + introductory frisks of the horses' tails, and the arching plunge of the + fore-foot—no rainbow-curve ever was so beauteous! "Oh, happy days! who would + not be a boy again?" But away with my puerilities. I intend the reader to take a doze + in that comfortable repository for the person—the inside of a coach.</p> + <p>With all the reckless simplicity of boyhood, I maintain that travelling by coach + is by no means the least of our sublunary pleasures. Man is a <i>wheelable</i> animal + as well as walking one. Winter is the time for a nice inside jaunt. What divine + evaporations from the coachman's muzzle! What a joyous creak in the down-flying + steps!—and, oh! that comfortable alertness with which we deposit ourselves in + the padded corner, and fold our coatflaps over our knees, glance at the frosty steam + of the window; and then, quite <i>à la Tityre</i>, repose our recumbent bodies + at our ease! Such moments as these are snatches of indefinable <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page76" name="page76"></a>[pg 76]</span>bliss. It would appear + probable, that a coach was a very inconvenient place for a doze; the attendant + bustle, the whip-smacks, bickering wheels, and untranquillizing jolts—</p> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + "Like angels' visits, few and far between,"—<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>are not calculated for sleepiness. Notwithstanding these correlative + interruptions, a doze in the coach is by no means uncommon, even in the daytime. Let + us examine this a little more intellectually.</p> + <p>Suppose a man is returning to his friends, with a mind composed, and "all his + business settled." (By-the-by, how vastly comprehensive this speech is!) Suppose he + has entered the coach about four in the afternoon, and, by rare luck, finds he is, + for the present, the only inside passenger. Such a man, I say, will be likely to doze + before twenty miles have run under the coach-wheels—speaking + <i>Hibernicè</i>. For the last half-hour, he will be thinking of + himself—how many commissions he has performed—how many he has left + undone—and how many he intends to do. The next, he will probably give to his + home attractions—his anxious wife, sat musingly round the tea-table—his + favourite son George (so like his father)—and all the nine hundred and + ninety-nine pretty nothings we hear of, after a brief absence. These will send his + heart a long way from the coach, and therefore keep him in the full enjoyment of + wakefulness. But this train of delectable musing is by no means exhaustless. The roll + of the wheels gradually becomes naturalized to the ear, and the body moves in + sympathy with the coach; the road gets very monotonously barren; the lounge in the + corner—how suitable then to this solitary languor! Lulled here, the traveller + for awhile admires the leathern trappings of the coach, hums a tune perhaps, and + affects a dubious whistle. Meantime the operations of <i>doziness</i> have been + gently applying themselves. His eye is sated with the road and the coach; his hands + become stationary on his lap; his feet supinely rested on the opposite seat; his head + instinctively motions to the corner—and he dozes! A doze in the coach is the + flower of dozes, when you are alone. There, you may twist your person into any shape + you please, without the fear of discomposing a silken dress, or a nursemaid's + petticoats. No boisterous arguments from snuff-taking sexagenarians: all is placid + —Eden-like—just as a dozer's <i>sanctorum</i> ought to be! The only thing + attendant on the doze of an inside passenger, is the great chance of being suddenly + aroused by the entrance of company. O tell me, ye of the fine nerve, what is more + vexing than to be startled from your nest by the creaking slam of the steps, the + bleak winter gales galloping along your face, and a whole bundle of human beings + pushing themselves into your retreat! There is no rose without its thorn, as myriads + have said before me:—</p> + <blockquote> + ——"O beate Sexti,<br /> + Vitæ summa brevis SPEM nos vetat inchoare LONGAM!"<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>Not all the morose sarcasms of Johnson, on the pleasures of rural life, have ever + weakened my capability for enjoying it at convenient intervals. His antipathy to the + country resembled his contempt for blank-verse—<i>he</i> could not enjoy it. I + have now moped away a considerable number of months in this city of all + things—this—this London. "Well?" Pray restrain yourself, reader; I am + coming to the point in due season. During my metropolitan existence—although I + am neither a tailor, nor any trade, nor anything exactly—I have never beheld a + downright intellectual-looking blade of grass. I mean much by an intellectual blade + of grass. The Londoners—poor conceited creatures!—have denominated sundry + portions of their Babylon "fields." But—I ask it in all the honest pride of + sheer ignorance—is there the ghost even of a bit of grass to be seen in many of + them? I cannot easily forget my vexation, when, after a tedious walk to one of those + misnomered "fields," I found nothing but a weather-beaten, muggy, smoky assemblage of + houses of all sizes, circumscribed by appropriate filth and abundant cabbage-stumps. + Innocent of London quackeries, I strolled forth with the full hope of laying me down + on a velvet carpet of grass—the birds carolling around me—and, perchance, + a flock of lambkins, tunefully baying to their mammas!! "Said I to myself," when I + reached these fields, "what a fool I am!" I had contemplated a doze on the grass.</p> + <p>But leaving all thoughts of disappointment, who will not allow that there is + something exceedingly delightful in dozing calmly beneath the shade of an + o'er-arching tree?</p> + <blockquote> + ——"recubans sub tegmine fagi."<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>Of course, the weather should be fine, to admit of this luxurious idleness. Let + the blue-bosomed clouds be sailing along, like Peter Bell's boat; let the sunbeams be + gilding the face of nature, and tinging the landscape with multiform hues; let the + breezes be gentle, the spot retired, <span class="pagenum"><a id="page77" + name="page77"></a>[pg 77]</span>and the heart at ease. Now, go and stretch yourself + on the grassy couch, while the branches of an aged tree shadow forth the imaged + leaves around you. What a congenial situation for philosophy—under an old tree, + on a sunny summer day! How much more becoming than the immortal tub of the + sour-minded Diogenes? Who will be able to refrain from philosophizing. I repeat it, + beneath such an old tree? 'Tis at such times that the heart spontaneously unbends + itself—that the fancy tranquillizes its thoughts—and that memory awakens + her</p> + <blockquote> + ——"treasured pictures of a thousand scenes."<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>Place the palms of your hands beneath your pole, and survey the skies!—calm, + beautifully unconscious! By-gone times, and by-gone friends—the thousand + commingling scenes of varied life—how they all recur to you now! You fancy you + could lie beneath the tree for eternity—so soothing is the employment of doing + nothing—or field philosophy! Yet, to speak correctly, you are doing a great + deal; your imagination is flying in all directions—from the death of Caesar to + the last cup of Congou that you took with a regretted friend. What a mystery your + existence is! The world turns round as gently as ever; the flowers bud into life; and + the winter nips them. Man lives, thinks, and dies. All very wondrous truisms. Well, + after a half-hour—or perchance more—you will be gradually relapsing into + a state of soporific nothing-at-all-ness (the best word I can find to express my + meaning.) May there be some clear little stream just behind you, laughing along its + idle way;—some chirping birds, singing their roundelay—some buzzing + flies—you will then be lulled into doziness. However, with or without the + purling murmur of the brook—the joyous warbling of the birds—the busy + bustling flies—you will not be able to resist the dozing temptations that will + steal over you. Your eyes will close gently as flower-leaflets—your thoughts + die away in a heavenly confusion—and then you doze!—neither sleeping nor + waking, but absolved in delicious dreaminess! O, for such a doze!—<i>Monthly + Magazine</i>.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>THE SELECTOR,<br /> + AND LITERARY NOTICES OF NEW WORKS.</h2> + <hr /> + <h3>THE CHINESE ALMANAC.</h3> + <p>Notwithstanding the aversion of the Chinese to the profession of the Roman + Catholic religion, which has been shown, first by persecuting, and then by expelling + the Jesuits from the empire, the Chinese government is, however, obliged to keep at + least some missionaries at Pekin to compile the almanac. While astrology has led in + other nations to the study of astronomy, the Chinese, though they have studied + astrology for some thousand years, have made no progress in the real knowledge of the + stars. Their ancient boasted observations, and the instruments which they make use + of, were brought by the learned men, whom Koubilaï, the grandson of Gingis Khan, + had invited from Balk and Samarcand. The government, at present, considers the + publication of an annual calendar of the first importance and utility. It must do + every thing in its power, not only to point out to its numerous subjects the + distribution of the seasons, the knowledge of which is essentially necessary to them, + to arrange the manner of gaining their livelihood, and distributing their labour; but + on account of the general superstition, it must mark in the almanac, the lucky and + unlucky days, the best days for being married, for undertaking a journey, for making + their dresses, for buying, or building, for presenting petitions to the emperor, and + for many other cases of ordinary life. By this means, the government keeps the people + within the limits of humble obedience; it is for this reason that the emperors of + China established the academy of astronomy, but we must not expect to find men really + acquainted with that science. When this illustrious body, composed of Mantchoos, and + in which Europeans, though subordinate, are the most active, condescended to look at + the planetarium, which was among the presents which the king of England sent to the + emperor of China by lord Macartney, Mr. Barrow was not able to make the president of + this learned society understand the real merit of that instrument. Besides, how + should a people be able to comprehend astronomy, to know the position of the heavenly + bodies, and determine the orbits of the planets, while it is ignorant of the elements + of mathematics, and makes its calculations by the help of vertical arithmetical + tables, like those used by the shop-keepers in Russia, and who are ignorant both of + analysis and geometry?—<i>Timkowski's Mission to China</i>.</p> + <hr /> + <h3>COMPARISON OF THE FRENCH AND ENGLISH.</h3> + <p>The following are points of comparison which may be remarked in the characters + <span class="pagenum"><a id="page78" name="page78"></a>[pg 78]</span>of the French + and English. The French are great talkers, the English great thinkers; the former + excel in vivacity, the latter in solidity of intellect. The French dress with + splendour, the English with neatness; the French live almost exclusively on bread, + the English on meat. Both are passionate; but it is the blood which rouses the + passion of a Frenchman, and the bile which exasperates an Englishman. The anger of a + Frenchman is more violent, that of an Englishman more pertinacious. A Frenchman + spends his money on his clothes, an Englishman on his belly. A Frenchman follows the + stream, an Englishman delights in struggling against it. The friendships of the + French are quickly formed, and as quickly dissolved; those of the English are formed + slowly, and as slowly relinquished. The French respect their superiors, the English + respect themselves; the former are better citizens, the latter better men. The mental + endowments of the French are of a more refined, those of the English of a loftier, + character. The French practise virtue for the sake of reputation, and seek the reward + of meritorious actions in popular applause; the English practise it for its own sake, + and seek no reward but that which springs from the consciousness of rectitude. There + is the same relative difference in their vices as in their virtues. Both commit + crimes; the French from the love of gain, the desire of vengeance or similar motives; + but the English are often criminal for the mere sake of committing crime. The French, + like the people of other countries, often commit crimes in the hope of escaping + punishment, but the English frequently commit crimes because they know they cannot + escape unpunished; so that the very severity of the law, which deters others from + crime, often operates as an additional stimulus on the English for the commission of + offences, "I would commit this offence," exclaims the Frenchman, "if the law + permitted it." "I would not commit this offence, if it were not prohibited by law," + is frequently the language of the Englishman.—<i>Memoirs of Lewis + Holberg</i>.</p> + <hr /> + <h3>LEAVES AND FLOWERS, OR THE LOVER'S WREATH.</h3> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + With tender vine-leaves wreathe thy brow,<br /> + And I shall fancy that I see,<br /> + In the bright eye that laughs below,<br /> + The dark grape on its parent tree.<br /> + 'Tis but a whim—but, oh! entwine<br /> + Thy brow with this green wreath of mine.<br /> + <br /> + Weave of the clover-leaves a wreath,<br /> + Fresh sparkling with a summer-shower,<br /> + And I shall, in my fair one's breath,<br /> + Find the soft fragrance of the flower.<br /> + 'Tis but a whim—but, oh! do thou<br /> + Twine the dark leaves around thy brow.<br /> + <br /> + Oh, let sweet-leaved geranium be<br /> + Entwined amidst thy clustering hair,<br /> + Whilst thy red lips shall paint to me,<br /> + How bright its scarlet blossoms are.<br /> + 'Tis but a whim—but, oh! do thou<br /> + Crown with my wreath thy blushing brow.<br /> + <br /> + Oh, twine young rose-leaves round thy head,<br /> + And I shall deem the flowers are there,—<br /> + The red rose on thy rich cheek spread,<br /> + The white upon thy forehead fair.<br /> + 'Tis but a whim—but, oh! entwine<br /> + My wreath round that dear brow of thine.<br /> + </blockquote> + <p><i>The Draught of Immortality, &c.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>ARTS AND SCIENCE</h2> + <hr /> + <h3>FLATTENING OF THE EARTH.</h3> + <p>At the Academy of Sciences at Paris, a memoir was read by Captain Duperrey, on the + experiments made with the invariable pendulum, during the voyage of the + <i>Coquille</i> round the world. He states that various experiments confirmed the + fact of the flattening of the terrestrial globe, conjectured by several travellers, + who had remarked that the number of oscillations which the pendulum made at certain + places, differed from what had been observed in the extent of the same parallel. The + principal anomalies observed by Captain Duperrey were at the Isle of France, Mons, + Guam, and the Island of Ascension. At the Isle of France, the invariable pendulum (as + had been remarked by M. Freycinet) made in one day, upon an average, thirteen or + fourteen oscillations more than it ought, supposing the depression to be 1.305, + according to the lunar theory. At Ascension, the acceleration, as noticed by Captain + Sabine, was five or six oscillations, even supposing the depression to be 1.228. At + other stations the difference was almost nothing; and in some, the motion of the + pendulum was retarded. Such differences, Captain Duperry remarks, between the results + of experiment and those given by theory, cannot be attributed to errors of + observation. He is disposed to refer the cause of the phenomena, with Captain Sabine, + to the want of homogeneousness in the earth, considered as a mass, or to the mere + variations of density in the superficial strata. What tends to confirm this + hypothesis, he says, is, that all observations show that an acceleration of the + pendulum generally takes place on volcanic ground <span class="pagenum"><a + id="page79" name="page79"></a>[pg 79]</span>and a retardation on such as is sandy and + argillaceous. A very important question to ascertain is, whether the flattening is + exactly the same in both hemispheres. From the observations of Captains Duperrey and + Freycinet, it appears that in the southern hemisphere it is 1.291, and in the + northern 1.288; that is to say, it is sensibly the same, or 1.290 in both.</p> + <hr /> + <h3>HABITS OF PLANTS.</h3> + <p>The following curious observations on the habits of plants, were made by General + Walker, in his address to the Agricultural Society of St. Helena, in February + last:—"The functions of plants, as well as of animals, depend upon the air in + which they live. I have observed that those of St. Helena, which have been brought + from another hemisphere, are very irregular in their annual progress; many of them, + in the development of their foliage, have adopted the law of nature peculiar to the + country into which they have been transplanted. Others, more obstinate, remain + faithful to their own habits, and continue to follow the stated changes to which they + had been accustomed. They all appear to maintain a struggle either before they adopt + the habits which belong to the seasons of their new country, or decide on retaining + their relations with the old. In yielding to external circumstances, they appear to + have different tempers. This appearance of contention is often observed in plants of + the same species; they seem to hesitate and deliberate, ere they adopt the mode of + performing the functions of life. At length when the decision is made, apparently not + without pain and effort, we are at a loss to discover an adequate cause. An oak, for + instance, which loses its leaves in a St. Helena winter of 68 degrees, scarcely + experiences the difference of temperature, which, reasoning by analogy, could cause + that change. It would have continued to maintain inflexibility, in its original + climate, its old habits, though exposed to far greater irregularity and severity of + climate. But though the law is obeyed by many plants, it does not determine the + periodical changes of the whole, nor do they all submit to it with equal readiness + and regularity. It would add, I conceive, to the natural history of vegetation, and + improve our knowledge of the geography of plants, were the facts concerning their + habits and changes, under different temperatures, carefully collected."</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>MISCELLANIES.</h2> + <hr /> + <h3>HUMAN CREDULITY.</h3> + <p>The wonderful miracles wrought by Bridget Bostock, of Cheshire, who healed all + diseases by prayer, faith, and an embrocation of fasting spittle, induced multitudes + to resort to her from all parts of the country, and kept her salival glands in full + employ. Sir John Pryce, with a high spirit of enthusiasm, wrote to this woman to make + him a visit at Newton Hall, in order to restore to him his third, a favourite, wife. + His letter will best tell the foundation on which he built his strange hope, and + every uncommon request.</p> + <blockquote> + <p><i>To Mrs. Bridget Bostock.</i></p> + <p>Madam,—Having received information, by repeated advices, both public and + private, that you have of late performed many wonderful cures, even where the best + physicians have failed; and that the means used appear to be very inadequate to the + effect produced; I cannot but look upon you as an extraordinary and highly favoured + person. And why may not the same most merciful God, who enables you to restore + sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and strength to the same, also enable you + to raise the dead to life? Now, having lately lost a wife, whom I most tenderly + loved, my children a most excellent step-mother, and our acquaintances a most dear + and valuable friend, you will lay us all under the highest obligations; and I + earnestly entreat you, for God Almighty's sake, that you will put up your petitions + to the Throne of Grace on our behalf, that the deceased may be restored to us, and + the late dame Eleanor Pryce be raised from the dead. If your personal attendance + appears to you to be necessary, I will send my coach and six, with proper servants + to wait on you hither, whenever you please to appoint. Recompense of any kind that + you may please to propose would be made with the utmost gratitude; but I wish the + bare mention of it is not offensive to both God and you.</p> + <p>I am, madam,</p> + <p>Your most obedient, and very much afflicted, humble servant,</p> + <p>JOHN PRYCE.</p> + </blockquote> + <h3>THEOLOGICAL WIT.</h3> + <p>The late Rev. Thomas Toller, an eminent dissenting minister, (joint preacher with + the celebrated Dr. James Fordyce, at Monkwell-street,) resided many years in the + Lower-street, Islington. One day, when he got into the stage to come to <span + class="pagenum"><a id="page80" name="page80"></a>[pg 80]</span>London, he met with + two ladies of his acquaintance, and a loquacious young Irishman, who was very + obtrusive with his "would-be wit" to the females. The coachman soon stopped to take + up another passenger, who, Dutchman-like, was "<i>slow to make haste</i>." A young + dog, being confined in the neighbourhood, bewailed its loss of liberty, by making an + hideous noise; which all the party agreed was very disagreeable. The Hibernian, + desirous to display his wit, and to <i>quiz</i> the parson, said, "The animal was so + unpleasantly noisy, it must be a presbyterian <i>dog</i>." Mr. Toller calmly, but + with much apparent confidence, said, "I am sure it is an Irish dog."—"How do + you know that?" exclaimed the astonished young man with eagerness.—"I know it, + sir," (replied the divine,) "by its impudence and its howl." This seasonable retort + cured the garrulity of the patient, and gave him a locked-jaw till the stage arrived + at the Royal Exchange.</p> + <h3>RAMSDEN THE OPTICIAN.</h3> + <p>It was his custom, to retire in the evening to what he considered the most + comfortable corner in the house, and take his seat close, to the kitchen fireside, in + order to draw some plan for the forming a new instrument, or scheme for the + improvement of one already made. There, with his drawing implements on the table + before him, a cat sitting on the one side, and a certain portion of bread, butter, + and a small mug of porter placed on the other side, while four or five apprentices + commonly made up the circle, he amused himself with either whistling the favourite + air, or sometimes singing the old ballad of</p> + <blockquote class="poetry"> + "If she is not so true to me,<br /> + What care I to whom she be?<br /> + What care I, what care I, to whom she be!"<br /> + </blockquote> + <p>and appeared, in this domestic group, contentedly happy. When he occasionally sent + for a workman, to give him necessary directions concerning what he wished to have + done, he first showed the recent finished plan, then explained the different parts of + it, and generally concluded by saying, with the greatest good humour, "Now see, man, + let us try to find fault with it;" and thus, by putting two heads together, to + scrutinize his own performance, some alteration was probably made for the better. + But, whatever expense an instrument had cost in forming, if it did not fully answer + the intended design, he would immediately say, after a little examination of the + work, "Bobs, man! this won't do, we must have at it again;" and then the whole of + that was put aside, and a new instrument, begun. By means of such perseverance, he + succeeded in bringing various mathematical, philosophical, and astronomical + instruments to perfection. The large theodolite for terrestrial measurements, and the + equal altitude instrument for astronomy, will always be monuments of his fertile, + penetrating, arduous, superior genius! There cannot be a lover (especially of this + more difficult part) of philosophy, in any quarter of the globe, but must admire the + abilities, and respect the memory, of Jesse Ramsden—<i>Practical Observations + on Telescopes</i>.</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <h2>THE GATHERER.</h2> + <blockquote> + "I am but a <i>Gatherer</i> and disposer of other men's + stuff."—<i>Wotton</i>. + </blockquote> + <hr /> + <p>Mr. Kelly, in his "Reminiscences," relates, that in 1792 he was walking in the + Place Vendome with two Irish gentlemen, a Colonel Stark Macarthy and a Captain Fagan, + the latter possessing "a vast portion of the ready wit of his country." Coming to the + celebrated statue of Victory holding the laurel crown over the head of Louis XIV., a + French officer was enumerating the splendid achievements of that heroic king, and + particularly desired us to observe the attitude of the figure of Victory. "Pray, + sir," said Fagan, "may I take the liberty of asking the question—Is Victory + putting the laurel on his majesty's head, or taking it off?" The question puzzled the + Frenchman, and made us laugh heartily.</p> + <hr /> + <p>Parr carried his compassion towards the inferior tribes so far, that two or three + hares found a secure asylum for nearly two years in his garden at Hatton. He said + that they were his clients, for they had placed themselves under his protection. He + gave strict orders that they should not be shot. "It would be a gross violation," he + said, "of a tacit covenant of hospitality."</p> + <hr /> + <p>A few months since, a noble marquis bespoke a play at a country theatre, the + representation of which Mr. Canning, prime minister, honoured with his presence. The + boxes and other parts of the house were crammed, with the exception of the pit, which + looked beggarly; on which an actor observed to a brother of the sock, "We've no + <i>pit</i> to-night."—"No <i>Pitt</i>!" rejoined the other, "and none we want + while we have a <i>Canning!</i>"</p> + <hr class="full" /> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote1" name="footnote1"></a> <b>Footnote 1</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag1">(return)</a> + <p>I should feel highly obliged if any of your valuable correspondents would favour + me, through the medium of the MIRROR, with the name of the noble to whom the above + arms appertained.</p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote2" name="footnote2"></a> <b>Footnote 2</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag2">(return)</a> + <p>The remaining part was left to Lady Thornhill, who lived several years with her + son-in-law after the death of Sir James.</p> + </blockquote> + <blockquote class="footnote"> + <a id="footnote3" name="footnote3"></a> <b>Footnote 3</b>: <a + href="#footnotetag3">(return)</a> + <p>Our Royal Academy is <i>now</i> governed precisely on the same principles as is + the French Academy. What would Hogarth have said, had he lived at the present + day?</p> + </blockquote> + <hr class="full" /> + <p><i>Printed and published by J. LIMBIRD, 143, Strand, (near Somerset House,) and + sold by all Newsmen and Booksellers.</i></p> + <hr class="full" /> +<pre> + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK, THE MIRROR OF LITERATURE, AMUSEMENT, AND INSTRUCTION, VOL. 10, ISSUE 266, JULY 28, 1827 *** + +This file should be named 8m26610h.htm or 8m26610h.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, 8m26611h.htm +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, 8m26610ah.htm + + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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