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diff --git a/25193-h/25193-h.htm b/25193-h/25193-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..3d99258 --- /dev/null +++ b/25193-h/25193-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,12124 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"> + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> +<head> + <meta name="generator" content= + "HTML Tidy for Windows (vers 1st July 2004), see www.w3.org" /> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content= + "text/html; charset=iso-8859-1" /> + + <title>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh + Magazine - Volume 54 No. 338, December, 1843 by Various</title> +<style type="text/css"> +/*<![CDATA[ XML blockout */ +<!-- + p { margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; + } + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6 { + text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ + clear: both; + } + hr { width: 33%; + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; + } + + table {margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} + + body{margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + } + + .pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ + /* visibility: hidden; */ + position: absolute; + left: 92%; + font-size: smaller; + text-align: right; + } /* page numbers */ + + .blockquot{margin-left: 5%; margin-right: 10%;} + .center {text-align: center;} + .right {text-align: right;} + .smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + .notes {background-color: #eeeeee; color: #000; padding: .5em; + margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + + .footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} + .footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} + .footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} + .fnanchor {vertical-align: super; font-size: .8em; text-decoration: none;} + + .poem {margin-left:25%; margin-right:10%; text-align: left;} + .poem br {display: none;} + .poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + .poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i2 {display: block; margin-left: 1em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i4 {display: block; margin-left: 2em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i18 {display: block; margin-left: 9em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + .poem span.i6 {display: block; margin-left: 3em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} + + .rspace {padding-right: 10%;} +.lspace {padding-left: 10%;} +.btbb {border-top: 1px solid black; border-bottom: 1px solid black; padding: 6px 0 6px 0;} + + +.transnote { border: 1px dotted black; background-color: #EEE; color: inherit; margin: 2em 10% 1em 10%; font-size: 80%; padding: 0.5em 1em 0.5em 1em;} +.transnote p { text-align: left;} +h4 {font-variant: small-caps; font-weight: normal;} +h1,h2 { margin-top: 5em; } + +/********************************************************* + tables +**********************************************************/ +table { margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left; empty-cells: show; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-top:1em;} +td { padding-right: 2em; text-align: left; margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; vertical-align: top;} +td.number {padding-right: 0; text-align: right;} +td.tocpage {text-align: right; vertical-align: bottom;} +td.toc {text-align: left; vertical-align: top; margin-left: 1em; text-indent: -1em; font-variant: small-caps;} + // --> + /* XML end ]]>*/ +</style> +</head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 54, +No. 338, December 1843, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - Volume 54, No. 338, December 1843 + +Author: Various + +Release Date: April 27, 2008 [EBook #25193] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH *** + + + + +Produced by Brendan OConnor, Patricia Bennett, Jonathan +Ingram and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images +generously made available by The Internet Library of Early +Journals.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + <div class="transnote"> + <h4>Transcriber's Note</h4> + + <p>Minor typos have been corrected. Table of contents has been + generated for HTML version. Footnotes have been moved to the end of + the articles.</p> + </div> + + <h1>BLACKWOOD’S<br /> + EDINBURGH MAGAZINE.</h1> + + <h3><span class="rspace">No. CCCXXXVIII.</span> <span class= + "btbb">DECEMBER, 1843.</span> <span class="lspace">VOL. + LIV.</span></h3> + + <h2>CONTENTS.</h2> + + <div class="center"> + <table summary="table of contents"> + <tr> + <td>LECTURES AT THE ROYAL ACADEMY.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_691">691</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>SOMETHING ABOUT MUSIC.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_709">709</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>THE PURPLE CLOAK; OR, THE RETURN OF SYLOSON TO SAMOS.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_714">714</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>LOVE AND DEATH.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_717">717</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>THE BRIDGE OVER THE THUR.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_717b">717</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>THE BANKING-HOUSE.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_719">719</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>COLLEGE THEATRICALS.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_737">737</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>LINES WRITTEN IN THE ISLE OF BUTE.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_749b">749</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>TRAVELS OF KERIM KHAN.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_753">753</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>NOTES ON A TOUR OF THE DISTURBED DISTRICTS IN WALES.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_766">766</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>ADVENTURES IN TEXAS.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_777">777</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>DEATH FROM THE STING OF A SERPENT.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_798b">798</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>GIFTS OF TÉREK.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_799">799</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>MARSTON; OR, THE MEMOIRS OF A STATESMAN.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_801">801</a></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td> </td> + + <td class="tocpage"> </td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>INDEX TO VOL. LIV.</td> + + <td class="tocpage"><a href="#Page_815">815</a></td> + </tr> + </table> + </div> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_691" id="Page_691">[Pg + 691]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="LECTURES_AT_THE_ROYAL_ACADEMY" id= + "LECTURES_AT_THE_ROYAL_ACADEMY"></a>LECTURES AT THE ROYAL + ACADEMY.</h2> + + <h3>HENRY FUSELI.</h3> + + <p>At a time when the eye of the public is more remarkably, and we + trust more kindly, directed to the Fine Arts, we may do some service + to the good cause, by reverting to those lectures delivered in the + Royal Academy, composed in a spirit of enthusiasm honourable to the + professors, but which kindled little sympathy in an age strangely + dead to the impulses of taste. The works, therefore, which set forth + the principles of art, were not read extensively at the time, and had + little influence beyond the walls within which they were delivered. + Favourable circumstances, in conjunction with their real merit, have + permanently added the discourses of Sir Joshua Reynolds to the + standard literature of our country. They have been transferred from + the artist to the scholar; and so it has happened, that while few of + any pretension to scholarship have not read the "The + Discourses," they have not, as they should have, been + continually in the hands of artists themselves. To awaken a feeling + for this kind of professional reading—yet not so professional + as not to be beneficial—reflectingly upon classical learning; + indeed, we might say, education in general, and therefore more + comprehensive in its scope—we commenced our remarks on the + discourses of Sir Joshua Reynolds, which have appeared in the pages + of Maga. There are now more than symptoms of the departure of that + general apathy which prevailed, when most of the Academy lectures + were delivered. It will be, therefore, a grateful, and may we hope a + useful, task, by occasional notices to make them more generally + known.</p> + + <p>The successors of Reynolds labour under a twofold disadvantage; + they find that he has occupied the very ground they would have taken, + and written so ably and fully upon all that is likely to obtain a + general interest, as to leave a prejudice against further attempts. + Of necessity, there must be, in every work treating of the same + subject, much repetition; and it must require no little ingenuity to + give a novelty and variety, that shall yet be safe, and within the + bounds of the admitted principles of art. On this account, we have no + reason to complain of the lectures of Fuseli, which we now purpose to + notice. Bold and original as the writer is, we find him every where + impressed with a respect for Reynolds, and with a conviction of the + truth of the principles which he had collected and established. If + there be any difference, it is occasionally on the more debatable + ground—particular passages of criticism.</p> + + <p>In the "Introduction," the student is supplied with a + list of the authorities he should consult for the "History and + Progress of his Art." He avoids expatiating on the books purely + elementary—"the van of which is led by Leonardo da Vinci + and Albert <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_692" id="Page_692">[Pg + 692]</a></span> Durer, and the rear by Gherard Lavresse—as the + principles which they detail must be supposed to be already in the + student's possession, or are occasionally interwoven with the + topics of the lectures;" and proceeds "to the historically + critical writers, who consist of all the ancients yet remaining, + Pausanias excepted." Fortunately, there remain a sufficient + number of the monuments of ancient art "to furnish us with their + standard of style;" for the accounts are so contradictory, that + we should have little to rely upon. The works of the ancient artists + are all lost: we must be content with the "hasty compilations of + a warrior," Pliny, or the "incidental remarks of an + orator," (rhetorician,) Quintilian. The former chiefly valuable + when he quotes—for then, as Reynolds observed, "he speaks + the language of an artist:" as in his account of the glazing + method of Apelles; the manner in which Protogenes embodied his + colours; and the term of art <i>circumlitio</i>, by which Nicias gave + "the line of correctness to the models of Praxiteles;" the + foreshortening the bull by Pausias, and throwing his shade on the + crowd—showing a forcible chiaroscuro. "Of Quintilian, + whose information is all relative to style, the tenth chapter of the + XII.th book, a passage on expression in the XI.th, and scattered + fragments of observations analogous to the process of his own art, is + all that we possess; but what he says, though comparatively small in + bulk, with what we have of Pliny, leaves us to wish for more. His + review of the revolutions of style in painting, from Polygnotus to + Apelles, and in sculpture, from Phidias to Lysippus, is succinct and + rapid; but though so rapid and succinct, every word is poised by + characteristic precision, and can only be the result of long and + judicious enquiry, and perhaps even minute examination." Still + less have we scattered in the writings of Cicero, who, "though + he seems to have had little native taste for painting and sculpture, + and even less than he had taste for poetry, had a conception of + nature; and with his usual acumen, comparing the principles of one + art with those of another, frequently scattered useful hints, or made + pertinent observations. For many of these he might probably be + indebted to Hortensius, with whom, though his rival in eloquence, he + lived on terms of familiarity, and who was a man of declared taste, + and one of the first collectors of the time." He speaks somewhat + too slightingly of Pausanias,<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id= + "FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a> + as "the indiscriminate chronicler of legitimate tradition and + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_693" id="Page_693">[Pg + 693]</a></span> legendary trash," considering that he praises + "the scrupulous diligence with which he examined what fell under + his own eye." He recommends to the epic or dramatic artist the + study of the heroics of the elder, and the Eicones or Picture + Galleries of the elder and younger Philostratus.</p> + + <p>"The innumerable hints, maxims, anecdotes, descriptions, + scattered over Lucian, Œlian, Athenćus, Achilles Tatius, Tatian + Pollux, and many more, may be consulted to advantage by the man of + taste and letters, and probably may be neglected without much loss by + the student." "Of modern writers on art Vasari leads the + van; theorist, artist, critic, and biographer, in one. The history of + modern art owes, no doubt, much to Vasari; he leads us from its + cradle to its maturity with the anxious diligence of a nurse; but he + likewise has her derelictions: for more loquacious than ample, and + less discriminating styles than eager to accumulate descriptions, he + is at an early period exhausted by the superlatives lavished on + inferior claims, and forced into frigid rhapsodies and astrologic + nonsense to do justice to the greater. He swears by the divinity of + M. Agnolo. He tells us that he copied every figure of the Capella + Sistina and the stanze of Raffaelle, yet his memory was either so + treacherous, or his rapidity in writing so inconsiderate, that his + account of both is a mere heap of errors and unpardonable confusion, + and one might almost fancy he had never entered the Vatican." He + is less pleased with the "rubbish of his contemporaries, or + followers, from Condior to Ridolfi, and on to Malvasia." All is + little worth "till the appearance of Lanzi, who, in his + 'Storia Pittorica della Italia,' has availed himself of all + the information existing in his time, has corrected most of those who + wrote before him, and, though perhaps not possessed of great + discriminative powers, has accumulated more instructive anecdotes, + rescued more deserving names from oblivion, and opened a wider + prospect of art, than all his predecessors." But for the + valuable notes of Reynolds, the idle pursuit of Du Fresnoy to clothe + the precepts of art in Latin verse, would be useless. "The notes + of Reynolds, treasures of practical observation, place him among + those whom we may read with profit." De Piles and Felibien are + spoken of next, as the teachers of "what may be learned from + precept, founded on prescriptive authority more than on the verdicts + of nature." Of the effects of the system pursued by the French + Academy from such precepts, our author is, perhaps, not undeservedly + severe.</p> + + <p>"About the middle of the last century the German critics, + established at Rome, began to claim the exclusive privilege of + teaching the art, and to form a complete system of antique style. The + verdicts of Mengs and Winkelmann, become the oracles of antiquaries, + dilettanti, and artists, from the Pyrenees to the utmost north of + Europe, have been detailed, and are not without their influence here. + Winkelmann was the parasite of the fragments that fell from the + conversation or the tablets of Mengs—a deep scholar, and better + fitted to comment on a classic than to give lessons on art and style, + he reasoned himself into frigid reveries and Platonic dreams on + beauty. As far as the taste or the instruction of his tutor directed, + he is right when they are; and between his own learning and the + tuition of the other, his history of art delivers a specious system, + and a prodigious number of useful observations." "To him + Germany owes the shackles of her artists, and the narrow limits of + their aim." Had Fuseli lived to have witnessed the + "revival" at Munich, he would have appreciated the efforts + made, and still making, there. He speaks of the works of Mengs with + respect. "The works of Mengs himself are, no doubt, full of the + most useful information, deep observation, and often consummate + criticism. He has traced and distinguished the principles of the + moderns from those of the ancients; and in his comparative view of + the design, colour, composition, and expression of Raffaelle, + Correggio, and Tiziano, with <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_694" + id="Page_694">[Pg 694]</a></span> luminous perspicuity and deep + precision, pointed out the prerogative or inferiority of each. As an + artist, he is an instance of what perseverance, study, experience, + and encouragement can achieve to supply the place of genius." He + then, passing by all English critics preceding Reynolds, with the + petty remark, that "the last is undoubtedly the first," + says—"To compare Reynolds with his predecessors, would + equally disgrace our judgment, and impeach our gratitude. His volumes + can never be consulted without profit, and should never be quitted by + the student's hand but to embody, by exercise, the precepts he + gives and the means he points out." It is useful thus to see + together the authorities which a student should consult, and we have + purposely characterized them as concisely as we could, in our + extracts, which strongly show the peculiar style of Mr Fuseli. If + this introduction was, however, intended for artists, it implies in + them a more advanced education in Greek and Latin literature than + they generally possess. Mr Fuseli was himself an accomplished + scholar. How desirable is it that the arts and general scholarship + should go together! The classics, fully to be enjoyed, require no + small cultivation in art; and as the greater portion of ancient art + is drawn from that source, Greek mythology, and classical history and + literature, such an education would seem to be the very first step in + the acquirements of an artist. We believe that in general they + content themselves with Lempriere's Dictionary; and that rather + for information on subjects they may see already painted, than for + their own use; and thus, for lack of a feeling which only education + can give, a large field of resources is cut off from them. If it be + said that English literature—English classics, will supply the + place, we deny it; for there is not an English classic of value to an + artist, who was not, to his very heart's core, embued with a + knowledge and love of the ancient literature. We might instance but + two, Spenser and Milton—the statute-books of the better English + art—authors whom, we do not hesitate to say, no one can + thoroughly understand or enjoy, who has not far advanced in classical + education. We shall never cease to throw out remarks of this kind, + with the hope that our universities will yet find room to foster the + art within them; satisfied as we are that the advantages would be + immense, both to the art and to the universities. How many would then + pursue pleasures and studies most congenial with their usual + academical education, and, thus occupied, be rescued from pursuits + that too often lead to profligacy and ruin; and sacrifice to + pleasures that cannot last, those which, where once fostered, have + ever been permanent!</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p><a name="FIRST_LECTURE" id="FIRST_LECTURE"></a>The <span class= + 'smcap'>First Lecture</span> is a summary of ancient art—one + rather of research than interest—more calculated to excite the + curiosity of the student than to offer him any profitable + instruction. The general matter is well known to most, who have at + all studied the subject. Nor have we sufficient confidence in any + theory as to the rise and growth of art in Greece, to lay much stress + upon those laid down in this lecture. We doubt if the religion of + Greece ever had that hold upon the feelings of the people, artists, + or their patrons, which is implied in the supposition, that it was an + efficient cause. A people that could listen to the broad farce of + Aristophanes, and witness every sort of contempt thrown upon the + deities they professed to worship, were not likely to seek in + religion the advancement of art; and their licentious + liberty—if liberty it deserved to be called—was of too + watchful a jealousy over greatness of every kind, to suffer genius to + be free and without suspicion. We will not follow the lecturer + through his conjectures on the mechanic processes. It is more curious + than useful to trace back the more perfect art through its + stages—the "Polychrom," the "Monochrom," + the "Monogram," and "Skiagram"—nor from the + pencil to the "cestrum." Polygnotus is said to be the first + who introduced the "essential style;" which consisted in + ascertaining the abstract, the general form, as it is technically + termed the central form. Art under Polygnotus was, however, in a + state of formal "parallelism;" certainly it could boast no + variety of composition. Apollodorus "applied the essential + principles of Polygnotus to the delineation of the species, by + investigating the leading forms that discriminate the various classes + of human qualities and passions." He saw that all men were + connected together by one general form, yet were separated by some + predominant power into classes; "thence he drew his line of + imitation, and <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_695" id= + "Page_695">[Pg 695]</a></span> personified the central form of the + class to which his object belonged, and to which the rest of its + qualities administered, without being absorbed." Zeuxis, from + the essential of Polygnotus and specific discrimination of + Apollodorus, comparing one with the other, formed his ideal style. + Thus are there the three styles—the essential, the + characteristic, the ideal.</p> + + <p>Art was advanced and established under Parrhasius and Timanthes, + and refined under Eupompus, Apelles, Aristides, and Euphranor. + "The correctness of Parrhasius succeeded to the genius of + Zeuxis. He circumscribed the ample style, and by subtle examination + of outline, established that standard of divine and heroic form which + raised him to the authority of a legislator, from whose decisions + there was no appeal. He gave to the divine and heroic character in + painting, what Polycletus had given to the human in sculpture by his + Doryphorus, a canon of proportion. Phidias had discovered in the nod + of the Homeric Jupiter the characteristic of majesty, <i>inclination + of the head</i>. This hinted to him a higher elevation of the neck + behind, a bolder protrusion of the front, and the increased + perpendicular of the profile. To this conception Parrhasius fixed a + maximum; that point from which descends the ultimate line of + celestial beauty, the angle within which moves what is inferior, + beyond which what is portentous. From the head conclude to the + proportions of the neck, the limbs, the extremities; from the Father + to the race of gods; all, the sons of one, Zeus; derived from one + source of tradition, Homer; formed by one artist, Phidias; on him + measured and decided by Parrhasius. In the simplicity of this + principle, adhered to by the succeeding periods, lies the + uninterrupted progress and the unattainable superiority of Grecian + art."</p> + + <p>In speaking of Timanthes as the competitor with Parrhasius, as one + who brought into the art more play of the mind and passions, the + lecturer takes occasion to discuss the often discussed and disputed + propriety of Timanthes, in covering the head of Agamemnon in his + picture of the sacrifice of Iphigenia. He thinks it the more + incumbent on him so to do, as the "late president" had + passed a censure upon Timanthes. Sir Joshua expressed his + <i>doubt</i> only, not his censure absolutely, upon the delivery of + the prize at the Academy for the best picture painted from this + subject. He certainly dissents from bestowing the praise, upon the + supposition of the intention being the avoiding a difficulty. And as + to this point, the well-known authorities of Cicero, Quintilian, + Valerius Maximus, and Pliny, seem to agree. And <i>if</i>, as the + lecturer observes in a note, the painter is made to waste expression + on inferior actors at the expense of a principal one, he is an + improvident spendthrift, not a wise economist. The pertness of + Falconet is unworthy grave criticism and the subject, though it is + quoted by Sir Joshua Reynolds. He assumes that Agamemnon is the + principal figure. Undoubtedly Mr Fuseli is right—Iphigenia is + the principal figure; and it may be fairly admitted, that the + overpowering expression of the grief of the father would have divided + the subject. It might be more properly a separate picture. Art is + limited; nothing should detract from the principal figure, the + principal action—passion. Our sympathy is not called for on + behalf of the father here: the grief of the others in the picture is + the grief in perfect sympathy with Iphigenia; the father would have + been absorbed in his own grief, and his grief would have been an + unsympathetic grief towards Iphigenia. It was his own case that he + felt; and it does appear to us an aggravation of the suffering of + Iphigenia, that, at the moment of her sacrifice, she saw indeed her + father's person, but was never more—and knew she was never + more—to behold his face again. This circumstance alone would + justify Timanthes, but other concurrent reasons may be given. It was + no want of power to express the father's grief, for it is in the + province of art to express every such delineation; but there + <i>is</i> a point of grief that is ill expressed by the countenance + at all; and there is a natural action in such cases for the sufferer + himself to hide his face, as if conscious that it was not in + agreement with his feelings. Such grief is astounding: we look for + the expression of it, and find it not: it is better than receive this + shock to hide the face. We do it naturally; so that here the art of + the painter, that required that his picture should be a whole, and + centre in Iphigenia, was mainly assisted by the proper adoption of + this natural action of Agamemnon. Mr Fuseli, whose criticism + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_696" id="Page_696">[Pg + 696]</a></span> is always acute, and generally just and true, has + well discussed the subject, and properly commented upon the flippancy + of Falconet. After showing the many ways in which the painter might + have expressed the parent's grief, and that none of them would be + <i>decere, pro dignitate, digne</i>, he adds—'But Timanthes + had too true a sense of nature to expose a father's feelings, or + to tear a passion to rags; nor had the Greeks yet learned of Rome to + steel the face. If he made Agamemnon bear his calamity as a man, he + made him also feel it as a man. It became the leader of Greece to + sanction the ceremony with his presence: it did not become the father + to see his daughter beneath the dagger's point: the same nature + that threw a real mantle over the face of Timoleon, when he assisted + at the punishment of his brother, taught Timanthes to throw an + imaginary one over the face of Agamemnon; neither height nor depth, + <i>propriety</i> of expression was his aim.' It is a question + whether Timanthes took the idea from the text of Euripides, or + whether it is his invention, and was borrowed by the dramatist. The + picture must have presented a contrast to that of his rival + Parrhasius, which exhibited the fury of Ajax.</p> + + <p>Whether the invention was or was not the merit of Euripides, + certainly this is not the only instance wherein he has turned it to + dramatic advantage. No dramatist was so distinct a painter as + Euripides; his mind was ever upon picture. He makes Hecuba, in the + dialogue with Agamemnon, say, "Pity me, and, standing apart as + would a painter, look at me, and see what evils I have,"</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + Οιχτειρον + ημας, ως + γραφευς τ + αποοταθεις,<br /> + Ιδα με + χαναθρησον, + οι εχω χαχα. + </div> + + <p>And this Hecuba, when Talthybius comes to require her presence for + the burial of Polyxena, is found lying on the ground, <i>her face + covered</i> with her robe:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + Αυτη πελας + σα, νωτ εχασ + επι χθονι,<br /> + Ταλθυβιε, + κειται + σνγκχλεισμενη + πεπλοις. + </div> + + <p>And in the same play, Polyxena bids Ulysses to cover her head with + a robe, as he leads her away, that she might not see her mother's + grief.</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + Κομιζ, + Οδνσσευ, + μ'αμφιθεις + πεπλοις + χαρα. + </div> + + <p>But in the instance in question, in the Iphigenia, there is one + circumstance that seems to have been overlooked by the critics, which + makes the action of Agamemnon the more expressive, and gives it a + peculiar force: the dramatist takes care to exhibit the more than + common parental and filial love; when asked by Clytemnestra what + would be her last, her dying request, it is instantly, on her + father's account, to avert every feeling of wrath against + him:—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + Πατερα γε + τον εμον μη + στυγει, + ποσιν τε σον. + </div> + + <p>And even when the father covers his face, she is close beside him, + <i>tells him that she is beside him</i>, and her last words are to + comfort him. Now, whether Timanthes took the scene from Euripides or + Euripides from Timanthes, it could not be more powerfully, more + naturally conceived; for this dramatic incident, the tender movement + to his side, and speech of Iphigenia, could not have been imagined, + or at least with little effect, had not the father first covered his + face. Mr Fuseli has collected several instances of attempts something + similar in pictures, particularly by Massaccio, and Raffaelle from + him; and he well remarks—"We must conclude that Nature + herself dictated to him this method, as superior to all he could + express by features; and that he recognized the same dictate in + Massaccio, who can no more be supposed to have been acquainted with + the precedent of Timanthes than Shakspeare with that of Euripides, + when he made Macduff draw his hat over his face." From Timanthes + Mr Fuseli proceeds to eulogize Aristides; whom history records as, in + a peculiar excellence, the painter of the passions of nature. + "Such, history informs us, was the suppliant whose voice you + seemed to hear, such his sick man's half-extinguished eye and + labouring breast, such Byblis expiring in the pangs of love, and, + above all, the half-slain mother shuddering lest the eager babe + should suck the blood from her palsied + nipple."—"Timanthes had marked the limits that + discriminate terror from the excess of horror; Aristides drew the + line that separates it from disgust." Then follows a very just + criticism upon instances in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_697" + id="Page_697">[Pg 697]</a></span> which he considered that Raffaelle + himself and Nicolo Poussin had overstepped the bounds of propriety, + and averted the feelings from their object, by ideas of disgust. In + the group of Raffaelle, a man is removing the child from the breast + of the mother with one hand, while the other is applied to his + nostrils. Poussin, in his plague of the Philistines, has copied the + loathsome action—so, likewise, in another picture, said to be + the plague of Athens, but without much reason so named, in the + collection of J. P. Mills, Esq. Dr Waagen, in his admiration for the + executive part of art, speaks of it as "a very rich masterpiece + of Poussin, in which we are reconciled by his skill to the horrors of + the subject."</p> + + <p>In the commencement of the lecture, there are offered some + definitions of the terms of art, "nature, grace, taste, copy, + imitation, genius, talent." In that of nature, he seems entirely + to agree with Reynolds; that of beauty leaves us pretty much in the + dark in our search for it, "as that harmonious whole of the + human frame, that unison of parts to one end, which enchants us. The + result of the standard set by the great masters of our art, the + ancients, and confirmed by the submissive verdict of modern + imitation." This is unphilosophical, unsatisfactory; nor is that + of grace less so—"that artless balance of motion and + repose, sprung from character, founded on propriety, which neither + falls short of the demands, nor overleaps the modesty of nature. + Applied to execution it means that dexterous power which hides the + means by which it was attained, the difficulties it has + conquered." We humbly suggest, that both parts of this + definition may be found where there is little grace. It is evident + that the lecturer did not subscribe to any theory of lines, as <i>per + se</i> beautiful or graceful, and altogether disregarded + Hogarth's line of beauty. Had Mr Hay's very admirable short + works—his "Theory of Form and + Proportion"—appeared in Mr Fuseli's day, he would have + taken a new view of beauty and grace. By taste, he means not only a + knowledge of what is right in art, but a power to estimate degrees of + excellence, "and by comparison proceeds from justness to + refinement." This, too, we think inadequate to express what we + mean by taste, which appears to us to have something of a sense, + independent of knowledge. Using words in a technical sense, we may + define them to mean what we please, but certainly the words + themselves, "copy" and "imitation," do not mean + very different things. He thinks "precision of eye, and + obedience of hand, are the requisites for copy, without the least + pretence to choice, what to select, what to reject; whilst choice, + directed by judgment or taste, constitutes the essence of imitation, + and alone can raise the most dexterous copyist to the noble rank of + an artist." We do not exactly see how this judgment arises out + of his definition of "taste." But it may be fair to follow + him still closer on this point. "The imitation of the ancients + was, <i>essential</i>, <i>characteristic</i>, <i>ideal</i>. The first + cleared nature of accident, defect, excrescence, (which was in fact + his definition of nature, as so cleared;) the second found the + <i>stamen</i> which connects character with the central form; the + third raised the whole and the parts to the highest degree of + unison." This is rather loose writing, and not very close + reasoning. After all, it may be safer to take words in their common + acceptation; for it is very difficult in a treatise of any length, to + preserve in the mind or memory the precise ideas of given + definitions. "Of genius, I shall speak with reserve; for no word + has been more indiscriminately confounded. By genius, I mean that + power which enlarges the circle of human knowledge, which discovers + new materials of nature, or combines the known with novelty; whilst + talent arranges, cultivates, polishes the discoveries of + genius." Definitions, divisions, and subdivisions, though + intended to make clear, too often entangle the ground unnecessarily, + and keep the mind upon the stretch to remember, when it should only + feel. We think this a fault with Mr Fuseli; it often renders him + obscure, and involves his style of aphorisms in the mystery of a + riddle.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p><a name="SECOND_LECTURE" id="SECOND_LECTURE"></a><span class= + 'smcap'>Second Lecture</span>.—This lecture comprises a + compendious history of modern art; commencing with Massaccio. If + religion gave the impulse to both ancient and modern, so has it + stamped each with the different characters itself assumed. The + conceptions the ancients had of divinity, were the perfection of the + human form; thus form and beauty became godlike. The Christian + religion wore a more spiritual character. In ancient <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_698" id="Page_698">[Pg 698]</a></span> art, + human form and beauty were triumphant; in modern art, the greater + triumph was in humility, in suffering; the religious inspiration was + to be shown in its influence in actions less calculated to display + the powers, the energies of form, than those of mind. Mere external + beauty had its accompanying vices; and it was compelled to lower its + pretensions considerably, submit to correction, and take a more + subordinate part. Thus, if art lost in form it gained in expression, + and thus was really more divine. Art in its revival, passing through + the barbarity of Gothic adventurers, not unencumbered with senseless + superstitions, yet with wondrous rapidity, raised itself to the + noblest conceptions of both purity and magnificence. Sculpture had, + indeed, preceded painting in the works of Ghiberti Donato and + Philippo Brunelleschi, when Massaccio appeared. "He first + perceived that parts are to constitute a whole; that composition + ought to have a centre; expression, truth; and execution, unity. His + line deserves attention, though his subjects led him not to + investigation of form, and the shortness of his life forbade his + extending those elements, which Raffaelle, nearly a century + afterwards, carried to perfection." That great master of + expression did not disdain to borrow from him—as is seen in the + figure of "St Paul preaching at Athens," and that of + "Adam expelled from Paradise." Andrea Mantegna attempted to + improve upon Massaccio, by adding form from study of the antique. Mr + Fuseli considers his "taste too crude, his fancy too grotesque, + and his comprehension too weak, to advert from the parts that + remained to the whole that inspired them; hence, in his figures of + dignity or beauty, we see not only the meagre forms of common models, + but even their defects tacked to ideal torsos." We think, + however, he is deserving of more praise than the lecturer was + disposed to bestow upon him, and that his "triumphs," the + processions, (at Hampton Court,) are not quite justly called "a + copious inventory of classic lumber, swept together with more + industry than taste, but full of valuable materials." Yet when + it is said, that he was "not ignorant of expression," and + that "his Burial of Christ furnished Raffaelle with composition, + and even "some figures and attitudes," the severity of the + opinion seems somewhat mitigated. Luca Signorelli, more indebted to + nature than the study of the antique, "seems to have been the + first who contemplated with a discriminating eye his object; saw what + was accidental, and what essential; balanced light and shade, and + decided the motion of his figures. He foreshortened with equal + boldness and intelligence." It was thought by Vasari, that in + his "Judgment," Michael Angelo had imitated him. At this + period of the "dawn of modern art, Leonardo da Vinci broke forth + with a splendour which distanced former excellence; made up of all + the elements that constitute the essence of genius; favoured by + education and circumstances—all ear, all eye, all grasp; + painter, poet, sculptor, anatomist, architect, engineer, chemist, + machinist, musician, man of science, and sometimes empiric, he laid + hold of every beauty in the enchanted circle, but without exclusive + attachment to one, dismissed in her turn each." "We owe him + chiaroscuro, with all its magic—we owe him caricature, with all + its incongruities." His genius was shown in the design of the + cartoon intended for the council-chamber at Florence, which he + capriciously abandoned, wherein the group of horsemen might fairly + rival the greatness of Michael Angelo himself; and in the well-known + "Last Supper," in the refectory of the Dominicans at Milan, + best known, however, from the copies which remain of it, and the + studies which remain. Fra Bartolomeo, "the last master of this + period, first gave gradation to colour, form and masses to drapery, + and a grave dignity, till then unknown, to execution." His was + the merit of having weaned Raffaelle "from the meanness of + Pietro Perugino, and prepared for the mighty style of Michael Angelo + Buonarotti." Mr Fuseli is inspired by his admiration of that + wonderful man, as painter, sculptor, and architect.</p> + + <p>"Sublimity of conception, grandeur of form, and breadth of + manner, are the elements of Michael Angelo's style. By these + principles, he selected or rejected the objects of imitation. As + painter, as sculptor, as architect, he attempted—and above any + other man, succeeded—to unite magnificence of plan, and endless + variety of subordinate parts, with the utmost simplicity and breadth. + His line is uniformly grand. Character and beauty were <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_699" id="Page_699">[Pg 699]</a></span> + admitted only as far as they could be made subservient to grandeur. + The child, the female, meanness, deformity, were by him + indiscriminately stamped with grandeur. A beggar rose from his hand + the patriarch of poverty; the hump of his dwarf is impressed with + dignity; his women are moulds of generation, his infants teem with + man; his men are a race of giants. This is the 'terribile + via' hinted at by Agostino Caracci; though, perhaps, as little + understood by the Bolognese as by the blindest of his Tuscan adorers, + with Vasari at their head. To give the appearance of perfect ease to + the most perplexing difficulty, was the exclusive power of Michael + Angelo. He is the inventor of epic in painting, in that sublime + circle of the Sistine chapel which exhibits the origin, the progress, + and the final dispensations of theocracy. He has personated motion in + the groups of the cartoon of Pisa; embodied sentiment on the + monuments of St Lorenzo; unraveled the features of meditation in the + prophets and sibyls of the Sistine chapel; and in the 'Last + Judgment,' with every attitude that varies the human body, traced + the master trait of every passion that sways the human heart. Though, + as sculptor, he expressed the character of flesh more perfectly than + all who went before or came after him, yet he never submitted to copy + an individual—Julio the Second only excepted; and in him he + represented the reigning passion rather than the man. In painting, he + contented himself with a negative colour, and as the painter of + mankind, rejected all meretricious ornament. The fabric of St + Peter's scattered into infinity of jarring parts by Bramante and + his successors, he concentrated; suspended the cupola, and to the + most complex, gave the air of the most simple of edifices. Such, take + him for all in all, was Michael Angelo, the salt of art; sometimes, + no doubt, he had his moments of dereliction, deviated into manner, or + perplexed the grandeur of his forms with futile and ostentatious + anatomy; both met with armies of copyists, and it has been his fate + to have been censured for their folly." This studied panegyric + is nevertheless vigorous—emulous as that of Longinus, of + showing the author to be—</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + "Himself, the great sublime he draws." + </div> + + <p>It hurries away the mind of the reader till it kindles a congenial + enthusiasm, we have the more readily given the quotation, as it is + not an unfair specimen of Mr Fuseli's power, both of thought and + language. Our author is scarcely less eloquent in his eulogy of + Raffaelle which follows. He has seized on the points of character of + that great painter very happily. "His composition always hastens + to the most necessary point as its centre, and from that + disseminates, to that leads back, as rays, all secondary ones. Group, + form, and contrast are subordinate to the event, and common-place + ever excluded. His expression, in strict unison with, and inspired by + character; whether calm, agitated, convulsed, or absorbed by the + inspiring passion, unmixed and pure, never contradicts its cause, + equally remote from tameness and grimace: the moment of his choice + never suffers the action to stagnate or expire; it is the moment of + transition, the crisis, big with the past, and pregnant with the + future."</p> + + <p>It is certainly true—the moment generally chosen by + Raffaelle, is not of the action completed, the end—but that in + which it is doing. You instantly acknowledge the power, while your + curiosity is not quenched. For instance, in the cartoon of the + "Beautiful Gate," you see the action at the word is just + breaking into the miracle—the cripple is yet in his distorted + infirmity—but you see near him grace and activity of limb + beautifully displayed, in that mother and running child; and you look + to the perfection which, you feel sure, the miracle will complete. + This is by no means the best instance—it is the case in all his + compositions where a story is to be told. It is this action which, + united with most perfect character and expression, makes the life of + Raffaelle's pictures. We think, however, that even in so summary + a history of art as this, the object of which seems to be to mark the + steps to its perfection, the influence of Pietro Perugino should not + have been omitted. He is often very pure in sentiment, often more + than bordering on grace, and in colour perhaps superior to Raffaelle. + Notwithstanding Mr Fuseli's eulogy of Raffaelle, we doubt if he + fully entered into his highest sentiment. This we may show when we + comment on another lecture. While Rome and Tuscany were thus + fostering the higher principles of art, the fascination <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_700" id="Page_700">[Pg 700]</a></span> of + colour was spreading a new charm to every eye at Venice, from the + pencils of Giorgione, and of Titian. Had not Titian been a colourist, + his genius was not unequal to the great style; perhaps he has + admitted of that style as much as would suit the predominant + character of his colouring. He worked less with chiaroscuro than + colour, which he endowed with all the sentiment of his subject. Mr + Fuseli considers landscape to have originated with Titian.</p> + + <p>"Landscape, whether it be considered as the transcript of a + spot, or the rich combination of congenial objects, or as the scene + of a phenomenon, dates its origin from him:" so of portrait, he + says—"He is the father of portrait painting, of + resemblance with form, character with dignity, and costume with + subordination." The yet wanting charm of art—perfect + harmony, was reserved for Correggio. "The harmony and grace of + Correggio are proverbial; the medium which, by breadth of gradation, + unites two opposite principles, the coalition of light and darkness, + by imperceptible transition, are the element of his style." + "This unison of a whole predominates in all that remains of him, + from the vastness of his cupolas to the smallest of his oil pictures. + The harmony of Correggio, though assisted by exquisite hues, was + entirely independent of colour; his great organ was chiaroscuro in + its most extensive sense—compared with the expanse in which he + floats, the effects of Leonardi da Vinci are little more than the + dying ray of evening, and the concentrated flash of Giorgione + discordant abruptness. The bland, central light of a globe, + imperceptibly gliding through lucid demi-tints into rich reflected + shades, composes the spell of Correggio, and affects us with the soft + emotions of a delicious dream." Here terminates the great, the + primal era. Such were the patriarchs of modern art. Here, it may be + said, terminated the great discoverers. Mr Fuseli pauses here to + observe, that we should consider the characteristic of each of these + painters, not their occasional deviations; for not unfrequently did + Titian rise to the loftiness of conception of Michael Angelo, and + Correggio occasionally "exceeded all competition in expression + in the divine features of his <i>Ecce Homo</i>." If Mr Fuseli + alludes to the <i>Ecce Homo</i> now in our National Gallery, we + cannot go along with him in this praise—but in that picture, + the expression of the true "Mater dolorosa" was never + equaled. Art now proceeds to its period of "Refinement." + The great schools—the Tuscan, the Roman, the Venetian, and the + Lombard—from whatever cause, separated. Michael Angelo lived to + see his great style polluted by Tuscan and Venetian, "as the + ostentatious vehicle of puny conceits and emblematic quibbles, or the + palliative of empty pomp and degraded luxuriance of colour." He + considers Andrea del Sarto to have been his copyer, not his imitator. + Tibaldi seems to have caught somewhat of his mind. As did Sir Joshua, + so does Mr Fuseli mention his Polypheme groping at the mouth of his + cave for Ulysses. He expresses his surprise that Michael Angelo was + unacquainted with the great talent of Tibaldi, but lavished his + assistance on inferior men, Sebastian del Piombo and Daniel of + Volterra. We think he does not do fair justice to the merits of these + undoubtedly great men. We shall have occasion hereafter to notice his + criticism on the great work of Sebastian, in our National Gallery. We + are surprised that he should consider Sebastian del Piombo deficient + in ideal colour, and that the lines of Daniel of Volterra are meagre + and sterile of idea—his celebrated Descent from the Cross being + in its lines, as tending to perfect the composition, and to make full + his great idea, quite extraordinary. Poor Vasari, who can never find + favour with our author, is considered the great depravator of the + style of Michael Angelo.</p> + + <p>At the too early death of Raffaelle, his style fell into gradual + decay. Still Julio Romano, and Polidoro da Carravaggio, + "deserted indeed the standard of their master, but with a + dignity and magnitude of compass which command respect."</p> + + <p>The taste of Julio Romano was not pure enough to detach him from + "deformity and grimace" and "ungenial colour." + Primaticcio and Nicolo dell Abate propagated the style of Julio + Romano on the Gallic side of the Alps, in mythologic and allegoric + works. These frescoes from the Odyssea at Fontainbleau are lost, but + are worthy admiration, though in the feeble etchings of Theodore van + Fulden. The "ideal light and shade, and tremendous breadth of + manner" of Michael <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_701" id= + "Page_701">[Pg 701]</a></span> Angelo Amerigi, surnamed Il Caravaggi, + are next commended. "The aim and style of the Roman school + deserve little further notice here, till the appearance of Nicolo + Poussin." His partiality for the antique mainly affected his + style. "He has left specimens to show that he was sometimes + sublime, and often in the highest degree pathetic." Mr Fuseli + takes occasion, by contrasting "the classic regularity" of + Poussin with the "wildness of Salvator Rosa"—we think + unnecessarily, because there seems to be no true point of comparison, + and unjustly to censure that great, we may say, that original + painter. We have noticed occasionally a capricious dislike in our + author to some artists, for which we are at a loss to account. That + Salvator should "hide by boldness of hand his inability of + exhibiting her (Nature) impassioned," is a sentence that will + scarcely meet with an assenting critic. The wealth and luxury of + Venice soon demanded of art, to sacrifice the modesty of nature to + ostentation. The principle of Titian was, however, followed by + Tintoretto, Bassan, Paul Veronese, and then passed to Velasquez the + Spaniard, in Italy. From him "Rubens and Vandyck attempted to + transplant it to Flanders, France, and England, with unequal + success." The style of Correggio scarcely survived him, for he + had more imitators of parts than followers of the whole. His grace + became elegance under the hand of Parmegiano. "That disengaged + play of delicate forms, the 'saltezza' of the Italians, is + the prerogative of Parmegiano, though nearly always obtained at the + expense of proportion." We cannot agree with the lecturer, that + the Moses of Parmegiano—if he speaks of <i>the</i> Moses + referred to in the Discourses of Sir Joshua, of which Mr Burnet, in + his second edition, has given a plate—loses "the dignity + of the lawgiver in the savage." Such was the state of art to the + foundation of the Eclectic School by the Caracci—an attempt to + unite the excellences of all schools. The principles are perpetuated + in a sonnet by Agostino Caracci. The Caracci were, however, in their + practice above their precepts. Theirs, too, was the school of the + "Naturalists." Ludovico is particularly praised for his + solemnity of hue, most suited to his religious + subjects—"that sober twilight, the air of cloistered + meditation, which you have so often heard recommended as the proper + tone of historic colour." If the recommendation has at our + Academy been often heard, it has entirely lost its influence; our + English school is—with an ignorance of the real object of + colour, or with a very bad taste as to its harmony—running into + an opposite extravagance, destructive of real power, glaring and + distracting where it ought to concentrate through vision the ideas of + the mind. Annibal Caracci had more power of execution, but not the + taste of Agostino. In their immediate scholars, the lecturer seems + little disposed to see fairly their several excellences. They are out + of the view of his bias. They are not Michael Angelesque. His + judgment of Domenichino—a painter who greatly restored the + simplicity and severity of the elder schools, and greatly surpassed + his masters—is an instance of blindness to a power in art which + we would almost call new, that is very strange to see. + "Domenichino, more obedient than the rest to his masters, aimed + at the beauty of the antique, the expression of Raphael, the vigour + of Annibal, the colour of Ludovico; and mixing something of each, + fell short of all." Nor do we think him just with regard to + Guercino, or even at all describing his characteristic style, when he + speaks of his "fierceness of chiaroscuro, and intrepidity of + hand." We readily give up to him "the great but abused + talents of Pietro da Cortona," a painter without sentiment, and + the "fascinating but debauched and empty facility of Luca + Giordano."</p> + + <p>The German schools here come under consideration, which, + simultaneously with those of Italy, and without visible + communication, spread the principles of art. "Towards the + decline of the fifteenth century, the uncouth essays of Martin Schön, + Michael Wolgemuth, and Albrecht Altorfer, were succeeded by the finer + polish and the more dexterous method of Albert Durer." His + well-known figure of "Melancholy" would alone entitle him + to rank. The breadth and power of his wood engravings are worthy of + admiration. Mr Fuseli thinks "his colour went beyond his age, + and as far excelled, in truth and breadth of handling, the oil-colour + of Raphael, as Raphael excels him in every other quality. + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_702" id="Page_702">[Pg + 702]</a></span> His influence was not unfelt in Italy. It is visible + in the style of even the imitators of Michael Angelo—Andrea del + Sarto, particularly in the angular manner of his draperies. Though + Albert Durer had no scholars, he was imitated by the Dutch Lucas of + Leyden. Now it was that the style of Michael Angelo, spread by the + graver of Giorgio Mantuano, brought to Italy "those caravans of + German, Dutch, and Flemish students, who, on their return from Italy, + at the courts of Prague and Munich, in Flanders and the Netherlands, + introduced the preposterous manner, the bloated excrescence of + diseased brains, which, in the form of man, left nothing human; + distorted action and gesture with insanity of affectation, and + dressed the gewgaws of children in colossal shapes." But though + such as Golzius, Spranger, Heyntz, and Abach, "fed on the husks + of Tuscan design, they imbibed the colour of Venice, and spread the + elements of that excellence which distinguished the succeeding + schools of Flanders and of Holland." So it was till the + appearance of Rubens and Rembrandt—"both of whom, + disdaining to acknowledge the usual laws of admission to the temple + of Fame, boldly forged their own keys, entered, and took possession, + each of a most conspicuous place, by his own power." Rubens, + with many advantages, acquired in his education at Antwerp, and + already influenced by the gorgeous pomp of Austrian and Spanish + superstition, arrived in Italy rather as the rival than pupil of the + masters whom he travelled to study. Whatever he borrowed from the + Venetian school—the object of his admiration—he converted + into a new manner of florid magnificence. It is just the excellence + of Rubens—the completeness, the congruity of his + style—that has raised him to the eminence in the temple of fame + which he will ever occupy. A little short of Rubens is intolerable: + the clumsy forms and improprieties of his imitators are not to be + endured. Mr Fuseli excepts Vandyck and Abraham Drepenbeck from the + censure passed upon the followers of Rubens. As Drepenbeck is not so + well known, we quote the passage respecting him:—"The + fancy of Drepenbeck, though not so exuberant, if I be not mistaken, + excelled in sublimity the imagination of Rubens. His Bellerophon, + Dioscuri, Hippolytus, Ixion, Sisyphus, fear no competitor among the + productions of his master." Rembrandt he considers a genius of + the first class in all but form. Chiaroscuro and colour were the + elements, in fact, in which Rembrandt reveled. In these he was the + poet—the maker. He made colour and chiaroscuro throw out ideas + of sublimity: that he might throw himself the more into these great + elements of his art, and depend solely on their power, he seems + purposely not to have neglected form, but to have selected such as, + without beauty to attract, should be merely the objects of life, the + sensitive beings in his world of mystery. That such was his intention + we cannot doubt; because we cannot imagine the beautiful but too + attractive figures of the Apollo or the Venus adopted into one of his + pictures. Excepting in a few instances, we would not wish + Rembrandt's forms other than they are. They appear necessary to + his style. Mr Fuseli speaks very favourably of art in Switzerland; + but says there are only two painters of name—Holbein, and + Francis Mola. The designs of the Passion and Dance of Death of the + former, are instanced as works of excellence. Mola, we are surprised + to find ranked as Swiss; for he is altogether, in art, Italian. The + influence of the school and precepts of the Caracci, produced in + France an abundant harvest of mediocrity. In France was the merit of + Michael Angelo first questioned. There are, however, names that + rescue France from the entire disgrace of the abandonment of the true + principles of art: Nicolo Poussin, Le Sueur, Le Brun, Sebastian + Bourdon, and Pierre Mignard. The Seven Works of Charity, by Seb. + Bourdon, teem with surprising, pathetic, and always novel images; and + in the Plague of David, by Pierre Mignard, our sympathy is roused by + energies of terror and combinations of woe, which escaped Poussin and + Raphael himself." Of Spanish art he says but little, but that + "the degree of perfection attained by Diego Velasquez, Joseph + Ribera, and Murillo, in pursuing the same object by means as + different as successful, impresses us with deep respect for the + variety of their powers." Art, as every thing else, has its + fashion. The Spanish school have, of later years, been more eagerly + sought for; and a strange <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_703" + id="Page_703">[Pg 703]</a></span> whim of the day has attached a very + extraordinary value to the works of Murillo—a painter in colour + generally monotonous, and in form and expression almost always + vulgar.</p> + + <p>Art in England is the next subject of the lecture. He takes a view + of it from the age of Henry VIII. to our own. No great encouragement + was here given to art till the time of Charles I.: Holbein, indeed, + and Zucchero, under Elizabeth, were patronized, but "were + condemned to Gothic work and portrait painting." The troubles + and death of Charles I. were a sad obstacle to art. "His son, in + possession of the Cartoons of Raphael, and with the magnificence of + Whitehall before his eyes, suffered Verio to contaminate the walls of + his palaces, or degraded Lely to paint the Cymons and Iphigenias of + his court; whilst the manner of Kneller swept completely what might + yet be left of taste under his successors. Such was the equally + contemptible and deplorable state of English art, till the genius of + Reynolds first rescued from the mannered depravation of foreigners + his own branch; and, soon extending his view to the higher + departments of art, joined that select body of artists who addressed + the ever open ear, ever attentive mind, of our royal founder with the + first idea of this establishment." After this little parade of + our artists as a body, but four are mentioned by + name—"Reynolds, Hogarth, Gainsborough, and + Wilson."</p> + + <p>We are surprised that, in this summary history of art, no notice + has been taken of Van Eyck, and the influence of his discovery on + art. Nor are we less surprised that so important a branch as + landscape painting should have been omitted; Claude and Gaspar + Poussin not mentioned; yet, in the English school, Wilson is spoken + of, whose sole merit rested upon his landscape. He should more + distinctly have stated his purpose to treat only of high and + historical art.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p><a name="THIRD_LECTURE" id="THIRD_LECTURE"></a><span class= + 'smcap'>Third Lecture</span>.—In the commencement, there is an + unnecessary, and rather affectedly written disquisition of the old + question, or rather comparison between poetry and painting, from + which nothing is to be learned; nor does it suggest any thing. Nor do + we now-a-days want to read pages to tell us what invention is, and + how it differs from creation—nor is it at all important in + matters of art, that we should draw any such distinction at all. It + is far better to go at once "in medias res," and take it + for granted that the reader both knows and feels, without + metaphysical discussion, what that invention is which is required to + make a great painter. Nor are we disposed to look upon otherwise than + impertinent, while we are waiting for didactic rules, the being told + that "he who discovers a gold mine, is surely superior to him + who afterwards adapts the metal for use;" especially when it is + paraded with comparisons between "Colombo" and + "Amerigo Vespucci," and a misplaced panegyric on Newton. + And much of this is encumbered with language that fatigues and makes + a plain matter obscure. There is a little affectation sometimes in Mr + Fuseli's writing of Ciceronic <i>ambages</i>, that is really + injurious to the good sense and just thoughts, which would without + this display, come free, open, and with power. Some pages, too, are + taken up with a preliminary argument—"<i>whether it be + within the artist's province or not, to find or to combine a + subject from himself, without having recourse to tradition, or the + stores of history and poetry</i>." We have a display of learning + to little purpose, quotations from Latin and Greek, really + "nihil ad rem;" the + "φαντασιας" of + the Greek, and "visiones" of the Romans. Who that ever saw + even one work of Hogarth, the "Marriage ŕ la Mode," would + for a moment think the question worth a thought. "The misnamed + gladiator of Agasias," seems forced into this treatise, for the + sole purpose of showing Mr Fuseli's reading, and after all, he + leaves the figure as uncertain as he finds it. He <i>once</i> thought + it might have been an Alcibiades rushing from the flames, when his + house was fired; but is more satisfied that "it might form an + admirable Ulysses bestriding the deck of his ship to defend his + companions from the descending fangs of Scylla, or rather, with + indignation and anguish, seeing them already snatched up, and + writhing in the mysterious gripe." In such fanciful humours, it + might be made to mean any thing or any body. And we are, after all, + quite at a loss to know whether the <i>conjecture</i> is offered as a + specimen of "<i>invention</i>." He considers the cartoon of + Pisa "the most <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_704" id= + "Page_704">[Pg 704]</a></span> striking instance, of the eminent + place due to this <i>intuitive faculty among the principal organs of + invention</i>"—we mark these words in italics, not quite + certain of their meaning. The work is engraved for Foster, by + Schiavonetti; and a wonderful work it is—the work of Michael + Angelo begun in competition with Leonardo da Vinci. The original is + said to have been destroyed by Baccio Bandinelli; still there are the + ancient prints and drawings which show the design, and there is a + small copy at Holkham. Benvenuto Cellini—and could there be a + better authority?—denies that the powers afterwards exerted in + the Capella Sistina, arrive at half its excellence. Mr Fuseli's + description is so good, that we give it entire. "It represents + an imaginary moment relative to the war carried on by the Florentines + against Pisa; and exhibits a numerous group of warriors, roused from + their bathing in the Arno, by the sudden signal of a trumpet, and + rushing to arms. This composition may, without exaggeration, be said + to personify with unexampled variety, that motion which Agasias and + Theon embodied in single figures. In imagining this transient moment + from state of relaxation to a state of energy, the ideas of motion, + to use the bold figure of Dante, seem to have showered into the + artist's mind. From the chief, nearly placed in the centre, who + precedes, and whose voice accompanies the trumpet, every age of human + agility, every attitude, every feature of alarm, haste, hurry, + exertion, eagerness, burst into so many rays, like sparks flying from + the hammer. Many have reached, some boldly step, some have leaped on + the rocky shore; here two arms emerging from the water, grapple with + the rock, there two hands cry for help, and their companions bend + over or rush on to assist them: often imitated, but inimitable, is + the ardent feature of the grim veteran, whose every sinew labours to + force over the dripping limbs his clothes, whilst gnashing, he pushes + the foot through the rending garment. He is contrasted by the slender + elegance of a half-averted youth, who, though eagerly buckling the + armour to his thigh, methodizes haste; another swings the high-raised + hauberk on his shoulder; whilst one, who seems a leader, mindless of + his dress, ready for combat, and with brandished spear, overturns a + third, who crouched to grasp a weapon; one, naked himself, buckles on + the mail of his companion, and he, turned toward the enemy, seems to + stamp impatiently the ground. Experience and rage; old vigour, young + velocity; expanded or contracted, vie in exertions of energy. Yet in + this scene of tumult, one motive animates the whole—eagerness + to engage, with subordination to command. This preserves the dignity + of the action, and from a strangling rabble, changes the figures to + men, whose legitimate contest interests our wishes." Another + example is given—Raffaelle's "Incendio del + Borgo"—a good description follows: "the enraged + elements of <i>wind</i> and fire," we do not see in the + original, not even in the drapery of the woman with her back to us in + the foreground. Speaking of this power of "invention," he + says—after having, as we conceive, mistaken the aim of + Raffaelle in his Madonnas, and Holy families, which was somewhat + beyond even the "charities of father, son, and + mother"—"Nor shall I follow it in its more + contaminated descent, to those representations of local manners and + national modifications of society, whose characteristic + discrimination and humorous exuberance, for instance, we admire in + Hogarth, but which, like the fleeting passions of the day, every hour + contributes something to obliterate, which soon become unintelligible + by time, or degenerate into caricature, the chronicle of scandal, the + history-book of the vulgar." It seems, strangely enough, to have + been the fashion among the, in comparison with Hogarth, puny + academicians of that day, to underrate that great painter, that moral + painter. We really should pity the infatuated prejudice of the man, + who could see in the deep tragedy, the moral tragedy, "Marriage + ŕ la Mode," any <i>humorous</i> exuberance; or not understand + that the passions set forth, and for a moral end, are not "the + fleeting passions of the day," but as permanent as human + nature—who could see, in such series of pictures, any + "caricature," or that their object is to "chronicle + scandal." That it is the "history of the vulgar," we + dispute not. For it is drama of the vulgar as of the unvulgar—a + deep tragedy of human nature; alas! time has not made + "<i>unintelligible</i>" these <i>not</i> "fleeting + passions of the day." As <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_705" id="Page_705">[Pg 705]</a></span> long as man is man, will + Hogarth be true to nature; and nothing in art is more strange, than + that such opinions should emanate from an Academy, and be either + ventured upon or received <i>ex cathedra</i>.</p> + + <p>Invention, according to Mr Fuseli, receives its subjects from + poetry or tradition—"they are <i>epic</i> or sublime, + <i>dramatic</i> or impassioned, <i>historic</i> or circumscribed by + truth. The first <i>astonishes</i>, the second <i>moves</i>, the + third <i>informs</i>." We confess ourselves weary of this sort + of classification. They only tend to hamper the writer, painter, and + critic. It is possible for a work to admit all three, and yet + preserve its unity. And such we believe to be the case with Homer. He + is epic and dramatic in one, and certainly historic. It is more + ingenious than unquestionable, that Homer's purpose was to + "impress one forcible idea of war—its origin, its + progress, and its end." Nor will the "Iliad" be read + with greater delight, by the reader's reception of such an idea. + The drawing forth the purpose of Michael Angelo's + design—his invention, in the series of frescoes in the Sistine + Chapel—is more happy. That theocracy is the subject—the + dispensations of Providence to man—the Creation—life and + adoration in Adam and Eve, their sin, their punishment, their + separation from God—justice and grace in the Deluge and + covenant with Noah—prophets, sibyls, herald the + Redeemer—and the patriarchs—the Son of Man—the + brazen serpent—and the Fall of Haman—the giant subdued by + the stripling in Goliah and David—and the conqueror destroyed + by female weakness in Judith, are types of his mysterious progress, + till Jonah pronounces him immortal. The Last Judgment, and the + Saviour the Judge of man, complete the whole—and the Founder + and the race are reunited. Such is the spirit of the general + invention. "The specific invention of the pictures separate, as + each constitutes an independent whole, deserves our consideration + next: each has its centre, from which it disseminates, to which it + leads back all secondary points, arranged, hid, or displayed, as they + are more or less organs of the inspiring plan; each rigorously is + circumscribed by its generic character." The more particular + criticism on this great work of Michael Angelo, is very good, and we + earnestly refer the reader to it. He thinks the genius of Michael + Angelo more generic in its aim—that of Raffaelle more specific. + That as M. Angelo's aim was the "destiny of man, simply + considered as the subject of religion, faithful or rebellious," + admitting only a "general feature of the passions;" so, in + the hands of Raffaelle, the subject would have teemed with a choice + of imagery to excite our sympathies; "he would have combined all + possible emotions with the utmost variety of probable or real + character; all domestic, politic, religious relations—whatever + is not local in virtue and in vice; and the sublimity of the greatest + events would have been merely the minister of sympathies and + passions." The latter mode of representing the subject, that of + Raffaelle, he considers dramatic. The distinction is, however, + doubtful: we do not see why the mode of M. Angelo may not be held to + be equally dramatic. The criticism on the comparison between + Raffaelle's and Michael Angelo's Adam and Eve, if not quite + just, is striking. "The elevation of Michael Angelo's soul, + inspired by the operation of creation itself, furnished him at once + with the feature that stamped on human nature its most glorious + prerogative; whilst the characteristic subtility, rather than + sensibility, of Raffaelle's mind, in this instance, offered + nothing but a frigid succedaneum—a symptom incident to all, + when, after the subsided astonishment on a great and sudden event, + the mind, recollecting itself, ponders on it with inquisitive + surmise. In Michael Angelo, all self-consideration is absorbed in the + sublimity of the sentiment which issues from the august presence that + attracts Eve; 'her earthly,' in Milton's expression, + 'by his heavenly overpowered,' pours itself in adoration; + whilst, in the inimitable cast of Adam's figure, we trace the + hint of that half-conscious moment, when sleep began to give way to + the vivacity of the dream inspired. In Raffaelle, creation is + complete—Eve is presented to Adam, now awake; but neither the + new-born charms, the submissive grace, and virgin purity, of the + beauteous image; nor the awful presence of her Introductor, draw him + from his mental trance, into effusions of love or gratitude; at ease + reclined, with fingers pointing at himself and his <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_706" id="Page_706">[Pg 706]</a></span> new + mate, he seems to methodize the surprising event that took place + during his sleep, and to whisper the words—'flesh of my + flesh.'" Not subscribing to any criticism which concludes + insensibility of mind to Raffaelle, and which is rather inconsistent + with the judgment made by Mr Fuseli, that he was the painter of + expression, from the utmost conflict of passions, to the enchanting + round of gentler emotion, and the nearly silent hints of mind and + character—we look to the object of the painter in this his + series of works called his Bible. The first five pictures represent + only the act of creation—the Deity, the Creator—all + nature, is as yet passive—even adoration, the point chosen by + Michael Angelo, might be said scarcely to have begun—the plan + is developed, not put in action. As yet, the Deity is all in + all—Eve, his gift to Adam, is the last of this division of the + series. As in Genesis, there is the bare, short statement, grand from + its simplicity, and our knowledge of its after consequences; but in + the words unimpassioned—so Raffaelle, that he might make his + pictorial language agree with the written book, with utmost + forbearance, lest he should tell more, and beyond his authority, in + this portion of the series manifestly avoids expression, or the + introduction of any feeling that would make the creatures more than + the most passive recipients of the goodness of their Maker. Nor is + there authority to show, that as <i>yet</i> they were fully, + perfectly conscious of the nature of the gifts of life and + companionship; and we certainly do not agree with Mr Fuseli, that it + was a moment for Adam to show his sensibility to the personal charms + of Eve—the pure Adam—nor was he—the as yet + untransgressing Adam—to feel fear, in "the awful presence + of the Introductor." Raffaelle's aim seems to have been, to + follow the text in its utmost simplicity, that the unlettered might + read—and this justifies in him the personality of the Creator, + and the apparently manual act of his creation, corresponding with the + words—"God <i>made</i>." The "allegoric + drama" of the Church empire, that fills the stanzas of the + Vatican, is praised by Mr Fuseli, with a full understanding of the + purpose of the painter, and feeling for its separate parts. He does + not cavil, as some have done, at the anachronisms. "When," + says an able, reflecting, and very amusing author,<a name= + "FNanchor_2_2" id="FNanchor_2_2"></a><a href="#Footnote_2_2" class= + "fnanchor">[2]</a> "Aristotle, Plato, Leo X., and Cardinal + Bembo, are brought together in the school of Athens, every person + must admit, that such offences as these, against truths so obvious, + if they do not arise from a defect of understanding, are instances of + inexcusable carelessness." Here we think this writer has missed + the key of explanation. The very picture is the history of the + progress of mind, through science and philosophy, to the + acknowledgment of an immortal being. The very subject amalgamates, in + one moral idea, times, epochs, localities. It treats of that which + passes over time, and embodies only its results. Mr Fuseli notices + not these anachronisms, but says aptly of the + picture—"What was the surmise of the eye and wish of + hearts, is gradually made the result of reason, in the characters of + the school of Athens, by the researches of philosophy, which, from + bodies to mind, from corporeal harmony to moral fitness, and from the + duties of society, ascends to the doctrine of God and hopes of + immortality." The very entertaining author whom we have quoted + above, we must here, somewhat out of place, observe, has, with Mr + Fuseli, mistaken the character of Hogarth's works. He + says—"Hogarth has painted comedy!" and what is very + strange, he seems to rank him as a comedian with "Pope, Young + and Crabbe"—the last, the most tragic in his pathos of any + writer. The invention in the Cartoons comes next under Mr + Fuseli's observation. "In whatever light we consider their + invention, as parts of <i>one whole</i>, relative to each other, or + independent <i>each of the rest</i>, and as single subjects, there + can be scarcely named a beauty or a mystery, of which the Cartoons + furnish not an instance or a clue; <i>they are poised between + perspicuity and pregnancy of moment</i>." We believe we + understand the latter sentence; it is, however, somewhat affected, + and does not rightly balance the <i>perspicuity</i>. We must go back, + however, to a passage <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_707" id= + "Page_707">[Pg 707]</a></span> preceding the remarks on the Cartoons; + because we wish, above all things, to vindicate the purest of + painters from charges of licentiousness. He sees in Cupid and Psyche + a voluptuous history: this may or may not be so—we think it is + far from being such; but when he adds, "the voluptuous history + of his (Raffaelle's) own <i>favourite passion</i>," he is + following a prejudice, an unfounded story—one which we think, + too, has in no slight degree influenced his general criticism and + estimation of Raffaelle. We would refer the reader to + "Passavant's Life of Raffaelle," where he will see this + subject investigated, and the tale refuted. It is surprising, but + good men affect to speak of amorous passion as if it were a crime; by + itself it may disgust, but surely coldness is not the better nature. + Insensibilities of all kinds must be avoided, even where + "Amor," as Mr Fuseli calls him, and Psyche are the + subjects. It is the happiest genius that shall signify without + offence the necessary existence of passion, and leave purity in its + singleness and innocence. How exquisitely is this done by Shakspeare + in his "Romeo and Juliet!" He keeps the lovers free from + every grosser particle of love, while he throws it all upon the + subordinate characters, particularly the nurse, whose part in the + drama, in no small degree, tends to naturalise to our sympathy the + youth, the personal beauty, and whole loveliness, of the unhappy + Romeo and Juliet.</p> + + <p>The differences of manner in which the same subject, "the + Murder of the Innocents," has been represented by several + painters, according to the genius of each, are well noticed. + "History, strictly so called, follows the drama; fiction now + ceases, and invention consists only in selecting and fixing with + dignity, precision, and sentiment, the moments of + <i>reality</i>." He instances, by a given subject, that were the + artist to choose the "Death of Germanicus," he is never to + forget that he is to represent "a Roman dying amidst + Romans," and not to suffer individual grief to un-Romanize his + subject. "Germanicus, Agrippina, Caius, Vitellius, the Legates, + the Centurions at Antioch, the hero, the husband, the father, the + friend, the leader—the struggles of nature and sparks of hope, + must be subjected to the physiognomic character and features of + Germanicus, the son of Drusus, the Cćsar of Tiberius. Maternal, + female, connubial passion, must be tinged by Agrippina, the woman + absorbed in the Roman, less lover than companion of her husband's + grandeur. Even the bursts of friendship, attachment, allegiance, and + revenge, must be stamped by the military ceremonial, and distinctive + costume of Rome." For an instance of this propriety of invention + in history, reference is made, we presume as much, to Mr West's + "Death of Wolfe." Undoubtedly, this is Mr West's best + picture. The praise from Mr Fuseli was, in all probability, purely + academic; he frequently showed that he did not too highly estimate + the genius of the painter. Having given these outlines of general and + specific invention in the epic, dramatic, and historic branches of + art, he admits that there is not always a nice discrimination of + their limits: "and as the mind and fancy of man, upon the whole, + consist of mixed qualities, we seldom meet with a human performance + exclusively made up of epic, dramatic, or pure historic + materials." This confession, as it appears to us, renders the + classification useless to a student, and shows a yet incomplete view + of arrangement, and specification of the power, subjects, and means + of art.</p> + + <p>Indeed Mr Fuseli proceeds to instances wherein his epic assumes + the dramatic, the dramatic the epic, and the historic both. There + does seem something wanting in an arrangement which puts the + <i>Iliad</i> and <i>Odyssey</i>, two works essentially different, in + the same category. We do, therefore, venture the opinion, that such + distinctions are, more particularly in painting, not available. With + Sir Joshua, he considers borrowing justifiable, and that it does not + impair the originality of invention. The instances given of happy + adoption are the "Torso of Apollonius," by Michael Angelo; + of the figure of "Adam dismissed from Paradise," by + Raffaelle, borrowed from Massaccio, as likewise the figure of + "Paul at Athens;" and for figures of Michael Angelo's, + Raffaelle, Parmegiano, Poussin, are all indebted to the cartoon of + Pisa. The lecture concludes with some just remarks upon the + "Transfiguration," and a censure upon the coldness of + Richardson, and the burlesque of the French critic Falconet, who + could not discover the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_708" id= + "Page_708">[Pg 708]</a></span> point of contact which united the two + parts of this celebrated picture. "Raphael's design was to + represent Jesus as the Son of God, and, at the same time, the + reliever of human misery, by an unequivocal fact. The transfiguration + on Tabor, and the miraculous cure which followed the descent of + Jesus, united, furnished the fact. The difficulty was, how to combine + two successive actions in one moment. He overcame it, by sacrificing + the moment of cure to that of the apparition, by implying the lesser + miracle in the greater. In subordinating the cure to the vision, he + obtained sublimity; in placing the crowd and patient on the + foreground, he gained room for the full exertion of his dramatic + powers. It was not necessary that the demoniac should be represented + in the moment of recovery, if its certainty could be expressed by + other means. It is implied, it is placed beyond all doubt, by the + glorious apparition above; it is made nearly intuitive by the + uplifted hand and finger of the apostle in the centre, who, without + hesitation, undismayed by the obstinacy of the demon, unmoved by the + clamour of the crowd, and the pusillanimous scepticism of some of his + companions, refers the father of the maniac, in an authoritative + manner, for certain and speedy help to his Master on the mountain + above, whom, though unseen, his attitude at once connects with all + that passes below. Here is the point of contact; here is that union + of the two parts of the fact in one moment, which Richardson and + Falconet could not discover."</p> + + <p>It is with diffidence that we would suggest any thing upon a work + that has so nearly exhausted criticism; but we will venture an + observation, and if we are correct, the glory of the subject is + heightened by its adoption. It has ever appeared to us to have + purposed showing at one view, humanity in its highest, its divinely + perfected state, the manhood taken into Godhead; and humanity in its + lowest, its most forlorn, most degraded state, in the person of a + demoniac: and this contrast seems acknowledged—abhorrently + felt, by the reluctant spirit within the sufferer, whose attitude, + starting from the effulgence and the power which is yet to heal him, + being the strong action of the lower part of the picture, and one of + suffering, throws the eye and mind of the spectator at once and + permanently from earth to the heavenly vision, to ascending prophets, + and that bright and central majesty, "whose countenance," + Mr. Fuseli observes, "is the only one we know expressive of his + superhuman nature." This idea of transformation to a higher + nature is likewise kept up in the figures of the ascending prophets, + and the apostles below.</p> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <p>The Fourth Lecture is in continuation of the + subject—Invention; but we have left little space for further + remarks. In another number of Maga we shall resume our review of the + lectures.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Perhaps the + author of the lectures received this ill opinion of Pausanias + from Julius Cćsar Scaliger, who treats him as an impostor; but he + is amply vindicated by Vossius. He lived in the second century, + and died very old at Rome. In his account of the numerous + representations of the + Χαριτες, he seems to throw + some light upon a passage in Xenophon's Memorabilia, which, + as far as we know, has escaped the notice of the commentators. It + is in the dialogue between Socrates and the courtesan Theodote. + She wishes that he would come to her, to teach her the art of + charming men. He replies, that he has no leisure, being hindered + by many matters of private and public importance; and he adds, + "I have certain mistresses which will not allow me to be + absent from them day nor night, on account of the spells and + charms, which learning, they receive from me"— + εισι δε και + φιλαι μοι, αι + ουτε ημεραϛ + ουτε νυκτος + αφ αυτων + εασουσι με + απιεναι, + φιλτρα τε + μανθανουσαι + παρ εμον και + επωδας. Who were these + φιλαι? Had he meant the virtues or moral + qualities, he would have spoken plainer, as was his wont; but + here, where the subject is the personal beauty, the charms of + Theodote, it is more in the Socratic vein that he refers to other + <i>personal</i> charms, which engage his thoughts night and day, + and keep him at home. Now, it appears too, that Socrates was + taken to see her, on account of the fame of her beauty, and goes + to her when she is sitting, or rather standing, to a painter; and + it is evident from the dialogue, that she did not refuse the + exhibition of her personal charms. It seems, then, not + improbable, that Socrates was induced to go to her as the painter + went, for the advantage of his art as a sculptor, and that the + art was that one at home, the τις + φιλωτερα + σου ενδον. Be that as it + may, it is extremely probable that the + φιλαι were some personifications of + feminine beauty, upon which he was then at work. Are there, then, + any such recorded as from his hand? Pausanias says there were. + "Thus Socrates, the son of Sophroniscus, made for the + Athenians statues of the Graces, before the vestibule of the + citadel," And adds the curious fact, that after that time + the Graces were represented naked, and that these were clothed. + Σωκρατης τε + ο + Σωφρονισχον + προ της ες + την + ακροπολιν + εσοδον + Χαριτων + ειργασατο + αγαλματα + Αθηναιοις. + Και ταυτα + μεν εστιν + ὁμοιως + απαντα εν + εσθετι. Οι δε + υστερον, ουκ + οιδα εφ οτω, + μεταβεβληκασι + το σχημα + αυταις. + Χαριτας + γουν, οι κατ + εμε + επλασσον τε + και εγραφον + γυμνας. Did not Socrates allude to + these his statues of the Graces?—<i>Pausanias</i>, cap. + xxxv. lib. 9.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_2_2" id="Footnote_2_2"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_2_2"><span class="label">[2]</span></a> <i>The + Literary Conglomerate, or Combination of Various Thoughts and + Facts.</i> Oxford: 1839. Printed by Thomas Combe.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_709" id="Page_709">[Pg + 709]</a></span> + + <h2><a name="SOMETHING_ABOUT_MUSIC" id= + "SOMETHING_ABOUT_MUSIC"></a>SOMETHING ABOUT MUSIC.</h2> + + <p>Gentle Christians, pity us! We are just returned from a musical + entertainment, and, with aching head and stunned ears, sit down and + try to recover our equanimity, sorely disturbed by the infliction + which, we regret to say, we have survived. Had we known how to faint, + we had done so on the spot, that ours might have been the bliss of + being carried out over the heads and shoulders of the audience ere + the performance had well begun—a movement that would have + insured us the unfeigned thanks of all whom we had rescued from their + distressing situation under pretence of bearing us off, splashing us + with cold water, causing doors to bang impressively during our exit, + and the various other <i>petit soins</i> requisite to the conducting + a "faint" with dignity.</p> + + <p>But it could not be accomplished. We made several awkward + attempts, so little like, that their only result was our being + threatened with a policeman it we made any more disturbance; so, + after a hasty glance round had assured us of the impracticability of + making our escape in any more everyday style, we sat down with a + stern resolution of endurance—lips firmly compressed, eyes + fixed in a stony gaze on the orchestra, whence issued by turns + groans, shrieks, and screams, from sundry foully-abused instruments + of music; accompanied by equally appalling sounds from flat, shrill + signorinas, quavering to distraction, backed by gigantic + "basses," (double ones surely,) who, with voices like the + "seven devils" of the old Grecian, bellowed out divers + sentimentalisms about dying for love, when assuredly their most + proximate danger was of apoplexy.</p> + + <p>Well, the affair came to an end, as, it is to be hoped, will every + other evil in this wicked world; in a spasm of thankfulness we + extricated ourselves from the crush, and reached our home, where, + under the genial influence of quiet and a cup of coffee, we can + afford to laugh at the past, (our own vehement indignation included,) + and ruminate calmly on the "how" and the "why" of + the nuisance, which appears to us as well worthy of being put down by + act of parliament, as the ringing of muffin bells and crying + "sweep!"</p> + + <p>It is a perfect puzzle to us by what process the standard of music + has become so lowered, as to make what is ordinarily served up under + that name be received as the legitimate descendant of the harmony + divine which erst broke on the ear of the listening world, when + "the morning stars sang together;" and, in the first + freshness of its creation—teeming with melody—angels + deigned to visit this terrestrial paradise, nor turned an exile's + gaze to that heaven whose strains were chanted in glad accordance + with the murmuring stream, and music of the waving + forest—which, in its greenness and beauty, seemed but "a + little lower" than its celestial archetype, for</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + "Earth hath <i>this</i> variety from heaven." + </div> + + <p>(Blessings on the poet for that line! We have a most firm belief + in Milton, and receive his representations of heaven as we would + those of a Daguerreotype.)</p> + + <p>But it is even so. There is but one step from the sublime to the + ridiculous, and this entrancing art, it seems, has taken it; sorely + dislocating its graceful limbs, and injuring its goodly proportions + in the unseemly escapade. There—we have played over a simple + air, one that thrills through our heart of hearts; and as the notes + die on our ears, soothing though the strain be, we feel our + indignation increase, and glow still more fiercely against + this—music, as it is by courtesy called, for Heaven knows it + has no legitimate claim to the name!—till it reaches the + crusading point, and we rush headlong to a war of extermination + against bars, rests, crotchets, quavers—undaunted even by + "staves," and formidable inflated semibreves.</p> + + <p>We hate your crashing, clumsy chords, and utterly spit at and defy + chromatic passages from one end of the instrument to the other, and + back again; flats, sharps, and most appropriate "naturals," + splattered all over the page. The essential spirit of discord seems + let loose on our modern music, tainted, as it were, with the moral + infection that has seized the <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_710" id="Page_710">[Pg 710]</a></span> land; it is music for a + democracy, not the stately, solemn measure of imperial majesty. Music + to soothe! the idea is obsolete, buried with the ruffs and + farthingales of our great-grandmothers; or, to speak more soberly, + with the powdered wigs and hoops of their daughters. There is music + to excite, much to irritate one, and much more to drive a really + musical soul stark mad; but none to soothe, save that which is drawn + from the hiding-places of the past.</p> + + <p>We should like to catch one of the old masters—Handel, for + instance—and place him within the range of one of our modern + executioners, to whose taste(!) <i>carte-blanche</i> had been given. + We think we see him under the infliction. Neither the hurling of wig, + nor yet of kettle-drum, at the head of the performer, would relieve + his outraged spirit: he would strangle the offender on the spot, and + hang himself afterwards; and the jury would, in the first case, + return a verdict of justifiable homicide, and, in the second, of + justifiable suicide, with a deodand of no ordinary magnitude on the + musical instrument that had led to the catastrophe.</p> + + <p>There is no repose, no refreshment to the mind, in our popular + compositions; they are like Turner's skies—they harass and + fatigue, leaving you certainly wondering at their difficulty, but, as + certainly, wishing they had been "impossible." There is to + us more of touching pathos, heart-thrilling expression, in some of + the old psalm-tunes, feelingly played, than in a whole batch of + modernisms. The strains go <i>home</i>, and the "fountains of + the great deep are broken up"—the great deep of + unfathomable feeling, that lies far, far below the surface of the + world-hardened heart; and as the unwonted, yet unchecked, tear starts + to the eye, the softened spirit yields to their influence, and shakes + off the moil of earthly care; rising, purified and spiritualized, + into a clearer atmosphere. Strange, inexplicable associations brood + over the mind,</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + "Like the far-off dreams of paradise," + </div> + + <p>mingling their chaste melancholy with musings of a still subdued, + though more cheerful character. How many glad hearts in the olden + time have rejoiced in these songs of praise—how many sorrowful + ones sighed out their complaints in those plaintive notes, that steal + sadly, yet sweetly, on the ear—hearts that, now cold in death, + are laid to rest around that sacred fane, within whose walls they had + so often swelled with emotion! Tell us not of neatly trimmed + "cemeteries," redolent of staring sunflowers, priggish + shrubs, and all the modern coxcombry of the tomb; with nicely swept + gravel walks, lest the mourner should get "wet on's + feet," and vaults numbered like warehouses, where "parties + may bring their own minister," and be buried with any form, or + no form, if they like it better. No, give us the village churchyard + with its sombre yew-trees, among which</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + "The dial, hid by weeds and flowers,<br /> + Hath told, by none beheld, the solitary hours;" + </div> + + <p>its grassy hillocks, and mouldering grave-stones, where haply all + record is obliterated, and nought but a solitary "resurgam" + meets the enquiring eye; its white-robed priest reverently committing + "earth to earth," in sure and certain hope "of a + joyful resurrection" to the slumbering clay, that was wont to + worship within the grey and time-stained walls, whence the mournful + train have now borne him to his last rest; while on the ivy-clad + tower fall the slanting golden beams of an autumnal sun, that, in its + declining glory, seems to whisper of hope and consolation to the + sorrowful ones, reminding them that the night of the tomb shall not + endure for ever, but that, so surely as the great orb of day shall + return on the wings of the morning to chase away the tears of the + lamenting earth, so surely shall the dust, strewed around that + temple, scattered though it may be to the winds of heaven, "rise + again" in the morning of the Resurrection, when death + "shall be swallowed up in victory."</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + "'Tis fit his trophies should be rife<br /> + Around the place where he's subdued;<br /> + The gate of death leads forth to life." + </div> + + <p>But we are wandering sadly from our subject; it is perhaps quite + as well that we have done so, for we should have become dangerous had + we dwelt much longer on it. We were on the point of wishing + (Nero-like) that our popular professors of <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_711" id="Page_711">[Pg 711]</a></span> the + tuneful art had but one neck, that we might exterminate them at a + blow, or hang them with one gigantic fiddle-string; but now, thanks + to our episode, our exacerbated feelings are so far mollified, that + we will be content with wishing them sentenced to grind knives on + oil-less stones with creaking axles, till the sufferings of their own + shall have taught them consideration for the ears of other + people.</p> + + <p>But music, real music—not in the harsh, exaggerated style + now in the ascendant, but simple, pure, melodious, such as might have + entranced the soul of a Handel, when, in some vision of night, sounds + swept from angelic harps have floated around him, the gifted one, in + whose liquid strains and stately harmonies fall on our ravished ears + the echoes of that immortal joy—such we confess to be one of + our idols, before whose shrine we pay a willing, gladsome homage; + though now, alas! it must be in dens and caves of the earth, since + <i>modern</i> heresy has banished it from the temple of Apollo.</p> + + <p>See how Toryism peeps out even in the fine arts! <i>Even</i> did + we say? They are its legitimate province; "The old is + better," is inscribed in glowing character on the portals of the + past. Old Painting! See the throbbing form start from the pregnant + canvass—the "Mother of God" folding her Divine Son to + her all but celestial arms—the Son of God fainting beneath a + load of woe, not his own. Old Poetry! Glorious old Homer, with his + magic song; and sturdy, oak-like in his strength, as in his verdure, + old Chaucer. Old Music! Hail, ye inspired sons of the lyre! A noble + host are ye, enshrined in the hearts of all loyal worshippers of the + tuneful god. And yet (we grieve to confess it) we, even we, spite of + all our enthusiasm, have been seen laughing at "old music," + the aspiring psalmody of a country church singing-pew.</p> + + <p>Oh, to see the row of performers, the consequential choir, + transcending in importance (in their own eyes) the clerk, the curate, + the rector, and even the squire from the great hall, majestic and + stern though he be, with his awful wig and gold-headed cane! There + are the fubsy boys—copied apparently from cherubim—who, + with glowing, distended cheeks, are simpering on the ceiling, + <i>doing</i> the tenor, with wide open mouths that would shame + e'er a barn-door in the village; their red, stumpy fingers + sprawling over the music which they are (not) reading. The pale, + lantern-jawed youths, in yellow waistcoats and tall shirt-collars, + who look as if they were about to whistle a match, are holloing out + what is professionally, and in this instance with most distressing + truth, termed counter. "Counter" it is with a vengeance; + and not only so, but it is a neck-and-neck race between them and the + urchins aforesaid, which shall have done first. The shock-headed man, + with chin dropped into his neckerchief, and mouth twisted into every + <i>un</i>imaginable contortion, as though grinning through a + horse-collar, has the bass confided to his faithful keeping; and + emits a variety of growls and groans truly appalling, though + evidently to his own great comfort and satisfaction. The bassoon, the + clarinet, the flute—but how shall we describe them! Suffice it + to say, that they appeared to be suffering inexpressible torments at + the hands of their apoplectic-looking performers; who were all at the + last gasp, and all determined to die bravely at their posts. And then + the entranced audience, with half-shut eyes and quivering palms! Oh, + it was too much; we lost our character typo irretrievably that day; + half suppressed titters from the squire's pew were not to be + borne. In that unhappy moment we sinned away some quarter of a + century's unrivalled reputation for good manners and musical + taste. Old Fiddlestrings never forgave us, never did he vouchsafe us + another anthem, spite of our entreaties and protestations, and the + thousand and one apologies for our ill-timed merriment, which our + fruitful brain invented on the spot. To his dying day he preserved + the utmost contempt for our judgment, not only in this department of + the fine arts, but also on every other subject. Not to admire his + music, was condemnation in every thing—an unpardonable offence. + We, who had been his great friend, patron, (or rather he was ours,) + to whom he had so often condescended on the Saturday evening to hum, + whistle, and too-too over the tune—of his own + composing—that was to be the admiration of the whole parish on + the succeeding day—we <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_712" + id="Page_712">[Pg 712]</a></span>were henceforth to be as the + uninitiated, and left to find out, and follow, as we best might, the + very eccentric windings of his Sunday's asthmatic performance; + which always went at the rate of three crotchets and a cough, to the + end of the psalm, which he took care should be an especial long + one.</p> + + <p>Poor old man! we see him now, with his unruly troop of Sunday + scholars (in training for some important festival, to the due + celebration of which their labours were essential) singing, bawling + we should say, out of time and tune, to the utter discomfiture of his + irritable temper, (there is nothing like a false note for throwing + your musical man into a perfect tantrum,) and the bringing down on + their unlucky heads a smart tap with the bow of his violin, which led + the harmony. There they stood with their brown cheeks and white + heads, fine specimens of the agricultural interest; each one of them + looking as if he could bolt a poor, half-starved factory child at a + mouthful—but certainly no singers. It was beyond the power even + of the accomplished old clerk himself to make then such—an + oyster, with its mouth full of sand, would have sung quite as well; + but still he laboured on with might and main—with closed eyes, + and open mouth—delightedly beating time with his head, as long + as matters went on not intolerably; for David's musical soul + supplied the deficiency in the sounds that entered his unwearied + ears. And then he sang so loud himself, that he certainly could hear + no one else, his voice being as monopolizing as the drone of a + bagpipe—or as a violent advocate for free trade! Happy urchins + when this was the case! for they were sure to be dismissed with the + most flattering encomiums on their vocal powers, when, if truth must + be told, the good old man had not heard a note.</p> + + <p>But he is gathered to his fathers, and now sleeps beneath the sod + in the quiet churchyard of——. We well remember his + funeral. 'Twas a lovely day in spring when the long, lifeless + trees and fields were bursting into all the glory of May—for + May was spring then, and not, as now, cousin-german to winter; while + the gay sunbeams played lovingly, like youth caressing age, on the + low church-tower, gilding the ivy that waved in wild luxuriance + around it. Slowly moved on the lowly train that bore to the + "house appointed for all living" the mortal remains of one + whom they well loved, and whose removal from among + them—essential as he had always seemed to the very identity of + the village—was an event they had never contemplated and which + they now, in its unexpectedness, sorely lamented. The village choir + preceded it, singing those strains which poor David's voice had + so often led; and surely, for once, the spirit of the old man rested + on his refractory pupils; for rarely have I heard sweeter notes than + those that swelled on the balmy air, as the dusky procession wound + its way across the heath, waving with harebells, and along the narrow + lane, whose hedges were beginning to show the first faint rose, till + it reached the church porch, where the good rector himself was + waiting to pay the last token of respect to his humble friend; while + groups of villagers were loitering around to witness the simple + rites. Entering within the church, again was the voice of melody + heard, and again was as sweetly chanted that mournful psalm, which is + appointed, with such affecting appropriateness, for the burial of the + dead. "I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I offend not in + my tongue; I will keep my mouth, as it were, with a bridle, while the + ungodly is in my sight." Then came the dull, hollow sound of + "earth to earth, dust to dust, ashes to ashes;" and so, + amid many tears, (and we confess our eyes were not dry,) closed the + grave over one who, despite some innocent, though mirth-provoking + failings, was honoured by all who knew him for the stern, unbending + integrity of his character, and the strictness with which he + fulfilled all the duties of life. David was an <i>honest</i> man, one + whose "word was as good as his bond," who "promised to + his hurt, and changed not." Would that as much might be said of + many who move in a higher sphere, and make far larger professions of + sanctity than he did! But he shall be remembered, when their names + are blotted out for ever.</p> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 8em;">"Only the actions of the + just</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 6em;">Smell sweet in death, and blossom + in the dust."</span> + </div> + + <p>The music which we hear in our <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_713" id="Page_713">[Pg 713]</a></span> social intercourse, is + too generally—we say it in grief, but in + truth—detestable. "Like figures on a dial-plate," sit + the four-and-twenty Englishmen and Englishwomen, who have been drawn + together to receive their friend's hospitality; till the awful + silence convinces the host that some desperate effort must be made to + break the spell, and that the best thing is some music to set them + a-talking. Some <i>mimini-pimini</i> Miss is in consequence selected + as the victim, (or rather, the victimizer,) and requested to + "pain" the company. She fidgets, bridles, and duly + declines, at the same time vigorously pulling off one of her gloves + in evident preparation for the attack. After much pressing, she + reluctantly yields to what she had from the first made up her mind to + do; takes her seat at a grand pianoforte, behind a couple of candles + and an enormous music-book, and—crash go the keys in a + thundering prelude, (the pedal, and every other means of increasing + the noise being unscrupulously resorted to,) which, after superhuman + exertions, lands her in what, to our affrighted and stunned ears, is + evidently the key of Z flat! Who would have thought those delicate + hands could thus descend with the vigour of a pavior's hammer on + the unhappy ivories, that groan and shriek beneath the infliction, as + though fully sensible of the surpassing cruelty with which they are + treated.</p> + + <p>But hark! she sings—"Romč, Romč, thou art + <i>n'more</i>," (<i>sic</i>)—a furious scramble on the + keys, with a concluding bang—"On thy seven hills thou + satt'st of yore,"—another still more desperate and + discordant flourish, which continues alternating with her "most + sweet voice," till she has piped through the whole of her song: + when the group around, apprehensive of a repetition of the torture to + which they have been subjected, overwhelm her with thanks and + expressions of admiration, under cover of which they hurry her to her + seat. Such is the stuff palmed off on us, varied as it is by glees, + screamed out by four voices all in different keys; solos, squeaked + out by stout gentlemen, and roared by pale lanky lads of eighteen; + duets by young ladies, who accidentally set out on discordant notes, + and don't find out the mistake till they come to the finale; with + occasionally a psalm crooned by worthy sexagenarians, guiltless alike + of ear and voice, but who, seeming to think it a duty to add their + mite to the inexpressible dissonance, perform the same to the unmixed + dismay of all their hearers.</p> + + <p>We would far rather hear an unpretending street organ than such + abominations; and, indeed, some of the itinerant music is, to our + unsophisticated ears, sweet beyond expression, especially when + accompanied, as it is sometimes, by a rich Italian or reedy German + voice; for whose sake we can forgive the tuneless squalls that too + often greet our ears from ambulatory minstrels, be they of the + Madonna, or fishy, Dutch-swamp style of beauty. A sweet-toned street + organ, heard in the distance, when all around is still, is not a + thing to be despised, by those who have music enough in their souls + to respond to the slightest touches of Apollo's lyre. If the + heart be but attuned to harmony, it will vibrate to the simplest + notes, faint though they be, as by the wafting of the evening breeze + among the chords of a neglected harp, sadly hung upon the willows; it + will cherish the feeblest idea, and nurture it into perfect melody. + As love begets love, so does harmony beget its kind in the heart of + him who can strike the keynote of nature, and listen to the wild and + solemn sounds that swell from her mysterious treasure-house, and echo + among her "eternal hills," while the celestial arch + concludes and re-affirms the wondrous cadence. But these are secrets + revealed to none but her loving worshipper; he who, with a + reverential homage, seeks the hidden recesses of her temple, to bend + in awe before her purest shrine. From him who lingers heedlessly in + her antechamber with faint loyalty, they are deeply veiled, and the + glowing revelations of her favoured ones seem but as the recital of a + dream to his cold heart: for "to <i>love</i> is to + know."</p> + + <p>But surely of all instruments, the violin, first-rately played, is + the most—yes, we will say it—heavenly. Hark! to the + clear, vocal melody, now rapturously rising in one soul-exalting + strain, anon melting away in the saddest, tenderest lament, as though + the soft summer breeze sighed forth a requiem over the dying graces + of its favourite flower; then bursting <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_714" id="Page_714">[Pg 714]</a></span> forth in haughty, + triumphant notes, swept in gusts from the impassioned strings, as + though instinct with life, and glowing with disdain. Any one may see + that painters are no musicians, else had they furnished their angels + not with harps—beautiful and sparkling as the sea-foam, as are + their most graceful chords—but with this, of all instruments + the most musical, whose tones admit of more variety than any, (the + Proteus organ alone excepted,) and whose delicious long-drawn notes + must entrance every one not absolutely soulless. Oh, they are + excruciatingly delightful! And yet you shall hear this identical + violin, in the hands of an everyday performer, emit such squeals and + screams as shall set your teeth on edge for a twelvemonth, curdle + your whole frame, and make you vehemently anathematize all benevolent + institutions for the relief of deafness.</p> + + <p>Verily your violin is an exclusive instrument, and approachable by + none but the eldest born of Apollo, who, in all the majesty of + hereditary prerogative, calmly sway the dominions of their sire; + while usurpers (as is the meed of all who grasp unrighteous rule) are + plunged in utter confusion and ruin.</p> + + <p>Warming with our theme, and impatient to manifest our royal + descent, in a paroxysm of enthusiasm we clutch our Cremona, clasp him + lovingly to our shoulder, and high waving in air our magical bow, + which is to us a sceptre, bring it down with a crash, exulting in the + immortal harmony about to gush, like a mountain torrent, from the + teeming strings; when lo! to our unmitigated disgust, it glides + noiselessly along its hitherto resounding path, for—ye gods and + little fishes!—some murderous wretch, at the instigation of we + know not what evil sprite, has <i>greased</i> the horsehair, for + which we solemnly devote him to the "bowstring," the first + time he is caught napping.</p> + + <p>Well, it is over now, and we find ourselves once more on earth, + after knocking our head gainst the stars; and, —— + —— bless us! we have sat the fire out, having precisely + one inch of candle left to go to bed by.</p> + + <p>Good night, dearest reader. Can you find your way in the dark?</p> + + <p>M. J.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h2><a name="THE_PURPLE_CLOAK_OR_THE_RETURN_OF_SYLOSON_TO_SAMOS" id= + "THE_PURPLE_CLOAK_OR_THE_RETURN_OF_SYLOSON_TO_SAMOS"></a>THE PURPLE + CLOAK; OR, THE RETURN OF SYLOSON TO SAMOS.</h2> + + <h3>HEROD. III. 139.</h3> + + <h5>I.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">The king sat on his lofty throne in Susa's + palace fair,</span> <span class="i0">And many a stately Persian + lord, and satrap proud, was there:</span> <span class="i0">Among + his councillors he sat, and justice did to all—</span> + <span class="i0">No supplicant e'er went unredrest from + Susa's palace-hall.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>II.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">There came a slave and louted low before + Darius' throne,</span> <span class="i0">"A wayworn + suppliant waits without—he is poor and all alone,</span> + <span class="i0">And he craves a boon of thee, oh king! for he + saith that he has done</span> <span class="i0">Good service, in + the olden time, to Hystaspes' royal son."</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>III.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Now lead him hither," quoth the king; + "no suppliant e'er shall wait,</span> <span class= + "i0">While I am lord in Susa's halls, unheeded at the + gate;</span> <span class="i0">And speak thy name, thou wanderer + poor, pray thee let me know</span> <span class="i0">To whom the + king of Persia's land this ancient debt doth + owe."</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>IV.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">The stranger bow'd before the king—and + thus began to speak—</span> <span class="i0">Full well, I + ween, his garb was worn, and with sorrow pale his cheek,</span> + <span class="i0">But his air was free and noble, and proudly + flash'd his eye,</span> <span class="i0">As he stood unknown + in that high hall, and thus he made reply—</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>V.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"From Samos came I, mighty king, and + Syloson my name;</span> <span class="i0">My brother was + Polycrates, a chief well known to fame;</span> <span class= + "i0">That brother drove me from my home—a wanderer forth I + went—</span> <span class="i0">And since that hour my weary + soul has never known content!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>VI.</h5> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_715" id="Page_715">[Pg + 715]</a></span></p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Methinks I need not tell to thee my + brother's mournful fate;</span> <span class="i0">He lies + within his bloody grave—a churl usurps his + state—</span> <span class="i0">Mœandrius lords it + o'er the land, my brother's base born slave;</span> + <span class="i0">Restore me to that throne, oh king! this, this, + the boon I crave.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>VII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Nay, start not; let me tell my tale! I + pray thee look on me,</span> <span class="i0">And, prince, thou + soon shalt know the cause that I ask this gift of thee;</span> + <span class="i0">Round Persia's king a bristling ring of + spearmen standeth now,</span> <span class="i0">But when Cambyses + wore the crown—a wanderer poor wast <i>thou</i>!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>VIII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Remember'st not, oh king! the day + when, in old Memphis town,</span> <span class="i0">Upon the night + ye won the fight, thou wast pacing up and down?</span> + <span class="i0">The costly cloak that then I wore, its colours + charm'd thy eye—</span> <span class="i0">In sooth it + was a gorgeous robe, of purple Tyrian dye—</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>IX.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Let base-born peasants buy and sell, I + gave that cloak to thee!</span> <span class="i0">And for that + gift on thee bestow'd, grant thou this boon to + me—</span> <span class="i0">I ask not silver, ask not + gold—I ask of thee to stand</span> <span class="i0">A + prince once more on Samos' shore—my own ancestral + land!"</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>X.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Oh! best and noblest," quoth the + king, "thou ne'er shalt rue the day,</span> <span class= + "i0">When to Cambyses' spearman poor thou gav'st thy + cloak away;</span> <span class="i0">The faithless eye each + well-known form and feature may forget,</span> <span class= + "i0">But the deeds of generous kindness done—the heart + remembers yet.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>XI.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"To-day thou art a wanderer sad, but thou + shalt sit, erelong,</span> <span class="i0">Within thy fair + ancestral hall, and hear the minstrel's song;</span> + <span class="i0">To-day thou art a homeless man—to-morrow + thou shalt stand—</span> <span class="i0">A conqueror and a + sceptred king—upon thy native land.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>XII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"A cloud is on thy brow to-day—thy + lot is poor and low,</span> <span class="i0">To all who gaze on + thee thou seem'st a man of want and wo;</span> <span class= + "i0">But thou shalt drain the bowl erelong within thy own bright + isle,</span> <span class="i0">A wreath of roses round thy head, + and on thy brow a smile."</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>XIII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">And he called the proud Otanes, one of the seven + was he</span> <span class="i0">Who laid the Magian traitor low, + and set their country free;</span> <span class="i0">And he bade + him man a gallant fleet, and sail without delay,</span> + <span class="i0">To the pleasant isle of Samos, in the fair + Icarian bay.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>XIV.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"To place yon chief on Samos' throne, + Otanes, be thy care,</span> <span class="i0">But bloodless let + thy victory be, his Samian people spare!"</span> + <span class="i0">For thus the generous chieftain said, when he + made his high demand,</span> <span class="i0">"I had rather + still an exile roam, than waste my native land."</span> + </div> + </div> + <hr style='width: 45%;' /> + + <h3><a name="PURPLE_CLOAK_PART_II" id="PURPLE_CLOAK_PART_II"></a>PART + II.</h3> + + <h5>I.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">Oh, "monarchs' arms are wondrous + long!"<a name="FNanchor_3_3" id="FNanchor_3_3"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_3_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a> their power is wondrous + great,</span> <span class="i0">But not to them 'tis given to + stem the rushing tide of fate.</span> <span class="i0">A king may + man a gallant fleet, an island fair may give,</span> <span class= + "i0">But can he blunt the sword's sharp edge, or bid the dead + to live?</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>II.</h5> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_716" id="Page_716">[Pg + 716]</a></span></p> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">They leave the strand, that gallant band, their + ships are in the bay,</span> <span class="i0">It was a glorious + sight, I ween, to view that proud array;</span> <span class= + "i0">And there, amid the Persian chiefs, himself he holds the + helm,</span> <span class="i0">Sits lovely Samos' future + lord—he comes to claim his realm!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>III.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">Mœandrius saw the Persian fleet come + sailing proudly down,</span> <span class="i0">And his troops he + knew were all too few to guard a leaguer'd town;</span> + <span class="i0">So he laid his crown and sceptre down, his + recreant life to save—</span> <span class="i0">Who thus + resigns a kingdom fair deserves to be a slave.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>IV.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">He calls his band—he seeks the + strand—they grant him passage free—</span> + <span class="i0">"And shall they then," his brother + cried, "have a bloodless victory?</span> <span class= + "i0">No—grant me but those spears of thine, and I soon to + them shall show,</span> <span class="i0">There yet are men in + Samos left to face the Persian foe."</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>V.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">The traitor heard his brother's word, and he + gave the youth his way;</span> <span class="i0">"An empty + land, proud Syloson, shall lie beneath thy sway."</span> + <span class="i0">That youth has arm'd those spearmen + stout—three hundred men in all—</span> <span class= + "i0">And on the Persian chiefs they fell, before the city's + wall.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>VI.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">The Persian lords before the wall were sitting + all in state,</span> <span class="i0">They deem'd the island + was at peace—they reck'd not of their fate;</span> + <span class="i0">When on them came the fiery youth<a name= + "FNanchor_4_4" id="FNanchor_4_4"></a><a href="#Footnote_4_4" + class="fnanchor">[4]</a>—with desperate charge he + came—</span> <span class="i0">And soon lay weltering in his + gore full many a chief of fame.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>VII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">The outrage rude Otanes view'd, and fury + fired his breast—</span> <span class="i0">And to the winds + the chieftain cast his monarch's high behest.</span> + <span class="i0">He gave the word, that angry + lord—"War, war unto the death!"</span> + <span class="i0">Then many a scimitar flash'd forth impatient + from its sheath.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>VIII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">Through Samos wide, from side to side, the + carnage is begun,</span> <span class="i0">And ne'er a mother + there is seen, but mourns a slaughter'd son;</span> + <span class="i0">From side to side, through Samos wide, Otanes + hurls his prey,</span> <span class="i0">Few, few, are left in + that fair isle, their monarch to obey!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>IX.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">The new-made monarch sits in state in his loved + ancestral bow'rs,</span> <span class="i0">And he bids his + minstrel strike the lyre, and he crowns his head with + flow'rs;</span> <span class="i0">But still a cloud is on his + brow—where is the promised smile?</span> <span class= + "i0">And yet he sits a sceptred king—in his own dear native + isle.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>X.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">Oh! Samos dear, my native land! I tread thy + courts again—</span> <span class="i0">But where are they, + thy gallant sons? I gaze upon the slain—</span> + <span class="i0">"A dreary kingdom mine, I ween," the + mournful monarch said,</span> <span class="i0">"Where are my + subjects good and true? I reign but o'er the dead!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>XI.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Ah! woe is me—I would that I had + ne'er to Susa gone,</span> <span class="i0">To ask that fatal + boon of thee, Hystaspes' generous son.</span> <span class= + "i0">Oh, deadly fight! oh, woeful sight! to greet a monarch's + eyes!</span> <span class="i0">All desolate—my native land, + reft of her children, lies!"</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>XII.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">Thus mourn'd the chief—and no relief + his regal state could bring.</span> <span class="i0">O'er + such a drear unpeopled waste, oh! who would be a king?</span> + <span class="i0">And still, when desolate a land, and her sons + all swept away,</span> <span class="i0">"The waste domain of + Syloson," 'tis call'd unto this day!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_3_3" id="Footnote_3_3"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_3_3"><span class="label">[3]</span></a> Greek + proverb.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_4_4" id="Footnote_4_4"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_4_4"><span class="label">[4]</span></a> "The + fiery youth, with desperate charge,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 0.5em;">Made for a space an opening + large."—<span class='smcap'>Marmion</span>.</span></p> + </div><br /> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_717" id="Page_717">[Pg + 717]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="LOVE_AND_DEATH" id="LOVE_AND_DEATH"></a>LOVE AND + DEATH.</h2> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">O strong as the + Eagle,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">O mild as the Dove!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">How like, and how + unlike,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">O Death and O Love!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Knitting Earth to the + Heaven,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">The Near to the + Far—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">With the step on the + dust,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">And the eyes on the + star!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Interweaving, + commingling,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;"><i>Both</i> rays from God's + light!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Now in sun, now in + shadow,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Ye shift to the + sight!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Ever changing the + sceptres</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Ye bear—as in + play;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Now Love as Death rules + us,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Now Death has Love's + sway!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Why wails so the + New-born?</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Love gave it the + breath.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">The soul sees Love's + brother—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Life enters on Death!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Why that smile the wan + lips</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Of the dead man + above?</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">The soul sees Death + changing</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Its shape into Love.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">So confused and so + blending</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Each twin with its + brother,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">The frown of one + melts</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">In the smile of the + other.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Love warms where Death + withers,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Death blights where Love + blooms;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 26em;">Death sits by our + cradles,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 27em;">Love stands by our + tombs!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span class='smcap'><span style="margin-left: 36em;">Edward Lytton + Bulwer.</span></span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">Nov. 9, 1843.</span> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_717b" id= + "Page_717b"></a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="THE_BRIDGE_OVER_THE_THUR" id= + "THE_BRIDGE_OVER_THE_THUR"></a>THE BRIDGE OVER THE THUR.</h2> + + <h3>FROM THE GERMAN.—GUSTAV SCHWAB.</h3> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Spurning the loud <span class= + 'smcap'>Thur's</span> headlong march,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Who hath stretcht the stony + arch?</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">That the wayfarer blesses his + path!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">That the storming river wastes his + wrath!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Was it a puissant prince, in + quelling</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">This watery vassal, oft + rebelling?—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Or earthly Mars, the bar + o'erleaping,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">That wrong'd his war of its + onward sweeping?</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Did yon high-nesting + Castellan</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Lead the brave Street, for horse + and man?</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And, the whiles his House creeps + under the grass,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">The Road, that he built, lies fair + to pass?</span><br /> + <br /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_718" id="Page_718">[Pg + 718]</a></span></p><span style="margin-left: 20em;">Nay! not for + the Bridge, which ye look upon,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Manly hest knit stone with + stone.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">The loved word of a woman's + mouth</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Bound the thundering chasm with a + rocky growth.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">She, in turret, who sitteth + lone,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Listing the broad stream's + heavier groan,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Kenning the flow, from his + loosen'd fountains,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">From the clouds, that have + wash'd a score of mountains.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">A skiff she notes, by the shelvy + marge,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Wont deftly across to speed its + charge;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Now jumping and twisting, like + leaf on a lynn,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Wo! if a foot list cradle + therein!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Sooner, than hath she <span class= + 'smcap'>thought</span> her <span class= + 'smcap'>feeling</span>,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">With travellers twain is the light + plank reeling.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Who are they?... Marble watcher! + Who?</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Thy beautiful, youthful, only + two!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Coming, glad, from the greenwood + slaughter,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">They reach the suddenly-swollen + water;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">But the nimble, strong, and + young,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Boldly into the bark have + sprung.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">The game in the forest fall, + stricken and bleeding;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Those river-waves are of other + breeding!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And the shriek of the mother + helpeth not,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">At seeing turn upwards the keel of + the boat.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Whilst her living pulses + languish,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">As she taketh in her + anguish,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">By the roar, her soul which + stuns,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">On the corses of her + sons.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Needs must she upon the mothers + think,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Who yet may stand beholding + sink,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Under the hastily-roused + billow,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Sons, upthriven to be their + pillow.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Till, in her deeply-emptied + bosom,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">There buds a melancholy + blossom,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Tear-nourisht:—the will the + wo to spare</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">To others, which hath left her + bare.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Ere doth her sorrow a throe + abate,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Is chiseling and quarrying, early, + late.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">The hoarse flood chafes, with + straiten'd tides:</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Aloft, the proud Arch climbs and + strides.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">How her eyes, she fastens on + frolicsome boys,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">O'er the stone way racing, + with careless noise.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Hark!—hark!—the wild + Thur, how he batters his rocks!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">But <span class='smcap'>ye</span> + gaze, laugh, and greet the gruff chider, with mocks.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Or, she vieweth with soft + footfall,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Mothers, following their children + all.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">A gleam of pleasure, a spring of + yearning,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Sweetens her tears, dawns into her + mourning.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And her pious work + endureth!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And her pain a slumber + cureth!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Heareth not yonder torrent's + jars!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Hath her young sons above the + stars!</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 10em;">Fontainbleau, 1843.</span> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_719" id="Page_719">[Pg + 719]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="THE_BANKING-HOUSE" id="THE_BANKING-HOUSE"></a>THE + BANKING-HOUSE.</h2> + + <h2>A HISTORY IN THREE PARTS. PART II.</h2> + + <h3>CHAPTER I.</h3> + + <h3>A NEGOTIATION.</h3> + + <p>It is vastly amusing to contemplate the activity and perseverance + which are exhibited in the regard shown by every man for his + individual interests. Be our faults what they may—and our + neighbours are not slow to discover them—it is very seldom + indeed that we are charged with remissness in this respect. So far + from this being the case, a moralist of the present day, in a work of + no mean ability, has undertaken to prove that selfishness is the + great and crying evil of the age. Without venturing to affirm so + wholesale a proposition, which necessarily includes in its censure + professors and professions <i>par excellence</i> unsecular and + liberal, we may be permitted in charity to express our regret, that + the rewards apportioned to good men in heaven are not bestowed upon + those in whom the selfish principle is most rampant, instead of being + strictly reserved for others in whom it is least influential; since + it is more pleasing to consider celestial joys in connexion with + humanity at large, than with an infinitesimal minority of + mortals.</p> + + <p>Whilst Michael Allcraft coolly and designedly looked around him, + in the hope of fixing on the prey he had resolved to + find—whilst, cautious as the midnight housebreaker, who dreads + lest every step may wake his sleeping victim, he almost feared to do + what most he had at heart, and strove by ceaseless effort to bring + into his face the show of indifference and repose;—whilst he + was thus engaged, there were many, on the other hand, eager and + impatient to crave from him, as for a boon, all that he himself was + but too willing to bestow. Little did Michael guess, on his eventful + wedding-day, as his noble equipage rattled along the public roads, + what thoughts were passing in the minds of some who marked him as he + went, and followed him with longing eyes. His absorbing passion, his + exhilaration and delight, did not suffer him to see one thin and + anxious-looking gentleman, who, spyglass in hand, sat at his cottage + window, and brought as near as art allowed—not near enough to + satisfy him—the entranced and happy pair. That old man, with + nine times ten thousand pounds safe and snug in the stocks, was + miserable to look at, and as miserable in effect. He was a widower, + and had a son at Oxford, a wild, scapegrace youth, who had never been + a joy to him, but a trial and a sorrow even from his cradle. Such + punishments there are reserved for men—such visitations for the + sins our fathers wrought, too thoughtless of their progeny. How the + old man envied the prosperous bridegroom, and how vainly he wished + that his boy might have done as well; and how through his small grey + eye, the labouring tear-drops oozed, as he called fresh to mind again + all that he had promised himself at the birth of his unhappy + prodigal! What would he not give to recover and reform the wayward + boy? The thought occurred to him, and he dallied with it for his + pleasure. "If I could but settle him with this young Allcraft! + Why should it not be done? I will give him all I have at once, if + necessary, and live in a garret, if it will save my poor Augustus. I + will speak to him on his return. What a companion and example for my + boy! Open and straightforward—steady as a rock—as rich as + Crœsus. Most certainly I'll see him. I knew his father. + I'll not grudge a few thousands to establish him. Stick him to + business, and he shall do yet." The equipage rolled on as + unconscious of the old man's dreams as were its animated inmates; + and in due time it passed a massive lodge, which led through green + and winding paths to the finest park and mansion in the parish. Close + to the lodge's porch there stood a tall and gloomy-looking man, + neatly dressed—alone. His arms were folded, and he eyed the + carriage thoughtfully and seriously, as though he had an interest + there,</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_720" id="Page_720">[Pg + 720]</a></span></p>known to himself, and to no one else. He was a + very proud man that—the owner of this vast estate, master of + unnumbered acres, and feared rather than loved by the surrounding + people. Wealth is the most royal of despots—the autocrat of all + the world. Men whose sense of liberty forbids them to place their + worst passions under wise control, will crawl in fetters to lick the + basest hand well smeared with gold. There was not an individual who + could say a good word for the squire behind his back. You would + hardly believe it, if you saw individual and squire face to face. And + there he stood, with as ill-omened a visage as ever brought blight + upon a party of pleasure. He watched the panting horses out of + sight—opened his gate, and walked the other way. He, like the + old man, had his plans, and an itching for a share in Michael + Allcraft's fortune. How he, so wealthy and respected, could need + a part of it, remains a mystery at present. The squire knew his + business. He went straightway to the banking-house, and made enquiry + respecting Allcraft's destination. He gained intelligence, and + followed him at once. They met abroad—they returned home in + company. They became great friends, and within three + months—<span class='smcap'>partners</span>. And the old man had + been, as he threatened to be, very busy likewise. He had fought his + son's battle very hardly and very successfully, as he believed, + and with twenty thousand pounds had purchased for him a junior + partner's interest in the estate. The hopeful boy was admitted + into the concern during his residence in Oxford. He had never been + seen, but his father was a man of substance, well known and esteemed. + The character which he gave with his son was undeniable. Its truth + could not be questioned, backed as it was by so liberal an + advance.<br /> + <br /> + + <p>Let it not be supposed that Michael, in his anxiety to involve + other men in his own fearful responsibility, was injudicious enough + to act without all forethought and consideration. Not he. He had + inherited from his sire the valuable faculty of detecting the wishes + and views of men in their external evidences. On the countenances of + men he read their hearts. It did not take long to discover that the + venerable Mr Brammel and the haughty Mr Bellamy were bent upon the + partnership, and would secure it at any cost. Satisfied of this, like + a lazy and plethoric fish he kept within sight of his bait, close + upon it, without deigning for a time as much as a nibble. It was his + when he chose to bite. But there were deep enquiries to make, and + many things to do, before he could implicate himself so far. In every + available quarter he sought information respecting the one partner, + and the father of the other, and of both; the intelligence that he + received well repaid his trouble. Nothing could be more promising and + satisfactory. Nor did he content himself with such arms against the + selfishness of gentlemen, who, he was shrewd enough to know, were + seeking only their own advantage in their earnest desire of a union + with him. He had an eye to the balance of power. Two men, united and + active, in the firm, pulling together on all occasions, might, not by + one blow perhaps, but in the course of time, and by accumulating + force and skill, oust him from his present elevated and natural + position. Once admit them to authority, and the limits of their + dominion must be prescribed by their own sense of honour, or by the + opportunities afforded them of supremacy and independent action. + Michael the impulsive saw and felt this most acutely, and took + occasion, from their eagerness, to insure a proper equilibrium of the + forces before permitting them to coalesce. There lived in the same + city with Michael, and within a quarter of a mile of the + banking-house, an individual to whom he turned his thoughts in his + emergency. Mr Planner was his name, and his character is worth more + than a mere passing observation. He was a study for an artist—a + lesson for mankind. He was a man of surprising abilities, ill + directed, and badly educated; at any period of his life capable of + any thing—to the last moment of his existence accomplishing + nothing. From a child he had displayed a love of admiration and + applause, a craving after superiority and distinction, a burning + ambition for fame. He had the body of a giant, and a giant's + mental apparatus. But with all his gifts, physical and spiritual, all + his energies and aims, he arrived at middle life a melancholy + spectacle of failure and incompetency. There was no one object which + he could pursue with steadiness</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_721" id="Page_721">[Pg + 721]</a></span></p>and patience—no single mark to which he + could perseveringly apply the combined powers of his gifted + intellect. He frittered his faculties upon a hundred trifles, never + concentrated them upon a worthy purpose once. Pride, emulation, and + the internal consciousness of strength, led him, year after year, and + day after day, into difficulties and trials, and carried him through + them only to drag him into deeper. There was no one man whom he would + allow to perform any one thing so skilfully as himself. There was no + branch of knowledge into which he did not grope his way, and from + which he would not manage to extract sufficient learning to render + his conceit intolerable, and his opposition dangerous to a more + erudite antagonist. He could build a church—dam a + river—form a company—warm a house—cool a + room—one and all he would undertake at a minute's notice, + and engage to execute better than any person living. He asserted it + with confidence, and you believed him when he spoke with all the + earnestness of self-conviction and of truth. He despised all + works—all theories but his own; and these were unapproachable, + inimitable. He wrote with his own invented pen, used his own ink, sat + on his own chair, made with his own incomparable tools. Men were + ignorant, behind their age—burdened with superstitions, clogged + by false principles. This was a text from which he never ceased to + preach. As a youth he was engaged in profitable business. Before he + reached his thirtieth year he had realized a handsome competency. He + retired from his occupation, and went abroad to found a city across + the ocean, with views that were unknown to man, and which, well + carried out, must prove infallible. He chose a spot removed from + civilized society—lived for three years amongst a tribe of + savages, and came home at last without a farthing in his + scrip—beggared but not depressed. He had dwelt for many months + in a district of swamps, and he had discovered a method of draining + lands cheaper and more effectual than any hitherto attempted. He + contracted to empty some thousand acres—began his work, + succeeded for a time, and failed at last, from having falsely + calculated his expenses, and for lack of means to carry out his + plans. There were few public matters in which Mr Planner did not + meddle. He wrote pamphlets, and "hints," and "original + views" by dozens. His articles on the currency and corn-laws + were full of racy hits and striking points—his criticisms on + the existing state of art worthy of the artist's best attention. + The temper of Mr Planner was such as might be expected from such a + mass of arrogance and conceit. A man who, in the easiness of his + heart, would listen humbly, patiently, approvingly to Mr Planner, + must pronounce the ardent character an angel. The remarkable docility + which Mr Planner evinced under such treatment, was only to be + equalled by the volubility and pleasure with which he communicated + his numerous and ingenious ideas. Sceptics—nay, men who had + ventured only to contend for the soundness of their preconceived + ideas, and who had been met with a torrent of vituperation and + reproach in consequence—did not hesitate to call Mr + Planner—the devil incarnate. Such as he was, he had become an + agent and a tool in the hands of Allcraft's father. Michael had + been his friend for years, and Planner liked the boy who had ever + regarded him with awe and veneration. The youth had been taught by + his parent to note the faults and inconsistencies of his character; + but these had not rendered him insensible to the talents which had + commanded even that discerning parent's respect and admiration. + It was this personage, for some years the hanger-on at the bank, and + the traveller and negotiator of many things for Allcraft senior, + whose name suggested to Michael the means of providing against the + encroachments of his future brethren. Planner could be relied upon. + The smallest possible interest in the business would excite in him a + corresponding interest in its prosperity, and secure his steadiness + and good behaviour. Why not offer it then, and make his entrance into + the firm a <i>sine qua non</i> in the bargain with Bellamy and + Brammel? He revolved the matter, and saw no real objection to it. + Planner was reputed a first-rate accountant; his services would be + important, no remuneration could be too great, provided he would + settle down, and fix his energies upon the one great object of + advancing the welfare of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_722" + id="Page_722">[Pg 722]</a></span> establishment. His friendship was + secured, and a word or two would suffice to gain his faithful support + and co-operation. So far from his becoming burdensome and useless in + the bank, his talents would be in every way desirable. A coadjutor, + such as he might be, firm and trusty, was invaluable. And why should + he not be? A day had been fixed for accepting or rejecting the + propositions of the gentlemen. The time was drawing on, when Michael + visited his friend to sound him on his purpose.<br /> + <br /> + + <p>Planner lived in a very humble part of a very humble house, in a + very humble street. The two-pair back was his domain, and his + territory was less adorned than crowded with the evidences of his + taste and handiwork. In the remote corner of his unclean apartment + was a lathe for turning ivory—near it the material, a monstrous + elephant's tusk. Shelves, carried round the room, supported + bottles of various sizes, externally very dirty, and internally what + you please; for eyes could not penetrate so far, and determine the + contents. A large label, crowning all, announced them to be + "samples." Books were strewed every where—manuscripts + met you at every turn. The walls were filled with charts and + drawings, one of the former representing the field of Waterloo, + dissected and intersected, with a view to prove Lord Wellington + guilty of winning a battle, which, in conformity with every law of + strategy, he should have lost. One drawing was a rough sketch of his + unhappy swamp; another, the elaborate delineation of a hydraulic + pump. In the niche corresponding to that in which the lathe was + fixed, there was a small iron bedstead; and in this, although it was + nearly noon when Michael paid his friendly visit, Mr Allcraft caught + sight of Mr Planner when he opened the door, in obedience to the very + sharp and loud voice which invited him to "walk in." The + ingenious gentleman had breakfasted. The tea things were on a stool + at his side. He wore his nightcap, and he was busy in examining a + crimson liquid, which he held in a glass close to his eyes. + "That man was murdered, Allcraft!" exclaimed Mr Planner + after the briefest possible salutation. "Murdered, as I am a + living Christian!"</p> + + <p>"What man?" asked Allcraft.</p> + + <p>"Him they hanged last week for poisoning his father. What was + the evidence? Why, when they opened the body, they found a grain or + two of arsenic. Hang a man upon that! A pretty state of + things—look here, sir—look here!"—and he + pointed triumphantly to his crimson liquid.</p> + + <p>"What is that, Mr Planner?" inquired the visitor.</p> + + <p>"What? My blood, sir. I opened a vein the very day they + hanged him. I suspected it all along, and there it is. There is more + arsenic there, sir, than they found in the entire carcass of that + man. Arsenic! Why, it's a prime ingredient in the blood. This it + is to live in the clouds. Talk of dark ages—when shall we get + light?"</p> + + <p>"I was not aware, Mr Planner,"——</p> + + <p>"Of course you were not. How should you be? It is the + interest of the ruling powers to darken the intellect of society. Why + am I kept down? Why don't I prosper? Why don't my works sell? + Ah, Allcraft—put that small pamphlet in your pocket—there + it is—under the model—take care what you are + about—don't break it—there, that's right! What is + it called?"</p> + + <p>"Popular delusions."</p> + + <p>"Ah, true enough!—put it into your pocket and read it. + If Pitt could be alive to read it!—-- Well, never mind! I say, + Allcraft, how does that back room flue get on—any smoke + now?"</p> + + <p>"None."</p> + + <p>"No. I should think not. Michael, I must say it, though the + old gentleman is dead, he was one of the hardest fellows to move I + ever met. He would have been smoke-dried—suffocated, years ago, + if it hadn't been for me. I was the first man that ever sent + smoke up that chimney. Nobody could do it, sir. A fellow came from + London, tried, and failed."</p> + + <p>"It is a pity, Mr Planner, that, with abilities like yours, + you have not been more successful in life. Pardon me if I say that + success would have made you a quieter and a happier man."</p> + + <p>"Ah, Michael, so your father used to say! Well, I don't + know—people are such fools. They will not think for themselves, + and they are ready to crush any one who offers to think for them. It + has ever been so. Men in advance of their generation have always + fared badly. Ages ago they <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_723" + id="Page_723">[Pg 723]</a></span> were put to death cruelly and + violently. Now they are left to starve, and die. The creatures are + ignorant, but they are worse than that; they are selfish and jealous, + and will rather sit in gloom, than owe light, and confess they owe + it, to a fellow mortal and a superior spirit."</p> + + <p>"I am afraid, Mr Planner, after such an observation, that you + will hardly give me credit for the feeling which has induced me to + visit you this morning."</p> + + <p>"You are a good fellow, Michael. You were always a + generous-hearted lad—an exception to the general rule. When you + were five years old, you used to share your biscuits with me. It was + a fine trait in your character. Proceed."</p> + + <p>"You are aware, Mr Planner, that through my father's + death increased responsibilities have come upon me."</p> + + <p>"You may say that. He never would take my advice about the + bank-notes. Stop—remind me before you go, of the few hints to + bankers, which I drew up. You will do well to look at them. + You'll see the advantages of my system of paper issues. Your + father, sir, was stone-blind to his own interests—— but I + am interrupting you."</p> + + <p>"I have for some time past determined to associate with me in + the bank, two gentlemen of noble fortunes and the first + respectability. I would not willingly carry on the concern alone, and + the accession of two such gentlemen as I describe, cannot but be in + every way desirable."</p> + + <p>"Humph—go on."</p> + + <p>"Now Mr Planner, you are a very, very old friend of my + father's, and I know he valued your advice as it deserved to + be."</p> + + <p>"The old gentleman was good in the main, Michael."</p> + + <p>"Had he been aware of my position, he would have recommended + the step which I am about to adopt. Mr Planner, I am young, and + therefore inexperienced. These gentlemen are very worthy persons no + doubt; indeed, I am assured they are; still, they are comparatively + strangers to me, and I am certain you would advise me to be most + cautious."</p> + + <p>"Proceed."</p> + + <p>"What I feel to want is the constant presence of a + friend—one who, from personal attachment, may have my welfare + and interest at heart, and form as it were a second self at all + times—let me be present or absent—and absent I must be + very often—you perceive?"</p> + + <p>"Precisely."</p> + + <p>"A sort of counterpoise to the opposite weight, in fact, if I + may be allowed to call it so. Now, I can sincerely affirm that I know + no person, Mr Planner, in whom I could rely so entirely and + unreservedly as yourself; and nothing would give me greater pleasure + than to serve a man so highly gifted, so long connected with our + family by the closest friendship. If you think the occupation of a + banker suitable to your present tastes, I believe that I can offer + you an appointment worthy your serious consideration."</p> + + <p>Mr Planner rose in his bed, and grasped firmly the hand of Mr + Michael Allcraft. The latter sat at the bedside until past three + o'clock, and then retired, leaving his friend in a state of great + mental excitement. When Michael, upon taking his departure, reached + the street door, he stopped short, and retraced his steps. Entering + the apartment for a second time, he discovered Mr Planner in his + night clothes, standing before a looking glass, and repeating one of + his own compositions in a voice of thunder, and with the most + vehement gesticulation.</p> + + <p>"I beg your pardon. You told me to remind you, Planner, of + your hints to bankers. Have you the book handy?"</p> + + <p>"It is here, Michael. Read it attentively, my boy—trust + to me. I'll make the house's name ring throughout the + country. Don't forget what I have said. We must have a new façade + to the old building after a while. I have such a plan for + it!"</p> + + <h3><a name="THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_II" id= + "THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_II"></a>CHAPTER II.</h3> + + <h3>A LULL.</h3> + + <p><i>Allcraft, Bellamy, Brammel, and Planner</i>. It was a goodly + ship that bore the name, and fair she looked at the launching; her + sails well set, her <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_724" id= + "Page_724">[Pg 724]</a></span> streamers flying, and the music of + men's voices cheering her on her career. Happy and prosperous be + her course! We think not of winter's cold in the fervent summer + time, and wreck and ruin seem impossible on the smooth surface of the + laughing sea; yet cold and winter come, and the smiling, + sweet-tempered ripple can awaken from slumber, and battle and storm + with the heavens. Never had bark left haven with finer promises of + success. We will follow her from the port, and keep watchfully in the + good ship's wake.</p> + + <p>Michael formed a just conclusion when he reckoned upon increase of + business. His own marriage, and the immense wealth of his lady, had + inspired the world with unbounded confidence. The names of two of his + partners were household words in the county, and stood high amongst + the best. A convulsion of nature may destroy the world in half an + hour, as love, it is said, <i>may</i> transform a man into an oyster; + but either of these contingencies was as remote as the possibility of + Allcraft's failure. Silently and successfully the house went on. + For a quarter of a year the sun shone brightly, and profit, and + advantage, and honour, looked Michael in the face. Thriving abroad, + happy at home, what did he need more? His spirit became + buoyant—his heart carefree and light. He congratulated himself + upon the prudence and success of his measures, and looked for his + reward in the brilliant future which he had created for himself and + earned. His soul was calmed; and so are the elements, fearfully and + oppressively, sometimes an hour before the tempest and the storm.</p> + + <p>At the end of three months, Michael deemed it necessary to go + abroad. The heaviest of his father's debts had been contracted + with a house in Lyons, and notices as to payment had been conveyed to + him—notices as full of politeness as they were of meaning. The + difficulties in which he had found himself at the death of his + parent—the seriousness of his engagements—and the + wariness which he had been compelled to exercise—had gone far + to sober down the impetuous youth, and to endue him with the airs and + habits of a man of business. He had attended to his duties at the + banking-house faithfully and punctually. He had entered into its + affairs with the energy and resolution of a practical and working + mind. He had given his heart to the work, and had put his shoulder to + the wheel, honestly and earnestly. Whatsoever may have been his + faults previously to his connexion with his partners, it is due to + him to say that he was no sluggard afterwards, and that he grudged + neither time nor labour that could be in any way productive to the + house—could add a shilling to its profits, or a breath of + reputation to its name. To pay his father's debts from the + earnings of the bank—to keep those debts a secret—and to + leave the fortune of his wife untouched, were the objects for which + he lived, and soon began to slave. Believing that a favourable + arrangement could be effected with his father's creditors, he + determined to visit them in person. He had not been absent from the + bank even for a day; and now, before he could quit it with comfort, + he deemed it necessary to have a few parting words with his right + hand and factotum, Planner.</p> + + <p>Planner was the only member of the firm who lived in the + establishment. His specimens, his bottles, his maps, and drawings, + had been removed to a spacious apartment over the place of business, + and he rejoiced in the possession of an entire first floor. His + bed-room had now a distinct existence. He had not enjoyed it for a + week, before the water with which he performed his daily ablutions + was insinuated by a cunning contrivance through the ceiling, and + dismissed afterwards, as cleverly, through the floor. Hot water came + through the wall at any hour of the day, and a constant artificial + ventilation was maintained around his bed by night and day. There was + no end to the artifices which the chamber exhibited. Michael, + although he lived at a considerable distance from the bank, was + always the first at his post, after Planner himself. He arrived + unusually early on the day fixed for his visit to the Continent. + Planner and he sat for an hour together, and in the course of their + conversation, words to the following effect escaped them:—</p> + + <p>"You will be careful and attentive, Planner. Let me hear from + you by every post. Do not spare ink and paper."</p> + + <p>"Trust me. I shall not forget it. But don't you miss the + opportunity, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_725" id= + "Page_725">[Pg 725]</a></span> Allcraft, of doing something with + those mines. Your father wouldn't touch them—but he + repented it. I tell you, Michael, if we bought them, and worked them + ourselves, we might coin money! I'd go abroad and see the shafts + sunk. I could save a fortune in merely setting them to + rights."</p> + + <p>"It is rather strange, Planner, that Brammel is so long + absent. He should come home, and settle down to work. It isn't + well to be away. It hasn't a fair appearance to the world. You + saw his father yesterday. What said he?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, that young Brammel had a good many things to arrange in + Oxford and in the neighbourhood, and would soon be back now. But + never mind him, Allcraft. Between ourselves, he is better where he + is; he is a horrible ass."</p> + + <p>"Hush. So he is, Planner, but he must not run wild. We must + keep him at home. He has been a rackety one, and I fear he is not + much better now. I question whether I should have received him here, + if I had known as much of him at first as I have heard lately. But + his father deceived me."</p> + + <p>"Queer old man that, Michael! How he takes the boy's part + always, and how frightened he seems lest you should think too badly + of him. Young Brammel will have every farthing of the old man's + money at his death. A pretty sum, too. A hundred thousand pounds, + isn't it?"</p> + + <p>"Well, Planner, let me know when he returns. That was a + curious report about his marriage. Can it be true?"</p> + + <p>"His father denies it, but you mustn't trust the old + sinner when he talks about his son. He'll lie through thick and + thin for him. They do say he lived with the girl at the time he was + at college, and married her at last because her brother threatened to + kick him."</p> + + <p>"Nonsense, Planner."</p> + + <p>"Why nonsense? More than half the marriages you hear of are + scarcely a whit better. What are the rules for a correct match? Who + obeys them? Where do you ever hear, now-a-days, of a proper marriage? + People are inconsistent in this respect as in other things. A beauty + marries a beast. A philosopher weds a fool. They can't tell you + why, but they do it. It's the perversity of human + nature."</p> + + <p>"I shall look sharp after Brammel."</p> + + <p>"Take my advice, Michael, and look after the mines. Brammel + can take care of himself, or his wife and brother-in-law can do it. + The timber on the property will realize the purchase money."</p> + + <p>"Well, we shall see; but here is Mr Bellamy. Mind you write + to me, and be explicit and particular."</p> + + <p>"I shall do it, Michael."</p> + + <p>"And mark, Planner; prudence—prudence."</p> + + <p>And so saying, Michael advanced to Bellamy with a smiling + countenance. An hour afterwards, both he and his lovely bride were + comfortably seated in a post-chaise and four, admiring the + garden-land of Kent, and speeding to Dover fast as their horses could + carry them.</p> + + <h3><a name="THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_III" id= + "THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_III"></a>CHAPTER III.</h3> + + <h3>A SWEET COUPLE.</h3> + + <p>The very emphatic and somewhat vulgar expression of Mr Planner, + was by no means ill-chosen to express the character of Augustus + Theodore Brammel. He had been lovingly spoiled from his + cradle—humoured and ruined with the most praiseworthy care and + perseverance. His affectionate parents had studiously neglected the + few goodly shoots which the youth had brought into the world with + him, and had embarked all their energies in the cultivation of the + weeds that grew noxious and numerous around the unhappy boy's + heart. His mother lived to see her darling expelled from + Eton—the father to see much worse, and yet not the worst that + the hopeful one was doomed to undergo. Gross vices, if not redeemed, + are rendered less hideous by intellectual power and brilliancy. + Associated with impotency and ignorance, they are disgusting beyond + expression. Augustus Brammel was the most sensual and self-engrossed + of men— <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_726" id= + "Page_726">[Pg 726]</a></span> the most idle and dissipated; and, as + if these were not enough to render him an object of the deepest + aversion, he was as self-willed, thick-headed, overbearing a dunce as + ever moved a man to that contempt "which wisdom holds unlawful + ever;" and Brammel was not only a fool, but a conceited, + upstart, irritating fool. He considered himself the shrewdest of + mortals, and presumed to dictate, to be impertinent, to carry matters + with a high hand and a flourish. As for modesty, the word was not in + his dictionary. He had never known its meaning; and therefore, + perhaps, in justice is not to be blamed for the want of it. Augustus, + being a great blusterer, was of course a low coward. He bullied, + oppressed, and crushed the helpless and the weak, who were avenged as + often as he cowered and sneaked beneath the look of the strong and + the brave. The companions and friends of such creatures as Brammel, + are generally selected from the lower grades of life. The tone of + feeling found amongst the worst members of these classes, harmonizes + with their own. They think the like thoughts, talk the same language. + They are led to them by the true Satanic impulse, for it is their + triumph to reign in hell—their misery to serve in heaven. + Flattered by the dregs and refuse of society, they endeavour to + forget that they are avoided, spurned, trodden on, by any thing + higher. Just when it was too late to profit by the discovery, old + Brammel found out his mistake; and then he sagaciously vowed, that if + his time were to come over again, he would educate his boy in a very + different manner. His first attempt had certainly been a failure. + Augustus had been rusticated at the university; he had run away from + his home; he had committed all kinds of enormity. He had passed weeks + in the sinks of London, and had been discovered at last by his + heartbroken parent amongst the stews of Shadwell, in a fearful state + of disease and destitution. Years were passed in proceedings of this + nature, and every attempt at recovery proved abortive and useless. + His debts had been discharged a dozen times, and on every occasion + under a solemn engagement that it should be the last. When Brammel + senior signed the deed of partnership on behalf of his son, the + latter, as I have already said, was in Oxford, having returned to the + university only a month before, at the termination of his period of + banishment. Whilst the father was engaged in publishing the imaginary + virtues of his son to most admiring listeners, the promising youth + himself was passing his days in the very agreeable society of Miss + Mary Anne Waters, the eldest daughter of the cook of his + college—a young lady with some pretension to beauty, but none + whatever to morality, being neither more nor less than Mr Augustus + Brammel's very particular and <i>chčre amie</i>. The letter which + arrived with the unwelcome intelligence of the arrangement, found the + charming pair together. A specimen of their discourse at the time, + will show the temper with which the communication was received.</p> + + <p>"I sha'n't go," ejaculated the youth. "I + can't be nailed down to a desk. What business had the old man to + do any thing without me? Why can't he mind his own affairs? + He's old and ugly enough. It's cursed impudence in him, and + that's a fact."</p> + + <p>"Oh ducky!" interposed Miss Mary Anne, with a rueful + face, "I know how it will be. You'll have to go home for + good, and you won't think of me no more."</p> + + <p>"Don't you bother yourself. I sha'n't do any + thing of the kind. If I go home, Molly, you go with me."</p> + + <p>"Do you mean it, dear bless-ed?"</p> + + <p>"Don't I? that's all. I say it is blasted impertinent + in the old man, and I shall tell him so. I shall have blunt enough + when his toes are up. What is the good of working for more?"</p> + + <p>"Oh dear me, bless-ed!"</p> + + <p>"What is the matter, old girl?"</p> + + <p>"If you should ever forget me!"</p> + + <p>"Don't you fear."</p> + + <p>"I should hang myself up to the bedpost with my garters. I + know I should. Don't leave me, there's a dear + ducky."</p> + + <p>"Well, haven't I said I won't?"</p> + + <p>"Ah, you think you won't, dear bless-ed!"</p> + + <p>"I tell you I won't."</p> + + <p>"Yes, but when they get you up, they'll just be trying to + marry you to some fine rich woman; and I am sure she won't know + how to take care of you as I do. They ain't brought up to air and + mend linen, to darn stockings, <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_727" id="Page_727">[Pg 727]</a></span> and to tack on + shirt-buttons. They'll never suit you, ducky."</p> + + <p>"Catch me marrying a fine woman, Moll!"</p> + + <p>"Ha, won't you though, bless-ed? Oh, dear me!" Mary + Anne burst into tears.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter, Moll, now?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, dear ducky! I wish I was an honest woman. I might go + every where with you, and not be ashamed of it either; and I do love + you so. I shall die if you leave me—I know I shall!"</p> + + <p>"But I won't leave you."</p> + + <p>"Oh, there's a ducks! But you know what you promised me, + Tiddy dear?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, I know, Molly, and I'll keep my word with you. If + father makes a partner of me, he shall make partners of both of + us."</p> + + <p>"No, do you mean it though?"</p> + + <p>"Haven't I said it, you stupid?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, you dear ducks of diamonds! You do look so handsome + this morning! And when shall it be? If you are to go to this + business, the sooner the better, you know, darling. Oh, I shall be so + happy!"</p> + + <p>Happy or not, the lady was at least successful. In the course of a + week Mary Anne Waters became extinct, and from her ashes rose the + surprizingly fine, and surpassingly vulgar, Mrs Augustus Brammel. + Augustus, notwithstanding his vapoury insubjection, visited his + father and the partners in the bank, leaving his bride in snug + lodgings at a respectable distance from all. He remained a few days + at the banking-house, and then absented himself on the plea of + finally arranging his incompleted affairs in Oxford and elsewhere. He + had engaged to return to business at the end of a month. Nearly three + had passed away, and no tidings whatever had been heard of him. + Allcraft, as it has been seen, grew anxious—less perhaps for + his partner's safety, than for the good name and credit of the + firm. He had heard of his precious doings, and reports of his + inauspicious marriage were already abroad. No wonder that the + cautious and apprehensive Michael trembled somewhat in his state of + uncertainty. As for Mr Augustus Brammel himself, the object of his + fears, he, in conformity with general custom, and especially in + compliance with the wishes of his wife, had quitted England on a + wedding tour. With five hundred pounds in his purse—a sum + advanced by his father to liquidate his present outstanding + liabilities—he steamed from Dover on the very day that he was + supposed to have reached Oxford for his final arrangements. From + Boulogne, he, his wife, and suite, proceeded to Paris; and there they + were, up to their eyes in the dissipation of that fascinating city, + when Allcraft started on their track, followed them, unwittingly + enough, from town to town, and came upon them at length in the great + city itself, and in the very hotel in which they lodged. It was at + night that Michael first caught sight of the runaway. And where? In a + gaming-house, the most fashionable of the many legalized haunts of + devils in which, not many years since, Paris abounded. Allcraft had + entered upon the scene of iniquity as into a theatre, to behold a + sight—the sight of human nature in its lowest, most pitiable, + and melancholy garb; in its hour of degradation, craziness, and + desperation. He had his recreation in such a spectacle, as men can + find their pleasure in the death-struggle of a malefacter on the + gibbet. He came, not to join the miserable throng that crowded round + the tables, exhibiting every variety of low, unhealthy feeling; nor + did he come, in truth, prepared to meet with one in whose affairs and + conduct he had so deep an interest. It was with inexpressible + astonishment and horror that he beheld his colleague, busy and active + amongst the busiest of the crew, venturing rouleau after rouleau, + losing stake upon stake, and growing more reckless and madder with + every new defeat. For a time Michael would not, could not, believe + his own eyes. It was one of the curious resemblances which we meet + every now and then in life: it was any thing but what he dreaded it + to be—the actual presence of Augustus Brammel. Michael + retreated to a distant part of the room, and watched his man. The + latter spoke. He used a disgusting English oath, and flung his last + rouleau across the table like a drunken fiend. The heart of Allcraft + grew sick, but still he kept his eye upon the gamester. Losing his + stake, Brammel quitted the apartment, and retired to a spacious + saloon, splendidly furnished. He called for <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_728" id="Page_728">[Pg 728]</a></span> + champagne—drank greedily—finished the + bottle—returned to the gaming-room flushed and + feverish—looked at the players savagely, but sottishly, for a + few moments, and then left the house altogether. Michael was on his + heels. The worthy Brammel stopped at many small public-houses on his + road, in each drank off a glass of brandy, and so went on. Michael + had patience, and kept to his partner like a leech. It was midnight + when he found himself once more before his hotel.</p> + + <p>Brammel had rung at the porter's bell, and gained admittance. + A quarter of an hour afterwards Allcraft followed his example. Before + he retired to rest he learnt that Brammel and himself were inmates of + the same house. About eleven o'clock on the following morning, + Augustus quitted his dressing-room. Michael had been waiting some + hours for this operation. A few minutes afterwards Mr Brammel's + servant announced a visitor. Great was the consternation of Augustus + Brammel when Mr Michael Allcraft looked him in the face. First the + delinquent turned very white, like a guilty man—then his colour + returned to him, and he tried to laugh like an innocent and careless + one; but he was not so happy in the second instance. As a third + experiment, he smoothed his hair with his fingers—pointed to a + chair—and held out his hand. Mrs Brammel was at the breakfast + table, reading an English newspaper.</p> + + <p>"Ah! Mr Allcraft—glad to see you—glad to see you. + Out on the same business, eh? Nothing like it—first weeks of + marriage are delightful—there's nothing like a honey-moon + on the Continent to my thinking. Mrs Brammel, my wife—Mr + Allcraft, my partner, my dear."</p> + + <p>Mrs Brammel looked up from her newspaper and giggled.</p> + + <p>"I cannot tell you, Mr Brammel," said Allcraft in a + serious tone, "how surprised I am to find you here. Are you + aware, sir, that neither your father, nor any one of your partners, + have the least knowledge of your movements. You were supposed to be + in England. You gave your word to return to business within a month + of your departure. You have not written or given the slightest + account of yourself."</p> + + <p>"Come, that's very good, Mister. Given an account of + myself, indeed! Pray, whom am I accountable to?"</p> + + <p>"To those, sir," replied Allcraft, quickly and angrily, + "with whom you are associated in business, and who have an + interest in your good conduct—who suffer by your acts, and will + be blamed for your folly and indiscretion."</p> + + <p>"Come, I say, that's all very fine in you, Mr Allcraft; + but what brings you here, I should like to know? Haven't I as + much right to bring my wife to Paris as you have? Give and take, if + you please"——</p> + + <p>"No, bless-ed," sagely and sarcastically interposed Mrs + Brammel, "I ain't so rich as Mrs Allcraft; I can't dress + so fine; we ain't sich gentle-folks"——</p> + + <p>"Mr Brammel, pray let us have no more recrimination. I have + met you here by the merest chance. It is my duty to speak to you at + once, and very seriously, on your position. You are mistaken if you + suppose that my own pleasure has brought me here; + business—important, weighty business—is the sole cause, I + can assure you."</p> + + <p>"<i>Ally—ally</i>," answered Brammel with a + knowing leer, attempting a little <i>facetić</i> in French.</p> + + <p>"I tell you the truth, sir," continued Michael, + reddening with anger, "and I warn you in good time to look to + yourself, and to your course of conduct. You may bring infamy upon + yourself, as you have brought sorrow and anguish upon the head of + your aged father; but you shall not with impunity involve and + disgrace others who are strangers to you, although unfortunately + connected with you by their occupation. Depend upon it, you shall + not."</p> + + <p>"My aged father, as you call him, didn't stump up all + that money, I'm thinking, Mr Allcraft, to bind me apprentice. + Perhaps you'd like to kick me next. I am as much a partner in + that concern as you are; and if I think proper to take my lady + abroad, I am at liberty to do it as well as you. You ain't the + first man because you married a rich widow, and because your name + begins with A. Certainly not, monsweer."</p> + + <p>"In course not, bless-ed. Besides, ducky, your name begins + with B—and that's A's next door neighbour."</p> + + <p>"You shall take your own course, sir," <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_729" id="Page_729">[Pg 729]</a></span> + proceeded Michael; "but it shall be at your own peril, and with + your eyes opened. It is my part to give you good counsel. I shall do + so. You may act as you then think fit."</p> + + <p>"I haven't done any thing to disgrace you, as you call + it. It is cursed impudent in you to say so."</p> + + <p>"You have. You disgraced yourself and me, and every one + associated with you, only last night, when you were pleased to + exhibit to the world as a public gamester. (Augustus Theodore changed + colour.) You see that your actions are observed; they will become + more so. The house shall not lose its good name through your + misconduct, sir. Assure yourself of that. There are means to rid + ourselves of a nuisance, and to punish severely, if we choose to use + them."</p> + + <p>"What do you mean by punish?" asked Augustus, + unfeignedly alarmed by his partner's threat, and yet not liking + to be bullied. "Don't you insult me, sir, in my own room; + better not, I can tell you."</p> + + <p>"Pshaw, you are an idiot;" exclaimed Michael most + contemptuously.</p> + + <p>"I'll just thank you to go, sir, and not call my husband + names," said Mrs Brammel, rising from her chair. "You are a + nasty ill-bred fellow, I'm sure. Talk of high people! I never see + sich airs in all my life. If your wife ain't no better behaved, + there's a nice pair of you, I don't think. Never mind him, + ducky dear—don't you fret. We are as good as them any day. + Let's go up stairs, there's a bless-ed. Call the + <i>garsoon</i>."</p> + + <p>Poor Michael knew not what step to take, what language to employ, + in order to effect his purpose. He could not think of quitting Paris, + leaving his partner behind him, open to the seductions of the city, + and eager to avail himself of every license and indulgence. He had + hoped to frighten him into better behaviour, and perhaps he would + have succeeded but for the presence of the lady, whose appearance and + demeanour, more than any thing else, confounded and annoyed him. He + remained silent for a few seconds, and then, in a quieter tone, he + asked Brammel when he really thought of getting back to business.</p> + + <p>"Why, very soon," replied the youth, himself reduced to + civility by Michael's more peaceful aspect; "and I should + have been back before now, if I hadn't been bothered about a lot + of things. If you hadn't come in blustering, I should have told + you so. I shall be all right enough, don't you fear, when I get + home. I promised father I should settle, and so I mean—but a + wedding trip is a wedding trip, and ladies mustn't be + baulked."</p> + + <p>"Certainly not," answered Allcraft, grateful for as much + as this—"then, when do you think of reaching + home?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, before you, I'll wager! We haven't got much more + to see. We went to the Jordan de Plants yesterday. We are going to + the Pantheon to-morrow. We shall soon get done. Make your mind + easy."</p> + + <p>"As soon as you have visited these places, I am to + understand, then, that you return to business?"</p> + + <p>"Exactly so."</p> + + <p>"And may I venture to intreat you to abstain from visiting + the gambling-house again?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't you worry yourself! If you had only spoken at + first like a gentleman, I should have promised you without being + asked."</p> + + <p>"Both you and Mrs Brammel must see, I am sure, the very great + propriety of avoiding all such scenes."</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Mary Anne; and then repeating her + husband's words, "but if you had only spoken at first like a + gentleman!"</p> + + <p>"Perhaps I was too hasty, madam. It is a fault that I have. + We shall understand one another much better for the future. You will + be at home in about—ten days we'll say, from the present + time, at latest."</p> + + <p>"Oh, don't fix days, I never could bear it! We shall be + all right. Will you stay breakfast?"</p> + + <p>Michael excused himself, and, having done all that was permitted + him, departed. With a sad spirit he encountered his lady, and with + gloomy forebodings his mind was filled that day. Augustus Brammel was + destined to be his thorn, his trial, and his punishment. He could see + it already. His house, otherwise so stable, so promising, and so + prosperous, would receive a mortal blow from this one threatening + point. It must be warded off. The hurtful limb must by degrees be got + away. He must, from this time forward, engage himself in its removal. + It was, after all, a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_730" id= + "Page_730">[Pg 730]</a></span> consolation to have met the pair, and + to have succeeded so far in frightening them home again, as he fully + believed he had. For a time at least, he conceived that Brammel was + still safe. This conviction gave him courage, and carried him on his + road to Lyons, with a heart not altogether ill at ease, and without + good hope. In the meanwhile Mrs Brammel had inveighed, in the most + unmeasured terms, against the insolent behaviour of Mr Allcraft, the + pride and arrogance of his wife, whom she had never seen—the + marked, unpardonable insult she had offered her in not accompanying + Allcraft on his visit; and had succeeded, in short, in effectually + driving from her husband's mind the little good effect which had + been produced by the partner's just remonstrance. Ignorant and + vulgar as she was, the woman had unbounded influence and power. How + much, may be guessed from the fact, that before Michael Allcraft was + ten miles on his journey to Lyons, she had prevailed upon her husband + to draw his first cheque upon his house to the tune of Ł500, and to + prolong their holiday by visiting in succession the south of France, + Switzerland, and Italy. The fool, after an inane resistance, + consented; his cheque was converted to money—the horses were + ordered—and on they dashed.</p> + + <h3><a name="THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_IV" id= + "THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_IV"></a>CHAPTER IV.</h3> + + <h3>A SPECULATION.</h3> + + <p>"When the cat is away, the mice begin to play." It is an + old and a true saying, and Michael, had he been an experienced + mouser, would have remembered it to his advantage, when he thought of + leaving the banking-house to the tender mercies of his colleagues. + His confidence in Planner was very great, and I will not say + undeserved; still some account should have been taken of his previous + habits, and the positive abiding infirmity of human nature. It was + surely dangerous to surround a man so fickle, and so easily led by + the delusions of his sanguine spirit, with every temptation to walk + astray, and to remove every check that had hitherto kept down the + capricious movements of his most unsteady will. The daily, almost + hourly presence of Allcraft, his vigorous and immediate + superintendence of affairs, had subdued the speculative soul of + Planner, and rendered him a useful man of business. He was, in truth, + a good accountant, ardent in his pursuits, a faithful friend, an + honest man. With the needful restraints upon him, he proved, as + Allcraft had believed he would, a warm and active partisan. Had those + restraints been continued for any time—had he been trained, and + so reconciled and accustomed to his yoke, all might have prospered + and been well with him. His own happiness might have been secured, + and the hopes of his friend and patron would not have been blasted. + It was the misfortune of Allcraft, with all his long-sightedness, not + to see far enough. He was to blame, deeply to blame, for the + desertion of a man whom he knew to be at the mercy of his own wayward + spirit, and utterly incapable of self-defence. Yet, called abroad, + what could he do? It is the fate of cunning, as it is of suspicion + and other mortal weaknesses, to fall into toils of its own weaving. + Michael too soon was called to pay the penalty. Allcraft had been in + France a fortnight, when Planner received a fatal visit at the bank + from a very old friend and stanch ally—a creature as excitable + and sanguine as himself, as full of projects, and as unsuccessful. + They had known each other in the early and distant days of their + prosperity—they had grown poor together—they were united + by the uniformity of their fortunes as by the similarity of their + natures. They had both for years regarded themselves as the + persecuted and injured of society—and both were satisfied of + their ability to achieve miracles, time and the occasion serving. It + is not for speculative spirits to be disheartened by failure, but + rather to be encouraged by ill success to fresh extravagance, else + had the poor result of all their schemes long since extinguished the + fire at work within them. Not one of their <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_731" id="Page_731">[Pg 731]</a></span> + innumerable plans had shown a gleam, a spark, of reality and life. + One morning, about five years before the present visit, Mr William + Wedge rose from bed with the pleasing notion that he would ruin all + the public gaming-houses in the world. He had suddenly discovered the + secret of their success—the cause of their enormous + gains—and had arranged, with minutest care and skill, a + systematic course of play to bring against them. It was with + difficulty that he contained himself until he mentioned his good + fortune to his friend. They met time after time in secret, grew + fearfully mysterious—closed their windows in the open + day—played cards from morning till night, and sometimes through + the night—with no other eye upon them than the very feeble, + faint-glimmering one of their farthing rushlight;—they carried + directions in their pocket—learnt them off—repeated them + until they grew familiar as their oaths, and more familiar than their + prayers. To realize between them a standing capital of five pounds, a + sum essential to their operations, they pawned all the available + clothing they possessed; and on the very night that they obtained the + cash, they sallied forth to carry devastation and affright throughout + the camps of innocent and unsuspecting blacklegs. As might be + expected, it took about as many minutes as they had pounds to effect + the ruin of the adventurers. Did they despond? Not they; a flaw + existed in their calculations. They looked for it with care, and were + torn from their employment only by the exigencies of the time, and + the pressing demands of nature for immediate bread. Mr Wedge had from + this period struggled on, living as he knew how, and nobody could + tell, until Planner's unexpected good fortune and ascent provided + him with an allowance and a quiet mind to follow out his views. Since + Planner's introduction into the bank, he had behaved faithfully + and well to his ancient crony; in addition to a pension, paid weekly + and in advance, he gave him a right of entrée to his rooms after the + hours of business, a certain supper three times a-week, and an + uncertain quantity of brandy and water on the same occasions. One + stipulation only he deemed necessary for his protection. He had given + his word to Allcraft to avoid all trading unconnected with the + bank—to abstain from speculation. Weak at the best of times, he + knew himself to be literally helpless with the <i>ignis fatuus</i> of + a hopeful project before his eyes; and he made a condition of + Wedge's visits—his silence upon matters of business, + private or public. It was a wise resolution, nobly formed, and for a + season well carried out. Wedge promised to be cautious, and did not + break his word. Peace of mind, a regular diet, and a full stomach, + were such extraordinary circumstances in the daily doings of the + latter, that the restraint upon his tongue was, in the first month or + two of the new excitement, scarcely felt as an inconvenience. Planner + himself, with the eye of Allcraft upon him, kept his natural + inclination safely in the rear of <i>his</i> promise, and so the days + and nights passed pleasantly. On the evening above alluded + to—that is to say, just a fortnight after Michael's + departure—Wedge came as usual for his supper, grog, and + conversation. The clock had just struck eleven—the friends were + sitting together, their feet upon the fender, their hands upon their + tumblers. As was usual with them, they discussed the doings of the + nation, and called in question the proceedings of the existing + government. One subject after another was dismissed—politics, + law, love, and religion—they abused every thing, and agreed + marvellously. It was getting very near midnight, the hour at which, + it is said, devils are let loose upon earth for mischief—when a + rascally little imp crawled up to Planner's ear, and put it into + his head to talk about the amusements of the poor, and their effects + upon the rising generation.</p> + + <p>"They will be sorry for it, Wedge—mark my words. All + this stabbing and killing comes from too much work and no play. + Jack's at his tools for ever—gets a dull boy—and then + stabs and cuts about him for the sake of getting lively. Government + should have playgrounds in every parish. They would save the expense + in the rapid diminution of the standing army. I wrote a letter once + to the prime minister"——</p> + + <p>Wedge sighed.</p> + + <p>"What do you mean by that, Wedge? Ah, quite right—I + see! You are a good fellow, Wedge. You have kept the compact. I + won't be the first to break it. Let us change the <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_732" id="Page_732">[Pg 732]</a></span> + subject. I burnt all my letters and papers the day I got here. What + was the good of keeping them? This is an ungrateful country, + Wedge!"</p> + + <p>Wedge sipped his grog, and sighed again.</p> + + <p>"What is the matter, boy?" enquired his patron. + "Speak your mind—relieve your heart."</p> + + <p>"No, I won't, Planner—I won't be the first. You + sha'n't say it is me. I don't mean to be blamed, + that's a fact—but if I dared, oh, that's all!"</p> + + <p>"Is it any thing very good?"</p> + + <p>"Good! Good, did you say? Well, an agreement's an + agreement, Planner. It isn't for me to introduce the subject; but + I could tell you something, if we were differently situated, that + would be a fortune to you. Ah, Planner, I sha'n't be a burden + upon you long! I have hit upon a thing at last—I am a made + man!"</p> + + <p>"Now I tell you what, Wedge," said Planner, pulling out + his watch, and looking very serious, "we'll have just five + minutes' private conversation on this matter, and then have done + with it. Only five minutes, mind you, by the watch. If we mutually + agree to lay aside our compact for a minute or so, there's no + great harm done, provided it isn't made a precedent. I should + like to see you set a-going, Wedge. You may open your mind to me, and + be sure of good advice. It's now seven minutes to twelve. Till + twelve, Wedge, you are at liberty to talk on business."</p> + + <p>"What were you saying just now about amusements, Planner? Do + you recollect."</p> + + <p>"I do."</p> + + <p>"I have thought about it for the last six months. We have + formed a company."</p> + + <p>"A company!"</p> + + <p>Wedge was as full of mystery as an Oxford tractman. He rose on + tiptoe from his chair, proceeded to the passage, listened on the + stairs, returned as carefully, closed the door, resumed his seat.</p> + + <p>"A company!" repeated Planner.</p> + + <p>"Such an undertaking!" proceeded the ungagged and + self-deluded Wedge. "It's the finest thing that has been + thought of for these hundred years. I <i>am</i> surprised it never + once occurred to you. Your mind, Planner, should have grasped + it."</p> + + <p>"What can it be?"</p> + + <p>"We mean to call it the <i>Pantamorphica</i>, because it + takes all shapes. We are in treaty now for a hundred acres of land + within three miles of London. We are to have a + race-course—public gardens with fountains and + promenades—a gymnasium for callisthenic and other + exercises—boating—a menagerie—a + library—lecture-rooms—conservatories"——</p> + + <p>"By Jove, I see!" ejaculated Planner. + "Capital!—a universal playground; trust me, I have thought + of it before. Go on."</p> + + <p>"These are for the daylight. At night we have a + concert-room—a theatre—saloons for dancing—halls + for refreshment—museums for <i>converzatione</i>. In the centre + of the public walks we have a synagogue, a church, and chapel for + Sabbath visitors. Then we shall have + aviaries—apiaries—caves—alpine + scenery"——</p> + + <p>"Upon my soul, Wedge, it's a grand conception!" + There was a large clock at the bottom of the stairs which struck + twelve, loud enough to awake the sleeping household; but, strange to + say, neither Planner nor his friend heard a single chime. "Who + are your men?" continued Planner.</p> + + <p>"Oh, first-rate men! Three of the first London bankers, two + of the chief architects, the richest capitalist in + England"——</p> + + <p>"What, have you got them all?"</p> + + <p>"No, but we mean to ask them to take shares, and to take part + in the direction. They'll jump, sir, at the offer."</p> + + <p>"Ah, that they will! What's your capital?"</p> + + <p>"Half a million—five thousand shares of a hundred each. + It's nothing at all!"</p> + + <p>"No, nothing really. What is your appointment?"</p> + + <p>"I am secretary; and I am to have a bonus of five thousand + pounds when the thing is fairly started."</p> + + <p>"You well deserve it, Wedge. Ah, sir, I have dreamt of this + before!"</p> + + <p>"No—have you?"</p> + + <p>"It must do, Wedge. It can't help itself. People will be + amused—people will pay for it. Amuse them from morning till + night—change the scene every hour of the day—vary the + pleasures. Wedge, you are a national benefactor."</p> + + <p>"It is past twelve," said Wedge hesitatingly, looking at + the watch.</p> + + <p>"No—is it?" asked Planner, looking at it likewise. + "There must be some <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_733" id= + "Page_733">[Pg 733]</a></span> mistake. Have you heard the clock + strike?"</p> + + <p>"No."</p> + + <p>"Nor I; my watch is out of order—too fast a great deal. + Let us go by the big clock. Now, when that strikes twelve, Wedge, you + shall go home, and I'll to bed—an understanding is an + understanding, Wedge."</p> + + <p>"And so you like it, Planner—eh?"</p> + + <p>"Like it, sir"——</p> + + <p>It was exactly a quarter to four o'clock when Planner put out + his bedroom candle, and Wedge tucked himself up as well as he could + on the hard horsehair sofa in Planner's sitting-room. Having + enlarged upon the <i>Pantamorphica</i> speculation until the above + unreasonable hour, it was not deemed respectable for Mr Wedge to quit + the banking-house on the dark side of sunrise. The latter gentleman + had worked himself up to such a pitch of excitement in blowing out + his bubble, that it was very nearly six o'clock before he could + be pronounced in a condition to say his prayers like a rational + being, and go to sleep. As for Planner, he had heard too much to be + quiet. He tossed his head on his pillow—turned from side to + side—sat up and lay down again at intervals, until the break of + day. He had resolved to take an active interest in this glorious + undertaking. Nothing should hinder him. Its returns must necessarily + be immense. He had promised Allcraft to enter into no business + foreign to the banking-house. But what of that? He should be without + an excuse for his blindness if he closed his eyes to the advantages + which stared him in the face. He would not be selfish. Allcraft + should share in the reward. He, who had acted so friendly a part to + him, should be repaid for his noble conduct. "Share and share + alike," should be his motto. And he would not hesitate or + postpone his intentions. He would look thoroughly into the affair at + once, and go boldly forward. It should be his pleasure and his pride + to greet and surprise his partner with the unexpected news the + instant he returned. Sweet are the visions of life, sleeping or + waking. It is the substance and the truth that pass like iron to the + soul, and kill it. Poor Planner!</p> + + <h3><a name="THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_V" id= + "THE_BANKING-HOUSE_CHAP_V"></a>CHAPTER V.</h3> + + <h3>A LANDED PROPRIETOR.</h3> + + <p>After Michael had spent a month in France, he discovered that he + must still travel on, and still sacrifice time and exertion, if he + hoped to bring his unfortunate parent's affairs to a satisfactory + issue. Many things had happened since his arrival to give him great + pain and annoyance. In the first place, he had learned, with a + sickening heart, that the private debts of his father considerably + exceeded in amount those which had appeared in the testamentary + memorandum. He had seen with his own eyes his father's + acknowledgment of liabilities, the existence of which was thus + revealed to him for the first time. In his immediate and violent + disgust, he burned to expose his parent's cupidity and + dishonesty, and to rid himself of the burden which he had voluntarily + taken as his own; but pride, shame, and other low incentives, came + between him and the fulfilment of a rash resolution, and he had + nothing to do but to look his difficulty fully and bravely in the + face. In addition to this trial, he found it necessary to proceed + without delay as far eastward as Vienna; for thither his chief + creditor had taken himself on urgent business, which threatened to + detain him on the spot until the following year. Nor was this all; a + Lyonese merchant, who held old Allcraft's note of hand for a + considerable sum, advanced under assurances of early payment, had + grown obstinate and restive with disappointment and anxiety. He + insisted upon the instant discharge of his claim, and refused to give + another hour's grace. To rid himself of this plague, Michael had + not hesitated to draw upon his house for a sum somewhat greater than + five thousand pounds. The act had not been committed without some + distress of mind—some murmurings of conscience; but the + necessity was great—the compulsion not to be avoided. To put an + end to all further and importunate demands, he posted into Austria + fast as he could be conveyed. <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_734" id="Page_734">[Pg 734]</a></span> The chief creditor was + destined to be Michael's chief misery. He was an obdurate, + unyielding man, and, after days of negotiation, would finally listen + to nothing but the chink of the gold that was due to him. And how + much that was, Michael dared not trust himself to think. Now, what + was to be done? To draw again upon the bank—to become himself, + to his partners, an example of recklessness and extravagance, was out + of the question. He had but one course before him, and it was one + which he had solemnly vowed never to adopt. To beg a loan from his + wife so early in the morning of their union, seemed a thing + impossible—at least it seemed so in the outset, when the + thought first blushed upon him, and there remained a chance, a hope, + of escaping from the miserable alternative. But as the creditor got + clamorous, and every prospect of satisfying his demand—every + means save one—grew dim, and shadowy, and blank, the + wrongfulness, the impropriety of making an appeal to her, whose heart + was willing as her hand was able to release him from despair, became + less evident, and by degrees not evident at all. It would have been + well for Allcraft, and for Margaret too, had the latter resisted his + demand, or opposed it with one kind word of remonstrance. Michael was + prepared for this, and the gentlest opposition would have saved them + both. But what did Margaret possess, which she wished not to share + with him who was her idol—dearer to her than her life—the + joy and light of life! He hinted his request; she hardly suffered him + to hint it. She placed her substance at his command, and bade him use + it. Like a guilty man—one guilty of his first but heavy + fault—blushing and faltering, Allcraft thanked his Margaret for + the loan, promised speedy payment, and vowed that he would beg no + more. Fond Margaret! she kissed the vow away, and bade him clear his + brow, smile, and be happy. It was a woman's part, who loves not + wisely, but too well. The day that gave him the means of satisfying + the claims of one great creditor, bound Allcraft more seriously to + another; but he rejoiced at his success, which brought him temporary + ease, and he congratulated himself upon his deliverance from failure + and exposure. There was little to do. The lady's broker was + written to; the legal adviser of the gentleman, at Michael's own + request, prepared an instrument to secure repayment of the loan; the + money came—the debts of Allcraft senior to the last farthing + were discharged, and scarcely discharged before Michael, eager and + anxious to be at home, quitted Vienna, ready to travel by night and + day, and longing to feel his footing safely in the banking-house + again.</p> + + <p>It is now proper to state, that on the very day that Michael's + draft of five thousand pounds applied for honourable reception at the + counter of his most respectable establishment, by a curious + coincidence another demand for double that amount appeared there + likewise; not in the shape of cheque or written order, but in that of + a request, personal and oral, proceeding from the proud and high-born + lips of Walter Bellamy, Esquire, lord of the manor—gentleman + and banker. Mr Bellamy was not the first man, by a great number, who + has attempted to clothe and conceal real poverty in the stately + apparel of arrogance and offensive self-sufficiency. He, man of the + world, knew well enough, that, thus disguised, <i>necessity</i> need + never fear discovery—might look and laugh in secret at + mankind—might feed and thrive upon its faults and weaknesses. + How comparatively easy it is to avoid the shoals and rocks of + life—to sail smoothly and pleasantly on its waters, when we + take for our rudder and our guide the world's great axiom, + "<span class='smcap'>riches are + virture</span>—<span class='smcap'>poverty is + vice</span>." "Assume the <i>virtue</i>, if you have it + not;" assume its shows and appearances, its tricks, its + offences, and its crimes, rather than confess your nakedness. Be + liberal and prodigal, if it must be, with the crown you need to pay + your necessary lodging; adorn with velvet and with silk the body that + grows sick for lack of wholesome food; bribe, beyond their + expectation, the pampered things in livery that stand between you and + the glory you aspire to—bribe them, though to part with money + is to lose your meal. Upon this broad principle it was, that Walter + Bellamy existed—in virtue of it he held lands, and by its means + he had become a partner in the bank, an active one, as very soon he + proved himself to be. His property was estimated by shrewd + calculators at a <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_735" id= + "Page_735">[Pg 735]</a></span> hundred thousand pounds—that, at + the very least. And Bellamy chuckled at his fireside—no one + being by—at the universal gullibility of man. A hundred + thousand pounds! Why, he could not—at any one period during the + last twenty years, command as many farthings. What right had + strangers to calculate for him? What right had Allcraft to depend + upon such calculations? We may well ask the question, since Mr + Bellamy did so, when he endeavoured, as the worst of us will do, to + justify bad conduct to an unfaithful conscience. Why, what was he? a + simple <i>locum tenens</i> of a dozen mortgagees, who had advanced + upon the estate a great deal more money than it would ever realize, + if forced to sale—a haughty, overbearing man, (though very + benevolent to postboys and other serving men,) a magistrate, and a + great disciplinarian. This was the amount of his pretensions, and yet + men worshipped him. It was surely not the fault of Mr Bellamy, but + rather his good fortune; and if he chose to make the most of it, he + was a wise and prudent personage. When it is borne in mind that the + possessions of Mr Bellamy were involved beyond their actual + worth—that for some time he had lived in a perpetual dread of + exposure and utter ruin—that for years he had looked abroad for + some kind friend, who, if not altogether willing, might still be + prevailed upon to release him from his difficulties—it will be + easy to understand his very great desire to confer on Michael + Allcraft all the advantages of his own position and high + character.</p> + + <p>The part which Bellamy had taken in the business of the house, was + very inconsiderable until Michael's departure. Up to that time, + he came to the bank in his carriage with much ceremony—spoke to + the dependents there with becoming <i>hauteur</i>, and took his + leave, on all occasions, as a rich man should, with abundant fuss, + scarcely troubling himself with the proceedings of the day. "He + had," he was always repeating the words, "he had the + greatest confidence in Allcraft. It was unbounded. He felt that he + could trust to him entirely and unreservedly." Gratefully did + such expressions fall upon the flattered ear of Michael, applauding + himself ever upon his victory—upon the acquisition of such a + man. Of what service he would be to him in his well-laid plans! Of + what use was his name already—and how much more serviceable + than all would be the noble sum of money which he had <i>promised</i> + to bring into the bank at the close of the year! Michael, in his + moments of chivalry, standing in the presence of Bellamy, looked upon + him almost with an eye of pity and self-reproach. Whilst he himself + could only plead guilty to a most refined and cunning policy, his + innocent partner was but too full of trust; too simple and too + unsuspecting. Somebody remarks, that God reserves unto himself that + horrid sight—a naked, human heart. Had Allcraft and Bellamy, + during one of their early interviews, suddenly stripped, and favoured + each other with reciprocal glances—one or both would have been + slightly startled by the unexpected exhibition. Planner had always + looked upon Mr Bellamy as a very great man indeed—had + contemplated him with that exact admixture of awe and admiration, + that was pleasing and acceptable to the subject of it. Mr Bellamy, in + his turn, conducted himself towards the schemer with much cordiality + and kindness. Proud men never unbend until their supremacy is + acknowledged through your servility. Your submission turns their gall + to honey—converts their vinegar to milk—to the very cream + of human complaisance. Mr Bellamy acted his part in this respect, as + in every other—well; a tiger to such as would not cringe, he + could become a playful lamb to all who were content to fawn. Planner + and he were on the best possible terms. Looking into what is called + the nature of things, we shall think it very natural on the part of + Mr Bellamy, when he found himself so agreeably situated in regard to + the circulating medium, if he took an early opportunity to help + himself of the abundance by which he was surrounded. The truth is, + that some time before the visit of Allcraft to the Continent, he had + entertained a very serious intention of drawing out of the concern + the anticipatory profits of a few years, in order to relieve himself + and fine estate from certain engagements which pressed inconveniently + on both—but his object had not, for many reasons, been carried + into effect. In the first place, a moderate <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_736" id="Page_736">[Pg 736]</a></span> degree + of actual shame withheld him—and again, he had begged for time + from his creditor, and obtained it. Allcraft absent, the sense of + shame diminished; before he could return to England, the grateful + respite was at an end. It was a fine bright morning when Mr + Bellamy's grand carriage drew up in state before the + banking-house, and the highly respectable proprietor descended from + it with his accustomed style and dignity. Mr Planner was, at the + moment, at his desk, very busy with the prospectus of the + <i>Pantamorphica</i> Association, in which he had just completed some + very striking additions—but perceiving his respected colleague, + he jumped from his seat, and hastened to give him greeting.</p> + + <p>"Don't let me disturb you, my dear friend," said the + gracious Mr Bellamy. "I beg you'll prosecute your + labours."</p> + + <p>"Don't mention it, I pray—so like you, Mr + Bellamy—always considerate and kind."</p> + + <p>"Busy, Mr Planner—eh?—a deal to do now in the + absence of our good friend?"</p> + + <p>"Enough, enough sir, I assure you—but business, sir, is + pleasure to the active mind."</p> + + <p>"Very true—we feel your worth, sir—the house + acknowledges your ability, Mr Planner."</p> + + <p>"Dear Mr Bellamy—you are very flattering."</p> + + <p>"No—not at all. Have you any engagement, Mr Planner, + for this evening? Can you find time to dine with us at the Hall? I am + positively angry with you for your repeated excuses."</p> + + <p>"I shall be too proud, sir—business + hitherto"——</p> + + <p>"Ay—ay—but, my good sir, we must not sacrifice + ourselves to business. A little recreation is absolutely + necessary."</p> + + <p>"So it is, sir—so it is—and you, sir, with your + splendid fortune and superior taste"——</p> + + <p>"Ah, ah—<i>apropos</i>! have you heard from Mr Allcraft + lately?"</p> + + <p>"This morning, sir."</p> + + <p>"When does he return, pray?"</p> + + <p>"In about a week from this. He writes he leaves Vienna this + very day."</p> + + <p>"Dear me, how very inconvenient, how very vexing!"</p> + + <p>"What is it, may I ask, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Oh, a trifle, Mr Planner. Dear me—dear me—it is + annoying too!"</p> + + <p>"Is it nothing that we can do, sir? Any thing the bank can + offer?"</p> + + <p>"Why—my dear sir—it is rather awkward, certainly. + I have engaged to complete a purchase, and it must be done to-morrow. + What cash have we in the house? There can be no impropriety in + withdrawing a few thousand pounds for a short time. What do you + think—Mr Allcraft being away?"</p> + + <p>Now, Planner himself, during the last few days, had been very busy + with the cash-box, in order to meet the expenses of certain + preliminaries essential to the success of the infant + <i>Pantamorphica</i>—into which speculation, by the way, he had + entered heart and soul—and it was quite a relief and a joy to + him to find his partner turning his attention to the same quarter; so + true it is, that no pleasure is so sweet to a sinner, as the + wickedness and companionship of a brother criminal.</p> + + <p>"Impropriety, sir!" exclaimed the schemer. + "Certainly not. Draw your cheque, sir. If we have not the money + here, we have a heavy purse in London—and I beg you will + command it."</p> + + <p>"You think, then, that until our friend's + return"——</p> + + <p>"I am perfectly satisfied, Mr Bellamy," said Planner, + with an emphasis on every word, as men will sometimes use, feeling + and believing all that they assert. "I am thoroughly convinced + that nothing would give Mr Allcraft greater pain than to know you had + needed a temporary loan, and had not availed yourself of every + opportunity that the bank affords you. I entreat you not to hesitate + one instant. How much may you require?"</p> + + <p>"Well, my dear sir—you will dine with us this evening. + We will talk the matter over. Don't be late. Upon consideration, + it may be quite as well, perhaps, to draw upon the bank."</p> + + <p>"Much better, sir, I am sure, in every way. Will you walk + into the private room? You'll find pen, ink, and paper there. We + can accommodate you, sir—no doubt."</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Mr Planner, thank you."</p> + + <p>How very few of the numerous clients of Messrs Allcraft, Bellamy, + Brammel, and Planner, in their worst dreams that night, dreamt of the + havoc which was making with their beloved and hard-earned cash!</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_737" id="Page_737">[Pg + 737]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="COLLEGE_THEATRICALS" id= + "COLLEGE_THEATRICALS"></a>COLLEGE THEATRICALS.</h2> + + <p>It wanted but two or three weeks to the Christmas vacation, and + we—the worshipful society of under-graduates of —— + College, Oxford—were beginning to get tired of the eternal + round of supper parties which usually marked the close of our + winter's campaign, and ready to hail with delight any proposition + that had the charm of novelty. A three weeks' frost had + effectually stopped the hunting; all the best tandem leaders were + completely screwed; the freshmen had been "larked" till + they were grown as cunning as magpies; and the Dean had set up a + divinity lecture at two o'clock, and published a stringent + proclamation against rows in the Quad. It was, in short, in a + particularly uninteresting state of things, with the snow falling + lazily upon the grey roofs and silent quadrangle, that some half + dozen of us had congregated in Bob Thornhill's rooms, to get over + the time between lunch and dinner with as little trouble to our + mental and corporal faculties as possible. Those among us who had + been for the last three months promising to themselves to begin to + read "next week," had now put off that too easy creditor, + conscience, till "next term." One alone had settled his + engagements of that nature, or, in the language of his + "<i>Testamur</i>"—the prettiest bit of Latin, he + declared, that he ever saw—"<i>satisfecit + examinatoribus</i>." Unquestionably, in his case, the examiners + must have had the rare virtue of being very easily satisfied. In + fact, Mr Savile's discharge of his educational engagements was + rather a sort of "whitewashing" than a payment in full. His + passing was what is technically called a "shave," a + metaphor alluding to that intellectual density which finds it + difficult to squeeze through the narrow portal which admits to the + privileges of a Bachelor of Arts. As Mr S. himself, being a sporting + man, described it, it was "a very close run indeed;" not + that he considered that circumstance to derogate, in any way, from + his victory; he was rather inclined to consider, that, having shown + the field of examiners capital sport, and fairly got away from them + in the end without the loss of his brush, his examination had been + one of the very best runs of the season. In virtue whereof he was now + mounted on the arm of an easy-chair, with a long <i>chibouque</i>, + which became the gravity of an incipient bachelor better than a + cigar, and took upon himself to give Thornhill (who was really a + clever fellow, and professing to be reading for a first) some advice + as to his conducting himself when his examination should arrive.</p> + + <p>"I'll tell you what, Thornhill, old boy, I'll give + you a wrinkle; it doesn't always answer to let out all you know + at an examination. That sly old varmint, West of Magdalen, asked me + who Hannibal was. 'Aha!'—said I to + myself—'that's your line of country, is it? You want to + walk me straight into those botheration Punic Wars, it's no go, + though; I sha'n't break cover in that direction.' So I + was mute. 'Can't you tell me something about Hannibal?' + says old West again. 'I can,' thinks I, 'but I + won't.' He was regularly flabbergasted; I spoilt his beat + entirely, don't you see? so he looked as black as thunder, and + tried it on in a fresh place. If I had been fool enough to let him + dodge me in those Punic Wars, I could have been run into in no time. + Depend upon it, there's nothing like a judicious ignorance + occasionally."</p> + + <p>"Why," said Thornhill, "'when ignorance is + bliss,' (<i>i. e.</i> when it gets through the schools,) 'tis + folly to be wise.'"</p> + + <p>"Ah! that's Shakspeare says that, isn't it? I wish + one could take up Shakspeare for a class! I'm devilish fond of + Shakspeare. We used to act Shakspeare at a private school I was + at."</p> + + <p>"By Jove!" said somebody from behind a cloud of + smoke—whose the brilliant idea was, was afterwards matter of + dispute—"why couldn't we get up a play?"</p> + + <p>"Ah! why not? why not? Capital!"</p> + + <p>"It's such a horrid bore learning one's part," + lisped the elegant Horace Leicester, half awake on the sofa.</p> + + <p>"Oh, stuff!" said Savile, "it's the + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_738" id="Page_738">[Pg + 738]</a></span> very thing to keep us alive! We could make a capital + theatre out of the hall; don't you think the little vice + principal would give us leave?"</p> + + <p>"You had better ask for the chapel at once. Why, don't + you know, my dear fellow, the college hall, in the opinion of the + dean and the vice, is held rather more sacred of the two? Newcome, + poor devil, attempted to cut a joke at the high table one of the + times he dined there after he was elected, and he told me that they + all stared at him as if he had insulted them; and the vice (in + confidence) explained to him that such 'levity' was treason + against the '<i>reverentia loci</i>!'"</p> + + <p>"Ay, I remember when that old villain Solomon, the porter, + fined me ten shillings for walking in there with spurs one day when I + was late for dinner; he said the dean always took off his cap when he + went in there by himself, and threatened to turn off old Higgs, when + he had been scout forty years, because he heard him whistling one day + while he was sweeping it out! Well," continued Savile, "you + shall have my rooms; I sha'n't trouble them much now. I am + going to pack all my books down to old Wise's next week, to turn + them into ready <i>tin</i>; so you may turn the study into a + carpenter's shop, if you like. Oh, it can be managed + famously!"</p> + + <p>So, after a few <i>pros</i> and <i>cons</i>, it was finally + settled that Mr Savile's rooms should become the Theatre Royal, + —— College; and I was honoured with the responsible + office of stage-manager. What the play was to be was a more difficult + point to settle. Savile proposed <i>Romeo and Juliet</i>, and + volunteered for the hero; but it passed the united strength of the + company to get up a decent <i>Juliet</i>. <i>Richard the Third</i> + was suggested; we had "six <i>Richards</i> in the field" at + once. We soon gave up the heroics, and decided on comedy; for, since + our audience would be sure to laugh, we should at least have a chance + of getting the laugh in the right place. So, after long discussion, + we fixed on <i>She Stoops to Conquer</i>. There were a good many + reasons for this selection. First, it was a piece possessing that + grand desideratum in all amateur performances, that there were + several parts in it of equal calibre, and none which implied decided + superiority of talent in its representative. Secondly, there was not + much <i>love</i> in it; a material point where, as an Irishman might + say, all the ladies were gentlemen. Thirdly, the scenery, dresses, + properties, and decorations, were of the very simplest description: + it was easily "put upon the stage." We found little + difficulty in casting the male characters; old Mrs Hardcastle, not + requiring any great share of personal attractions, and being + considered a part that would tell, soon found a representative; but + when we came to the "donnas"—<i>prima</i> and + <i>secunda</i>—then it was that the manager's troubles + began. It was really necessary, to ensure the most moderate degree of + success to the comedy, that Miss Hardcastle should have at least a + lady-like deportment. The public voice, first in whispers, then + audibly, at last vociferously, called upon Leicester. Slightly + formed, handsome, clever and accomplished, with naturally graceful + manners, and a fair share of vanity and affectation, there was no + doubt of his making a respectable heroine if he would consent to be + made love to. In vain did he protest against the petticoats, and urge + with affecting earnestness the claims of the whiskers which for the + last six months he had so diligently been cultivating; the chorus of + entreaty and expostulation had its effect, aided by a well-timed + compliment to the aristocratically small hand and foot, of which + Horace was pardonably vain. Shaving was pronounced indispensable to + the due growth of the whiskers; and the importance of the character, + and the point of the situations, so strongly dwelt upon, that he + became gradually reconciled to his fate, and began seriously to + discuss the question whether Miss Hardcastle should wear her hair in + curls or bands. A freshman of seventeen, who had no pretensions in + the way of whiskers, and who was too happy to be admitted on any + terms to a share in such a "fast idea" as the getting up a + play, was to be the Miss Neville; and before the hall bell rang for + dinner, an order had been despatched for a dozen acting copies of + "She Stoops to Conquer."</p> + + <p>Times have materially changed since Queen Elizabeth's visit to + Christ-Church; the University, one of the earliest nurses of the + infant drama, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_739" id= + "Page_739">[Pg 739]</a></span> has long since turned it out of doors + for a naughty child; and forbid it, under pain of worse than + whipping, to come any nearer than Abingdon or Bicester. Taking into + consideration the style of some of the performances, in which + under-graduates of some three hundred years ago were the actors, the + "Oxford Theatre" of those days, if it had more wit in it + than the present, had somewhat less decency: the ancient + "moralities" were not over moral, and the + "mysteries" rather Babylonish. So far we have had no great + loss. Whether the judicious getting up of a tragedy of Sophocles or + Ćschylus, or even a comedy of Terence—classically + managed—as it could be done in Oxford—and well acted, + would be more unbecoming the gravity of our collected wisdom, or more + derogatory to the dignity of our noble "theatre," than the + squalling of Italian singers, masculine, feminine, and + neuter—is a question which, when I take my M.A., I shall + certainly propose in convocation. Thus much I am sure of, if a + classical play-bill were duly announced for the next grand + commemoration, it would "draw" almost as well as the Duke; + the dresses might be quite as showy, the action hardly less graceful, + than those of the odd-looking gentlemen who are dubbed doctors of + civil law on such occasions; and the speeches of Prometheus, Oedipus, + or Antigone, would be more intelligible to the learned, and more + amusing to the ladies, than those Latin essays or the Creweian + oration.</p> + + <p>However, until I am vice-chancellor, the legitimate drama, Greek, + Roman, or English, seems little likely to revive in Oxford. + <i>Our</i> branch of that great family, I confess, bore the + bar-sinister. The offspring of our theatrical affections was + unrecognized by college authority. The fellows of —— + would have done any thing but "smile upon its birth." The + dean especially would have burked it at once had he suspected its + existence. Nor was it fostered, like the former Oxford theatricals to + which we have alluded, by royal patronage; we could not, consistently + with decorum, request her Majesty to encourage an illegitimate. + Nevertheless—spite of its being thus born under the + rose—it grew and prospered. Our plan of rehearsal was original. + We used to adjourn from dinner to the rooms of one or other of the + company; and there, over our wine and dessert, instead of quizzing + freshmen and abusing tutors, open each our copy, and, with all due + emphasis and intonation, go regularly through the scenes of "She + Stoops to Conquer." This was all the study we ever gave to our + parts: and even thus it was difficult to get a muster of all the + performers, and we had generally to play dummy for some one or more + of the characters, or "double" them, as the professionals + call it. The excuses for absenteeism were various. Mrs Hardcastle and + Tony were gone to Woodstock with a team, and were not to be waited + for; Diggory had a command to dine with the principal; and once an + interesting dialogue was cut short by the untoward event of Miss + Neville's being "confined"—in consequence of some + indiscretion or other—"to chapel." It was necessary + in our management, as much as in Mr Bunn's or Mr Macready's, + to humour the caprices of the stars of the company: but the lesser + lights, if they became eccentric at all in their orbits, were + extinguished without mercy. Their place was easily supplied; for the + moment it became known that a play was in contemplation, there were + plenty of candidates for dramatic fame, especially among the + freshmen: and though we mortally offended one or two aspiring + geniuses by proffering them the vacant situations of Ralph, Roger, + and Co., in Mr Hardcastle's household, on condition of having + their respective blue dress coats turned up with yellow to represent + the family livery, there were others to whom the being admitted + behind the scenes, even in these humble characters, was a subject of + laudable ambition. Nay, unimportant as were some parts in themselves, + they were quite enough for the histrionic talent of some of our + friends. Till I became a manager myself, I always used to lose + patience at the wretched manner in which some of the underlings on + the stage went through the little they had to say and do: there + seemed no reason why the "sticks" should be so provokingly + sticky; and it surprised me that a man who could accost one fluently + enough at the stage door, should make such a bungle as some of them + did in a message of some half dozen words "in character." + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_740" id="Page_740">[Pg + 740]</a></span> But when I first became initiated into the mysteries + of amateur performances, and saw how entirely destitute some men were + of any notion of natural acting, and how they made a point of + repeating two lines of familiar dialogue with the tone and manner, + but without the correctness of a schoolboy going through a + task—then it ceased to be any matter of wonder that those to + whom acting was no joke, but an unhappily earnest mode of getting + bread, should so often make their performance appear the uneasy + effort which it is. There was one man in particular, a good-humoured, + gentlemanly fellow, a favourite with us all; not remarkable for + talent, but a pleasant companion enough, with plenty of common sense. + Well, "he would be an actor"—it was his own fancy to + have a part, and, as he was "one of us," we could not well + refuse him. We gave him an easy one, for he was not vain of his own + powers, or ambitious of theatrical distinction; so he was to be + "second fellow"—one of Tony's pot-companions. He + had but two lines to speak; but, from the very first time I heard him + read them, I set him down as a hopeless case. He read them as if he + had just learned to spell the words; when he repeated them without + the book, it was like a clergyman giving out a text. And so it was + with a good many of the rank and file of the company; we had more + labour to drill them into something like a natural intonation than to + learn our own longest speeches twice over. So we made their + attendance at rehearsals a <i>sine qua non</i>. We dismissed a + promising "Mat Muggins" because he went to the + "Union" two nights successively, when he ought to have been + at "The Three Pigeons." We superseded a very respectable + "landlord" (though he had actually been measured for a + corporation and a pair of calves) for inattention to business. The + only one of the supernumeraries whom it was at all necessary to + conciliate, was the gentleman who was to sing the comic song instead + of Tony, (Savile, the representative of the said Tony, not having + music in his soul beyond a view-holloa.) He was allowed to go and + come at our readings <i>ad libitum</i>, upon condition of being very + careful not to take cold.</p> + + <p>When we had become tolerably perfect in the words of our parts, it + was deemed expedient to have a "dress + rehearsal"—especially for the ladies. It is not very easy + to move safely—let alone gracefully—in petticoats, for + those who are accustomed to move their legs somewhat more + independently. And it would not have been civil in Messrs Marlow and + Hastings to laugh outright at their lady-loves before company, as + they were sure to do upon their first appearance. A dress rehearsal, + therefore, was a very necessary precaution. But if it was difficult + to get the company together at six o'clock under the friendly + disguise of a wine-party, doubly difficult was it to expect them to + muster at eleven in the morning. The first day that we fixed for it, + there came a not very lady-like note, evidently written in bed, from + Miss Hardcastle, stating, that having been at a supper-party the + night before, and there partaken of brandy-punch to an extent to + which she was wholly unaccustomed, it was quite impossible, in the + present state of her nervous system, for her to make her appearance + in character at any price. There was no alternative but to put off + the rehearsal; and that very week occurred a circumstance which was + very near being the cause of its adjournment <i>sine die</i>.</p> + + <p>"Mr Hawthorne," said the dean to me one morning, when I + was leaving his rooms, rejoicing in the termination of lecture, + "I wish to speak with you, if you please." The dean's + communications were seldom of a very pleasing kind, and on this + particular morning his countenance gave token that he had hit upon + something more than usually <i>piquant</i>. The rest of the men filed + out of the door as slowly as they conveniently could, in the hope, I + suppose, of hearing the dean's fire open upon me, but he waited + patiently till my particular friend, Bob Thornhill, had picked up + carefully, one by one, his miscellaneous collection of note-book, + pencil, penknife, and other small wares, and had been obliged at + length to make an unwilling exit; when, seeing the door finally + closed, he commenced with his usual—"Have the goodness to + sit down, sir."</p> + + <p>Experience had taught me, that it was as well to make + one's-self as <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_741" id= + "Page_741">[Pg 741]</a></span> comfortable as might be upon these + occasions; so I took the easy-chair, and tried to look as if I + thought the dean merely wanted to have a pleasant half-hour's + chat. He marched into a little back-room that he called his study, + and I began to speculate upon the probable subject of our conference. + Strange! that week had been a more than usually quiet one. No late + knocking in; no cutting lectures at chapel; positively I began to + think that, for once, the dean had gone on a wrong scent, and that I + should repel his accusations with all the dignity of injured + innocence; or had he sent for me to offer his congratulations on my + having commenced in the "steady" line, and to ask me to + breakfast? I was not long to indulge such delusive hopes. Re-enter + the dean, O. P., as our stage directions would have had it, + with—a pair of stays!</p> + + <p>By what confounded ill-luck they had got into his possession I + could not imagine; but there they were. The dean touched them as if + he felt their very touch an abomination, threw them on the table, and + briefly said—"These, sir, were found in your rooms this + morning. Can you explain how they came there?"</p> + + <p>True enough, Leicester had been trying on the abominable articles + in my bedroom, and I had stuffed them into a drawer till wanted. What + to say was indeed a puzzle. To tell the whole truth would, no doubt, + have ended the matter at once, and a hearty laugh should I have had + at the dean's expense; but it would have put the stopper on + "She Stoops to Conquer." It was too ridiculous to look + grave about; and blacker grew the countenance before me, as, with a + vain attempt to conceal a smile, I echoed his words, and stammered + out—"In my rooms, sir?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, sir, in your bed-room." He rang the bell. + "Your servant, Simmons, most properly brought them to + me."</p> + + <p>The little rascal! I had been afraid to let him know any thing + about the theatricals; for I knew perfectly well the dean would hear + of it in half an hour, for he served him in the double capacity of + scout and spy. Before the bell had stopped, Dick Simmons made his + appearance, having evidently been kept at hand. He did look rather + ashamed of himself, when I asked him, what business he had to search + my wardrobe?</p> + + <p>"Oh dear, sir! I never did no sich a thing; I was a-making of + your bed, sir, when I sees the tag of a stay-lace hanging out of your + topmost drawer, sir—("I am a married man, sir," to + the dean apologetically, "and I know the tag of a stay-lace, + sir")—and so I took it out, sir; and knowing my duty to + the college, sir, though I should be very sorry to bring you into + trouble, Mr Hawthorne, sir"——</p> + + <p>"Yes, yes, Simmons, you did quite right," said the dean. + "You are bound to give notice to the college authorities of all + irregularities, and your situation requires that you should be + conscientious."</p> + + <p>"I hope I am, sir," said the little rascal; "but + indeed I am very sorry, Mr Hawthorne, sir"——</p> + + <p>"Oh! never mind," said I; "you did right, no doubt. + I can only say those things are not mine, sir; they belong to a + friend of mine."</p> + + <p>"I don't ask who they belong to, sir," said the dean + indignantly; "I ask, sir, how came they in your rooms?"</p> + + <p>"I believe, sir, my friend (he was in my rooms yesterday) + left them there. Some men wear stays, sir," continued I, boldly; + "it's very much the fashion, I'm told."</p> + + <p>"Eh! hum!" said the dean, eyeing the brown jean + doubtingly. "I have heard of such things. Horrid puppies men are + now. Never dreamt of such things in my younger days; but then, sir, + <i>we</i> were not allowed to wear white trousers, and waistcoats of + I don't know what colours; we were made to attend to the + statutes, sir. '<i>Nigri aut suspici</i>,' sir, Ah! times are + changed—times are changed, indeed! And do you mean to say, sir, + you have a friend, a member of this university, who wears such things + as these?"</p> + + <p>I might have got clear off, if it had not been for that rascal + Simmons. I saw him give the dean a look, and an almost imperceptible + shake of the head.</p> + + <p>"But I don't think, sir," resumed he, "these + can be a man's stays—eh, Simmons?" Simmons looked + diligently at his toes. "No," said the dean, investigating + the unhappy garment more closely—"no, I fear, Simmons, + these are female stays!"</p><span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_742" id="Page_742">[Pg 742]</a></span> + + <p>The conscientious Simmons made no sign.</p> + + <p>"I don't know, sir," said I, as he looked from + Simmons to me. "I don't wear stays, and I know nothing about + them. If Simmons were to fetch a pair of Mrs Simmons's, + sir," resumed I, "you could compare them."</p> + + <p>Mrs Simmons's figure resembled a sack of flour, with a string + round it; and, if she did wear the articles in question, they must + have been of a pattern almost unique—made to order.</p> + + <p>"Sir," said the dean, "your flippancy is + unbecoming. I shall not pursue this investigation any further; but I + am bound to tell you, sir, this circumstance is suspicious—very + suspicious." I could not resist a smile for the life of me. + "And doubly suspicious, sir, in your case. The eyes of the + college are upon you, sir." He was evidently losing his temper, + so I bowed profoundly, and he grew more irate. "Ever since, sir, + that atrocious business of the frogs, though the college authorities + failed in discovering the guilty parties, there are some individuals, + sir, whose conduct is watched attentively. Good-morning, + sir."</p> + + <p>The "business of the frogs," to which the dean so + rancorously alluded, had, indeed, caused some consternation to the + fellows of——. There had been a marvellous story going the + round of the papers, of a shower of the inelegant reptiles in + question having fallen in some part of the kingdom. Old women were + muttering prophecies, and wise men acknowledged themselves puzzled. + The Ashmolean Society had sat in conclave upon it, and accounted so + satisfactorily for the occurrence, that the only wonder seemed to be + that we had not a shower of frogs, or some equally agreeable + visitors, every rainy morning. Now, every one who has strolled round + Christ-Church meadows on a warm evening, especially after rain, must + have been greeted at intervals by a whole gamut of croaks; and, if he + had the curiosity to peer into the green ditches as he passed along, + he might catch a glimpse of the heads of the performers. Well, the + joint reflections of myself and an ingenious friend, who were + studying this branch of zoology while waiting for the coming up of + the boats one night, tended to the conclusion, that a very successful + imitation of the late "Extraordinary Phenomenon" might be + got up for the edification of the scientific in our own college. + Animals of all kinds find dealers and purchasers in Oxford. Curs of + lowest degree have their prices. Rats, being necessary in the + education of terriers, come rather expensive. A pole-cat—even + with three legs only—will command a fancy price. Sparrows, + larks, and other small birds, are retailed by the dozen on Cowley + Marsh to gentlemen under-graduates who are aspiring to the + pigeon-trap. But as yet there had been no demand for frogs, and there + was quite a glut of them in the market. They were cheap accordingly; + for a shilling a hundred we found that we might inflict the second + plague of Egypt upon the whole university. The next evening, two + hampers, containing, as our purveyor assured us, "very prime + 'uns," arrived at my rooms "from Mr S——, + the wine merchant;" and, by daylight on the following morning, + were judiciously distributed throughout all the come-at-able premises + within the college walls. When I awoke the next morning, I heard + voices in earnest conversation under my window, and looked out with + no little curiosity. The frogs had evidently produced a sensation. + The bursar, disturbed apparently from his early breakfast, stood + robed in an ancient dressing-gown, with the <i>Times</i> in his hand, + on which he was balancing a frog as yellow as himself. The dean, in + cap and surplice, on his way from chapel, was eagerly listening to + the account which one of the scouts was giving him of the first + discovery of the intruders.</p> + + <p>"Me and my missis, sir," quoth John, "was a-coming + into college when it was hardly to say daylight, when she, as I + reckon, sets foot upon one of 'em, and was like to have been + back'ards with a set of breakfast chiney as she was a-bringing in + for one of the fresh gentlemen. She scritches out in course, and I + looks down, and then I sees two or three a' 'oppin about; but + I didn't take much notice till I gets to the thoroughfare, when + there was a whole row on 'em a-trying to climb up the bottom + step; and then I calls Solomon the porter, + and"——</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_743" id="Page_743">[Pg + 743]</a></span></p> + + <p>Here I left my window, and, making a hasty toilet, joined a + group of under-graduates, who were now collecting round the dean and + bursar. I cast my eyes round the quadrangle, and was delighted with + the success of our labours. There had been a heavy shower in the + night, and the frogs were as lively as they could be on so ungenial a + location as a gravelled court. In every corner was a goodly cluster, + who were making ladders of each other's backs, as if determined + to scale the college walls. Some, of more retiring disposition, were + endeavouring to force themselves into crevices, and hiding their + heads behind projections to escape the gaze of academic eyes; while a + few active spirits seemed to be hopping a sweepstakes right for the + common-room door. Just as I made my appearance, the principal came + out of the door of his lodgings, with another of the fellows, having + evidently been summoned to assist at the consultation. Good old soul! + his study of zoology had been chiefly confined to the class edibles, + and a shower of frogs, authenticated upon the oaths of the whole + Convocation, would not have been half so interesting to him as an + importation of turtle. However, to do him justice, he put on his + spectacles, and looked as scientific as any body. After due + examination of the specimen of the genus <i>Zana</i> which the bursar + still held in captivity, and pronouncing an unanimous opinion, that, + come from where he would, he was a <i>bona fide</i> frog, with + nothing supernatural about him, the conclave proceeded round the + quadrangle, calculating the numbers, and conjecturing the probable + origin of these strange visitors. Equally curious, if not equally + scientific, were the under-graduates who followed them; for, having + strictly kept our own secret, my friend and myself were the only + parties who could solve the mystery; and though many suspected that + the frogs were unwilling emigrants, none knew to whom they were + indebted for their introduction to college. The collected wisdom of + the dons soon decided that a shower of full-grown frogs was a novelty + even in the extraordinary occurrences of newspapers; and as not even + a single individual croaker was to be discovered outside the walls of + ——, it became evident that the whole affair was, as the + dean described it, "another of those outrages upon academic + discipline, which were as senseless as they were + disgraceful."</p> + + <p>I daresay the dean's anathema was "as sensible as it was + sincere;" but it did not prevent our thoroughly enjoying the + success of the "<i>outrage</i>" at the time; nor does it, + unfortunately, suffice at this present moment to check something like + an inward chuckle, when I think of the trouble which it cost the + various retainers of the college to clear it effectually of its + strange visitors. Hopkins, the old butler, who was of rather an + imaginative temperament, and had a marvellous tale to tell any one + who would listen, of a departed bursar, who, having caught his death + of cold by superintending the laying down of three pipes of port, + might ever afterwards be heard, upon such interesting occasions, + walking about the damp cellars after nightfall in pattens. Hopkins, + the oracle of the college "tap," maintained that the frogs + were something "off the common;" and strengthened his + opinion by reference to a specimen which he had selected—a + lank, black, skinny individual, which really looked ugly enough to + have come from any where. Scouts, wives, and children, (they always + make a point of having large families, in order to eat up the spare + commons,) all were busy, through that eventful day, in a novel + occupation, and by dinnertime not a frog was to be seen; but long, + long afterwards, on a moist evening, fugitives from the general + prescription might be seen making their silent way across the + quadrangle, and croakings were heard at night-time, which might (as + Homer relates of <i>his</i> frogs) have disturbed Minerva, only that + the goddess of wisdom, in chambers collegiate, sleeps usually pretty + sound.</p> + + <p>The "business of the stays," however, bid fair to + supersede the business of the frogs, in the dean's record of my + supposed crimes; and as I fully intended to clear myself, even to his + satisfaction, of any suspicion which might attach to me from the + possession of such questionable articles so soon as our theatre + closed for the season, I resolved that my successful defence from + this last imputation would be an admirable ground on which to assume + the dignity of a martyr, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_744" id= + "Page_744">[Pg 744]</a></span> to appeal against all uncharitable + conclusions from insufficient premises, and come out as the + personification of injured innocence throughout my whole college + career.</p> + + <p>When my interview with the dean was over, I ordered some luncheon + up to Leicester's rooms, where, as I expected, I found most of my + own "set" collected, in order to hear the result. A private + conference with the official aforesaid seldom boded good to the party + so favoured; the dean seldom made his communications so agreeable as + he might have done. In college, as in most other societies, La + Rochefoucauld's maxim holds good—that "there is always + something pleasant in the misfortunes of one's friends;" + and, whenever an unlucky wight did get into a row, he might pretty + confidently reckon upon being laughed at. In fact, under-graduates + considered themselves as engaged in a war of stratagem against an + unholy alliance of deans, tutors, and proctors; and in every + encounter the defeated party was looked upon as the deluded victim of + superior ingenuity—as having been "done," in short. + So, if a lark succeeded, the authorities aforesaid were decidedly + done, and laughed at accordingly; if it failed, why the other party + were done, and there was still somebody to laugh at. No doubt, the + jest was richer in the first case supposed; but, in the second, there + was the additional gusto, so dear to human philanthropy, of having + the victim present, and enjoying his discomfiture, which, in the case + of the dons being the sufferers, was denied us. It may seem to argue + something of a want of sympathy to find amusement in misfortunes + which might any day be our own; but any one who ever witnessed the + air of ludicrous alarm with which an under-graduate prepares to obey + the summons, (capable of but one interpretation,)—"The + dean wishes to see you, sir, at ten o'clock"—which so + often, in my time at least, was sent as a whet to some of the + assembled guests at a breakfast party; whoever has been applied to on + such occasions for the loan of a tolerable cap, (that of the + delinquent having its corners in such dilapidated condition as to + proclaim its owner a "rowing man" at once,) or has + responded to the pathetic appeal—"Do I look <i>very</i> + seedy?"—any one to whom such absurd recollections of early + days occur—and if you, good reader, are a university man, as, + being a gentleman, I am bound in charity to conclude you are, and yet + have no such reminiscences—allow me to suggest that you must + have been a very slow coach indeed;—any one, I say once more, + who knows the ridiculous figure which a man cuts when "hauled + up" before the college Minos, or Radamanthus, will easily + forgive his friends for being inclined to laugh at him.</p> + + <p>However, in the present case, any anticipations of fun at my + expense, which the party in Leicester's rooms might charitably + entertain, were somewhat qualified by the fear, that the consequences + of any little private difference between the dean and myself might + affect the prosperity of our unlicensed theatre. And when they heard + how very nearly the discovery of the stays had been fatal to our + project, execrations against Simmons's espionage were mingled + with admiration of my escape from so critical a position.</p> + + <p>The following is, I apprehend, an unique specimen of an Oxford + bill—and the only one, out of a tolerably large bundle which I + keep for the sake of the receipts attached, (a precaution by no means + uncalled for,) which I find any amusement in referring to.</p> + + <table border="0" summary="Oxford bill specimen" cellpadding="0"> + <tr> + <td>—— Hawthorne, Esq.,</td> + + <td colspan="2"></td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td></td> + + <td colspan="2">To M. Moore.</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>2 pr. brown jean corsets,</td> + + <td align="right">8</td> + + <td align="right">0</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Padding for do., made to order,</td> + + <td align="right">2</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td></td> + + <td colspan="2">—————</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td></td> + + <td align="right">10</td> + + <td align="right">6</td> + </tr> + + <tr> + <td>Rec<sup>d</sup>. same day, M. M.</td> + + <td></td> + + <td></td> + </tr> + </table> + + <p>(Savile, when I showed it to him, said the receipt was the only + one of the kind he had seen in the course of a long experience.) Very + much surprised was the old lady, of whom I made the purchase in my + capacity of stage-manager, at so uncommon a customer in her line of + business; and when, after enjoying her mystification for some time, I + let her into the secret, so delighted was she at the notion, that she + gave me sundry hints as to the management of the female toilet, and + offered to get made up for me any dresses that might be required. So + I introduced Leicester and his fellow-heroines to my friend Mrs + Moore, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_745" id="Page_745">[Pg + 745]</a></span>and by the joint exertions of their own tastes and her + experience, they became possessed of some very tolerable costumes. + There was a good deal of fun going on, I fancy, in fitting and + measuring, in her back parlour; for there was a daughter, or a niece, + or something of the sort, who cut out the dresses with the prettiest + hands in the world, as Leicester declared; but I was too busy with + carpenters, painters, and other assistants, to pay more than a flying + visit to the ladies' department.</p> + + <p>At last the rehearsal did come on. As Hastings, I had not much in + the way of dress to alter; and, having some engagement in the early + part of the morning, I did not arrive at the theatre until the rest + of the characters were already dressed and ready to begin. Though I + had been consulted upon all manner of points, from the arranging of a + curl for Miss Neville to the colour of Diggory's stockings, and + knew the costume of every individual as well as my own, yet so + ludicrous was the effect of the whole when I entered the room, that I + threw myself into the nearest chair, and laughed myself nearly into + convulsions. The figure which first met my eyes was a little ruddy + freshman, who had the part of the landlord, and who, in his zeal to + do honour to our preference, had dressed the character most + elaborately. A pillow, which he could scarcely see over, puffed out + his red waistcoat; and his hair was cut short, and powdered with such + good-will, that for weeks afterwards, in spite of diligent brushing, + he looked as grey as the principal. There he stood—his legs + clothed in grey worsted, retreating far beyond his little white + apron, as if ashamed of their unusual appearance,</p> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"The mother that him + bare,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">She had not known her + son."</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Every one, however, had not been so classical in their costume. + There was Sir Charles Marlow in what had been a judge's wig, and + Mr Hardcastle in a barrister's; both sufficiently unlike + themselves, at any rate, if not very correct copies of their + originals. Then the women! As for Mrs Hardcastle, she was perfection. + There never was, I believe, a better representation of the character. + It was well dressed, and turned out a first-rate bit of + acting—very far superior to any amateur performance I ever saw, + and, with practice, would have equalled that of any actress on the + stage. Her very curtsy was comedy itself. When I recovered my breath + a little, I was able to attend to the dialogue which was going on, + which was hardly less ridiculous than the strange disguises round me. + "Now, Miss Hardcastle," (Marlow <i>loquitur</i>,) "I + have no objection to your smoking cigars during rehearsal, of + course—because you won't do that on Monday night, I + suppose; but I must beg you to get out of the practice of standing or + sitting crosslegged, because it's not lady-like, or even + barmaid-like—and don't laugh when I make love to you; for + if you do, I shall break down to a certainty." "Thornhill, + do you think my waist will do?" said the anxious representative + of the fair Constance. "I have worn these cursed stays for an + hour every evening for the last week, and drawn them an inch tighter + every time; but I don't think I'm a very good figure after + all—just try if they'll come any closer, will you?" + "Oh! Hawthorne, I'm glad you are come," said Savile, + whom I hardly knew, in a red wig; "now, isn't there to be a + bowl of real punch in the scene at the Three Pigeons—one + can't <i>pretend</i> to drink, you know, with any degree of + spirit?" "Oh! of course," said I; "that's one + of the landlord's properties: Miller, you must provide that, you + know—send down for some cold tankards now; they will do very + well for rehearsal." At last we got to work, and proceeded, with + the prompter's assistance, pretty smoothly, and mutually + applauding each other's performance, going twice over some of the + more difficult scenes, and cutting out a good deal of love and + sentiment. The play was fixed for the next Monday night, playbills + ordered to be printed, and cards of invitation issued to all the + performers' intimate friends. Every scout in the college, I + believe, except my rascal Simmons, was in the secret, and probably + some of the fellows had a shrewd guess at what was going on; but no + one interfered with us. We carried on all our operations as quietly + as possible; and the only circumstances likely to arouse suspicion in + the minds of the authorities, was the unusual absence of all + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_746" id="Page_746">[Pg + 746]</a></span> disturbances of a minor nature within the walls, in + consequence of the one engrossing freak in which most of the more + turbulent spirits were engaged.</p> + + <p>At length the grand night arrived. By nine o'clock the theatre + in Savile's rooms was as full as it could be crammed with any + degree of comfort to actors and audience; and in the study and + bedroom, which, being on opposite sides, served admirably for + dressing-rooms behind the scenes, the usual bustle of preparation was + going on. As is common in such cases, some essential properties had + been forgotten until the last moment. No bonnet had been provided for + Mrs Hardcastle to take her walks abroad in; and when the little + hairdresser, who had been retained to give a finishing touch to some + of the coiffeurs, returned with one belonging to his + "missis," which he had volunteered to lend, the roar of + uncontrollable merriment which this new embellishment of our + disguised friend called forth, made the audience clamorous for the + rising of the curtain—thinking, very excusably, that it was + quite unjustifiable to keep all the fun to ourselves.</p> + + <p>After some little trial of our "public's" patience, + the play began in good earnest, and was most favourably received. + Indeed, as the only price of admission exacted was a promise of civil + behaviour, and there were two servants busily employed in handing + about punch and "bishop," it would have been rather hard if + we did not succeed in propitiating their good-humour. With the + exception of two gentlemen who had been dining out, and were rather + noisy in consequence, and evinced a strong inclination occasionally + to take a part in the dialogue, all behaved wonderfully well, + greeting each performer, as he made his first entrance, with a due + amount of cheering; rapturously applauding all the best scenes; + laughing, (whether at the raciness of the acting or the grotesque + metamorphoses of the actors, made no great difference,) and filling + up any gap which occurred in the proceedings on the stage, in spite + of the prompter, with vociferous encouragement to the + "sticket" actor. With an audience so disposed, each + successive scene went off better and better. One deserves to be + particularized. It was the second in the first act of the comedy; the + stage directions for it are as follow:—"Scene—An + ale-house room.—Several shabby fellows with punch and tobacco; + Tony at the head of the table, &c., discovered." Never + perhaps, in any previous representation, was the <i>mise en scčne</i> + so perfect. It drew three rounds of applause. A very equivocal + compliment to ourselves it may be; but such jolly-looking + "shabby fellows" as sat round the table at which our Tony + presided, were never furnished by the supernumeraries of Drury or + Covent-garden. They were as classical, in their way, as + Macready's Roman mob. Then there was no make-believe puffing of + empty pipes, and fictitious drinking of small-beer for punch; every + nose among the audience could appreciate the genuineness of both + liquor and tobacco; and the hearty encore which the song, with its + stentorian chorus, was honoured with, gave all the parties engaged + time to enjoy their punch and their pipes to their satisfaction. It + was quite a pity, as was unanimously agreed, when the entrance of + Marlow and Hastings, as in duty bound, interrupted so jovial a + society. But "all that's bright must fade"—and so + the Three Pigeons' scene, and the play, too, came to an end in + due course. The curtain fell amidst universal applause, modified only + by the urgent request, which, as manager, I had more than once to + repeat, that gentlemen would be kind enough to restrain their + feelings for fear of disturbing the dons. The house resolved itself + into its component elements—all went their ways—the + reading men probably to a Greek play, by way of + afterpiece—sleepy ones to bed, and idle ones to their various + inventions—and the actors, after the fatigues of the night, to + a supper, which was to be the "finish." It was to take + place in one of the men's rooms which happened to be on the same + staircase, and had been committed to the charge of certain parties, + who understood our notions of an unexceptionable spread. And a right + merry party we were—all sitting down in character, Mrs + Hardcastle at the top of the table, her worthy partner at bottom, + with the "young ladies" on each side. It was the best + <i>tableau</i> of the evening; pity there was neither artist to + sketch, nor spectators to admire it! But, like <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_747" id="Page_747">[Pg 747]</a></span> many + other merry meetings, there are faithful portraits of it—proof + impressions—in the memories of many who were present; not yet + obliterated, hardly even dimmed, by time; laid by, like other + valuables, which, in the turmoil of life, we find no time to look at, + but not thrown aside or forgotten, and brought out sometimes, in + holidays and quiet hours, for us to look at once more, and enjoy + their beauty, and feel, after all, how much what we have changed is + "<i>calum non animum</i>." I am now—no matter what. + Of my companions at that well-remembered supper, one is a staid and + orthodox divine; one a rising barrister; a third a respectable + country gentleman, justice of the peace, "and quorum;" a + fourth, they tell me, a semi Papist, but set us all down together in + that same room, draw the champagne corks, and let some Lethe (the + said champagne, if you please) wash out all that has passed over us + in the last five years, and my word on it, three out of four of us + are but boys still; and though much shaving, pearl powder, and + carmine, might fail to make of any of the party a heroine of any more + delicate class than Meg Merrilies, I have no doubt we could all of us + once more smoke a pipe in character at "The Three + Pigeons."</p> + + <p>Merrily the evening passed off, and merrily the little hours came + on, and song and laugh rather grew gayer than slackened. The strings + of the stays had long ago been cut, and the tresses, which were in + the way of the cigars, were thrown back in dishevelled elegance. The + landlord found his stuffing somewhat warm, and had laid aside half + his fleshy incumbrance. Every one was at his ease, and a most + uproarious chorus had just been sung by the whole strength of the + company, when we heard the ominous sound of a quiet double rap at the + outer door.</p> + + <p>"Who's there?" said one of the most self-possessed + of the company.</p> + + <p>"I wish to speak to Mr Challoner," was the quiet + reply.</p> + + <p>The owner of the rooms was luckily in no more <i>outré</i> costume + than that of Sir Charles Marlow; and having thrown off his wig, and + buttoned his coat over a deep-flapped waistcoat, looked tolerably + like himself as he proceeded to answer the summons. I confess I + rather hoped than otherwise, that the gentleman, whoever he was, + would walk in, when, if he intended to astonish us, he was very + likely to find the tables turned. However, even college dons + recognize the principle, that every man's house is his castle, + and never violate the sanctity of even an under-graduate's rooms. + The object of this present visit, however, was rather friendly than + otherwise; one of the fellows, deservedly popular, had been with the + dean, and had left him in a state of some excitement from the + increasing merriment which came somewhat too audibly across the + quadrangle from our party. He had called, therefore, to advise + Challoner, either to keep his friends quiet, or to get rid of them, + if he wished to keep out of the dean's jurisdiction. As it was + towards three in the morning, we thought it prudent to take this + advice as it was meant, and in a few minutes began to wend our + respective ways homewards. Leicester and myself, whose rooms lay in + the same direction, were steering along, very soberly, under a bright + moonlight, when something put it into the heads of some other + stragglers of the party to break out, at the top of their voices, + into a stanza of that immortal ditty—"We won't go home + till morning." Instantly we could hear a window, which we well + knew to be the dean's, open above us, and as the unmelodious + chorus went on, his wrath found vent in the usual + strain—"Who is making that disturbance?"</p> + + <p>No one volunteering an explanation, he went on.</p> + + <p>"Who are those in the quadrangle?" Leicester and I + walked somewhat faster. I am not sure that our dignity did not + condescend to run, as we heard steps coming down from No. 5, at a + pace that evidently portended a chase, and remembered for the first + time the remarkable costume, which, to common observers, would + indicate that there was a visitor of an unusual character enjoying + the moonlight in the quadrangle. When we reached the + "thoroughfare," the passage from the inner to the outer + quadrangle, we fairly bolted; and as the steps came pretty fast after + us, and Leicester's rooms were the nearest, we both made good our + retreat thither, and sported oak.</p> + + <p>The porter's lodge was in the next number; <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_748" id="Page_748">[Pg 748]</a></span> and + hearing a knocking in that quarter, Leicester gently opened the + window, and we could catch the following dialogue:—</p> + + <p>"Solomon! open this door directly—it is I—the + dean."</p> + + <p>"Good, dear sir!" said Solomon, apparently asleep, and + fumbling for the keys of the college gates—"let you out? + Oh yes! sir, directly."</p> + + <p>"Listen to me, Solomon: I am not going out. Did you let any + one out just now—just before I called you?"</p> + + <p>"No, sir, nobody whatsomdever."</p> + + <p>"Solomon! I ask you, did you not, just now, let a + <i>woman</i> out?"</p> + + <p>"Lawk! no, sir, Lord forbid!" said Solomon, now + thoroughly wakened.</p> + + <p>"Now, Solomon, bring your light, and come with me, this must + be enquired into. I saw a woman run this way, and, if she is not gone + through the gate, she is gone into this next number. Whose rooms are + in No. 13?"</p> + + <p>"There's Mr Dyson's, sir, on the ground + floor."</p> + + <p>Mr Dyson was the very fellow who had called at Challoner's + rooms.</p> + + <p>"Hah! well, I'll call Mr Dyson up. Whose + besides?"</p> + + <p>"There's Mr Leicester, sir, above his'n."</p> + + <p>"Very well, Solomon; call up Mr Dyson, and say I wish to + speak with him particularly."</p> + + <p>And so saying, the dean proceeded up stairs.</p> + + <p>The moment Leicester heard his name mentioned, he began to + anticipate a domiciliary visit. The thing was so ridiculous that we + hardly knew what to do.</p> + + <p>"Shall I get into bed, Hawthorne? I don't want to be + caught in this figure?"</p> + + <p>"Why, I don't know that you will be safe there, in the + present state of the dean's suspicions. No; tuck up those + confounded petticoats, clap on your pea-jacket, twist those + love-locks up under your cap, light this cigar, and sit in your + easy-chair. The dean must be 'cuter than usual, if he finds you + out as the lady he is in search of."</p> + + <p>Leicester had hardly time to take this advice, the best I could + hit upon at the moment, when the dean knocked at the door.</p> + + <p>"Who are you? Come in," said we both in a breath.</p> + + <p>"I beg your pardon, Mr Leicester," said the dean in his + most official tone; "nothing but actually imperative duty + occasions my intrusion at this unseasonable hour, but a most + extraordinary circumstance must be my excuse. I say, + gentlemen—I saw with my own eyes," he continued, looking + blacker as he caught sight of me, and remembering, no doubt, the + little episode of the stays—"I saw a female figure pass in + this direction but a few minutes ago. No such person has passed the + gate, for I have made enquiry; certainly I have no reason to suppose + any such person is concealed here, but I am bound to ask you, sir, on + your honour as a gentleman—for I have no wish to make a + search—is there any such person concealed in your + apartments?"</p> + + <p>"On my honour, sir, no one is, or has been lately here, but + myself and Mr Hawthorne."</p> + + <p>Here Dyson came into the room, looking considerably mystified.</p> + + <p>"What's the matter, Mr Dean?" said he, nodding + good-humouredly to us.</p> + + <p>"A most unpleasant occurrence, my dear sir; I have seen a + woman in this direction not five minutes back. Unfortunately, I + cannot be mistaken. She either passed into the porter's lodge or + into this staircase."</p> + + <p>"She is not in my rooms, I assure you," said he, + laughing; "I should think you made a mistake: it must have been + some man in a white mackintosh."</p> + + <p>I smiled, and Leicester laughed outright.</p> + + <p>"I am not mistaken, sir," said the dean warmly. "I + shall take your word, Mr Leicester; but allow me to tell you, that + your conduct in lolling in that chair as if in perfect contempt, and + neither rising, nor removing your cap, when Mr Dyson and myself are + in your rooms, is neither consistent with the respect due from an + under-graduate, or the behaviour I should expect from a + gentleman."</p> + + <p>Poor Leicester coloured, and unwittingly removed his cap. The + chestnut curls, some natural and some artificial, which had been so + studiously arranged for Miss Hardcastle's head-dress, fell in + dishevelled luxuriance round his face, and as he half <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_749" id="Page_749">[Pg 749]</a></span> rose + from his previous position in the chair, a pink silk dress began to + descend from under the pea-jacket. Concealment was at an end; the + dean looked bewildered at first, and then savage; but a hearty laugh + from Dyson settled the business.</p> + + <p>"What, Leicester! you're the lady the dean has been + hunting about college! Upon my word, this is the most absurd piece of + masquerading!—what on earth is it all about?"</p> + + <p>I pitied Leicester, he looked such an extraordinary figure in his + ambiguous dress, and seemed so thoroughly ashamed of himself; so + displaying the tops and cords in which I had enacted Hastings, I + acknowledged my share in the business, and gave a brief history of + the drama during my management. The dean endeavoured to look grave: + Dyson gave way to undisguised amusement, and repeatedly exclaimed, + "Oh! why did you not send me a ticket? When do you perform + again?"</p> + + <p>Alas! never. Brief, as bright, was our theatrical career. But the + memory of it lives in the college still: of the comedy, and the + supper, and the curious mistake which followed it: and the dean has + not to this hour lost the credit which he then gained, of having a + remarkably keen eye for a petticoat.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_749b" id= + "Page_749b"></a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="LINES_WRITTEN_IN_THE_ISLE_OF_BUTE" id= + "LINES_WRITTEN_IN_THE_ISLE_OF_BUTE"></a>LINES WRITTEN IN THE ISLE OF + BUTE.</h2> + + <h3>BY DELTA.</h3> + + <h5>I.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">Ere yet dim twilight brighten'd into + day,</span> <span class="i6">Or waned the silver morning-star + away,</span> <span class="i6">Shedding its last, lone, melancholy + smile,</span> <span class="i6">Above the mountain-tops of far + Argyle;</span> <span class="i6">Ere yet the solan's wing had + brush'd the sea,</span> <span class="i6">Or issued from its + cell the mountain bee;</span> <span class="i6">As dawn beyond the + orient Cumbraes shone,</span> <span class="i6">Thy northern + slope, Byrone,</span> <span class="i6">From Ascog's rocks, + o'erflung with woodland bowers,</span> <span class="i6">With + scarlet fuschias, and faint myrtle flowers,</span> <span class= + "i6">My steps essay'd; brushing the diamond dew</span> + <span class="i6">From the soft moss, lithe grass, and harebell + blue.</span> <span class="i6">Up from the heath aslant the linnet + flew</span> <span class="i6">Startled, and rose the lark on + twinkling wing,</span> <span class="i6">And soar'd away, to + sing</span> <span class="i6">A farewell to the severing shades of + night,</span> <span class="i6">A welcome to the morning's + aureate light.</span> <span class="i6">Thy summit gain'd, how + tranquilly serene,</span> <span class="i6">Beneath, outspread + that panoramic scene</span> <span class="i6">Of continent and + isle, and lake and sea,</span> <span class="i6">And tower and + town, hill, vale, and spreading tree,</span> <span class="i6">And + rock and ruin tinged with amethyst,</span> <span class= + "i6">Half-seen, half-hidden by the lazy mist,</span> <span class= + "i6">Volume on volume, which had vaguely wound</span> + <span class="i6">The far off hills around,</span> <span class= + "i6">And now roll'd downwards; till on high were seen,</span> + <span class="i6">Begirt with sombre larch, their foreheads + green.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>II.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">There, save when all, except the lark, was + mute,</span> <span class="i6">Oh, beauty-breathing Bute</span> + <span class="i6">On thee entranced I gazed; each moment + brought</span> <span class="i6">A new creation to the eye of + thought:</span> <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_750" id= + "Page_750">[Pg 750]</a></span> <span class="i6">The orient clouds + all Iris' hues assumed,</span> <span class="i6">From the pale + lily to the rose that bloom'd,</span> <span class="i6">And + hung above the pathway of the sun,</span> <span class="i6">As if + to harbinger his course begun;</span> <span class="i6">When, lo! + his disk burst forth—his beams of gold</span> <span class= + "i6">Seem'd earth as with a garment to enfold,</span> + <span class="i6">And from his piercing eye the loose mists + flew,</span> <span class="i6">And heaven with arch of deep + autumnal blue</span> <span class="i6">Glow'd overhead; while + ocean, like a lake,</span> <span class="i6">Seeming delight to + take</span> <span class="i6">In its own halcyon-calm, resplendent + lay,</span> <span class="i6">From Western Kames to far Kilchattan + bay.</span> <span class="i6">Old Largs look'd out amid the + orient light,</span> <span class="i6">With its grey dwellings, + and, in greenery bright,</span> <span class="i6">Lay Coila's + classic shores reveal'd to sight;</span> <span class="i6">And + like a Vallombrosa, veil'd in blue,</span> <span class= + "i6">Arose Mount Stuart's woodlands on the view;</span> + <span class="i6">Kerry and Cowall their bold hill-tops + show'd,</span> <span class="i6">And Arran, and Kintire; like + rubies glow'd</span> <span class="i6">The jagged clefts of + Goatfell; and below,</span> <span class="i6">As on a chart, + delightful Rothesay lay,</span> <span class="i6">Whence sprang of + human life the awakening sound,</span> <span class="i6">With all + its happy dwellings, stretching round</span> <span class="i6">The + semicircle of its sunbright bay.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>III.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">Byrone, a type of peace thou seemest now,</span> + <span class="i6">Yielding thy ridges to the rustic plough,</span> + <span class="i6">With corn-fields at thy feet, and many a + grove</span> <span class="i6">Whose songs are but of love;</span> + <span class="i6">But different was the aspect of that + hour,</span> <span class="i6">Which brought, of eld, the Norsemen + o'er the deep,</span> <span class="i6">To wrest yon + castle's walls from Scotland's power,</span> <span class= + "i6">And leave her brave to bleed, her fair to weep;</span> + <span class="i6">When Husbac fierce, and Olave, Mona's + king,<a name="FNanchor_5_5" id="FNanchor_5_5"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_5_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a></span> <span class= + "i6">Confederate chiefs, with shout and triumphing,</span> + <span class="i6">Bade o'er its towers the Scaldic raven + fly,</span> <span class="i6">And mock each storm-tost sea-king + toiling by!—</span> <span class="i6">Far different were the + days,</span> <span class="i6">When flew the fiery cross, with + summoning blaze,</span> <span class="i6">O'er Blane's + hill, and o'er Catan, and o'er Kames,</span> <span class= + "i6">And round thy peak the phalanx'd Butesmen stood,<a name= + "FNanchor_6_6" id="FNanchor_6_6"></a><a href="#Footnote_6_6" + class="fnanchor">[6]</a></span> <span class="i6">As Bruce's + followers shed the Baliol's blood,</span> <span class= + "i6">Yea! gave each Saxon homestead to the flames!</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>IV.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">Proud palace-home of kings! what art thou + now?</span> <span class="i6">Worn are the traceries of thy lofty + brow!</span> <span class="i6">Yet once in beauteous strength like + thee were none,</span> <span class="i6">When Rothesay's Duke + was heir to Scotland's throne;<a name="FNanchor_7_7" id= + "FNanchor_7_7"></a><a href="#Footnote_7_7" class= + "fnanchor">[7]</a></span> <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_751" + id="Page_751">[Pg 751]</a></span> <span class="i6">Ere Falkland + rose, or Holyrood, in thee</span> <span class="i6">The barons to + their sovereign bow'd the knee:</span> <span class="i6">Now, + as to mock thy pride</span> <span class="i6">The very waters of + thy moat are dried;</span> <span class="i6">Through fractured + arch and doorway freely pass</span> <span class="i6">The + sunbeams, into halls o'ergrown with grass;</span> + <span class="i6">Thy floors, unroof'd, are open to the + sky,</span> <span class="i6">And the snows lodge there when the + storm sweeps by;</span> <span class="i6">O'er thy grim + battlements, where bent the bow</span> <span class="i6">Thine + archers keen, now hops the chattering crow;</span> <span class= + "i6">And where the beauteous and the brave were guests,</span> + <span class="i6">Now breed the bats—the swallows build + their nests!</span> <span class="i6">Lost even the legend of the + bloody stair,</span> <span class="i6">Whose steps wend downward + to the house of prayer;</span> <span class="i6">Gone is the + priest, and they who worshipp'd seem</span> <span class= + "i6">Phantoms to us—a dream within a dream;</span> + <span class="i6">Earth hath o'ermantled each memorial + stone,</span> <span class="i6">And from their tombs the very dust + is gone;</span> <span class="i6">All perish'd, all forgotten, + like the ray</span> <span class="i6">Which gilt yon orient + hill-tops yesterday;</span> <span class="i6">All nameless, save + mayhap one stalwart knight,</span> <span class="i6">Who fell with + Grćme in Falkirk's bloody fight—</span> <span class= + "i6">Bonkill's stout Stewart,<a name="FNanchor_8_8" id= + "FNanchor_8_8"></a><a href="#Footnote_8_8" class= + "fnanchor">[8]</a> whose heroic tale</span> <span class="i6">Oft + circles yet the peasant's evening fire,</span> <span class= + "i6">And how he scorn'd to fly, and how he bled—</span> + <span class="i6">He, whose effigies in St Mary's + choir,</span> <span class="i6">With planted heel upon the + lion's head,</span> <span class="i6">Now rests in marble + mail.</span> <span class="i6">Yet still remains the small dark + narrow room,</span> <span class="i6">Where the third Robert, + yielding to the gloom</span> <span class="i6">Of his despair, + heart-broken, laid him down,</span> <span class="i6">Refusing + food, to die; and to the wall</span> + <span class="i6">Turn'd his determined face, unheeding all,</span> + + <span class="i6">And to his captive boy-prince left his crown.<a name="FNanchor_9_9" id="FNanchor_9_9"></a> + <a href="#Footnote_9_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a></span> + + <span class="i6">Alas! thy solitary + hawthorn-tree,</span> <span class="i6">Four-centuried, and + o'erthrown, is but of thee</span> <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_752" id="Page_752">[Pg 752]</a></span> + <span class="i6">A type, majestic ruin: there it lies,</span> + <span class="i6">And annually puts on its May-flower + bloom,</span> <span class="i6">To fill thy lonely courts with + bland perfume,</span> + + <span class="i6">Yet lifts no more its green head to the skies;<a name="FNanchor_10_10" id="FNanchor_10_10"></a> + <a href="#Footnote_10_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a></span> + + <span class="i6">The last lone living thing around that knew</span> <span class="i6">Thy glory, when + the dizziness and din</span> <span class="i6">Of thronging life + o'erflow'd thy halls within,</span> <span class="i6">And + o'er thy top St Andrew's banner flew.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <h5>V.</h5> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">Farewell! Elysian island of the west,</span> + <span class="i6">Still be thy gardens brighten'd by the + rose</span> <span class="i6">Of a perennial spring, and + winter's snows</span> <span class="i6">Ne'er chill the + warmth of thy maternal breast!</span> <span class="i6">May calms + for ever sleep around thy coast,</span> <span class="i6">And + desolating storms roll far away,</span> <span class="i6">While + art with nature vies to form thy bay,</span> <span class= + "i6">Fairer than that which Naples makes her boast!</span> + <span class="i6">Green link between the High-lands and the + Low—</span> <span class="i6">Thou gem, half claim'd by + earth, and half by sea—</span> <span class="i6">May + blessings, like a flood, thy homes o'erflow,</span> + <span class="i6">And health—though elsewhere lost—be + found in thee!</span> <span class="i6">May thy bland zephyrs to + the pallid cheek</span> <span class="i6">Of sickness ever roseate + hues restore,</span> <span class="i6">And they who shun the + rabble and the roar</span> <span class="i6">Of the wild world, on + thy delightful shore</span> <span class="i6">Obtain that soft + seclusion which they seek!</span> <span class="i6">Be this a + stranger's farewell, green Byrone,</span> <span class= + "i6">Who ne'er hath trod thy heathery heights before,</span> + <span class="i6">And ne'er may see thee more</span> + <span class="i6">After yon autumn sun hath westering gone;</span> + <span class="i6">Though oft, in pensive mood, when far + away,</span> <span class="i6">'Mid city multitudes, his + thoughts will stray</span> <span class="i6">To Ascog's lake, + blue-sleeping in the morn,</span> <span class="i6">And to the + happy homesteads that adorn</span> <span class="i6">Thy + Rothesay's lovely bay.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 14em;">ASCOG LODGE, EAST BAY, + ROTHESAY,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 18em;">September 1843.</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_5_5" id="Footnote_5_5"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_5_5"><span class="label">[5]</span></a> Rothesay + Castle is first mentioned in history in connexion with its siege + by Husbac the Norwegian, and Olave king of Man, in 1228. Among + other means of defence, it is said that the Scots poured down + boiling pitch and lead on the heads of their enemies; but it was, + however, at length taken, after the Norwegians had lost three + hundred men. In 1263, it was retaken by the Scots after the + decisive battle of Largs.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_6_6" id="Footnote_6_6"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_6_6"><span class="label">[6]</span></a> This bid was + the scene of a conflict between the men of Bute and the troops of + Lisle, the English governor, in which that general was slain, and + his severed head, presented to the Lord High Steward, was + suspended from the battlements of the castle.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_7_7" id="Footnote_7_7"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_7_7"><span class="label">[7]</span></a> In 1398, + Robert the Third constituted his eldest son Duke of Rothesay, a + title still held by every male heir-apparent to the British + crown. It was the first introduction of the ducal + dignity—originally a Norman one—into Scotland.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_8_8" id="Footnote_8_8"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_8_8"><span class="label">[8]</span></a> The walls + forming the choir of the very ancient church dedicated to the + Holy Virgin are still nearly entire, and stand close to the + present parish church of Rothesay. Within a traceried niche, on + one side, is the recumbent figure of a knight in complete armour, + apparently of the kind in use about the time of Robert the Second + or Third. His feet are upon a lion couchant, and his head upon a + faithful watch-dog, with a collar, in beautiful preservation, + encircling its neck. The coat-of-arms denotes the person + represented to have been of royal lineage. Popular tradition + individualizes him as the "Stout Stewart of Bonkill" of + Blind Harry the minstrel, who fell with Sir John the Grahame at + the battle of Falkirk—although that hero was buried near + the field of action, as his tombstone there in the old churchyard + still records.</p> + + <p>Sir John Stewart of Bonkill was uncle and tutor to the then + Lord High Steward, at that time a minor.</p> + + <p>A female figure and child recumbent, also elaborately + sculptured in black marble, adorn the opposite niche, and under + them, in alto-relievo, are several figures in religious habits. + Another effigies of a knight, but much defaced, lies on the + ground-floor of the choir—the whole of which was cleaned + out and put in order by the present Marquis of Bute in 1827.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_9_9" id="Footnote_9_9"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_9_9"><span class="label">[9]</span></a> On the 4th of + April 1406, this unfortunate prince, overwhelmed with grief for + the death of his eldest son, David, Duke of Rothesay and Earl of + Carrick, who miserably perished of hunger in Falkland Castle; and + the capture, during a time of truce, of his younger son, Prince + James, by the English—died in the Castle of Rothesay of a + broken heart. The closet, fourteen feet by eight, in which he + breathed his last, is still pointed out, in the south-east corner + of the castle.</p> + + <p><a name="Footnote_10_10" id="Footnote_10_10"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_10_10"><span class="label">[10]</span></a> In the + court of the castle is a remarkable thorn-tree, which for + centuries had waved above the chapel now in ruins; and which, at + the distance of a yard from the ground, measures six feet three + inches in circumference. In 1839, it fell from its own weight, + and now lies prostrate, with half its roots uncovered, but still + vigorous in growth.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_753" id="Page_753">[Pg + 753]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="TRAVELS_OF_KERIM_KHAN" id= + "TRAVELS_OF_KERIM_KHAN"></a>TRAVELS OF KERIM KHAN.</h2> + + <h3>CONCLUSION.</h3> + + <p>While tracing the progress of our friend the Khan through the + various scenes of amusement and festivity at which he assisted rather + as a spectator than an actor, we had omitted to notice in its proper + place an incident of some interest—his presence at the opening + of the Parliamentary session of 1841, on the 26th of January, by the + Queen in person. By the kindness of one of his friends, who was a + member of the royal household, he had succeeded in obtaining a ticket + of admission to the House of Lords, and was placed in a position + which afforded him an excellent view of the brilliant multitude + assembled to receive their sovereign. "When I had sufficiently + recovered from the first impression of all the magnificence around + me, I could compare it only to the Garden of Trem<a name= + "FNanchor_11_11" id="FNanchor_11_11"></a><a href="#Footnote_11_11" + class="fnanchor">[11]</a>—nay, it appeared even more wonderful + than that marvellous place. At twelve o'clock, twenty-one peals + of artillery announced the approach of the Queen, who shortly after + entered with Prince Albert, followed by her train-bearers, &c. + All rose as she advanced; and when the Lords were again seated, the + <i>cadhi-ab-codhat</i> (Lord Chancellor) put a piece of paper in her + hands, and placed himself on the right of the throne, while the + grand-vizir stood on the left. Shortly after, the gentlemen of the + House of Commons entered, when the Queen read with a loud voice from + the paper to the following effect." We need not, however, follow + the Khan through the details of the royal speech, or the debate on + the address which succeeded, though, in the latter, he appears to + have been thunderstruck by the freedom of language indulged in by a + certain eccentric ex-chancellor, remarking, "that under the + emperors of Delhi such latitude of speech, in reference to the + sovereign, would inevitably have cost the offender his head, or at + least have ensured his spending the remainder of his life in disgrace + and exile at Mekka." On the dignified bearing and + self-possession of our youthful sovereign, the Khan enlarges in the + strain of eulogy which might be expected from one to whom the sight + of the ensigns of sovereignty borne by a female hand was in itself an + almost inconceivable novelty, declaring, that "the justice and + virtues of her Majesty have obliterated the name of Nushirvan from + the face of the earth!" But the remarks of the simple-minded + Parsees on the same subject will be found, from their honest + sincerity, we suspect, more germane to the matter—"We saw + in an instant that she was fitted by nature for, and intended to be, + a queen; we saw a native nobility about her, which induced us to + believe that she could, though meek and amiable, be firm and + decisive; ... that no man or set of men would be permitted by her to + dictate a line of conduct; and that, knowing and feeling that she + lived in the hearts and affections of her people, she would endeavour + to temper justice with mercy; and we thought that if no unforeseen + event (which God forbid) arose to dim the lustre of her reign, that + the period of her sway in Britain would be quoted as the golden + age."</p> + + <p>After this introduction, the Khan appears to have become an + occasional attendant in the gallery of the House of Commons, and was + present at a debate on the admission of foreign corn, in which Lord + Stanley, Sir Robert Peel, and Lord John Russell took + part—"These three being the most eloquent of the speakers, + and the chiefs of their respective parties, though several other + members spoke at great length either for or against the motion, + according as each was attached to one or other of the great factions + which divide the House of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_754" + id="Page_754">[Pg 754]</a></span> Commons, and hold the destinies of + the people in their hands." Of the speeches of these three + leaders, and the arguments adduced by them, he accordingly attempts + to give an abstract; though as his information must have been + derived, we imagine, principally through the medium of an + interpreter, this first essay at Parliamentary reporting is not + particularly successful; and if we are to conclude, from his constant + use of the phrase <i>zemindars</i> to denote the landed interest, + that he considered the estates of the English proprietors to be held + by <i>zemindarry</i> tenures similar to those in Bengal, his notions + on the subject of the debate must have been considerably perplexed. + "At length, however, as the debate had already been protracted + to a late hour, and there was no probability of a speedy termination + to this war of words, I left the House with no unfavourable + impression of what I had heard. This eternal wrangling between the + two factions is inherent, it appears, in the nature of the + constitution. With us, two wise men never dispute; yet every + individual member of the legislature is supposed to possess a certain + share of wisdom—so that here are a thousand wise men constantly + disputing. One would think no good could result from such endless + differences of opinion; but the fact is the reverse—for from + these debates result those measures which mark the character of the + English for energy and love of liberty."</p> + + <p>But though thus constantly alluding to the two great political + parties which divide the state, the Khan nowhere attempts to give his + readers a definition of the essential differences which separate + them; and, for a statement of the respective tenets of Whigs and + Tories, as represented to an oriental, we must once more have + recourse to the journal of Najaf Kooli, who has apparently taken + great pains to make himself acquainted with this abstruse subject. + "The Tories," says the Persian prince, "argue as + follows:—'Three hundred years ago we were wild people, and + our kingdom ranked lower than any other. But, through our wisdom and + learning, we have brought it to its present height of honour, and, as + the empire was enlarged under our management, why should we now + <i>reform</i> and give up our policy which has done all this + good?' To which the Whigs reply—'It is more prudent to + go according to the changes of time and circumstances. Moreover, by + the old policy, only a few were benefited; and, as government is for + the general good, we must observe that which is best for the whole + nation, so that all should be profited.'" The + Shahzadeh's description of the ceremony of opening Parliament, + and his summary of the usual topics touched upon in the royal speech, + are marked by the same amusing <i>naďveté</i>—"When all + are met, the king, arrayed in all his majestic splendour and state, + with the crown on his head, stands up with his face to the assembly, + and makes a speech with perfect eloquence as + follows:—'Thank God that my kingdom is in perfect + happiness, and all the affairs, both at home and abroad, are in good + order. All the foreign badishahs (kings and emperors) have sent to me + ambassadors, assuring me of their friendship. The commerce of this + empire is enjoying the highest prosperity; and all these benefits are + through your wise ordination of affairs last session. This year also + I have to request you again to meet in your houses, and to take all + affairs into the consideration of your high skill and learning, and + settle them as you find best. Should there be any misunderstanding in + any part which may require either war or peace to be declared, you + will thereupon also take the proper measures for settling it + according to the welfare and interests of the kingdom.' Then they + receive their instructions, the king leaves them, and they meet every + day, Sunday excepted, from one o'clock in the afternoon till four + hours after sunset. They take all things into consideration, and + decide all questions; and when there is a difference of opinion there + will arise loud voices and vehement disputes."</p> + + <p>But we must now return to the movements of the Khan, after the + Lord Mayor's dinner, described in our last Number, in the world + of amusement which surrounded him in London. His next visit, when he + recovered from the fit of meditation into which he was thrown by the + sight of the marvellous banquet aforesaid, was to the Colosseum; but + his account of the wonders of this celebrated place of <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_755" id="Page_755">[Pg 755]</a></span> + resort, perhaps from his faculties still being in some measure + abstracted, is less full than might have been expected. The + ascending-room (which the Persian prince describes as "rising + like an eagle with large wings into the atmosphere, till, after an + hour's time, it stopped in the sky, and opened its beak, so that + we came out") he merely alludes to as "the talismanic + process by which I was carried to the upper regions;" and though + the panoramic view of London is pronounced to be, "of all the + wonders of the metropolis the most wonderful," it is dismissed + with the remark that "it is useless to attempt to describe it in + detail. After this," continues the Khan, "I passed under + ground among some artificial caves, which I at first took for the + dens of wild beasts; and that people should pay for seeing such + places as these, does seem a strange taste. By going a short distance + out of Delhi, a man may enter as many such places as he pleases, + bearing in mind, at the same time, that he runs the greatest chance + in the world of encountering a grinning hyćna, or some such beast; + and it was with some such feeling that I entered these grottoes, not + being exactly acquainted with their nature."</p> + + <p>The Khan had now nearly exhausted the circle of places of public + entertainment; but one yet remained to be visited, and that, perhaps, + the most congenial of all to oriental tastes in the style of its + decorations, brilliant lights, and multifarious + displays—Vauxhall. "A large garden! a + paradise!"—such is the rapturous description of the + Persian princes—"filled with roses of various hues, with + cool waters running in every direction on the beautiful green, and + pictures painted on every wall. There were burning about two millions + of lamps, each of a different colour; and we saw here such + fire-works, as made us forget all others we had already seen. Here + and there were young moon-faces selling refreshments; and in every + walk there were thousands of Frank <i>moons</i> (ladies) led by the + hand, while the roses grew pale with admiring their beautiful + cheeks." The Khan, though less ardent and enthusiastic than the + grandsons of Futteh Ali Shah, does ample justice to the splendour of + the illumination; "thousands of lights distributed over the + gardens, suspended on the trees, and arranged in numberless fanciful + devices, so as to form flowers, names, &c.; and when it became + dark, one blaze of bright light was presented, extending over a vast + space." He was fortunate, moreover, in making his visit to the + gardens on the evening of a balloon ascent, "and thus I + witnessed the most wonderful sight I ever saw—a sight which a + hundred millions of people in India consider to be a <i>Feringhi</i> + fiction, an incredible fable; for though a Frenchman made an ascent + at Lucknow some years ago, nobody believes it who did not see it, and + many even who were present, believed that their senses had been + beguiled by magic.... A car in the shape of a <i>howdah</i> was swung + by ropes beneath the balloon, in which six individuals seated + themselves, besides the ćronaut; and when it was filled with the gas + and ready to start, the latter tried to prevail on me to take a seat, + telling me he had performed nearly three hundred ćrial voyages, and + that, if any accident should happen, he himself would be the first to + suffer. I certainly had a wish to satisfy my curiosity, by ascending + to the skies, but was dissuaded by the friends who accompanied me, + who said it was safer to remain on <i>terra firma</i>, and look on at + the voyagers; and accordingly I did so."</p> + + <p>Though it would appear that the Khan had already paid more than + one visit to the treasures of art and nature collected within the + walls of the British Museum, his description of that institution, + "one like which I had never before heard of," is reserved + almost to the last in the catalogue of the wonders of London; and his + remarks on the numberless novel objects which presented themselves at + every turn to his gaze, form one of the most curious and interesting + passages in his journal. The brilliant plumage of the birds in the + gallery of natural history, and particularly of the humming birds + "from the far isles of the Western Sea," the splendour of + which outshone even the gorgeous feathered tribes of his native East, + excited his admiration to the highest degree—"animals + likewise from every country of the earth were placed around, and + might have been mistaken for living beings, from the gloss of their + skins <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_756" id="Page_756">[Pg + 756]</a></span> and the brightness of their eyes." The library, + "containing, as I was told, 300,000 volumes, among which were + 20,000 Arabic, Persian, and Turkish manuscripts," is briefly + noticed; and the sight of the mummies in the Egyptian collection sets + the Khan moralizing, not in the most novel strain, on these relics of + bygone mortality. The sculptures were less to his taste—the + Egyptian colossi are alluded to as "the work in former days, I + suppose, of some of the mummies up stairs;" and the Grecian + statues "would appear, to an unbiassed stranger, a quantity of + useless, mutilated <i>idols</i>, representing both men and monsters; + but in the eyes of the English, it is a most valuable collection, + said to have cost seven <i>lakhs</i> of rupees, (Ł70,000,) and + venerated as containing some of the finest sculptures in the world. I + cannot understand how such importance can be attached in Europe to + this art, since the use of all images is as distinctly forbidden by + the <i>Tevrāt</i>, (Bible,) as it is by our own law ... But the + strangest sight was in one of the upper rooms, which contains + specimens of extinct monsters, recently discovered in the bowels of + the earth in a fossil state, and supposed to be thousands of years + old. Many men of science pass their whole lives in inventing names + for these creatures, and studying the shape of a broken tooth + supposed to have belonged to them; the science to which this + appertains, being a branch of that relating to minerals, of which + there is in the next room a vast collection ranged in well-polished + cases, with the names written on them.... Among these, the most + extraordinary were some stones said to have fallen from the sky, one + of which was near 300 lbs. in weight, and with regard to the origin + of which their philosophers differ. The most generally received + opinion is, that they were thrown from volcanoes in the moon, thus + assuming, first, the existence of volcanoes there; secondly, their + possessing sufficient force to throw such masses to a distance, + according to their own theory, of between 200,000 and 300,000 miles; + and this through regions, the nature of which is wholly unknown. This + hypothesis cannot be maintained according to the Ptolemaic system; + indeed, it is in direct contravention to it."</p> + + <p>The perverse abandonment by the Feringhis of the time-honoured + system of Ptolemy, in favour of the new-fangled theories of + Copernicus, by which the earth is degraded from its recognised and + respectable station in the centre of the universe, to a subordinate + grade in the solar system, seems to have been a source of great + scandal and perplexity to the Khan; "since," as he remarks, + "the former doctrine is supported by their own Bible, not less + than by our Koran." These sentiments are repeated whenever the + subject is referred to; and particularly on the occasion of a visit + to the Observatory at Greenwich, where he was shown all the + telescopes and astronomical apparatus, "though, owing to the + state of the weather, I had not the opportunity of viewing the + heavens to satisfy myself of the correctness of the statements made + to me. I was told, however, that on looking through these instruments + at the moon, mountains, seas, and other signs of a world, are + distinctly visible." After satisfying his curiosity on these + points, the Khan proceeded to inspect the hospital, where he saw the + pensioners at dinner in the great hall; "most of these had lost + their limbs, and those who were not maimed were very old, and nearly + all of them had been severely wounded; indeed, it was a very + interesting spectacle, and reflected great credit on the English + nation, which thus provides for the old age of those who have shed + their blood in her defence." To the charitable institutions of + the country, indeed, we find the Khan at all times fully disposed to + do justice; "there is no better feature than this in the + national character, for there is scarcely a disease or deformity in + nature for which there is not some edifice, in which the afflicted + are lodged, fed, and kindly treated. Would that we had such + institutions in Hindustan!" In pursuance of this feeling, we now + find him visiting the Blind Asylum and the Deaf and Dumb School; and + the circumstantial details into which he enters of the comforts + provided for the inmates of these establishments, and the proficiency + which many of them had attained in trades and accomplishments + apparently inconsistent with their privations, sufficiently evidences + the interest with which he regarded these <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_757" id="Page_757">[Pg 757]</a></span> + benevolent institutions. Another spectacle of the same character, + which he had an opportunity of witnessing about this period, was the + annual procession of the charity children to St + Paul's:—"I obtained a seat near the officiating + <i>imam</i> or high priest, and saw near ten thousand children of + both sexes, belonging to the different eleemosynary establishments, + which are deservedly the pride of this country, all clothed in an + uniform dress, while every corner was filled with spectators. After + the <i>khotbah</i> (prayer) was read, they began to sing, not in the + ordinary manner, but, as I was given to understand, so as to involve + a form of prayer and thanksgiving. I was told that they belonged to + many schools,<a name="FNanchor_12_12" id= + "FNanchor_12_12"></a><a href="#Footnote_12_12" class= + "fnanchor">[12]</a> and are brought here once a year, that those who + contribute to their support may witness the progress they have made, + as well as their health and appearance."</p> + + <p>The military college at Addiscombe, for the education of the + cadets of the East India Company's army, would naturally be to + the Khan an object of peculiar interest; and thither he accordingly + repaired, in company with several of his friends, apparently members + of the Indian direction, on the occasion of the examination of the + students by Colonel Pasley.<a name="FNanchor_13_13" id= + "FNanchor_13_13"></a><a href="#Footnote_13_13" class= + "fnanchor">[13]</a> "After partaking of a sumptuous luncheon, we + went to the students' room, where they were examined in various + branches of the military science, as mathematics, fortification, + drawing, &c., besides various languages, one of which was the + Oordoo."<a name="FNanchor_14_14" id= + "FNanchor_14_14"></a><a href="#Footnote_14_14" class= + "fnanchor">[14]</a> After the close of the examination, and the + distribution of prizes to the successful candidates,<a name= + "FNanchor_15_15" id="FNanchor_15_15"></a><a href="#Footnote_15_15" + class="fnanchor">[15]</a>the company repaired to the grounds, where + the Khan was astonished by the quickness and precision with which the + cadets took to pieces and reconstructed the pontoons, and went + through other operations of military engineering; and still more by a + subaqueous explosion of powder by the means of the voltaic + battery—"a method by which Colonel Pasley was engaged near + Portsmouth in raising a vessel which had sunk there." It would + be hardly fair to surmise the probable tendency of the Khan's + secret thoughts on thus witnessing the care bestowed on the training + of those destined hereafter to maintain the Feringhi yoke on his + native country; but he expressed himself highly gratified by all that + he saw; and we find him, shortly after, in attendance at a spectacle + more calculated than any thing he had yet witnessed, to impress him + with an adequate idea of British power—the launch of a + first-rate man-of-war at Woolwich.<a name="FNanchor_16_16" id= + "FNanchor_16_16"></a><a href="#Footnote_16_16" class= + "fnanchor">[16]</a> "The sight was extremely exhilarating, from + the fineness of the day, and the immense crowds of people, of all + ages and both sexes, generally well dressed, who were congregated on + the land and the water, expecting the arrival of the Queen. Her + majesty appeared at one o'clock, and proceeded to the front of + the great ship, where a place, covered with red cloth, was prepared + for her; I had a seat quite close, and saw it all very well.... The + ceremony of <i>christening</i> a ship is taken from that of + christening a child, which, as practised in the Nazarene churches, + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_758" id="Page_758">[Pg + 758]</a></span> consists in throwing water in its face, and saying a + prayer; but here a bottle of wine hung before her majesty, and + opposite to it a piece of iron, against which she pushed the bottle + and broke it, and the wine was sprinkled over the ship, which then + received its name.... In a short time the slips were drawn, and she + glided nobly into the stream of the Thames amidst the shouts of the + spectators, and anchored at a short distance. I went on board this + immense floating castle, but observed that she was not ready for sea, + and I was told that she would require some time to be rigged, + provisioned, &c. Our party then returned to Greenwich; and after + my friends had dined, with whom I partook of a delicate little fish + now in season, (whitebait,) drove back to town."</p> + + <p>The Khan had no leisure, on this occasion, to inspect the wonders + of the <i>top-khana</i>, or arsenal; but he paid a second visit for + the purpose a few days later, duly armed with an order from the + Master-General of the Ordnance, which is indispensable for the + admission of a foreigner. His sensations, on entering this vast + repository of arms, were not unlike those attributed to a personage + whose fictitious adventures, though the production of a + <i>Feringhi</i> pen, present one of the most faithful pictures extant + of the genuine feelings of an oriental on Frank + matters:—"When we came to the guns," says the + eximious Hajji Baba, "by my beard, existence fled from our + heads! We saw cannons of all sizes and denominations, enough to have + paved the way, if placed side by side, from Tehran to Tabriz—if + placed lengthways, Allah only knows where they would have + reached—into the very grave of the father of all the Russians, + perhaps!" "The cannon distributed over the whole + place," says the graver narrative of the Khan, "are said to + amount to 40,000! all ready for use in the army, navy, or fortresses; + and, as if these were not sufficient for the destruction of the human + race, other pieces are constantly casting by a process the reverse of + that in India, where the guns are cast in moulds—whereas here a + solid cylinder is cast, and afterwards bored, shaped, and finished by + steam power.... There are, moreover, a considerable number taken from + enemies in battle, two of which, taken from Tippoo Sultan at + Seringapatam, have their muzzles in the form of a lion's mouth, + and are very well cast and elaborately ornamented; having their date, + with the weight of powder and ball they carry, expressed in Persian + characters about the mouth. There are also three from Bhurtpore, and + three others from Aden, the inscriptions on which denote that they + were cast by order of the Turkish emperor, <i>Mahmood</i><a name= + "FNanchor_17_17" id="FNanchor_17_17"></a><a href="#Footnote_17_17" + class="fnanchor">[17]</a> Ibn Soliman." After leaving the + arsenal, the Khan proceeded to the dockyard, of which he merely + enumerates the various departments; but the proving of the anchors + and chain-cables by means of the hydraulic press, impressed him, as + it must do every one who has witnessed that astonishing process, with + the idea of almost illimitable power. "On the ground lay a huge + anchor which had been broken a few days before in the presence of + Prince Albert, and when I was there four men were trying the strength + of a chain by turning a wheel, the force produced by which was more + than sufficient to break it; for just as I arrived it began to give + way, when they desisted. The force here produced by means of this + single wheel must have been equal to that of some 200,000 elephants, + which might perhaps have pulled till doomsday without effecting it. + Such is the wonderful effect of this agent (steam,) the results of + which I meet with in so many different places, and under so many + different circumstances!" After visiting the convict-hulk, and + seeing the anchor-founderies in operation, the Khan crossed to + Blackwall, and returned to town by the railway, his first conveyance + when he landed in England. His increased experience in + steam-travelling had now, however, enabled him to detect the + difference between the mode of propulsion by engines on the other + railroads, and the "immense cables made of iron wires" by + which the vehicles are drawn on this line; the construction of which, + as well as the electro-telegraph, ("a process for which we have + no phrase in <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_759" id= + "Page_759">[Pg 759]</a></span> Oordoo,") by which communication is + effected between the two ends of the line, he soon after paid another + visit to inspect. "This railway is carried partly over houses + and partly under ground; and as the price of the ground was unusually + high, I was told that it cost, though only three miles and a half in + length, the enormous sum of a crore of rupees, + (Ł1,000,000!")</p> + + <p>With this notice of the Blackwall railway, the personal narrative + of the Khan's residence in England is brought to an abrupt + conclusion; leaving us in the dark as to the time and circumstances + of his return to his native land, which we believe took place soon + after this period. The remainder of his work is in the nature of an + appendix, consisting chiefly of dissertations on the manners, + institutions, &c., of Great Britain, as compared with those of + Hindustan. He likewise gives an elaborate retrospect of English + history, from the Britons downwards; excepting, however, the four + centuries from the death of William the Conqueror to the accession of + Henry VIII.—an interval which he perhaps considers to have been + sufficiently filled up by his disquisitions on the struggles for + power between the crown and the barons, and the consequent origin and + final constitution of parliament, related in a previous part of his + work. His object in undertaking this compilation was, as he informs + us, "for the benefit of those in Hindustan, who are to this day + entirely ignorant of English history, and indifferent as to acquiring + any knowledge whatever of a people whose sway has been extended over + so many millions of human beings, and whose influence is felt in the + remotest corners of the globe." The manner in which the Khan has + performed his self-imposed task, is highly creditable to his industry + and discrimination, and strongly contrasts, in the accuracy of the + facts and plain sense of the narration, with the wild extravagances + in which Asiatic historiographers are apt to indulge; the Anglo-Saxon + part of the history, on which especial pains appears to have been + bestowed, is particularly complete and well written—unless (as, + indeed, we are almost inclined to suspect) it be a translation <i>in + toto</i> from some popular historical treatise. The Khan's + acquired knowledge of English history, indeed, is sometimes more + accurate than his acquaintance with the annals of his own country; as + when, in comparing Queen Elizabeth with the famous Queen of Delhi, + Raziah Begum, he speaks of the latter princess as "daughter of + Behlol Khan, the Pathan Emperor of Delhi;" whereas a reference + to Ferishta, or any other native historian, will inform us that + Raziah died <span class='smcap'>a.d</span>. 1239, more than 200 years + before the accession of Behlol Lodi. No such errors as this, either + in fact or chronology, disfigure the Khan's sketch of English + history; but as it would scarcely present so much novelty to English + readers as it may possibly do to the Hindustani friends of the author + for whom it is intended, we shall give but a few brief notices of it. + His favourite hero, in the account of the Saxon period, is of course + Alfred, and he devotes to the events of his reign more than half the + space occupied by the history of the dynasty;<a name="FNanchor_18_18" + id="FNanchor_18_18"></a><a href="#Footnote_18_18" class= + "fnanchor">[18]</a> thus summing up his character:—"To + describe all the excellent qualities, intellectual and moral, + attributed to this prince by English historians, would be to condense + in a single individual the highest perfections of which the human + species is capable. Qualities contradictory in their natures, and + which are possessed only by men of different characters, and scarcely + ever by one man, seem to have been united in this monarch; he was + humane, prudent, and peaceful, yet brave, just, and impartial; + affable, and capable of giving and receiving counsel. In short, he + was a man especially endowed by the Deity with virtue and + intelligence to benefit the human race!"</p> + + <p>The story of Edwy and Elgiva, and the barbarities which the + beautiful queen suffered at the hands of Dunstan, are related with + fitting abhorrence by the Khan, who seems to entertain, on all + occasions, a special aversion to the ascendancy of the Romish + priesthood. The loves of <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_760" id= + "Page_760">[Pg 760]</a></span> Edgar and Elfrida, and the punishment + of the faithless courtier who deceived his sovereign by a false + report of the attractions of the lady, are also duly commemorated; as + well as the fall of the Saxon kingdom before the conquering swords of + the Danes, during the reign of Ethelred the Unready, the son of the + false and cruel Elfrida. But the intrusive monarch Canute "was + looked upon, in those times of ignorance, as a very extraordinary + man, and supposed to be the greatest king of the world, the sovereign + of the seas and the land." The well-known story of his + pretending to command the waves, as related by the Khan, differs + considerably from the usually received version, and perhaps may be + better adapted to the notions prevalent in the East, where success by + stratagem is always considered preferable to a manly avowal of + incompetency. "One day he was seated on the sea-shore, when the + waves reached his chair. Canute commanded them to retire; and as the + tide happened to be actually ebbing at the time, the waters retreated + to the ocean. Then turning to his courtiers, he exclaimed, that the + king whose mandates were obeyed by the billows of the sea, as well as + by the children of men, was truly the monarch of the earth. Ever + after this he was regarded by the ignorant multitude with a sort of + religious awe, and was called Canute <i>the Great</i>, as we should + say <i>Sahib-i-kirān</i>," (the Lord of the Conjunction, + implying a man born under a peculiar conjunction of planetary + influences which predestines him to distinguished fortunes.)</p> + + <p>But of all the English monarchs whose reigns are noticed by the + Khan, the one who appears to stand highest, as a pious and patriotic + king, in his estimation—a distinction which he not improbably + owes to his zeal as an iconoclast, the use of images in worship being + abhorred by the Moslems—is no other than Henry VIII. No hint of + the "gospel light that beamed from Boleyn's eyes," or + of the doom which overtook more than one of his consorts, is allowed + to interfere with the lustre of his achievements; such allusions, + indeed, would probably be regarded by the Khan as unwarrantable + violations of the privacy of the zenana. But in order to set in a + stronger light the difficulties which he had to encounter, we have a + circumstantial account of the rise of the Papal power, and the + exorbitant prerogatives assumed for some centuries previously, by the + Pope. "This personage was the monarch of Christendom, something + analogous to our holy khalifs, who were the heads of Islam and the + Mohammedan world; and from him the princes of Christendom received + investiture, as did our Mohammedan sovereigns from the khalifs of + Bagdad. The ecclesiastics every where gave out that the pontiff was + the vicegerent of God, and that every one who died without his + blessing and forgiveness would suffer endless torments hereafter. + Moreover, if the king of any country did aught contravening the + Pope's pleasure, his people were excommunicated, and anathemas + published against them to the whole of Europe. Thus were the nations + led by the nose like a string of camels." He then proceeds to + state how Henry, by holding forth to his nobles the prospect of + participation in the rich possessions of the church, induced them to + join him in the enterprize of destroying the papal ascendency. + "He then commanded the name of the Pope to be expunged from the + <i>khotbah</i>, and his own to be substituted as head of the church; + while the <i>idols</i> and pictures were removed from the churches, + and not allowed to be again used in worship; and the confiscated + property was divided into three parts, one of which he reserved for + himself, the second he gave to the nobles who had assisted him, and + distributed the third among the clergy of the new or reformed + religion.</p> + + <div class="blockquot"> + "The Pope's wrath was kindled at these proceedings, and he + excommunicated the king, who trampled the edict under his feet. The + Pope then wrote to the princes of Christendom, exhorting them all + to undertake a <i>holy war</i> against Henry, who was not only a + heretic, but an infidel; adding, that if they did not, fire would + be rained on them from heaven as a punishment for their neglect. + Some of the Christian monarchs, as the King of Spain, declared war + accordingly against Henry, and sent ships to the coast of England; + but all their attempts failed; and the King of Denmark and other + potentates, perceiving that the Pope's threats were not + accomplished, and that no fire fell <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_761" id="Page_761">[Pg 761]</a></span> from heaven, followed + Henry's example in expelling the Pope's clergy from their + dominions, and adopted measures of reform similar to his. From this + time the Pope's power began to decline in all the countries of + Europe, so that at the present day his name is read in the + <i>khotbah</i> only in the city of Rome and the small territory + which is yet left him in its neighbourhood; and the old practice of + excommunication seems to have entirely ceased; while the reformed + religion introduced by Henry, and which is so different from the + ancient faith, has existed in England ever since, a period of above + three hundred years." + </div> + + <p>We need not pursue further our extracts from the Khan's + speculations on English history, of which the passages already given + afford a sufficient specimen; but we may notice that he mentions + James I. as the first English monarch who sent an ambassador (Sir + Thomas Roe) to the court of Delhi, and refers to the history of + Ferishta for an account of his reception by the Emperor Jehanghir. He + next proceeds to describe the climate, productions, and statistics of + the country, its division into <i>zillahs</i> or counties, the law of + primogeniture as regards succession to landed property, &c.; and + enters into minute details on the laws regulating the succession to + the throne, the responsibility of ministers, the election of the + members of the House of Commons, and the mutual dependence of the + three branches of the legislature; but his remarks on these subjects, + though creditable from their general accuracy, possess little + originality; and may be left without comment for the edification of + his friends in Hindustan, for whose benefit it is to be presumed they + were intended. The doctrine of the responsibility of ministers, + (which the Khan in a former part of his narrative, as we had occasion + to remark, seemed either to have been unacquainted with, or to have + lost sight of,) is here stated with a full appreciation of its + practical bearings; and is pronounced to be "the best law which + the English ever made for the government of the people, by imposing a + check on the absolute will of the sovereign; resembling the similar + restraint on the power of our monarchs which prevails in Islam, + though with us the check is still more powerful and effectual, as the + judge is empowered by the Koran to demand satisfaction from the + sovereign himself!" The details of the British finances are + briefly touched upon, with a special denunciation of "that most + extraordinary tax laid on the light of the sun when it comes through + a window:"—but the Khan contents himself with stating the + amount of the national debt, and the interest annually paid to the + public creditors, without offering any scheme for its extinction, + like that of his countryman Mirza Abu-Taleb, who with perfect gravity + and good faith proposes that the fundholders should be summoned + before Parliament, and informed by the minister, that since the + pressure of the taxes necessary to meet the interest must inevitably, + erelong, produce a revolution, in which the whole debt would be + cancelled, it would be far better for them at once to relinquish with + a good grace great part of their claim, and accept payment of the + balance by instalments. Of the feasibility, as well as equity of this + plan, the Mirza does not appear to entertain the smallest + doubt:—"and thus," he triumphantly concludes, + "in twenty or thirty years, the whole of the debt would be + liquidated; some of the most oppressive taxes might be immediately + abolished, and others gradually relinquished; provisions would become + cheaper, and the people be rendered happy, and grateful to the + government."</p> + + <p>"When in Hindustan," says the Khan, "I had heard, + like millions of others, of something in connexion with the Feringhi + rulers, called <i>Company</i>; but no one knew whether this was a + man, or a medicine, or a weapon, or a horse, or a ship, or any thing + else. The most prevalent notion was, that it was an old woman; but as + the oldest among us, and their fathers before them, had always heard + it spoken of in exactly the same terms, they were further puzzled to + account for her preternatural longevity." A well-directed course + of enquiry in England, speedily enabled the Khan to unravel the + mystery; and he has enlightened his countrymen with full details on + the composition of the venerable Begum, with the Court of Directors, + the Board of Control, &c.; but in the prosecution of these + researches, he was surprised by finding that <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_762" id="Page_762">[Pg 762]</a></span> + <i>Company</i> was so far from being one and indivisible, that + <i>Companies</i> "exist by thousands for multifarious + objects—many even for speculation in human life. The most + recent is the Victoria, composed of twelve directors, and other + officers. A man puts a value on his life, and on this sum they put a + per centage, varying according to his age and state of health, which + he pays, and when he dies his heirs receive the money. People of the + middle classes generally resort to this method of providing, by small + annual contributions, for the support of their families after their + decease—and consequently the man's own relations often + rejoice when he dies, while strangers (the Insurance Company) + grieve."</p> + + <p>On the important subject of the domestic usages and manners of the + English, the Khan enters less at length than might have been + expected. Of country life, indeed, from which alone correct ideas on + such subjects can be derived, he saw absolutely nothing, his + knowledge of the country being apparently limited to the prospect + from the windows of a railway carriage; and his acquaintance with + London manners was drawn more from ballrooms and crowded soirées, + than from the private circles of family réunions. With these limited + opportunities of observation, his remarks on the mass of the people + are necessarily confined, in a great measure, to their outdoor + habits; in which nothing appears to have surprised him more than the + small number of horsemen (as he considers) to be seen in the streets + of London; "the generality of these, too, are extremely bad + riders, though this, perhaps, may be owing to the uncouth and awkward + saddles they use:" a libel on our national character for + horsemanship, into which we must charitably hope that the Cockney + cavaliers who crowd the Regent's Park on Sundays, are responsible + for having misled him. The important point of the comparative + deference paid to women, and the amount of liberty and privileges + enjoyed by them, in the social systems of Mohammedan and Christian + countries respectively, is taken up by the Khan in behalf of the + former, with as much warmth as in past years by his compatriot Mirza + Abu-Taleb,<a name="FNanchor_19_19" id="FNanchor_19_19"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_19_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a> and in much the same line + of argument—to the effect that the dowery which the eastern + husband is bound by law to pay over in money to his wife in the event + of a separation, is a far more effectual protection to the wife from + the fickleness and caprice of her partner, ("whose + <i>interest</i> it thus becomes, setting affection wholly out of the + question, to remain on good terms with her,") than any remedy + afforded by the laws of England; where a wife, though bound by ties + less easily dissolved than under the Mohammedan system of divorces, + may still be driven, without misconduct on her part, from her + husband's house, and left to seek redress by the slow process of + litigation. The Khan assures us that several ladies with whom he + conversed on these interesting topics, and who had passed many years + of their lives in India, were utterly unacquainted with these + protective rights of Hindustani wives; and were obliged to confess, + that if they were correctly stated, "the ladies in India are far + better off than ourselves. For (said they) the dowery we receive from + our fathers on our marriage goes to our husbands, who may squander it + in one day if they like; and even the dresses we wear are not our own + property, but are given us by our husbands." But if we allow the + Khan all due credit for the adroitness and success with which he + maintained on this occasion the cause of his fair countrywomen, we + can scarcely acquit him of something like disingenuousness in a + discussion with "another lady," apparently one who had + <i>not</i> been in India, and who lamented the hard fate (as she + believed) of the Indian widows, who could not marry again after the + death of their first husband, and were at the mercy of the priests, + who filled their heads with terrors of a future state to prevent + their doing so. "With regard to this last idea, it is so utterly + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_763" id="Page_763">[Pg + 763]</a></span> groundless, that there is no word in our language + corresponding with 'priest;' and of all religions in the + world, Islam is the least influenced by spiritual meddlers of any + sort. It is, besides, expressly enjoined in the Koran, that widows + should marry; they may do so as often as they like, if they survive + their husbands; and if they do not, it is their own choice." + Now, though this vehement denial of the Khan's is perfectly true + as regards <i>Moslem</i> law and <i>Moslem</i> widows, he must have + been well aware that the lady's error arose from her considering + as common to all the natives of India, Hindustanis as well as Hindus, + those customs and restrictions which are peculiar to the Hindus + alone. Among the latter, as is well known, both the priestcraft of + the Brahmins, and the impediments to the marriage of a widow,<a name= + "FNanchor_20_20" id="FNanchor_20_20"></a><a href="#Footnote_20_20" + class="fnanchor">[20]</a> exist in full force at this day; and it + would have been more candid on the part of the Khan, even at the + expense of a little of his Moslem pride, to have set his fair + opponent right on these points, than to have triumphed over her + ignorance, without showing her wherein lay her error.</p> + + <p>But however deeply the Khan may have commiserated the unprotected + condition of English wives, as compared with the security of rights + enjoyed by the more fortunate dames of Hindustan, we find him at all + times disposed to do ample justice to the social qualifications and + accomplishments of our countrywomen, and the beneficial influence + exercised by them in smoothing the asperities of society. The + masculine portion of the community, indeed, find little favour in the + eyes of the Khan, who accuses them of being prone to indulge in + inveterate enmity and ill-feeling on slight grounds, while instances + of real friendship, on the contrary, are extremely rare: and he is + wearied and disgusted by the endless disputes which occur at all + times and all places, from the collision of individuals of adverse + political sentiments. "They dispute in parliament, they dispute + in their social circles, they dispute in steam-boats, on railroads, + in eating and drinking; and I verily believe that, but for some + slight feeling of religion, they would dispute even in their + churches. But in the same proportion as the men were hostile to each + other, did the women seem united: the more there were of these fair + creatures, the pleasanter did they make the party by their smiles and + good-humour: with the men, the more there were collected together, + the more wrangling always ensued. In qualities of the mind and heart, + as well as in the social virtues, the women far surpass the + men—they are more susceptible of friendship, more hospitable to + strangers, less reserved, and, I must say, generally better informed. + Wherever I have been conversing with gentlemen in society, if a + difficulty occurred on any topic, the men would invariably turn to + their wives or sisters, and ask for an explanation, thus tacitly + admitting the superior attainments of the ladies: and I have always + found that I obtained from the latter a more satisfactory answer to + any of my enquiries on national customs and institutions. Nor must it + be supposed that this superiority was only apparent, and arose from + the desire the men might have to display the accomplishments of their + ladies by referring so constantly to them: it is the real state of + the case, as far as I can judge from the manners of the + people."</p> + + <p>We cannot better close our extracts from the Khan's remarks on + English manners and society, than with this spontaneous tribute to + the merits and attractions of our countrywomen, the value of which is + enhanced by its coming, as it does, from an acute observer of a + social system in which every thing was wholly at variance with his + preconceived habits and ideas, and from one, moreover, totally + unacquainted with that routine of compliment, <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_764" id="Page_764">[Pg 764]</a></span> which + serves gentlemen in the regions of Franguestan, to use the words of + Die Vernon, "like the toys and beads which navigators carry with + them to propitiate the inhabitants of newly-discovered lands." + But the impression produced on the Khan by the contemplation of the + institutions and resources of England has yet to be viewed in another + light—in its relations to the government of India under + Feringhi rule, and the comparative benefits conferred on the people + at large, by the sway respectively of the English, and of their old + Mohammedan rulers. The Khan's opinions on these subjects will + doubtless be read with surprise by that numerous and respectable + class of the community, who hold as an article of faith, (to use the + words of our author,) that in Mohammedan countries "every prince + is a tyrant; every court of justice full of corruption; and all the + people sunk in depravity, ignorance, and misery:" and who cling + to the comfortable delusion that we have succeeded, by the equity of + our civil government, in attaching to our rule the population of + India. As a view of this important subject <i>from the other side of + the question</i>, taken by one, however, by no means indisposed to do + justice to what he considers as the meritorious features of the + English administration, the Khan's comparative summary, though + not wholly devoid of prejudice, possesses considerable interest: and + it must be admitted, that with respect to the internal improvement of + the country, his strictures have hitherto had but too much + foundation, though the schemes of the present governor-general, if + carried into effect, will go far to remove the stigma from the + Anglo-Indian rulers. After contrasting, in a conversation with an + English friend, the expedition of legal proceedings under the Moslem + rule, with the slow process of the English courts in India, to be + finally remedied only by the endless and generally ineffectual course + of appeal to the privy-council at home, (in which, according to the + Khan's statement, not a single individual of the number who have + undertaken the long voyage from India has ever succeeded,) he + proceeds—</p> + + <p>"Historical facts seem to be wholly lost sight of by those + who talk of the conduct of Mohammedan rulers in India, who, as I + could prove by many instances, were constantly solicitous of the + happiness of their subjects. Shah-Jehan constructed a road from Delhi + to Lahore, a distance of 500 miles, with guard-houses at intervals of + every three miles, and at every ten or twelve miles a caravanserai, + where all travellers were fed and lodged at the Emperor's + expense. Besides this, canals were dug, and public edifices built, at + the expense of millions, without taxing the people to pay for them as + here; and these edifices still stand, and will endure for many years, + as monuments of the munificence of the monarchs who erected them. + During the seventy years of the English dominion in India, what has + been done which would remind the people fifty years hence, if they + should retire from the country, that such a nation had ever held sway + there? The only memorials they would leave, would be the numerous + empty bottles scattered over the whole empire, to indicate what has + been done <i>in</i>, if not <i>for</i> India! In some cases also, + they have squandered millions without benefit either to the people or + themselves. The money spent in three years on the insane war in + Cabul, if expended on the construction of railroads or canals, or the + extension of steam navigation on our great rivers, would have + employed thousands of men for twenty years, returned an immense + profit to government, and have gained them a good name among the + people. But it is the misfortune of India, that notwithstanding the + high qualities of energy and enterprise, united with superior + education and intelligence, unquestionably possessed by its masters, + they display so lamentable and apathetic an indifference to the + amelioration of the country. Since I have had such opportunities of + observing the proofs of English art and skill which I see every where + and in every department, I cannot but the more deeply regret that + these wonderful discoveries, and strange and unheard-of inventions, + in every branch of science and art, are likely to remain unknown to + the people of India. If I were to relate on my return all the wonders + I have seen, no one would believe me: and to what could I appeal in + evidence of the truth of what I say? Are there any establishments + where these things can be shown to the people on <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_765" id="Page_765">[Pg 765]</a></span> any + thing like an adequate scale? If such institutions had been + established, the people would have some tangible proof of the real + intellectual superiority of their English rulers: but in the lapse of + seventy years, nothing has been done. Again, if seminaries had been + founded on the principle of those built and endowed by the emperors, + they might have produced men eminent in various faculties: but though + it is true that schools were built by the Company some fifteen years + since, in various parts of the empire, in which some thousands of + children, both Hindoo and Moslem, have received education, they have + never turned out a single man of superior attainments in any + department of literature there taught:—and it is remarkable + that not an instance exists, as far as I am aware, of a man thus + educated in the Company's own schools having been selected for + the high judicial offices of <i>Sadr-ameen</i>, and principal + <i>Sadr-ameen</i> (judges in the local courts;) but that these + functionaries have invariably been chosen from those educated in the + native method. Is not this strange, that Government should have + established schools professing to give superior instruction to the + people; and that not one so trained should have been found eligible + to fill any of the judicial or fiscal offices of their own + government? and how can it be accounted for, except by these + institutions having been conducted on an erroneous principle? When I + return to India, I must be like the free-masons, silent and reserved, + unless when I meet one who has been, like myself, in England, and + with whom I can converse on the wonders we have both witnessed in + that marvellous country, and which, if I venture to narrate them in + public, or even among my own immediate friends and relatives, would + draw on me such disbelief, that I would certainly die from grief of + heart."—Here leave we Kerim Khan; not without a hope, that + in spite of the apprehensions expressed in the passage just quoted, + of incurring the reproach to which "travellers' tales" + are supposed to be sometimes obnoxious, he has not eventually + persisted in withholding from his countrymen a narrative which, both + from the opportunities of observation enjoyed by the writer, and the + ability and good judgement with which he has availed himself of these + advantages, is better calculated to dispel the incredulity which he + anticipates, than the Travels of Mirza Abu-Taleb, (the text of which + has been printed at Calcutta,) or indeed than any work with which we + are acquainted. Trusting, then, that the Khan's patriotic + aspirations for the welfare of his country may be realized by the + speedy introduction of all those Feringhi appendages to high + civilization, the want of which he so feelingly deplores, and that he + may live a thousand years in the full fruition of all the advantages + therefrom resulting, we now take leave of him.</p> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_11_11" id="Footnote_11_11"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_11_11"><span class="label">[11]</span></a> The palace + constructed, in the early ages of the world, by the giant-king + Sheddad, as a rival to the heavenly paradise, and supposed still + to exist, though invisible to mortal eyes, in the recesses of the + Desert—See <span class='smcap'>Lane's</span> + <i>Thousand and One Nights</i>, vol, ii. p. 342.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_12_12" id="Footnote_12_12"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_12_12"><span class="label">[12]</span></a> The Persian + princes imagine these children to be collected from all parts of + the United Kingdom, for the purpose of this procession!</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_13_13" id="Footnote_13_13"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_13_13"><span class="label">[13]</span></a> The Khan + never gives dates; but on investigation we find that this must + have been on the 11th of June 1841; as among the list of visitors + on that day occur the names of <i>Kurreen</i> Khan, Mohabet Khan, + and, singularly enough, the Parsee poet, Manackjee Cursetjee, who + will be well remembered as a lion of the London drawing-rooms + during that season.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_14_14" id="Footnote_14_14"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_14_14"><span class="label">[14]</span></a> The + <i>polite</i> dialect of Hindustani, which differs considerably + from that in use among the lower orders. The phrase is derived + from <i>Oorda</i>, the court, or camp, of the + sovereign—whence our word <i>horde</i>.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_15_15" id="Footnote_15_15"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_15_15"><span class="label">[15]</span></a> "One + hundred and fifty-three of the students," he adds, + "were fixed upon for commissions, who were to be sent out to + India;" but the Khan must have been strangely misinformed + here, as the number actually selected was only thirty-one.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_16_16" id="Footnote_16_16"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_16_16"><span class="label">[16]</span></a> This must + have been the Trafalgar of 120 guns, which was launched June 21, + 1841; but the Khan is mistaken in supposing that the Queen + personally performed the ceremony of <i>christening</i> the ship, + since that duty devolved on Lady Bridport, the niece of Nelson, + who used on the occasion a bottle of wine which had been on board + the Victory when Nelson fell.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_17_17" id="Footnote_17_17"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_17_17"><span class="label">[17]</span></a> This must + be a slip of the pen for <i>Selim</i>, or perhaps for Soliman Ibn + Selim, (Soliman the Magnificent.)</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_18_18" id="Footnote_18_18"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_18_18"><span class="label">[18]</span></a> "At + this epoch," adds the Khan in a note, "reigned the + great Harūn-al-Rashid, the khalif and supreme head of Islam; + and Charles the Great was Emperor of the Franks."</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_19_19" id="Footnote_19_19"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_19_19"><span class="label">[19]</span></a> The Mirza + even went so far as to write during his stay in England a + treatise, entitled "Vindication of the Liberties of the + Asiatic Women," which was translated by Captain Richardson, + and published first in the <i>Asiatic Annual Register</i> for + 1801, and again as an Appendix to the Mirza's Travels. It is + a very curious pamphlet, and well worth perusal.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_20_20" id="Footnote_20_20"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_20_20"><span class="label">[20]</span></a> Great + efforts have of late been made, among the more enlightened + Hindus, to get rid of this prejudice. Baboo Motee Loll Seal, a + wealthy native of Calcutta, offered 20,000 rupees, a year or two + since, to the first Hindu who would marry a widow, and we believe + the prize has been since claimed:—and in the <i>Asiatic + Journal</i> (vol. xxxviii. p. 370,) we find the announcement of + the establishment, in 1842, of a "Hindu widow re-marrying + club" at Calcutta!</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_766" id="Page_766">[Pg + 766]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="NOTES_ON_A_TOUR_OF_THE_DISTURBED_DISTRICTS_IN_WALES" id= + "NOTES_ON_A_TOUR_OF_THE_DISTURBED_DISTRICTS_IN_WALES"></a>NOTES ON A + TOUR OF THE DISTURBED DISTRICTS IN WALES.</h2> + + <h3>BY JOSEPH DOWNES.</h3> + + <h3>Author of "The Mountain Decameron."</h3> + + <h4>Llangaddock, Carmarthenshire, September 9.</h4> + + <p>"And this is the '<i>disturbed + district!</i>'—this is the seat of war!—the + '<i>Agrarian civil war!</i>'—the headquarters of the + '<i>Rebecca rebels!</i>" I soliloquized, about the hour of + one A.M. on the night of September 9, 1843—a night of more than + summer beauty, sultry and light as day—while thrusting my head + from the window of "mine inn" the Castle, in this pretty + picturesque little village-town, to coin a term. The shadows of the + rustic houses, and interspersed corn-stacks, trees, and orchards, + stretched across the irregular street, without a causeway, in + unbroken quiet; not a sound was heard but the voice of an owl from a + "fold" in the very heart of "the town," and the + low murmur of the river chafing against the buttresses of an antique + bridge at the end of the said "street;" while an humble bow + window of a shop, where at nightfall I had observed some dozens of + watches (<i>silver</i>, too!) displayed, without a token of + "Rebecca" terrorism appearing, was seen jutting into the + road, only hidden, not defended, by such a weak apology for a + shutter, as would not have resisted a burglar of ten years' + old.</p> + + <p>It was now Sunday morning, and the clean-swept neatness of the + sleeping village, whose inhabitants we had seen busily engaged in + this pleasing preparation for the day of rest, as we strolled there + at twilight, confirmed the assurance of profound and fearless peace; + for only in that happy condition of society could the mind be + supposed disengaged enough to regard those minute decencies of rural + English life. With a smile of well-pleased wonder at the + exaggerations of the press, which were persuading the Londoners that + the "dogs of war" were really "let slip" among + these our green mountains and pastoral valleys, after enjoying this + prospect of a village by moonlight at the foot of the majestic + <i>Mynydd Du</i>, (black mountain,) whose range is seen by day, + towering at a few miles' distance, and hugging myself in the + security of life and purse, which warriors (if they would + cross-question their own great hearts) do really prize as much as I + do, I returned to bed, (the heat of which had first driven me forth + to this air-bath of half an hour.) "And <i>this</i> is the seat + of insurrection!" I reiterated sarcastically against all English + and all Welsh purveyors of "news" for terror-loving + readers.</p> + + <p>I have a huge deal of patriotism in my composition—also, a + great love of rural quiet, joined to some <i>trifling</i> degree of + cowardice, as my family pretend; but that I impute to my + over-familiarity with them. "No man is great to his valet," + has been remarked. The domestics of Alexander wondered what the world + found to wonder at, in the little man their master. However this may + be, I confess it was very pleasant to me to find peace unbroken in + these my old haunts. Here I had many a summer night enacted, as + recorded in my "Mountain Decameron," the amateur-gipsy, + "a long while ago," <i>bivouacking</i> in their wildest + solitudes, between some wood and water, on moonlight greensward, or + reading at our tents' mouth by a lamp, while two boys, my sons, + slept soundly within; and in the blindness of human nature, thus + sneering against the "gentlemen of the press," sneered + myself to sleep, "shut up in measureless content."</p> + + <p>"Most lame and impotent conclusion!" The peace of nature + in that sweet night was weak assurance of any kindred feeling in the + bosom of man. It so happened (as I afterwards learned) that + felony—<i>bloody</i> felony—was at that very time busy, + at no great distance; that murder, that arson in its direst + character, were stamping their first damnable characters on a + province noted, through ages, for innocence and simple piety; that + the first victim to rebellion was, at that moment, bleeding to death + under the hands of those wearing the shapes of men; that victim + innocent, helpless, and—a woman!!</p> + + <p>But of this in the course of my narrative. Sunday, September + 10.</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_767" id="Page_767">[Pg + 767]</a></span></p> + + <p>As I proceeded from Llangaddock this afternoon, in company with my + son, we found no slackness in the attendance on the chapels, which + keep rising in all directions in the principality. The groups issuing + from them, survey us with surly eyes, as <i>Sabbath-breakers</i>, for + travelling on the "Lord's day." It is curious to + reflect that these very persons who have just been listening to the + preachers of a gospel of peace, with white upturning eyes and inward + groans, who present countenances deeply marked, as it seems to us, + with the spirit of severe sanctity, betrayed by their sour looks at + us, and not rarely vested in two or three expressions <i>at</i> us + among themselves—I say, how curious a fact in the + <i>pathology</i> of minds does it present, that these very men will + (some of them) reappear in a few hours, or days, in the characters of + <i>felons</i>, midnight rebels to law and order, redressing minor + wrongs committed by a few against themselves, by a tenfold fouler + wrong against all men, against society itself. For a <i>system</i> + which consists in defying the laws, is a systematic waging of war + against the very element that binds men in society—it is a + casting off of civilization, a return to miserable dependence on + animal strength alone, on brutish cunning, or midnight hiding in the + dark, for all we enjoy. It seems well known that the farmers + themselves are the Rebeccaites, aided by their servants, and that + <i>the</i> Rebecca is no other than some forward booby, or worse + character, who ambitiously claims to <i>act</i> the leader, under the + unmanly disguise of a female, yielding his post in turn to other such + petticoat heros. The "Rebecca" seems no more than a living + figure to give <i>effect</i> to the drama, as boys dress up an effigy + and parade it as <i>the</i> Guy Fawkes.</p> + + <p>It is curious to witness the chop-fallen aspect of the poor + toll-collectors. The "looking for" of a dark hour is + depicted on the <i>female</i> faces, at least, and a certain + constrained civility mixed with sullenness, marks the manners of the + male portion near large towns; for elsewhere, humble civility has + <i>always</i> met the traveller in this class of Welsh cottagers. The + frequent appearance of dragoons, the clatter of their dangling + accoutrements of war, and grotesque ferocity of hairy headgear, and + mock-heroic air of superiority to the more quietly grotesque groups + of grey-coated men, and muffled up Welsh women gives a new feature to + our tour in this hitherto tranquil region, where a soldier used to be + a monster that men, women, children, all alike, would run to the + cottage door to look at. A very different sort of look than that of + childish curiosity now greets these gallant warriors, at least from + the farmers. "'Becca" is the beloved of their secret + hearts—'Becca has already given them roads without paying + for them! 'Becca is longed for by every <i>honest</i> farmer of + them all, whenever he pays a toll-gate. And these fellows are come + sword in hand, to hunt down poor innocent 'Becca! Well may the + Welshman's eyes lower on them, whatever may be the looks of the + Welsh women.</p> + + <p>We have now rode through several toll-gates, the ruins of the + toll-houses only remaining, and rode scatheless! No toll + asked—no darting forth of a grim figure from his little castle, + at the shake of the road by tramp of horses—like the spider + showing himself at his hole, on the trembling of his web to the + struggle of a luckless fly. Nothing appeared but a shell of a house, + with blackened remains of rafters, or a great heap of stones, not + even a wall left—and huge stumps of gate-posts, and not a hand + extended, or voice raised to demand payment for our use of a + road!—that payment which the laws of the land had formally + pronounced due! Had new laws been passed? Had a new mode arisen of + discharging the debt we had incurred by the purchase of the use of so + much road for two horses? Nothing of the kind! A mob at midnight had + thrown down the barrier law had built; and law dared not, or + neglected to—erect it again! "Rebecca," like Jack + Cade, had pronounced <i>her</i> law—"sic volo, sic + jubeo"—and we rode through, by virtue of her most + graceless Majesty's absolute edict—cost free. It was really + a very singular feeling we experienced on the first of these + occasions. I assure thee, my reader; believe me, my pensive public! I + never was transported—never held up hand at the Old Bailey, or + elsewhere; am not conscious of any sinister sort of projections about + my skull that phrenologists <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_768" + id="Page_768">[Pg 768]</a></span> might draw ugly conclusions on; yet + I confess, that after an eloquent burst of Conservative wrath against + this strange triumph of anarchy—after looking down on these + works of mob law, unreversed, tamely endured—after fancying I + saw the prostrate genius of social order there lying + helpless—the dethroned majesty of British law there grovelling + among the black ruins, insulted, unrestored—left to be trampled + over with insolent laughter, by refractory boors, ignorant as savages + of that law's inestimable blessing—I say, after all these + hurried thoughts and feelings—let me whisper thee, my reader, + that a certain scandalous pleasure <i>did</i> creep up from these + finger-ends, instinctively groping the pocket for the pre-doomed + "thrippence," yea, quite up to this lofty, reasoning, and + right loyal sensorium, on leaving the said sum in good and lawful + money, snug and safe in my own pocket, instead of handing it over to + a toll collector. Let us not expect too much from poor human nature! + I defy any man—Aristides Redivivus himself, to ride <i>toll + free</i> through, or rather over, a turnpike defunct in this manner, + and not feel a pernicious pleasure at his heart, a sort of slyly + triumphing satisfaction, spite of himself, as of a dog that gets his + adversary undermost; in short—without becoming for the moment, + under the Circean chink of the saved "coppers," a rank + Rebeccaite! The Lord and the law forgive me, for I surely loved + 'Becca at <i>heart</i> at that moment!</p> + + <p>My son being a young man about returning to college, it was highly + important to conceal this backsliding within; so I launched out the + more upon the monster character of this victory of brawny ignorance + and stupid rebellion over the spirit of laws—but it + wouldn't do. "But you don't <i>look</i> altogether so + angry about it as you speak, father," said he, though what he + could see to betray any inward chuckling, I am not aware. If the + casual saving of a toll could thus operate upon ME, who should, + perhaps, never pass there again, can it be wondered at that farmers, + to whom this triumph must prove a great annual gain, are Rebeccaites + <i>to the backbone</i>, and to a man? I fear they must be more than + man, not to cry secretly to this levelling lady "God + speed!" And this leads me to more serious reflection on the + incomprehensible and fatal conduct of the local authorities <i>in the + first instance</i>, in not <i>instantly</i> re-erecting the + toll-gates, or fixing chains <i>pro tempore</i>, protecting at + whatever expense some persons to demand compliance with the laws, + that not for a week, a day, an hour, the disgraceful and dangerous + spectacle should be exhibited, of authority completely down-trodden, + law successfully defied. Surely the first step in vindication of the + dignity of legal supremacy could not be difficult. By day, at least, + surely a constabulary force might have compelled obedience. A few + military at <i>first</i>, stationed near the gates, would have awed + rustic rebels. It is the <i>impunity</i> which this unheard-of palsy + of the governing strong hand so long ensured to them, which has + fostered riot into rebellion, and rebellion into incendiarism and + murder. Is it possible for a thinking man to see these poor and + (truth to tell) most money-loving people, saving two or three + shillings every time they drive their team to market or lime, by the + prostration of a gate, and be at a loss to discover the secret of + this midnight work spreading like wildfire? Why, every transit which + a farmer makes cost free, is a spur to his avarice, a tribute of + submission to his lawless will, a temptation to his ignorant + impatience of <i>all</i> payments to try his hand against all. The + quiet acquiescence in refusal to pay—the vanishing of + toll-house and toll-takers without one magisterial edict—the + mere submission to the mob, seems to cry "<i>peccavi</i>" + too manifestly, and affords fresh colour to indiscriminate + condemnation of all. A <i>bonus</i> in the shape of a toll for horse + or team remitted, is thus actually presented, many times a-day, to + the rioter, the rebel, the midnight incendiary of toll-houses, for + this good work, by the supine, besotted, or fear-palsied local + authorities. Shall a man look on while a burglar enters his house, + ransacks his till, let him depart, and then, in despair, leave the + door he broke open, open still all night for his entrance, and then + wonder that burglary is vastly on the increase? The wonder, I think, + is that one gate remains; and that wonder will not exist long, if + government do not do something more than send down <i>a</i> gentleman + to ask the Welsh what they please to <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_769" id="Page_769">[Pg 769]</a></span> want? The temptation + forced upon the eyes and minds of a poverty-stricken and greedy + people, by this shocking spectacle of the mastery of anarchy over + order, in the annihilation of an impost by armed mountain peasants, + is in itself a great cruelty; for in all Agrarian risings the state + has triumphed at last, inasmuch as wealth and its resources are an + over-match for poverty, however furious or savage; hence blood will + flow under the sword of justice ultimately, which early vigilance on + her part might have wholly spared. "Knock down that + toll-house—fire its contents—murder its tenant," + seems the voice of such sleepy justice to pronounce, "and + neither I, nor my myrmidons will even <i>ask</i> you again for toll! + Do this, and you shall not pay!!"</p> + + <p>Such was the tacit invitation kindly presented by the <i>first</i> + torn down toll-gate that remained in ruins, to every Welsh farmer. + The farmer has accepted it, and "justice"—justice + keeps her promise religiously, for no toll is demanded. If the law + had been violated by trustees, we have a body called parliament + strong enough to reform, ay, and punish them, as they, some of them + perhaps, richly deserve; but was that a reason for the laws to be + annulled, and lawlessness made the order of the day, in so important + a matter as public roads, by the very men who are to profit by it, + self-erected into judges in their own cause?</p> + + <h4>Llandilo Vaur. Evening, Sept. 10. Sunday.</h4> + + <p>A scene to turn even a "commercial traveller" + (<i>vulgo</i> a bagman) into a "sentimental" one, if any + thing could! Clouds that had overcast our ride of the last few miles, + kindly "flew diverse" as we reached the bridge over the + Towey, that flows at the foot of the declivity on which this romantic + town stands. The sun broke forth, and all at once showed, and + burnished while it showed, one of the noblest landscapes in South + Wales—not the less attractive for being that which kindled the + muse of Dyer—on which the saintly eye of a far greater poet had + often reposed—the immortal <i>prose-poet</i> bishop, Jeremy + Taylor, a refugee here during the storm of the Civil Wars. Golden + Grove, his beautiful retreat, with its venerable trees, was in our + sight, the green mountain meadows between literally verifying its + name by the brilliance of their sunshiny rich grass, where "God + had showered the landscape;" to a fantastic fancy, giving the + idea of the quivering of the richest leaf gold on a ground of + emerald. The humbler Welsh Parnassus of the painter poet, Grongar + Hill, towered also in distance. We traced the pastoral yet noble + river, winding away in long meanders, up-flashing silver, through a + broad mountain valley, dotted with white farms, rich in various + foliage, marked as a map by lines, with well-marked hedge-rows; + harvest fields full of sheaves, yellowing all the lofty slopes that + presented these beautiful farms and folds full to the descending sun; + those slopes, surmounted by grand masses of darkness, solemnly + contrasted with the gay luxuriance all below; that darkness only the + shade of woods, nodding like the black plume over the golden armour + of some giant hero of fable, "magna componere parvis."</p> + + <p>Nearer, rose directly from the river a noble park, with all the + charm of the wild picturesque, from its antique look, its romantic + undulations and steepness, its woody mount and ivied ruin of a + castle, "bosomed high in tufted trees," half-hidden, yet + visible and reflected in the now-placid mirror of a reach of the + river.</p> + + <p>Being Sunday, a moral charm was added to those of this exquisite + natural panorama, from which the curtain of storm-cloud seemed just + then drawn up, as if to strike us the more with its flashing glory of + sunshine, water, and a whole sky become cerulean in a few minutes. No + Sabbath bells chimed, indeed; but the hushed town, and vacant groups + come abroad to enjoy the return of that Italian weather we had long + luxuriated in, impressed, equally with any music, the idea of Sabbath + on the mind. It was hard to believe, revolting to be forced to + believe, that this fine scene of perfect beauty and deep repose, as + presented to the eye, directed to nature only—to the mind's + eye rolling up to nature's God—was also the (newly + transfigured) theatre of man's worst and darkest passions; that + the <i>army</i>—that odious, hideous, necessary curse of + civilization, the severe and hateful guardian of liberty and peace, + (though uncongenial to both)—was at that moment <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_770" id="Page_770">[Pg 770]</a></span> evoked + by all the lovers of both for their salvation; was even then + violating the ideal harmony of the hour, by its foul yet saving + presence; was parading those green suburbs, and the sweet fields + under those mountain walls, with those clangours so discordant to the + holy influences of the hour and scene—emerging in their gay, + shocking costume, (the colour of blood, and devised for its + concealment,) from angles of rocks, and mouths of bowered avenues, + where the mild fugitive from civil war, and faithful devotee of his + throneless king, had often wandered, meditating on "Holy + Dying"—of "Holy Living" himself a beautiful + example—where even still, nothing gave outward and visible sign + of incendiarism and murder lurking among those hermitages of rustic + life; yet were both in active, secret operation!</p> + + <p>In that very park of <i>Dynevor</i>, whose beauty we were admiring + from the bridge, a little walk would have led us to—a + <i>grave!</i>—no consecrated one, but one dug ready to receive + a corpse; <i>dug, in savage threatening of slaughter, for the + reception of one yet living</i>—the son of the noble owner of + that ancient domain—dug in sight of his father's house, in + his own park, by wretches who have warned him to prepare to fill that + grave in October! The gentleman so threatened, being void of all + offence save that of being a magistrate—a sworn preserver of + the public peace!</p> + + <p>Equally abhorrent to rational piety, if less shocking, is that air + of sourest sanctity which the groups now passing us bring with them + out from the meeting-houses.</p> + + <p>Ask a question, and a nasal noise between groan and snort seems to + signify that they ask to be asked again, a sort of + <i>ha—a—h?</i> "long drawn out." The human face + and the face of nature, at that hour, were as an east of thunder + fronting a west of golden blue summer serenity. The Mawworms of + Calvinistic Methodism have made a sort of monkery of all Wales, as + regards externals at least. To think a twilight or noonday walk for + pleasure a sin, involves the absurdest principle of ascetic folly, as + truly as self-flagellation, or wearing horsehair shirts. Not that + these ministers set their flocks any example of self-mortification. + The greater number of preachers show excellent "condition," + the poorest farmers' wives vying with each other in purveying + "creature comforts" for these spiritual comforters. + Preparing hot dinners, it seems, is not working on the Lord's Day + when it is for the preacher; though to save a field of corn, which is + in danger of being spoiled if left out, as in some seasons, would be + a shocking desecration of that day. Yet, to observe the abstracted + unearthly carriage of these men, who seem "conversing with the + skies" while walking the streets, one wonders at the contrast of + such burly bodies and refined spirits.</p> + + <p>To return to the flock from these burly shepherds of + souls—this outbreak of a devilish spirit—this crusade + against law and order, tolls and tithes, life and property, is a + damning evidence against these spiritual pastors and masters, for + such they are to the great body of the Welsh common people, in the + fullest sense. The <i>Times</i> newspaper has ruffled the whole + "Volscian" camp of Dissent, it appears, by thundering forth + against them a charge of inciting their congregations to midnight + crime. "John Joneses, and David Reeses, and Ap Shenkinses, have + sprung up like the men from the dragon's teeth, to repel this + charge. It is probable that it was not well founded, for the simple + reason, that such daring subornation of crime would have brought + <i>themselves</i> into trouble. But what sort of defence is this, + even if substantiated? You did not <i>excite</i> your followers to + rebellion and arson! <i>You</i>, with your unlimited command of their + minds, and almost bodies, why did you not allay, resist, put down the + excitement, by whomever raised? That is the gravamen of the charge + against you! You who make then weep, make then tremble, puff them + with spiritual conceit, or depress them with terrors of damnation + just as you please, how comes it that you are powerless all at once + in deterring them from wild and bad actions—you, who are + all-powerful in inciting them to any thing, since to refrain from + violence is easier than to commit it?</p> + + <p>The increase of these outrages proves, that not the power, but + will, is wanting on your part, to put down this spirit of revenge and + revolt. <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_771" id="Page_771">[Pg + 771]</a></span> You perceive the current of their ignorant minds + setting strongly in toward rapine and rebellion, (the <i>feeler</i> + put forth being the toll grievance,) and you basely, wickedly, pander + to their passions, by a discreet silence in your rostra, an + unchristian apathy; while deeds are being done under your very + eyes—in your daily path—which no good man can view + without horror; no bold good man in the position which you hold, of + public instructors in human duties, could see, without denouncing! + And as your boldness, at least, is pretty apparent, whatever your + goodness may be, other motives than fear must be sought for this + unaccountable suspension of your influence—and I find it in + <i>self-interest</i>—love of "filthy lucre." You are + "supported by voluntary contribution," and to thwart the + passions of your followers, and stem the tide of lawless violence, + though your most sacred spiritual duty, is not the way to + conciliate—is not compatible with that "voluntary + principle" on which your bread depends, and which too often + places your duty and your interest in direct opposition."</p> + + <h4>Llanon, Carmarthenshire.</h4> + + <p>The good woman of our inn in this village has just been + apologizing for the almost empty state of her house, the furniture + being chiefly sent away to Pembree, whither she and her family hoped + to follow in a few days. The cause of her removal was <i>fear of the + house being set fire to</i>, it being the property of Mr Chambers, a + magistrate of Llanelly, and the "Rebecca's company" had + warned all his tenants to be prepared for their fiery vengeance. His + heinous offence was heading the police in discharge of his duty, in a + conflict that has just occurred at Pontardulais gate, near this + place, in which some of the 'Beccaites were wounded. [Since this, + farm-houses and other property of this gentleman have been consumed, + his life has been threatened, and his family have prevailed on him to + abandon his home and native place.] The wounded men, now prisoners, + were of this village, the <i>focus</i> of this rebellion that dares + not face the day. It is here that the murderous midnight attack was + made on the house of a Mr Edwards, when the wretches fired volleys at + the windows, where his wife and daughter appeared <i>at their + command</i>. They escaped, miraculously it might be said, + notwithstanding. The poor old hostess complained, as well she might, + of the hardship of being thus put in peril, purely in hostility to + her landlord. We slept, however, soundly, and found ourselves alive + in the morning; whether through evangelical Rebecca's scruples + about burning us out (or <i>in</i>) on a "Lord's Day" + night, or her being engaged elsewhere, we knew not.</p> + + <p>And here also we rode through a crowd, murmuring hymns, pouring + from the chapel, where, no doubt, they had heard some edifying + discourse about the "sweet Jesus," and "sweet + experiences," and "new birth," the omnipotence of + faith to salvation, and all and every topic but a <i>man's</i> + just indignation, and a religious man's most solemn denunciation + against the bloody and felonious outrages just committed by those + very villagers—against the night-masked assassins, who had just + before wantonly pointed deadly weapons against unoffending + women—against the chamber of a sick man, a husband, and a + father!</p> + + <h4>Llanelly, Sept. 11, Monday.</h4> + + <p>The headquarters of vindictive rebellion, arson, and spiritual + oratory! An ugly populous town near the sea, now in a ferment of + mixed fear and fury, from recent savage acts of the Rebeccaites + against a most respectable magistrate, resident in the town, Mr W. + Chambers, jun., the denounced landlord of our old Welsh hostess at + Llanon. Two of his farm-houses have been burned to the ground, and + his life has been threatened. His grievous offence I stated before. + Soldiers are seen every where; and verily, the mixture of + brute-ignorance and brute-ferocity, depicted in the faces of the + great mass of "operatives" that we meet, seem to hint that + their presence is not prematurely invoked. Their begrimed features + and figures, caused by their various employments, give greater effect + to the wild character of the coatless groups, who, in their blue + check shirt-sleeves, congregate at every corner to <i>cabal</i>, + rather than to <i>dispute</i>, it seems; for, fond as they are of + dissent, (though not one in fifty could tell you <i>from</i> what + they dissent, or <i>to</i> what they cleave in doctrine,) there seems + no leaning to dissent <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_772" id= + "Page_772">[Pg 772]</a></span> from the glorious new Rebecca law of + might (or midnight surprisals) against right.</p> + + <p>In this neighbourhood, our Welsh annals will have to + record—<i>the first dwelling-house</i>, not being a toll-house, + <i>was laid in ashes; the first blood was shed</i> by + "Rebecca's company," as they call the rioters here. And + <i>here</i> resides, rants, prays, and preaches, and scribbles + sedition, an illiterate fanatic, who is recognised as an organ of one + sect of Methodists, Whitfieldites publishing a monthly inflammatory + Magazine, called Y Diwygiwr, (the + "<i>Reformer!</i>")—God bless the mark!</p> + + <p>This little pope, within his little circle of the "great + unwashed," is very oracular, and his infallibility a dogma with + his followers and readers. How much he himself and his vulgar trash + of prose run mad, stand in need of that wholesome reform which some + of his English brother-firebrands have been taught in Coldbathfields + and Newgate, let my reader judge from the following extract. The + <i>Times</i> newspaper did good service in <i>gibbeting</i> this + precious morceau, supplied by its indefatigable reporter, in its + broad sheet. How great was the neglect of <i>Welsh</i> society, and + every thing Welsh, when this sort of war-cry of treason could be + raised, this trump of rebellion sounded, and, as it were, from the + pulpit "Evangelical," with perfect impunity to the + demagogue, thus prostituting religion itself to the cause of + anarchical crime!—</p> + + <p>"We cannot regard these tumults, with their like in other + parts, but as the effects of Tory oppression. Our wish is to see + <i>Rebecca and her children arrayed by thousands, for the suppression + of Toryism</i>. These are the only means to remove the burden from + the back of the country.... Resolve to see the sword of reason + plunged in oppression's heart." He goes on to say, + "<i>there must be a hard-blowing storm</i> before the high + places in State and Church can be levelled," &c. &c. + There is the usual twaddle about "<i>moral</i> force," + forsooth, under which saving periphrasis, now-a-days, every rebel + ranter in field, or tub, or conventicle, insinuates lawless violence + without naming it. Jack Cade would have made it the rallying cry of + his raggamuffins, so would Wat Tyler, had it been hit upon in his + day. The <i>array</i> of <i>thousands</i> is intelligible "to + the meanest capacity." The dullest Welsh "copper-man," + or collier, or wild farm cultivator, could not miss the meaning. But + as to this magical weapon, "moral force," which they are to + handle when so arrayed—the brightest capacity must be at a loss + to know what it means. How absurd (if he pretends such a thing) to + expect that enlightened statesmen will stand reformed, restrained, + stricken through, with a new light in politics by the exhibition of + these smutty patriots' <i>minds</i> alone!—by the force of + conviction, wrought by ascertaining <i>their</i> convictions, (the + <i>illuminati</i> of Llanelly coal-works, of Swansea copper-works, of + Carmarthen farm-yards,) will instantly <i>tack</i>—put the + vessel of State right about, and bring her triumphant into the placid + haven of Radicalism! And why <i>physical</i> "array" to + wield such shadowy arms as "<i>moral</i>" force? This + favourite stalking-horse of incendiary politics is but the secret + hiding-place of retreat from the "force of government." The + peace, the forbearance it breathes, is like the brief silence + maintained—the holding of the breath—by those snugly + ensconced within that other horse of famous memory, the + <i>Trojan</i>, which served admirably to lay vigilance asleep, and + evade the defensive <i>force</i> of the garrison, till the hour came + to leap from its protection, and fire the citadel. This "moral + force" covert of revolt, is every whit as hollow, as + treacherous, as fatal, if trusted to. Inflame, enrage, and then + gather together "thousands" of the most ignorant of + mankind, pointing to a body, or a class, or a government, as the sole + cause of whatever they suffer or dislike, and then—<i>tell</i> + them to be moral! peaceable! not to use those tens of thousands of + brawny arms, inured to the sledge-hammer; oh, no! tell them that + <i>force</i> means to stand still—or disperse—or + gabble—any thing but to—<i>fight!</i> And such vile + "juggling with us in a double sense" as this, is + evangelical morality!</p> + + <p>In justice to the Liberal party, I shall add that it does not + sanction the ravings of this hypocrite, but laughs at his illiterate + pretensions to the character of a public writer. As evidence of this, + the editor of the <i>Welshman</i>, a Liberal journal, published at + Carmarthen, has ably castigated this <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_773" id="Page_773">[Pg 773]</a></span> sedition-monger, who has + exposed his own ignorance in venting his wrath at the infliction.</p> + + <h4>Pontardulais. Monday Evening.</h4> + + <p>It was pleasant to emerge from that dingy seat of fanaticism and + fury, pseudo religion and moral violation of religion's broad + principles. Its aspect almost recalled the description of one of + Rome's imperial monsters, equally in physionomy and + nature—"a mixture of dirt and blood." The day was + superb, and the adjacent country, though rather tame <i>for + Wales</i>, improved in rural beauty as we approached a crossway very + near to this village, Pontardulais. Two cottages appeared in a green, + quiet, dingle we were descending to, watered by a small river, and + surrounded by sloping meadows, now yellowed by the evening sun, and + well inhabited by their proper population, sheep and cows, now + beginning their homeward course at the call of the milkmaid; the only + other motion in this simply beautiful landscape, being a scattered + gleaner or two, with her load, and the rather thick volume of blue + smoke curling up from one of those cots, which, standing so close, + without any other near, prompted the idea of some rustic old couple + in conjugal quietude, smiling out life's evening, by themselves, + apart from all the world. Such was the perfect calm of scene, and the + day in which summer heat was joined to the golden serenity of + autumn.</p> + + <p>We were beginning to dismiss ugly Rebeccaism from our thoughts, + meditating where we should find one of those Isaac Waltonian + hostelries, with a sign swinging from an old tree, which we delight + to make our evening quarters; for Pontardulais, we knew, was too + lately a little battle-field to afford hope of this tranquil bliss, + for here had occurred the first conflict, in which men had been + wounded and prisoners made. The advance of evening, with its halcyon + attributes of all kinds, had the effect of a lullaby on the mind, + disturbed at every stage by some hurrying dragoon, some eager + gossiping group, or fresh "news" of some farm "burned + last night," or rumours of "martial law" being + actually impending over us poor rebels of South Wales.</p> + + <p>Reaching the little houses in their lonely crossway, we were + startled by the appearance of a gutted house; the walls alone having + remained to present to us, on the higher ground, the semblance of a + white cottage. The old thatch, fallen in, and timber, were still + smouldering visibly, though the house was fired about one A.M. + yesterday morning.</p> + + <p>Before the near adjoining cottage a quiet crowd of some twenty + persons appeared, and a few rustic articles of furniture on the + roadside. Where was their owner? Dismounting, we entered this + cottage, that had looked all peaceful security so lately to our eyes. + It had not been injured, but was all dismantled and in confusion; and + stretched on some low sort of bench or seat, lay the murdered owner + of that smoking ruin—the Hendy toll-house. Her coffin had been + already made, (the coffin-plate giving her age, 75,) and stood + leaning against the wall, but the body was preserved just as it fell, + for the inspection of the jury. (The jury! a British jury! Is there a + British <i>man</i>, incapable of perjury, of parricide, of bloody and + blackest felony, <i>himself</i>, who will ever forget, who will ever + cease to spurn, spit upon in thought, execrate in words, that + degraded, wretched, most wicked knot of murder-screeners—<i>the + Hendy Gate jury?</i>)</p> + + <p>There was nothing in this dismal spectacle for a poet to find + there food for fancy. All was naked, ugly horror. An old rug just + veiled the corpse, which, being turned down, revealed the orifice, + just by the nipple, of a shot or slug wound, and her linen was stiff + and saturated with the blood which had flowed. Another wound on the + temple had caused a torrent of blood, which remained glued over the + whole cheek. The retracted lips of this poor suffering creature, gave + a dreadful grin to the aged countenance, expressing the strong agony + she must have endured, no doubt from the filling up of the breast + with those three pints of blood found there by the surgeons. The + details of this savage murder have been too fully given in all the + papers to need repetition here. Suffice it to say, that to any one + <i>viewing</i> the body as we thus happened to do, the atrocity of + this heartless treason against society and the injured dead becomes + yet more striking; it seeming wonderful that the piteousness of the + sight—the mute pleading <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_774" id="Page_774">[Pg 774]</a></span> of that mouth full of + cloated blood—the arousing ocular evidence of the unprovoked + assassin's cruelty—the helplessness of the aged + woman—her innocence—all should not have kindled humanity + in their hearts, (if all principle was dead in their dark minds,) + just enough to dare to call a foul murder "murder"—to + turn those twelve Rebecca-ridden, crouching slaves into <i>men</i>! + Some of them, probably, had old helpless mothers at home; did no + flying vision of her white hairs all blooded, and the breast, where + they had lain and fed, full of blood also, cross the conscience of + one of them, when, by their conspiracy, protection for life was to be + denied to her, to all, by their unheard-of abuse of the only known + British protective power—trial by jury? It is almost an apology + for them to imagine, that one or more of them were actually part of + the gang. Self-preservation, under <i>instant</i> danger, (involved + in a just verdict,) is less revolting than the less urgent degree of + the same natural impulse, implied in the hypothesis of pure selfish + and most dastardly dread of some remoter evil to self from the + ill-will of those impugned by a righteous verdict.</p> + + <p>The verdict, it will be remembered, was, that Sarah Williams died + from effusion of blood, <i>but from what cause is to this jury + unknown!!!</i> The designed <i>trick</i>—the sly juggle + concocted by these men, sworn before Almighty God to tell truth + respecting the cry of blood then rising to his throne, evidently was + to leave a loop-hole for a doubt whereby justice might be + defeated—a possibility, so they flattered themselves, that, + just in the nick of time, a bloodvessel burst, or fright destroyed + her, or any thing but the bloody hand of "Rebecca." Though, + as the slugs were actually found <i>in</i> the lungs, the hope they + "dressed themselves in" was as "drunk," as + swinishly stupid, as their design was unmanly, inhuman, and + devilish—to wink at this horror! to huddle up this murder, and + hurry into the earth a murdered woman, as if she had lived out her + term!</p> + + <p>Whatever was the prompting feeling of this monster-jury, let us + hope that the arm of the law will reach them yet, for this double + crime against bleeding innocence and against their country. It would + be a fitting punishment to them, to pronounce every individual an + outlaw—to deny him all benefit of those laws he has done his + best to defeat, and leave the craven traitor to his kind—to + adopt his beloved "'Becca's" disguise for ever, + skulk about the land that disowns him in petticoats, and blush out + his life (if shame be left him;) and let his name be fixed up, as a + scarecrow to deter such evil doers, on the wall of every court of + justice:—"To the infamous memory of A. B., one of the + perjured protectors of murder—The Hendy Gate Jury!"</p> + + <p>Most revolting was the <i>betrayed</i> bias of almost all we spoke + with, toward palliation of this dark act. "<i>Didn't she die + in a fit; or of fright; or something?</i>" was a frequent + question, even from those near the scene of this tragedy. + "<i>What did ail the old creture to go near 'em? Name of + goodness! didn't they order her not?</i>" Even from her own + sex, a disgusting lack of warm-hearted pity and indignation was most + palpable. Truly, morality and the meeting-house have a deep gulf + between them, if these are the morals of the people. The regular + church is really so little prized here, that we can only turn to the + <i>dissenting</i> ministers of religious instruction, for the lower + orders. And seeing these doings and sentiments in the flocks, one + turns with astonishment to those professing <i>teachers</i> of the + Welsh, and is ready to exclaim—"What is it that you + <i>do</i> teach?" Only the <i>mechanical</i> part of religion, + only the necessary outer <i>mummery</i>, I shall venture to say, + which, perhaps, all revealed religions require, to maintain a hold on + the reverence of the common people. It seems impossible that the + voice of <i>true</i> religion can have reached hearts that a slight + pecuniary interest, the abatement of a turnpike toll, or the like, + can sear against the death-shriek of murdered woman; the cry of blood + out of the earth; the fear of God's judgement against perjury, + and connivance at murder!</p> + + <h4>Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, Sept. 12.</h4> + + <p>Riding from Llanelly to this place, by a road skirting the coast, + we, for the first time, heard the horn of Rebecca sounded, and + replied to from among the darkling hills, the night being one of + dusky moonlight. We <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_775" id= + "Page_775">[Pg 775]</a></span> at first believed it the signal of + some persons in the collieries, but learned that + "'Becca's company" had been out round Kidwelly that + night, and an incendiary fire was the "good work" + accomplished. It being near ten o'clock at night, and our road + wild and solitary, we felt rather pleased to gain the covert of this + usually most quiet little town, with its air of antiquity and dead + repose, as agreeable to a sentimental traveller, as unwelcome to its + few traders and dwellers.</p> + + <p>The innkeepers and shopkeepers, <i>being much injured in their + trades by</i> the terrifying effect of Rebeccaism on strangers, who + have kept aloof all the summer, lift up the voice (but cautiously) + against this terrible lady. Hardly an expression of regret for the + poor victim at Hendy Gate reaches our ears; but rather, they seem to + visit on her the anticipated severity of future dealing with the + rioters, which they foresee.</p> + + <p>We see already posted placards, offering Ł500 for the discovery of + the actual perpetrator of the murder of the poor toll-collector. It + is headed "Murder," in the teeth of the audacious, solemn + declaration by the jury, of their ignorance of the cause of death. + <i>Query</i>, Was a coroner warranted in receiving such a verdict? + Was he not empowered—required—to send the jury back to + learn common sense?</p> + + <h4>Inn between Carmarthen and Llandilo.</h4> + + <p>Just as we were sauntering in the rural road, admiring the + placidity of the night, about ten o'clock, and the twilight + landscape of the banks of the Towey, a sudden light opened up to us + the whole night prospect, where the farther side of this broad vale + rises finely covered with woods, round Middleton Hall, and soon + learned the nature of this sudden illumination and pyramidal fire, + being the conflagration of extensive property belonging to its owner, + Mr Adams, close to the mansion.</p> + + <p>The terror of the female inhabitants may be imagined, there being, + I believe, not any male inmates but servants at home, and the + incendiaries doing their work at that early hour in the most daring + manner, firing guns, blowing horns, &c. Mr Adams drove in just as + the fire was at its height, (having, indeed, believed the house to be + in flames while he approached,) and found the goods and moveables all + brought out in fear of its catching fire; but it escaped—so did + the Rebeccaites, of course.</p> + + <p>Not to extend too far these hasty Notes, I shall throw together + the heads of a few made on the spot. Our "sentimental + journey" occupied about three weeks, and brought us to almost + every part infested by the disturbers. Having put up at an inn in the + outskirts of a town in Cardiganshire for the night, leaving the + horses, we walked to the town. As we returned, the night being rather + dark, I was not conscious of any one being on the same road behind, + and was talking to my son, rather earnestly, of the iniquitous + verdict of the Hendy Gate assassin jury, when a voice behind asked in + English, saucily, if <i>I</i> was going to attend the future trial of + the "Hugheses, and them of the Llanon village, then in Swansea + jail?" The tone clearly indicated how alien to the + Welshman's feelings were those I was expressing, though but those + of common humanity. Giving the voice in the dark such short answer, + refusing to satisfy him, as the question deserved, and with + responsive bluffness, we left the man behind, who, it proved, was + bound to our inn. We found our parlour filled with farmers, who + instantly became <i>mum</i> as we entered, but their eyes + suspiciously surveyed us. It was near eleven o'clock, so we + retired to our double-bedded chamber, which happened to be situated + over the parlour. The inn (whose owners were <i>ultra</i> + "Welshly," speaking English very badly,) was well situated + for holding a midnight council of (Rebecca) war, being lonely, at the + confluence of two roads, and this proved to be the nature of this + late assemblage. We were just in bed, (having <i>secured the door as + well as we could</i>,) when we heard through the imperfect flooring a + very animated <i>męlée</i> of Welsh tongues all astir at once, and I + fancied I recognized the voice of the pious Christian in the dark, + who had been moved by the spirit (of religion of course) to hint or + betray his dissent from the Saxon "stranger's" rebuke + of perjury and murder-screening. A few minutes after, several hurried + out, and three or four discharges of guns followed in front of the + house, but nothing more. I was pleased to think that the said house + and windows were "mine host's," and not mine, otherwise + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_776" id="Page_776">[Pg + 776]</a></span> a little hail of shot might have followed the + "short thunder;" but as it was, nothing more than this + warning bravado (as I imagine it to have been) occurred.</p> + + <p>A great deal of <i>solo</i> spouting, by orators in orderly + succession, went on till near two in the morning—<i>Sunday</i>. + At least, falling asleep, I left this little patriot parliament + sitting, and found it in full tongue on awaking at that hour. I + suppose this sitting in judgment on toll-houses (and possibly + <i>other</i> houses) of these anti-landlord committees, are + <i>not</i> breaches of the observance of the Sabbath.</p> + + <p>On the whole, we may remark, that neither Poor-Law, nor Tory, nor + Whig, nor right rule, nor misrule, nor politics, nor party, had the + slightest influence in this astounding moral revolution among an + agricultural people. Utterly false is almost all that the London + Press broached and broaches, implicating ministers in the provocation + of this outbreak. Twenty years of residence, and leisure for + observation among them, allows me to positively deny that any feeling + of discontent, any sense of oppression, any knowledge of + "Grievances," now so pompously heading columns of + twaddle—ever existed before the <i>one</i> daily, weekly spur + in their side, goaded this simple people to a foolish mode of + resistance to it.</p> + + <p>Why, not one in ten of the farmers has yet heard of Sir Robert + Peel's accession to office! and I doubt if one in twenty knows + whether they live under a Whig or Tory administration. Nor does one + in a hundred <i>care</i> which, or form one guess about their + comparative merits.</p> + + <p>The only idea they have of Chartists, is a vague identification of + them with "<i>rebels</i>," as they <i>used</i> to call + <i>all</i> sorts of rioters, not dreaming of their forming any party + with definite views, unless that of seizing the good things of the + earth, and postponing, <i>sine die</i>, the day of payment.</p> + + <p>Judge what chance the brawling apostles of Chartism would have + here among them, especially under the difficulty of haranguing them + through interpreters!</p> + + <p>The Poor-Law they certainly hate, but from no pity for paupers. + The dislike arises from a wide spread belief, that the host of + "officers" attached to it swallows up great part of what + they pay for the poor. They grudged the poor-rate before, even when + their own overseer paid it away to poor old lame Davy or blind + Gwinny; but now that it reaches them by a more circuitous route, and + in the altered form of loaves or workhouse support, they seem to lose + sight of it, and fancy that it stops <i>by the way</i>, in the + pockets of these "strange" new middlemen, as we may call + them, thrust in between the farmers and their poor and worn-out + labourers.</p> + + <p>The prevalence of the Welsh language perpetuates the ignorance + which is at the root of the mischief. Of their <i>native</i> writers, + I have given a specimen from the monthly magazine published at + Llanelly, and the evil of these is uncorrected by English + information.</p> + + <p>The work of mounting heavenward was, we are told, defeated by a + confusion of tongues—the advance of civilization (which we may + designate a progress toward a divine goal, that of soul-exalting and + soul-saving wisdom) is as utterly prevented by this non-intercourse + system between the civilized and the <i>half</i> civilized; which, + with all deference to the ancient Britons, I must venture to consider + them. Camden, the antiquary, has preserved a tradition, that + "certain Brittaines" (Britons) going over into Armorica, + and taking wives from among the people of Normandy, "<i>did cut + out their tongues</i>," through fear that, when they should + become mothers, they might corrupt the Welsh tongue of the children, + by teaching them that foreign language! The love of their own tongue + thus appears to be of very old standing, if we are to believe this + agreeable proof of it. I believe the extirpation of Welsh, as a + spoken language, would pioneer the way to knowledge, civilization, + and <i>religion</i> here, of which last blessing there is a grievous + lack, judging from the morals of the people.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_777" id="Page_777">[Pg + 777]</a></span> + + <h2><a name="ADVENTURES_IN_TEXAS" id= + "ADVENTURES_IN_TEXAS"></a>ADVENTURES IN TEXAS.</h2> + + <h3>NO. II.</h3> + + <h3>A TRIAL BY JURY.</h3> + + <p>When I recovered from my state of insensibility, and once more + opened my eyes, I was lying on the bank of a small but deep river. My + horse was grazing quietly a few yards off, and beside me stood a man + with folded arms, holding a wicker-covered flask in his hand. This + was all I was able to observe; for my state of weakness prevented me + from getting up and looking around me.</p> + + <p>"Where am I?" I gasped.</p> + + <p>"Where are you, stranger? By the Jacinto; and that you are + <i>by</i> it, and not <i>in</i> it, is no fault of your'n, I + reckon."</p> + + <p>There was something harsh and repulsive in the tone and manner in + which these words were spoken, and in the grating scornful laugh that + accompanied them, that jarred upon my nerves, and inspired me with a + feeling of aversion towards the speaker. I knew that he was my + deliverer; that he had saved my life, when my mustang, raging with + thirst, had sprung head-foremost into the water; that, without him, I + must inevitably have been drowned, even had the river been less deep + than it was; and that it was by his care, and the whisky he had made + me swallow, and of which I still felt the flavour on my tongue, that + I had been recovered from the death-like swoon into which I had + fallen. But had he done ten times as much for me, I could not have + repressed the feeling of repugnance, the inexplicable dislike, with + which the mere tones of his voice filled me. I turned my head away in + order not to see him. There was a silence of some moments' + duration.</p> + + <p>"Don't seem as if my company was over and above + agreeable," said the man at last.</p> + + <p>"Your company not agreeable? This is the fourth day since I + saw the face of a human being. During that time not a bit nor a drop + has passed my tongue."</p> + + <p>"Hallo! That's a lie," shouted the man with another + strange wild laugh. "You've taken a mouthful out of my + flask; not <i>taken</i> it, certainly, but it went over your tongue + all the same. Where do you come from? The beast ain't + your'n."</p> + + <p>"Mr Neal's," answered I.</p> + + <p>"See it is by the brand. But what brings you here from Mr + Neal's? It's a good seventy mile to his plantation, right + across the prairie. Ain't stole the horse, have you?"</p> + + <p>"Lost my way—four days—eaten nothing."</p> + + <p>These words were all I could articulate. I was too weak to + talk.</p> + + <p>"Four days without eatin'," cried the man, with a + laugh like the sharpening of a saw, "and that in a Texas + prairie, and with islands on all sides of you! Ha! I see how it is. + You're a gentleman—that's plain enough. I was a sort of + one myself once. You thought our Texas prairies was like the prairies + in the States. Ha, ha! And so you didn't know how to help + yourself. Did you see no bees in the air, no strawberries on the + earth?"</p> + + <p>"Bees? Strawberries?" repeated I.</p> + + <p>"Yes, bees, which live in the hollow trees. Out of twenty + trees there's sure to be one full of honey. So you saw no bees, + eh? Perhaps you don't know the creturs when you see 'em. + Ain't altogether so big as wild-geese or turkeys. But you must + know what strawberries are, and that <i>they</i> don't grow upon + the trees."</p> + + <p>All this was spoken in the same sneering savage manner as before, + with the speaker's head half turned over his shoulder, while his + features were distorted into a contemptuous grin.</p> + + <p>"And if I had seen the bees, how was I to get at the honey + without an axe?"</p> + + <p>"How did you lose yourself?"</p> + + <p>"My mustang—ran away"—</p> + + <p>"I see. And you after him. You'd have done better to let + him run. But what d'ye mean to do now?"</p> + + <p>"I am weak—sick to death. I wish to get to the nearest + house—an inn—anywhere where men are."</p> + + <p>"Where men are," repeated the <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_778" id="Page_778">[Pg 778]</a></span> + stranger, with his scornful smile. "Where men are," he + muttered again, taking a few steps on one side.</p> + + <p>I was hardly able to turn my head, but there was something strange + in the man's movement that alarmed me; and, making a violent + effort, I changed my position sufficiently to get him in sight again. + He had drawn a long knife from his girdle, which he clutched in one + hand, while he ran the fore finger of the other along its edge. I now + for the first time got a full view of his face, and the impression it + made upon me was any thing but favourable. His countenance was the + wildest I had ever seen; his bloodshot eyes rolled like balls of fire + in their sockets; while his movements and manner were indicative of a + violent inward struggle. He did not stand still for three seconds + together, but paced backwards and forwards with hurried irregular + steps, casting wild glances over his shoulder, his fingers playing + all the while with the knife, with the rapid and objectless movements + of a maniac.</p> + + <p>I felt convinced that I was the cause of the struggle visibly + going on within him, that my life or death was what he was deciding + upon. But in the state I then was, death had no terror for me. The + image of my mother, sisters, and father, passed before my eyes. I + gave one thought to my peaceful happy home, and then looked upwards + and prayed.</p> + + <p>The man had walked off to some distance. I turned myself a little + more round, and, as I did so, I caught sight of the sane magnificent + phenomenon which I had met with on the second day of my wanderings. + The colossal live oak rose in all its silvery splendour, at the + distance of a couple of miles. Whilst I was gazing at it, and + reflecting on the strange ill luck that had made me pass within so + short a distance of the river without finding it, I saw my new + acquaintance approach a neighbouring cluster of trees, amongst which + he disappeared.</p> + + <p>After a short time I again perceived him coming towards me with a + slow and staggering step. As he drew near, I had an opportunity of + examining his whole appearance. He was very tall and lean, but + large-boned, and apparently of great strength. His face, which had + not been shaved for several weeks, was so tanned by sun and weather, + that he might have been taken for an Indian, had not the beard proved + his claim to white blood. But his eyes were what most struck me. + There was something so frightfully wild in their expression, a look + of terror and desperation, like that of a man whom all the furies of + hell were hunting and persecuting. His hair hung in long ragged locks + over his forehead, cheeks, and neck, and round his head was bound a + handkerchief, on which were several stains of a brownish black + colour. Spots of the same kind were visible upon his leathern jacket, + breeches, and mocassins; they were evidently blood stains. His + hunting knife, which was nearly two feet long, with a rude wooden + handle, was now replaced in his girdle, but in its stead he held a + Kentucky rifle in his hand.</p> + + <p>Although I did my utmost to assume an indifferent countenance, my + features doubtless expressed something of the repugnance and horror + with which the man inspired me. He looked loweringly at me for a + moment from under his shaggy eyebrows.</p> + + <p>"You don't seem to like the company you've got + into," said he. "Do I look so very desperate, then? Is it + written so plainly on my face?"</p> + + <p>"What should there be written upon your face?"</p> + + <p>"What? What? Fools and children ask them questions."</p> + + <p>"I will ask you none; but as a Christian, as my countryman, I + beseech you"——</p> + + <p>"Christian!" interrupted he, with a hollow laugh. + "Countryman!" He struck the but of his rifle hard upon the + ground. "That is my countryman—my only friend!" he + continued, as he examined the flint and lock of his weapon. + "That releases from all troubles; that's a true friend. + Pooh! perhaps it'll release you too—put you to + rest."</p> + + <p>These last words were uttered aside, and musingly.</p> + + <p>"Put him to rest, as well as—— Pooh! One more or + less—Perhaps it would drive away that cursed spectre."</p> + + <p>All this seemed to be spoken to his rifle.</p> + + <p>"Will you swear not to betray me?" cried he to me. + "Else, one touch"——</p> + + <p>As he spoke, he brought the gun to his shoulder, the muzzle + pointed full at my breast.</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_779" id="Page_779">[Pg + 779]</a></span></p> + + <p>I felt no fear. I am sure my pulse did not give a throb the more + for this menace. So deadly weak and helpless as I lay, it was + unnecessary to shoot me. The slightest blow from the but of the rifle + would have driven the last faint spark of life out of my exhausted + body. I looked calmly, indifferently even, into the muzzle of the + piece.</p> + + <p>"If you can answer it to your God, to your and my judge and + creator, do your will."</p> + + <p>My words, which from faintness I could scarcely render audible, + had, nevertheless, a sudden and startling effect upon the man. He + trembled from head to foot, let the but of his gun fall heavily to + the ground, and gazed at me with open mouth and staring eyes.</p> + + <p>"This one, too, comes with his God!" muttered he. + "God! and your and my creator—and—judge."</p> + + <p>He seemed hardly able to articulate these words, which were + uttered by gasps and efforts, as though something had been choking + him.</p> + + <p>"His and my—judge"—groaned he again. + "Can there be a God, a creator and judge?"</p> + + <p>As he stood thus muttering to himself, his eyes suddenly became + fixed, and his features horribly distorted.</p> + + <p>"Do it not!" cried he, in a shrill tone of horror, that + rang through my head. "It will bring no blessin' with it. I + am a dead man! God be merciful to me! My poor wife, my poor + children!"</p> + + <p>The rifle fell from his hands, and he smote his breast and + forehead in a paroxysm of the wildest fury. It was frightful to + behold the conscience-stricken wretch, stamping madly about, and + casting glances of terror behind him, as though demons had been + hunting him down. The foam flew from his mouth, and I expected each + moment to see him fall to the ground in a fit of epilepsy. Gradually, + however, he became more tranquil.</p> + + <p>"D'ye see nothin' in my face?" said he in a + hoarse whisper, suddenly pausing close to where I lay.</p> + + <p>"What should I see?"</p> + + <p>He came yet nearer.</p> + + <p>"Look well at me—<i>through</i> me, if you can. + D'ye see nothin' now?"</p> + + <p>"I see nothing," replied I.</p> + + <p>"Ah! I understand, you can see nothin'. Ain't in a + spyin' humour, I calkilate. No, no, that you ain't. After + four days and nights fastin', one loses the fancy for many + things. I've tried it for two days myself. So, you are weak and + faint, eh? But I needn't ask that, I reckon. You look bad enough. + Take another drop of whisky; it'll strengthen you. But wait till + I mix it."</p> + + <p>As he spoke, he stepped down to the edge of the river, and + scooping up the water in the hollow of his hand, filled his flask + with it. Then returning to me, he poured a little into my mouth.</p> + + <p>Even the bloodthirsty Indian appears less of a savage when engaged + in a compassionate act, and the wild desperado I had fallen in with, + seemed softened and humanized by the service he was rendering me. His + voice sounded less harsh; his manner was calmer and milder.</p> + + <p>"You wish to go to an inn?"</p> + + <p>"For Heaven's sake, yes. These four days I have tasted + nothing but a bit of tobacco."</p> + + <p>"Can you spare a bit of that?"</p> + + <p>"All I have."</p> + + <p>I handed him my cigar case, and the roll of <i>dulcissimus</i>. He + snatched the latter from me, and bit into it with the furious + eagerness of a wolf.</p> + + <p>"Ah, the right sort this!" muttered he to himself. + "Ah, young man, or old man—you're an old man, + ain't you? How old are you?"</p> + + <p>"Two-and-twenty."</p> + + <p>He shook his head doubtingly.</p> + + <p>"Can hardly believe that. But four days in the prairie, and + nothin' to eat. Well, it may be so. But, stranger, if I had had + this bit of tobacco only ten days ago—A bit of tobacco is worth + a deal sometimes. It might have saved a man's life!"</p> + + <p>Again he groaned, and his accents became wild and unnatural.</p> + + <p>"I say, stranger!" cried he in a threatening tone. + "I say! D'ye see yonder live oak? D'ye see it? It's + the Patriarch, and a finer and mightier one you won't find in the + prairies, I reckon. D'ye see it?"</p> + + <p>"I do see it."</p> + + <p>"Ah! you see it," cried he fiercely. "And what is + it to you? What have you to do with the Patriarch, or with what lies + under it? I reckon you had best not be too curious that way. If you + dare take a step under that <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_780" + id="Page_780">[Pg 780]</a></span> tree."—He swore an oath + too horrible to be repeated.</p> + + <p>"There's a spectre there," cried he; "a spectre + that would fright you to death. Better keep away."</p> + + <p>"I will keep away," replied I. "I never thought of + going near it. All I want is to get to the nearest plantation or + inn."</p> + + <p>"Ah! true, man—the next inn. I'll show you the way + to it. I will."</p> + + <p>"You will save my life by so doing," said I, "and I + shall be ever grateful to you as my deliverer."</p> + + <p>"Deliverer!" repeated he, with a wild laugh. "Pooh! + If you knew what sort of a deliverer—Pooh! What's the use + of savin' a life, when—yet I will—I will save yours, + perhaps the cursed spectre will leave me then. Will you not? Will you + not?" cried he, suddenly changing his scornful mocking tones to + those of entreaty and supplication, and turning his face in the + direction of the live oak. Again his wildness of manner returned, and + his eyes became fixed, as he gazed for some moments at the gigantic + tree. Then darting away, he disappeared among the trees, whence he + had fetched his rifle, and presently emerged again, leading a ready + saddled horse with him. He called to me to mount mine, but seeing + that I was unable even to rise from the ground, he stepped up to me, + and with the greatest ease lifted me into the saddle with one hand, + so light had I become during my long fast. Then taking the end of my + lasso, he got upon his own horse and set off, leading my mustang + after him.</p> + + <p>We rode on for some time without exchanging a word. My guide kept + up a sort of muttered soliloquy; but as I was full ten paces in his + rear, I could distinguish nothing of what he said. At times he would + raise his rifle to his shoulder then lower it again, and speak to it, + sometimes caressingly, sometimes in anger. More than once he turned + his head, and cast keen searching glances at me, as though to see + whether I were watching him or not.</p> + + <p>We had ridden more than an hour, and the strength which the whisky + had given me was fast failing, so that I expected each moment to fall + from my horse, when suddenly I caught sight of a kind of rude hedge, + and almost immediately afterwards the wall of a small blockhouse + became visible. A faint cry of joy escaped me, and I endeavoured, but + in vain, to give my horse the spur. My guide turned round, fixed his + wild eyes upon me, and spoke in a threatening tone.</p> + + <p>"You are impatient, man! impatient, I see. You think now, + perhaps"——</p> + + <p>"I am dying," was all I could utter. In fact, my senses + were leaving me from exhaustion, and I really thought my last hour + was come.</p> + + <p>"Pooh! dyin'! One don't die so easy. And + yet—d——n!—it might be true."</p> + + <p>He sprang off his horse, and was just in time to catch me in his + arms as I fell from the saddle. A few drops of whisky, however, + restored me to consciousness. My guide replaced me upon my mustang, + and after passing through a potato ground, a field of Indian corn, + and a small grove of peach-trees, we found ourselves at the door of + the blockhouse.</p> + + <p>I was so utterly helpless, that my strange companion was obliged + to lift me off my horse, and carry me into the dwelling. He sat me + down upon a bench, passive and powerless as an infant. Strange to + say, however, I was never better able to observe all that passed + around me, than during the few hours of bodily debility that + succeeded my immersion in the Jacinto. A blow with a reed would have + knocked me off my seat, but my mental faculties, instead of + participating in this weakness, seemed sharpened to an unusual degree + of acuteness.</p> + + <p>The blockhouse in which we now were, was of the poorest possible + description; a mere log hut, consisting of one room, that served as + kitchen, sitting-room, and bedchamber. The door of rough planks swung + heavily upon two hooks that fitted into iron rings, and formed a + clumsy substitute for hinges; a wooden latch and heavy bar served to + secure it; windows, properly speaking, there were none, but in their + stead a few holes covered with dirty oiled paper; the floor was of + clay, stamped hard and dry in the middle of the hut, but out of + which, at the sides of the room, a crop of rank grass was growing, a + foot or more high. In one corner stood a clumsy bedstead, in another + a sort of table or counter, on which were half a dozen drinking + glasses of various <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_781" id= + "Page_781">[Pg 781]</a></span> sizes and patterns. The table + consisted of four thick posts, firmly planted in the ground, and on + which were nailed three boards that had apparently belonged to some + chest or case, for they were partly painted, and there was a date, + and the three first letters of a word upon one of them. A shelf fixed + against the side of the hut supported an earthen pot or two, and + three or four bottles, uncorked, and apparently empty; and from some + wooden pegs wedged in between the logs, hung suspended a few articles + of wearing apparel of no very cleanly aspect.</p> + + <p>Pacing up and down the hut with a kind of stealthy cat-like pace, + was an individual, whose unprepossessing exterior was in good keeping + with the wretched appearance of this Texian shebeen house. He was an + undersized, stooping figure, red-haired, large mouthed, and possessed + of small, reddish, pig's eyes, which he seemed totally unable to + raise from the ground, and the lowering, hang-dog expression of + which, corresponded fully with the treacherous, panther-like + stealthiness of his step and movements. Without greeting us either by + word or look, this personage dived into a dark corner of his + tenement, brought out a full bottle, and placing it on the table + beside the glasses, resumed the monotonous sort of exercise in which + he had been indulging on our entrance.</p> + + <p>My guide and deliverer said nothing while the tavern-keeper was + getting out the bottle, although he seemed to watch all his movements + with a keen and suspicious eye. He now filled a large glass of + spirits, and tossed it off at a single draught. When he had done + this, he spoke for the first time.</p> + + <p>"Johnny!"</p> + + <p>Johnny made no answer.</p> + + <p>"This gentleman has eaten nothing for four days."</p> + + <p>"Indeed," replied Johnny, without looking up, or + intermitting his sneaking, restless walk from one corner of the room + to the other.</p> + + <p>"I said four days, d'ye hear? Four days. Bring him tea + immediately, strong tea, and then make some good beef soup. The tea + must be ready directly, the soup in an hour at farthest, d'ye + understand? And then I want some whisky for myself, and a beefsteak + and potatoes. Now, tell all that to your Sambo."</p> + + <p>Johnny did not seem to hear, but continued his walk, creeping + along with noiseless step, and each time that he turned, giving a + sort of spring like a cat or a panther.</p> + + <p>"I've money, Johnny," said my guide. "Money, + man, d'ye hear?" And so saying, he produced a tolerably full + purse.</p> + + <p>For the first time Johnny raised his head, gave an indefinable + sort of glance at the purse, and then springing forward, fixed his + small, cunning eyes upon those of my guide, while a smile of strange + meaning spread over his repulsive features.</p> + + <p>The two men stood for the space of a minute, staring at each + other, without uttering a word. An infernal grin distended + Johnny's coarse mouth from ear to ear. My guide seemed to gasp + for breath.</p> + + <p>"I've money," cried he at last, striking the but of + his rifle violently on the ground. "D'ye understand, Johnny? + Money; and a rifle too, if needs be."</p> + + <p>He stepped to the table and filled another glass of raw spirits, + which disappeared like the preceding one. While he drank, Johnny + stole out of the room so softly that my companion was only made aware + of his departure by the noise of the wooden latch. He then came up to + me, took me in his arms without saying a word, and, carrying me to + the bed, laid me gently down upon it.</p> + + <p>"You make yourself at home," snarled Johnny, who just + then came in again.</p> + + <p>"Always do that, I reckon, when I'm in a tavern," + answered my guide, quietly pouring out and swallowing another + glassful. "The gentleman shall have your bed to-day. You and + Sambo may sleep in the pigsty. You have none though, I + believe?"</p> + + <p>"Bob!" screamed Johnny furiously.</p> + + <p>"That's my name—Bob Rock."</p> + + <p>"For the present," hissed Johnny, with a sneer.</p> + + <p>"The same as yours is Johnny Down," replied Bob in the + same tone. "Pooh! Johnny, guess we know one another?"</p> + + <p>"Rayther calkilate we do," replied Johnny through his + teeth.</p> + + <p>"And have done many a day," laughed Bob. <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_782" id="Page_782">[Pg 782]</a></span> + "You're the famous Bob from Sodoma in Georgia?"</p> + + <p>"Sodoma in Alabama, Johnny. Sodoma lies in Alabama," + said Bob, filling another glass. "Don't you know that yet, + you who were above a year in Columbus, doin' all sorts of dirty + work?"</p> + + <p>"Better hold your tongue, Bob," said Johnny, with a + dangerous look at me.</p> + + <p>"Pooh! Don't mind him, he won't talk, I'll answer + for it. He's lost the taste for chatterin' in the Jacinto + prairie. But Sodoma," continued Bob, "is in Alabama, man! + Columbus in Georgia! They are parted by the Chatahoochie. Ah! that + was a jolly life we led on the Chatahoochie. But nothin' lasts in + this world, as my old schoolmaster used to say. Pooh! They've + druv the Injuns a step further over the Mississippi now. But it was a + glorious life—warn't it?"</p> + + <p>Again he filled his glass and drank.</p> + + <p>The information I gathered from this conversation as to the + previous life and habits of these two men, had nothing in it very + satisfactory or reassuring for me. In the whole of the south-western + states there was no place that could boast of being the resort of so + many outlaws and bad characters as the town of Sodoma. It is + situated, or was situated, at least, a few years previously to the + time I speak of, in Alabama, on Indian ground, and was the harbour of + refuge for all the murderers and outcasts from the western and + south-western parts of the Union. Here, under Indian government, they + found shelter and security; and frightful were the crimes and + cruelties perpetrated at this place. Scarcely a day passed without an + assassination, not secretly committed but in broad sunlight. Bands of + these wretches, armed with knives and rifles, used to cross the + Chatahoochie, and make inroads into Columbus; break into houses, rob, + murder, ill-treat women, and then return in triumph to their dens, + laden with booty, and laughing at the laws. It was useless to think + of pursuing them, or of obtaining justice, for they were on Indian + territory; and many of the chiefs were in league with them. At length + General Jackson and the government took it up. The Indians were + driven over the Mississippi, the outlaws and murderers fled, Sodoma + itself disappeared; and, released from its troublesome neighbours, + Columbus is now as flourishing a state as any in the west.</p> + + <p>The recollections of their former life and exploits seemed highly + interesting to the two comrades; and their communications became more + and more confidential. Johnny filled himself a glass, and the + conversation soon increased in animation. I could understand little + of what they said, for they spoke a sort of thieves' jargon. + After a time, their voices sounded as a confused hum in my ears, the + objects in the room became gradually less distinct, and I fell + asleep.</p> + + <p>I was roused, not very gently, by a mulatto woman, who poured a + spoonful of tea into my mouth before I had well opened my eyes. She + at first did not appear to be attending to me with any great degree + of good-will; but by the time she had given me half a dozen spoonsful + her womanly sympathies began to be awakened, and her manner became + kinder. The tea did me an infinite deal of good, and seemed to infuse + new life into my veins. I finished the cup, and the mulatto laid me + down again on my pillow with far more gentleness than she had lifted + me up.</p> + + <p>"Gor! Gor!" cried she, "what poor young man! Berry + weak. Him soon better. One hour, massa, good soup."</p> + + <p>"Soup! What do you want with soup?" grumbled Johnny.</p> + + <p>"Him take soup. I cook it," screamed the woman.</p> + + <p>"Worse for you if she don't, Johnny," said Bob.</p> + + <p>Johnny muttered something in reply, but I did not distinguish what + it was, for my eyes closed, and I again fell asleep.</p> + + <p>It seemed to me as if I had not been five minutes slumbering when + the mulatto returned with the soup. The tea had revived me, but this + gave me strength; and when I had taken it I was able to sit up in my + bed.</p> + + <p>While the woman was feeding me, Bob was eating his beefsteak. It + was a piece of meat that might have sufficed for six persons, but the + man seemed as hungry as if he had eaten nothing for three days. He + cut off wedges half as big as his fist, swallowed them with ravenous + eagerness, and, instead of bread, bit into some unpeeled potatoes. + All this was washed down with glass after glass of raw <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_783" id="Page_783">[Pg 783]</a></span> + spirits, which had the effect of wakening him up, and infusing a + certain degree of cheerfulness into his strange humour. He still + spoke more to himself than to Johnny, but his recollections seemed + agreeable; he nodded self-approvingly, and sometimes laughed aloud. + At last he began to abuse Johnny for being, as he said, such a + sneaking, cowardly fellow—such a treacherous, false-hearted + gallows-bird.</p> + + <p>"It's true," said he, "I am gallows-bird enough + myself, but then I'm open, and no man can say I'm + a-fear'd; but Johnny, Johnny, who"——</p> + + <p>I do not know what he was about to say, for Johnny sprang towards + him, and placed both hands over his mouth, receiving in return a blow + that knocked him as far as the door, through which he retreated, + cursing and grumbling.</p> + + <p>I soon fell asleep again, and whilst in that state I had a + confused sort of consciousness of various noises in the room, loud + words, blows, and shouting. Wearied as I was, however, I believe no + noise would have fully roused me, although hunger at last did.</p> + + <p>When I opened my eyes I saw the mulatto woman sitting by my bed, + and keeping off the mosquitoes. She brought me the remainder of the + soup, and promised, if I would sleep a couple of hours more, to bring + me a beefsteak. Before the two hours had elapsed I awoke, hungrier + than ever. After I had eaten all the beefsteak the woman would allow + me, which was a very moderate quantity, she brought me a beer-glass + full of the most delicious punch I ever tasted. I asked her where she + had got the rum and lemons, and she told me that it was she who had + bought them, as well as a stock of coffee and tea; that Johnny was + her partner, but that he had done nothing but build the house, and + badly built it was. She then began to abuse Johnny, and said he was a + gambler; and, worse still, that he had had plenty of money once, but + had lost it all; that she had first known him in Lower Natchez, but + he had been obliged to run away from there in the night to save his + neck. Bob was no better, she said; on the contrary—and here she + made the gesture of cutting a man's throat—he was a very + bad fellow, she added. He had got drunk after his dinner, knocked + Johnny down, and broken every thing. He was now lying asleep outside + the door; and Johnny had hidden himself somewhere.</p> + + <p>How long she continued speaking I know not, for I again fell into + a deep sleep, which this time lasted six or seven hours.</p> + + <p>I was awakened by a strong grasp laid upon my arm, which made me + cry out, more, however, from surprise than pain. Bob stood by my + bedside; the traces of the preceding night's debauch plainly + written on his haggard countenance. His bloodshot eyes were inflamed + and swollen, and rolled with even more than their usual wildness; his + mouth was open, and the jaws stiff and fixed; he looked as if he had + just come from committing some frightful deed. I could fancy the + first murderer to have worn such an aspect when gazing on the body of + his slaughtered brother. I shrank back, horror-struck at his + appearance.</p> + + <p>"In God's name, man, what do you want?"</p> + + <p>He made no answer.</p> + + <p>"You are in a fever. You've the ague!"</p> + + <p>"Ay, a fever," groaned he, shivering as he spoke; + "a fever, but not the one you mean; a fever, young man, such as + God keep you from ever having."</p> + + <p>His whole frame shuddered while he uttered these words. There was + a short pause.</p> + + <p>"Curious that," continued he; "I've served more + than one in the same way, but never thought of it + afterwards—was forgotten in less than no time. Got to pay the + whole score at once, I suppose. Can't rest a minute. In the open + prairie it's the worst; there stands the old man, so plain, with + his silver beard, and the spectre just behind him."</p> + + <p>His eyes rolled, he clenched his fists, and, striking his forehead + furiously, rushed out of the hut.</p> + + <p>In a few minutes he returned, apparently more composed, and walked + straight up to my bed.</p> + + <p>"Stranger, you must do me a service," said he + abruptly.</p> + + <p>"Ten rather than one," replied I; "any thing that + is in my power. Do I not owe you my life?"</p> + + <p>"You're a gentleman, I see, and a Christian. You must + come with me to the squire—the Alcalde."</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_784" id="Page_784">[Pg + 784]</a></span></p> + + <p>"To the Alcalde, man! What must I go there for?"</p> + + <p>"You'll see and hear when you get there; I've + something to tell him—something for his own ear."</p> + + <p>He drew a deep breath, and remained silent for a short time, + gazing anxiously on all sides of him.</p> + + <p>"Something," whispered he, "that nobody else must + hear."</p> + + <p>"But there's Johnny there. Why not take him?"</p> + + <p>"Johnny!" cried he, with a scornful laugh; "Johnny! + who's ten times worse than I am, bad as I be; and bad I am to be + sure, but yet open and above board, always, till this time; but + Johnny! he'd sell his own mother. He's a cowardly, + sneakin', treacherous hound, is Johnny."</p> + + <p>It was unnecessary to tell me this, for Johnny's character was + written plainly enough upon his countenance.</p> + + <p>"But why do you want me to go to the Alcalde?"</p> + + <p>"Why does one want people before the judge? He's a judge, + man; a Mexican one certainly, but chosen by us Americans; and an + American himself, as you and I are."</p> + + <p>"And how soon must I go?"</p> + + <p>"Directly. I can't bear it any longer. It leaves me no + peace. Not an hour's rest have I had for the last eight days. + When I go out into the prairie, the spectre stands before me and + beckons me on, and if I try to go another way, he comes behind me and + drives me before him under the Patriarch. I see him just as plainly + as when he was alive, only paler and sadder. It seems as if I could + touch him with my hand. Even the bottle is no use now; neither rum, + nor whisky, nor brandy, rid me of him; it don't, by the + 'tarnel.—Curious that! I got drunk yesterday—thought + to get rid of him; but he came in the night and drove me out. I was + obliged to go. Wouldn't let me sleep; was forced to go under the + Patriarch."</p> + + <p>"Under the Patriarch? the live oak?" cried I, in + astonishment.—"Were you there in the night?"</p> + + <p>"Ay, that was I," replied he, in the same horribly + confidential tone; "and the spirit threatened me, and said I + will leave you no peace, Bob, till you go to the Alcalde and tell + him"——</p> + + <p>"Then I will go with you to the Alcalde, and that + immediately," said I, raising myself up in bed. I could not help + pitying the poor fellow from my very soul.</p> + + <p>"Where are you going?" croaked Johnny, who at this + moment glided into the room. "Not a step shall you stir till + you've paid."</p> + + <p>"Johnny," said Bob, seizing his less powerful companion + by the shoulders, lifting him up like a child, and then setting him + down again with such force, that his knees cracked and bent under + him;—"Johnny, this gentlemen is my guest, d'ye + understand? And here is the reckonin', and mind yourself, + Johnny—mind yourself, that's all."</p> + + <p>Johnny crept into a corner like a flogged hound; the mulatto + woman, however, did not seem disposed to be so easily intimidated. + Sticking her arms in her sides, she waddled boldly forward.</p> + + <p>"You not take him 'way, Massa Bob?", screamed she. + "Him stop here. Him berry weak—not able for ride—not + able for stand on him foot."</p> + + <p>This was true enough. Strong as I had felt in bed, I could hardly + stand upright when I got out of it.</p> + + <p>For a moment Bob seemed undecided, but only for one moment; then, + stepping up to the mulatto, he lifted her, fat and heavy as she was, + in the same manner as he had done her partner, at least a foot from + the ground, and carried her screaming and struggling to the door, + which he kicked open. Then setting her down outside, + "Silence!" roared he, "and some good strong tea + instead of your cursed chatter, and a fresh beefsteak instead of your + stinking carcass. That will strengthen the gentleman; so be quick + about it, you old brown-skinned beast, you!"</p> + + <p>I had slept in my clothes, and my toilet was consequently soon + made, by the help of a bowl of water and towel, which Bob made Johnny + bring, and then ordered him to go and get our horses ready.</p> + + <p>A hearty breakfast of tea, butter, Indian corn bread, and steaks, + increased my strength so much, that I was able to mount my mustang. I + had still pains in all my limbs, but we rode slowly; the morning was + bright, the air fresh and elastic, and I felt myself getting + gradually better. Our path led through the prairie; the river + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_785" id="Page_785">[Pg + 785]</a></span> fringed with wood, on the one hand; the vast ocean of + grass, sprinkled with innumerable islands of trees, on the other. We + saw abundance of game, which sprang up under the very feet of our + horses; but although Bob had his rifle, he made no use of it. He + muttered continually to himself, and seemed to be arranging what he + should say to the judge; for I heard him talking of things which I + would just as soon not have listened to, if I could have helped it. I + was heartily glad when we at length reached the plantation of the + Alcalde.</p> + + <p>It seemed a very considerable one, and the size and appearance of + the framework house bespoke comfort and every luxury. The building + was surrounded by a group of China trees, which I should have thought + about ten years of age, but which I afterwards learned had not been + planted half that time, although they were already large enough to + afford a very agreeable shade. Right in front of the house rose a + live oak, inferior in size to the one in the prairie, but still of + immense age and great beauty. To the left was some two hundred acres + of cotton fields, extending to the bank of the Jacinto, which at this + spot made a sharp turn, and winding round the plantation, enclosed it + on three sides. Before the house lay the prairie, with its + archipelago of islands, and herds of grazing cattle and mustangs; to + the right, more cotton fields; and in rear of the dwelling, the negro + cottages and out-buildings. There was a Sabbath-like stillness + pervading the whole scene, which seemed to strike even Bob. He paused + as though in deep thought, and allowed his hand to rest for a moment + on the handle of the lattice door. Then with a sudden and resolute + jerk, bespeaking an equally sudden resolution, he pushed open the + gate, and we entered a garden planted with orange, banana, and citron + trees, the path through which was enclosed between palisades, and led + to a sort of front court, with another lattice-work door, beside + which hung a bell. Upon ringing this, a negro appeared.</p> + + <p>The black seemed to know Bob very well, for he nodded to him as to + an old acquaintance, and said the squire wanted him, and had asked + after him several times. He then led the way to a large parlour, very + handsomely furnished for Texas, and in which we found the squire, or + more properly speaking, the Alcalde, sitting smoking his cigar. He + had just breakfasted, and the plates and dishes were still upon the + table. He did not appear to be much given to compliments or ceremony, + or to partake at all of the Yankee failing of curiosity, for he + answered our salutation with a laconic "good-morning," and + scarcely even looked at us. At the very first glance, it was easy to + see that he came from Tennessee or Virginia, the only provinces in + which one finds men of his gigantic mould. Even sitting, his head + rose above those of the negro servants in waiting. Nor was his height + alone remarkable; he had the true West-Virginian build; the enormous + chest and shoulders, and herculean limbs, the massive features and + sharp grey eyes; altogether an exterior well calculated to impose on + the rough backwoodsmen with whom he had to deal.</p> + + <p>I was tired with my ride, and took a chair. The squire apparently + did not deem me worthy of notice, or else he reserved me for a later + scrutiny; but he fixed a long, searching look upon Bob, who remained + standing, with his head sunk on his breast.</p> + + <p>The judge at last broke silence.</p> + + <p>"So here you are again, Bob. It's long since we've + seen you, and I thought you had clean forgotten us. Well, Bob, we + shouldn't have broke our hearts, I reckon; for I hate + gamblers—ay, that I do—worse than skunks. It's a vile + thing is play, and has ruined many a man in this world, and the next. + It's ruined you too, Bob."</p> + + <p>Bob said nothing.</p> + + <p>"You'd have been mighty useful here last week; there was + plenty for you to do. My step-daughter arrived; but as you + weren't to be found, we had to send to Joel to shoot us a buck + and a couple of dozen snipes. Ah, Bob! one might still make a good + citizen of you, if you'd only leave off that cursed + play!"</p> + + <p>Bob still remained silent.</p> + + <p>"Now go into the kitchen and get some breakfast."</p> + + <p>Bob neither answered nor moved.</p> + + <p>"D'ye hear? Go into the kitchen and get something to eat. + And, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_786" id="Page_786">[Pg + 786]</a></span> Ptoly"—added he to the + negro—"tell Veny to give him a pint of rum."</p> + + <p>"Don't want yer rum—ain't + thirsty"—growled Bob.</p> + + <p>"Very like, very like," said the judge sharply. + "Reckon you've taken too much already. Look as if you could + swallow a wild cat, claws and all. And you," added he, turning + to me—"What the devil are you at, Ptoly? Don't you see + the man wants his breakfast? Where's the coffee? Or would you + rather have tea?"</p> + + <p>"Thank you, Alcalde, I have breakfasted already."</p> + + <p>"Don't look as if. Ain't sick, are you? Where do you + come from? What's happened to you? What are you doing with + Bob?"</p> + + <p>He looked keenly and searchingly at me, and then again at Bob. My + appearance was certainly not very prepossessing, unshaven as I was, + and with my clothes and linen soiled and torn. He was evidently + considering what could be the motive of our visit, and what had + brought me into Bob's society. The result of his physiognomical + observations did not appear very favourable either to me or my + companion. I hastened to explain.</p> + + <p>"You shall hear how it was, judge. I am indebted to Bob for + my life."</p> + + <p>"Your life! Indebted to Bob for your life!" repeated the + judge, shaking his head incredulously.</p> + + <p>I related how I had lost my way in the prairie; been carried into + the Jacinto by my horse; and how I should inevitably have been + drowned but for Bob's aid.</p> + + <p>"Indeed!" said the judge, when I had done speaking. + "So, Bob saved your life! Well, I am glad of it, Bob, very glad + of it. Ah! if you could only keep away from that Johnny. I tell you, + Bob, Johnny will be the ruin of you. Better keep out of his + way."</p> + + <p>"It's too late," answered Bob.</p> + + <p>"Don't know why it should be. Never too late to leave a + debauched, sinful life; never, man!"</p> + + <p>"Calkilate it is, though," replied Bob sullenly.</p> + + <p>"You calculate it is?" said the judge, fixing his eyes + on him. "And why do you calculate that? Take a + glass—Ptoly, a glass—and tell me, man, why should it be + too late?"</p> + + <p>"I ain't thirsty, squire," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Don't talk to me of your thirst; rum's not for + thirst, but to strengthen the heart and nerves, to drive away the + blue devils. And a good thing it is, taken in moderation."</p> + + <p>As he spoke he filled himself a glass, and drank half of it off. + Bob shook his head.</p> + + <p>"No rum for me, squire. I take no pleasure in it. I've + something on my mind too heavy for rum to wash away."</p> + + <p>"And what is that, Bob? Come, let's hear what you've + got to say. Or perhaps, you'd rather speak to me alone. It's + Sunday to-day, and no business ought to be done; but for once, and + for you, we'll make an exception."</p> + + <p>"I brought the gentleman with me on purpose to witness what I + had to say," answered Bob, taking a cigar out of a box that + stood on the table, and lighting it. He smoked a whiff or two, looked + thoughtfully at the judge, and then threw the cigar through the open + window.</p> + + <p>"It don't relish, squire; nothin' does now."</p> + + <p>"Ah, Bob! if you'd leave off play and drink! They're + your ruin; worse than ague or fever."</p> + + <p>"It's no use," continued Bob, as if he did not hear + the judge's remark; "it must out. I fo't agin it, and + thought to drive it away, but it can't be done. I've put a + bit of lead into several before now, but this + one"——</p> + + <p>"What's that?" cried the judge, chucking his cigar + away, and looking sternly at Bob. "What's up now? What are + you saying about a bit of lead? None of your Sodoma and Lower Natchez + tricks, I hope? They won't do here. Don't understand such + jokes."</p> + + <p>"Pooh! they don't understand them a bit more in Natchez. + If they did, I shouldn't be in Texas."</p> + + <p>"The less said of that the better, Bob. You promised to lead + a new life here; so we won't rake up old stories."</p> + + <p>"I did, I did!" groaned Bob; "but it's all no + use. I shall never be better till I'm hung."</p> + + <p>I stared at the man in astonishment. The judge, however, took + another cigar, lighted it, and, after puffing out a cloud of smoke, + said, very unconcernedly"—</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_787" id="Page_787">[Pg + 787]</a></span></p> + + <p>"Not better till you're hung! What do you want to be hung + for? To be sure, you should have been long ago, if the Georgia and + Alabama papers don't lie. But we are not in the States here, but + in Texas, under Mexican laws. It's nothing to us what you've + done yonder. Where there is no accuser there can be no + judge."</p> + + <p>"Send away the nigger, squire," said Bob. "What a + free white man has to say, shouldn't be heard by black + ears."</p> + + <p>"Go away, Ptoly," said the judge. "Now, then," + added he, turning to Bob, "say what you have to say; but mind, + nobody forces you to do it, and it's only out of good will that I + listen to you, for to-day's Sunday."</p> + + <p>"I know that," muttered Bob; "I know that, squire; + but it leaves me no peace, and it must out. I've been to San + Felipe de Austin, to Anahuac, every where, but it's all no use. + Wherever I go, the spectre follows me, and drives me back under the + cursed Patriarch."</p> + + <p>"Under the Patriarch!" exclaimed the judge.</p> + + <p>"Ay, under the Patriarch!" groaned Bob. "Don't + you know the Patriarch; the old live oak near the ford, on the + Jacinto?"</p> + + <p>"I know, I know!" answered the Judge. "And what + drives you under the Patriarch?"</p> + + <p>"What drives me? What drives a man + who—who"——</p> + + <p>"A man who"—— repeated the judge, + gently.</p> + + <p>"A man," continued Bob, in the same low tone, "who + has sent a rifle bullet into another's heart. He lies there, + under the Patriarch, whom I"——</p> + + <p>"Whom you?" asked the judge.</p> + + <p>"<i>Whom I killed!</i>" said Bob, in a hollow + whisper.</p> + + <p>"Killed!" exclaimed the judge. "You killed him? + Whom?"</p> + + <p>"Ah! whom? Why don't you let me speak? You always + interrupt me with your palaver," growled Bob.</p> + + <p>"You are getting saucy, Bob," said the judge + impatiently. "Go on, however. I reckon it's only one of your + usual tantrums."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head. The judge looked keenly at him for a moment, + and then resumed in a sort of confidential, encouraging tone.</p> + + <p>"Under the Patriarch; and how did he come under the + Patriarch?"</p> + + <p>"I dragged him there, and buried him there," replied + Bob.</p> + + <p>"Dragged him there! Why did you drag him there?"</p> + + <p>"Because he couldn't go himself, with more than half an + ounce of lead in his body."</p> + + <p>"And <i>you</i> put the half ounce of lead into him, Bob? + Well, if it was Johnny, you've done the country a service, and + saved it a rope."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head negatively.</p> + + <p>"It wasn't Johnny, although—— But you shall + hear all about it. It's just ten days since you paid me twenty + dollars fifty."</p> + + <p>"I did so, Bob; twenty dollars fifty cents, and I advised you + at the same time to let the money lie till you had a couple of + hundred dollars, or enough to buy a quarter or an eighth of Sitio + land; but advice is thrown away upon you."</p> + + <p>"When I got the money, I thought I'd go down to San + Felipe, to the Mexicans, and try my luck; and, at the same time, see + the doctor about my fever. As I was goin' there, I passed near + Johnny's house, and fancied a glass, but determined not to get + off my horse. I rode up to the window, and looked in. There was a man + sittin' at the table, havin' a hearty good dinner of steaks + and potatoes, and washin' it down with a stiff glass of grog. I + began to feel hungry myself, and while I was considerin' whether + I should 'light or not, Johnny came sneakin' out, and + whispered to me to come in, that there was a man inside with whom + somethin' might be done if we went the right way to work; a man + who had a leather belt round his waist cram-full of hard Jackson; and + that, if we got out the cards and pretended to play a little + together, he would soon take the bait and join us.</p> + + <p>"I wasn't much inclined to do it," continued Bob; + "but Johnny bothered me so to go in, that I got off my horse. As + I did so the dollars chinked in my pocket, and the sound gave me a + wish to play.</p> + + <p>"I went in; and Johnny fetched the whisky bottle. One glass + followed another. There were beefsteaks and potatoes too, but I only + eat a couple of mouthfuls. When I had <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_788" id="Page_788">[Pg 788]</a></span> drank two, three, ay, + four glasses, Johnny brought the cards and dice. 'Hallo, + Johnny!' says I; 'cards and dice, Johnny! I've twenty + dollars fifty in my pocket. Let's have a game! But no more drink + for me; for I know you, Johnny, I know you'——</p> + + <p>"Johnny larfed slyly, and rattled the dice, and we sat down + to play. I hadn't meant to drink any more, but play makes one + thirsty; and with every glass I got more eager, and my dollars got + fewer. I reckoned, however, that the stranger would join us, and that + I should be able to win back from him; but not a bit of it: he sat + quite quiet, and eat and drank as if he didn't see we were there. + I went on playin' madder than ever, and before half an hour was + over, I was cleaned out; my twenty dollars fifty gone to the devil, + or what's the same thing, into Johnny's pocket.</p> + + <p>"When I found myself without a cent, I <i>was</i> mad, I + reckon. It warn't the first time, nor the hundredth, that I had + lost money. Many bigger sums than that—ay, hundreds and + thousands of dollars had I played away—but they had none of + them cost me the hundredth or thousandth part of the trouble to get + that these twenty dollars fifty had; two full months had I been + slavin' away in the woods and prairies to airn them, and I caught + the fever there. The fever I had still, but no money to cure it with. + Johnny only larfed in my face, and rattled my dollars. I made a hit + at him, which, if he hadn't jumped on one side, would have cured + him of larfin' for a week or two.</p> + + <p>"Presently, however, he came sneakin' up to me, and + winkin' and whisperin'; and, 'Bob!' says he, 'is + it come to that with you? are you grown so chicken-hearted that you + don't see the beltful of money round his body?' said he, + lookin' at it. 'No end of hard coin, I guess; and all to be + had for little more than half an ounce of lead.'"</p> + + <p>"Did he say that?" asked the judge.</p> + + <p>"Ay, that did he, but I wouldn't listen to him. I was mad + with him for winning my twenty dollars; and I told him that, if he + wanted the stranger's purse, he might take it himself, and be + d——d; that I wasn't goin' to pull the hot + chestnuts out of the fire for him. And I got on my horse, and rode + away like mad.</p> + + <p>"My head spun round like a mill. I couldn't get over my + loss. I took the twenty dollars fifty more to heart than any money I + had ever gambled. I didn't know where to go. I didn't dare go + back to you, for I knew you'd scold me."</p> + + <p>"I shouldn't have scolded you, Bob; or, if I had, it + would only have been for your good. I should have summoned Johnny + before me, called together a jury of twelve of the neighbours, got + you back your twenty dollars fifty, and sent Johnny out of the + country; or, better still, out of the world."</p> + + <p>These words were spoken with much phlegm, but yet with a degree of + feeling and sympathy, which greatly improved my opinion of the worthy + judge. Bob also seemed touched. He drew a deep sigh, and gazed at the + Alcalde with a melancholy look.</p> + + <p>"It's too late," muttered he; "too late, + squire."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps not," replied the judge, "but let's + hear the rest."</p> + + <p>"Well," continued Bob, "I kept riding on at random, + and when evenin' came I found myself near the palmetta field on + the bank of the Jacinto. As I was ridin' past it, I heard all at + once the tramp of a horse. At that moment the queerest feelin' I + ever had came over me; a sort of cold shiverin' feel. I forgot + where I was; sight and hearin' left me; I could only see two + things, my twenty dollars fifty, and the well-filled belt of the + stranger I had left at Johnny's. Just then a voice called to + me.</p> + + <p>"'Whence come, countryman, and whither going?' it + said.</p> + + <p>"'Whence and whether,' answered I, as surly as could + be; 'to the devil at a gallop, and you'd better ride on and + tell him I'm comin'.'</p> + + <p>"'You can do the errand yourself,' answered the + stranger larfin'; 'my road don't lie that way.'</p> + + <p>"As he spoke, I looked round, and saw, what I was pretty sure + of before, that it was the man with the belt full of money.</p> + + <p>"'Ain't you the stranger I see'd in the inn + yonder?' asked he.</p> + + <p>"'And if I am,' says I; 'what's that to + you?'</p> + + <p>"'Nothin',' said he; 'nothin', + certainly.'</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_789" id="Page_789">[Pg + 789]</a></span></p> + + <p>"'Better ride on,' says I; 'and leave me + quiet.'</p> + + <p>"'Will so, stranger; but you needn't take it so + mighty onkind. A word ain't a tomahawk, I reckon,' said he. + 'But I rayther expect your losin's at play ain't put you + in a very church-goin' humour; and, if I was you, I'd keep my + dollars in my pocket, and not set them on cards and dice.'</p> + + <p>"This put me in a rile to hear him cast my losin's in my + teeth that way.</p> + + <p>"'You're a nice feller,' said I, 'to throw a + man's losses in his face. A pitiful chap <i>you</i> are,' + says I.</p> + + <p>"I thought to provoke him, and that he'd tackle me. But + he seemed to have no fancy for a fight, for he said quite humble + like—</p> + + <p>"'I throw nothin' in your face; God forbid that I + should reproach you with your losses! I'm sorry for you, on the + contrary. Don't look like a man who can afford to lose his + dollars. Seem to me one who airns his money by hard work.'</p> + + <p>"We were just then halted at the further end of the cane + brake, close to the trees that border the Jacinto. I had turned my + horse, and was frontin' the stranger. And all the time the devil + was busy whisperin' to me, and pointin' to the belt round the + man's waist. I could see where it was, plain enough, though he + had buttoned his coat over it.</p> + + <p>"'Hard work, indeed,' says I; 'and now I've + lost every thing; not a cent left for a quid of baccy.'</p> + + <p>"'If that's all,' says he; 'there's help + for that. I don't chew myself, and I ain't a rich man; + I've wife and children, and want every cent I've got, but + it's one's duty to help a countryman. You shall have money + for tobacco and a dram.'</p> + + <p>"And so sayin', he took a purse out of his pocket, in + which he carried his change. It was plenty full; there may have been + some twenty dollars in it; and as he drew the string, it was as if + the devil laughed and nodded to me out of the openin' of the + purse.</p> + + <p>"'Halves!' cried I.</p> + + <p>"'No, not that,' says he; 'I've wife and + child, and what I have belongs to them; but half a + dollar'——</p> + + <p>"'Halves!' cried I again; 'or + else'——</p> + + <p>"'Or else?' repeated he: and, as he spoke, he put the + purse back into his pocket, and laid hold of the rifle which was + slung on his shoulder.</p> + + <p>"'Don't force one to do you a mischief,' said he. + 'Don't' says he; 'we might both be sorry for it. What + you're thinkin' of brings no blessin'.'</p> + + <p>"I was past seein' or hearin'. A thousand devils from + hell were possessin' me.</p> + + <p>"'Halves!' I yelled out; and, as I said the word, he + sprang out of the saddle, and fell back over his horse's crupper + to the ground.</p> + + <p>"'I'm a dead man!' cried he; as well as the + rattle in his throat would let him. 'God be merciful to me! My + poor wife, my poor children!'"</p> + + <p>Bob paused; he gasped for breath, and the sweat stood in large + drops upon his forehead. He gazed wildly round the room. The judge + himself looked very pale. I tried to rise, but sank back in my chair. + Without the table I believe I should have fallen to the ground.</p> + + <p>There was a gloomy pause of some moments' duration. At last + the judge broke silence.</p> + + <p>"A hard, hard case!" said he. "Father, mother, + children, all at one blow. Bob, you are a bad fellow; a very bad + fellow; a great villain!"</p> + + <p>"A great villain," groaned Bob. "The ball was gone + right through his breast."</p> + + <p>"Perhaps your gun went off by accident," said the judge + anxiously. "Perhaps it was his own ball."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head.</p> + + <p>"I see him now, judge, as plain as can be, when he said, + 'Don't force me to do you a mischief. We might both be sorry + for it.' But I pulled the trigger. His bullet is still in his + rifle.</p> + + <p>"When I saw him lie dead before me, I can't tell you what + I felt. It warn't the first I had sent to his account; but yet I + would have given all the purses and money in the world to have had + him alive agin. I must have dragged him under the Patriarch, and dug + a grave with my huntin' knife; for I found him there + afterwards."</p> + + <p>"You found him there?" repeated the judge.</p> + + <p>"Yes. I don't know how he came there. I must have brought + him, but I recollect nothin' about it."</p> + + <p>The judge had risen from his chair, <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_790" id="Page_790">[Pg 790]</a></span> and was walking up and + down the room, apparently in deep thought. Suddenly he stopped + short.</p> + + <p>"What have you done with his money?"</p> + + <p>"I took his purse, but buried his belt with him, as well as a + flask of rum, and some bread and beef he had brought away from + Johnny's. I set out for San Felipe, and rode the whole day. In + the evenin', when I looked about me, expectin' to see the + town, where do you think I was?"</p> + + <p>The judge and I stared at him.</p> + + <p>"Under the Patriarch. The ghost of the murdered man had + driven me there. I had no peace till I'd dug him up and buried + him again. Next day I set off in another direction. I was out of + tobacco, and I started across the prairie to Anahuac. Lord, what a + day I passed! Wherever I went, <i>he</i> stood before me. If I + turned, <i>he</i> turned too. Sometimes he came behind me, and looked + over my shoulder. I spurred my mustang till the blood came, + hopin' to get away from him, but it was all no use. I thought + when I got to Anahuac I should be quit of him, and I galloped on as + if for life or death. But in the evenin', instead of bein' + close to the salt-works as I expected, there I was agin, under the + Patriarch. I dug him up a second time, and sat and stared at him, and + then buried him agin."</p> + + <p>"Queer that," observed the judge.</p> + + <p>"Ay, very queer!" said Bob mournfully. "But + it's all no use. Nothin' does me any good. I sha'n't + be better—I shall never have peace till I'm hung."</p> + + <p>Bob evidently felt relieved now, he had in a manner passed + sentence on himself. Strange as it may appear, I had a similar + feeling, and could not help nodding my head approvingly. The judge + alone preserved an unmoved countenance.</p> + + <p>"Indeed!" said he, "indeed! You think you'll be + no better till you're hung."</p> + + <p>"Yes," answered Bob, with eager haste. "Hung on the + same tree under which <i>he</i> lies buried."</p> + + <p>"Well, if you will have it so, we'll see what can be done + for you. We'll call a jury of the neighbours together + to-morrow."</p> + + <p>"Thank ye, squire," murmured Bob, visibly comforted by + this promise.</p> + + <p>"We'll summon a jury," repeated the Alcalde, + "and see what can be done for you. You'll perhaps have + changed your mind by that time."</p> + + <p>I stared at him like one fallen from the clouds, but he did not + seem to notice my surprise.</p> + + <p>"There is, perhaps, another way to get rid of your life, if + you are tired of it," he continued. "We might, perhaps, hit + upon one that would satisfy your conscience."</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head. I involuntarily made the same movement.</p> + + <p>"At any rate, we'll hear what the neighbours say," + added the judge.</p> + + <p>Bob stepped up to the judge, and held out his hand to bid him + farewell. The other did not take it, and turning to me, + said—"<i>You</i> had better stop here, I think."</p> + + <p>Bob turned round impetuously.</p> + + <p>"The gentleman must come with me."</p> + + <p>"Why must he?" said the judge.</p> + + <p>"Ask himself."</p> + + <p>I again explained the obligations I was under to Bob; how we had + fallen in with one another, and what care and attention he had shown + me at Johnny's.</p> + + <p>The judge nodded approvingly."Nevertheless," said he, + "you will remain here, and Bob will go alone. You are in a state + of mind, Bob, in which a man is better alone, d'ye see; and so + leave the young man here. Another misfortune might happen; and, at + any rate, he's better here than at Johnny's. Come back + to-morrow, and we'll see what can be done for you."</p> + + <p>These words were spoken in a decided manner, which seemed to have + its effect upon Bob. He nodded assentingly, and left the room. I + remained staring at the judge, and lost in wonder at these strange + proceedings.</p> + + <p>When Bob was gone, the Alcalde gave a blast on a shell, which + supplied the place of a bell. Then seizing the cigar box, he tried + one cigar after another, broke them peevishly up, and threw the + pieces out of the window. The negro whom the shell had summoned, + stood for some time waiting, while his master broke up the cigars, + and threw them away. At <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_791" id= + "Page_791">[Pg 791]</a></span> last the judge's patience seemed + quite to leave him.</p> + + <p>"Hark ye, Ptoly!" growled he to the frightened black, + "the next time you bring me cigars that neither draw nor smoke, + I'll make your back smoke for it. Mind that, + now;—there's not a single one of them worth a rotten maize + stalk. Tell that old coffee-coloured hag of Johnny's, that + I'll have no more of her cigars. Ride over to Mr Ducie's and + fetch a box. And, d'ye hear? Tell him I want to speak a word with + him and the neighbours. Ask him to bring the neighbours with him + to-morrow morning. And mind you're home again by two o'clock. + Take the mustang we caught last week. I want to see how he + goes."</p> + + <p>The negro listened to these various commands with open mouth and + staring eyes, then giving a perplexed look at his master, shot out of + the room.</p> + + <p>"Where away, Ptoly?" shouted the Alcalde after him.</p> + + <p>"To Massa Ducie."</p> + + <p>"Without a pass, Ptoly? And what are you going to say to Mr + Ducie?"</p> + + <p>"Him nebber send bad cigar again, him coffee-cullud hag. + Massa speak to Johnny and neighbours. Johnny bring neighbours + here."</p> + + <p>"I thought as much," said the judge with perfect + equanimity. "Wait a minute, I'll write the pass, and a + couple of lines for Mr Ducie."</p> + + <p>This was soon done, and the negro dispatched on his errand. The + judge waited till he heard the sound of his horse's feet + galloping away, and then, laying hold of the box of despised cigars, + lit the first which came to hand. It smoked capitally, as did also + one that I took. They were Principes, and as good as I ever + tasted.</p> + + <p>I passed the whole of that day <i>tęte ŕ tęte</i> with the judge, + who, I soon found, knew various friends of mine in the States. I told + him the circumstances under which I had come to Texas, and the + intention I had of settling there, should I find the country to my + liking. During our long conversation, I was able to form a very + different, and much more favourable estimate of his character, than I + had done from his interview with Bob. He was the very man to be + useful to a new country; of great energy, sound judgment, enlarged + and liberal views. He gave me some curious information as to the + state of things in Texas; and did not think it necessary to conceal + from me, as an American, and one who intended settling in the + country, that there was a plan in agitation for throwing off the + Mexican yoke, and declaring Texas an independent republic. The + high-spirited, and, for the most part, intelligent emigrants from the + United States, who formed a very large majority of the population of + Texas, saw themselves, with no very patient feeling, under the rule + of a people both morally and physically inferior to themselves. They + looked with contempt, and justly so, on the bigoted, idle, and + ignorant Mexicans, while the difference of religion, and interference + of the priests, served to increase the dislike between the Spanish + and Anglo-American races.</p> + + <p>Although the project was as yet not quite ripe for execution, it + was discussed freely and openly by the American settlers. "It is + the interest of every man to keep it secret," said the judge; + "and there can be nothing to induce even the worst amongst us to + betray a cause, by the success of which he is sure to profit. We have + many bad characters in Texas, the offscourings of the United States, + men like Bob, or far worse than him; but debauched, gambling, drunken + villains though they be, they are the men we want when it comes to a + struggle; and when that time arrives, they will all be found ready to + put their shoulders to the wheel, use knife and rifle, and shed the + last drop of their blood in defence of their fellow citizens, and of + the new and independent republic of Texas. At this moment, we must + wink at many things which would be severely punished in an older and + more settled country; each man's arm is of immense value to the + State; for, on the day of battle, we shall have, not two to one, but + twenty to one opposed to us."</p> + + <p>I was awakened the following morning by the sound of a horse's + feet; and, looking out of the window, saw Bob dismounting from his + mustang. The last twenty-four hours had told fearfully upon him. His + limbs seemed powerless, and he reeled <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_792" id="Page_792">[Pg 792]</a></span> nd staggered in such a + manner, that I at first thought him intoxicated. But such was not the + case. His was the deadly weariness caused by mental anguish. He + looked like one just taken off the rack.</p> + + <p>Hastily pulling on my clothes, I hurried down stairs, and opened + the house door. Bob stood with his head resting on his horse's + neck, and his hands crossed, shivering, and groaning. When I spoke to + him, he looked up, but did not seem to know me. I tied his horse to a + post, and taking his hand, led him into the house. He followed like a + child, apparently without the will or the power to resist; and when I + placed him in a chair, he fell into it with a weight that made it + crack under him, and shook the house. I could not get him to speak, + and was about to return to my room to complete my toilet, when I + again heard the tramp of mustangs. This was a party of half a dozen + horsemen, all dressed in hunting shirts over buckskin breeches and + jackets, and armed with rifles and bowie-knives; stout, daring + looking fellows, evidently from the south-western states, with the + true Kentucky half horse half alligator profile, and the usual + allowance of thunder, lightning, and earthquake. It struck me when I + saw them, that two or three thousand such men would have small + difficulty in dealing with a whole army of Mexicans, if the latter + were all of the pigmy, spindle-shanked breed I had seen on first + landing. These giants could easily have walked away with a Mexican in + each hand.</p> + + <p>They jumped off their horses, and threw the bridles to the negroes + in the usual Kentuckian devil-may-care style, and then walked into + the house with the air of people who make themselves at home every + where, and who knew themselves to be more masters in Texas than the + Mexicans themselves. On entering the parlour, they nodded a + "good-morning" to me, rather coldly to be sure, for they + had seen me talking with Bob, which probably did not much recommend + me. Presently, four more horsemen rode up, and then a third party, so + that there were now fourteen of them assembled, all decided-looking + men, in the prime of life and strength. The judge, who slept in an + adjoining room, had been awakened by the noise. I heard him jump out + of bed, and not three minutes elapsed before he entered the + parlour.</p> + + <p>After he had shaken hands with all his visitors, he presented me + to them, and I found that I was in the presence of no less important + persons than the Ayuntamiento of San Felipe de Austin; and that two + of my worthy countrymen were corregidors, one a procurador, and the + others <i>buenos hombres</i>, or freeholders. They did not seem, + however, to prize their titles much, for they addressed one another + by their surnames only.</p> + + <p>The negro brought a light, opened the cigar box, and arranged the + chairs; the judge pointed to the sideboard, and to the cigars, and + then sat down. Some took a dram, others lit a cigar.</p> + + <p>Several minutes elapsed, during which the men sat in perfect + silence, as if they were collecting their thoughts, or, as though it + were undignified to show any haste or impatience to speak. This grave + sort of deliberation which is met with among certain classes, and in + certain provinces of the Union, has often struck me as a curious + feature of our national character. It partakes of the stoical dignity + of the Indian at his council fire, and of the stern, religious + gravity of the early puritan settlers in America.</p> + + <p>During this pause Bob was writhing on his chair like a worm, his + face concealed by his hands, his elbows on his knees. At last, when + all had drank and smoked, the judge laid down his cigar.</p> + + <p>"Men!" said he.</p> + + <p>"Squire!" answered they.</p> + + <p>"We've a business before us, which I calculate will be + best explained by him whom it concerns."</p> + + <p>The men looked at the squire, then at Bob, then at me.</p> + + <p>"Bob Rock! or whatever your name may be, if you have aught to + say, say it!" continued the judge.</p> + + <p>"Said it all yesterday," muttered Bob, his face still + covered by his hands.</p> + + <p>"Yes, but you must say it again to-day. Yesterday was Sunday, + and Sunday is a day of rest, and not of business. I will neither + judge you, nor allow you to be judged, by what you said yesterday. + Besides, it was all between ourselves, for I don't reckon Mr + Rivers as any thing; I count him still as a stranger."</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_793" id="Page_793">[Pg + 793]</a></span></p> + + <p>"What's the use of so much palaver, when the thing's + plain enough?" said Bob peevishly, raising his head as he + spoke.</p> + + <p>The men stared at him in grave astonishment. He was really + frightful to behold, his face of a sort of blue tint; his cheeks + hollow, his beard wild and ragged; his blood-shot eyes rolling, and + deep sunk in their sockets. His appearance was scarcely human.</p> + + <p>"I tell you, again," said the judge, "I will + condemn no man upon his own word alone; much less you, who have been + in my service, and eaten of my bread. You accused yourself yesterday, + but you were delirious at the time—you had the fever upon + you."</p> + + <p>"It's no use, squire," said Bob, apparently touched + by the kindness of the judge, "You mean well, I see; butt though + you might deliver me out of men's hands, you couldn't rescue + me from myself. It's no use—I must be hung—hung on + the same tree under which the man I killed lies buried."</p> + + <p>The men, or the jurors, as I may call them, looked at one another, + but said nothing.</p> + + <p>"It's no use," again cried Bob, in a shrill, + agonized tone. "If he had attacked me, or only threatened me; + but no, he didn't do it. I hear his words still, when he said, + 'Do it not, man! I've wife and child. What you intend, brings + no blessin' on the doer.' But I heard nothin' then except + the voice of the devil; I brought the rifle + down—levelled—fired."</p> + + <p>The man's agony was so intense, that even the iron featured + jury seemed moved by it. They cast sharp, but stolen glances at Bob. + There was a short silence.</p> + + <p>"So you have killed a man?" said a deep bass voice at + last.</p> + + <p>"Ay, that have I!" gasped Bob.</p> + + <p>"And how came that?" continued his questioner.</p> + + <p>"How it came? You must ask the devil, or Johnny. No, not + Johnny, he can tell you nothing; he was not there. No one can tell + you but me; and I hardly know how it was. The man was at + Johnny's, and Johnny showed me his belt full of money."</p> + + <p>"Johnny!" exclaimed several of the jury.</p> + + <p>"Ay, Johnny! He reckoned on winning it from him, but the man + was too cautious for that; and when Johnny had plucked all my + feathers, won my twenty dollars fifty"——</p> + + <p>"Twenty dollars fifty cents," interposed the judge, + "which I paid him for catching mustangs and shooting + game."</p> + + <p>The men nodded.</p> + + <p>"And then because he wouldn't play, you shot him?" + asked the same deep-toned voice as before.</p> + + <p>"No—some hours after—by the Jacinto, near the + Patriarch—met him down there and killed him."</p> + + <p>"Thought there was something out o' the common + thereaway," said one of the jury; "for as we rode by the + tree a whole nation of kites and turkey buzzards flew out. Didn't + they, Mr Heart?"</p> + + <p>Mr Heart nodded.</p> + + <p>"Met him by the river, and cried, halves of his money," + continued Bob mechanically. "He said he'd give me something + to buy a quid, and more than enough for that, but not halves + 'I've wife and child,' said he"——</p> + + <p>"And you?" asked the juror with the deep voice, which + this time, however, had a hollow sound in it.</p> + + <p>"Shot him down," said Bob, with a wild hoarse laugh.</p> + + <p>For some time no word was spoken.</p> + + <p>"And who was the man?" said a juror at last.</p> + + <p>"Didn't ask him; and it warn't written on his face. + He was from the States; but whether a hosier, or a buckeye, or a + mudhead, is more than I can say."</p> + + <p>"The thing must be investigated, Alcalde," said another + of the jury after a second pause.</p> + + <p>"It must so," answered the Alcalde.</p> + + <p>"What's the good of so much investigation?" grumbled + Bob.</p> + + <p>"What good?" repeated the Alcalde. "Because we owe + it to ourselves, to the dead man, and to you, not to sentence you + without having held an inquest on the body. There's another thing + which I must call your attention to," continued he, turning to + the jury; "the man is half out of his mind—not <i>compos + mentis</i>, as they say. He's got the fever, and had it when he + did the deed; he was urged on by Johnny, and maddened by his losses + at play. In spite of his wild excitement, however, he saved that + gentleman's life yonder, Mr Edward Nathanael Rivers."</p> + + <p>"Did he so?" said one of the jury.</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_794" id="Page_794">[Pg + 794]</a></span></p> + + <p>"That did he," replied I, "not only by saving me + from drowning when my horse dragged me, half dead and helpless, into + the river, but also by the care and attention he forced Johnny and + his mulatto to bestow upon me. Without him I should not be alive at + this moment."</p> + + <p>Bob gave me a look which went to my heart. The tears were standing + in his eyes. The jury heard me in deep silence.</p> + + <p>"It seems that Johnny led you on and excited you to + this?" said one of the jurors.</p> + + <p>"I didn't say that. I only said that he pointed to the + man's money bag, and said—— But what is it to you + what Johnny said? I'm the man who did it. I speak for myself, and + I'll be hanged for myself."</p> + + <p>"All very good, Bob," interposed the Alcalde; "but + we can't hang you without being sure you deserve it. What do you + say to it, Mr Whyte? You're the procurador—and you, Mr + Heart and Mr Stone? Help yourselves to rum or brandy; and, Mr Bright + and Irwin, take another cigar. They're considerable tolerable the + cigars—ain't they? That's brandy, Mr Whyte, in the + diamond bottle."</p> + + <p>Mr Whyte had got up to give his opinion, as I thought, but I was + mistaken. He stepped to the sideboard, took up a bottle in one hand + and a glass in the other, every movement being performed with the + greatest deliberation.</p> + + <p>"Well, squire," said he, "or rather + <i>Alcalde</i>"——</p> + + <p>After the word <i>Alcalde</i>, he filled the glass half full of + rum.</p> + + <p>"If it's as we've heard," added he, pouring + about a spoonful of water on the rum, "and Bob has killed the + man"—he continued, throwing in some lumps of + sugar—"murdered him"—he went on, crushing the + sugar with a wooden stamp—"I rather + calkilate"—here he raised the glass—"Bob ought + to be hung," he concluded, putting the tumbler to his mouth and + emptying it.</p> + + <p>The jurors nodded in silence. Bob drew a deep breath, as if a load + were taken off his breast.</p> + + <p>"Well," said the judge, who did not look over well + pleased; "if you all think so, and Bob is agreed, I calculate we + must do as he wishes. I tell you, though, I don't do it + willingly. At any rate we must find the dead man first, and examine + Johnny. We owe that to ourselves and to Bob."</p> + + <p>"Certainly," said the jury with one voice.</p> + + <p>"You are a dreadful murderer, Bob a very considerable + one," continued the judge; "but I tell you to your face, + and not to flatter you, there is more good in your little finger than + in Johnny's whole hide. And I'm sorry for you, because, at + the bottom, you are not a bad man, though you've been led away by + bad company and example. I calculate you might still be reformed, and + made very useful—more so, perhaps, than you think. Your + rifle's a capital good one."</p> + + <p>At these last words the men all looked up, and threw a keen + enquiring glance at Bob.</p> + + <p>"You might be of great service," continued the judge + encouragingly, "to the country and to your fellow-citizens. + You're worth a dozen Mexicans any day."</p> + + <p>While the judge was speaking, Bob let his head fall on his breast, + and seemed reflecting. He now looked up.</p> + + <p>"I understand, squire; I see what you're drivin' at. + But I can't do it—I can't wait so long. My life's a + burthen and a sufferin' to me. Wherever I go, by day or by night, + he's always there, standin' before me, and drivin' me + under the Patriarch."</p> + + <p>There was a pause of some duration. The Judge resumed.</p> + + <p>"So be it, then," said he with a sort of suppressed + sigh. "We'll see the body to-day, Bob, and you may come + to-morrow at ten o'clock."</p> + + <p>"Couldn't it be sooner?" asked Bob impatiently.</p> + + <p>"Why sooner? Are you in such a hurry?" asked Mr + Heart.</p> + + <p>"What's the use of palaverin'?" said Bob + sulkily. "I told you already I'm sick of my life. If you + don't come till ten o'clock, by the time you've had your + talk out and ridden to the Patriarch, the fever'll be upon + me."</p> + + <p>"But we can't be flying about like a parcel of wild + geese, because of your fever," said the procurador.</p> + + <p>"Certainly not," said Bob humbly.</p> + + <p>"It's an ugly customer the fever, though, Mr Whyte," + observed Mr Trace; "and I calculate we ought to do him that + pleasure. What do you think, squire?"</p> + + <p>"I reckon he's rather indiscreet in his + askin's," said the judge, in a tone of <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_795" id="Page_795">[Pg 795]</a></span> + vexation. "However, as he wishes it, and if it is agreeable to + you," added he, turning to the Ayuntamiento; "and as + it's you, Bob, I calculate we must do what you ask."</p> + + <p>"Thankee," said Bob.</p> + + <p>"Nothing to thank for," growled the judge. "And now + go into the kitchen and get a good meal of roast beef, d'ye + hear?" He knocked upon the table. "Some good roast beef for + Bob," said he to a negress who entered; "and see that he + eats it. And get your self dressed more decently, Bob—like a + white man and a Christian, not like a wild redskin."</p> + + <p>The negress and Bob left the room. The conversation now turned + upon Johnny, who appeared, from all accounts, to be a very bad and + dangerous fellow; and after a short discussion, they agreed to lynch + him, in backwoodsman's phrase, just as cooly as if they had been + talking of catching a mustang. When the men had come to this + satisfactory conclusion, they got up, drank the judge's health + and mine, shook us by the hand, and left the house.</p> + + <p>The day passed more heavily than the preceding one. I was too much + engrossed with the strange scene I had witnessed to talk much. The + judge, too, was in a very bad humour. He was vexed that a man should + be hung who might render the country much and good service if he + remained alive. That Johnny, the miserable, cowardly, treacherous + Johnny, should be sent out of the world as quickly as possible, was + perfectly correct, but with Bob it was very different. In vain did I + remind him of the crime of which Bob had been guilty—of the + outraged laws of God and man—and of the atonement due. It was + of no use. If Bob had sinned against society, he could repair his + fault much better by remaining alive than by being hung; and, for + anything else, God would avenge it in his own good time. We parted + for the night, neither of us convinced by the other's + arguments.</p> + + <p>We were sitting at breakfast the next morning, when a man, dressed + in black, rode up to the door. It was Bob, but so metamorphosed that + I scarcely knew him. Instead of the torn and bloodstained + handkerchief round his head, he wore a hat; instead of the leathern + jacket, a decent cloth coat. He had shaved off his beard too, and + looked quite another man. His manner had altered with his dress; he + seemed tranquil and resigned. With a mild and submissive look, he + held out his hand to the judge, who took it and shook it + heartily.</p> + + <p>"Ah, Bob!" said he, "if you had only listened to + what I so often told you! I had those clothes brought on purpose from + New Orleans, in order that, on Sundays at least, you might look like + a decent and respectable man. How often have I asked you to put them + on, and come with us to meeting, to hear Mr Bliss preach? There is + same truth in the saying, the coat makes the man. With his Sunday + coat, a man often puts on other and better thoughts. If that had been + your case only fifty-two times in the year, you'd have learned to + avoid Johnny before now."</p> + + <p>Bob said nothing.</p> + + <p>"Well, well! I've done all I could to make a better men + of you. All that was in my power."</p> + + <p>"That you have," answered Bob, much moved. "God + reward you for it!"</p> + + <p>I could not help holding out my hand to the worthy judge; and as I + did so I thought I saw a moistness in his eye, which he suppressed, + however, and, turning to his breakfast table, bade us sit down. Bob + thanked him humbly, but declined, saying that he wished to appear + fasting before his offended Creator. The judge insisted, and reasoned + with him, and at last he took a chair.</p> + + <p>Before we had done breakfast our friends of the preceding day + began to drop in, and some of them joined at the meal. When they had + all taken what they chose, the judge ordered the negroes to clear + away, and leave the room. This done, he seated himself at the upper + end of the table, with the Ayuntamiento on either side, and Bob + facing him.</p> + + <p>"Mr Whyte," said the Alcade, "have you, as + procurador, any thing to state?"</p> + + <p>"Yes, Alcalde," replied the procurador. "In virtue + of my office, I made a search in the place mentioned by Bob Rock, and + there found the body of a man who had met his death by a gunshot + wound. I also found a belt full of money, and several letters of + recommendation to different planters, <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_796" id="Page_796">[Pg 796]</a></span> from which it appears + that the man was on his way from Illinois to San Felipe, in order to + buy land of Colonel Austin, and to settle in Texas."</p> + + <p>The procurador then produced a pair of saddle-bags, out of which + he took a leathern belt stuffed with money, which he laid on the + table, together with the letters. The judge opened the belt, and + counted the money. It amounted to upwards of five hundred dollars, in + gold and silver. The procurador then read the letters.</p> + + <p>One of the corregidors now announced that Johnny and his mulatto + had left their house and fled. He, the corregidor, had sent people in + pursuit of them; but as yet there were no tidings of their capture. + This piece of intelligence seemed to vex the judge greatly, but he + made no remark on it at the time.</p> + + <p>"Bob Rock!" cried he.</p> + + <p>Bob stepped forward.</p> + + <p>"Bob Rock, or by whatever other name you may be known, are + you guilty or not guilty of this man's death?"</p> + + <p>"Guilty!" replied Bob, in a low tone.</p> + + <p>"Gentlemen of the jury, will you be pleased to give your + verdict?"</p> + + <p>The jury left the room. In ten minutes they returned.</p> + + <p>"Guilty!" said the foreman.</p> + + <p>"Bob Rock," said the judge solemnly, "your + fellow-citizens have found you guilty; and I pronounce the + sentence—that you be hung by the neck until you are dead. The + Lord be merciful to your soul!"</p> + + <p>"Amen!" said all present.</p> + + <p>"Thank ye," murmured Bob.</p> + + <p>"We will seal up the property of the deceased," said the + judge, "and then proceed to our painful duty."</p> + + <p>He called for a light, and he and the procurador and corregidors + sealed up the papers and money.</p> + + <p>"Has any one aught to allege why the sentence should not be + put in execution?" said the Alcalde, with a glance at me.</p> + + <p>"He saved my life, judge and fellow-citizens," cried I, + deeply moved.</p> + + <p>Bob shook his head mournfully.</p> + + <p>"Let us go, then, in God's name," said the + judge.</p> + + <p>Without another word being spoken, we left the house and mounted + our horses. The judge had brought a Bible with him; and he rode on, a + little in front, with Bob, doing his best to prepare him for the + eternity to which he was hastening. Bob listened attentively for some + time; but at last he seemed to get impatient and pushed his mustang + into so fast a trot, that for a moment we suspected him of wishing to + escape the doom he had so eagerly sought. But it was only that he + feared the fever might return before the expiration of the short time + he yet had to live.</p> + + <p>After an hour's ride, we came to the enormous live oak + distinguished as <i>the Patriarch</i>. Two or three of the men + dismounted, and held aside the heavy moss-covered branches which + swept the ground, and formed a complete curtain round the tree. The + party rode through the opening thus made, and drew up in a circle + beneath the huge leafy dome. In the centre of this ring stood Bob, + trembling like an aspen-leaf, and with his eyes fixed on a small + mound of fresh earth, partly concealed by the branches, and which had + escaped my notice on my former visit to the tree. It was the grave of + the murdered man.</p> + + <p>A magnificent burial-place was that: no poet could have dreamt or + desired a better. Above, the huge vault, with its natural frettings + and arches; below, the greenest, freshest grass; around, an eternal + half light, streaked and varied, and radiant as a rainbow. It was + imposingly beautiful.</p> + + <p>Bob, the judge, and the corregidors, remained sitting on their + horses, but several of the other men dismounted. One of the latter + cut the lasso from Bob's saddle, and threw an end of it over one + of the lowermost branches; then uniting the two ends, formed them + into a strong noose, which he left dangling from the bough. This + simple preparation completed, the Alcalde took off his hat and folded + his hands. The others followed his example.</p> + + <p>"Bob!" said the judge to the unfortunate criminal, whose + head was bowed on his horse's mane; "Bob! we will pray for + your poor soul, which is about to part from your sinful + body."</p> + + <p>Bob raised his head. "I had something to say," exclaimed + he, in a wondering and husky tone. "Something I wanted to + say."</p> + + <p>"What have you to say?"</p> + + <p>Bob stared around him; his lips <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_797" id="Page_797">[Pg 797]</a></span> moved, but no word + escaped him. His spirit was evidently no longer with things of this + earth.</p> + + <p>"Bob!" said the judge again, "we will pray for your + soul."</p> + + <p>"Pray! pray!" groaned he. "I shall need + it."</p> + + <p>In slow and solemn accents, and with great feeling, the judge + uttered the Lord's Prayer. Bob repeated every word after him. + When it was ended—</p> + + <p>"God be merciful to your soul!" exclaimed the judge.</p> + + <p>"Amen!" said all present.</p> + + <p>One of the corregidors now passed the noose of the lasso round + Bob's neck, another bound his eyes, a third person drew his feet + out of the stirrups, while a fourth stepped behind his horse with a + heavy riding-whip. All was done in the deepest silence; not a word + was breathed; not a footfall heard on the soft yielding turf. There + was something awful and oppressive in the profound stillness that + reigned in the vast enclosure.</p> + + <p>The whip fell. The horse gave a spring forwards. At the same + moment Bob made a desperate clutch at the bridle, and a loud + "Hold!" burst in thrilling tones from the lips of the + judge.</p> + + <p>It was too late, Bob was already hanging. The judge pushed + forward, nearly riding down the man who held the whip, and seizing + Bob in his arms, raised him on his own horse, supporting him with one + hand, while with the other he strove to unfasten the noose. His whole + gigantic frame trembled with eagerness and exertion. The procurador, + corregidors, all, in short, stood in open-mouthed wonder at this + strange proceeding.</p> + + <p>"Whisky! whisky! has nobody any whisky?" shouted the + judge.</p> + + <p>One of the men sprang forward with a whisky-flask, another + supported the body, and a third the feet, of the half-hanged man, + while the judge poured a few drops of spirits into his mouth. The + cravat, which had not been taken off, had hindered the breaking of + the neck. Bob at last opened his eyes, and gazed vacantly around + him.</p> + + <p>"Bob," said the judge, "you had something to say, + hadn't you, about Johnny?"</p> + + <p>"Johnny," gasped Bob; "Johnny."</p> + + <p>"What's become of him?"</p> + + <p>"He's gone to San Antonio, Johnny."</p> + + <p>"To San Antonio!" repeated the judge, with an expression + of great alarm overspreading his features.</p> + + <p>"To San Antonio—to Padre José," continued Bob; + "a Catholic. Beware!"</p> + + <p>"A traitor, then!" muttered several.</p> + + <p>"Catholic!" exclaimed the judge. The words he had heard + seemed to deprive him of all strength. His arms fell slowly and + gradually by his side, and Bob was again hanging from the lasso.</p> + + <p>"A Catholic! a traitor!" repeated several of the men; + "a citizen and a traitor!"</p> + + <p>"So it is, men!" exclaimed the judge. "We've no + time to lose," continued he, in a harsh, hurried voice; "no + time to lose; we must catch him."</p> + + <p>"That must we," said several voices, "or our plans + are betrayed to the Mexicans."</p> + + <p>"After him immediately to San Antonio!" cried the judge + with the same desperately hurried manner.</p> + + <p>"To San Antonio!" repeated the men, pushing their way + through the curtain of moss and branches. As soon as they were + outside, those who were dismounted sprang into the saddle, and, + without another word, the whole party galloped away in the direction + of San Antonio.</p> + + <p>The judge alone remained, seemingly lost in thought; his + countenance pale and anxious, and his eyes following the riders. His + reverie, however, had lasted but a very few seconds, when he seized + my arm.</p> + + <p>"Hasten to my house," cried he; "lose no time, + don't spare horse-flesh. Take Ptoly and a fresh beast; hurry over + to San Felipe, and tell Stephen Austin what has happened, and what + you have seen and heard."</p> + + <p>"But, judge"——</p> + + <p>"Off with you at once, if you would do Texas a service. Bring + my wife and daughter back."</p> + + <p>And so saying, he literally drove me from under the tree, pushing + me out with hands and feet. I was so startled at the expression of + violent impatience and anxiety which his features assumed, that, + without venturing to make further objection, I struck the spurs into + my mustang and galloped off.</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_798" id="Page_798">[Pg + 798]</a></span></p> + + <p>Before I had got fifty yards from the tree, I looked round. The + judge had disappeared.</p> + + <p>I rode full speed to the judge's house, and thence on a fresh + horse to San Felipe, where I found Colonel Austin, who seemed much + alarmed by the news I brought him, had horses saddled, and sent round + to all the neighbours. Before the wife and step-daughter of the judge + had made their preparations to accompany me home, he started with + fifty armed men in the direction of San Antonio.</p> + + <p>I escorted the ladies to their house, but scarcely had we arrived + there, when I was seized with a fever, the result of my recent + fatigues and sufferings. For some days my life was in danger, but at + last a good constitution, and the kindest and most watchful nursing, + triumphed over the disease. As soon as I was able to mount a horse, I + set out for Mr Neal's plantation, in company with his huntsman + Anthony, who, after spending many days, and riding over hundreds of + miles of ground in quest of me, had at last found me out.</p> + + <p>Our way led up past the Patriarch, and, as we approached it, we + saw innumerable birds of prey, and carrion crows circling round it, + croaking and screaming. I turned my eyes in another direction; but, + nevertheless, I felt a strange sort of longing to revisit the tree. + Anthony had ridden on, and was already hidden from view behind its + branches. Presently I heard him give a loud shout of exultation. I + jumped off my horse, and led it through a small opening in the + leafage.</p> + + <p>Some forty paces from me the body of a man was hanging by a lasso + from the very same branch on which Bob had been hung. It was not Bob, + however, for the corpse was much too short and small for him.</p> + + <p>I drew nearer. "Johnny!" I exclaimed "That's + Johnny!"</p> + + <p>"It <i>was</i>," answered Anthony. "Thank Heaven, + there's an end of him!"</p> + + <p>I shuddered. "But where is Bob?"</p> + + <p>"Bob?" cried Anthony. "Bob!"</p> + + <p>He glanced towards the grave. The mound of earth seemed to me + larger and higher than when I had last seen it. Doubtless the + murderer lay beside his victim.</p> + + <p>"Shall we not render the last service to this wretch, + Anthony?" asked I.</p> + + <p>"The scoundrel!" answered the huntsman. "I + won't dirty my hands with him. Let him poison the kites and the + crows!"</p> + + <p>We rode on.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_798b" id= + "Page_798b"></a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="DEATH_FROM_THE_STING_OF_A_SERPENT" id= + "DEATH_FROM_THE_STING_OF_A_SERPENT"></a>DEATH FROM THE STING OF A + SERPENT.</h2> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i6">As when a monstrous snake, with flaming + crest,</span> <span class="i6">Some wretch within its glittering + folds has press'd—</span> <span class="i6">He vainly + struggles to escape its fangs,</span> <span class="i6">The + reptile triumphs, and the victim hangs</span> <span class= + "i6">His head in agony, and bending low,</span> <span class= + "i6">Feels the cursed venom through his life-blood flow.</span> + <span class="i6">On through his veins the burning poison + speeds,</span> <span class="i6">Drinks up his spirit—on his + vitals feeds,</span> <span class="i6">Till, tortured life + extinct, the senseless clay</span> <span class="i6">In hideous + dissolution melts away.</span> + </div> + </div> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 42em;">M. J.</span> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_799" id="Page_799">[Pg + 799]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="GIFTS_OF_TEREK" id="GIFTS_OF_TEREK"></a>GIFTS OF + TÉREK.</h2> + + <h3>TRANSLATED FROM THE RUSSIAN OF LERMONTOFF. BY T. B. SHAW.</h3> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Térek<a name="FNanchor_21_21" id= + "FNanchor_21_21"></a><a href="#Footnote_21_21" class= + "fnanchor">[21]</a> bellows, wildly sweeping</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Past the cliffs, so swift and + strong;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Like a tempest is his + weeping,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Flies his spray like tears + along.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">O'er the steppe now slowly + veering—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Calm but faithless looketh + he—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">With a voice of love + endearing</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Murmurs to the Caspian + sea:</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">"Give me way, old sea! I + greet thee;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Give me refuge in thy + breast;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Far and fast I've rush'd + to meet thee—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">It is tine for me to + rest.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Cradled in Kazbék, and + cherish'd</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">From the bosom of the + cloud,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Strong am I, and all have + perish'd</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Who would stop my current + proud.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">For thy sons' delight, O + Ocean!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">I've crush'd the crags of + Dariál,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Onward my resistless + motion,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Like a flock, hath swept them + all."</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Still on his smooth shore + reclining,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Lay the Caspian as in + sleep;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">While the Térek, softly + shining,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">To the old sea murmur'd + deep:—</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">"Lo! a gift upon my + water—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Lo! no common + offering—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Floating from the field of + slaughter,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">A Kabárdinetz<a name= + "FNanchor_22_22" id="FNanchor_22_22"></a><a href="#Footnote_22_22" + class="fnanchor">[22]</a> I bring.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">All in shining mail he's + shrouded—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Plates of steel his arms + enfold;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Blood the Koran verse hath + clouded,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">That thereon is writ in + gold:</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">His pale brow is sternly + bended—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Gory stains his wreathed lip + dye—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Valiant blood, and + far-descended—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">'Tis the hue of + victory!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Wild his eyes, yet nought he + noteth;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">With an ancient hate they + glare:</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Backward on the billow + floateth,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">All disorderly, his + hair."</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Still the Caspian, calm + reclining,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Seems to slumber on his + shore;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And impetuous Térek, + shining,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Murmurs in his ear once + more:—</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">"Father, hark! a priceless + treasure—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Other gifts are poor to + this—</span><br /> + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_800" id="Page_800">[Pg + 800]</a></span> <span style="margin-left: 20em;">I have hid, to do + thee pleasure—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">I have hid in my + abyss!</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Lo! a corse my wave doth + pillow—</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">A Kazáichka<a name= + "FNanchor_23_23" id="FNanchor_23_23"></a><a href="#Footnote_23_23" + class="fnanchor">[23]</a> young and fair.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Darkly pale upon the + billow</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Gleams her breast and golden + hair;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Very sad her pale brow + gleameth,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And her eyes are closed in + sleep;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">From her bosom ever + seemeth</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">A thin purple stream to + creep.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">By my water, calm and + lonely,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">For the maid that comes not + back,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Of the whole Stanilza,<a name= + "FNanchor_24_24" id="FNanchor_24_24"></a><a href="#Footnote_24_24" + class="fnanchor">[24]</a> only</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Mourns a Grébenskoi + Kazák.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">"Swift on his black steed he + hieth;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">To the mountains he is + sped.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">'Neath Tchetchén's + kinjál<a name="FNanchor_25_25" id="FNanchor_25_25"></a><a href= + "#Footnote_25_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a> now lieth,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Low in dust, that youthful + head."</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Silent then was that wild + river;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And afar, as white as + snow,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">A fair head was seen to + quiver</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">In the ripple, to and + fro.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">In his might the ancient + ocean,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Like a tempest, 'gan + arise;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And the light of soft + emotion</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Glimmer'd in his dark-blue + eyes;</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And he play'd, with rapture + flushing,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">And in his embraces + bright,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">Clasp'd the stream, to meet + him rushing</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 20em;">With a murmur of + delight.</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + + <div class="footnotes"> + <h3>FOOTNOTES:</h3> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_21_21" id="Footnote_21_21"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_21_21"><span class="label">[21]</span></a> A river + which, rising on the eastern side of the ridge of the Caucasus, + falls, after a rapid and impetuous course, into the Caspian, near + Anápa.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_22_22" id="Footnote_22_22"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_22_22"><span class="label">[22]</span></a>A + mountaineer of the tribe of Kabárda.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_23_23" id="Footnote_23_23"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_23_23"><span class="label">[23]</span></a>A Kazák + girl.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_24_24" id="Footnote_24_24"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_24_24"><span class="label">[24]</span></a>Village of + Kazáks.</p> + </div> + + <div class="footnote"> + <p><a name="Footnote_25_25" id="Footnote_25_25"></a><a href= + "#FNanchor_25_25"><span class="label">[25]</span></a> Kinjál, a + large dagger, the favourite weapon of the mountain tribes of the + Caucasus, among which the Tchetchénetzes are distinguished for + bravery.</p> + </div> + </div> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_801" id="Page_801">[Pg + 801]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="MARSTON_OR_THE_MEMOIRS_OF_A_STATESMAN" id= + "MARSTON_OR_THE_MEMOIRS_OF_A_STATESMAN"></a>MARSTON; OR, THE MEMOIRS + OF A STATESMAN.</h2> + + <h3>PART VI.</h3> + + <div class="poem"> + <div class="stanza"> + <span class="i0">"Have I not in my time heard lions + roar?</span> <span class="i0">Have I not heard the sea, puft up + with wind,</span> <span class="i0">Rage like an angry boar chafed + with sweat?</span> <span class="i0">Have I not heard great + ordnance in the field,</span> <span class="i0">And heaven's + artillery thunder in the skies?</span> <span class="i0">Have I + not in the pitched battle heard</span> <span class="i0">Loud + 'larums, neighing steeds, and trumpets clang?"</span> + </div> + </div> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 32em;"><span class= + 'smcap'>Shakspeare</span>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>My first questions to Lafontaine, when I had his wound looked to, + were of course for those whom he had left in England.</p> + + <p>"Ah, ha!" said he with a laugh, which showed the + inextinguishable Frenchman, "are you constant still? Well, then, + Madame la Comtesse is constant too; but it is to her boudoir, or the + gaieties of Devonshire House, or perhaps to her abhorrence of + Monsieur le Mari."</p> + + <p>"Le Mari!" I repeated the words with an involuntary + start.</p> + + <p>"Bah! 'tis all the same. She is affianced, and among us + that tie is quite as legitimate as marriage, and, our libellers say, + a little stronger. But they certainly are <i>not</i> married yet, for + Mademoiselle Clotilde either is, or affects, the invalid; and + considering the probability that she abhors the man and the match, I + think, on the whole, that she acts diplomatically in informing the + vainest colonel, in or out of France, that she is sick of any thing + rather than of him."</p> + + <p>"But your Mariamne—how go on your interests + there?" The question brought a smile and a sigh together, before + he could find an answer.</p> + + <p>"How she is, what she is doing, or intends to do, or even + what she is, are matters that I can no more answer than I can why the + wind blows. She torments me, and takes a delight in tormenting me. I + have been on the point of throwing up my commission a hundred times + since I saw you, and flying to America, or the world's end. She + controls me in every thing, insists on knowing all my movements from + hour to hour, finds them out when I attempt to conceal them as matter + of duty, tortures me for the concealment, and then laughs at me for + the confession. She is intolerable."</p> + + <p>"And yet you have obtained a lengthening of your chain, or + how come here? How long have you been in Paris?"</p> + + <p>"Just two days; and busy ones, or I should have found you out + before. Yes, I had Mariamne's full permission to come; though to + this moment I cannot account for the change. I had received a sudden + order from Montrecour, who is deep in the emigrant affairs, to set + out with letters which could not be sent by the courier. But I dared + not leave London without asking <i>her</i> permission; and I + acknowledge asking her at the same time to run away with me, and give + herself a lawful title to be my tyrant for life. Applying to Mordecai + was out of the question. Her answer was immediate; contemptuous in + the extreme as to my proposal, yet almost urgent on me to accept the + mission, and lose no time between London and Paris. Her postscript + was the oddest part of all. It was a grave recommendation to discover + <i>you</i>, in whatever height or depth of the capital you might + exist; whether you figured in the court or the cloister; were the + idol of the maids of honour, or the model of the monks of La Trappe; + to remind you that you had forgotten every body on the other side of + the Channel who was worth remembering, including herself; and + commending <i>me</i>, as a truant and a trifler, to your especial, + grave, and experienced protection. Apropos! She sent me a letter, to + be delivered to you with my own hands. But for yourself it had nearly + failed in the delivery."</p> + + <p>He gave me the letter. It was, like the writer, a pretty + <i>melange</i>; trifles gracefully expressed; strong sense expressed + like trifles; feeling carried off with a laugh; and palpable and fond + anxiety for Lafontaine couched in the most merciless badinage. While + I gave this missive a second, and even <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_802" id="Page_802">[Pg 802]</a></span> a third + perusal—for it finished with some gentle mention of the being + whose name was a charm to my wearied spirit—my eyes + accidentally fell on Lafontaine. His were fixed on me with an + expression of inconceivable distress. At length his generous nature + broke forth.</p> + + <p>"Marston, if I were capable of jealousy, I should be jealous + of <i>you</i> and of Mariamne. What <i>can</i> be the caprice which + dictated that letter? what <i>can</i> be the interest which you + evidently take in it? I wish that the bullet which laid me at your + door this evening had finished its work, and put an end to an + existence which has been a perpetual fever. I shall not ask + <i>what</i> Mariamne has said to you—but <i>I</i> am + miserable."</p> + + <p>"Yes, but you <i>shall</i> ask, and shall have all you + ask," said I, giving him the letter. "It is the language of + the heart, and of a heart strongly attached to <i>you</i>. I can see + affection in every line of it. Of course she mingles a little + coquetry with her sentiment; but was there ever a pretty woman, who + was not more or less a coquette? She is a gem: never think it the + less pure because it sparkles. Rely upon your little + Mariamne."</p> + + <p>"Then <i>you</i> have no sincere regard for her—no wish + to interfere with my claims?" said my pallid friend, dubiously + extending his hand towards me.</p> + + <p>"Lafontaine, listen to me, and for the last time on the + subject. I have a very sincere regard for her." (My sensitive + auditor started.) "But, I have also a perfect respect for your + claims. It is impossible not to acknowledge the animated graces of + the lady on whom you have fixed your affections. But mine are fixed + where I have neither hope to sustain them, nor power to + change.—Those matters have nothing to do with choice. They are + effects without a cause, judgments without a reason, influences + without an impulse—the problems of our nature, without a + solution since the beginning of the world."</p> + + <p>"But, Marston, you will only laugh at me for all my + troubles."</p> + + <p>"Lafontaine, I shall do no such thing. Those pains and + penalties have been the lot of some of the noblest hearts and most + powerful minds that the earth has ever seen; and have been most + keenly felt by the noblest and the most powerful. The poet only tells + the truth more gracefully when he says—</p> + + <div> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">"'The spell of all + spells that enamours the heart,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">To few is imparted, to millions + denied;</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2.5em;">'Tis the brain of the victim + that poisons the dart,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3.5em;">And fools jest at that by which + sages have died.'</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>"But now, my friend, let us talk of other things. We must not + sink into a pair of sentimentalists; these are terrible times. And + now, tell me what brought you out of quiet England among our madmen + here?"</p> + + <p>"I may now tell all the world," was the reply, "for + the evil is done beyond remedy. I was sent by our friends in London, + to carry the last warning to the royal family of all that has + happened this day. My papers contained the most exact details, the + names of the leaders, their objects, their points of assembling, and + even their points of attack. Those were furnished, as you may + conceive, by one of the principal conspirators; a fellow whom I + afterwards saw on horseback in front of the Tuileries, and whom, I + think, I had the satisfaction of dismounting by a shot from my + carbine."</p> + + <p>I mentioned the fruitlessness of my own efforts to awake the + ministry.</p> + + <p>"Ah," said he, with a melancholy smile, "my friend, + if you had been admitted into the palace, or into the council-chamber + itself, you would have had precisely the same tale to tell. All was + infatuation. I was ushered into the highest presence last midnight. + My despatches were read. I was complimented on my zeal, and then was + told that every thing was provided for. I was even closeted for two + hours with the two individuals who, of all France, or of all mankind, + had the largest stake in the crisis, and was again told that there + was no crisis to be feared. I even offered to take a squadron of + dragoons, and arrest the conspirators at the moment with my own hand. + I saw the eyes of the noblest of women fill with tears of grief and + indignation at the hopelessness of <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_803" id="Page_803">[Pg 803]</a></span> my appeal, and the + answer, 'that though Frenchmen might hate the ministers, they + always loved their king.' I saw that all was over."</p> + + <p>"Still," said I, "I cannot comprehend how the mere + mob of Paris could have succeeded against the defenders of the + palace."</p> + + <p>"If you had seen it as I did, the only wonder is, how the + Tuileries held out so long. After passing a night on guard at the + Pavilon de Flore, I was summoned at daybreak to attend his majesty. + What a staff for a reviewing monarch! The queen endeavouring to + support the appearance of calmness; Madame Elizabeth, that human + angel, following her, dissolved in tears; the two royal children, + weeping and frightened, making their way through the crowd of nobles, + guardsmen, domestics who had gathered promiscuously in the chambers + and corridors, armed with whatever weapons they could find, and all + in confusion. From the windows there was another scene; and the only + time when I saw the queen shudder, was when she cast her eye across + the Place du Carrousel, and saw it covered with the dense masses of + the multitude drawn up in battle-array. A more gloomy sight never met + the eye. From time to time the distant discharge of cannon was heard, + giving us the idea that some treachery was transacting in the remoter + parts of the city, every discharge answered by a roar + of—'Down with the King'—'Death to Marie + Antoinette'—'The lamp-iron to all traitors.' While, + as I glanced on those around me, I saw despair in every countenance; + the resolution perhaps to die, but the evident belief that their + death must be in vain. You now know all."</p> + + <p>I still expressed my strong anxiety to know what had been the + events within the palace.</p> + + <p>"Marston, I cannot think of them. I cannot speak of them. I + see nothing but a vision of blood, shame, folly, wretchedness. There + never was a cause more fatally abandoned. Every thing that could be + done to ruin a monarchy was done. I was standing beside the royal + group, when a deputation from the National Assembly made its + appearance. At its head was a meagre villain, whom one might have + taken for the public executioner. He came up, cringing and bowing, to + the unfortunate king; but with a look which visibly said—We + have you in our power. I could have plunged my sword in the + triumphant villain's heart. I had even instinctively half drawn + it, when I felt the gentle pressure of a hand on mine. It was the + queen's. 'Remember the king's presence. We must owe + nothing to violence,' were her words. And at this instant she + looked so heart-broken, yet so noble, that I could have worshipped + her. The deputation pressed the necessity of 'taking + shelter,' as they phrased it, 'in the bosom of the faithful + Assembly.' The words, 'assembly of traitors,' burst from + my lips. A shout of approbation arose on all sides. But I was more + rewarded by a sorrowing smile from the queen. She was indignant at + the proposal. 'No; never shall I leave this spot but by the + king's command!' she exclaimed. 'I would rather be + chained to the walls.' As the guard pressed round her at the + words, she suddenly stopped, took a pistol from one of the Garde du + Corps, and forcing it on the king—'Now,' said the + heroine—'now is the time to show yourself a king of + France!' An universal cry of enthusiasm arose, and hundreds of + swords were brandished in the air. The deputation, evidently + expecting to be massacred, made an effort to reach the door, and the + monarchy was on the point of being saved; when the leader of the + party glanced back at the royal circle. There stood unfortunate + Louis, hesitating, with the pistol in his hand. On such moments all + depends. The villain crept up to the king, and whispered in his + ear—'Would you have all your family put to death? In the + Assembly all are safe.'—'Well, then, we shall go,' + was the simple answer. He might have added—'To the + scaffold.' The queen pressed her hands on her eyes, and wept + bitterly. All were silent. In a few minutes more our sad procession + was crossing the garden to the door of the Assembly, amid a roar, + which could not have been fiercer or more triumphant had we been + going to execution."</p> + + <p>It was already twilight; the fine summer's day, as if it had + been dimmed by the desperate scenes of which it was witness, set in + sudden clouds; and the distant shoutings of the populace <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_804" id="Page_804">[Pg 804]</a></span> seemed + to be answered by the voice of a storm. Lafontaine's wound began + to bleed afresh by the agitation of his story, and to find medical + assistance, was my first object. Having seen him conveyed to my bed, + and leaving him in charge of my valet, I hastened towards the + residence of the physician to the embassy. In doing this, I had to + cross the Rue St Honoré. But there my course was stopped. I shrink + from alluding to those horrid scenes and times. The scene which there + met my eyes has scarcely left them since.</p> + + <p>The populace were returning from the conquest and plunder of the + palace to the Palais Royale, the headquarters of all convulsion; and + they had arranged their ranks into something like a triumphal + procession on the stage. The dead bodies of the brave Swiss were + carried on boards or biers, preceded by banners of all kinds; the + plundered ornaments of the Tuileries were borne on the heads of men; + the horses from the royal stables, caparisoned for the occasion, drew + hearses, in which the bodies of the mob who had fallen were + deposited. Brief as the time for decoration had been, wreaths of + artificial flowers, taken from the shops of the <i>marchandes de + modes</i>, and theatrical shawls and mantles from the stores of the + <i>fripiers</i>, covered the biers; and the whole, surrounded and + followed by a forest of pikes and bayonets, plumes and flags, had no + other light than the lurid and shifting blaze of thousands of torches + tossing in the wild and howling wind.</p> + + <p>The train seemed endless; shocked and sickened, I had made + repeated efforts to cross the column, but was repeatedly driven back. + If all the dead criminality of Paris had risen to join all the + living, it could scarcely have increased my astonishment at the + countless thousands which continued to pour on before me; nor + scarcely, if the procession had started from the grave, could it have + looked more strange, squalid, haggard, and woebegone. In the rear + came the cannon, which had achieved this melancholy victory. And + they, again, were sometimes converted into the carriage of the dead, + sometimes of the plunder, and, in every instance, were surmounted by + women, female furies, drinking, shouting, and uttering cries of + unspeakable savageness and blasphemy against priests, nobles, and + kings; and, mingled with all this, were choruses of bacchanal songs, + accompanied with shouts of laughter. It was now near midnight; and my + anxiety for the condition of my unfortunate friend at last urged me + to make a desperate attempt to force my way through the mass of pikes + and daggers. After being swept far along with the stream, I reached + the street in which the physician lived. He set out with me + immediately, and, by his superior knowledge of the route, we were + enabled to make our way unimpeded through streets, that looked like + dens of robbers, to my hotel.</p> + + <p>But there a new and still more alarming disappointment awaited me. + I found the porter and all the attendants of the establishment + gathered on the stairs in terror. Lafontaine was gone! Whether, + frenzied by the insults and yells of the populace, who continued to + pass in troops from time to time, or anxious for my safety, he had + started from his bed, put on his sword, and rushed into the street; + without the possibility of being restrained, and without uttering a + word of explanation.</p> + + <p>Exhausted as I was by fatigue, and still more by the sights and + scenes through which I had just passed, this intelligence was a + severe blow. The fate of a young enthusiast, and a foreigner, whom I + had known but so lately, and of whom I knew so little, might not have + justified much personal sacrifice. But the thought of the heart that + would be broken by his falling into the hands of the barbarians, who + were now masters of every thing, smote keenly upon me. Mariamne would + die; and though I was by no means a lover of Mariamne, yet, where I + had seen so much that was loveable, I might have a regard next in + degree. There may, and does often, exist the tenderness of love + without the flame. I could have looked on this pretty and animated + creature as the wife of Lafontaine, or of any other object of her + choice, without the slightest pang; but I could not have looked upon + her pining away in hopelessness, wasting in silent sorrow, or with + her gay and gentle existence clouded by a loss which nothing could + repair, without thinking every effort of mine to avert <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_805" id="Page_805">[Pg 805]</a></span> evil + from her, due on every principle of common feeling.</p> + + <p>While I pondered, a note was brought to me, written by Lafontaine + before he had sallied from his chamber, and evidently written under + the wildest emotion. It told me, in a few scarcely legible words, + that he felt life a burden to him, and thanked Heaven for the + opportunity now offered of dying for his king and the glory of + France. That the monarchy had perished beyond redemption. But that, + though the royal family were surrounded by the poniards of assassins, + it was his determination to follow and find them, rescue them, or die + at their feet. This strange production closed with—"You + shall hear of me within twenty four hours, living or dead. If I fall, + remember me to my affianced wife; and vindicate my character to the + world."</p> + + <p>This was so like insanity, that it perplexed me more and more; + but, on second thoughts, it appeared to offer some clue to his + pursuit.—He had gone to die in presence of the royal family. If + they were to be found by him at all, they must be found in the + Assembly. I immediately went to the garden of the Tuileries, where + they met until their new legislative palace should be erected. The + multitude had now partially retired, for it was midnight; and the + entrance was comparatively clear. A strong force of the National + Guard still kept the drunken rabble at a distance; and the five franc + piece, with which I tempted the incorruptibility of a peculiarly + ferocious-looking patriot, admitted me without delay.</p> + + <p>What a scene there presented itself to my eyes! The + "Salle" was large and showy; and when I had attended it in + former debates, it exhibited the taste and skill which the French, + more than any other people on earth, exhibit in temporary things. + Nothing could exceed the elegance with which the Parisian decorators + had fitted up this silk and tinsel abode, which was to be superseded, + within a few months, by the solid majesty of marble. But, on this + memorable and melancholy night, the ornaments bore, to me, the look + of those sad frivolities with which France is fond of ornamenting her + tombs. The chandeliers burned dim; the busts and statues looked + ghostlike; the chief part of the members had thrown themselves + drowsily on the benches; and the debate had languished into the + murmurs of a speech, to which no one listened. If the loaded table, + with its pile of petitions and ordonnances, in the midst of the hall, + could have been imagined into a bier; the whole had the aspect of a + <i>chapelle ardente</i>; there, indeed, lay in state the monarchy of + France. My unlucky friend, of course, was not there; but I saw, in a + narrow box, on the right of the president, a group, from which, when + once seen, I found it impossible to withdraw my gaze—the first + and most exalted victims of the Revolution, the king and his family. + All but one were apparently overcome with fatigue; for they had sat + there fifteen hours. But that one sat with a steady eye and an erect + front, as if superior to all suffering. I had seen Marie Antoinette, + the most splendid figure, in all the splendours of her court. I had + seen her unshaken before vast popular assemblages, in which any rash + or ruffian hand might have taken her life at the instant; but she now + gave me an impression of a still higher order. Sitting in calm + resignation and unstained dignity, her stately form and countenance, + pale and pure as marble, looked like some noble statue on a tomb; or + rather, sitting in that chamber of death, like some pure spirit, + awaiting the summons to ascend from the relics of human guilt, + infirmity, and passion before her.</p> + + <p>But the slumbers of the Assembly were soon to be broken. A tumult, + and the tramping of many feet, was heard at the door. It was followed + by the thunder of clubs and hammers breaking it in; the bars gave + way; the huissiers and other attendants rushed through the body of + the hall, and took refuge behind the chair of the president in + affright; the sleepers started from their seats; and, with a roar + which spoke the true supremacy of the new power in France, the mob + poured in. They announced themselves a deputation from the + Municipality, and instantly took possession of the benches. Men, + women, and even children, composed this barbarian invasion; like all + that I had seen, half intoxicated; but evidently trained by higher + hands for more determined evil. A chosen set of orators, in Roman + robes, probably plundered <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_806" + id="Page_806">[Pg 806]</a></span> from some suburb theatre, moved + forward to the table, and took their seats round it in as much + solemnity as conscript fathers. The chief speaker then advanced from + the door, preceded by the head of one of the murdered Swiss on a + pike, a hideous spectacle, and, drawing from his belt a dagger, + commenced a furious harangue against every thing that bore the shape + of authority in the kingdom. The Assembly did not escape in the + general outpouring of its bitterness. They were charged with want of + zeal, with want of honesty, and, most formidable of all, want of + patriotism. I saw many a member cower at the word; for it was the + countersign of Jacobinism; and the man, on whom that charge was + personally fastened, was sure to fall by pistol or dagger. But the + rage of the harangue was levelled at the royal family. "There + sits the tyrant!" he exclaimed, pointing with his poniard to the + meekest of monarchs and of men. "The vengeance of the people + calls for victims. How long shall it be insulted? If justice is + blind, tear the bandage from her eyes. How long shall the sword of + the people rust in its sheath! Liberty sitting on her altar demands + new sacrifices to feed the flame. The blood of tyrants is the only + incense worthy to be offered by a regenerated people!"</p> + + <p>At every pause of those fierce interjections, the crowd burst into + yells of applause, drew knives and daggers from their bosoms, + flourished them in the air, and echoed the words. The Assembly were + evidently held in terror of their lives. The president made some + faint attempts to restore order. A few of the members made faint + attempts at speeches. But the mob were masters; and a night of such + horrors passed, as I had never dreamed of before. At daybreak the + orator demanded that a decree should be instantly passed, suspending + the king, the ministry, and even the Assembly, in the midst of which + he stood. Of all the extravagances ever conceived—of all the + insolences of power—of all the licenses of popular + licentiousness, this was the most daring, unrivalled, and unimagined; + and yet this was carried, with scarcely a voice raised against it. + The trembling president, with the dagger at his throat, put the + motion for extinguishing the throne, the cabinet, and calling a new + Assembly! From that hour the monarchy was no more.</p> + + <p>During this tremendous discussion, I had not ventured to raise my + eyes towards the royal family; but, as all were now about to retire, + I dared a single glance. The king was slowly leaving the box, leading + the dauphin by the hand; the Princess Elizabeth was carrying the + sleeping dauphiness in her arms; the queen stayed behind, alone, for + a moment, sitting, as she had done for hours, with her eyes fixed on + vacancy, and her countenance calm, but corpselike. At length she + seemed to recollect that she was alone, and suddenly started up. Then + nature had its way; she tottered, and fainted. From that night forth, + that glorious creature never saw the light of day but through the + bars of a prison. From the Feuillans, the royal family were consigned + to the cells of the Temple, from which Louis and Marie Antoinette + never emerged but to the grave!</p> + + <p>This night taught me a lesson, which neither time nor circumstance + has ever made me forget. It cured me of all my republican fantasies + at once, and for ever. I believe myself above the affectation of + romantic sensibility. But it would not be less affectation to deny + the feelings to which that awful scene of human guilt and human + suffering gave birth. If the memory of the popular atrocities made me + almost abhor human nature, the memory of that innocent and + illustrious woman restored my admiration of the noble qualities that + may still be found in human nature. "If I forget thee even in my + mirth," the language of the Israelite to his beloved city, was + mine, in scarcely a less solemn or sacred spirit, in those hours of + early experience. Let the hearts and eyes of others refuse to + acknowledge such feelings. I am not ashamed to say, that I have shed + many a tear over the fate of the King and Queen of France. In the + finest fictions of genius, in the most high-wrought sorrows of the + stage, I have never been so deeply touched, I have never felt myself + penetrated with such true and irresistible emotion, as in reading, + many a year after, the simplest record of the unhappy Bourbons. + <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_807" id="Page_807">[Pg + 807]</a></span> What must it be, to have witnessed the last agonies + of their hearts and throne!</p> + + <p>On returning to my chamber, shuddering and wretched, I found a + despatch on my table. It was from Downing Street; an order, that + within twelve hours after its receipt, I should set out from Paris, + and make my way, with the utmost secrecy, to the headquarters of the + Austrian and Prussian army; where further orders would be waiting for + me.</p> + + <p>This command threw me into new perplexity. It had been my purpose + to find my unfortunate friend, if he was not already in the bosom of + the Seine, or a victim to some of the popular violences. But my + orders were peremptory. I, however, did all that was in my power. I + spent the day in looking for him through all the hotels and + hospitals; and, after a hopeless search, gave my man of mystery, + Mendoza, a commission—paid for at a rate that made him open his + hollow eyes wide with incredulity on the coin—to discover and + protect him, wherever he was to be found.</p> + + <p>But I had now another difficulty which threatened to nip my + diplomatic honours in the bud. The news had just arrived, that the + allied armies had passed the frontier, and were sweeping all before + them with fire and sword. A populace is always mad with courage, or + mad with cowardice; and the Parisians, who, but yesterday, were ready + to have made a march round the globe, now thought the wells and + cellars of the city not too deep, or too dark to hold them. They + would have formed a camp in the catacombs, if they could. All was + sudden terror. The barriers were shut. Guards were posted tenfold at + all the gates. Men were ranged on the heights round the city, to make + signals of the first approach of the Prussian hussars; and the + inhabitants spent half the day on every house top that commanded a + view of the country, waiting for the first glimpse of their + devourers. To escape from this city of terror now became next to + impossible. All my applications were powerless. The government were + themselves regarded as under lock and key; the populace, as if + determined that all should share a common massacre, were clustered at + the barriers, pike in hand, to put all "emigrants" to + death; the ambassador was, as ambassadors generally are in cases of + real difficulty, a cipher; and yet I <i>must</i> leave Paris within + twelve hours, or be cashiered.</p> + + <p>It at length occurred to me to avail myself of my Jewish spy, and + I found him listening to a midnight harangue in the midst of a + Jacobin crowd, in the Palais Royal. He considered the matter for a + while; and I walked about, leaving him to his free invention, while I + contrasted the brilliant blaze of the gaming and dancing-rooms above + me with the assassin-like darkness of the galleries below. At length + he turned to me. "There is but one way. Have you any objection + to be arrested?"</p> + + <p>"The greatest imaginable," was my answer.</p> + + <p>"Just as you please," he replied; "but I have here + an order for the seizure of one of the emigrant agents, a Chevalier + Lafontaine, lately arrived in Paris. He has been seen in the palace, + but we have missed him for the last twelve hours. The order is for + Vincennes. Will you take his place?"</p> + + <p>I naturally looked all surprise, and peremptorily refused.</p> + + <p>"Do as you will," said my intractable adviser; "but + there is no other way to pass the gates. I shall take you to + Vincennes as a state prisoner; I have influence there. In short, if + you trust me, you shall be safe, and on your road by daybreak. If you + do not, here your life is uncertain; you are known, watched, and the + first order that I receive to-morrow, may be one for your + apprehension."</p> + + <p>All this was likely enough; there was but a moment to deliberate, + and I got into the first cabriolet, and drove with him to the + barrier. The streets still exhibited scattered bands, who questioned + us from time to time, but the words, "By order of the + Municipality," which were enough to terrify the stoutest hearts, + and the display of his badge, carried us through. We passed the guard + at the gate, after a slight examination of the order, and galloped to + Vincennes.</p> + + <p>At the sight of the frowning fortress my blood chilled, and I + refused to go further. "In that case," said my conductor, + "<i>I</i> am compromised, and <i>you</i> are ruined; the first + patrol will seize you, while I shall be shot. I pledge myself, that + here you shall not remain; but I must be acquitted to the head of the + police. You shall <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_808" id= + "Page_808">[Pg 808]</a></span> be M. le Chevalier Lafontaine for the + night; and, if such a man exists, you will probably be the means of + saving his life. To-morrow I shall bring proofs of my mistake, and + then you will be outside the walls of Paris, and free to go where you + please."</p> + + <p>The name of Lafontaine decided me. Even the risk seemed less + serious than before, and we drove over the drawbridge. The interior + of the fortress formed a striking contrast to the scenes which I had + just left behind me. All was still stern, and noiseless.</p> + + <p>"Give me your papers," said Mendoza; "they will be + safer in my hands than in yours."</p> + + <p>I had but time to give him my despatch, as we passed through the + court which led to the governor's apartments. I was searched in + the presence of that important functionary, a meagre old captain of + invalids, who had been roused from his bed, and was evidently half + asleep. I stoutly denied my being "the criminal who had offended + the majesty of the people." But as the governor himself, on + gazing at me with his purblind eyes, was perfectly satisfied of my + identity, there was no use in contesting the point. A couple of + sentinels were placed at the door of my cell, and I was left, like + himself, to my slumbers. Before the door closed, I grasped my guide + by the throat. The thought that I had been entrapped, actually + agonized me.</p> + + <p>"Am I betrayed?" I asked, in a whisper of fury.</p> + + <p>The only answer was, "Mordecai."</p> + + <p>I felt security in the word, and, without a further pang, heard + his tread echoing along the distant corridor.</p> + + <p>Time rolls on, whether we are happy or miserable. Morning came, + and found me feverish from a thousand dreams. Noon came, and my + impatience grew with the hour. Evening came, and yet no symptom of my + liberation. If, "hope deferred maketh the heart sick," + confidence duped, and blindly, weakly, rashly duped, turns to + torture.</p> + + <p>Why trust a known agent of the police? Why put my liberty into his + hands? Why, above all, make him master of my papers? I was + overwhelmed with shame. I writhed with remorse. As hour after hour + dragged into slow length along, I sank from dejection to dejection, + or burst from rage to rage. But at last, when the drums of the + garrison were making their final flourish for the night, the key + turned in the door of my cell, and the Jew entered. I almost sprang + upon him, and his life would have been worth little, but for the + words—"You may now leave the fortress." He told me, + further, that my absence was fortunate, for a domiciliary visit had + been paid to my apartments by direction of the municipality; my + trunks examined, and my doors sealed. My absence was imputed to + flight; and, as jails were then the only safe residences in France, I + had escaped actual imprisonment simply by my volunteer detention; to + watch the event, had been the source of his delay. All was speedily + settled with the old commandant, who was now as perfectly + "convinced, on his own knowledge," that I was not the + chevalier, as he had been convinced on the night before that I was. + Mendoza's proofs were registered in due form; and with + unspeakable delight I once again mounted his cabriolet, and heard the + chains of the drawbridge rattle behind me.</p> + + <p>My Jew had been true to his pledge. I found horses provided for me + at a lonely cabaret, a league off. With the minute foresight which + men of his trade learn, he had provided for me a couple of + disguises—the garb of a peasant, which I was to use when I + passed among the soldiery; and the uniform of an aide-de-camp, with + which I was to keep down enquiries when I came among the peasantry. + But I was weary of disguise. It had never thriven with my + temperament. I was determined, at all events, now to trust to chance + and my proper person; and if I must fail, have the satisfaction of + failing after my own style. The only recompense which my magnanimous + police-officer would receive, was a promise that I should mention his + conduct to Mordecai; and, gathering up his rejected wardrobe, he + departed.</p> + + <p>Fortunately I found disguises unnecessary, though at any other + time they might have been essential. The country was all in a state + of flight, and every man was too much employed in securing himself, + to think of laying hold of others. Thus galloped I through hill and + dale, through bush and brier, unquestioned and almost unseen; until, + on the evening of the fourth day, <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_809" id="Page_809">[Pg 809]</a></span> as I plunged into a + forest, which for the last half hour I had been imagining into a + scene of fairyland, a bower where a pilgrim might finish his journey + for life, or a man, "crazed by care, or crossed in hopeless + love," might forget woman and woe together—I was awakened + to the realities of things by the whistle of a bullet, which struck + off a branch within an inch of my head, followed by a fierce howl for + the countersign. By all the laws of war, the howl should have come + first; but these were not times for ceremony. A troop of Hulans + rushed round me, sabre in hand. I stood like a stoic; and, of course, + attempted to tell who I was. But my German was unintelligible to my + captors, and my French, a suspicious language on a Prussian outpost, + only confirmed their opinion that I was born to be stripped. + Accordingly one demanded my watch, another my purse, and I was in a + fair way of entering the Prussian lines in a state of pauperism, or + of being "left alone in my glory" by shot or sabre, when an + officer rode up, whom I had casually known in some Parisian circle. + To him I could explain myself, and to him I exhibited the envelope of + my letter, inscribed with the words, "Grand Quartier + General." My new friend bowed to this awful address like a Turk + to the firman of the padisha, poured out a volley of wrath on the + troop, ordered the instant and very reluctant restitution of my + property, and with a couple of the squadron at our heels, took me + under his escort, to deliver my papers in person.</p> + + <p>After an hour's gallop through rocks, rivulets, and brambles, + which seemed without end, and totally uninhabited, except by an + occasional patrol of the irregulars of the Austrian and Prussian + forces—barbarians as savage-looking as ever were Goth or Hun, + and capital substitutes for the wolves and wild-boars which they had + ejected for the time—a sudden opening of the forest brought us + within view of the immense camp of the combined armies.</p> + + <p>All the externals of war are splendid; it is the interior, the + consequences, the operation of that mighty trampler of man that are + startling. This was my first sight of that most magnificent of all + the atrocious inventions of human evil—an army. The forces of + the two most warlike monarchies of Europe were spread before me; + nearly a hundred and fifty thousand troops, with all the numberless + followers of a host in the field, covering a range of low hills which + circled the horizon. While we were still at a considerable distance, + a gun was fired from the central hill, answered by others from the + flanks. The rolling of drums set the vast line in motion, and just at + the moment when the sun was lying on the edge of the west, the + brigades, descending each from its height, halted on the slope. The + whole vast manoeuvre was executed with the exactness of a single + mind. The blaze of the sun on the arms, the standards, and the tents + crowning the brow of the hills, was magical. "Are they marching + to battle?" was my amazed question to my companion. His only + answer was to check his charger, take off his shako, and bend his + forehead to his saddle-bow. A burst of universal harmony, richer than + I had ever yet conceived, explained the mystery. It was the evening + prayer. The fine bands of the regiments joined the voices of the + soldiery, and I listened, in unbroken rapture and reverence, until + its close. In court or cathedral, in concert or shrine, I had never + before so much felt the power of sound. It finished in a solemn + chorus, and accumulation of music. I could have almost imagined it + ascending, embodied, to heaven.</p> + + <p>The fire of cannon announced the conclusion of the service; we put + spurs to our horses, and soon entered the lines; and, on the strength + of my credentials, I had distinguished quarters assigned to me.</p> + + <p>I now, for the first time since I left England, began to feel the + advantages of birth. In London every man is so submerged in the + multitude, that he who can hold his head high enough out of the + living surge to be known, must have something of remarkable buoyancy, + or peculiar villany, about him. Even Parliament, except to a few of + the leaders, is no distinction. The member for the shire is clipped + of all his plumage at the moment of his entering that colossal + poultry-yard, and must take his obscure pickings with other + unnoticeable fowl. In Paris, once the Mahometan paradise of stars and + garters, the central herald's office of the earth, the royal + region of the <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_810" id= + "Page_810">[Pg 810]</a></span> Parliament aristocracy, where the + beggar with a <i>cordon</i> on his breast outshone the banker with + millions in his pocket-book, the world was changed; and to be the son + or brother of a peer might have been only a speedier passport to the + lamp-post. But, in Germany, the land of pedigrees, to be an + "honourable" was to be one on whom the sun shone with + double beams; the sex, young and old, smiled with double softness and + the whole host of Serenities were doubly serene. In camp, nothing + could be more hospitable or distinguished than my reception; for the + soldier is always good-humoured under canvass, and the German is + good-humoured every where. Perhaps he has rather too high an opinion + of his descent from Goth and Vandal, but he makes allowance for the + more modern savagery of Europe; and although the stranger may neither + wear spectacles, nor smoke cigars, neither muzzle his visage with + mustaches, nor speak the most formidable tongue on earth, the German + will good-naturedly admit, that he may be a human being after + all.</p> + + <p>But the man with whom my mission brought me most immediately into + contact, and to whom I was most indebted for courtesy, would have + been a remarkable personage in any country of Europe; that man was + the Duke of Brunswick.</p> + + <p>On my arrival, I found two letters forwarded from London, and in + the hands of an aide-de-camp of the generalissimo. The first which I + opened was from the Foreign Office, a simple statement of the purpose + for which I was sent—namely, to stimulate the activity of the + Prussian councils, and to urge on the commander of the army an + immediate march on the French capital; with a postscript, directing + me, in case of tardiness being exhibited at headquarters, instantly + to transmit a despatch home, and return to my post in Paris. The + second letter—which I must, however undiplomatically, admit + that I opened with much stronger interest—was from Mordecai. I + glanced over it for some mention of the "ane braw name," + and bitterly laughed at my own folly in expecting to find such + communications in the letter of the hard-headed and busy Jew. All was + brief and rapid.</p> + + <p>"If this shall find you in the Prussian camp, you will have + no more time for me than I have for you. Let me not clip your + diplomatic hopes; but this I forewarn you, you will not obtain a + single object of your journey; except, perhaps, showing that you can + gallop a hundred miles in the four-and-twenty hours, and can make + your way through a country of lunatics without being piked or + sabred.</p> + + <p>"The campaign is over already—over before it was begun. + The battle was fought in the council at Berlin, and the allies were + beaten. The duke, within the next fortnight, will be deciding on the + merits of the ballet in Brunswick, and the French will be madder than + ever with triumphs which they never won, preparing for conquests + which are already gained, and knocking down thrones, the owners + themselves supplying the pickaxes and hammers. You will see the two + best armies of the Continent running away from their own shadows; the + old councillors of Frederick and Maria Theresa baffled by cabinets of + cobblers and tinkers; grey-beard generals, covered with orders, + hunted over the frontier by boys, girls, and old women; and France, + like a <i>poissarde</i> in a passion, with her hair flying about her + ears, a knife in her hand, and her tongue in full swing, scampering + half naked over Europe, to the infinite wonder of the wearers of + velvet, Mechlin lace, and diadems,—ha, ha, ha!"</p> + + <p>While I was trying to decipher this riddle, which was rather too + contemptuous for my new views of things, but which I referred to the + habitual feelings of a strong-headed man in humble life, brought just + close enough to higher to feel his exclusion, an officer was + announced as Count Varnhorst, on the staff of the duke. His + countenance struck me at first sight, as one which I had seen before; + and I soon discovered, that when I was a boy at Eton, he had been on + a visit of a few days at Mortimer castle, in the suite of one of the + Prussian princes. We had been thus old friends, and we now became + young ones within the first quarter of an hour. His countenance was + that of a humourist, and his recollections of the Great Frederick + rendered him sarcastic on all things of the later generation.</p> + + <p>"The duke has sent me for you," said he, <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_811" id="Page_811">[Pg 811]</a></span> + "with his apology for keeping you out of bed; but he has + appointed midnight for the delivery of your despatches. The truth is, + that hitherto we have all slept so soundly, that we must make up for + lost time by turning night into day now, just as we have turned day + into night for the last twelvemonth."</p> + + <p>"But what can you tell me of the duke?"</p> + + <p>"Oh! a great deal; but you know that I am on his staff, and + therefore bound to keep his secrets."</p> + + <p>"Yet, count, remember that we have sworn an eternal + friendship within the last five minutes. What can he or I be the + worse for my knowing his great and good qualities?"</p> + + <p>"My dear young friend, when you are as old as I am, you will + see the improprieties of such questions."</p> + + <p>"Well, then, to come to the point; is he a great + general?"</p> + + <p>"He speaks French better than any other prince in + Germany."</p> + + <p>"Is he an able politician?"</p> + + <p>"You must see him on horseback; he rides like a + centaur."</p> + + <p>"Well, then, in one sentence, will he fight the + French?"</p> + + <p>"That wholly depends on whether he turns his horse's head + towards Paris or Berlin."</p> + + <p>"Count, but one question more, which you may answer without a + riddle. Do you think that he will receive my mission + cordially?"</p> + + <p>"He speaks your language; he wears your broad cloth; he loves + your porter; and he has married one of your princesses."</p> + + <p>"All my difficulties are answered. I am ready; but what shall + I find him doing at this extraordinary hour?"</p> + + <p>"If asleep, dreaming of the opera at Brunswick; if awake, + dreaming of the opera at Paris."</p> + + <p>His diamond repeater, which he had laid on the table between us, + struck twelve as he spoke; and, wrapping ourselves in our cloaks, we + sallied forth into one of the most starry nights of autumn, and made + our way, through long ranges of patrols and videttes, to the quarters + of the generalissimo.</p> + + <p>The mansion was an old chateau, evidently long abandoned to + loneliness and decay one of those huge edifices; whose building had + cost one fortune, and whose support had exhausted another. But the + struggle had been over for the last fifty years, and two or three + shrivelled domestics remained to keep out the invasion of the bats + and owls. But at this period the chateau exhibited, of course, + another scene; aides-de-camp, generals, orderlies, couriers—all + the clang and clamour of the staff of a great army—rang through + the wild old halls, and echoed up the long ghostly corridors. Every + apartment was a blaze of light, and filled with groups of officers of + the Prussian and Austrian guards; all was billiard-playing, talking, + singing in chorus, and carousing in all the noisy gaiety of the + soldier in good quarters.</p> + + <p>"All this is tempting enough," said the old count, as we + hastened along a gallery that seemed endless, but on which the open + doors of the successive apartments threw broad illumination. "I + dare say, Mr Marston, that you would prefer taking your seat among + those lively fellows, to the honour of a ducal conference; but my + orders are, that you must not be seen until the duke gives you + <i>carte blanche</i> to appear among human beings again."</p> + + <p>The count now opened the door of an apartment, which appeared to + have been more lately tenanted than the rest, yet which exhibited + signs of the general desertion; a marble table, covered with a + decaying drapery, a Carrara alabaster of Niobe and her children on + the mantelpiece, a huge mirror, and a tapestry of one of the hunts of + Henri Quatre, showed that Time had been there, and that the Prussians + had not; but the indistinct light of the single chandelier left me + but little opportunity of indulging my speculations on the furniture. + The count had left me, to ascertain when the duke should be at + leisure to receive me; and my first process was, like a good soldier, + to reconnoitre the neighbouring territory. The first door which I + opened led into a conservatory, filled with the remnants of dead + foliage, opening on the gardens of the chateau, which, wild as they + now were, still sent up a fragrance doubly refreshing, after the + atmosphere of meershaums, hot brandy, and Rhine beer, which filled + the galleries. The casement distantly overlooked the esplanade in + front of the chateau; and the perpetual movements of the <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_812" id="Page_812">[Pg 812]</a></span> + couriers and estafettes, arriving and departing every moment, the + galloping of cavalry, and the march of patrols, occupied me until a + valet of the duke came to acquaint me that supper was served, by his + highness's commands, in the apartment which I had lately quitted, + and that he would be present in a few minutes.</p> + + <p>I returned of course; and found the chamber which I had left so + dark and dilapidated, changed, as if by a fairy wand, into pomp and + elegance. The duke was renowned for splendid extravagance, and the + table was covered with rich plate, the walls glittered with a + profusion of gilt lamps, and all round me had the look of regal + luxury. But one object suddenly caught my gaze, and left me no power + to glance at any other. In a recess, which had hitherto been obscure, + but over which now blazed a brilliant girandole, hung a full-length + portrait of a nun, which, but for the dress, I should have pronounced + to be Clotilde; the same Greek profile, the same deep yet vivid eye, + the same matchless sweetness of smile, and the same mixture of + melancholy and enthusiasm, which had made me think my idol fit to be + the worship of the world. I stood wrapped in astonishment, delight, + pain, a thousand undefined feelings, until I could have almost + imagined that the canvass before me lived. I saw its eye all but + glisten, its lips all but open to speak; the very marble of its cheek + begin to glow; when I was awakened by a lively voice, saying, in + French—"Ah, Mr Marston, I perceive that you are a + connoisseur." I turned, and saw the speaker, a man somewhat + above the middle size; a remarkably noble-looking personage; in full + dress even at that hour, powdered and perfumed, and altogether a + court figure; his hands loaded with jewels, and a diamond star of the + order of the garter upon his breast. It required no introducer to + tell me that I was in the presence of the Duke of Brunswick.</p> + + <p>"Come," said he, "we have no time for etiquette, + nor indeed for any thing else to-night—we must sup first, and + then talk of your mission."</p> + + <p>We sat down; a double file of valets, in liveries, loaded with + embroidery, attended at the table; though the party consisted of but + four; Varnhorst, and a Colonel Guiseard, chief of the secret + diplomacy, a pale Spanish-featured officer—to whom his highness + did me the honour of introducing me, as the son of one of his old + friends.</p> + + <p>"You remember Marston," said he, "at Brunswick, + five-and-twenty years ago, in his envoyship—a capital horseman, + a brilliant dresser, and a very promising diplomatist. I augured well + of his future career, but" ——the infinite elevation + of the ducal shoulders, and the infinite drooping of the ducal eyes, + completed the remainder of my unfortunate parent's history; but + whether in panegyric or censure, I was not sufficiently versed in the + science of saying nothing and implying all things, to tell. Guiseard + fixed his deep sallow eye on me, without a word: at that moment he + reminded me exactly of one of the Inquisitors—the deep, + dark-visaged men whom the matchless pencil of Velasquez has + immortalized.</p> + + <p>Varnhorst burst out into a laugh.</p> + + <p>"What, Guiseard," said he, "are you reconnoitring + the ground before you make the attack? Your royal highness, I think + we ought to vindicate our country to this English gentleman, by + assuring him that the colonel is not a cardinal in + disguise."</p> + + <p>The colonel merely smiled, which seemed an effort for his + cloistered physiognomy; the duke laughed, and began a general + conversation upon all possible topics—England forming the + chief; the royal family—the court—the + theatres—parliament—the people—all whirled over + with the ease and rapidity of one turning the leaves of an album; + here a verse and there a portrait—here a sketch of a temple, + and there an outline of a cottage—the whole pretty, and as + trifling as pretty, and cast aside at the first moment when any thing + better worth thinking of occurred.</p> + + <p>In the midst of our gaiety, in which the duke had completely laid + down his sceptre, and taken his full share, the great clock of the + chateau tolled one. The table was instantly swept of supper—the + valets withdrew. I heard the tread of a sentinel at the door of the + apartment; and the duke, instantly changing from the man of fashion + to the statesman, began to enter into the questions then so deeply + disturbing all the cabinets of Europe.</p> + + <p>I found the duke a very superior <span class='pagenum'><a name= + "Page_813" id="Page_813">[Pg 813]</a></span> man to what I had + conceived of him. He was frank and free, spoke of the intentions of + the Allies in the most open manner, and censured the errors which + they had already committed, with a plainness which I had not expected + to find out of London. He had evidently made himself master of a + great variety of knowledge, and with the happy but most unusual power + of rendering it all applicable to the point in question. My + impressions of him and his order, imbibed among the prejudices of + England and the libels of France, was that of frivolity and + flutter—an idle life and a stagnant understanding. I never was + more surprised at the contrast between this conception and the + animated and accomplished prince before me. He seemed to know not + merely the persons of all the leading men of Europe—which might + have naturally been the case with one who had visited every + capital—but to be acquainted with their characters, their + abilities, and even their modes of thinking. He seemed to me a man + born to rule. It was in later days that the habits of a voluptuary, + of which his peculiar love of dress might have been slightly + symptomatic, produced their effect, in enfeebling a mind made for + eminence. I saw him afterwards, broken with years and misfortune. But + on this night I could only see a man on whom the destinies of Europe + were rightly reposed. I pay this tribute of honour to his memory.</p> + + <p>He spoke a great deal, in our conference, on the necessity of a + strong European combination against France, and flatteringly + addressed to me a strong panegyric on my country.</p> + + <p>"If we can obtain," said he, "the cordial + co-operation of the English people, I see no difficulty before us. We + already have the Ministry with us; but I know the Englishman's + hatred of a foreign war, his horror of public expenditure on + continental interests, and his general distrust of the policy of + foreign courts. And until we can give the people some evidence, not + only that our intentions are sincere, but that our cause is their + own, we shall never have the nation on our side."</p> + + <p>My remark was, "that the chief difficulty with the nation + would be, to convince them that the Allied Powers were not influenced + by personal motives; I said that the seizure of territory, while the + French remained in their defenceless state, would probably excite + strong public displeasure in England; and plainly stated, that the + only thing which could engage the public spirit in the war, would be + a conviction of its absolute justice and stern necessity."</p> + + <p>The conversation was here interrupted by the arrival of a + staff-officer with despatches from Berlin. A number of papers were + laid on the table, and handed over to Varnhorst and Guiseard to read. + They proved chiefly notes and orders relative to the advance of the + army. One paper, however, the duke read with evident interest, and + marked with his pencil down the margin.</p> + + <p>"I am delighted," said he, "that this paper has + reached us at last. Mr Marston will now see what my real advice has + been from the beginning. The French journals have attacked me + furiously for the declaration issued at our entrance on the frontier. + The journals of England have partly echoed the French, and I am held + up to the world as the author of the <i>Declaration of Pilnitz</i>. + This paper, which Mr Marston will do me the honour to send at + daybreak to his court by a special messenger, will clear my character + with his countrymen at once—with the rest of Europe, I am + content to wait a little longer."</p> + + <p>He then read the paper in his hand; and it was a long and striking + protest against the idea of partitioning France, or having any other + intention in the movement of the troops than the security of the + French throne. This document had been sent to the Council at Berlin, + and been returned by them for revision by the duke, and the softening + of its rather uncourtly decisiveness of expression. It stated, that + even the conquest of France, if it could be effected, must be wholly + useless without the conciliation of the people: that it must be + insecure, that it never could be complete, and that even the attempt + might rouse this powerful people to feel its own force, and turn its + vast resources to war. The first measure ought, therefore, to be an + address to the nation, pronouncing, in the clearest language, an + utter abjuration of all local seizure.</p> + + <p>The paper thus returned, and containing the observations of the + council, <span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_814" id="Page_814">[Pg + 814]</a></span> was given to Varnhorst, to be copied. "And + now," said the duke, "gentlemen, I think we may retire for + the night; for we have but three hours until the march in the + morning."</p> + + <p>I said some common-place thing, of the obligations which Europe + must owe to a sovereign prince, exposing himself to such labours, + honourable as they were.</p> + + <p>"No," he smilingly replied; "they are part of our + office, the routine of the life of princes, the vocation of men born + for the public, and living for the public alone. The prince must be a + soldier, and the soldier must make the camp his home, and the palace + only his sojourn. It is his fortune, perhaps his misfortune, that but + one profession in life is left open to him, whether it be the bent of + his temperament or not—while other men may follow their tastes + in the choice, serve their fellows in a hundred different ways, and + raise a bloodless reputation among mankind. And now, good-night. + To-morrow at five the <i>advance</i> moves. At six I shall be on + horseback, and then—Well! what matter for the <i>then</i>? We + shall sleep at least to-night; and so, farewell."</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_815" id="Page_815">[Pg + 815]</a></span></p> + + <h2><a name="INDEX_TO_VOL_LIV" id="INDEX_TO_VOL_LIV"></a>INDEX TO + VOL. LIV.</h2> + + <p>Aberdeen, Lord, remarks on his church bill, 545.</p> + + <div> + Adventures in Louisiana,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. I., The Prairie and the + Swamp, 43.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. II., The Blockhouse, + 234.</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + + <div> + Adventures in Texas,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. I., A Scamper in the + Prairie of Jacinto, 551.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. II., A Trial by Jury, + <a href="#Page_777">777</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Ahmed-Kiuprili, career of, 175.</p> + + <p>Anti-corn-law League, proceedings of the, 539.</p> + + <p>Ancient Towns, a plea for, against railways, 398.</p> + + <p>Aristocracy of England, the, 51.</p> + + <p>Armada, the, from Schiller, 143.</p> + + <p>Armansperg, Count, administration of, in Greece, 348.</p> + + <p>Arne the composer, 26.</p> + + <p>Art, British, present state of, 188.</p> + + <p>Athens, population, institutions, &c., of, 352.</p> + + <p>Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, on the best means of establishing a + communication between the, 658.</p> + + <p>Austria, commerce, &c., of, 251.</p> + + <p>Ballads of Schiller, the. <i>See</i> Schiller.</p> + + <p>Balzac, M., Two Dreams, a sketch by, 672.</p> + + <div> + Banking-house, the, a history in three parts.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Part I.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. I., Prospective, + 576.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. II., Retrospective, + 578.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. III., The beginning of + the end, 582.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. IV., Miching mallecho, + it means mischief, 585.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. V., Matters of course, + 588.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. VI., A discovery, + 592.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. VII., The end of the + beginning, 594.</span><br /> + <br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">Part II.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">— Chap. I., A negotiation, + <a href="#Page_719">719</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. II., A lull. <a href= + "#Page_723">723</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. III., A sweet couple, + <a href="#Page_725">725</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. IV., A speculation, + <a href="#Page_730">730</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. V., A landed + proprietor, <a href="#Page_733">733</a>.</span><br /> + <br /> + </div> + + <div> + Bankruptcy of the Greek kingdom, the, 345.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—means of averting it, + 361.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Barrett, Elizabeth B., Cry of the Children, by, 260.</p> + + <p>Bavarian government of Greece, effects of the, 345.</p> + + <p>Bennett's Ceylon and its capabilities, review of, 622.</p> + + <p>Blockhouse, the, an adventure in Louisiana, 234.</p> + + <p>Bridge over the Thur, the, from the German of Gustav Schwab, + <a href="#Page_717">717</a>.</p> + + <p>British institution, exhibition at the, 203.</p> + + <p>Brownrigg, Sir Robert, conquest of Kandy, by, 632.</p> + + <div> + Bulwer, Sir Edward Lytton, Bart., translation of the poems and + ballads of Schiller, by.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part the last, + 139.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Love and Death, by, <a href= + "#Page_717">717</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Bute, lines written in, by Delta, <a href="#Page_749">749</a>.</p> + + <p>Byrd, the composer, 24.</p> + + <p>Cabinet, the Greek, construction and powers of the, 350.</p> + + <p>Canadian corn bill, the, 543.</p> + + <p>Canal, proposed between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, 658.</p> + + <p>Carlyle's Past and Present, review of, with notices of his + other works, 121.</p> + + <div> + Ceylon and its capabilities, by Bennett,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—review of, 622.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—its climate, + 626.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—sketch of its history, + 627.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Chapters of Turkish History; No. X. The Second Siege of Vienna, + 173.</p> + + <p>Charles Edward at Versailles on the Anniversary of the Battle of + Culloden, a poem, 107.</p> + + <p>Chronicles of Paris—the Rue St Denis, 524.</p> + + <p>Cinghalese, character of the, 627.</p> + + <div> + Cobden, Mr,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—refutation of his statements + regarding the colonies, 407, 637</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—his misrepresentations on + the corn question, 539.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>College Theatricals, a tale, <a href="#Page_737">737</a>.</p> + + <p>Colonies, the, examination of Cobden's statements regarding, + 409, 637.</p> + + <p>Commencement of the New Century, the, from the German of Schiller, + 151.</p> + + <p>Commercial Intercourse between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, on + the best means of establishing, 658.</p> + + <div> + Commercial Policy,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Europe, 243.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—ships, colonies, and + commerce, 406.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the same continued, + 637.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Comparison of the protective and free-trade systems, 243, 406, + 637.</p> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_816" id="Page_816">[Pg + 816]</a></span></p> + + <p>Conflict, the, on the German of Schiller, 144.</p> + + <p>Continental nobility, comparison of with the British, 56.</p> + + <p>Corn-law Question, the, 539.</p> + + <p>Council of State, the Greek, 350.</p> + + <p>Creswick, Mr, remarks on the style of, 188.</p> + + <p>Cry of the Children, the, 260.</p> + + <p>Darien company, the, 661.</p> + + <p>Davie, Major, conduct of, in Ceylon, 628.</p> + + <p>Death from the Sting of a Serpent, lines on, <a href= + "#Page_798">798</a>.</p> + + <div> + <p>Delta,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—a Vision of the World by, + 343.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Lines written in the Isle of + Bute by, <a href="#Page_749">749</a>.</span><br /></p> + </div> + + <div> + Devil's Frills, the, a Dutch illustration of the water + cure,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. I. 225.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. II. ib.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. III. 227.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. IV. 228.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. V. 230.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chap. VI. 232.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Disturbed Districts of Wales, notes on a tour in the, by Joseph + Downes, <a href="#Page_766">766</a>.</p> + + <p>Downes, Joseph, tour in the disturbed districts of Wales by, + <a href="#Page_766">766</a>.</p> + + <p>Dutch, landing of the, in Ceylon, 627.</p> + + <p>Early English Musicians, notices of, 23.</p> + + <p>Early Greek Romances, the Ethiopics of Heliodorus, 109.</p> + + <p>Education, institutions for, in Greece, 357.</p> + + <p>Education, the government scheme of, 548.</p> + + <p>Emma, lines to, from the German of Schiller, 150.</p> + + <p>England, the aristocracy of, 51.</p> + + <p>English music and musicians, 23.</p> + + <p>Epigram on Dr Toe, &c., 263.</p> + + <p>Erigena, letter from, to Christopher North, 263.</p> + + <p>Ethiopics of Heliodorus, account of the, 109.</p> + + <p>Europe, commercial policy of, 243.</p> + + <div> + Exhibitions, notices of<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Royal Academy's, + 188.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Suffolk Street gallery, + 199.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—paintings in water-colours, + 201.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the British Institution, + 203.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Factory bill, the, 548.</p> + + <p>Fanariotes, character of the, 351.</p> + + <p>Farewell to the Reader, from the German of Schiller, 152.</p> + + <p>Fate of Polycrates, the, 483.</p> + + <p>France, conduct of, towards Greece, 359.</p> + + <p>Frederick Schlegel, review of the works and character of, 311.</p> + + <p>Free-trade and protective systems, comparison of the, 248.</p> + + <p>French academy, 519.</p> + + <p>French and German works of fiction, comparison between, 672.</p> + + <div> + Fuseli's Lectures at the Royal Academy:<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—his introduction, <a href= + "#Page_691">691</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Lecture I., <a href= + "#Page_694">694</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—II., <a href= + "#Page_697">697</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—III., <a href= + "#Page_703">703</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Game up with the repeal agitation, the, 679.</p> + + <p>German and French literature, comparison between, 672.</p> + + <p>Gibbons the composer, 24.</p> + + <p>Gifts of Térek the, translated from the Russian of Lermontoff, by + J. B. Shaw, <a href="#Page_799">799.</a></p> + + <p>Gods of Greece, the, from the German of Schiller, 146.</p> + + <p>Goethe, remarks by, on the Schlegels, 311.</p> + + <p>Great Britain, proceedings of, towards Greece, 359.</p> + + <div> + Greece,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—present state and prospects + of, 345.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—peculiarities of its + inhabitants, 350.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—its present revenues and + expenditure, 361.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Guizot, M., opinion of, on the union of the Atlantic and Pacific + oceans, 659.</p> + + <p>Heliodorus, the Ethiopics of, 109.</p> + + <div> + Heber, Bishop, the Whippiad, a poem, by.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canto I., 100.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canto II., 102.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canto III., + 104.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Hendia, the history of, 479.</p> + + <p>Hullah's method of teaching, strictures on, 37.</p> + + <p>Humboldt, M., on uniting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, 659.</p> + + <p>Hymn to Joy, from the German of Schiller, 142.</p> + + <p>Inscription on the foundation stone of the new dining-hall, + &c., 79.</p> + + <p>Invincible Armada, the, from the German of Schiller, 143.</p> + + <p>Irish arms bill, the, 549.</p> + + <p>Jacinto, a scamper in the prairie of, 521.</p> + + <p>Jack Stuart's bet on the Derby, and how he paid his losses, + 67.</p> + + <p>Jolly Father Joe, a tale from the Golden Legend, 255.</p> + + <p>Joy, hymn to, from the German of Schiller, 142.</p> + + <p>Jury trial in Texas, a, <a href="#Page_777">777</a>.</p> + + <div> + <p>Kandy,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—description of the district + of, 627.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—its conquest by the British, + 632.</span><br /></p> + </div> + + <div> + Kerim Khan, travels of.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part I., 453.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part II., 564.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part III., <a href= + "#Page_753">753</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>King Arthur, Purcell's opera of, and its revival, 25.</p> + + <div> + Last Session of Parliament,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—review of the, + 538.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the corn question, + 539.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Canadian corn bill, + 543.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Scotch church bill, + 545.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the factory bill, + 548.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Irish arms bill, + 549.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Letter to Christopher North, 263.</p> + + <p>Lectures at the Royal Academy—Henry Fuseli, <a href= + "#Page_691">691</a>.</p> + + <p>Lines written in the Isle of Bute, by Delta, <a href= + "#Page_749">749</a>.</p> + + <p>Lloyd, Mr, report by, on uniting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, + 663.</p> + + <p>Locke, Mathew, the composer, 25.</p> + + <p>Logic, Mill's elements of, reviewed, 415.</p> + + <div> + Louisiana, adventures in;<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Prairie and <span class= + 'pagenum'><a name="Page_817" id="Page_817">[Pg 817]</a></span> the + Swamp, 43.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. II., the Blockhouse, + 234.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Love and Death, by Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer, <a href= + "#Page_717">717.</a></p> + + <p>M'Dowall, General, proceedings of, in Ceylon, 628.</p> + + <p>Maclise, Mr, remarks on the style of, 188.</p> + + <p>Mainzer and Hullah, comparison of the methods of, 37.</p> + + <div> + Marston; or, Memoirs of a Statesman.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part II., 1.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part III., 207.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part IV., 325.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part V., 608.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part VI., <a href= + "#Page_801">801</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Maurer, M., administration of, in Greece, 348.</p> + + <p>Meeting, the, from the German of Schiller, 149.</p> + + <p>Memoir on the best means of establishing a communication between + the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, 658.</p> + + <p>Mill's elements of logic, review of, 415.</p> + + <p>Minstrels of Old, the, from the German of Schiller, 152.</p> + + <p>Modern painters, their superiority in the art of landscape + painting to the old masters, review of, 485.</p> + + <p>Municipal institutions of Greece, the, 352.</p> + + <p>Music, something about, <a href="#Page_709">709</a>.</p> + + <div> + Music and musicians,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—English, 23.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—present state of, in + England, 33.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>My country neighbours, a tale, 431.</p> + + <p>Napier's (Colonel) reminiscences of Syria, review of, 476.</p> + + <p>Nobility of England, characteristics of the, 56.</p> + + <p>Non-intrusionism, remarks on, and on the proceedings of the party, + 545.</p> + + <p>Notes on a tour in the disturbed districts in Wales, by Joseph + Downes, <a href="#Page_766">766</a>.</p> + + <div> + <p>O'Connell, Mr,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—present position of, + 264.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—proceedings of the + government against, and their consequences, 685.</span><br /></p> + </div> + + <div> + Otho, King,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—state of Greece on his + accession to the throne, 345.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—effects of his government, + 348.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Over-production, effects of, 243.</p> + + <p>Pacific and Atlantic oceans, proposed communication between the, + 658.</p> + + <div> + Panama, the isthmus of,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—its advantages for a + communication between the two oceans, 658.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—description of the town, + 665.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Paris, chronicles of—the Rue St Denis, 524.</p> + + <div> + Parliament, last session of,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—review of its measures, + 538.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the corn-law question, + 539.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canadian corn-bill, + 543.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Scotch church bill, + 545.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Factory bill, + 548.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Irish arms bill, + 549.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Past and Present, by Thomas Carlyle, review of, 121.</p> + + <p>Patent law, effects of the, 519.</p> + + <p>Peel, Sir Robert, review of his speech on the Irish question, + 270.</p> + + <p>Persian princes, notices of the narrative of the, 453.</p> + + <p>Philhellenic drinking-song, by B. Simmons, 41.</p> + + <p>Physical science in England, state and prospects of, 514.</p> + + <p>Plea for ancient towns against railways, a, 398.</p> + + <p>Poems and ballads of Schiller, the. <i>See</i> Schiller.</p> + + <div> + Poetry<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Philhellenic drinking-song, + by B. Simmons, 41.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—inscription on the + foundation stone of the new dining-hall, &c., 79.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Whippiad, a satirical + poem, by Bishop Heber,</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">—Canto I., 100.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">—Canto II., 102.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">—Canto III., + 104.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Charles Edward at Versailles + on the anniversary of the battle of</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 3em;">Culloden, 107.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Poems and Ballads of + Schiller; Part the Last, 139.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Jolly Father Joe, a tale + from the Golden Legend, 255.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Cry of the Children, by + Elizabeth B. Barrett, 260.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—a Vision of the World, by + Delta, 343.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Fate of Polycrates, + 483.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Lines written in the Isle of + Bute, by Delta, <a href="#Page_749">749</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Death from the sting of a + serpent,<a href="#Page_798">798</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Purple Cloak, or the + return of Syloson to Samos, <a href= + "#Page_714">714</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Love and Death, <a href= + "#Page_717">717</a>.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the Bridge over the Thur, + from the German, <a href="#Page_717">ib.</a></span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Gifts of Térek, the, + <a href="#Page_799">799</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Polycrates, the Fate of, a poem, 483.</p> + + <p>Poole, Mr, critique on his painting, "Solomon Eagle," + &c., 189.</p> + + <p>Portugal, the French invasion of, causes of its success, 53.</p> + + <p>Prairie and the Swamp, the, an adventure in Louisiana, 43.</p> + + <p>Protective and free-trade systems, comparison of the, 243, 406, + 637.</p> + + <p>Puppet-show of Life, the, from the German of Schiller, 150.</p> + + <p>Purcell the composer, revival of his opera King Arthur, and + remarks on it, 25.</p> + + <div> + Purple Cloak, the, or the return of Syloson to Samos, <a href= + "#Page_714">714</a>.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part II., <a href= + "#Page_715">715</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Railroad, proposed, across the isthmus of Panama, 658.</p> + + <p>Railways, a plea for ancient towns against, 398.</p> + + <p>Reading party during the long vacation, a, 153.</p> + + <p>Rebeccaites in Wales, the, <a href="#Page_766">766</a>.</p> + + <p>Reminiscences of Syria, 476.</p> + + <div> + Repeal agitation, the, 264.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—game up with, + 679.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Resignation, from the German of Schiller, 145.</p> + + <div> + Reviews.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Scrope's Days and nights + of salmon fishing, 80.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Carlyle's Past and + Present, 121.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the works of Frederick + Schlegel, 311.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Woman's rights and + duties, 373.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Mill's elements of + logic, 415.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Colonel Napier's + reminiscences of Syria, 476.</span><br /> + + <p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_818" id="Page_818">[Pg + 818]</a></span></p><span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Modern + painters, their superiority in the art of landscape painting + to</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 2em;">the old masters, 485.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Bennett's Ceylon and its + capabilities, 622.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Roads, deficiency of, in Greece, 336.</p> + + <div> + Royal Academy,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—exhibition of the, + 188.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Fuseli's Lectures at + the, <a href="#Page_691">691</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Royal salute, the, a tale, 504.</p> + + <p>Royal Society of London, the, 518.</p> + + <p>Rue St Denis, chronicles of the, 524.</p> + + <p>Russia, conduct of, towards Greece, 359.</p> + + <p>Salmon fishing, Scrope's days and nights of, reviewed, 80.</p> + + <p>Scamper in the prairie of Jacinto, a, 521.</p> + + <div> + Schiller, the poems and ballads of, translated,<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part the Last, introduction, + 139.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—remarks on those of the + second period, 140.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—hymn to joy, + 142.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the invincible armada, + 143.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the conflict, + 144.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—resignation, + 145.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the gods of Greece, + 146.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the meeting, + 149.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—to Emma, 150.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—to a young friend devoting + himself to philosophy, ib.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the puppet-show of life, + ib.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the commencement of the new + century, 151.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—the minstrels of old, + 152.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—farewell to the reader, + ib.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Schlegel, Frederick, review of the works of, 311.</p> + + <p>Schwab, Gustav, the Bridge over the Thur, by, translated, <a href= + "#Page_717">717</a>.</p> + + <p>Scotch Church, remarks on the bill for the settlement of the, + 544.</p> + + <p>Scrope on salmon fishing, review of, 80.</p> + + <p>Second siege of Vienna, the, a chapter of Turkish history, + 173.</p> + + <p>Senses, a speculation on the, 650.</p> + + <p>Simmons, B., Philhellenic drinking-song, by, 41.</p> + + <p>Singers, English, notices of, 31.</p> + + <p>Singhalese, character of the, 627.</p> + + <p>Sketch in the tropics, a, from a super-cargo's log, 362.</p> + + <p>Sobieski, John, deliverance of Vienna, by, 184.</p> + + <p>Society of British artists, exhibition of the, 199.</p> + + <p>Something about Music, <a href="#Page_709">709.</a></p> + + <p>Spain, effects of the want of an aristocracy in, 52.</p> + + <p>Speculation on the senses, a, 650.</p> + + <p>Stahrenberg, Count, defence of Vienna by, 181.</p> + + <div> + Statesman, memoirs of a.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part II., 1.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part III., 207.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part IV., 325.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part V., 608.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part VI., <a href= + "#Page_691">801</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Suffolk street gallery, exhibition at the, 199.</p> + + <p>Supercargo's log, sketch from a, 362.</p> + + <p>Switzerland, commercial policy, &c., of, 248.</p> + + <div> + Syloson's return to Samos, <a href="#Page_714">714</a>.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part II., <a href= + "#Page_715">715</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Syria, Colonel Napier's reminiscences of, 476.</p> + + <p>Tallis, the English musician, notices of, 23-24.</p> + + <p>Taprobane of the Romans, the, 623.</p> + + <p>Taxation, pressure of, in Greece, 358.</p> + + <div> + Texas, adventures in.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. I., a scamper in the + prairie of Jacinto, 551.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—No. II., a trial by jury, + <a href="#Page_777">777</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Thirteenth, the, a tale of doom, 465.</p> + + <p>To a young friend devoting himself to philosophy, from the German + of Schiller, 150.</p> + + <div> + Travels of Kerim Khan.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part I., 453.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Part II., 564.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—conclusion, <a href= + "#Page_691">753</a>.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Trial by jury, a; an adventure in Texas, <a href= + "#Page_777">777</a>.</p> + + <p>Tropics, a sketch in the, from a super-cargo's log, 362.</p> + + <p>Turkish history, chapters of. No. X., the second siege of Vienna, + 173.</p> + + <p>Turner, J. W., strictures on the works of, 497.</p> + + <p>Two dreams, from the French of Balzac, 672.</p> + + <p>University of Athens, the, 358.</p> + + <p>Vienna, the second siege of, a chapter of Turkish history, + 173.</p> + + <p>Vision of the world, a, by Delta, 343.</p> + + <p>Wales, notes on a tour in the disturbed districts of, <a href= + "#Page_766">766</a>.</p> + + <p>Water-colour paintings, exhibitions of, 201.</p> + + <div> + "We are all low people there," a tale of the + assizes.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chapter I., + 273.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Chapter II., + 288.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Whewell's philosophy of the inductive sciences, remarks on, + 422.</p> + + <div> + Whippiad, the, a satirical poem, by Bishop Heber.<br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canto I., 100.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canto II., 102.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Canto III., + 104.</span><br /> + <span style="margin-left: 1em;">—Letter relating to, + 263.</span><br /> + </div> + + <p>Woman's rights and duties, review of, 373.</p> + + <p>Women, the wrongs of, 597.</p> + + <p>Wood-paving for locomotives, advantages of, 398.</p> + + <p>World, a vision of the, by Delta, 343.</p> + + <p>Wrongs of women, the, 597.</p> + + <p>Young, A., on the habits of the Salmon, 82.</p> + <hr style="width: 65%;" /> + + <h4>END OF VOL. LIV.</h4> + + <div class="center"> + <i>Edinburgh: Printed by Ballantyne and Hughes, Paul's + Work.</i> + </div> + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine - +Volume 54, No. 338, December 1843, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLACKWOOD'S EDINBURGH *** + +***** This file should be named 25193-h.htm or 25193-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/2/5/1/9/25193/ + +Produced by Brendan OConnor, Patricia Bennett, Jonathan +Ingram and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at +http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images +generously made available by The Internet Library of Early +Journals.) + + +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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